When you put something in storage, your biggest concern, of course, will be making sure it isn't ruined when you pull it out again. Thankfully, most synthetic materials these days, like plastic and vinyl, are pretty impervious to potential damage caused by mold, insects, and other threats. However, natural materials are more susceptible to damage while in storage. If you have items made from these three natural materials, here are some tips for protecting them.

Leather or Suede

Anything made from leather or suede must be stored very carefully. If it is stored in too moist an area, it will develop mold. If it is stored in too dry an area, it will crack beyond repair. If you have leather or suede furniture, always give it a good wipe-down a few days before storage, and then let it dry and breathe. Do not cover it with an airtight cover, but rather with a loose, breathable cloth. Smaller leather items like shoes and baseball gloves should be conditioned before storage and then stored in a breathable container with packets of silicone desiccant (which you can buy at most home goods stores). The desiccant will absorb extra moisture so the leather does not get too wet. Always store leather goods in climate-controlled storage units, as these won't become overly humid.

Wool

The main threat to wool is moths, which lay their eggs on the wool. The eggs hatch into larvae, and the larvae eat holes in the wool. If you have wool clothing, your best bet is to put some moth balls into the containers you store it in. You can also zip the clothing up into airtight bags, as this will help keep the moths from entering. Many rugs are made from wool or part wool. If you're not sure whether an item you're storing is made from wool or not, the safest thing to do is just treat it as if it is made from wool.

Cotton

Cotton is not as susceptible to damage as the other natural materials discussed here, but it can develop mold and mildew if it gets too moist in storage. As with wool and leather, it's best to keep it in a climate-controlled storage unit if possible. Make sure you wash and dry it completely before putting it in storage, and store it in a somewhat breathable container so you're not trapping moist air in with the cotton. Do not put sachets or essential oils in the storage container with your cotton, as these may stain the cotton or give it a noxious odor as the oils become rancid.

For more tips, check with a local storage company like East "O" Street Self Storage LLC.