Excess moisture is always a concern when it comes to keeping your most valued possessions in self-storage. Not only can excess moisture damage documents, electronics, tools and clothing, but it can also encourage mold and mildew growth. When mold takes hold in your self-storage unit, it can be an uphill battle to not only eliminate it, but also salvage your belongings.

The following offers a few tips on how you can prevent mold growth in your self-storage unit.

Never Store Damp Belongings

Before you put any of your belongings in storage, you want to make sure that they are completely dry. This is especially important if you plan on storing items that see regular use underwater (scuba gear, bathing suits, etc.). Damp items can easily add moisture to the air, raising relative humidity levels along with the potential for mold and mildew growth.

Put Those Sorbents to Good Use

Sorbents are a combination of natural and synthetic materials that are capable of absorbing and retaining moisture. Sorbents can definitely come in handy when it comes to keeping high humidity at bay within your storage unit:

• Silica gel is the most commonly known and used of these sorbents. Capable of absorbing up to 40 percent of its own weight in moisture, silica gel is highly effective at combatting excess moisture. It can also be reheated to be dried and reused afterwards.
• Charcoal is a natural organic alternative to synthetic sorbents and an affordable alternative to silica gel packs. They can also last for up to 60 days before needing replacement. Avoid using pre-soaked charcoal briquettes, as these aren't as absorbent as their unaltered counterparts.
• Clay cat litter can also absorb excess moisture in the air, plus it lasts for several weeks at a time. All you have to do is open a bag and set it inside of your storage unit.

If you don't want to spend a whole lot of money on premade desiccant packs, you can make your own using desiccants and any discarded fabric you have laying around. Simply cut out two squares of fabric and sew them together to create a pocket. Turn a pocket inside-out and load it up with your choice of desiccant. Pin the pocket shut and hang it somewhere in your storage unit.

Always Vacuum-Seal When Using Plastic Bags

Protecting your stored items by putting them in plastic bags seems like a no-brainer, but it can actually do more harm than good if you're not careful. As you bag up your valuables, there's always the possibility that you're drawing in and trapping water vapor inside. All it takes is a little condensation within to turn a plastic bag into an incubator for mold and mildew.

If you're going to store anything in bags, then you should make sure those bags are vacuum-sealed. Getting rid of all the air in the bag also helps remove excess moisture that would otherwise get trapped. Vacuum-sealing works best with soft, flexible items such as clothing and jewelry.

Keep Your Belongings Off the Floor

Keeping your belongings on the cold concrete floor can invite condensation, which in turn can leave your belongings damp and susceptible to mold and mildew. It also places your belongings at risk in the event of a major flood or even a minor spill or leak in a nearby storage unit.

Stacking your belongings on wooden pallets can help keep them safe and dry under most circumstances. It also makes it easier for you to move large or bulky items around quickly and safely, especially if you happen to have a pallet jack on hand. You can even recycle your pallets when you're done with them.

For more information, talk to a professional storage facility, such as National Self Storage - Denver, and ask about other options they may have for controlling humidity levels in storage units.