Renting a storage unit is a great way to have a safe place to store your belongings. You can get different types of storage units. As well as different sizes. So, you are free to choose the specs and the size that you need. But when you want to store your belongings in a storage unit for longer periods of time you need to take good care of it. One of the main things that you need to do is to protect your storage from mold. It can be devastating to your items. So, you need to be very careful and check your storage unit regularly. Here are some of the ways in which you can ensure that your unit is mold-free.

Control humidity to protect your storage from mold

Controlling mold in your storage unit essentially means controlling the humidity in it. The mold needs humidity to grow. Humidity, in short, is the amount of water vapor present inside the storage unit. But, it’s not the kind of vapor that you see when you boil something. You won’t be able to see it with a naked eye. So, no matter how you use your storage, by keeping relative humidity low, you can protect your storage from mold.

There are several ways in which you can achieve this. And it depends on the type of storage unit that you are renting. From putting silica gel packs all over the place to getting a climate-controlled storage unit. So, you have options. But before you start thinking about controlling the humidity, you need to measure it.

How to measure relative humidity in a storage unit?

Relative humidity inside a storage unit should be kept between 30% and 50%. It should never exceed 50%, otherwise, the mold will start to appear. So, how do you control something that you can’t see? There are a few different ways in which you can measure the relative humidity and protect your storage from mold. The first is to have an expert come to your storage unit and measure it. You will get a very precise result, as well as some other useful info. But every visit from an expert costs money. And you will need to check your humidity regularly. So, the second option is to install a relative humidity gauge. The device will monitor humidity levels and you will have a clear picture of what you are dealing with.

Inspect your storage unit

One of the first things you should do, no matter what the humidity level is, is to inspect your storage unit for mold. The air might be dry now, but mold can persist for quite some time. So give it a good visual inspection. Pay close attention to corners and near the entrance. And once you are sure that there is no mold, you can proceed with filling the unit with your items. But, if you find the mold you need to act. The best way to get rid of it is to call a professional crew. You can try to do it yourself, but the professional will certainly do a much thorough job at removing it.

Pick a good storage unit

One of the best ways to protect your storage from mold is to not let it develop in the first place. That’s why you should choose only quality and resilient storage units Ontario. Look for reputable companies that have a good track record when it comes to storage. Those companies also offer climate-controlled storage units. These storage units offer the best protection from mold, as well as for your more sensitive items.

Make sure your items are dry when you store them

After you have checked your storage unit and concluded that it’s mold-free you should try and keep it that way. So, when you store your belongings inside it, you should make sure that they are completely dry. As already mentioned, water and mold go hand in hand. So, in order to protect your storage from mold you need to dry all of the items that you plan on storing. And if you are sharing the storage unit with a friend, make sure they know it too. Just one wet item can cause the whole unit to start developing mold. And it will cost you another visit from the professional mold cleaners.

Be careful when transporting items

Even if you have dried your belongings beforehand, they can still get wet on the way to your storage unit. So make sure to hire only expert moving companies Ontario. They know how to handle items and keep them dry even during the winter. That way, all the effort you put into drying your items won’t go to waste. And your storage unit will remain mold-free.

Control the humidity level in your unit

As already mentioned, the best way to protect your storage unit from mold is to rent a climate-controlled storage unit. That way you will be certain that both the humidity levels and air temperature at kept at near constant levels. But if you are not ready to pay a higher price such a unit, there are some other options for controlling the relative humidity. Some of the ways to control humidity in the storage unit are:

• Installing a vapor barrier – a polyethylene plastic or foil that you place on the warm wall of your storage unit. It blocks the moisture from entering your unit from the outside
• Using silica gel packs – like the ones that come with shoes, just bigger. They dry up the air keeping the humidity low. It will certainly help protect your storage from mold. You can buy them in your local hardware stores.
• Using charcoal – a more natural moisture absorbent. It will protect your unit from getting too humid, as well as remove unpleasant odors.

Protect your belongings

No matter what measures you take to protect your storage unit from mold, it can still appear. Keeping your storage unit clean and tidy isn’t always enough. So, if you are not planning on visiting your unit very often you need to protect your items. One of the ways to do so is to raise everything from the ground. Putting your belongings directly on the ground can not only damage them but also cause condensation. Which, in turn, will lead to mold on both your items and in your storage unit. And make sure you wrap your items in blankets or plastic foil to protect them from moisture.