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As the boating season wraps up and winter approaches, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect your boat during the off-season. A well-planned winter storage routine not only preserves your boat's condition but also ensures it’s ready to hit the water again as soon as the warm weather returns. At Greyhound Storage, we’re here to help you understand the best practices for boat storage, so your vessel stays safe, clean, and functional throughout the winter months. Below are expert tips for winterizing and storing your boat to prevent damage, save time, and keep your investment in top shape. 1. Thoroughly Clean Your Boat Before storing your boat, give it a deep clean, both inside and out. Removing dirt, salt, and marine growth prevents corrosion, mold, and unpleasant odors during storage. Start with a freshwater rinse, focusing on areas exposed to saltwater or brackish water, as salt residues can be corrosive. Don’t forget to clean the interior, including carpets, cushions, and storage compartments, which can trap moisture if left unchecked. Key Steps: Scrub the hull and deck to remove dirt, algae, and salt. Clean the bilge area and drain any remaining water. Vacuum the interior to remove dirt and debris that could lead to mold. 2. Drain and Stabilize Fuel One of the most critical steps in winterizing your boat is managing the fuel system. If fuel is left untreated, it can degrade and clog fuel lines and injectors. Drain the fuel or, if your boat requires a certain amount of fuel for storage, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from breaking down. Stabilized fuel can protect the engine and make for an easier start in the spring. Pro Tips: Run the engine for a few minutes after adding stabilizer to circulate it. Check for condensation buildup in the tank, which can cause rust and corrosion. 3. Flush the Cooling System If your boat has an inboard or sterndrive engine, it likely uses lake, river, or seawater to cool the engine. Flushing the cooling system removes salt, dirt, and debris that could corrode internal parts during storage. Freshwater flushing also helps prevent any water left inside from freezing and causing damage. How to Flush: Attach a freshwater hose to the cooling system. Run the engine to circulate the freshwater and remove any salt or debris. Drain the remaining water and ensure the cooling system is dry. 4. Protect the Engine and Lubricate Components Apply a fogging oil to your boat’s engine to prevent rust and corrosion. Fogging oil is designed to coat the internal parts of the engine, creating a protective layer against moisture. Additionally, lubricate all moving parts, including the steering and control mechanisms, to keep them functioning smoothly over winter. Fogging Tips: Follow your engine manufacturer’s instructions for fogging, as each engine type may vary. Spray fogging oil into the air intake and turn the engine over briefly to distribute it. 5. Disconnect the Battery To prevent the battery from draining or becoming damaged over the winter, disconnect it and store it in a cool, dry place. For longer battery life, charge it periodically throughout the off-season. If you’re storing your boat in a climate with extreme cold, bring the battery indoors to prevent freezing. Battery Storage Checklist: Remove and clean the battery terminals. Store the battery in a ventilated area on a non-conductive surface. Check the battery’s charge every few weeks. 6. Use a High-Quality Boat Cover A high-quality cover is your boat’s first line of defense against dust, debris, moisture, and UV rays. Covers prevent moisture buildup, keeping your boat interior dry and mold-free, while also protecting it from potential weather damage. Consider investing in a custom cover designed for your specific boat model for a perfect fit and better protection. Covering Tips: Ensure the cover is securely fitted and sealed to prevent any leaks. Use support poles or framework to keep the cover from sagging, allowing rain and snow to slide off. 7. Store Your Boat in a Secure Facility A dedicated self-storage facility like Greyhound Storage offers a safe and secure option for winter boat storage. Storing your boat in an indoor or covered space provides greater protection from weather conditions, theft, and potential damage. Indoor storage is especially valuable if you live in an area with extreme cold, as it can protect your boat from the effects of freezing temperatures. Benefits of Storing at Greyhound Storage: 24/7 surveillance and security features to keep your boat protected. Convenient location with easy access for routine checks or maintenance. Various storage options available to suit different types and sizes of boats. Additionally, Greyhound Storage offers a tenant protection plan to give you even more peace of mind. Our tenant protection plan can help cover unexpected issues, providing added security for your valuable boat. Learn more about our plan here. 8. Inspect and Repair Before Storing Winter is a good time to address any minor repairs or maintenance issues that could worsen if left untreated. Inspect the hull, propellers, electrical system, and any other parts that may need maintenance. Taking care of repairs now saves time in the spring and prevents issues from escalating over the winter months. Inspection Tips: Look for signs of wear or damage, especially on the hull and propellers. Test the electrical system and repair any faulty connections. Check seals, gaskets, and hoses for signs of cracking or leaks. 9. Document Your Storage Process Documenting the steps you’ve taken for winter storage can make it easier to reverse the process when boating season returns. Take notes on fuel stabilizer usage, engine fogging, battery storage, and any maintenance performed. This record will help you pick up where you left off and ensure you don’t miss any critical steps when you’re ready to get back on the water. Simple Documentation Tips: Keep a checklist of the tasks you complete and attach any receipts for maintenance supplies. Create a checklist for de-winterizing in the spring, noting any items that need extra attention. 10. Check on Your Boat Periodically If possible, make occasional visits to check on your boat throughout the winter. Look for any signs of wear on the cover, water pooling, or pests. Regular checks will help you catch any potential issues early and ensure your boat is in the best shape when you’re ready to use it again. Wrapping Up Winter boat storage is all about planning, preparation, and protection. Following these steps will help keep your boat safe during the off-season, so it’s ready for smooth sailing when spring arrives. By storing your boat at a secure facility like Greyhound Storage, you can rest easy knowing that your boat is in safe hands. With the right preparation, you’ll not only protect your investment but also make your return to the water as smooth as possible.

As the seasons change, so do our storage needs. From holiday decorations to summer gear, managing seasonal items can be a challenge. At Greyhound Self Storage, we understand that efficient storage is key to keeping your space organized. This ultimate guide will help you properly store your seasonal items, ensuring they stay in great condition and are easy to access when you need them. 1. Sort and Categorize Your Items Before packing away your seasonal items, take time to sort and categorize them. Group similar items together, such as: Holiday Decorations: Ornaments, lights, wreaths Seasonal Clothing: Coats, swimsuits, holiday outfits Outdoor Equipment: Patio furniture, gardening tools, winter sports gear Seasonal Gear: Holiday baking supplies, picnic items, beach toys By categorizing, you’ll make it easier to locate what you need when the next season rolls around. 2. Choose the Right Storage Containers Selecting the right storage containers is crucial for protecting your items. Here are some options to consider: Plastic Bins: Durable and waterproof, plastic bins are great for storing a variety of seasonal items. Cardboard Boxes: Cost-effective and easy to find, but not suitable for long-term storage as they can be damaged by moisture. Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Perfect for clothing and soft items, these bags save space and keep items safe from pests and moisture. 3. Pack Smartly When packing your seasonal items, follow these tips to maximize space and protection: Wrap Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect breakable decorations. Fill Empty Spaces: Use towels or clothing to fill empty spaces in boxes, preventing items from shifting during storage. Label Everything: Clearly label each container with its contents and the season to make future retrieval easy. 4. Store Strategically When placing your items in your storage unit, consider the following: Access Frequency: Place items you’ll need soonest at the front, like holiday decorations or summer sports gear. Weight Distribution: Store heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top to prevent crushing. Climate Considerations: If you have items sensitive to temperature changes, consider renting a climate-controlled unit to protect them from heat, humidity, and cold. 5. Regularly Review and Declutter Set a reminder to review your stored items at least once a year. This is a great opportunity to declutter and donate items you no longer use or need. Keeping your storage unit organized and up-to-date will make seasonal transitions much smoother. 6. Consider Insurance for Extra Peace of Mind While self-storage facilities like Greyhound Self Storage prioritize security, consider investing in storage insurance for added peace of mind. This can protect your belongings against unforeseen events such as theft, fire, or water damage. By following this ultimate guide, you’ll ensure that your seasonal items are stored efficiently and safely, making the transition from season to season a breeze. If you need a reliable and secure place to store your items, contact Greyhound Self Storage today to find the perfect unit for your needs!

Tips for a Successful Move Moving Checklist When you know it’s time to move, the best thing you can do is be prepared before the move even begins. As soon as you know you will be changing locations, it is a good idea to make a checklist so that you stay organized throughout the move while remembering to take care of important tasks. The more you cross off your list, the better you will feel. Before You Move 1. Make a list! 2. Make sure you have plenty of supplies: moving boxes, packing tape, etc. 3. Label your boxes for easy unpacking 4. Pack ahead of time 5. Use your luggage when packing 6. Keep important papers with you 7. Keep things you will need throughout your move in clearly labeled boxes Cover All of Your Bases Once you have all of the supplies you need for your move, the key to a good move is to ensure the safety of your belongings. It is important to keep in mind that, even with the most secure storage space, there are different methods to use when packing various items and that there are tips and tricks that can work in your favor to make your move easier. It is always important to use the appropriate packing materials and boxes for moving, no matter what you are moving to protect valuables and other items that require extra care. Get the Right Boxes for Moving With your checklist and tips ready to go, having the appropriate moving supplies at hand is another necessity throughout the moving process. Boxes for moving come in many sizes and you’ll need to make sure you have various sizes to fit your needs. Armed with the appropriate supplies and your moving tips checklist, you’ll be ready to get your move on the road. Find or Make a Moving Checklist for Important Tasks Use appropriate packing materials, making sure you have plenty Label boxes clearly and keep related items together Pack ahead of time, packing items you won’t need until you move in Pack cleaning supplies where they are easily accessible for moving in

Have you ever wanted to set up an automatic payment plan but have been hesitant because you have never done it before? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. Anyone who has set up an AutoPay plan can tell you that it can be scary the first time, but in reality, it’s extremely beneficial and secure. Here are 4 reasons why: Reduced risk of identity theft. Many people believe paper bills are safer than electronic payments. However, experts say a paper bill sitting in a mailbox with your name and account number is actually putting yourself at a higher risk for identity theft than electronic payment. Lower cost. Checks, stamps, ATMS and your time - four things that are not free. However, AutoPay is. Paper billing is spending more money for less convenience. Stay on time. Late payments occasionally decrease your credit score and late fees are no fun either. Autopay allows effortless and timely payments. Peace of mind. You never have to miss a payment and you can add ‘stress’ to the list of things you won’t miss when you set up automatic payments. Your amount that you have to pay will automatically come out on the same day of your choice each month. Setting up automatic payments at your storage facility will allow you to worry less and keep you from jolting out of bed in the morning when you realize you forgot to pay for your storage unit. Although AutoPay is convenient and secure, it may not be for everyone. If you don’t have a bank account or your income is very irregular, it may not be the ideal payment system for you. Consider these things before setting up an AutoPay plan.

Packing Your Storage Unit For example, you might have some wood furniture that you will be storing for a long time. It might be smart to add some wood preserver oil to that furniture. Also, depending on the type of storage unit you have rent, climate control or non-climate control, be sure to plan how you will store your electronics if you have any. As you start packing up your items, remember that these items will most likely shift during the move to the storage facility, and then again when you take them out of the storage facility. Be sure to tape those boxes securely so they won't break apart. Also as you're packing your items use plenty of bubble wrap, packing paper, and blankets. When you get to your storage facility take a moment to look at the space you're working with and the items you need to store. It's almost like a game of Tetris. As you start moving your items into your storage unit, place the heavier and bulky items towards the bottom and the rear of the unit. While packing your unit, try your best to fit things as close as you can to one another in order to maximize your space. Keep in mind, as you move your items in, it is often smart to leave a pathway along the unit in order to grant future access to items in the back of the storage unit. This will help in case you ever need one item in the back of the unit later. Also, if you have your items label make sure to keep those labels facing out toward the door or the isle. Finally, when you get everything packed in your storage unit, place a strong, secure lock on the door. We usually recommend disc locks. They prevent bolt cutters from getting around the lock bar, which provides your unit with more security. Good luck and happy storing!