Your Complete Climate Controlled Storage Guide

While normal storage is fine for most people, certain types of items need to be stored in a controlled setting so that they do not become damaged. Unlike traditional storage, climate-controlled storage allows you to keep your possessions in a space that not only has a regulated temperature but controlled humidity as well.

Basically, they keep your items cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Cold temperatures, hot temperatures, and high humidity can easily destroy or severely damage many different types of materials and items. Whether it’s a family heirloom, your most treasured photos, or important documents, keeping them safe and pristine should be your top priority when it comes to storing them.

By answering the following questions you’ll quickly be able to decide if controlled climate storage is the right solution for you:

Do you live in a location with extreme temperatures?

Depending on what you are storing, if you live somewhere with a fairly mild climate year-round you might be okay without it. However, many places have extremely cold winters and hot summers.

If this is the case for you and you are planning on storing items that could be damaged in extreme seasonal temperatures climate controlled storage could be just what you need.

This is also the case with places that have year-round hot weather and humidity which can be just as detrimental and sometimes worse than the cold when it comes to damaging your possessions.

Are You Storing Extremely Valuable Items, Antiques, Or Items Which Are Irreplaceable?

If you are planning to store any of these, controlled climate storage is for you. It’s always better to pay a little more for the protection and well-being of your expensive possessions than to risk damage. This is especially true with very expensive items which easily lose value based on their condition.

Are You Storing Wooden Furniture Or Other Items Made From Wood?

Extreme temperatures are particularly hard on items made from wood. They can cause wood to crack and split as a result of freezing and then thawing. High humidity can also cause wood to warp.

Are You Storing Electronics?

Electronics can also be negatively affected by temperature. In freezing temperatures the internal components can become damaged, and are also at risk of condensation.

Are You Storing Photos?

Photos are almost guaranteed to fade in very warm temperatures. They also need to be kept in places with low humidity as humid conditions allow for the growth of mold and mildew. Drastic changes in both temperature and humidity also are proven to cause cracking, warping, and curling of photographs.

Are You Storing Documents Or Books?

Exposure to high temperatures can cause the paper to not only turn yellow in color but become brittle. They also can be permanently stained by any fasteners such as staples or paperclips as a result of corrosion due to high humidity.

Are You Storing Artwork?

Artwork is another item that is known to suffer many problems when not stored in climate-controlled storage units. They are more at risk than other items because not only are they susceptible to damage from high humidity and heat but so are their frames which are often made from wood or metal.

The material they are painted or drawn on, as well as the paint or medium used to create the artwork. This is why museums normally keep their humidity level at around 55% and around 20 degrees Celsius.

The Many Advantages of Climate-Controlled Storage:

Strict Temperature And Humidity Control

This is the most important factor when it comes to keeping your possessions from being damaged.  Normally this means a temperature range of about 55 -80 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of around 55%.  So no matter if it’s freezing cold or blazing hot outside you can rest assured your things will not be affected.

Safety

Because climate-controlled storage units are normally inside of a finished building as opposed to outdoors, they are normally much safer when it comes to theft.

Typically you will have to enter a security code to get into this part of the building and have security cameras monitoring the hallway areas 24 hours a day. Most individual units will also have a door alarm for extra protection.

Pest-Free

Being indoors not only helps to keep out would-be thieves but also pests like rodents and insects which would love nothing more than to devour or live in the items you are storing.

Lower Risk Of Flooding

Another advantage of being inside is there is a much smaller chance of your unit becoming flooded as they are normally built above flood level.

More Comfortable For You

Many people overlook this advantage, however, if you plan on visiting your unit often you will be much more comfortable in a cool environment especially when moving boxes around, organizing, or adding or taking things out.

Better Air Quality

Climate-controlled storage units also have better air quality than standard units. This is because the air is constantly circulating and is pumped out of the building; this can help to keep your items odor free. If you are storing clothing you will be thankful for this.

Piece Of Mind

Just knowing your possessions are safe and sound and not rotting, cracking, or degrading is a huge benefit and one which allows you to remain stress-free and relaxed!

What’s The Cost?

Of course, the rates are different everywhere you go, they can range anywhere from 20-50% more than the cost of a standard unit. However, a more standard rate is around 35-50% above the cost of a standard unit.

There are many benefits and advantages to choosing climate-controlled storage. However, before deciding on what type of storage you ultimately need make sure you look at the items you are planning to store to help you with this decision.

If your items are very valuable or made of any of the materials listed that are prone to damage from extreme temperatures or humidity it’s probably a smart idea to go for it. Knowing your possessions are safe is always worth the extra cost.

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