Best Practices for Maintenance

Maintaining your portable storage unit will help in giving it a long and healthy useful life. Regularly check for wear and tear, and if you spot any issues, address them pronto. Your portable storage unit is akin to caring for a loyal friend and is an investment in durability. You want it to stand the test of time and keep your belongings safe which it can only do with regular checks and repairs when necessary. Here’s how to ensure your storage container enjoys a long and healthy life.

Routine Inspections: The Key to Longevity

Imagine if your portable storage unit could talk, it might say, “Check me out regularly!” Routine inspections are the cornerstone of maintenance. When you spot an issue, don’t procrastinate. Just like a small cut can become a big wound, a minor problem in your storage unit can escalate if left unattended. Address any issues you find pronto. It’s an investment in durability and skimping now could cost you much more down the road.

Container Maintenance

• Make it a habit to inspect your unit at regular intervals, looking for any signs of wear and tear. Maintain a log of your inspections, repairs, and maintenance tasks. It helps you track the unit’s history and plan future upkeep more efficiently.
• Develop a routine for inspecting your portable storage containers. Look for any damage and signs of any pest activity.
• Always ensure the portable storage container is securely closed and locked when not in use. Employ padlocks or other effective locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized entry.

Landscaping Maintenance:

• If the storage container is situated outdoors, always maintain the surrounding landscape.
• Placing the container on uneven ground can result in the unit having problems with opening and closing the doors.
• Blocks of concrete (preferred), metal or wood should be placed under the corners of the container, elevating the bottom of the container off of the ground.
• A site with tightly packed soil will better anchor the container and get less muddy.
• Trim shrubs and trees that could serve as pathways for pests to access the container.
• It is a good idea to make sure that any water drains away from the unit if located near runoff
• In colder weather shovelling snow away from access doors is good practice

Lubrication: The Silent Hero

Lubrication is the unsung hero of maintenance. Hinges, locks, and moving parts benefit from a bit of lubricant. It keeps things running smoothly, just like a well-oiled machine.

When it comes to lubricating your storage box for maintenance, it’s important to choose the right type of lubricant to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion. The best lubrication for storage box maintenance is a multi-purpose, high-quality silicone-based lubricant. Here’s why:

Advantages of Silicone-Based Lubricants:

1. Water-Resistant: Silicone lubricants are highly water-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor storage containers that may be exposed to rain or moisture.
2. Temperature Stability: They can withstand a wide range of temperatures, ensuring that the lubrication remains effective in both hot and cold conditions.
3. Non-Sticky: Silicone lubricants are non-sticky and won’t attract dust or debris, keeping your storage box clean.
4. Long-Lasting: They provide long-lasting lubrication, reducing the frequency of reapplication.
5. Compatibility: Silicone lubricants are compatible with various materials commonly found in storage boxes, including plastic, metal, and rubber seals.

When applying the lubricant, follow these steps:

1. Clean the surfaces: Remove any dirt, dust, or old lubricant from the hinges, locks, and moving parts of your storage box.
2. Apply the silicone lubricant: Spray or apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant to the areas that need lubrication. Be sure to reach hinges, latches, and any other moving parts.
3. Spread evenly: Use a cloth or a small brush to spread the lubricant evenly and ensure it penetrates into tight spots.
4. Operate the box: Open and close the storage box several times to distribute the lubricant and ensure smooth operation.
5. Wipe off excess: After lubricating, wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent accumulation.

Regular maintenance with silicone-based lubricant will keep your storage box in top condition, ensuring easy access and protecting it from wear and tear.

Pest Control: Uninvited Guests

Nobody likes unexpected guests, especially pests. Use pest control measures to keep critters away from your storage unit. It’s like a fortress for your belongings.

• Regularly clean both the interior and exterior of your wholesale portable storage container from Universal Storage Containers.
• Ensure there are no food residues, crumbs, or spills inside that might attract pests.
• Consider using pest-resistant plastic or metal storage containers with secure lids for items that may entice pests.
• These specialized containers create a protective barrier, keeping pests away from your stored goods.
• Inspect the storage container for any openings, gaps, or cracks that could serve as entry points for pests.
• Seal these potential access areas using appropriate materials, such as caulk, weatherstripping, or wire mesh.
• Enhance pest control by placing natural repellents like cedar blocks, mothballs, or sachets filled with dried herbs (e.g., lavender, rosemary) inside the storage container.
• These natural solutions serve as deterrents against insects and rodents.
• If necessary, utilize pest control products that are safe for storage environments.
• Adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially when considering chemical pesticides. Ensure compatibility with the stored items.

Weatherproofing: Shield Against the Elements

Your storage unit is your protector, but it needs protection too. Weatherproofing seals the deal. Ensure it’s watertight, and insulation can help maintain stable temperatures inside. Whatever your needs, Universal Storage Containers can help you achieve your storage container goals and is always here to help answer any questions you may have on the maintenance of your storage units.

Inspect for Existing Issues:

• Before weatherproofing, conduct a thorough inspection of the container.
• Identify any existing gaps, cracks, or areas of concern that may allow water or moisture to enter.
• A simple drawn mock up of the container showing the location and notation of such damage can help in keeping track

Clean and Prep the Surface:

• Clean the exterior of the container to remove dirt, rust, and debris.
• Power washing is usually the easiest way to do this
• Ensure the surface is dry and free from any contaminants before applying weatherproofing materials.
• Follow the directions for the weatherproofing types you have chosen

Choose Weatherproofing Materials:

• Select appropriate weatherproofing materials based on your container’s condition and the level of protection required. Options include:

a. Paint or Sealant: Apply a high-quality, waterproof paint or sealant to create a protective barrier on the container’s surface.

b. Weather Stripping: Install weather stripping along the edges of doors and seams to seal gaps effectively.

c. Silicone Sealant: Use silicone sealant to seal small gaps, joints, and seams.

Seal Seams and Joints:

• Carefully inspect seams, joints, and any openings in the container.
• Determine which sealant will be the right one for the job, read and follow the directions
• Apply the chosen sealant or weather stripping to ensure a watertight seal.

Use Weatherproof Paint:

• If using weatherproof paint, select a durable paint specifically designed for metal surfaces.
• Apply multiple coats for added protection.

Elevate the Container:

• If possible, place the container on a raised platform or concrete blocks to prevent water accumulation around the base.
• If elevation not possible, a flat well draining location should be chosen
• Concrete, Gravel or peastone substrate is preferred over bare earth for Storage Container placement

Address the Roof and Ventilation:

• Pay special attention to the container’s roof and ventilation openings.
• Ensure these areas are well-sealed to prevent water from seeping in.

Insulate for Temperature Control:

• Consider adding insulation to regulate temperature and reduce condensation inside the container.
• Insulation helps maintain stable temperatures and protects sensitive items from extreme heat or cold.
• Rockwool, Batting, Reflective, Silverboard or Spray Insulation; different needs call for different applications

Regular Maintenance is Key:

• Check back on your work!
• Periodically inspect and maintain the weatherproofing materials.
• Reapply sealant or paint as needed, especially if you notice signs of wear or damage.

Monitor for Leaks: – After weatherproofing, monitor the container for any signs of leaks or moisture ingress. – Promptly address and repair any issues that arise.

Ventilation and Dehumidification: – Install ventilation systems or use dehumidifiers inside the container to control humidity levels, reducing the risk of condensation. To help absorb condensation, packs of calcium chloride crystals can be placed inside the container side walls. Regular airing out of the unit is recommended. Better yet, call Universal Storage Containers today to discuss purchase of our ventilated and insulated units.

Secure Container Locks and Seals: – Ensure that the locks and seals on doors and access points are secure to maintain the container’s weatherproof integrity.

By following these steps, you can effectively weatherproof your Universal Storage Container, protecting its contents from adverse weather conditions and ensuring its long-lasting durability. Weatherproofing is a proactive measure that safeguards both your stored items and the container itself.

Professional Maintenance: Trust the Experts

Sometimes, it’s best to call in the experts. Professional maintenance ensures your unit receives top-notch care. Consider scheduled maintenance checks for your containers by specialists in a timely manner as a stress free step in keeping your moving and storage containers in excellent condition. Larger storage facilities would benefit greatly from having a convenient, dedicated person or company regularly maintaining your moving and storage solutions

Regular Use: Keeping It Active

Oddly enough, using your storage unit can also contribute to its well-being. Regularly opening and closing doors and vents can prevent them from sticking and ensure smooth operation. Airing out your storage unit regularly can also help to keep air from stagnation but be sure to monitor this so no unwanted guests enter your container. A Universal Storage Container is built to last and for years of service so don’t be shy to put it through it’s paces.

Safety First: Protect Yourself

Lastly, but crucially, ensure you follow safety protocols during maintenance. Wear appropriate protective gear and take precautions to avoid accidents.

Think of maintenance as the secret to unlocking the full potential of your portable storage unit or storage facility. By investing time and effort into the care of your portable storage solutions, you’re ensuring that it remains a reliable partner in safeguarding your belongings for years to come. Nothing thrives well in neglect and the same goes for your storage container.

Cost Savings through Effective Management

Here’s the deal – proper management means cost savings. Compare costs and see how your efficient practices stack up against the competition. It may sometimes seem like a large outlay of funds to repair something is not paramount, but in the final analysis you will save much more time, effort and cash if you stick to regularly maintaining your storage units. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Conclusion

The keys to effective management and maintenance of portable storage units are in your hands. It’s time to take charge and make your storage solutions work smarter, not harder.

Explore our range of innovative flexible storage solutions at Universal Storage Containers to take your moving and storage, portable storage, and temporary storage game to the next level. We’re talking weather resistant Polar Bear Box and Z-Box, the best of the best in design, quality, service, and value. Our storage options are easy and convenient to load and pack, giving you plenty of space to cover your storage needs.

Call us today for pricing and to schedule us to deliver our amazing storage solutions right to your driveway.

From maintenance tips to efficiency hacks, now, it’s your turn to put these strategies into action and unlock the full potential of your portable storage units. Your customers will appreciate the well maintained on site storage you provide and the secure warehouse locations.

Give us a call at Universal Storage Containers to see why our Storage Units are just worth it!