6 Ways to Protect Your Self-Storage Belongings During Hot Summer Months
Summer heat can be great for backyard barbecues and playing on the lake, but it can also pose serious risks to some of the items people store in self-storage units.
At Towne Storage, we want to help you make sure your belongings stay in great shape—no matter how high the mercury climbs. Whether you’re storing household goods, business inventory, or personal keepsakes, here are 6 tips to protect your items during the hottest months of the year.
- Opt for a Climate-Controlled Unit
Let’s start with the most effective and often overlooked option: opting for a climate-controlled storage unit. These units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level year-round, making them ideal for heat-sensitive items like electronics, wooden furniture, family heirlooms, musical instruments, vinyl records, photographs, and anything else that could warp, crack, or degrade in extreme conditions. If you’re storing anything you’d be uncomfortable leaving in a hot attic or garage, climate control is probably the way to go.
- Use Breathable Storage and Packing Materials
Avoid plastic bags and shrink wrap in the summer heat as they trap moisture and can cause mildew and mold to develop. Instead, opt for cotton sheets, canvas covers, or acid-free tissue paper. And cardboard boxes are fine for short-term storage, but for long-term use, consider plastic bins with rubber seals that allow for some airflow while also keeping dust out.
- Be Mindful About Which Items You Store and How
Not all items respond to heat the same way. Be especially mindful when packing:
- Electronics: Remove batteries, which can leak or corrode. Wrap electronic devices in anti-static bubble wrap and store them off the floor.
- Candles and wax items: Store these in sealed plastic containers and keep them in the lowest, coolest part of your unit.
- Photos and documents: Use archival-quality boxes or folders—and always keep them out of direct sunlight.
- Elevate Your Belongings
Heat rises, and the floor of your unit can get surprisingly warm—especially if it’s concrete. Using pallets, shelves, or even a layer of cardboard to elevate boxes and furniture a few inches off the ground allows for better air circulation and reduces heat transfer from the floor.
- Consider Using Moisture Absorbers
Even in dry climates, summer humidity can sneak into storage units. Pick up a few silica gel packets, moisture absorbers, or charcoal dehumidifiers and tuck them inside boxes and bins. This simple trick also helps reduce musty smells and discourages mold. Tucking fabric softener sheets into boxes of clothes or linens before placing them in storage can also help keep them smelling fresh—even in extreme heat.
- Check In Regularly
Make it a habit to stop by your unit at least once a month during the summer. Look for any signs of warping, mildew, or strange odors. A quick visual check can help you catch issues early and save your valuables from long-term damage.