Texas summers are brutal, and if you're storing belongings in a self-storage unit, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping everything in great shape. Whether you're a first-time renter or a long-time tenant at Magnolia Storage on FM 1488, these five tips will help protect your items from the heat and humidity.
Skip the newspaper — it yellows and transfers ink in the heat. Instead, use packing paper, bubble wrap, or cotton sheets to wrap fragile items. For furniture, breathable cotton moving blankets are better than plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and cause mold or mildew in humid conditions.
If you're storing electronics, keep them in their original boxes when possible. Otherwise, wrap them in anti-static bubble wrap and avoid stacking heavy items on top of them.
Place pallets, 2x4 lumber, or plastic bins on the ground first, then stack your belongings on top. This creates airflow underneath and protects against any moisture that might collect on the concrete floor during humid stretches.
This is especially important for upholstered furniture, mattresses, and cardboard boxes. Even a couple of inches of clearance can make a big difference when East Texas humidity is running at full blast.
It's tempting to pack your unit wall-to-wall, but leaving a few inches of space between your items and the walls allows air to circulate. This reduces the chance of mold and mildew, which thrive in stagnant, humid air.
A good rule of thumb: leave at least 3-4 inches between your belongings and the unit walls, and try to create a small aisle down the center so you can access items in the back without unpacking everything. With our drive-up units at Magnolia Storage, you can easily pull up and rearrange whenever you need to.
Toss a few moisture-absorbing products like DampRid or silica gel packets into your unit. These are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores, including the Home Depot right here on FM 1488. They'll help pull excess humidity out of the air, especially during those muggy June and July weeks when humidity levels can stay above 80% for days at a time.
For extra protection, consider placing a few packets inside boxes that contain leather goods, important documents, or photographs.
Certain items don't do well in high heat, regardless of what precautions you take. Candles will warp or melt. Vinyl records can warp. Certain medications lose effectiveness. Cosmetics and toiletries can break down. Chocolate and other food items are obviously out.
Photographs and important documents are also vulnerable — store these in sealed, waterproof containers rather than loose in cardboard boxes. If you have truly irreplaceable items like family photo albums or original legal documents, consider keeping those at home or in a safe deposit box.
One of the best things you can do during the summer months is simply stop by and check on your unit every few weeks. Open the door, let some fresh air in, and make sure everything looks the way you left it. At Magnolia Storage, we're open 24/7 with drive-up access, so it's easy to swing by on your way to HEB or while running errands on FM 1488.
If you're looking for affordable self storage in Magnolia, TX, we have small, medium, and large units starting at just $25 per month. Browse our available units and rent online at magnoliastoragetx.com, or call us at (832) 956-1639.
Stay cool out there, Magnolia. And keep your stuff cool, too.