quest continues for airtight larger boxes (not small food containers)

[likeatonneofbricks]

I've had a lot of good advice on my other thread re large plastic boxes. I got some of Really useful ones and Wilkinsons'. They are great for indoors as they close relatively tight and are light to lift.
BUT I still need boxes to store stuff in garage as I don't have enough storage! they need to be airtight so that the books and fabric/wooden items don't get mustry or damp. Anywhere I looked there are plenty of food containers, but I need at least 25L and preferably even larger.

[likeatonneofbricks]

Thanks very much Magnolia, it's an idea - could be fiddly to access stuff every time and reseal, but cling film may be easier - where to get industrial cling film? I only know the flimsy kitchen cling film. Also what is this draught proof foam - do you have any link on how it looks like, or where to buy?
(Bags I don't like because things get chaotic in them, and some are fragile).

[CarpeJugulum]

Maybe use the sucky storage bags? They're big enough to put a box in, so you could box it then bag and suction it?

Just a thought...

[calendula]

Canoeing barrels are what you need.

Unfortunately no UK links, but contact a canoeing shop and they will be sure to have them.

www.recreationalbarrelworks.com/

[likeatonneofbricks]

calendula - haha, never thought of barrels! they are prob huge! I like structure of a box as things can be put neatly - with a barrel you have to dive in and rummage !
Putting boxes into bags - will try, and will try cling film if MM comes back with where to get them.

[fossil97]

Aren't the larger Really Useful Boxes any good? We have the 35litre ones for camping and they come even bigger. They must be very nearly airtight or as said you could bag up the things inside them.

How about you get a roll of draught sealing tape and create a "gasket" around the top of the box or the inside of the lid?

[fossil97]

Good point. We have been storing DH's motorbike and gear in a metal shed during building work. Then discovered mildew you can imagine his and suddenly the metal shed was fitted with vents and an electric heater. So the motorbike was warm and dry even when we had no central heating for the winter

but yes there are different ways of approaching these things!

[likeatonneofbricks]

thank you fossil and MrsM. So even in tight boxes damp can get in?? oh, no!
I want be storing the best stuff there of course but lots of bits and pieces some of which I'm planning to sell, these inc;lude a washing machine (God I hope that wouldn't rust, though it'll be there for a couple of months). It's concrete not metal at least (structure).
the garage is not damp but it's not dry and warm either, somewhere in the middle. I did think of a heater but isn't it dangerous to leave electric heater on? are greenhouse heaters any different - battery operated I assume? vents would be to costly and bothersome, and not enough on their own. Heating (if chep and safe) would be best i agree, as far as it doesn't attract any creatures!

[melonian]

How about these? Pricey though...

www.lakeland.co.uk/22835/The-Ultimate-box-44L

[likeatonneofbricks]

ooh, how perfect is this, melonian! Thank you! it lists exactly the items i need to store! and emphasis on damp proof. Did you use them yourself? the only nuisance is they discontinued smaller size ones at around 9 pounds! and these ARE expensive (twice the price but no the size), may stretch to three and get free delivery.

[likeatonneofbricks]

not the size*

[Welshworrier]

A dehumidifier in the garage might help, books are magnets for moisture and quickly smell musty.

[Canthaveitall]

I got some from one of those £1 type places. They were around £10 and I keep the decorations in. Not particularly helpful but may give you an idea of the type of shops to look in.

[BrownSauceSandwich]

www.peliproducts.co.uk/

^ These are what our marine engineers in work use for their kit. Not particularly cheap, but really good.

Also, a top tip from an archivist friend is to store books/papers wrapped up in tar paper (roofing felt). I suspect the same strategy would work for fabrics.