If you want to protect your belongings, you will have to prevent moisture from accumulating into your storage unit. Should you fail to abide by this, your belongings will become susceptible to rust, corrosion, mold and mildew. This is especially so if you have stored items such as photos, wood, leather, clothing and electronic appliances.
The situation can be controlled if you take necessary steps and limit the moisture levels in the storage unit. So how do you do this? Follow the suggestions which are given below and your belongings will be safe.
Inspect for leaks
Renting an outdoor storage container? Before you transfer your belongings into it, inspect it thoroughly for leaks. If you have hired reputed and quality services, their team will also do this but you should too for your satisfaction. Make sure there are no cracks or holes in the container. If this is so, just use another one because the smallest of crevices can grow really big as time passes.
Monitor humidity levels
You will have to find about humidity levels if you avail an indoor storage unit. Any quality service will ensure these are kept below 50% so as to prevent rust, mold and mildew. You can even buy a humidity monitor and attach it with the unity to keep a close tab on the levels.
Do not store damp items
You should not place any wet or even a slightly damped item in the container because it will increase the humidity levels and pave way for mold growth. Prior to packing your items in the storage unit, go through them and make sure they are completely dry and do not contain any traces of moisture. Though you should inspect every item carefully, this is particularly so for swimming gear like swimsuits, goggles, surfboards and the like. While handling these items, even your hands should be thoroughly dry and should not be sweaty.
Get a vapor barrier
A vapor barrier can be used for preventing a room or container from dampening. Made from polyethylene plastic or a foil, each sheet is thin, flexible and has a low permeability value. Coat the inside walls of the storage container with these sheets. You should also cover the bottom with a sheet. This will prevent moisture from seeping through both the bottom and the sides.
Form desiccant packs
Materials like silica gel can absorb moisture and can be used for protecting your belongings. You can buy these from the market, but a better idea is to make them at home. Wrap some silica crystals in fabric and sew it on all four sides. Put these on your belongings and camp the storage container shut.
Charcoal is another material which you can use for the same propose. Wrap them in the fabric and sew them up in the same way. While doing so, be carful because charcoal can form stains on surfaces, which are not easy to remove.