Any experienced driver could easily make a list of things that people should have in their cars. The list will inevitably feature the owner’s manual, a first aid kit, maps, bottled water, high energy snacks, blankets and a basic set of tools. All these items are extremely important and can prove their utility in a number of emergency situations, ranging from a flat tire to a night spent locked in the car. On the other hand, more than a few people take their emergency preparedness plan to a whole new level, and end up using the trunk of their car as an additional storage solution. If you are currently employing the same tactic to gain more space inside your house and garage or keep your essentials within reach, keep in mind that the following five categories of personal effects never make good candidates for ad hoc storage and should be kept in a safe, secure, climate-controlled environment. Clothes. Clothes and bedding, especially the ones made from fine fabrics such wool, silk, satin and brocade, can be damaged by a number of factors linked to improper storage conditions, including high levels of humidity, spills and foul odors. If you don’t want your cashmere sweaters to smell like gasoline, consider opting for offsite seasonal storage and rent a good unit offered by a local storage company. Antiques. The value and condition of antiques could also be affected by humidity, excessive cold and heat, foul odors and spills. Sports Equipment. Humidity, low or high temperatures, spills and bad smells are only a few of the elements that can damage or destroy your expensive sports equipment. Heavy braking that leads to vehicle damage may also affect the condition of your trunk contents, especially if the cargo hasn’t been properly secured. Electronics. Many people are tempted to leave cellphones, CD players, tablets, cameras and other electronics for long periods of time. Here’s the main reason why you should never make this mistake: leaks and high temperatures in the car trunks may turn the storage space into a sauna — this situation is not unusual, especially in areas with hot and dry climates. Instead, keep all electronics in their cases in the passenger compartment; as an additional preventive measure, cover these items with a clean cloth to limit exposure to direct sunlight. For long-term storage, consider a unit with climate control. Paperwork. Spills in the car trunk can damage important documents, making them illegible or lowering their value. Moreover, temperature variations and excessive humidity can lead to staining and mold contaminations. To prevent all these risks, choose to organize your files in filing cabinets added to your Tucson storage unit. At the end of the day, it is in your power to store your belongings in a damage-free environment. Rent an affordable, modern storage unit in Tucson with US Storage Centers, and use the trunk of your car to keep just the essentials that could potentially save your life and guarantee your comfort during your road trips. US Storage Centers 4115 East Speedway Tucson, AZ 85712 (520) 442-0010
