A refrigerator is easy to overlook when you're planning a move. Until it's empty, unplugged and sitting in the middle of the kitchen, you may not have thought about where it will go next.
The same goes for a washer and dryer. A kitchen remodel gets delayed. A closing date moves. A seasonal property is being updated. Suddenly you have several large, expensive appliances that need somewhere safe to wait.
In Charlevoix, there is an extra consideration: Northern Michigan winter temperatures can damage appliances that still contain water. A clean refrigerator and a properly prepared washing machine do not have identical storage requirements.
This guide covers how to prepare refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers and other household appliances for storage, when climate control matters, and how to choose a local unit that is actually practical to load.
Need storage space for a move or renovation? Check current Charlevoix storage sizes, rates and availability.
For ordinary household appliance storage, think inactive equipment, not a second working kitchen or laundry room.
Remove food and other contents. Disconnect power and water connections safely. Clean the appliance, drain remaining water as directed by its manufacturer, and let it dry. Store detachable parts and hardware where you can find them later.
Do not assume a storage unit can be used to run a refrigerator, freezer, washer or dryer. Check facility rules before bringing any appliance, and plan on storing it unplugged and empty.
Refrigerators have two common storage problems: trapped moisture and forgotten water connections.
These steps reflect Whirlpool's refrigerator moving guidance and its refrigerator winterization guidance. Always follow the manual for your particular model, especially for water and ice-maker systems.
One easy mistake: taping a refrigerator door shut for transport is not the same as leaving it sealed for months. Secure doors while moving, then arrange safe ventilation when the appliance is in storage.
A washer is different from a dry piece of furniture. Even after a cycle finishes, water may remain in hoses, pumps or internal components.
That matters if the machine will sit in an unheated location during a Charlevoix winter. Freezing water can expand and damage parts that are expensive to replace.
Whirlpool's winter-storage instructions for certain washers explicitly warn against freezing conditions and describe a model-specific winterization process. Do not assume the same procedure or chemicals are appropriate for every washer.
Before storage:
For a washer that the manufacturer says must not freeze, a standard unheated unit may not be appropriate unless the machine has been prepared in an approved way. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer or a qualified appliance technician before storing it.
A dryer usually presents fewer water-related issues than a washing machine, but it still needs proper preparation.
Clean the lint screen and accessible lint areas according to the manufacturer's directions. Disconnect the electrical supply safely, protect the power cord and keep the drum empty. If the dryer has a steam function, its water connection and hoses may need draining before freezing weather.
For a gas dryer, have the gas connection shut off and disconnected by a qualified professional. Do not attempt to improvise with gas fittings or leave an improperly capped connection.
For example, Whirlpool's instructions for certain dryers address power, lint and water supply considerations. Your model's manual should determine the final procedure.
Smaller does not necessarily mean simpler.
Never store fuel, propane cylinders, hazardous chemicals or other prohibited materials with your appliances. Ask our local office if you are uncertain whether an item is permitted.
Most damage can happen before the unit door closes.
Measure the appliance's width, depth and height, including handles. Check the route through your home, the vehicle and the storage-unit doorway. Use an appropriate appliance dolly, straps, moving blankets and enough help for the weight involved.
Refrigerators should generally be transported upright where the manufacturer requires it. Some models have specific rules about tilting and how long to wait before reconnecting power. Follow those instructions rather than relying on a universal waiting period.
For washing machines, transport bolts or other shipping restraints may be necessary to protect internal components. Keep cords and drained hoses secured without crushing them. Do not tape directly onto a delicate finish.
There are two separate questions: How easy will it be to move the appliance? And what environment does that appliance require?
Drive-up storage is convenient for loading heavy items because a vehicle can stop close to the door. Charlevoix Mini Storage offers drive-up units at US-31 South and Old Norwood Road.
Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for appliances with sensitive electronics or residual-water concerns, particularly over winter. The US-31 South Business Park offers interior climate-controlled spaces, including some with dual interior and exterior access.
Climate control is not a substitute for draining water, cleaning or winterizing an appliance. It also should not be assumed to provide a manufacturer-specified temperature or humidity range. Confirm any particular requirement before renting.
For a fuller comparison, read our climate-controlled versus standard storage guide.
Appliances are bulky, but their dimensions vary significantly. A compact washer and dryer take up less room than a large French-door refrigerator plus a full laundry set. Always measure the actual equipment, including handles and any required clearance.
Approximately 100 square feet. A 10 x 10 can be a sensible starting point for several appliances and some additional belongings, depending on dimensions and layout. The listed drive-up rate is $89 per month. Availability can vary between US-31 South and Old Norwood Road, so check the live listings before choosing a facility.
Approximately 150 square feet. This gives more flexibility when a kitchen or laundry-room remodel involves appliances, cabinets, boxes and some furniture. Listed drive-up pricing is $129 per month.
Approximately 200 square feet. This can be useful for appliances plus the contents of several rooms. Listed drive-up pricing is $169 per month.
At the Business Park, a dual-access 18 x 9.5 climate-controlled space is listed at $250 per month, subject to availability. Other climate-controlled sizes and their current waiting-list status are shown online.
Rates and availability are from the Charlevoix Mini Storage rental page reviewed October 27, 2026 and can change. Check the unit size guide and confirm door dimensions before moving a particularly wide appliance.
Put the heaviest, largest pieces in stable positions first. Keep appliances upright where required, protect their finishes with appropriate moving blankets, and avoid stacking boxes on delicate tops, doors or controls.
Leave enough space for refrigerator doors to remain safely ajar and for air to circulate. Keep hoses and removable parts labeled together. Photograph the appliance model and serial-number labels before loading, then keep that information with your inventory outside the unit.
If you may retrieve an appliance before the rest of the contents, do not bury it behind a wall of boxes.
Temporary appliance storage can make sense during a kitchen remodel, a delayed move, a property sale or a renovation at a Charlevoix cottage. It may also help when you are keeping a newer appliance for another property rather than selling it quickly.
Before paying to store an old or inexpensive appliance for many months, compare the storage cost with its replacement value and the likelihood you will actually use it again.
For projects involving more than appliances, our home renovation storage guide explains how to clear working space, while our furniture storage guide covers protecting sofas, tables, mattresses and other household pieces.
Before storing valuable appliances, review your homeowners or renters insurance and confirm whether off-site storage is covered. Charlevoix Mini Storage also offers optional tenant protection plans; review the actual terms, limits and exclusions before selecting coverage.
Available units can be reserved online with a $30 reservation deposit. It holds an available unit for up to 14 days and is applied to the first rental invoice when move-in is completed within that period. The deposit is non-refundable if the move-in is not completed during the reservation period.
Often, yes, if the appliance is permitted by the facility and is empty, unplugged, clean, completely dry and prepared according to its manual. Water and ice-maker lines need special attention. Do not assume you can operate a refrigerator inside a storage unit.
Manufacturer guidance commonly recommends leaving an unplugged, empty and dry refrigerator's doors slightly ajar for ventilation during storage. Secure the appliance so children cannot access or become trapped inside.
Freezing can damage residual water in washer hoses and components. Some manufacturers specifically recommend avoiding freezing storage conditions or using a model-specific winterization procedure. Check the manual or consult a qualified technician before choosing an unheated unit.
Ask the storage facility about permitted appliances. A gas dryer should be properly disconnected from its gas supply by a qualified professional, with the unit cleaned and prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions.
As of October 27, 2026, the listed drive-up rate at Charlevoix Mini Storage is $89 per month. Availability varies by facility; check live rental inventory for the current status.
Yes. Charlevoix Mini Storage customers have 24/7 access to their rented storage spaces. Office hours apply to leasing and customer service rather than ordinary unit access.
The right storage unit helps, but the preparation matters more than most people realize.
Empty the refrigerator. Defrost and dry it. Check the water lines. Follow the washer's winterization instructions. Clean the dryer, arrange safe disconnection and protect every appliance during transport.
Charlevoix Mini Storage offers drive-up, hallway and climate-controlled storage across four local facilities, with 24/7 tenant access, online reservations and a local office that can help you compare unit sizes and access options.
Check current Charlevoix appliance-storage availability and reserve online, or contact our local office for help choosing a unit. Call (231) 547-5838.
Last updated: October 27, 2026. Prices and availability may change. Follow your specific appliance manufacturer's instructions and applicable facility rules.
