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As winter deepens and the festive season approaches, it’s worth pausing to think about how we store our belongings - especially items tucked away in sheds, garages, or outdoors. With darker nights, colder weather, and the extra bustle of holiday preparations, now is a critical time to ensure your things are safe and secure.

Why secure self-storage matters more in December:

• Longer nights = increased risk of theft: As daylight hours shrink, burglars and opportunistic thieves are more likely to strike. Sheds, garages, and outdoor outbuildings become tempting targets — especially when doors are seldom opened, and little attention is paid.
• Winter weather brings new threats: Cold, damp and unpredictable weather can damage tools, equipment, furniture, or outdoor gear stored in exposed or unheated spaces. Moisture, frost, and gradual rot can hit fragile items hard during the winter months. 
• Festive season = lots of stored or hidden valuables: From power tools to bicycles, sports gear to Christmas decorations and seasonal furniture — many households rely on their sheds or garages to store such items. Unfortunately, these are often the things thieves target. 
• Pressure on home security increases: if you travel or celebrate away. With busy schedules, holiday travel or visits to friends/family, properties may be left unattended — making secure storage even more important. 

What to look for in a good storage solution this December

Given all this, now isn’t the time to leave storage to chance or “just use the old shed.” If you’re considering moving items into storage, here’s what to check for:

• Professional, well-secured storage units: ideally with controlled access (CCTV, coded or card access, perimeter fencing), monitored alarms, and individual lockable units. These offer much higher security than a garden shed or an unlocked garage. 
• Weather and climate-controlled storage units: they protect against damp, frost, humidity and temperature swings are best for furniture, fabrics, tools, electronics or delicate items. This reduces the risk of mould, rust or damage over winter.
• Clear organisation and packing strategy: use sealed, sturdy boxes (avoid plain cardboard for long-term winter storage), label everything, wrap delicate items, and stack heavier boxes below lighter ones. Keep space between items so air can circulate. 
• Regular checks and inventory records: especially if storing long-term. Periodic visits let you check for damp, pests or shifting items. An up-to-date inventory helps you track what you have and where, and can be very useful for insurance or retrieval.

What should usually go into secure self-storage this festive season:

Think about items that are particularly vulnerable over winter or that you won't need until Spring. We're talking bikes, power tools, garden tools, lawnmowers, outdoor furniture, seasonal gear like summer garden furniture and camping gear, all of which are things that can be targeted by thieves year-round, but ESPECIALLY in the Winter. 

During the winter season, you may also want to consider things like fairy lights, delicate baubles, the Christmas tree and bulkier outdoor lights/decorations. Storing them properly before and after the big day means they'll be ship shape and ready for next year, without cluttering your home or risking being stolen from your shed.

Important documents and sentimental items, or anything valuable that you wouldn't want to be exposed to frost, damp or the risk of theft in the shed are also crucial things to consider when utilising a self-storage unit, but often overlooked.

Why a self-storage unit at M-Store is the smart choice:

Rather than relying on a shed, garage or damp outbuilding - all of which are increasingly risky to use over winter, a self-storage unit can provide:

-Enhanced security with better locks, CCTV and access control than typical household outbuildings. 

-Protection from harsh weather, with safe, dry and insulated spaces that shield your possessions from cold, damp or frost.

-Flexibility - you can store items for just a short period (eg, over winter or the festival season) or long-term, depending on your changing needs. 

-Peace of mind and knowing your belongings are safe, organised and ready to be accessed whenever you may need them.

The bottom line: Winter 2025 is exactly the time to rethink your storage plans:

With darker evenings, festive get-togethers, Christmas travel (and of course, the unpredictable British weather!), December brings both increased celebrations - but also, increased risk. The old garden shed or garage won't always cut it when it comes to keeping the things to care about safe. If you have valuable tools, seasonal gear, furniture or sentimental items - now is an excellent time to consider moving them into secure and climate-controlled self-storage. 

Contact our helpful team to find out more today:
Call us on: 01726 890880
Email: enquiries@m-store.biz