When you’re looking for a storage unit, there will be many factors to consider. You’ll want to find a self-storage facility in a safe neighborhood, with good security. You’ll need to think about the goods you plan to store so you can find a unit that’s the right size to hold your belongings. You may need to consider the cost and find a storage unit within your budget. These elements of finding a storage unit are fairly straightforward. What may be less obvious, when you’re shopping for storage units, is whether or not you need climate controlled storage.
What are climate controlled storage units? They’re storage units that are a bit more protective than traditional storage. They’re specialized units designed to keep your belongings from ever getting too hot, cold, or wet, and they use heat, air conditioning, and humidity control to accomplish this. Why is this important? Some items are prone to damage from extreme temperatures and damp conditions, and climate control can prevent this damage. Here are some details about the benefits of climate controlled storage.
- The most obvious benefit of climate control is the protection it affords against extreme temperatures. If you live in a part of the country where temperatures climb above 100 degrees in the summer or dip below freezing in the winter, your items may need protection. While some things, like yard equipment, can tolerate very high or low temperatures, there are many items that can sustain damage. Wooden furniture, antiques, and musical instrument can warp, split, and crack when left at the mercy of temperature fluctuations, and fine art, books, and important papers can also sustain damage. A climate controlled storage unit is kept above freezing and below 80 or 90 degrees, so your belongings stay safe.
- Climate controlled storage units tend to have excellent air quality. Consider this: standard storage units aren’t sealed. When your items are stored in traditional storage, they are subject to poor air quality and particulates entering the unit from outdoors. What could that do to sensitive documents or electronics? Climate controlled storage units are sealed, and the air is continuously circulated so that it remains clean. This can help protect fragile items from becoming damaged by dust and debris.
- Humidity control offers additional protection. Often, climate controlled storage includes humidity control. If you’re moving, and storage is only a temporary measure, this might not be important for you. However, if your items will be in storage over a change of seasons, it might be worth having, because when seasons change there’s often a dramatic shift in humidity. A climate controlled unit will be maintained at a base humidity of about 55 percent, which is great for things like antique furniture. Without this humidity control, antiques can easily warp, crack, and rot because of excess moisture in the air. Alternately, if there’s too little humidity in the air, wood can dry out and splinter, which can mean serious damage for valuable items like musical instruments and electronics.
Now, moving and storage companies typically charge more for climate controlled storage units than for traditional storage. They can cost anywhere from 25 to 50 percent more than units without climate control. Is it worth the extra cost? This depends entirely on your situation. The peace of mind you get from knowing that your belongings won’t be damaged by fluctuations in weather may be worth spending a little bit of extra money. To determine whether this is the case, ask yourself a few questions. First, do you live in an area with extreme temperature fluctuations or high humidity? Next, will you need storage for a long or short period of time? If it’s shorter than a month or two, your belongings will probably be safe, even without climate control. Finally, ask yourself what you’ll be storing. Here are some recommendations for things that should probably be stored in climate controlled storage:
- Sentimental or expensive items that can’t easily be replaced need to be in the safest place possible, which is probably climate controlled storage.
- Furniture, particularly furniture made of leather or wood, can be severely damaged in traditional storage.
- Electronics like televisions, gaming systems, music players, and smart home gadgets benefit from humidity control.
- Clothing and fabric, including upholstery, may not be safe without climate control.
- Important paperwork can degrade due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
- Artwork can be severely damaged by extreme temperatures and high humidity. It’s also very important to pack artwork carefully, to keep it protected.
- Musical instruments can’t be stored anywhere that’s too hot, cold, or wet, or they’ll become unusable.
- Household appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and ovens should be stored in climate control, or they could be ruined. Before storing any appliances, make sure they’re clean and dry.
- Antiques are fragile because of their age. While you don’t need the samelevel of humidity control found in a museum, your antiques will benefit from basic climate control.
- Books left in a storage unit without temperature and humidity control can easily become damaged from mildew.
- Computers are too important to be left to chance. They contain so much of your important data that it’s worth paying a little bit extra to protect them with a climate controlled storage unit.
Whether or not you need a climate controlled storage unit, if you’re looking for moving and storage services, call Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage. We are dedicated to providing efficient, safe, and professional commercial and home moving services, as a reliable moving partner you can trust. Founded in 2001 by two off-duty firefighters, we’ve grown to serve not only the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but also Houston and Austin as well. A locally-owned-and-operated business, we exceed all state and federal requirements for a moving company and can handle all of your moving needs as well as providing storage. Call 844-715-6625 or visit our website for an estimate.
