How to Rotate Your Home for the QLD Storm Season
In Queensland, the arrival of summer doesn’t just mean beach days and backyard BBQs, it also marks the start of the storm and cyclone season. Between November and April, the Sunshine State is prone to sudden, violent supercells, heavy monsoonal rain, and damaging winds.
For homeowners, this is the time for the “Summer Swap”, storm season preparation. Rotating your home’s layout and moving non-essential or high-risk items into a secure facility like Big Box Self Storage isn’t just about decluttering; it’s a critical safety measure to protect your property and your family.
Why the “Summer Swap” is Essential
During a severe Queensland storm, anything not tied down can become a dangerous projectile. Lightweight outdoor furniture, kids’ trampolines, and garden ornaments can easily smash through windows or end up in a neighbour’s pool. Additionally, the intense humidity and flash flooding that accompany summer storms can ruin indoor valuables if your home isn’t prepared.
Step 1: Clear the “Launchpad” (Outdoor Areas)
The first phase of your rotation should focus on the yard and patio. If a storm warning is issued, you don’t want to be rushing outside in the wind to secure items.
- Patio Furniture & Umbrellas: While heavy timber sets might stay put, lightweight aluminium chairs, sun loungers, and market umbrellas are high-risk. Clean them, dry them thoroughly, and move them into storage.
- Garden Tools & Equipment: Lawnmowers, trimmers, and metal rakes should be stored in a dry, secure environment. Not only are they projectiles, but the high summer humidity can cause rapid rusting if they are left in a damp garden shed.
- Recreational Gear: Kayaks, stand-up paddle-boards, and bicycles take up significant garage space. Moving these to a storage unit frees up your garage so you can actually park your car undercover, the best way to avoid expensive hail damage.
Step 2: The Indoor Shift (Protecting Valuables)
The “Summer Swap” also applies to the interior of your home, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or an older “Queenslander” that might be prone to leaks.
- Soft Furnishings & Seasonal Decor: Swap out heavy winter rugs, thick blankets, and velvet cushions for lighter summer alternatives. Store the winter gear in airtight bins at Big Box to protect them from the seasonal surge in dust mites and mould.
- Important Documents & Electronics: If your home office is in a lower level or near large windows, consider moving “archive” electronics or physical paperwork to a climate-controlled storage unit. This keeps them safe from potential water ingress or power surges.
- The “Spare Room” Clear-out: Use the start of summer to clear out your spare room or “junk room.” In an emergency, you may need this space as a safe room or to quickly move downstairs furniture upward if flooding threatens.
Step 3: Prep Your Items for the Move
Before you bring your items to Big Box Self Storage, follow these quick tips to ensure they survive the humidity:
- Dry Everything: Never pack away a BBQ cover or outdoor cushions if they are even slightly damp. This is a recipe for mould.
- Use Pallets: In your storage unit, keep boxes and furniture off the concrete floor. This allows air to circulate and provides a buffer against any moisture.
- Label for Access: You might still want your beach gear! Label your “Summer Swap” boxes clearly so you can grab your surfboard or esky without digging through the whole unit.
Stay Safe and Secure with Big Box
The Queensland storm season is unpredictable, but your home’s safety shouldn’t be. By proactively rotating your seasonal items into a secure, weather-protected unit, you reduce the risk of property damage and create a calmer, safer environment for the summer months.
Ready to start your Summer Swap?
Contact Big Box Self Storage today to find the perfect sized unit for your outdoor gear and seasonal furniture.