Winter-Proofing Your Pallet Operation

Ah, winter. It may seem cozy and fun with snowflakes, sledding, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate but with the recent snowfall in the mid-Atlantic, we were quickly reminded that snow can cause a mess!  Snow and moisture can wreak havoc on your pallet storage solution and leave you with substandard pallets that aren't as sturdy and won't serve you or your customers well.  But don’t worry, we’ve got your back (and your pallets).

Here’s how to keep your pallets in tip-top shape during the colder months—along with a little suggestion to help lighten your load:

1. Keep Them Cozy (Indoors, That Is!)
Think of your pallets as winter houseguests. They’ll be happiest inside, away from snow and freezing rain. If you can’t give them a warm spot indoors, at least elevate them off the ground. Nobody likes sitting in a puddle or on ice all season. Pro tip: Plastic pallets or oversized pallets that you accumulate can act as a good base for keeping pallets elevated.

2. Wrap Them Up Tight
Storing pallets outdoors? Invest in some shrinkwrap, waterproof tarps or covers. Pallets that are protected from winter’s elements are far less likely to soak up moisture and develop mold.

3. Check for “Frostbite”
Winter can be rough on pallets. Regularly inspect them for signs of damage like warping, mold, or splits. Catching issues early saves you from worse headaches—and fewer “What happened to that pallet stack?” moments.


4. Don’t Overload
Cold weather can make wooden pallets swell. Treat them gently—overloading is a fast track to cracking or breaking. And nobody wants a pallet that buckles under pressure.

Feeling Overloaded? 
Speaking of overloads… is your yard looking more like a pallet graveyard than a storage area? Are you finding it hard to figure out what to do with your supply and all the snow on your yard? Try calling Valleywood about buyback options during these winter months.

We’ll gladly take those excess pallets off your hands (responsibly, of course). Think of it as a winter decluttering session for your business—minus the freezing fingers. 

So go on—store smarter, declutter quicker, and maybe, just maybe, let Valleywood make winter a little easier for you and your pallets.