Why You Sometimes Shouldn’t Wrap Your Belongings in Plastic for Storage
If you’re preparing to put your things in a storage unit here in Santa Barbara, it’s natural to want to keep them as safe as possible. Many people reach for plastic wrap, tarps, bins or bags, thinking that sealing everything tight will protect against dust and dirt. The reality is the opposite: plastic can actually trap moisture and cause lasting damage to your belongings.
At Patterson Self Storage, we see firsthand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to long-term storage. Here’s what you need to know.
The Hidden Problem With Plastic
Plastic may look like a safeguard, but it doesn’t breathe. Once you seal up furniture, clothes, or keepsakes, any moisture inside is stuck there. Over time, that can create:
• Mold or mildew on fabrics, wood, or paper.
• Warping and cracking of wooden furniture.
• Lingering odors that are hard to get rid of.
• Condensation issues, especially in our coastal Santa Barbara climate where humidity levels can shift quickly.
Why Belongings Need to Breathe
Your household items are living materials in their own way. Wood swells and shrinks, fabric holds and releases moisture, and leather reacts to temperature changes. Locking those materials in plastic keeps them from “breathing,” and that’s where trouble begins.
Better Ways to Protect What Matters
Instead of plastic, think in terms of breathability and elevation:
• Cotton sheets or furniture blankets keep dust away but let air circulate.
• Shelves or pallets lift items off the floor to avoid ground moisture.
• Electronics and valuables stay safer with padded covers and silica packs to absorb humidity.
• Temperature -Controlled storage in Santa Barbara takes the high and lows of our local temperature out giving antiques, artwork, and sensitive belongings a steadier environment.
A Simple Rule of Thumb
Plastic can work for a quick move across town or a temporary dust cover. But for long-term storage, breathable covers and smart preparation are always the better choice. If you already own plastic bins some sites recommend poking holes in the top to get some air flow.
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At Patterson Self Storage, we care about more than just providing units, we care about helping our neighbors store smarter. Protecting your furniture, clothes, and keepsakes is part of protecting the life you’ve built here in Santa Barbara.
Looking for storage in Santa Barbara? Visit pattersonselfstorage.com today to find the right unit type. We offer drive up storage, traditional storage and temperature controlled storage.
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