IMPORTANT
Rules for Good Storage
- Cold storage is subject to extreme seasonal temperature and humidity changes. DO NOT put humidity sensitive or absorbent materials directly on the concrete (Use Pallets) or tight to the walls. This will cut off circulation and your items will mold. (Examples: cardboard boxes, cloth material (couches, mattresses), wood furniture, etc.)
- Don’t use sealed plastic bags, as condensation within the bags will lead to mildew. Please use storage totes/bins.
- Apply an extra layer of polish to metal items, to prevent rust.
- DO NOT stack materials in a manner that could crush lower items. (Cardboard boxes are not designed to support loads & Cardboard will mold & wilt if unit becomes humid.) Use Storage Totes.
- When storing motorized items (i.e. a lawnmower, quad, snowmobile, or vehicle), place cardboard under the motor, so that any drips are absorbed by the cardboard to minimize the risk of damage to other items you have stored.
- Charcoal Briquettes, Dryer sheets, Mouse Traps, Mouse Poison should be placed in your unit to deter rodents. Please place dryer sheets among your cloth items (sponge or cloth seats, mattresses, cushions etc.)
- Place charcoal briquettes into vehicles to deter rodents & absorb moisture.
- When weather conditions are excessively wet & humid please place a fan in your unit to keep air moving. There are plug-ins located on the exterior of your unit for this purpose only.
The following homemade dehumidification methods will also help keep your unit dry:
Please place a container filled with a moisture absorbing product on the floor of your storage unit.
Suggested moisture absorbing products,
Commercial Products
There are many moisture-absorbing products sold at home centers such as calcium chloride, potassium chloride, silica gel, sodium chloride or a combination of ingredients intended to absorb excess moisture or humidity from the air. These products may be toxic; keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Calcium chloride (available at Ed’s Tire in Morden). Hang pellets in a pillow case or other porous bag. Put a large bucket or garbage can underneath to catch dripping water. Empty the water bucket regularly. Be careful. Calcium chloride can burn your skin. It will also make the air salty, so do not use this product near computers or other delicate equipment.
Charcoal Briquettes absorb water from the air. By placing a bucket of plain, inexpensive briquettes in your storage unit, you can reduce the humidity. You should replace the briquettes every 30 to 60 days to keep the air fresh and dry.
Kitty Litter made with clay – works well to absorb the humidity in a storage facility. Simply tear open a bag or open a bucket of kitty litter and place it in your unit. The clay will absorb the moisture in the air, keeping your possessions safe from mold and mildew.