Why Climate-Controlled Storage Matters As winter approaches in Grey Bruce, most of us are thinking about snow tires and heating bills. But there's another cold-weather concern that often gets overlooked: where you're storing your belongings.A recent Cottage Life article highlights the surprising damage that cold, unheated storage can do to everyday items from canned food to leather furniture to musical instruments. If you're using a garage, shed, or standard storage unit without climate control, your valuables could be at risk. The Hidden Dangers of Unheated Storage When storage spaces aren't climate-controlled, three major threats put your belongings in jeopardy: 1. Freezing Temperatures: Cold can warp wood, make plastics brittle, damage electronics, and cause leather to crack. Items that seem durable often have hidden vulnerabilities to freezing conditions. 2. Moisture & Humidity: When temperatures drop, moisture condenses on surfaces and inside containers, leading to rust on metal, mold on fabrics, and warping of wood furniture. 3. Temperature Swings: Grey Bruce experiences frequent freeze-thaw cycles throughout winter. These fluctuations cause materials to expand and contract repeatedly, accelerating deterioration. What Should NEVER Go in Unheated Storage Furniture & Home Goods: Wood, leather, and upholstered furniture will warp, crack, or develop mildew in cold, damp conditions. Mattresses and bedding are extremely vulnerable to moisture and mold. Electronics & Appliances: Computers, TVs, monitors, stereo equipment, and small appliances suffer from failed hard drives, cracked screens, and deteriorated circuit boards when exposed to cold and condensation. Valuable Collections & Heirlooms: Musical instruments warp and crack in unheated storage. Vinyl records, artwork, photographs, collectibles, and antiques deteriorate rapidly with humidity and temperature swings, losing both condition and value. Important Documents & Media: Paper documents, books, photo albums, and media like DVDs and CDs become yellowed, brittle, moldy, or warped without climate control. Clothing & Textiles: Seasonal clothing, wedding dresses, formal wear, and business inventory need protection from mildew and musty smells that develop in unheated spaces. Vehicles & Recreational Equipment: Motorcycles, bicycles, boats, classic cars, ATVs, and PWCs all suffer damage to batteries, rubber seals, upholstery, ...
—December 11th, 2025
Expert Moving Tips for a Stress-Free Move in Ontario Moving to a new home is one of life's most significant transitions, and in Ontario's diverse climate, it requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you're relocating within Port Elgin, Owen Sound, or anywhere across Grey-Bruce, these expert moving tips will help you navigate every stage of your move with confidence.After helping hundreds of families and businesses transition smoothly in our community, we've learned what makes the difference between a chaotic moving day and a well-orchestrated relocation. Here's your complete guide to making your next move your easiest one yet. Start Planning Early: The 8-Week Moving Timeline 8 Weeks Before Moving DayThe secret to a stress-free move is starting early. Begin by creating a comprehensive moving binder or digital folder to keep all your documents, receipts, and checklists organized. Research moving options and decide whether you'll hire professional movers or tackle a DIY move.If you're planning a self-move, this is the perfect time to reserve your moving truck. At Stow It Self Storage, we offer a FREE moving truck when you move in to either our Port Elgin or Owen Sound location—a significant cost-saver that many residents don't realize is available to them.6 Weeks Before Moving DayStart decluttering room by room. Be ruthless in your decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. The less you move, the easier and less expensive your relocation will be. This is also an excellent time to measure your furniture and create a floor plan for your new space to ensure everything fits properly.4 Weeks Before Moving DayBegin gathering packing supplies. You'll need various box sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labeling. At Stow It Self Storage, we stock a complete range of moving supplies at both our locations, making it convenient to pick up everything you need in one trip.Order specialty boxes for items like dishes, wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, and picture boxes for artwork and mirrors. Having the right supplies from ...
How to Maximize Small Storage Unit Space: Smart Organization Hacks Renting a storage unit is smart—organizing it efficiently is genius. Whether you're storing seasonal items, business inventory, or household belongings during a transition, the way you organize your storage space can mean the difference between cramming everything in chaos and having easy access to exactly what you need, when you need it. With these proven organization hacks, you'll maximize every square foot of your storage unit while keeping everything accessible and protected. Think Vertical: Your Storage Unit's Hidden Real Estate The biggest mistake people make? Treating their storage unit like a game of Tetris played on the floor. Instead, think like a warehouse manager and use vertical space strategically.Invest in Sturdy Shelving UnitsMetal shelving units are your best friend in a storage unit. They keep items off the floor (protecting against potential moisture), create organized layers, and make everything visible at a glance. Choose shelving that's stable without needing wall anchors, as most storage facilities don't allow drilling into walls.Place your heaviest boxes and items on the bottom shelves, medium-weight items at eye level, and lighter boxes up top. This prevents crushing and makes frequently accessed items easy to reach.Stack Smart with Uniform BoxesUsing same-sized boxes isn't just aesthetically pleasing—it's functionally essential. Uniform boxes stack securely without wasting space or creating dangerous leaning towers. Standard moving boxes fit perfectly on most shelving units and create stable columns when floor-stacking becomes necessary. The Clear Container Revolution Here's a storage secret that professionals swear by: ditch the cardboard, embrace transparency.See What You Have InstantlyClear plastic bins let you identify contents without opening every container or reading faded labels. This is especially valuable for seasonal items or things you need to access periodically throughout the year.While clear bins cost more upfront than cardboard boxes, they're waterproof, stackable, and reusable for years—making them a smart long-term investment for anyone using storage regularly.Label Everything (Even Clear Bins)Yes, you can see through the bins, but labels on multiple sides still matter. ...
