When you're renting a storage unit, one of the biggest threats to the integrity of your possessions is moisture. Even a little dampness can invite mold growth, and it also tends to attract insects and rodents. Thankfully, there are several ways you can protect against moisture damage in your storage unit.
Choose a climate controlled unit.
Climate controlled storage units are not just heated and cooled. They are also fitted with dehumidifying systems that remove excess moisture from the air. This is important since materials like leather and linen can absorb moisture directly from the air, leading to mold growth. When searching for a climate-controlled unit, be sure to ask what parameters they use for moisture control. Ideally, they should maintain the relative humidity between 40 and 50%, as this is the normal humidity found in most homes.
Don't put wet items in storage.
Even in the best climate controlled unit, your items will be at risk of they are damp when you move them into storage. Once you shut that door, you're trapping moisture inside. Even if the dehumidifier removes it as it evaporates, there will be a period of time in which the moisture level of the air is too high -- and that may be all the time you need for mold growth. If it's raining on your move-in day, reschedule. If that's not possible, at least put tarps over items as you carry them in from the moving truck. Don't clean anything immediately before putting it in storage, either. Having clean items is good -- but you need to give them a few days to dry completely.
Use desiccant packages.
For very delicate, moisture-sensitive items, like leather shoes, put some desiccant packets in the boxes with them. These packets will absorb any excess moisture so that the goods themselves are not exposed to it.
Don't store items on the ground.
Even in the best climate controlled facility, there's a chance of something spilling in a neighboring unit and seeping under the wall. Materials like wood, linen, and leather are just too good at absorbing moisture as they sit in it! So, always put a tarp -- or better yet, some pallets -- on the floor of your storage unit. Stack your items up on the tarp rather than directly on the floor. If you can also store things in plastic totes rather than in boxes, that will give you an extra level of protection.
Share18 October 2017
Hello, my name is Stella Vincent. Welcome to my website about personal storage facilities. When I was a college-bound scholar, I had to decide if I would sell, throw out or store my belongings. Since I had so many high-value and sentimental items, I decided to store them until I returned from college. The process of selecting and setting up a storage facility was stressful because I did not know what to expect. Since then, I have learned the ropes and wish to share my knowledge with you all through this site. I invite you to come by anytime you need to learn more about acquiring a personal storage unit.