Self-storage facilities are usually the final option of people who don't have enough space in their home or property to keep or hide some of their expensive and not-so-expensive possessions. In such facilities, they can be sure their items are safe from theft and other forms of external damage.
Unfortunately, not all self-storage units enjoy climate-controlled conditions. If you have chosen a unit of this type, your valuables will have to grapple with a really bad enemy: moisture.
To protect your valuables in self-storage units from moisture, below are some helpful tips you should follow:
Find out the average humidity level in the facility. If you are renting an indoor unit, ask the owner or managers about the humidity level. Experts say that the acceptable humidity level in a storage facility should be below 50 percent to prevent moisture damage, the growth of molds and mildew, rust, mold, and wood rot. If you want to be sure your unit has the acceptable humidity level, buy and install a relative humidity gauge so that you can monitor the RH level yourself.
Regularly inspect the unit for leaks. In case you are leasing an outdoor self-storage unit, check it for any signs of leaks regularly. Before renting one, inspect it for leaks as well since this is the easiest way to prevent water damage to your property. Be on the lookout for any cracks in the walls or ceiling and have them repaired immediately since they can easily widen over time and allow for damage-causing leaks.
Properly protect your items before storing them. A tried-and-tested method of ensuring your valuables will be protected from moisture damage is to pack and cover them properly. If you are storing furniture and mattresses, make sure they are wrapped and covered with furniture blankets and then covered with a plastic sheet to keep out moisture. Clothing and furs should be thoroughly clean and dry before going into storage. It would be best if they are hung inside wardrobe boxes as well. If your unit has a concrete floor, place your possessions on top of wooden to keep them away from the effects of condensation.
Place some charcoal inside the unit. Lastly, charcoal can work as well as desiccants in absorbing moisture and eliminating musty odors. Place charcoal briquettes inside pouches, a basket or bucket lined with plastic or foil, or simply set them on a metal tray. Put them around the unit. However, be careful not to set the charcoal against anything that you wouldn't want to be stained or marked since charcoal stains can be extremely difficult to remove. Also, make sure you do not get charcoal briquettes that are pre-soaked in lighter fluid. To keep the air in the self-storage unit fresh, replace the briquettes every 1 or 2 months.
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