How to Keep Your Belongings Safe in a Non-Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

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May 21st, 2026

One of the most common questions we get at Catamount Self Storage is:

“Can I safely store furniture, electronics, or household items in a non-climate-controlled unit?”

The short answer is: Yes — if you prepare and pack your belongings correctly. Our storage buildings are designed with outdoor access and natural airflow. While they are not climate controlled, there are several proven ways to protect your belongings from moisture, mold, odors, and pests during storage.

1. Control Moisture Before It Becomes a Problem

Moisture is the biggest threat to stored belongings — especially in New England where humidity and temperature swings are common.

Use Moisture Absorbers

Products like DampRid, silica gel packs, activated charcoal bags, or even uncovered clay kitty litter can help absorb excess humidity inside your unit and storage bins. These are inexpensive, easy to replace, and can make a huge difference over time.

Elevate Everything Off the Floor

Never place furniture or boxes directly on concrete. Use:

Wooden pallets
Plastic pallets
Shelving
A tarp or vapor barrier

This helps prevent condensation from affecting your belongings and improves airflow underneath stored items.

Leave Space for Airflow

Avoid packing items tightly against the metal walls of the unit. Leave a few inches of breathing room so air can circulate and moisture doesn’t get trapped in stagnant pockets.

2. Pack Your Items the Right Way

How you pack your belongings matters just as much as the storage unit itself.

Make Sure Everything Is Completely Dry

This is critical. Before storing:

Wash and fully dry clothing
Dry out camping gear and tents
Clean appliances and refrigerators
Remove dirt, dust, and debris from furniture

Even a small amount of trapped moisture can create mold or mildew over time.

Use Plastic Bins Instead of Cardboard

Cardboard absorbs moisture and can attract rodents. Whenever possible, use:

Hard plastic storage totes
Airtight bins with sealing lids

These provide significantly better protection for household goods, documents, electronics, and seasonal decorations.

Never Wrap Fabrics Completely in Plastic

This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Plastic wrap can trap residual moisture inside couches, mattresses, clothing, and upholstered furniture — leading to mildew and odors. Instead, use:

Breathable furniture covers
Cotton sheets
Old blankets

Let soft goods breathe.

3. Know When Climate Control Makes Sense

While many items store perfectly well in traditional storage units, some belongings are better suited for climate-controlled storage. Consider climate control for:

Electronics
Artwork
Antiques
Important documents
Leather furniture
Musical instruments
Long-term storage of sensitive items

If you’re storing irreplaceable or highly delicate belongings for an extended period, climate control may be worth the added cost.

4. Visit Your Unit Occasionally

One of the easiest ways to prevent problems is simply opening the unit periodically. Checking in allows you to:

Air the unit out
Inspect for moisture
Replace desiccants or moisture absorbers
Reorganize airflow if needed

A quick visit every few weeks can go a long way.

Final Thoughts

Non-climate-controlled storage can be an excellent and cost-effective solution when items are packed and stored properly. At Catamount Self Storage, we always recommend:

Keeping items clean and dry
Using plastic airtight bins
Elevating belongings off the floor
Allowing airflow around stored items
Using moisture absorbers throughout the unit

Taking a little extra time during move-in can save you from major headaches later. If you have questions about what should — or shouldn’t — go into storage, feel free to contact us anytime.

Contact Catamount Self Storage

📍 1295 Route 14, Hartford, VT 05001 📞 (802) 294-8648 🌐 www.catamountselfstorage.com