Look, I get it—nothing ruins your day like opening your storage unit and finding your grandma’s antique dresser covered in mold because some water snuck in. Been there, hated that.

Rainy season doesn’t have to mean disaster, though. With a few simple moves, you can outsmart leaks, humidity, and that musty smell that clings to everything. Let’s talk real-world fixes, not textbook fluff.

First: Why Water is Your Storage’s Worst Enemy

It’s not just about wet boxes. Water:

• Turns cardboard into mush – Like leaving cereal in milk too long.
• Makes wood swell and warp – That nice bookshelf? Now it’s a modern art piece.
• Invites mold – And once it’s in, good luck getting rid of the smell.
• Rusts metal – Tools, bikes, anything metal starts looking like a shipwreck relic.

How to Waterproof Like You Mean It?

1. Ditch Cardboard (Seriously, Just Stop)

Cardboard boxes are basically water magnets. Switch to:

• Plastic bins with locking lids – The cheap ones crack; spend a little extra.
• Heavy-duty contractor bags – For clothes, linens, anything soft.
• Vacuum-seal what you can – Especially fabrics and seasonal clothes.

2. Elevate Everything

Water rolls downhill. Your stuff shouldn’t be at the bottom.

• Pallets are your friend – Lets air circulate underneath.
• Metal shelving – Keeps boxes off the floor entirely.
• Even a few 2x4s help – Just get it off the concrete.

3. Seal the Gaps

Check your unit before storing:

• Run your hand along the door seal – If you feel drafts, water’s getting in.
• Look for cracks in walls/floors – Especially near corners.
• Check the ceiling – Water stains? That’s a red flag.

(Side note: At County Line Storage, we check all this for you—sealed floors, tight doors, no nasty surprises after a storm.)

4. Fight Humidity on the Cheap

Even if no water gets in, damp air wrecks stuff. Try:

• Silica gel packs – Toss them in bins (steal them from new shoes).
• Charcoal briquettes – Sounds weird, but they absorb moisture.
• Baking soda – Open box in the unit to kill musty smells.

What NOT to Store During Monsoon Season?

Some things just aren’t worth the risk:

• Important papers – Unless they’re in a waterproof safe.
• Electronics – Even in plastic, condensation can kill them.
• Leather or suede – Turns into a science experiment fast.

If the Worst Happens…

• Get stuff out fast – The longer it sits wet, the worse it gets.
• Dry it properly – Fans, dehumidifiers, sunlight—whatever works.
• Vinegar for mold – Bleach just bleaches; vinegar actually kills it.

Final Reality Check

A little prep saves you from crying over waterlogged photo albums later. Good bins, smart packing, and the right storage spot make all the difference.

(Need a unit that won’t betray you in a downpour? County Line Storage keeps your stuff dry—no tricks, no leaks. Come see us.)

Your turn: Ever had a storage nightmare? Share your horror stories (or genius fixes) below—help us all sleep better at night.