Storage of gear through humid / damp(ish) conditions

Asha

Asha

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Asha
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As some of you already know, i have a fair amount of gear, thus it's impossible to take it all out and about on a regular ( for example, weekly) basis.

This winter sees me living in a new area which due to it's location ( mountains) means humidity and damp ish conditions are pretty much the norm.

I fully understand the physics re warm air and its ability to hold more moisture etc but to keep my home on a 24 / 7 heating regime is simply not feasible nor affordable.

Some kit is on open display so poses little problem, however other gear is stored in flight cases, camera bags or in a closed shelved cupboard.

What are the best ways to ensure moisture problems don't set in?

Do I open the cupboard etc when at home with the heating on to "air" the contents?

I am considering purchasing some dessicant ( silica) and locating packets of it in suitable places but I don't know if this is going to be sufficient.

Any suggestions or known remedies posed from you guys would be much appreciated(y)
 
I used to have a dehumidifier box similar to this in my bedroom to stop the windows from going mouldy. Guess they're just like giant silica packets in a way. Perhaps you could place one of these in each your cupboards to reduce the moisture?
 
Silica gel desiccant should be reasonably effective in smaller, closed, environments and it's resuseable. Just put it in the oven for a bit when it changes colour. We used ordinary light bulbs in clothing cupboards back in the 70s, when we lived in Hong Kong and summer humidity reached scary levels, and your stuff started growing mould too! You can also buy commercial dehumidifiers, but I've no idea what they cost to run.

Hope you find something that works for you.
 
The damp trap things sounds like a good idea. I've got my lenses in an under bed storage unit which I've sealed up slightly so the giant silica bags of silica had a chance to reduce the humidity. I got bored recharging them though, but those big things would last ages though.
 
OK guys, thank you for your replies.

Looks like dessicant is the way forward then....I'll get some ordered

@MartynK I have had dehumidifiers before in another home which work very well BUT they are very expensive to run so unless the situation becomes dire, that isn't an option. Nonetheless thanks for the suggestion (y)
 
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