Is Your Storage Unit Humidity-Ready? A Pre-Move Checklist

Choose the right unit

• Find a facility that offers climate-controlled units.
• Ask about the consistent temperature standards.
• Ask how humidity levels are monitored and managed. 
• Check out a unit and look for any signs of moisture such as a smell or water stains.

Know what you’re storing

• Do you have any wood furniture? 
• What type of clothing/fabrics or special linens do you need to store? 
• Will you have to think about electronics or appliances? Make sure batteries are removed before storing.
• Are you storing documents, paperwork or financial records? If you don’t need to store them, can they be shredded? 
• Do you have unprotected photographs, perhaps in a shoebox? Put them into a photo album and then into a plastic bin for better safekeeping.
• Are you storing artwork? 
• Do you have musical instruments to store?
• Do you have leather goods like jackets, a couch or even a purse? 
• Are there antiques with any special storage requirements to consider?

Pack

• Plastic bins should be used over cardboard boxes.
• Take apart large furniture first, then wrap the pieces in breathable fabric covers.
• While you might think plastic is good here, it can actually trap moisture. 
• Use acid-free tissue paper for photographs, documents and paper items.
• Securely wrap anything fragile with bubble wrap before putting it in a bin.

Set up your unit

• Elevate all boxes and furniture off the floor using pallets or shelving.
• Pull boxes and furniture away from the walls.
• Leave breathing room between items so air can circulate throughout the unit.
• Place heavier items on the bottom; fragile items on the top.
• Store items you may need to access more frequently near the front of the unit.

Add an extra layer of protection

• Place desiccant packs or moisture-absorbing crystals inside the unit or into boxes containing photographs, documents or electronics.
• Set a reminder to check on your unit every few months and watch out for any smells, stains, rust or warping. 
• Open boxes periodically to let air circulate and inspect items.

Need a climate-controlled unit?

Guardian Storage offers climate-controlled units across Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Colorado with teams ready to help you find the right fit for what you’re storing. Reserve your unit at guardianstorage.com.