Great Festive Getaway: Using Self Storage at Christmas to Keep Valuables Safely Under Wraps

In some ways, there’s no place like home for the holidays, as the song says. But for those lucky enough to be able to down tools for a festive break it can be a fantastic chance to take a winter holiday – whether snowy or sunny. For others, it gives time to travel to visit family and friends, and it’s always fun to ring in the New Year on a mini-break at home or abroad.

But that leaves your home alone – and everything in it. In a tale as old as crime, that could create temptation for burglars – and while Garda statistics show that burglaries, in fact, dropped over the 24/25 winter period, no one wants to leave anything to chance, do they?

It also means no-one’s on hand should the weather get a little …well, seasonal, be that snow and ice or storms, along with all of the potential damage they can cause.

If you’re heading away you don’t want to spend your break worrying about what’s happening at home – that’s why self-storage for Christmas travel can become your new festive bestie and a smart choice for seasonal storage solutions!

Risky Christmas

At that most wonderful time of the year, it’s darker for longer every day than it is bright. There are also likely to be valuable items like jewellery, electronics and luxury goods about that were under the tree on the 25th – if you were very good boys and girls. Plus patterns of movement – or lack thereof – in and out of your home, can signal that no one’s there. Unless you’ve gone full Kevin McCallister and booby-trapped the entire property with tins of paint, cardboard cut outs of your family and a very large spider, keeping your home safe while away might just play on your mind!

Winter Wonderland

What about if the weather outside gets frightening? Frost, snow, high winds and heavy rain? There’s all those niggly risks like burst pipes, storm damage or flooding to consider.   

Some off-site storage for your high value items might just give you the peace of mind you need. 

What Items Are Smart to Store Over Christmas?

You don’t have to clear the entire house, but there are certain categories of items that  you might wish to keep safe from theft or damage more than others, whether it’s for financial, practical or sentimental reasons.

Guarding Your Gizmos

Laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, VR systems, and expensive cameras are common targets during burglaries and also highly susceptible to damage from the elements.

Seasonal sparkle

Jewellery, cash, heirlooms, and other small valuables are traditional favourites for added security at any time of year.

Black Friday Big Buys

Many households purchase brand new appliances and furniture in the run up to Christmas – nothing like that bargain on a new sofa or a TV you’ve saved for all year! 

Shed-Proof

Bikes, camping gear, and ski equipment are often stored in garages or sheds, which tend to be less secure. 

Docs and Decs

Damage to important or sentimental paperwork can be irreparable and irreplaceable. You may want to keep it safe and confidential if you’re not going to be there. 

Why Self-Storage is your Seasonal Solution

Twelve Days or Year Round

Most storage companies offer month-to-month rentals, making it a perfect fit for seasonal needs. You can store items just for December or, when you find out how great self-storage is, you can book for longer! Check out what (Santa) suits at Storage World here https://www.storageworld.ie/quick-quote-b/

Buddy the Elf or Papa Elf?

It’s a festive-themed size joke, okay? Santa would definitely get it. In other words, large or small, whatever size unit you need, self-storage will have the one for you. Check out our Storage World Size Guide here https://www.storageworld.ie/size-estimator/

Keeping Christmas

Self Storage will keep your belongings safer than a pig in a blanket while also being significantly easier to access than sliding down a chimney. At Storage World, our Smart entry system means you won’t have to remember complicated codes or fiddle with keys – keeping your belongings safe but accessible 24/7. Plus our CCTV system is as efficient as the Norad Santa Tracker. Check it out here https://www.storageworld.ie/access-security/

Second Helpings of Peace of Mind – Some Christmas Home Security Tips

Whether you’re away for a long weekend or most of December, placing irreplaceable items in storage gives peace of mind. By making use of self-storage, even in the rare event of a break-in while you’re away at Christmas, your most valued and valuable possessions wouldn’t be there. Plus, they’re safe, dry, and snug if winter weather gets a little, shall we say, boisterous on your break. 

In the spirit of the season, and in addition to your self-storage, here’s some suggestions for additional steps to safeguard your stuff this Christmas:

Twinkle Twinkle

Set light timers to mimic activity. A sudden blackout if your house has been lit up like Vegas for weeks on end can be a real sign that there’s no one home. Most Christmas lights systems can be set to come on and go off at specific times. Using a plug-in timer for lamps, outdoor lights and heating systems too will give the impression that your house has someone there, and keep the temperature consistent so you don’t come home to a frozen wasteland. 

You’ve Got Mail

Ask a neighbour to check your postbox, door or porch and put the bins out. All those last minute gifts you ordered, the late-arriving presents and cards from rellies overseas (and the ones who just forgot!), the flyers for NYE takeaway offers – a build up of all these items in your postbox or usual drop-off spot really can be a sign there’s no one home, as can overflowing bins still sitting in your drive after pickup day.

Happy Holidays

Avoid posting travel plans on social media. We know that photo of you on the beach with your Santa hat on just … sleighs (sorry), but broadcasting your holiday whereabouts is basically putting up a neon sign that says that there’s no one home’Look! House Empty!’. Keep the palm trees, ski slopes or Nonna Federica’s homemade Panettone off your feed until you’re back and dazzle your followers with a festive retrospective photo dump.

You Better Lock Up …

Make a list and check it twice of all windows, doors, and garage locks, and remember to set alarms. The elves should be safely  back at the North Pole by now so no one needs access to your home except you!

The Pipes, The Pipes …

Consider turning off water if freezing weather is expected. At Christmas the only Bursts you want are of Song and Joy – definitely not your pipes, especially when you’re going to be away.

All Is Calm

Christmas – or getting away from it – should be a time of joy and a time to re-charge those very depleted batteries. To safeguard your valuables while on your jollies, self-storage offers a secure, flexible, and cost-effective solution for a worry-free break.

Merry Christmas and a Happy, Secure New Year from all of us at Storage World!

Unlock the freedom of extra space. Get in touch with Storage World today or get a quote online.