Modesto summers are no joke. With daytime highs often soaring past 95°F in the Central Valley, your self storage unit can heat up fast—putting sensitive items like electronics, furniture, and fabrics at risk.

Whether you’re using a unit temporarily or for the long haul, taking a few smart steps now can save you a lot of damage, stress, and money down the road. Here’s how to prepare your storage unit for Modesto’s hot summer months.

🔥 1. Don’t Store Heat-Sensitive Items

Certain items just don’t belong in a non-climate-controlled storage unit during summer. Avoid storing:

• Vinyl records and old photographs

• Electronics (laptops, tablets, TVs)

• Candles, batteries, and pressurized cans

• Artwork, antiques, or items with adhesives

If you must store heat-sensitive items, ask your facility if climate-controlled options are available—or consider rotating items out during the peak heat season.

🛋️ 2. Protect Furniture and Fabrics

Heat and humidity can warp wood and trap moisture inside cloth and upholstery. To help prevent damage:

• Wrap furniture in breathable fabric covers (not plastic)

• Use moving pads or blankets as added protection

• Elevate everything off the ground with pallets or blocks

📦 3. Use Airtight Containers When Possible

Instead of cardboard boxes, which can absorb moisture and weaken in heat, use airtight plastic bins. These offer better protection for clothing, books, linens, and seasonal items.

Label them clearly and leave a little space between bins for airflow.

🌬️ 4. Improve Airflow in the Unit

You don’t want a stuffy, sealed box of a unit in 100°F weather. To keep the space breathable:

• Leave a few inches between stacks and walls

• Avoid overpacking to the ceiling

• Create a small pathway so air can move more freely

🔒 5. Check the Seal on Your Unit

Heat can worsen existing issues like a warped door or loose seal. Take a minute to inspect:

• Door frame and weatherstripping

• Any signs of pests, dust, or moisture seepage

• Rust or wear on metal parts

Report issues to your storage facility immediately—especially in summer, small problems become big ones quickly.

🕓 6. Visit and Inspect Your Unit Mid-Summer

Don’t just “set it and forget it.” Make a mid-summer visit (especially during peak heat) to check:

• Is there any musty smell or trapped moisture?

• Are cardboard boxes soft or sagging?

• Has anything shifted or started to warp?

Catching these issues early can prevent long-term damage.

✅ Final Tip: Ask the Experts

At Pelandale RV & Boat Storage, we know how Modesto’s heat can impact your stored items. Whether you’re storing household goods or recreational vehicles, our team is happy to walk you through heat-safe practices and help you choose the right unit, just give us a call at (209) 583-5480