One of the things you have to watch out for when storing items inside of a storage unit is humidity. Changes in humidity and the build-up of moisture on your items can cause a lot of damage to all sorts of items inside of your storage unit, including but not limited to your furniture, clothing, artwork, and antiques. Here are a few tricks that will help you reduce the presence of moisture inside of your storage unit.

Avoid Cardboard

Cardboard boxes seem to be the default moving item, and they are great when used to store your items for long enough for them to get from your old house to your new house. However, cardboard boxes are not made for long-term storage situations. Cardboard boxes absorb moisture and can allow moisture to seep through the cardboard onto the items that you have stored inside. If you have to use cardboard, make sure that you don't sit the boxes on the ground where they will be exposed more directly to moisture.

Instead of using cardboard, purchase sturdy plastic boxes to store your items inside of. Purchasing plastic storage containers will cost you more upfront, but doing so will ensure that your items are safe for the long-term.

Use Charcoal

Charcoal absorbs and removes moisture that is in the air and is a great way to ensure that the humidity levels inside of your storage unit do not get high enough to damage your items. Place charcoal inside of small plastic or glass containers throughout your storage unit. The charcoal will pull in and absorb excess humidity in the air. If you use the storage unit for the long-term, you should change out the charcoal whenever you check up on your unit a couple of times a year.

Use Wooden Pallets

One of the reasons that moisture destroys items inside of storage units is because many people don't allow for breathing room within their storage unit. One way of creating breathing room and air circulation inside of your storage unit is by putting wooden pallets on the floor of your storage units. This will help create air flow between your items and the floor and the walls. If moisture does develop inside of your storage unit, it is most likely going to accumulate on the cement floors and walls of your unit. Using wooden pallets will help ensure that your boxes and belongings don't come in contact with the cement floors and walls or the moisture that can build up on them when the temperature and humidity changes.

Wipe Down Items That Use Water

If you are storing any appliances that use water while in use, such as a washing machine or refrigerator, make sure that you allow these items to completely dry out before you put them inside of your storage unit. Before you place them inside of your storage unit, sprinkle baking soda on the unit. The baking soda should help absorb any water in the appliance that is still hanging out. You don't want to store a washing machine or fridge with moisture still inside of it; that can be a great breeding ground for mold to grow and thrive. You may also want to put charcoal inside of these units to ensure that any lingering moisture is absorbed.

Another great way to reduce the moisture inside of your storage unit is by renting a climate controlled storage unit where you can control the temperature and keep it consistent throughout the year and reduce the chance of moisture accumulating within your storage unit. 

For more information and options, contact different self storage companies or visit websites like http://www.crystallakestorageunits.com.

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