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It feels like summer has barely got started before we're being warned about another heatwave. While we're busy searching for the nearest fan, cold drink or patch of shade, it's worth thinking about what all that extra heat could be doing to the things we have stored away.

For some belongings, a few unusually hot weeks won't make much difference. But prolonged periods of high temperatures over and over can cause problems for certain materials, particularly if they're stored somewhere without good ventilation or temperature control. If you've got furniture, business stock, paperwork, electronics or other valuables tucked away, here's what to keep in mind when the temperature starts rising.

Heat can affect more than you might think

We tend to associate damage with cold, damp or bad weather, but excessive heat can be just as troublesome.

Wooden furniture, for example, can expand and contract as temperatures change, potentially leading to warping or cracking over time. Leather can dry out, while certain plastics can soften or become misshapen when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.

Paintings, photographs and important documents can also be vulnerable. Excessive heat and humidity can contribute to fading, deterioration and general damage - not exactly what you want after carefully storing them away!

Don't forget about your business stock

If you're a business owner using at home storage for excess stock, a heatwave can be particularly frustrating. You might have hundreds or even thousands of pounds worth of products sitting in storage, and the last thing you want is for them to deteriorate before they ever reach a customer.

Certain products, packaging materials, cosmetics, electronics and other temperature-sensitive goods can be affected by heat, so it's important to consider the environment they're being stored in - not just how secure it is.

So, where should you store things during a heatwave?

If you're storing valuable or temperature-sensitive belongings, choosing the right storage environment can make a big difference.

At M Store Self Storage, our secure storage units provide a practical alternative to leaving belongings in a hot garage, shed, loft or spare room. It's also a handy option if you're renovating, moving house, downsizing or simply running out of space

...And perhaps most importantly, you don't have to spend the summer wondering whether your belongings are quietly melting in the shed!

A little preparation goes a long way

If you're storing items at home, try to keep them away from direct sunlight and avoid placing them directly on concrete floors. Make sure there is some ventilation and, where possible, avoid storing particularly sensitive items somewhere that becomes extremely hot during the day.

For anything valuable or especially sensitive to temperature and humidity, professional storage can offer much greater peace of mind, because let's face it, the British weather is unpredictable enough without having to worry about whether your furniture, stock or treasured belongings will survive the NEXT heatwave.

Need a little more space this summer?