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For many of us, our garages, sheds, and extra closets tend to be filled with items that we know we’ll need at certain times in the future but that don’t necessarily need to be accessible daily. In many cases, those storage options are excellent.
However, when summer temperatures rise, our items can be susceptible to damage. These spaces can experience fluctuations in temperature, allow excessive heat or sun exposure, or lack ventilation or air conditioning. These storage conditions sometimes cause our valuable yet vulnerable items to warp, melt, or deteriorate.
Here are ten heat-sensitive items that might need to be relocated temporarily to protect them and avoid summer temperature damage.
1. Wooden Furniture
Many people might own furniture they inherited as heirlooms or might be holding onto items they want to pass on to future generations. If these items are made of wood, they can be prone to cracking if they are stored in places that are not climate-controlled or are exposed to high temperatures.
If these items need to stay in these locations, keep them away from heating vents or sunlight, which could induce warping or cracking. Additionally, applying furniture wax or polish can help protect surfaces and reduce the likelihood that they’ll experience damage. Read the instructions and guidelines before applying them to your beloved pieces.
2. Silk and Synthetic Fabrics
If you store seasonal clothing in garages or sheds to save closet space, be mindful of fabrics prone to melting or deteriorating when exposed to heat. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon and fragile materials like silk could be prone to damage.
If you can relocate them to a cool, dry place, that is a great way to protect them. Placing them in garment bags can also help maintain a more consistent temperature and hide them from UV rays and potential sun rays to prevent fading.
3. Electronics
Electronics, such as radios, tablets, stereos, record players, and computers, can malfunction when stored in warm places. They should be stored in cooler locations or climate-controlled storage units to avoid damaging them and ensure they can be used in the future. Clean them so they’re dust-free and remove any batteries before storing them for an extended time.
4. Artwork
Artwork can be quite fragile. To preserve these pieces and maintain their vividness, handle them carefully and store them where temperatures do not fluctuate too much. It’s also imperative to make sure that artwork isn’t placed in locations where it can be exposed to sunlight, which can damage and fade the artwork. If you don’t want to display the artwork around your home, you can invest in containers that protect you from exposure.
5. Photographs
Similarly to artwork, photographs are susceptible to warping and melting, even if stored in photo albums or picture frames. It’s best to store these special items in a cool location with proper ventilation and stable temperatures.
6. Wine
For aficionados who collect wine, allowing it to age can deepen its flavor and make it more desirable. However, ensuring that wine is stored in conditions that enhance the aging process is essential. These bottles should be stored in temperate locations with medium-level humidity to ensure the cork remains moist and doesn’t dry out. Store the bottles upright and in a room that has sufficient air ventilation.
7. Cosmetics
For collectors and business owners who may own a sizeable number of cosmetics, it is essential to store these items in places where they’ll remain in good, safe condition. Be mindful of expiration dates and eliminate products no longer considered viable. Keep them in their original packaging and store them away from sunlight.
8. Vinyl records
Music lovers know that vinyl records are fragile. They must be stored properly to ensure they can be played for years. Ensure that these items are stored vertically on a sturdy shelf or inside a crate and live in a climate-controlled environment with low humidity to prevent warping.
Periodically wipe the records with a clean, soft cloth, and dry them entirely if you use water before replacing them in their sleeve. You can also place them in an additional plastic sleeve to protect them from dust, sunlight, and other irritants.
9. Appliances
Before storing appliances, unplug them and clean them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Remove batteries if applicable and vacuum dust or vents to eliminate build-up. Avoid storing appliances in humid environments like laundry rooms or basements, as rust can form. Inspect them regularly to monitor for pests and ensure that cords aren’t fraying.
10. Musical Instruments
Before storing these items, clean them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If possible, place the instrument in a case that will protect them from sunlight, dust, and damage like dings or scratches. Store them upright and check on them routinely to tune and maintain them so they will be playable for decades.
Utilize Safeguard for Climate-Controlled Storage Today
Our homes only have so much storage space despite the number of vulnerable items we might own. If there aren’t many well-ventilated, cool, dry storage space options available at your home, renting a self storage unit from Safeguard can be a beneficial option for storing your belongings. Find the best storage unit for you with our help today!
