6 Yard Storage Tips to Take on Winter Weather Like a Champ

Winter weather can have a significant impact on yard storage operations, causing issues like frozen materials, equipment malfunctions, and inventory damage. 

To protect your assets and ensure smooth operations during the colder months, it’s essential to adopt winter-ready strategies. In this blog post, we share 6 essential yard storage tips to help you navigate winter weather successfully.

1. Inspect and Maintain Yard Surfaces

Icy or snow-covered surfaces can create slip hazards for workers and cause damage to inventory. Regularly inspect your yard for cracks or uneven surfaces, and address them before the cold weather sets in. 

Use salt or sand to de-ice walkways and storage areas. Consider investing in heated mats for high-traffic zones to keep them clear of ice.

2. Invest in Weather-Resistant Storage Solutions

For outdoor inventory, consider using weather-resistant storage containers or covers to protect goods from snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. Plastic tarps, industrial-grade covers, or custom-built enclosures can safeguard materials and equipment from damage caused by the elements.

3. Properly Store Equipment and Vehicles

Winter conditions can cause freezing and rusting in equipment and vehicles stored outdoors. Always clean equipment thoroughly before storing it and consider using protective covers. Store vehicles on surfaces that are free from snow and ice to prevent damage to tires, undercarriages, and other components.

4. Create Safe, Accessible Paths

Ensure that your yard has clear, accessible paths for employees to move materials and equipment efficiently. Designate routes that are cleared of snow and ice, and consider marking these pathways with reflective tape for visibility in low-light conditions.

5. Monitor Inventory Regularly

Cold temperatures can affect the quality of certain materials, especially if they are sensitive to freezing. Regularly monitor stored goods for signs of damage and rotate inventory to ensure older items are used first.

6. Use Temporary Shelters

If possible, set up temporary shelter structures for outdoor inventory during particularly harsh winter conditions. Tents, portable storage units, or makeshift sheds can provide extra protection during snowstorms or extreme cold.

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