How to Use Self Storage During Summer

Thinking about renting storage for the summer? Whether you're storing seasonal gear, protecting items sensitive to heat, or decluttering at home, self storage is a great solution. Follow these 12 summer storage tips to keep your belongings safe and organized!

Reserve Your Unit Early

One of the best tips for self storage during summer is to plan in advance! Summer is peak moving season, making it one of the busiest times for storage facilities. Demand for storage units also increases as homeowners start home renovations, prepare for house showings, or need short-term storage while moving. College students returning home or studying abroad also require space for dorm room essentials, while others use storage for seasonal items like winter clothes and holiday decorations. With so many reasons for renting storage, units fill up quickly during the summer months-reserving early ensures you get the unit size and storage features you need before availability runs out!

Choose the Right Storage Features

Summer conditions call for specific storage amenities, so you'll want to find an appropriate seasonal storage option to help protect your items from the heat of summer. Choose the right size storage unit unit to ensure proper airflow. Opt for a climate-controlled storage unit -and consider air-cooled storage and dehumidified storage-to help protect heat-sensitive items from hot weather and humidity. For easy access, consider a facility with drive-up units and indoor access. Check for extended access hours or 24-hour storage so you can visit your unit early in the morning or late at night to avoid the heat of the day while loading and unloading-or look out for covered drive aisles that provide shade for you. And no matter what you're storing, prioritize renting storage with high-quality security features for peace of mind.

Store Temperature-Sensitive Items Properly

Many items commonly stored over the summer-such as recreational equipment, winter clothes, and more-are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat and humidity. To keep your belongings in top condition no matter the weather outside, consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit. Here are some items that may benefit from climate-controlled self storage during the summer:

• Antiques & art
• Books & magazines
• Carpet & rugs
• Cars
• Clothing
• Collectibles
• College students' belongings
• Electronics (e.g., computers, gaming consoles, TVs, etc.)
• Furniture
• Holiday decor
• Mattresses and bedding
• Musical instruments
• Recreational equipment (e.g., winter camping gear, skis, sleds, snowboards, etc.)
• Snowblowers
• Wine

Clean & Prepare Items Before Storing

Before placing items in storage, ensure they're in good shape, clean, and completely dry. This is especially important for outdoor gear like pool accessories and camping equipment, as any moisture left on items can contribute to mold or mildew in a warm storage unit. Plus, dust or debris can cause surface damage over time. Consider wiping items with a gentle cleaner, then allowing them to air dry before packing them away.

Use Airtight Containers

It's best to store your items in sturdy, airtight storage bins instead of cardboard boxes. As opposed to cardboard, plastic containers offer better protection from moisture and humidity, and are less likely to degrade over time. And while most self storage facilities have pest control measures in place, using airtight containers adds an additional safeguard for your belongings. Not to mention, using clear storage bins makes it easier for you to see the items stored inside and retrieve them when needed!

Cover Larger Items

For furniture, mattresses, and other large belongings that don't fit in plastic containers, opt to use fabric covers instead. Breathable materials like cotton sheets or canvas covers help protect against dust and scratches while allowing proper air circulation. Avoid using plastic tarps, as they can trap moisture and cause condensation buildup, potentially leading to mildew growth and other damage.

Elevate Belongings to Avoid Damage

Summer storms and high humidity can introduce unexpected moisture into storage spaces. To protect your belongings, keep them elevated using sturdy shelving, wooden pallets, or bricks to improve airflow and reduce direct contact with the floor. This is especially important for items like mattresses, furniture, and cardboard boxes, which can absorb moisture and deteriorate over time.

Reduce Humidity with Moisture Absorbers

While you can take advantage of various types of climate-controlled storage, including humidity-controlled storage, investing in moisture absorbers is another step you can take to reduce humidity in your unit and further protect your belongings. Place moisture absorbers or silica gel packets inside your storage containers. Consider using a small dehumidifier to maintain optimal conditions if your summer storage unit is in an area with high humidity and has electrical access. These moisture-reduction efforts can help protect your unit from mold, mildew, and other water damage.

Keep Your Storage Unit Organized

An organized unit makes it easier to find what you need. Place frequently-used items near the front so you can grab them and get out of the heat faster. Organizing a storage unit based on season can be helpful. For example, keep summer essentials like kayaks, camping gear, and golf clubs most easily accessible, with fall-time items placed directly behind, and so on. Stack heavier bins on the bottom to prevent crushing delicate belongings. Label containers clearly, group similar items together, and create an inventory list or map to quickly locate what you need. If you're using your unit for student storage, this can also make retrieving belongings before moving back to your dorm more convenient. Just don't forget to leave an aisle open for walking so you can access your entire unit with ease!

Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer Storage

When storing your car during the summer months, preparing your vehicle is important to help keep it in great condition. High temperatures and humidity can lead to tire damage, battery drain, and even interior fading. To prepare your vehicle for summer storage, start by giving any motorcycles, cars, boats, RVs, or small vehicles like snowmobiles a thorough cleaning to prevent dirt and debris from causing long-term damage. Top off fluids, add a fuel stabilizer, and disconnect the battery to help maintain performance while in storage. If possible, use a breathable car cover for extra protection against dust and moisture. For the best results, consider covered or enclosed storage to shield your vehicle from the summer sun.

Visit Your Unit Regularly

Checking on your storage unit throughout the summer is a simple way to ensure your belongings stay in great condition. High temperatures, humidity, and summer storms can create unexpected issues like moisture buildup, pests, or warped or discolored items. By stopping by your unit regularly, you can catch and address potential problems early-whether it's adjusting airflow, replacing moisture absorbers, or reorganizing stored items to prevent damage.

Even when following the best storage practices, unexpected events like extreme heat, storms, or humidity can still pose risks to your belongings. Investing in self storage insurance provides an added layer of protection and peace of mind, covering potential damage from unforeseen circumstances. Many storage facilities require some form of insurance, and some even offer affordable plans for added convenience. Whether you're storing furniture, electronics, or a vehicle, acquiring storage insurance coverage ensures you're financially protected in case of damage or loss.

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Looking for summer storage solutions? Extra Space Storage offers affordable self storage units at conveniently located facilities across the U.S. Find climate-controlled storage near you today!