Question from Susan Lander
Hi Debra,
Thank you for all you do.
I’m planning to move from NYC to Florida (West Palm Beach) and will need to put my belongings in storage for 6 months. I’m really apprehensive about how to protect my new White Lotus bed, part-soy sofa and all of my pristine books and other belongings if I put them in a storage unit. I have severe MCS and mold allergies, not to mention I’m sure they spray pesticides in these places. Or am I better off selling everything and starting over (very expensive and new item issues)?? What would you do?
Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
I have some experience with this.
- if they spray pesticides
- what the pesticide is
- how frequently they spray
- where they spray (some spray only around the outside of the units and not inside them)
When I put my things in storage, I put everything in big polyethylene bags, not garbage bags, but like big sandwich bags with ziplocks and handles. This is more airtight than putting things in cardboard boxes. And you can easily see what is in the bag. I had no problems with this. All my blankets and towels and everything came out perfectly after storage.
For the bed, I suggest wrapping it in Reflectix, which is aluminum foil sandwiched between layers of polyethylene plastic. Seal it with aluminum foil tape to be air tight. Nothing will get through this.
Be sure to tape the wrap with aluminum tape to make it airtight.
I just dealt with this and one unit had furniture that came out smelling horrible-My daughters dresser is raw wood and it absorbed something…I am not sure. All of my items had the same smell…I did some big ziplocks, but I couldn’t do everything. Now I am not sure what to do…I tried sealing the dresser drawers with a coat of schellac, but it didn’t help…I hate to throw furniture away…but I worry about it in her room.
I say throw it out. Better safe than sorry.
Avoiding pesticides in a storage facility is extraordinarily difficult, even when they “just” spray around the perimeter or in the common areas.
Reflectix is the best vapour barrier for this purpose, but there is a caveat. Since it reduces air flow, but can’t stop condensation from thermal changes, there is a significant risk of mould growth.
It may be worth it to try, just be prepared that you may lose some items. ;-(
Yes, storage facilities will often apply pesticides, but only in common areas (they shouldn’t be able to get into your unit as such). I would check with your facility anyway, and they may have tips of their own too for controlling damp.
Debra, what are the bags you used called and where can you buy them???
The ones I have purchased in the past are called Hefty Big Bags, but they may no longer be available. Other brands are available too, like ZipLoc. I bought them at Target and grocery stores, you can also get them online. If you need a lot they are probably cheaper online.