How to Prepare and Protect Your Storage Unit for Hot Weather

Maybe you live in a climate known for year-round warm weather, or perhaps the forecast is predicting unusually high temperatures for the summer. But even if you’re currently sitting through a blizzard and warm weather is the last thing on your mind, you should always consider warm temperatures when it comes to storing your items. After all, extreme temperatures won’t do any favors for your belongings!

Because taking precautions is the best way to keep your belongings in tip-top shape, we’ve created this handy guide about how to protect items in storage units. We give you the scoop on everything, from what to avoid storing to when to consider climate-controlled self-storage options.

Follow our tips so you’re prepared when the mercury starts to rise!

Storage Unit Temperatures

For starters, how hot does a storage unit get? It depends. The inside of a non-climate-controlled unit can reach temperatures that are 30 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Those storage temperatures can creep even higher if there are no trees around your storage unit or if the space is surrounded by metal or concrete.

Consider What Items You Want to Store

Some things fare better than others in a warm environment. For example, items made from stainless steel, glass, and fabric tend to do OK even in extreme temperatures, so you do not have to worry as much about them in a traditional storage unit. However, items that contain plastic, paper, leather, metal, wood, and wicker are at a higher risk when exposed to heat.

Toasty storage temperatures can warp, crack, rust, damage, and melt some materials, while direct sunlight can fade and discolor paper and certain fabrics. Add in high humidity and potential dampness, and you might face mold and mildew problems, too.

The following are some items that can be damaged when exposed to extreme temperatures:

• Antique furniture
• Leather furniture
• Electronics, including CDs and vinyl records
• Instruments
• Artwork
• Photographs and important documents
• Collectibles like baseball cards or comic books
• Makeup and toiletries

Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Units

While you can’t control the weather, storage units can! If you want some extra peace and of mind when it comes to hot weather storage, consider renting a climate-controlled self-storage unit, which also doubles as humidity-controlled storage. This option is the number one way to help protect your items against extreme temperatures in storage.

These indoor storage units are designed to maintain steady temperatures and humidity levels. Temperatures in these units usually range between 55 and 85 degrees, much lower than the scorching elements outside.

If you’re interested in climate-controlled and humidity-controlled storage, check out the options at Stor-It. All of our facilities feature on-site managers who are ready to answer all your questions, particularly those involving how to protect your items in storage units during warm weather.

Still on the fence about whether to go this route or not? Ask yourself these questions about your items:

• Are my items irreplaceable?
• Will sun or heat exposure potentially damage my belongings?
• Is there a chance that my items might grow mold?
• Do my belongings have special sentimental value?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, you might want to explore climate-controlled units.

Hot Weather RV Storage

You may also find yourself interested in hot weather RV storage. After all, how do you protect your RV, boat, and other recreational vehicles when the temperatures start to rise? If you plan to take advantage of on-site RV storage, look for storage facilities with covered parking spaces so your vehicle is not in direct sunlight. It’s also a good idea to lock and seal all windows and doors to prevent humidity from seeping in; you can place a cover over the RV, too.

Select Stor-It locations offer covered parking spaces for RVs and boats. Contact your local facility and inquire about warm weather storage options for your recreational vehicles.

Additional Ways to Protect Your Items

Aside from renting climate-controlled storage units or spaces with overhead coverage, there are a few other ways to protect your items when the temperatures warm up.

For instance, if you’re considering placing your TV in a storage unit in hot weather, you may want to pick up desiccant pouches (the silicon pouches you often find in electronic packaging or new shoes) and place them in the box with your TV. These pouches will absorb excess water in the air, which can help prevent your electronics and other items. You can also place bowls of kitty litter or baking soda to further combat mold and mildew.

Another tip is to wash all clothing, blankets, and towels before storing them. While items made from these materials tend to do fine in high temperatures, they could grow mildew or mold in hot weather if any stains or soils are left on them.

Tips for Moving When It’s Hot

Once you have made the appropriate storage decisions and reservations for your belongings, be prepared for moving day, especially if it’s going to be warm outside.

Above all, look after yourself and your movers. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen and a hat when moving your items to avoid dehydration and too much sun exposure. Remember to take breaks and don’t overexert yourself. It’s a good idea to set up a shady station where everyone can rest and rehydrate.

As for your items, do not keep your belongings baking in a hot car, van, or moving truck. Even if it’s sunny and 70 degrees outside, the temperature inside your car can easily climb to well over 100 degrees in just 30 minutes. To avoid sun and heat damage, don’t let your items sit in your vehicle for hours on end, and be sure to drive with the air conditioning on or the windows down.

Learn More About Stor-It

At Stor-It, we are your one-stop-shop for all your storage needs in Idaho. We are the largest and oldest storage company in the Gem State, and we know storage inside and out. We provide you with all the information you need, from packing tips to tricks for properly storing electronics. What’s more, we provide an insurance program that you can join for extra coverage. Whether you are interested in short-term or long-term storage options, allow us to help. Summer temperatures are on their way; contact us for more information and reserve your unit today!