You’ve trusted a storage unit to keep your big-ticket furniture, important documents, and precious mementos safe. While looming threats like theft may be on the brain, it’s possible you’ve overlooked the most unsuspecting threat of all: extreme heat.
During the summer, the scorching heat can drastically increase the temperature inside your storage unit, potentially damaging your property. In fact, temperatures inside non-climatized storage units can reach 30 degrees higher than the outside temperature (on average).
These extreme temperatures can lead to warping, breaking, rusting, or even melting.
Fear not. There are ways to protect your personal belongings in the sizzling summer months. From controlling moisture to using proper packaging techniques, there are several precautions you can take to prepare your storage unit for hot weather and protect your property (without forking over the extra $ for a costly climate-controlled unit)
Understanding Summer Storage Unit Temperatures
Summer heat can be relentless, and storage units are no exception. Temperatures in a non-climate-controlled storage unit can reach 30 degrees higher than the outside temperature, with the lack of trees or surrounding metal and concrete only exacerbating the issue.
Climate-controlled units address this problem by regulating the temperature inside the storage unit, but not everyone has access to climate-controlled units, making it important to take precautions to safeguard your belongings against the heat.
What Factors Affect Storage Unit Temperatures?
Several elements influence storage unit temperatures. Your storage options’ location plays a major role in this, as a storage unit in Phoenix is likely to experience higher temperatures during the summer than one in the Midwest.
Other factors, such as humidity levels, airflow, and ventilation, and whether the self-storage unit is climate-controlled, also significantly impact interior temperatures. Inadequate ventilation and high humidity can lead to condensation, mold, and mildew growth.
Are Climate-Controlled Storage Units Necessary in the Summer?
Climate-controlled units offer numerous advantages over standard storage facilities, such as maintaining steady temperatures and humidity levels indoors, but is climatized storage really necessary?
These climate-controlled units provide an extended period of protection for your possessions against extreme temperatures, safeguarding them from the adverse effects of heat and humidity. Temperature, air conditioning, and humidity levels can be monitored and adjusted as needed, ensuring that your items remain in optimal condition.
But while these advantages offer an effective solution to the challenges presented by high temperatures, there are other ways to protect your items during the summer without incurring additional costs.
Ways to Prepare Your Storage Unit for Hot Weather (Without Climate-Controlled Storage)
Now that you’re aware of the risks associated with hot weather and the best practices for storing items during the summer months, it’s time to prepare your self-storage unit for the sweltering heat. By taking the necessary precautions, you can keep your possessions safe and secure all summer long.
Identify Heat-Sensitive Items
If you’re concerned about rising temperatures, start by identifying heat-sensitive items in your storage unit. High temperatures likely won’t pose a risk to all of your belongings, but certain items are particularly susceptible to damage due to high heat.
Heat-sensitive items, such as electronics, artwork, collectibles, and clothing, are very vulnerable when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Plastic, paper, leather, metal, wood, and wicker items can also be easily damaged due to extreme heat exposure.
Employ Proper Packing Techniques
During seasons of scorching hot weather, the last thing you’ll want to do is spend prolonged periods of time rummaging through a stuffy storage unit with triple-digit temperatures. Efficient packing methods are crucial for reducing the time spent inside the storage unit during hot weather. Opt for suitable packing materials such as cardboard boxes, plastic bins, and bubble wrap, and ensure that all items are clean and dry before storing them. Label all boxes, use airtight containers, and always avoid storing or packing items too tightly to allow for proper air circulation.
These packing techniques will help protect your belongings from the damaging effects of heat and humidity.
Optimize Ventilation and Air Circulation
Inadequate ventilation and air circulation can result in elevated temperatures and humidity levels, potentially causing damage to your belongings and facilitating the growth of mold and mildew. As a result, proper ventilation and air circulation are essential in storage units to regulate temperature and humidity levels, preventing damage to stored items.
You can maintain adequate ventilation and airflow in storage units can by utilizing fans, opening windows, and incorporating vents or air conditioners.
Prioritize Moisture Control
Controlling moisture in your storage unit during periods of hot weather is essential for preventing damage to your belongings. Utilize dehumidifiers, moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel, and airtight containers to regulate moisture levels in your storage unit during bouts of warm weather.
You should also wash clothing, blankets, and towels before storage to prevent mildew or mold growth. By taking these measures, you can ensure the safety and longevity of your stored items during hot and cold weather both.
Final Thoughts
Taking precautions to prepare your storage unit for the summer is essential for preventing damage to your belongings, but just as important is finding a trustworthy and reliable storage solution that meets your needs.
If you’re in the market for a climate-controlled space or standard indoor storage units, consider searching Neighbor for nearby climate-controlled storage solutions, or contact local storage facilities to request a free quote.
