It’s tempting to use your garage or storage shed as a dumping ground for all of your unwanted items, but come summertime, these locations can become unbearably hot. If you live in an area with extreme heat, it’s important to take steps to protect your stored belongings from the weather. Here are 10 ways to do this:

1. Placing items on blocks.

You can raise your stored items off the ground by placing them on pallets or blocks. This will encourage airflow and protect items from heat buildup due to hot ground contact.

2. Take care when packing.

When packing up items for storage, choose materials that will breathe and won’t trap heat. Because they permit air to circulate, canvas and cotton make good choices. Be sure to pack things loosely, so air can circulate around them.

3. You can use storage bins with lids.

If you’re using storage bins without lids, your belongings will be directly exposed to the heat. Choose storage bins that have snug fitting lids. You will be able to trap cool air inside and keep your items from being heated.

4. Avoid using plastic.

Plastic containers can trap heat, so it’s best to avoid using them for storing items in extreme heat. Use light-colored containers if plastic is necessary. Your belongings could heat up if they are made of darker colors.

5. You can freeze items prior to storing.

If you’re storing food items, consider freezing them before placing them in storage. It will keep your food fresher for longer, and it prevents them from getting spoiled by heat.

6. Install a moisture absorber within your unit.

Extreme heat can also lead to excessive moisture in the air, which can damage your stored belongings. To combat this, place a moisture absorber in your storage unit, such as a bag of silica gel packets or a box of baking soda.

7. Avoid storing flammable materials.

In extreme heat, it’s best to avoid storing any flammable materials, such as gasoline, paint thinners, or fireworks. These items should be stored in well ventilated areas away from heat sources.

8. Regularly inspect your possessions.

If possible, try to check on your stored belongings every few weeks to ensure that they’re holding up in the heat. To prevent any further damage occurring, immediately take action to fix it if you spot any.

9. Prepare for possible power outages

Extreme heat waves can cause power outages. You should have a plan for backup in case of power outages if your storage unit doesn’t temperature regulate. This may include having a generator on hand or arranging for someone to check on your belongings if you’re unable to do so yourself.

10. A climate-controlled storage unit is the best choice.

If you live in an area with extreme heat, it’s best to choose a storage unit that offers climate control. You can be sure that all your items will remain safe from weather changes.

You can make sure that all your summer belongings are in safe hands by following these 10 tips.