There’s a quick and easy answer. Instead of renting storage space and going through the hassles of having to drive to get to it, put up a Miracle Truss ® metal storage shed on your own property. Why throw away money on rent, when you can own the best solution for your storage needs?
Okay, that’s not always possible—even if it is the best approach. Here’s how to keep your belongings safe from damage in a self-storage rental unit.
What Can You Control?
Not all self-storage units are climate controlled. In fact, that often increases the monthly rental price. Chose this option if it’s offered. Check to make sure, but usually you can expect these climate-controlled units to keep the humidity level below 50%. This will prevent mildew, mold, wood rot, and rust.
If you’re not lucky enough to find a climate-controlled self-storage unit nearby, you’ll have to take some extra steps to keep your belongings safe from the things mentioned above that are kept at bay otherwise.
Before you accept the unit, check the floor for cracks and water spots that would suggest either ceiling leaks or water that seeps in from below. The last thing you want is to expose the things you’re storing to water.
Protect Before You Store
You might be satisfied that the unit is free of leaks, but it’s still wise to play it safe. Cover and protect your stored belongings before you put them into the storage unit. Wrap furniture and mattresses with furniture blankets, and then cover them with plastic as a moisture barrier.
Do you plan to store clothes? Take them to a professional cleaner first. Your clothes will be placed in plastic, which will help to protect them. Then head to a store that sells moving boxes. Invest in the inexpensive price to buy a wardrobe box. Your clothes will hang in these boxes as if they were in your closet.
Skip the BBQ Sauce…
But buy a bag of charcoal briquettes. Snag a couple of inexpensive buckets or disposable containers while you’re at it. Then put the charcoal in the buckets and place them in your storage container. The charcoal will act as a desiccant, helping to absorb moisture and the musty odor that seems to always be found at self-storage locations.
Replace the charcoal every 2 months or so.
We’re in the business of helping people create their own solutions for storing all kinds of things—from motorhomes to mother-in-laws (by giving her an extra bedroom in one of our DIY cabins, of course!). So, we’d prefer that you contact us to find out how we can help you create storage space on your own property.
Meanwhile, your belongings stand a better chance of staying in shape if you follow these tips.
