5 Unique Storage Issues in Louisiana

Mention Louisiana, and people immediately think of New Orleans—the Big Easy, Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street, Creole cuisine and jazz music. But NOLA, Baton Rouge and the rest of the state pose unique storage issues that are unique as Louisiana’s most famous city.

1. The Housing Architecture

Most of the state of Louisiana is below sea level, so basements are more or less non-existent. Some people use the first floor as a basement of sorts and live on the second floor, but very few houses have foundations below ground level. 

In fact, in southern Louisiana, including NOLA, most dwellings are built above ground on elevated slabs or pilings to counteract flooding dangers. 

Many of the houses in Louisiana are also long and narrow “shotgun” houses, which have no hallways. The doors line up so that you can leave the doors open front to back to move any breeze through the house. 

These types of homes tend to have few closets. It’s part of the charm but also part of the challenge.

Creole cottages, likewise, have no interior hallways, but instead of a long and narrow design, they tend to be one-story houses with long galleries to catch the breeze. Again, they are scarce on closets.

No basements, no hallways and no closets mean no place for extra storage in many of the homes in Louisiana.

2. Lots to Do and Not Enough Space

Louisiana isn’t called the “Sportsman’s Paradise” for nothing. From kayaking and hiking to saltwater fishing and swamp tours, the state is home to many outdoorsy types.
That means lots of outdoor gear and equipment to store.

Not to mention that Louisiana is full of bayous, wetlands, lakes -- and the southern part of the state ends at the Gulf of Mexico. 

All that water encourages residents of LA to head for the waterways, and their swamp buggies, boats, paddle boats, water skis, kayaks, canoes and other toys for fun on the water can take a lot of space. 

3. A Hot, Muggy Climate

The weather in Louisiana tends to be muggy and downright sweltering in the summer months. A hot, muggy climate poses several challenges for storing your out-of-season items, too, because mold and mildew can occur almost overnight. 

And while the weather in LA doesn’t have as much variation as its northern neighbors, it can still drop to the low 40s in the winter months, so jackets and sweaters are still a necessity for a couple of months of the year. 

4. Natural Catastrophes

The tropical climate in Louisiana plus the geography (some parts are below sea level) means many areas are prone to hurricanes and floods. This is something Louisianans need to take into account when storing any items in their homes: the possibility of getting their stuff wet.

Items in a storage shed in the backyard will be subject to rain, wind and hail, so it’s not an ideal place for out of season clothing, books, photos or important papers. Metal objects will be rust-prone, too.

5. Critters

Gators and snakes and spiders, oh my! Louisiana is the home to several venomous critters, which can pose challenges when storing your items. 

While gators are the stars of the bayou tours, it’s the brown recluse spider that you need to be wary of. It has a bite that can rot surrounding flesh, and they like secluded areas with places to hide and other bugs to nosh on. 

Louisianans know to always shake out their clothing, and tip their shoes and boots upside down before putting them on -- and to be careful with any clothing sitting in storage. 

Louisiana has several venomous snakes as well, including rattlesnakes, coral snakes and cottonmouth and copperhead. If items are left sitting in the yard for an extended period, people living in Louisiana must be careful lifting those objects just in case they have a secret scaly tenant staying cool underneath it. 

How Self-Storage Can Help You Tackle Unique Storage Issues in Louisiana

Check out our 4 convenient locations in Louisiana:

Store Outdoor Gear and Toys

It can be a challenge to find enough space to keep all your outdoor gear safe -- especially big items like boats. One solution is to rent a self-storage unit with drive-up access, so you can have easy access when you need them and peace of mind when you don’t. 

(Here at Storage Post, we love the water, too -- a few of our LA facilities are nestled right by the Mississippi River.) 

For more, see our Ultimate Guide to Boat Storage.

Combat the Climate and Weather

One good option for Lousisna’s climate is a self-storage unit that is climate-controlled. You’ll want to store things like photos, books and important papers in acid-free archival boxes, preferably in a climate-controlled space. 

(See: 3 Reasons You Might Need a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit.)

When you are considering renting a self-storage unit, also take the location of the facility into account. Consider renting a unit on an upper floor to lessen flood danger. Either way, place your items on shelves, pallets or in sturdy waterproof boxes that will offer more protection from the weather.  

Avoid Critters

A good self-storage unit can help keep out the usual pests. Ask about the storage facility’s pest control measures, check your unit carefully for signs of infestation and report any issues to management as soon as you spot them. 

Also ensure your storage area is well-lit, and give a good look around before you start moving boxes and furniture that have been sitting unused. 

Louisiana is a state full of history, green space, wetlands and diverse cultural influences. And while it offers some unique storage challenges, it’s all part of the adventure of life in the Pelican State. If you need the extra space, check out Storage Post locations in Louisiana.