Freeing Up Space At Home

Three Tips To Minimize Moisture Issues In Storage Units

23 May 2017

Billie Gonzalez

If you live in a humid climate or an area prone to heavy rainfall, placing your items in storage will require some thought to these elevated moisture levels. Humidity in your mini storage unit can ruin result in water damage and mildew on your belongings. The following tips can help you avoid this problem.

Tip #1: Use moisture-proof storage boxes

The containers you store items in are your main line of defense against moisture damage. For clothing, books, and other small items, consider packing items in plastic storage boxes that have lids as opposed to cardboard. These boxes are impervious to outside moisture. Thick plastic bags are also suitable, especially for packing clothing. You can also use bags to create a moisture-proof barrier inside of a cardboard box. For items too large for a box, such as furniture, simple cover these with a cloth cover to keep the dust off without compromising air circulation. Furniture should only be covered in plastic if you can place it in an air and moisture-tight bag, such as a mattress bag.

Tip #2: Stack for airflow

For those items that aren't boxed or bagged in moisture-proof containers, air circulation is your best defense against moisture damage. Avoid packing items tightly into storage so that air can circulate. Otherwise, moisture can become trapped and the next thing you know mildew and mold will be growing on your things. If you can't get a climate-controlled unit to fight humidity, look for a unit that has ventilation. This ensures air circulates through the unit so that it doesn't become stagnant.

Tip #3: Take advantage of desiccants

Desiccants are another thing that can fight moisture damage in storage. It's a good idea to toss a desiccant pack inside every box or bag you pack, simply because it will absorb any humidity that gets trapped into your boxes during the packing process. You can also place desiccant packets under the coverings on furniture to help absorb any unwanted moisture. The most common desiccant is silica gel crystals. You can reuse packets from clothing purchases, or you can also find it in bulk from florists and craft stores. Simply place a tablespoon or two in a cheesecloth pouch to create your own desiccant packets. You can then put these into your boxes without fear of damage to your belongings.

For more help, consult with a mini storage facility in your area, such as All American Mini Storage. 

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