7 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Storage Unit

 

Reserving and moving into a storage unit at ABC Mini Storage Pacific is easy, however, your storage experience doesn’t stop there. No matter how long you intend on storing for, it’s just as important to ensure your items are stored in the best conditions possible to keep them ready to continue serving you for many years. It’s not as easy as piling in your belongings and shutting the door, because if done wrong the items might be subjected to damages or rapid deterioration. 

Here are seven tips to help you maintain a healthy storage unit so no matter how long you store, your items will remain in top condition. 

Tip 1: Choose the Right Storage Unit

Though it may not seem obvious, in storage, sizing is everything. Many people opt for the smallest storage unit possible with hopes of stuffing it to the brim. However, this can come with detrimental consequences since it can inhibit airflow and ventilation among the storage unit. Moisture is a stored item’s worst enemy, because it promotes mold growth which will wreak havoc on the item’s structural integrity. Once mold begins to grow it can rapidly spread, especially among stored items that are intended to stay in storage for long periods of time. 

If items are particularly prone to deterioration if placed in fluctuating temperatures then it’s worth the consideration to rent a heated storage unit. These specialty units regulate temperatures during the colder months, cutting down on humidity and moisture buildup in the storage unit during the Pacific, Washington rainy season. 

When searching for a storage unit in Pacific, Washington it’s always best to err on the side of caution and get a unit larger than you think you’ll need. It’s best to not keep your unit at its storage limit at all times, to allow better airflow, and if you need more room, it will be available. There’s a higher chance of getting more use out of your storage unit when you know you’ll always have additional space for more items throughout your storing stay. 

Tip 2: Clean Before You Store

Cleanliness is a major concern at ABC Mini Storage, ensuring your storage unit is clean and ready for move-in. However, if your items already have dirt, mold, or mildew growing on them prior to being placed in storage they won’t get any cleaner sitting in storage. In some cases, the mold will continue to grow and spread among the other stored items. If the conditions are especially conducive to growing humidity then more mold is likely to keep growing. 

Before placing your items in storage give them a quick wipe down to reduce chances of mold growth and to keep your items in the best shape possible. Additionally, vacuum-sealing fabrics and like items will help keep them fresh during their time in storage.

Tip 3: Use Proper Packing Materials

Using the right type of packing materials will be the best way to ensure the stored items maintain their freshness and integrity. The go-to standard for packing materials is cardboard boxes and newspapers, but unfortunately these don’t fully protect items. Cardboard boxes are often not durable enough to withstand storing for long periods of time or holding heavy, bulkier items. 

Ideally, the best container for storing items are plastic bins with airtight lids which reduces exposure to dust and humidity. As previously mentioned, humidity is detrimental to stored items because it causes mold to grow and spread. However, airtight lids will keep the humidity out of the plastic bin, constantly protecting the stored items inside. 

If you’re intending on storing any furniture or mattresses then covers, bags, and plastic wraps are the way to go for added protection. These types of protection keep dust, moisture, and pests off the items, protecting their integrity throughout storage. 

Tip 4: Elevate Your Items

It may not seem obvious at first, but storing your items on the ground itself can have consequences. Getting items off the ground helps prevent the items from being exposed to colder or warmer temperatures since the ground can amplify outside temperatures. If there are any temperature-sensitive items then they are more prone to damages being stored on the bare ground. Additionally, in the event of an unpredicted flash flood or leak, the items are protected from water damage. 

Finally, keeping items off the ground promotes better airflow among the entire storage unit. Getting air to flow from the top and bottom will create more dry conditions which is ultimately the goal for storage. Shelving units are a great way to keep items off the floor because they allow you to take advantage of vertical storage, maximizing your unit’s capacity. However, shelves can be expensive, so another option to consider are wood pallets.

Tip 5: Control the Climate

Of course opting for a heated storage unit is the ideal way to manage the internal climate. However, not every size of storage unit is always available with a heated configuration or all of the heated units might be occupied. No matter if you need a heated storage unit or not, the storage unit will still need some climate control precautions put in place. Even if your stored items aren’t prone to deterioration in humid and fluctuating environments, you should still strive to organize items that allow airflow to the entire unit. 

Additionally, using silica gel packets or moisture absorbers in the unit is ideal for taking out the excess moisture in the air. If you’re concerned about odors wearing off onto your items then using charcoal deodorizers is recommended since they can generally pull most odors out of the air. A final tip would be to periodically stop by your storage unit and open it up to let the unit air out and check for any mold growth while you’re there. 

Tip 6: Keep Pests Out

Next to moisture, there’s few more detrimental things that can affect a stored item than pests. ABC Mini Storage and other similar facilities receive regular pest control treatments around the property, however, pest control does not mean complete elimination. Additionally, pest control treatments around the facility can only do so much if hidden pests are already on your items when you move into storage. This is another reason supporting wiping down items before placing them into storage so you can get a quick inspection and knock away any pests trying to hitch a ride. 

Using sealed containers, furniture covers, and plastic wrap will help keep pest off items, preventing them from laying eggs or eating away the materials. Another reason to use plastic bins instead of cardboard is because certain pests like certain beetles, cockroaches, crickets, and rodents can eat through cardboard. If you’re storing any scented items like candles then it’s recommended they be in an airtight container to keep pests from picking up the scent. 

Tip 7: Visit and Inspect Regularly

Finally, no matter how long you plan on storing your items away, you should still set a regular schedule to check on them. Simply checking on your storage unit once or twice a month is all that’s needed to give your items a quick inspection. 

When checking on your items look for signs of mold growth, pest activity, unusual odors, or any leaks. Additionally, reorganizing or rotating items around will improve airflow and allow you to inspect each item methodically. 

Maintaining a healthy storage unit only requires a few additional steps that will pay off in dividends down the line. Many people share the expectations of, “set it and forget it,” but this can cause more damage than good down the line if the items are subject to harsh conditions. Following these few steps will help safeguard your stored items and ensure you leave with a positive experience. 

When you’re looking for your next storage unit check out ABC Mini Storage Pacific. The ABC Mini Storage can help guide you through the process of securing the right size storage unit for your items. Additionally, the team can assist with helping you through the steps of protecting your items as they sit in storage.