Best Practices For Protecting Your Belongings In Self-Storage
When placing your belongings in self-storage, you are responsible for what happens to your belongings. It is true that a storage unit company is responsible for keeping intruders from getting inside the facility, but any mishaps that might damage your property are your responsibility. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can reduce the risk that damage will be done to you property.
Keeping Belongings Off The Floor
It is essential that you keep your belongings off the floor when using self-storage, especially if your belongings are on the first floor. Floods or melting snow can cause water to come in contact with belongings on the floor. The best way to keep your belongings off the floor is with pallets. These are sturdy, wooden structures that will keep your belongings off the ground and also have the strength to carry a lot of weight. Another benefit of keeping belongings off the floor with pallets is that they will be less accessible to pests. Most storage units will have a slope that travels toward a drain to protect belongings from moisture,but this is not always a guarantee. Another option is to ask if the storage unit has pallet storage options.
Wrapping Your Belongings
Always wrap your belongings in industrial wrap if they are not vulnerable to humidity. This will provide an extra layer of protection and will keep pests from getting inside. Even if your belongings are durable and not vulnerable to pests, it can simply be unpleasant to go to get your belongings and discover dead bugs. For belongings that are vulnerable to humidity, make sure that they are stored in containers that are well-insulated against humidity.
Guarding Against Humidity
There are some belongings that are vulnerable to heat and cold. Make sure to purchase wrapping materials that can keep your belongings warm in the winter. This is especially important for electronics, which can be damaged both by cold and by the moisture that is created through condensation. Fortunately, there are some self storage units that are designed to accommodate for climate control needs. Ask your storage company about the humidity levels. They will need to be below 50% in order to adequately protect against humidity. However, even if they protect against humidity, if you store something that is damp, such as a recently used surfboard, the humidity might damage you other belongings. So make sure anything you store is already dry.