8 Things You Should Be Careful of Storing in the Cold

The cold can be incredibly damaging to certain items, so it’s important to know what you should—and should not—be storing in a cold environment. Here are 8 things that you should avoid storing in the extreme cold:

1. Electronics

Many electronic devices are sensitive to temperature changes and may malfunction if exposed to extreme cold. Additionally, the condensation that forms when electronics are introduced to cold temperatures can cause corrosion and short-circuit the device.

2. Leather

Leather is a natural material and will stiffen and crack when exposed to extreme cold temperatures. To preserve the leather material it’s best not to store leather in a cold environment.

Leather should be stored in a climate-controlled environment, such as an attic or basement, to prevent it from becoming brittle in cold temperatures.

3. Books

Books can be damaged by cold temperatures as they can become brittle and the pages may stick together, making them difficult to separate. Any important books or documents should be kept safely in a warmer environment.

4. Canned Food

Canning is a great way to store food for long periods of time but storing cans in cold temperatures will cause the metal to corrode over time and potentially spoil the food inside. No one wants to open a can of who-knows-what’s-in-here. To make your canning season worth it, make sure to store your canned goods in a controlled temperature environment.

5. Photos

Photos are also sensitive to cold temperatures and can become brittle, warped, or discolored if left in too cold of temperatures.

6. Paint or Sealant

Low temperatures can cause paint or sealants to freeze and crack, rendering them useless for their intended purpose.

7. Musical Instruments-

Just as with any other item, cold temperatures can be damaging to musical instruments. If you must store your instruments in a cold environment, be sure to take the proper precautions to protect them.

A. String Instruments

String instruments, such as violins, cellos, and guitars, should be protected from extreme cold by storing them in their cases. Strong cases will help keep the instruments warm and prevent the strings from becoming too tight or loosening over time.

B. Woodwind Instruments

Woodwind instruments, such as flutes and clarinets, can become brittle in cold weather and may even crack if left in too low of temperatures for an extended period of time. Wrapping them in a soft blanket or storing them in their cases can help protect them from the cold.

C. Brass Instruments

Brass instruments, such as trumpets and trombones, can become extremely slippery when wet and can also rust when exposed to moisture and extreme cold temperatures. It is best to coat these instruments with a light layer of oil before storing them in a cold environment to help protect them from the elements.

8. Batteries

Batteries also do not fare well in cold environments and may become damaged from extreme temperatures, leading to decreased performance or shorter battery life.

When storing any of these items in cold environments, it’s important to ensure that they are protected from the cold. This can be done by wrapping them in blankets, packing them in insulation materials such as styrofoam, or just ensuring the temperature does not go below freezing.

In most cases, it’s best to store items in a cool, dry place rather than the cold. This will help protect them from any potential damage caused by extreme temperatures and keep them in good condition.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your items are protected from the cold and kept in good condition for years to come. Happy storing!