PREPARE YOUR SELF-STORAGE OR PORTABLE STORAGE FACILITY FOR WINTER
As the seasons change, it is important for self-storage and portable storage businesses to prepare for the winter. Winterizing your storage facility is not only about protecting your investments but also maintaining customer satisfaction. Keep your clients safe and your storage units accessible.
As the seasons change, it is important for self-storage and portable storage businesses to prepare for winter. Winterizing your operation is not only about protecting your investments but also maintaining customer satisfaction. In this post, we will take you through the steps needed to effectively winterize your self-storage or portable storage business.
Before winter’s harsh conditions set in, conduct a thorough inspection of your storage containers. Look for existing damage, leaks, or structural issues. Promptly repair or replace any damaged parts to ensure the integrity of your units. Ensure that your storage units are clean and free from debris, as winter weather can exacerbate issues.
CHECK MOVING PARTS
Freezing temperatures can cause moving parts, such as door hinges and locking mechanisms, to become stiff or freeze. Regularly grease these components with a lubricant to prevent them from seizing up. Additionally, inspect the springs, ball bearings, and latches of your self-storage or portable storage roll up doors to ensure they are functioning smoothly.
INSPECT ROOF AND EXTERIOR
Remove snow and ice from the roof. Snow accumulation on the roofs of storage units can lead to structural issues or leaks. Over time, the weight of water, ice, and snow can put stress on containers’ roofs. This can lead to thinning metal, rust, and even dents and scratches. If your containers have experienced some inclement weather, try to clean off the tops as soon as possible. As you prepare for winter, consider hiring a professional for and major repairs.
MAINTAIN VENTS AND SEALS
Regularly check and maintain wall vents to prevent rust issues and improve the aesthetics of your units. Remove any snow or dirt and apply silicone caulking around rivets as needed. Examine the seals of each unit to ensure they are properly sealed to prevent moisture. Inspect and replace weather stripping, caulking, foam gaskets, and silicone sealant. Be sure to seal any gaps with all-weather metal caulking.
FACILITY SNOW REMOVAL
In addition to the snow on the roofs of your storage units, you will need to remove snow from your property. Your customers want safety and accessibility during inclement weather. For safe access to storage units during winter months, you need to keep driveways, parking lots, and walkways clear of snow and ice. So be sure you have the right tools for the job. To prepare for winter, be sure you have a plow, snowblower, shovel, ice melt, or roof rake on hand. Or you may choose to hire a snow-removal company. Just be sure you have somewhere to pile the snow once you move it.
EMPLOYEE AND CUSTOMER COMMUNICATION
Be sure your employees are trained to handle and maintain the storage containers during winter. Set clear expectations and lay out emergency protocols for your storage business. Customers also need to be kept informed. Be sure to communicate any winter-related changes to them. Notify them when there is a delay in delivery or pick-up due to winter weather conditions and provide winter storage tips to ensure their belongings remain in good condition.
PREPARE YOUR VEHICLES
If your storage facility uses vehicles for moving or relocating storage containers, do not forget to Inspect them as well. To winterize your storage vehicles, be sure to service your moving trucks to ensure they are in excellent working condition. Check the brakes, tires, and heating systems, and equip your vehicles with winter tires or chains for better traction on icy or snowy roads. Keep an emergency kit in each truck, including items like blankets, flashlights, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable food. Review your insurance coverage to ensure you have adequate coverage for winter-related incidents.
By following these steps, you can effectively prepare your self-storage or portable storage business for the challenges of winter. Also, be sure to check out Custom Cube’s guides for monthly and yearly maintenance for your self-storage and portable storage containers. This will ensure the safety of your containers, protect your investments, and provide reliable service to your customers, even in the harshest of winter conditions. Staying proactive is key to thriving throughout the winter season with your self-storage or portable storage business.
Custom Cubes is a leading global provider of portable and relocatable self-storage solutions designed to cater to the diverse needs of businesses worldwide. Our extensive reach encompasses storage facilities across various regions, spanning the USA, United Kingdom, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and beyond. What sets Custom Cubes apart is our commitment to delivering fully customizable, exceptionally durable, and effortlessly movable storage solutions that meet the unique demands of every client.
Custom Cube’s portable and relocatable self-storage units are produced at Custom Cubes-owned facilities for a wide range of products, customizations, quality control, and shortened lead times. They believe in a hands-on approach to business, always ready to roll up their sleeves, jump in, and figure things out. With warranties in place, they stand by their product, no matter what. From the first phone call to the finished installation and onto the next order, every step and detail along the way matters. With an in-house design and engineering team, Custom Cubes explores innovative technologies, materials, sizes, and features to make their storage solutions the most solid, innovative, and beautiful on the market. Each of Custom Cube’s storage units is thoughtfully made to order and built to last.
Work with a Custom Cubes representative to decide your ideal unit mix, custom colors, door configurations and more. Your Custom Cubes storage units will be shipped flat-packed and assembled fast with just a few dozen nuts, bolts, and basic tools. You will be ready to rent them in no time! Check out boxwell.co or call (303) 317-5850 for more information.
