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Effectively Using Storage During a Move


Important Tips On How To Prepare Your Storage Unit For Winter

Winter is already setting in across the country and this calls for proper storage of your items, especially those you will not be using for the next few months. If you have a self-storage unit, don't forget the items you have stored inside too. Proper winter storage is vital to ensure your items do not become damp, rotten, water logged or full of mold when you finally retrieve them. Read on to see some of the things you can do to prevent such damage in your storage unit:

Wrap your items with blankets not plastic

First it's important to keep your items safe from moisture. Although plastic covers or films are good barriers, they also tend to enclose any moisture present within the boxes/furniture/garments. A good alternative is to use storage blankets. These allow your items to breathe while insulating them from any moisture the air.

Use desiccant to reduce moisture inside the unit

Another great way to reduce moisture damage in your unit is to use desiccant material. Desiccants are commercially used when packing items such as clothing. You too can buy desiccant material such as silica gel. Buy several packs and place them around your unit. If the desiccant is packed airtight, make sure your open it up first so that it works. The desiccant material will then absorb moisture in your unit, keeping your items dry.

Keep your items from the floor to avoid rising damp

The other thing you should do is keep your items from the floor, especially if it's made of concrete. During winter, these floors will get very cold and moisture may rise and get your items. In other cases, the cold floor will cause condensation and this will increase moisture levels down there. This can cause damage to the bottom of your boxes, furniture or metallic items. Instead, spread a tarp or plastic sheeting on the floor. You can also lay down pallet boxes or timber railings – so long as you keep your items off the ground.

Make your unit uninhabitable to pests

Finally, remember pests will be seeking warmer indoor spaces during winter. Make sure they do not seek accommodation in your unit. First, do not leave any food in your unit. Two, spray pest repellents around your unit. You can even set several traps around your unit. Also make sure you have wrapped everything neatly to keep the pests and rodents out.

By doing the above, your items will be protected during the winter months and you won't count losses when you finally open your unit. Remember to also ask about temperature-controlled units. These regulate internal unit temperatures and are great for winter storage too. Contact a company like Melco Storage to learn more.

About Me

Effectively Using Storage During a Move

Hi, my name is Jean, and I have moved over 20 times in my life. Through those experiences, I have learned everything about packing, organising and using storage. If you want tips on how to effectively use a storage facility during your move, you have come to the right place. Please, take a look through these blog posts. They have tips on selecting storage, packaging your stuff, keeping your storage dry and safe, and much more. I plan to never move gain, but I am honored to get to share my knowledge and experiences with you. I hop you enjoy this blog!

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