One of the biggest concerns people have when renting a storage unit is simple but important: smell. Nobody wants to open their unit months later and be hit with a damp, musty odour. The good news is that with a few smart steps, your belongings can stay clean, fresh, and odour-free while in storage.
At Classic Car Wash & Storage in St. Catharines, customers store everything from household items and furniture to seasonal gear and business inventory. Knowing how to prepare items properly makes all the difference.
Why Odours Develop in Storage
Musty smells usually come from trapped moisture and poor airflow. Items stored slightly damp, packed too tightly, or sealed improperly can develop mildew or absorb surrounding odours over time. This is especially common with fabric, wood, and cardboard.
How to Prevent Odours Before You Store
Start by cleaning and fully drying everything. Furniture, cushions, clothing, and sports gear should never go into storage with even a hint of moisture. Wash fabrics, wipe down hard surfaces, and allow items to air dry completely before packing.
Avoid plastic wrap directly on furniture. While it seems protective, it can trap moisture. Instead, use breathable fabric covers or moving blankets that allow airflow while keeping dust off.
Smart Packing Makes a Difference
Use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes whenever possible. Cardboard absorbs moisture and odours easily. For items like clothing or linens, add moisture absorbers or silica packs inside bins to help control humidity.
Leave a little space between walls and your stored items to encourage air circulation. Elevating belongings on pallets or shelving also helps prevent dampness from the floor.
A Fresh Start When You Return
With proper prep and smart storage habits, your items should come out of storage exactly as they went in. No odours, no surprises, and no extra cleaning required.
If you’re looking for clean, secure storage and practical guidance you can trust, Classic Car Wash & Storage in St. Catharines makes seasonal and long-term storage simple and stress-free.