Florida’s temperate climate means minimal preparation is needed for self-storage units. However, hurricane season and regular maintenance are important to ensure smooth business operations and avoid frustration. Read about hurricane prep here.
By contrast, preparing for winter is necessary in many cold-weather states to prevent freezing issues and protect belongings. The following prevention strategies help ensure that your self-storage business or personal belongings are secure, especially in regions where severe winters pose a threat to your property.
- Moisture control
- Pest control
- Temperature control
- Organize
Moisture control
To help with moisture control, it is necessary to elevate items off the floor. With cooler temps, the ground and floor will likely hold in more cool moisture. Keeping items off the floor will help with air flow.
Moisture-absorbent materials are beneficial inside boxes and bins. These packets can be packed in your items to keep moisture out. Check the insulation and sealant along doors and windows, if applicable. Request that your self-storage owner add sealants if needed or ask if you can do it yourself. Consider a climate controlled unit, which may help with temperature fluctuations that lead to moisture issues in self-storage.
Pest control
Never store food in self-storage units, as most contracts prohibit it. Storing food attracts pests and rodents, causing major issues for the business. Clean items before storage, use traps or baits, and schedule inspections to disrupt pest activity.
Temperature control
Consider a climate-controlled unit. Climate-controlled units are more common in newer self-storage businesses. Climate-controlled units can eliminate humidity issues, severe heat issues, and severe cold issues. Cold can cause furniture to become dry, brittle, and break in certain situations. If the self-storage business has climate-controlled units available, it is worth considering a move to a new unit to prevent damage to your belongings.
Organize
With milder temperatures, it’s a great time to organize your self-storage unit. Inspect the boxes to be sure there are no food items or other things that would attract pests and rodents. Clean all items and repack them strategically for use. Add shelving units to keep items off the floor. Cooler temperatures are helpful in tackling big projects like organizing a storage unit.
At Coastal Storage, we help customers and business owners to protect their investments. If you’re interested in owning your own self-storage business, call us today to speak with one of our experts about the best opportunities available. Our team is ready for your call at 904-591-0140.