Condensation is water vapour in the air turning back into liquid water when the air cools to its dew point, the temperature at which it can hold no more moisture. It shows up as droplets or a damp film on the coldest surfaces nearby, such as a window, a metal wall, a concrete floor or the side of a box.
At Wigwam
Our units are clean, dry and secure, and our indoor units are purpose-built inside our buildings, out of the wind and rain. At Chipping Norton and Shipston-on-Stour we insulate our outdoor steel containers to stop condensation.
Our units aren’t heated or cooled, so the simplest protection is the way you pack, because moisture comes from the air and from the things you bring in:
- pack everything clean and completely dry, on a dry day if you can;
- lift things off the floor and leave a small gap at the walls so air can move;
- use breathable covers rather than sealing furniture in plastic for months;
- defrost and dry fridges and freezers, and drain washing machines;
- for a longer stay, add a few moisture absorbers, which need no power.
Units have no power sockets and portable heaters can’t be used, for everyone’s safety, so dry packing does the job a heater or dehumidifier would.
Why it matters
Warmer air can hold more water vapour than cooler air, so air that feels dry on a mild day can leave moisture on cold surfaces when the temperature drops overnight. That’s why condensation is worth preventing rather than leaving to chance.
It also matters for cover. Our contents protection covers sudden water damage, such as a burst pipe or a water leak, but not gradual damp from the air, which is another reason packing dry counts. If you ever find water on the walls or your things, call us on 0800 2545585.
Related terms
Related questions
- Do I need a dehumidifier in a container unit?
- Do storage units get cold in winter or hot in summer?
- Does contents protection cover damp and mould?
Further reading
- Met Office: Humidity