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Your Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Self Storage: What to Store & When

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Bolt Self Storage
January 6, 2026
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8 min read
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Snowy mountains & self storage located in areas surrounded by seasonal change

Self storage is useful all year, not just during a move.

Many people use storage seasonally to rotate clothing, equipment, and household items, protect belongings from weather, and free up space at home. This guide explains what to store each season and which storage features help keep items safe.

Spring Storage: Make Room for a Fresh Start

Spring is a common time to declutter and transition out of winter.

What to Store in Spring

  • Winter clothing like coats, boots, and gloves
  • Holiday decorations including lights and artificial trees
  • Snow gear such as sleds, skis, and snowboards
  • Ice melt, shovels, and other winter tools

Helpful Storage Features for Spring

  • Drive up storage units for easy loading and unloading
  • Covered or indoor vehicle storage to protect cars or motorcycles from spring rain

Spring storage helps create space for warmer weather activities while keeping winter items organized and protected.

Summer Storage: Store Smarter for the Season

Summer often brings travel, visitors, and outdoor activities. Storage can help keep your home clear and functional.

What to Store in Summer

  • Heavy blankets and winter bedding
  • Dorm room furniture for students home on break
  • Spring cleaning supplies
  • Boats, jet skis, and outdoor recreational gear

Helpful Storage Features for Summer

  • Climate controlled units to protect furniture and electronics from heat
  • Vehicle storage for boats and watercraft
  • Secure facilities to store seasonal equipment when not in use

If you live in a hot or humid area, climate controlled storage can help prevent heat related damage.

Fall Storage: Prepare for Cooler Weather

Fall is the ideal time to store summer items and prepare for colder months ahead.

What to Store in Fall

  • Pool equipment, hoses, and garden tools
  • Swimwear, sandals, and beach chairs
  • Camping gear and outdoor furniture
  • Jet skis and other summer vehicles

Helpful Storage Features for Fall

  • Drive up units for bulky or heavy items
  • Climate controlled storage for wood furniture, fabrics, and antiques
  • Outdoor vehicle parking for campers or RVs

Storing summer items early makes winter transitions easier.

Winter Storage: Protect What Matters Most

Cold weather can damage items left outdoors or in unprotected spaces.

What to Store in Winter

  • Patio furniture and grills
  • Gardening tools and lawn equipment
  • Seasonal decorations after the holidays
  • Vehicles not used during winter months

Helpful Storage Features for Winter

  • Indoor or heated units for temperature sensitive items
  • Indoor vehicle storage to protect cars from snow and ice
  • Secure facilities for peace of mind during the off season

Winter is also a popular time to find storage discounts since demand is often lower.

Year Round Self Storage Tips

No matter the season, good organization and preparation help protect your belongings.

Organizing Your Storage Unit

  • Use clear bins so items are easy to identify
  • Label boxes on multiple sides
  • Group items by season for easier access

Protecting Your Belongings

  • Use moisture absorbers when storing fabrics or paper
  • Elevate boxes off the floor with pallets
  • Cover items with fabric instead of plastic to reduce trapped moisture

Keeping an inventory list can also make it easier to track what you store.

Choosing the Best Storage Facility Near You

When selecting a storage facility, consider:

Choosing the right facility makes seasonal storage simpler and safer.

Why Seasonal Self Storage Makes Sense

Seasonal storage helps you:

  • Declutter your home throughout the year
  • Protect valuable and seasonal items
  • Free up space without long term commitments

Using storage as part of a seasonal routine can make everyday life more organized and less stressful.

Find a Storage Unit Near You

Bolt Storage offers a range of storage options across multiple states, including standard, climate controlled, and vehicle storage units. You can check availability, compare options, and rent online in minutes.

Seasonal storage works best when the unit fits your needs. Find a location near you and choose the right space for the season.

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Your Storage, Your Way – Safe, Affordable, and Convenient

At Bolt Storage, we offer secure, cheap storage units with 24/7 access and video surveillance with 63 facilities across 11 states. Whether you need extra space for your home, business, or seasonal items, we have the perfect fit with drive-up storage and climate-controlled storage units. Rent online in minutes and take advantage of our great deals with up to 75% off your first two months!

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FAQs: Your Self Storage Questions, Answered!

Got questions about self-storage?
We've got easy answers! Wondering about unit sizes, security, or online renting? Check out our FAQs for quick solutions. Keeping storage simple and stress free - that's our thing!

Are my items safe?

Your items are secured by a gate (most locations) and 24/7 video monitoring. Your items are very safe. See how we keep storage secure.

What types of RVs can I park at Bolt Storage?

You can park motorhomes, travel trailers, camper vans, and fifth wheels. If it fits within the parking space, we can accommodate it.

What size storage unit do I need for a one bedroom apartment?

A 5x10 or 10x10 storage unit is ideal for a one-bedroom apartment. It can fit a bed, couch, small appliances, and several boxes.

Is it easy to get access?

It is extremely quick and easy to rent storage units 24 hours a day. Simply go on your phone or laptop and sign the lease, make your payment and you’re all set. Instant access right on the spot! You’ll be sent a text message with your gate code (most locations). See exactly how to rent a storage unit step by step.

Are the parking spaces covered or uncovered?

Most of our RV parking spaces are uncovered and located outdoors. This allows for easy access and affordable pricing.

What size storage unit fits a two bedroom apartment?

A 10x10 or 10x15 unit is usually the right size for a two bedroom apartment. These units hold furniture, mattresses, dining sets, and around 30-40 boxes.

Are the storage units affordable?

There’s a reason why our facilities stay over 90% full, our storage units start at just $45/month, and we even include a free lock with your rental! Plus, throughout the year, we offer special promotions at selected locations, up to 75% off for the first two months, depending on availability.See how much a storage unit actually costs.

Can I store other vehicles besides RVs?

Yes. While RVs are the most common, we also store trucks, trailers, boats on trailers, and cars.

Is a 10x20 storage unit big enough for a three bedroom house?

Yes, a 10x20 storage unit typically fits the contents of a three bedroom home including large furniture, appliances, and boxes.

Is it month to month or do I sign a longer lease?

All of our storage units are month to month rentals, so you're never locked into a long term contract. Just give us a 10 day notice before moving out and you won’t be charged for any extra time. Learn how flexible month to month storage works and why it’s a great option.

Do I need to reserve in advance?

It is recommended to reserve your RV parking space early, especially during busy seasons when space fills up fast.

Are there climate controlled controlled storage units?

Bolt Storage offers climate-controlled storage in some facilities. Temperature-controlled spaces maintain the ambient temperature and  humidity at ideal levels for keeping your things in great condition. Easily rent online if you need climate-controlled/temperature-controlled storage unit, remember that we only have online rental.

What can I store in a 5x15 storage unit?

A 5x15 unit holds the contents of a studio apartment or large walk-in closet, including boxes, small furniture, and bikes.

Can I rent my storage unit online at Bolt Storage?

Yes, absolutely! Renting your storage unit online at Bolt Storage is incredibly simple. Just find a storage unit near you and complete the rental process hassle-free. See in detail how easy is to rent with Bolt Storage.

How big is a 10x30 storage unit?

A 10x30 storage unit can hold the contents of a 4-5 bedroom home including furniture, appliances, and outdoor gear. Perfect for large moves.

Do I need a lock when I rent a storage unit?

A free lock is provided upon rental for each storage unit. Find the lockbox on-site to get your free lock.

Can I store a vehicle in a storage unit?

Bolt Storage does not recommend storing vehicles inside traditional storage units. Instead, we offer dedicated outdoor and covered parking spaces for RVs, boats, and cars.

What size storage unit do I need?

If you’re unsure of what size you should choose, head over to our size guide to get a better idea of what you need.

How do I choose the right storage unit size?

Start with an inventory of your belongings and estimate the square footage you need. Our online size guide helps match you with the right unit. Get more helpful advice in our Blog section.

What size storage units and parking spaces are offered by Bolt Storage?

Our facilities have storage units starting from 5×5 to 20×30 drive-up units, and climate controlled storage units, giving customers options to choose the right size for their belongings. find your unit here.

Do storage units have height limits?

Most units have ceilings around 8 feet high, so you can safely stack boxes and furniture to maximize vertical space.

Do you accept cash?

We do not accept cash.  Payment can only be made via credit/debit card or via ACH (same as a check).

Should I leave space to access my items in storage?

Yes, we recommend leaving an aisle or at least space to move around inside your unit. Place frequently used items near the front.

Do I need insurance for my storage unit?

We require insurance for all stored items to help protect your belongings from unexpected events. You can use your own policy or choose a low-cost plan during rental. Learn more about storage unit insurance →

Is climate-controlled storage worth it?

Absolutely. Climate-controlled units help protect wood furniture, electronics, and clothing from humidity and temperature changes.

How should I pack my storage unit efficiently?

Place heavier items on the bottom, stack similar-sized boxes, and label everything. Disassemble furniture to save space.

How long can I rent a storage unit for?

At Bolt Storage, all rentals are month-to-month. Whether you need storage for just one month or for years, you can stay as long as you like without signing a long-term contract.