Damp is a build-up of moisture in a building, its materials or the things inside it, such as furniture, carpets and clothing. It can lead to mould. GOV.UK's guidance names four kinds: condensation damp (moisture in the air settling on colder surfaces, the most common kind), penetrating damp (water getting in from outside through defects in walls, roofs, windows or floors), rising damp (moisture from the ground rising through walls and floors) and traumatic damp (water from leaks, burst pipes or flooding).
At Wigwam
"Clean, dry and secure" is how we describe our units, and each one is clean and dry when you move in. We don't offer climate control, so the temperature and humidity inside aren't regulated.
Our terms ask two things of you. You must make sure the unit is suitable for what you store, and you're advised to inspect it before storing and from time to time while you do (clause 26). If you find any damage or defect, such as a damp patch or a drip, you must tell us immediately (clause 24): call 0800 2545585.
Why the kind of damp matters
The source decides where a claim can go. Our Contents Protection (an RSA Self Storage Customers' Goods policy) lists "burst pipes or water leakage" among the risks it covers, which is traumatic damp. The same policy excludes atmospheric or climatic damage, and condensation damp, from moisture already in the air or brought in with your things, is the kind that falls closest to that. Check the policy wording for your own case.
Most condensation damp starts at packing. Pack everything clean and fully dry, keep it off the floor and away from the walls, and don't store anything straight from a wet day, a damp garage or a flooded room.
Related terms: Condensation · Mould and mildew · Relative humidity · Contents protection
Related questions: Are storage units waterproof? · Who is responsible if mould appears in my storage unit?