Preventing moisture damage in your storage unit is vital to make sure your belongings remain as you left them. Too much moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
Follow these tips to prevent all of your belongings from being damaged by moisture:
When renting a storage unit, the first thing you should do is take a walk through the unit. Check for anything that could potentially be an issue. Severe weather conditions can cause wear and tear on an outdoor storage unit.
Even if there were no issues when you first checked out your unit, make sure to check back every month or two. Keep in mind that even the smallest crack can let in moisture.
Before you do anything, make sure that all of your belongings are completely dry before putting them in your storage unit. If anything is put into your storage unit that is wet or damp, you risk damaging all of the contents in your storage unit. Even one slightly damp item can cause mold and mildew to grow on your items.
For extra protection against moisture, put materials that absorb moisture in your self storage unit. Silica gel is the most popular option and can be bought at almost any hardware store.
Create a pouch with fabric and put the silica gel inside. You can then hang it from the ceiling or wall in your storage unit to help absorb any moisture.
Another natural alternative is to use charcoal. If you want something that is more natural, charcoal is the answer. It can be placed in a fabric pouch, just like silica, or can be placed in a pail or on a tray.
Make sure to keep the charcoal from directly touching anything. Charcoal stains are very hard to get rid of. Be sure to replace the charcoal every month or two for optimal performance.
Even with all of the proper precautions, moisture can still find a way into your storage unit. Packing and protecting your items properly into your storage locker can help defend against this. Cover the floor in your storage unit with wooden pallets and place your items on top of these. This will help with circulation throughout your storage unit and keep your belongings off of the concrete floor.
Wrap and cover everything with furniture blankets and covers. Then cover everything with a plastic sheet to add an extra layer of protection.
The best way to protect your belongings is to rent a climate-controlled storage unit. The temperature and humidity are kept at a consistent level throughout the year, regardless of the weather outside. If you will be storing anything that is more delicate, such as, electronics, antiques or artwork, you may want to consider this option.
At Riel Park RV & Self Storage, we have unheated drive-up storage units or indoor heated storage units. For all your household and business storage needs, come to Riel Park RV & Self Storage for convenient St. Albert storage near you. At our storage facility, we also have various sizes of storage units to choose from. Give one of our storage rental experts a call at 780-459-6435 or reserve a unit online.
