Whether you’re decluttering, moving house or keeping business stock on hand, a little planning before you pack makes a big difference to what comes out the other end.
The good news is that preventing mold and moisture damage is mostly about habits rather than expensive equipment. Here’s what to focus on.
Does Mold Love Storage Space
Mushrooms need three things to grow: moisture, warmth and organic food. Fabric, wood, cardboard, paper and leather all qualify. When things are packed tightly together and left undisturbed for months, the trapped moisture can’t go anywhere. The change in temperature between day and night can also cause condensation on cooler surfaces, exacerbating the problem.
In other words, the condition of your box is as important as the condition of the unit.
Start With Clean Stuff, Finish Dry
The most important step is to make sure everything is clean and dry before storing. This sounds obvious, but that’s where most of the problems start.
Wash and dry clothes, linens and curtains. Dry the furniture and let it air out for a day or two. Defrost and dry the refrigerator and freezer thoroughly, then prop the door slightly open to allow air to circulate. Clean outdoor equipment such as tents, camping chairs and bicycles, because dirt and grass residue retain moisture and give the fungus a head start.
If you’ve been caught on a rainy moving day, resist the urge to load the wet items directly into the unit. A few extra hours of drying time can save you a lot of heartache later.
Pack Smart Let Your Stuff Breathe
The way you pack has a direct effect on airflow. A few simple options will help you maintain moisture:
- Use good quality cardboard boxes or breathable fabric bags instead of sealed plastic for clothes and linens.
- Do not wrap furniture tightly in plastic; use cotton sheets or furniture blankets instead.
- Lift items off the floor using pallets or wooden slats to allow air to move underneath.
- Leave a small gap between your belongings and the wall of the unit.
- Add moisture absorbent or silica gel sachets to boxes containing books, documents, leather and electronics.
- Label boxes clearly so you can find items without unpacking everything on each visit.
Plastic tubs have their place, especially for things that aren’t sensitive to moisture or need protection from dust. Make sure that whatever is inside is dry, as a sealed container will retain any moisture that may be present.
Choose the Right Storage Facility
Not all storage is created equal. Well-maintained, weatherproof units with solid doors and seals provide a strong first line of defense against Auckland’s wet weather. Security is also important, as facilities with access control and good CCTV means you can visit regularly without worrying about your belongings.
For Aucklanders looking for a convenient option, the Safestore Onehunga branch offers secure, weatherproof units in a range of sizes, from small spaces suitable for one-bedroom apartments to large units that house the contents of a family home. With drive-up access and full access hours seven days a week, it’s easy to pop in, check out items and let some fresh air through.
Choosing the right unit of measure also helps. Cram everything into a very small space leaving no room for air flow, while a slightly larger unit allows you to create sidewalks and keep things spaced out.
Check Regularly
Storage is not entirely set and forget. Visiting every month or two allows you to spot early warning signs before they spread. Look for musty smells, water marks on tiles, condensation on surfaces or discoloration in fabrics and wood.
If you find a problem, act quickly. Remove affected items, dry in the sun if possible, and replace with saturated moisture absorbents. Opening the door briefly on a dry, windy day can also help freshen the air in your unit.
Be Extra Careful With Valuables
Some items have special attention. Important documents and photos are best stored in archival quality boxes with silica gel. The bed should be kept flat or on its side under a breathable cover. Electronics should be packed in the original box if possible, with cables removed and stored separately. Musical instruments, artwork and antiques may need extra cushioning and should not sit directly on the floor.
A final thought
Preventing mold and moisture damage comes down to a simple formula: keep items clean and dry, pack for air flow, choose quality facilities and check on a regular basis. With these habits, your items will come out of storage in the same condition, no matter what the Auckland weather is like.
This article was written in partnership with Safestore Containers, offering secure self storage solutions for households and businesses in Auckland.