Whether you’re renovating your home, don’t have enough space for all your items, or your new home is not ready yet, there are many reasons why you may need to put some of your belongings in storage. Renting a storage unit is a convenient and affordable solution, but sometimes a conventional unit may not be appropriate for your needs.
If the climate in your area is very humid or prone to extreme temperatures, your items will need extra protection in order to stay safe and sound in storage – especially if they’re very delicate or sensitive to heat, cold, or moisture. In such a case, climate-controlled storage is your best bet.
Climate-controlled storage means that the temperature and humidity in the storage space are regulated and maintained at constant, moderate levels.
Environmentally-controlled storage facilities use air conditioning and humidity control (they’re equipped with HVAC systems, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers) to keep the temperature in the storage space between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity – at about 50-55%. Therefore, the items stored in a climate-controlled unit are never exposed to extreme temperatures or excessive moisture – so they’re completely safe, no matter how long they stay in storage.
Take a closer look at the numerous benefits of climate-controlled storage and find out whether it’s the right solution for your storage needs:
Protection from extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations
Both intense heat and freezing cold can cause serious damage to temperature-sensitive items like electronics, musical instruments, wood furniture, and pieces of art – and big temperature fluctuations are just as harmful.
In order to stay safe, delicate items need a steady, moderate temperature – and climate-controlled storage ensures exactly that.
Air-conditioned storage units are cooled or heated as needed, so the temperature in them is always close to the average room temperature. There are no temperature fluctuations and the stored items are never exposed to severe heat or cold, regardless of the outside weather conditions.
That is to say that climate-controlled storage provides excellent protection from temperature-related damages.
Protection from moisture and dryness
In addition to extreme temperatures, high humidity can also wreak havoc on stored items – it can cause mold, corrosion, discoloration, swelling, warping, or rotting and completely ruin electronics, antiques, leather, paper, and wood.
Excessive dryness of the air is also very harmful to delicate items – it can result in splitting and cracking and wreck works of art, musical instruments, and fine wood furniture.
To avoid such disastrous scenarios, you need to keep your sensitive items stored in an environment that is neither too humid, nor too dry.
Since the humidity in climate-controlled storage units is controlled, it can be kept at an ideal level at all times – so, the environment is perfect for storing delicate items and there is no risk of humidity-related damage.
Protection from the elements, dust, debris, and pests
Climate-controlled storage units are typically located indoors and are very well insulated, so there is no way for water from rain or snow to get inside. High winds, thunderstorms, and other harsh weather conditions also don’t pose any threat – and fires are highly unlikely to occur in an environmentally-controlled facility.
Even dust cannot get into the tightly sealed units, unless the door is open – and the same applies to pests, too, so the stored items are safe from insects, rodents, and other critters as well.
All this means that the goods stored in climate-controlled units are fully protected from inclement weather and unfortunate accidents – and even from dust, dirt, and pests.
Good air quality
The air in storage units is usually stale and stagnant (since ventilation is almost nonexistent), which isn’t good for the stored items and facilitates the development of mold and mildew.
Climate-controlled units, however, are well-ventilated (as the HVAC system continuously circulates fresh air into the space) and the air quality is very good. This helps prevent mold growth – and helps the stored items stay in good condition.
Great security
Last but not least, climate-controlled storage is usually more secure than standard storage.
First of all, air-conditioned units are typically located in indoor storage facilities, so it’s much more difficult for thieves to get to the stored items.
Besides, since climate control requires expensive equipment, environmentally-controlled facilities generally have better security than conventional self-storage facilities.
As a result, the risk of theft is reduced to a minimum.
So, why climate controlled storage? Because it will provide ultimate protection to your belongings and will ensure your peace of mind.
The greatest benefit of climate controlled storage is safety – and safety is what you need the most when putting your items in storage.
Bonus tip: Do you need climate controlled storage?
Despite the many benefits of climate-controlled storage units, you may be hesitant to rent one unless you really need it – after all, air-conditioned units are more expensive than regular ones.
When asking yourself “Do I need climate controlled storage?”, you need to consider the type of items you have for storage and the storage period.
Environmentally-controlled storage is not always necessary, but it is crucial when:
- You’re storing valuable and/or delicate items (sensitive items can be easily damaged by moisture or extreme temperatures – and valuables need to be kept as safe as possible);
- Your belongings are going to stay in storage for a long time (the weather conditions are likely to change significantly during the long-term storage period and the big fluctuations in temperature and humidity may put your stored belongings at risk);
- The weather is very hot or very cold, or the climate in your area is very humid.
Keep in mind that certain items require climate-controlled storage in order to stay safe – they’re very sensitive to heat and/or cold and very vulnerable to humidity, so they will be at great risk of damage unless they’re stored in a climate-controlled environment: antiques, works of art, musical instruments, electronics, disks, tapes, photos, books, leather items, wood furniture, mattresses, medical supplies, toiletries, cosmetics, wine, etc. All kinds of rare and/or irreplaceable items (family heirlooms, collectibles, keepsakes, and everything else with high sentimental value) should also always be stored in a regulated environment.
When you take all of the above into account, it will be easy to find the answer to the question “Should I get a climate controlled storage unit?”
Whatever the specific circumstances in your case, climate-controlled storage will give you the peace of mind that you will find your items in the same condition they were in when you dropped them off, whether they’ve been in storage for a couple of weeks, a few months, or several years.
If you have any questions about climate controlled storages, we will be happy to assisst you, call us at (800) 403-7552.
