Are you searching for a storage rental? You may have noticed various size offerings, as well as the option for climate controlled storage. Each option, climate controlled and non-climate controlled has benefits and drawbacks. For example, non-climate controlled units are, on average, less expensive. These units are also available in larger sizes. However, the temperature and humidity in these spaces will fluctuate from season to season. These fluctuations often cause severe damage to your stored items. This is particularly important if you plan to store your belongings long-term.
What is Climate Controlled Storage?
Climate controlled storage is typically offered by indoor facilities. These units are temperature controlled to avoid huge fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Each facility may vary slightly, but temperature-controlled units range from 55 degrees to 80 degrees depending on the time of year.
Why Should I Use Temperature Controlled Storage?
Heat leads to humidity, humidity leads to moisture, and moisture leads to bad things happening, like mold and mildew. Moisture or Water accumulation also causes rust and discoloration among other destructive problems. As a born and raised Floridian, I can attest to the childhood horror of losing my baseball cards to humidity. You can, however, take a stand against moisture. If you care about your belongings, rent a climate controlled storage unit.
Which Household Items Require Climate Controlled Storage?
1. Beer
According to the American Home Brewers Association (AHA) 1.1 Million Americans brew their own beer. At the conclusion of this study, in 2017, home-brewers were on pace to produce 1.4 million barrels of beer or 1% of all domestic beer production. To put that in perspective, one barrel of beer is 330 12oz bottles. That’s a lot of beer! As your hobby grows, you’re going to need a place to put it all. Unlike wine, beer can live its best life in temperatures above 55 degrees as long as the temperature isn’t volatile. As a result, climate controlled storage provides an excellent environment for homebrewing enthusiasts to store both equipment and finished product.
2. Electronic Equipment
I love listening to the radio while I take a hot shower in the morning. Before waterproof versions were widely available I would burn through radios and portable speakers every few months. The steam from my shower slowly fried the internal circuit boards. The steam from my shower is basically humidity. Storing your electronics in a non-temperature-controlled environment when the surrounding climate is hot and humid will quickly degrade your delicate equipment. Investing in a climate controlled storage unit will prevent the total loss of your valuables.
3. Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are finely tuned machines. Literally. Most are made from metal or wood and can contain textiles or leather. Rapid 10 – 20 degree fluctuations in heat can cause metal parts to expand and contract. This, in turn, causes permanent deformation. Wooden parts can become swollen. Leather parts become flaccid and moldy when exposed to moisture. Leather will also crack if it becomes dried out in arid locals. Once your instrument becomes even slightly deformed the sound quality worsens and its ability to stay in tune becomes a problem. You should never, ever store musical instruments in harsh conditions. A climate controlled space is a must!
4. Furniture
No one wants to sit on a moldy couch or rusted-out chair. In fact, those issues can cause severe medical conditions like asthma and broken tail bones respectively. This is what happens when moisture is allowed to accumulate on furniture. A temperature-controlled environment will help keep your furniture fresh and safe to use again in the future.
5. Antiques
Store anything of historical importance in a temperature-controlled and secure environment. A lot of antiques are already degraded by the passage of time when you acquire them. This can be true even when they have been kept in the best of conditions. The last thing you want to do is make it worse! Storage units with temperature control provide a stable environment conducive to storing antiques and have the added benefit of security and insurance.
6. Documents
We’ve written extensively about the proper way to store documents. Moister and paper do not mix. As soon as your documents get damp they will stick together and the ink will start to run. Keeping humidity under control in a storage unit will ensure you don’t lose important contracts and files to water damage.
More Items That Require Climate Controlled Storage
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- Vinyl Records (and other media)
- Paper Goods
- Food
- Appliances
- Computers
- Sports Equipment
- Bicycles
- Delicate clothing (and leather)
- Artwork
- Plant Seeds
- Photographs
- Makeup
- Baseball Cards (and other memorabilia)
- Pressurized Canisters
Factors to Consider when Renting a Storage Unit
Our list above is extensive, but by no means is it complete. If you’re not sure what type of storage is right for your valuables consider the following questions:
- Will it be damaged if it expands and contracts?
- Is it susceptible to mold?
- Will it rust?
- Is it historically important or rare?
- Is it made of materials that crack when they become too dry (like leather or paint)?
- Will a person or animal consume it?
If the answer is yes, then you should strongly consider opting in for a climate controlled storage unit.
How much does climate controlled storage cost?
The price of a storage unit varies from location to location. According to move.org, the average climate controlled storage unit will cost between $75, for a small unit, and $225, for a large unit. This is about 15% more expensive than renting a unit without temperature control. If you are storing valuable, delicate items, the few extra dollars are well worth the investment.
Find A Climate Controlled Unit Near You
Need Help?
Self Storage Advisor has a team of professionals ready to help answer all your storage questions. We offer live chat and phone support. If you’re not sure what time of storage you need, any one of our agents can help. Make sure to tell them what you’re planning to store and for how long. Once they have the necessary information they can help you find the perfect unit with one of our storage partners in your area.
