You can keep condensation down without a dehumidifier. At Chipping Norton and Shipston-on-Stour we insulate our storage containers to stop condensation, and dry packing, a few moisture absorbers and breathable covers do the rest. Our units have no power sockets, so a mains dehumidifier isn’t something you can run in one.
Why condensation happens
Condensation forms when moist air meets a cold surface. In a container, the moisture comes from two places: the air itself, and the things you bring in. Insulation deals with the cold steel, and good packing deals with the moisture that arrives with your belongings.
Packing a container to stay dry
- Dry everything first. Defrost and dry fridges and freezers, drain washing machines, and leave their doors ajar. Anything already damp or showing mould is best left out, as packing it would seal the problem in.
- Let cold things warm up before you seal them into tubs, if they’ve come straight from a freezing van.
- Lift everything off the floor on pallets or racking.
- Leave gaps around and between stacks, and away from the walls, so air can move.
- Use breathable covers, such as blankets, dust sheets or old cotton sheets, over furniture, mattresses and leather. Plastic is fine for the move, but take off any removal wrap once you’re in, as plastic sealed around furniture for months traps moisture against it.
Moisture absorbers that need no power
- Tub-style moisture absorbers, sold in supermarkets and hardware shops, pull moisture from the air. Stand them level, clear of your things, and replace them when they’re full.
- Silica gel sachets go inside closed tubs of tools, small metal parts, electronics, books and photos.
- A small battery hygrometer shows the humidity when you visit, so you can see whether your absorbers are keeping up.
Tools and metal
Clean and dry tools at home, and give bare metal a light protective wipe before it comes in. Leave sprays, oils and fuel cans at home, though, as flammable and pressurised items can’t be stored, for everyone’s safety. Small parts and power tools do well in closed cases with silica gel.
Look in through the winter
Checking regularly through the winter lets you empty absorbers and spot anything early. Access is normally 6am to 10pm, seven days a week, and you can share access through smart entry with someone who can look in for you. If you ever find water on the walls or on metal, wipe it dry, take anything damp home to dry out, and call us: an indoor unit at the same site may suit some things better.
Damp isn’t something contents protection pays for, which is why dry packing is the protection that counts.
Thinking about Warminster’s container, or not sure whether a container or an indoor unit suits your things? Call us on 0800 2545585, or get a price online.
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