Look, I’ll be straight with you. I used to work at one of those big storage places, the kind with the orange doors. I was the guy on the ground, the one who saw what really happened when the heavy rains came.
I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright soggy.
And let me tell you, the difference between a customer who opened their unit after a storm with a smile, and the one who opened it and burst into tears? It almost always came down to a few simple, almost stupidly easy, things they did—or didn’t do.
So, from my years of getting soaked while checking units, here’s the real deal on keeping your stuff dry.
Forget the Fancy Stuff, Start with the Floor
This is the biggest mistake I saw, over and over. People would pack their unit like pros, everything neat and tidy… and then plonk it all directly on the concrete floor.
Big mistake. Huge.
Concrete might look solid, but it’s a liar. It’s cold, and it sweats moisture like a glass of iced tea on a hot day. That dampness will creep right up into your boxes, your wooden furniture legs, everything. I’ve pulled up rugs that were moldy on the bottom because they were laid straight on the slab.
So, what’s the fix? It doesn’t have to be expensive
- Pallets are the undisputed champion. I can’t stress this enough. We had a stack of them in the back, and I became the “Pallet Pusher,” constantly telling customers to take a few. They create that crucial air gap. It’s like putting your stuff on a little island, safe from the damp.
- Shelving is even better. Those heavy-duty metal shelves from the hardware store? A total game-changer. It gets everything up and makes your life easier when you need to find something.
- Get janky if you have to. No pallets? Use a couple of 2x4s. Use cinder blocks. I once saw a guy use old milk crates. It looked weird, but it worked. Just create that barrier.
A Quick Story
I remember one guy, Mike. He stored his entire vintage record collection. Thousands of albums. He was meticulous about the records, but he just set the boxes on the floor. We had a really wet spring, and when he came in, the bottom few inches of every box were just… gone. Warped, moldy pulp. The heartbreak on his face was real. A couple of pallets would have saved it all. That image stuck with me.
Your Second Big Win: Ditch the Cardboard
I get it. Cardboard boxes are free. They’re easy. But in a storage unit, they’re basically fancy sponges waiting to happen.
Moisture in the air? They soak it up. A tiny trickle from under the door? They’ll wick it up like a straw. And if they get damp, they become a five-star hotel for mold and silverfish.
Do what the pros do. Spend the fifty bucks on a stack of those clear plastic totes with the yellow lids. You know the ones. They’re tough, they seal tight, and you can see what’s inside without writing a novel on the side of a box. It’s the cheapest insurance you’ll ever buy.
Be a Detective When You Choose a Unit
When you’re looking at a unit, don’t just glance and sign. Get nosy.
- Do the smell test. Seriously. Walk in and take a deep breath. Does it smell fresh and dry, or is there a weird, damp, mildewy smell? Your nose knows. If it smells like a basement, walk away.
- Check the door seal. That big rubber gasket around the door is your unit’s raincoat. Run your hand over it. Is it soft and pliable, or is it cracked and brittle? Make sure it looks like it will seal tight. Give the door a pull when it’s locked – you shouldn’t feel any major drafts.
- Look for the ghosts of leaks past. Get down and check the corners of the walls, especially the one opposite the door. See any rusty streaks, dark stains, or that white, powdery stuff (efflorescence)? That’s evidence of old water. Don’t take that unit.
This is where I can brag a little about the place I’m with now, Bristol VA Self Storage. We’re fanatical about this stuff. We’re constantly walking the property, checking seals, making sure the drainage is clear. It saves everyone a massive headache down the road.
When You Really Need to Go the Extra Mile
For some things, the basics aren’t enough. Your grandma’s photo albums, your kid’s baby clothes, a nice wooden dresser… for the irreplaceable stuff, you need to think about climate control.
It’s not just about air conditioning. It’s about keeping the humidity down. A climate-controlled unit keeps the air consistently dry, so moisture never gets a chance to settle on your stuff. No warping, no mold, no mildew. It’s peace of mind, bottled.
The Bottom Line
Look, at the end of the day, this isn’t about storing “stuff.” It’s about protecting your memories and the things you care about. A little bit of smart prep means you can sleep soundly while the rain is hammering on the roof, knowing that everything is safe and dry.
And if you’re ever unsure, just ask us. At Bristol VA Self Storage, we’ve seen it all and we’re happy to share what we know. Now go grab some pallets.
0 Comments