How to Prevent Mould in Storage Boxes

When we emigrated from South Africa to the UK, there were a few very special things we just couldn’t part with — keepsakes, photo albums, kids’ Fisher Price toys, and other sentimental bits that simply couldn’t fit in our luggage. So I packed them into sturdy plastic storage boxes and left them with my mom to keep safe until we were settled.

The only thing I worried about was mould. South Africa can be humid, and I didn’t want to open those boxes one day to find everything musty or ruined. So I researched how to prevent mould in storage boxes — and it turns out, a few simple tricks make all the difference.

🧴 What Worked for Me

• Clean and dry everything first. Even the smallest trace of moisture or dust can cause mould to spread.

• Add silica gel packets or desiccant bags to control humidity inside the box. You can buy them online or reuse the ones that come in packaging.

• Drop in a few mothballs to protect clothing and fabric items from insects.

• Label the outside of each box using masking tape and a permanent marker. It makes unpacking years later so much easier.

• Store the boxes in a cool, dry place, away from damp floors or direct sunlight.

• If possible, ask someone to check occasionally, especially after rainy or humid spells.

🌦 Extra Tips for Long-Term Storage

If you’re storing items for more than a few months, skip airtight lids — a little airflow helps prevent condensation from building up. You can also wrap delicate items in cotton cloths or acid-free paper instead of plastic bags.

For anyone planning a big move (like our family did), this simple bit of preparation gives such peace of mind. There’s nothing worse than discovering your irreplaceable memories have been damaged by damp or mould.

If you’re interested in more packing, storing, and moving tips, take a look at my Travel Tips section — it includes my Moving to Spain series with advice on packing, selling, luggage, and flights with kids.