Utah’s fall weather is famously unpredictable—warm one week, freezing the next. That first hard frost can sneak up quickly, and if you’re not prepared, it could cause damage to seasonal items left outside or in unprotected areas. Preparing early by moving certain belongings into storage helps you stay ahead of the weather and avoid costly replacements or repairs. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, knowing what to store before the freeze sets in can save you time and money all winter long.
Once temperatures start dipping, patio furniture, grills, fire pits, and gardening tools are at risk. Freezing temps can cause plastic to crack, metal to rust, and fabric to deteriorate. Even covered items are vulnerable if they’re exposed to moisture and shifting temperatures. Taking the time to clean, dry, and store outdoor items properly extends their lifespan and frees up space around your property. Lawnmowers, trimmers, hoses, and sprinklers should also be moved indoors or into storage before they freeze and break down.
ATVs, dirt bikes, paddleboards, and other summer recreational gear don’t need to take up space in your garage all winter. While many of these items can be safely stored in drive-up storage units, they still require some preparation before cold weather sets in. Leaving gear exposed without proper winterizing can lead to issues like rust, battery failure, or damage from snow and ice.
Take time to rinse off dirt, drain any water or fuel if needed, and cover each item with breathable, weather-resistant material. Batteries should either be removed or maintained with a trickle charger. Whether you're using an enclosed unit or storing outdoors with a protective cover, getting ahead of the first freeze helps you avoid spring repairs and keeps your equipment ready to use when warmer days return.
Many people use garages or outdoor bins to stash seasonal decorations, party supplies, or sports gear. As the weather changes, those uninsulated areas may no longer be safe for certain items. Cardboard boxes can collapse from dampness, plastic decorations can crack, and sensitive materials like fabric or paper can grow mold. Moving items into a controlled storage space before the weather shifts too far helps prevent damage and keeps your home or garage clutter-free as you bring out fall and holiday decorations.
Leftover bags of fertilizer, potting soil, and seed shouldn’t be left out in freezing temperatures. Ice can degrade packaging and render the contents unusable. The same goes for hand tools, planters, or power tools that aren’t built for cold weather storage. Clearing out garden beds and moving supplies to storage also gives you a head start on your next planting season. With your landscaping equipment safely stored, you’ll avoid frozen handles, cracked plastic, and rusted blades once spring arrives.
As soon as Utah nights begin to cool, it’s time to start thinking about what shouldn’t be left out in the cold. A clean, secure storage unit offers peace of mind and practical protection for everything from patio furniture to power tools. When you store with Oquirrh View Storage, you get access to convenient, weather-ready solutions designed with Utah’s seasons in mind. Our flexible unit options make it easy to store what you need, when you need, so you’re always a step ahead of the forecast.
