Hello, my name is Pete Stone. Over the years, I have met a lot of interesting people and we have exchanged gifts. Many of these gifts are very unique and irreplaceable, with some being custom-made or created by the gift giver himself or herself. The problem is that I live in an apartment that is not very large. My only solution to this problem is to purchase storage space. There is an art to using a self-storage unit that I have discovered. With the right storage techniques, your belongings will last. Because I have learned so much, I have decided to create this blog to share my knowledge with anyone who needs it.
If you are scheduling a long distance move and have plenty of time to get your belongings packed and ready to go, then it may be in your best interest to rent and use a storage trailer or storage pod. These containers are conveniently dropped off at your home and then picked up and driven to your new home when you are ready. A semi or tractor trailer will complete the delivery for you. If you are preparing early for the move, then you should understand that mold and mildew can grow amongst your things if the pod sits on your property for months at a time. Keep reading to learn about some tips that will help to keep mold at bay.
Rent A Ventilated Pod
Most storage trailers and pods will come equipped with vents that are already installed on them. The most common are called passive vents that are openings in the side of the steel walls. The openings are screened off and often contain several layers of screening that prevent bugs and other pests from getting into the trailer. The vents are often positioned on the long vertical sides of the trailer and allow air to pass through the unit so moisture can escape. Moisture passively moves through the vents or releases from the container on its own.
While passive vents can work well in areas that are relatively dry, they may not be the best choice if you live in a more humid area. For example, if you live in Florida and are packing belongings in the summer, than passive vents may not work well enough to reduce moisture concerns. In this case, you should rent a trailer that has louvered vents in addition to passive screened ones. Louvered vents are long vents with slits that are separated by metal blades. These vents are typically installed opposite from one another and allow for more consistent and unobstructed air flow through the unit.
If moisture is a serious concern or if your belongings are expensive and especially precious to you, then try to rent a trailer with a turbine vent. These are the circular rotating vents that you sometimes see on residential roofs. Just like in a residence, these vents sit on the top of the container. As moist air travels upward, the blades spin and draw the air out of the pod. If you do like the idea of a turbine vent, keep in mind that the vent is not suitable for pods kept in colder climates. Specifically, they can allow moisture into the pod as snow melts.
Spread Desiccants
If you have ever rented a storage unit, then you may have used desiccants to keep moisture from building up in the storage space. This same sort of tactic can be used to absorb water from the pod before it is moved. However, you should know that more desiccants should be used. Pods or trailers are often placed in open areas outside the home where the sun beats down on the steel container. As the metal starts to heat up, condensation can build on the walls of the space. Since most traditional storage units are protected with roofs, this is not as much of an issue. This means that you should use twice as much of your desiccant and check on it weekly to see if it needs to be replaced.
There are several types of desiccants that you can use. Silica gel is the most common desiccant, but do not buy the small packets. While these may be appropriate for show boxes, they are not ideal for wide and spacious areas. You should instead buy a large container of silica gel beads. Add about one-quarter cup of the beads to either a bowl or a paper bag. Set one container in each corner of the unit. Once the gel beads expand to about 5 to 10 times their original size, place them in the microwave for two to five minutes to release the moisture.
You can also use disposable desiccants that are simply thrown away after they absorb moisture. These include alumina, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride. For more information, contact local professionals like Mar-Rube Trailer Rental.
Share12 June 2017
