Moisture is often the problem when it comes to storing your belongings in a storage unit for a long period of time. When moisture is locked in, it causes molds to build up, resulting in damage and quality deterioration on stored items such as furniture (anything made of wood, metal, or leather upholstery), musical instruments, clothing, important documents, etc. Storage units are safe places to store your belongings, however, if you don’t practice proper storage, they may end up completely damaged.
Here are ways you can limit moisture in your storage unit:
1. Store Dry Items Only
Storing items while they are still damp or not fully dry is the common cause of moisture inside your storage, which in turn will not only affect other items but will also develop a foul smell. That’s why you should be careful when storing your belongings because molds and mildew easily develop on damp items stored in enclosed spaces. If you are going to store clothing, see to it that they are all washed, clean, and dry before putting them up for storage. The same goes for furniture pieces, remove dust and wipe off any liquid spills.
2. Maintain Proper Storage System
A proper storage system always goes a long way when it comes to storing items for a long period of time. This doesn’t only keep your belongings organized, but it also helps protect them from incurring damage while in storage. For example, when storing clothing, it is ideal to store them in clean and dry storage boxes or plastic container boxes. This is to avoid locking moisture inside the container itself. For furniture, see to it that they are not placed directly on the floor because moisture can easily touch them. You can use wooden pallets to keep your furniture from directly touching the floor.
3. Check the Humidity Levels Regularly
Too much humidity can impact not only your health but can also cause damage to your belongings while in storage. The ideal humidity level is 30-50%, which means if it goes higher than 50%, molds and mildew can easily form on your things. If you are storing wooden furniture, too much humidity can cause them to rot, swell, or attract pests. This is why you have to check the humidity levels of your storage unit regularly in order to avoid costly damages to your belongings.
You can check the humidity levels of your storage unit using a hygrometer. This is an instrument that measures the water vapor in the air or humidity. In the event that the humidity level in your storage unit went above 50%, inspect your things right away to see if molds and mildew have already formed. Doing this will help prevent further damage from happening.
4. Check for Any Leaks
Checking for leaks especially goes for outdoor storage units. So if you plan to rent an outdoor storage unit, make sure to inspect for holes or any possible causes of leaks inside the unit. Water entering your storage unit is not a good sign because it will cause moisture build-up. That’s why when you look for a storage provider, see to it that they pay close attention to the proper maintenance of their facilities.
5. Rent a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit
Yes, there is such a thing as a climate-controlled storage unit. And yes, it is a lifesaver because it can safely store your belongings without having to worry about moisture and temperature fluctuations in the long run. The ones listed above are very good preventive measures for moisture problems in your storage unit and you can apply them when you store your things. However, you can also opt to rent a climate-controlled storage unit to be extra safe. This kind of storage unit has built-in functions that help regulate the temperature and humidity inside.
Other ways you can do to limit moisture in your storage unit:
- Use Silica Gel Desiccants
Desiccants are used to remove moisture and keep your things dry. They are normally seen inside shoe boxes as they are effective tools to keep moisture from touching your shoes. You can make your own silica gel desiccants or you can purchase them in a hardware store.
Here is how you can make your own silica gel desiccants:
- On a fabric, form a pocket out of two square pieces.
- Carefully fill them up with silica gels, then sew them to close.
- Once your things are ready for storage, you can hang the DIY silica gel desiccants in your storage unit.
- In case you weren’t able to purchase silica gels, you can make use of rice or salt. Just simply fill up a small bag with either salt or rice.
- Salt is a useful agent that absorbs not only liquids but also vapor. Just place an open bag or container with salt inside the storage unit and it will do its job of limiting moisture.
- You can also opt to mix rice and salt in an open bag or container to absorb moisture.
- Use Charcoal Briquettes
Charcoal briquettes are another good alternative for absorbing moisture in your storage unit. They are commonly used for removing foul smells, but they are also effective for absorbing moisture. Simply put the charcoal briquettes inside a bucket, on a tray, or in small bags. Leave the small bags open, so the charcoal can absorb moisture. Be mindful of where you are going to place them though, as they may stain your belongings. See to it that they are placed on a stable surface. Replace the charcoal briquettes every month or two for better moisture absorption.
We hope that this article has been useful in listing down ways to limit moisture in your storage unit.
In need of a self-storage unit nearby to store your belongings? Contact us today and we will be glad to assist you!
