Summer Storage Tips: Protecting Your Belongings from Heat and Humidity
With the summer heat setting in across Alberta, it’s crucial to protect your belongings from the damaging effects of heat and humidity. Whether you’re looking for temporary storage during a move or need a long-term solution, these practical tips will ensure that your possessions remain safe and in pristine condition. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of insulated storage units and provide additional advice for maintaining your items in non-climate-controlled environments.
Understanding the Impact of Heat and Humidity
Extreme temperatures and high humidity can harm various types of items. Here’s what might happen:
• Warping and Cracking: Wood and leather items can warp, crack, or become dry.
• Mold and Mildew: Fabrics, paper, and other organic materials are susceptible to mold and mildew.
• Electronics: Heat can cause internal components to malfunction or degrade.
• Metal: Humidity can lead to rust and corrosion on metal surfaces.
Choosing Well-Built, Insulated Storage Units
At Legal Self Storage, our insulated storage units are designed to minimize moisture and reduce temperature fluctuations, providing superior protection against the elements compared to standard units:
• Insulation: Our units are constructed with high-quality insulation materials that help stabilize internal conditions, reducing the risk of moisture accumulation and extreme temperature changes.
Tips for Protecting Items in Insulated Units
Even in insulated units, taking additional precautions can enhance the safety of your stored items:
1. Desiccants: Place silica gel packs or other moisture absorbers inside your storage unit to help control humidity levels.
2. Ventilation: Ensure good airflow around your items. Avoid packing boxes too tightly; leave spaces between them to facilitate air circulation.
3. Elevate Items: Keep items off the floor by placing them on pallets or shelves, which helps prevent moisture damage from ground-level humidity.
4. Protective Covers: Use breathable fabric covers for furniture and other sensitive items. Plastic covers can trap moisture and encourage mold growth, so they are best avoided.
Items to Avoid Storing in Non-Climate-Controlled Units
Some items are particularly sensitive to heat and humidity. To avoid damage, consider not storing the following in non-climate-controlled environments:
• High-End Wood Furniture: Antique or high-quality wood pieces can suffer from warping and cracking.
• Antiques and Fine Arts: These items can be highly sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
• Electronics: High-value electronics or those without proper packaging should be stored in climate-controlled environments.
• Photographs and Documents: Important papers and photos can develop mold or become otherwise damaged from moisture. Store them in acid-free containers and avoid plastic sleeves.
Additional Tips for Specific Items
• Furniture: Disassemble larger pieces if possible and wrap them in breathable materials.
• Clothing: Ensure all clothing is clean and dry before storage. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging garments to avoid creases and mildew.
• Books: Keep books in plastic bins with desiccants to protect against mold and mildew.
Safeguarding your belongings from the summer’s heat and humidity in Legal, Alberta, requires thoughtful preparation and the right storage solutions. While our insulated units at Legal Self Storage offer enhanced protection, implementing additional measures like using desiccants, ensuring ventilation, and choosing suitable coverings will further safeguard your possessions. Investing in proper storage practices now can prevent costly repairs and replacements later.
For more information on our insulated storage units or to receive personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact us. Legal Self Storage is here to help you find the best storage solutions for your needs.
Contact Information:
• Phone: 780-961-4050
• Email: info@legalselfstorage.com
• Website: legalselfstorage.com
Stay cool and protect your belongings this summer with expert storage tips from Legal Self Storage!