Safe Ship Moving Services Shares Expert Tips on Keeping Your Belongings Dry and Mold-Free During a Move

High humidity levels can pose serious threats to your belongings during a move. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, warping and unpleasant odors in items like clothing, books and wooden furniture. If not properly packed and protected, your valuables could suffer irreversible damage before they even reach your new home. Safe Ship Moving Services understands these challenges and provides expert solutions to keep your belongings dry and mold-free throughout the moving process. 

Choosing the Right Packing Materials 

The materials you use for packing play a crucial role in protecting your belongings from humidity. Standard cardboard boxes can absorb moisture, making them a breeding ground for mold. Instead, consider using plastic storage bins with airtight lids to keep out excess humidity. If cardboard is your only option, line the inside with plastic sheeting or moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel packets. 

Protecting Clothing and Fabrics from Moisture 

Mold and mildew can grow quickly in damp environments, leaving behind stubborn stains and odors. To prevent this: 

• Use vacuum-sealed bags for clothing, linens and curtains to keep moisture out. 

• Avoid using plastic garment bags, as they can trap humidity inside. Instead, opt for breathable cotton storage bags. 

• Place silica gel packets inside boxes to absorb excess moisture and keep items dry. 

• If moving long distances, consider adding moisture-absorbing sheets between layers of fabric. 

Keeping Books and Paper Items Safe 

Books and paper documents can warp, discolor and develop mold when exposed to humidity. To protect them: 

• Wrap books individually in acid-free packing paper to prevent direct exposure to moisture. 

• Store books in plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes for an added layer of protection. 

• Place silica gel packets or activated charcoal in book boxes to absorb excess moisture. 

• Avoid stacking books too tightly, as this can trap humidity between them. 

Protecting Wooden and Upholstered Furniture 

To keep furniture in top condition, follow these steps: 

• Disassemble furniture when possible and wrap wooden parts in moving blankets to minimize exposure to moisture. 

• Apply a thin layer of furniture wax or polish to create a protective barrier against humidity. 

• Use plastic wrap or shrink wrap on upholstered furniture, but ensure it’s breathable to prevent condensation buildup. 

• Keep furniture elevated on plastic pallets or sheets in storage units to prevent direct contact with damp floors. 

Best Practices for Moving Day and Storage 

Even with careful packing, humidity exposure can still occur during transit. To minimize risk: 

• Avoid loading the truck during peak humidity hours, such as early morning or late evening. 

• Use a dehumidifier in storage units or moving trucks if you expect high moisture levels. 

• If storing items long-term, choose climate-controlled storage to maintain stable humidity levels. 

• Inspect all items upon arrival and air them out before unpacking to prevent lingering moisture buildup. 

Moving in a humid climate requires extra precautions to protect your belongings from mold and moisture damage. Safe Ship Moving Services mentions that using proper packing materials, moisture-absorbing products and strategic moving practices to keep everything dry and safe. By planning and following these expert tips, you can ensure a smooth move without the risk of humidity-related damage.