Tips To Protect Items In A Self-Storage Unit Against Moisture Damage
Whether you are fed up with having a cluttered basement, attic, and garage or you are in between moving homes and don't have the room to store personal belongings, self-storage units are an ideal storage alternative. If you have chosen to store your belongings in a storage unit that is not climate controlled, one of the most dreaded problems you may encounter is having excess moisture in the unit. Too much moisture can cause significant damage to a variety of materials, including paper, wood, and cloth. The good news is the following tips will help to protect your belongings from moisture while being stored in a self-storage unit.
Inspect the Unit
If at all possible, inspect the storage unit before you move your items in it. Check for signs of water damage, such as stains in the roof, walls, and/or floor. You should also take notice of any cracks in the ceiling or walls, and if you notice mildew, it is typically an indication the unit is or has been exposed to moisture. If you notice any problems with the unit, be sure to address the issue with the property manager and, if possible, request a different unit.
Protect Items Before Storing
One of the best ways to ensure your items will be protected from moisture damage is to properly cover and pack the items beforehand. If you are storing mattresses and/or furniture, cover them with a blanket under a plastic sheet to help keep out the moisture; don't put the plastic next to the furniture without a barrier in between. Furs and clothing should be clean, dry, and hung inside wardrobe boxes. If the storage unit has a concrete floor, consider placing a piece of wood or a wood pallet on the floor to stack items on.
Dry Everything Out
Sometimes moisture damage occurs from the items being stored in the unit, so before placing anything in the storage unit, make sure it is completely dry. It is common for washing machines and refrigerators to have some water in them, so fix that issue before putting them in storage. Remove ice bins, drawers, and shelving and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Try not to use the washing machine for a couple of days before storing and wipe it out with a dry cloth just before putting it in the unit.
Use Moisture Prevention Methods
Once you have all of your items properly wrapped and moved into the self-storage unit, try one or more of the following methods for additional protection against moisture damage:
Homemade desiccant packs—using two pieces of fabric, sew three sides together to create a pouch, turn the pouch inside out, and fill with silica gel crystals. Fold the top over and either pin or sew it closed. Hang a few of the desiccant bags inside of the storage unit.
Charcoal—not only will charcoal briquettes help to absorb moisture, but they will also eliminate musty odors. Simply place a bucket or two with charcoal briquettes inside the storage unit. Do not put the charcoal next to anything that may get stained and do not use charcoal briquettes that have been pre-soaked with lighter fluid. About once a month, replace the charcoal briquettes to help keep the air fresh in the storage unit.
Kitty litter—Simply put an open bag of kitty litter inside the storage unit. The clay in the litter will absorb the moisture and help to prevent mildew and mold growth. Change the litter about once a month to maintain the freshness.
It is important to regularly inspect the unit for leaks, especially if you are leasing a self-storage that is outdoors. While doing your regular checks on the unit, be sure to check a few boxes to make sure they do not have moisture on the bottom of the box and check the plastic wrapping on furniture and mattresses to see if there is puddling. If you notice moisture has collected in the unit, you should consider talking with the property manager about moving to a climate controlled unit.
For more information, contact local professionals like Stor-King.
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