Given the sheer quantity of possessions that people tend to accumulate over the course of their lives, storage units are becoming more popular. But, they have an Achilles heel: their tendency to attract mold.
If you are concerned that possessions inside your storage container might be at risk, then this post is for you. We discuss how to keep them safe, dry and, critically, mold-free.
Make Sure Everything is Dry
Before you rent a storage unit, make sure that all the contents you want to store are dry. If you put wet items into storage, it will increase overall moisture levels inside the unit, thereby attracting mold.
Those putting clothes into storage should ensure they are thoroughly dried beforehand. If you want to store any water-containing liquids, ensure that they remain tightly secured in bottles. Don’t leave them open.
Lastly, if you need to transport items from a car to your storage unit, don’t do it in the rain. Instead, wait for a break in the showers so that none of your items get wet during transit.
Temperature Control Storage Unit
Taking this concept a stage further, some storage units are temperature-controlled. This allows you to maintain an internal temperature and humidity at a level that will discourage the development of mold.
Temperature control storage units tend to cost a little more than regular units, but they give you more control over internal conditions. Overall, mold and moisture buildup are less of a risk.
Climate-controlled storage generally keeps temperatures between 55 degrees F and 78 degrees F, with humidity at around 55 percent. Falling outside of this range can encourage the development of mold and may lead to musty smells.
Check for Any Potential Leaky Places
Next, when you arrive at the storage facility, check your unit for potential leaks. Pay close attention to the corner sections, as these are most prone to corrosion and weathering. Inspect both the inside and the outside of the unit.
The best units are inside larger facilities and on raised feet. Being inside provides an additional layer of protection from the weather, and raised feet prevent groundwater from entering through the bottom of the unit.
Air Vents
Some quality storage units have air vents. These help to keep moist air circulating, preventing the buildup of condensation which would later lead to mold.
For instance, during cold weather, the temperature of the walls of the storage unit can fall below that of the air inside. If there is any moisture in the air, it will then condense and form droplets on the wall.
In regular rooms, this doesn’t usually cause any issues. Air continues to circulate, wall temperatures equalize, and then the water slowly returns to gas once more.
However, in non-vented storage units, that’s not how it works. These can collect a lot of moisture, and air can remain stagnant for weeks, if not months, on end.
Fortunately, vents prevent this from occurring. They allow moisture exchange, keeping your possessions mold-free.
