When you searched for self-storage solutions, did you notice we offer climate-controlled? Climate-controlled storage has much utility, especially if you store certain items or intend to store your belongings for a long time. We also recommend them if you keep things in an area with extreme heat, cold, or humidity. A lot can happen to your stuff while it’s sitting in storage. Moisture build-up, extreme temperatures, and pests are the most common concerns. The easiest solution is to store anything of major value in climate-controlled storage. Below, Belleair Storage discusses the basics about climate-controlled storage, and a list of the 15 things to secure in climate controlled storage.
What is Climate Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage—sometimes referred to as temperature-controlled storage—is a storage unit designed to maintain steady temperatures and humidity levels. Typically, the climate will remain stagnant between 55 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. You can find climate-controlled storage at storage facilities with indoor storage units. First, however, it is worth asking an outdoor or drive-up storage facility if they have climate-controlled options.
Temperature and humidity are essential metrics for optimizing the climate in space because they work together to create moisture. The more heat and humidity you have, the water moisture will form. Maintaining the temperature and humidity means that humidity can’t develop and your items stay protected.
15 Things to Secure in Climate Controlled Storage
Pretty much all items in storage will benefit from climate control, but some genuinely need it. These are the big ones.
- Any furniture or items that contains wood, metal, wicker, leather, or upholstery
- Electronics
- Media (e.g., DVDs, videos, vinyl records)
- Artwork
- Clothing—mainly lace or leather, or clothes stored in bags
- Important documents
- Photographs
- Musical instruments
- Wine
- Antiques
- Collectibles (e.g., stamps, coins, comic books, trading cards)
- Medical supplies
- Makeup and toiletries
- Household appliances
- Sports equipment, including bicycles
These items require climate-controlled storage to become more apparent once you start to think about how they react with moisture. Wood, for example, can become warped, cracked, or rotted from moisture exposure. In contrast, leather can become discolored and is susceptible to mold and mildew. On the other hand, electronics can become cracked or rusted, rendering them unusable or dangerous to use later. Lastly, paper items (including photographs) can disintegrate or become illegible.
To decide if an item should be stored in a controlled climate unit, ask yourself the following questions:
- Can the thing grow mold or mildew?
- Can it warp, crack, deteriorate, or become discolored from interactions with moisture?
- Would high heat cause it to expand or contract?
- Is it designed to be stored at a specific temperature (e.g., wine or artwork)?
- Is the item sensitive to extreme heat or cold?
- Are there rare, sentimental, or valuable elements associated with the item?
If your answer to any of the above questions is yes, it is in your best interest to rent a climate-controlled storage unit.
Other Reasons to Rent a Climate Controlled Unit
Sometimes the need for a climate-controlled storage unit is less about the items that will be inside of it and more about other factors. Here are some of the other reasons that you should consider going the climate-controlled route.
Long-term Storage
Suppose you intend to store your belongings for several months, a year, or longer. In that case, the chances are that the temperature outside will vary quite widely in that time. If you choose to store something when it’s 50 degrees and dry doesn’t mean it will be like that later on. Therefore, consider what temperature and humidity shifts might occur and, if they are extreme, go for the climate-controlled option.
Florida’s High Humidity
Storing your items in Tampa Bay, Florida—an area prone to high heat and humidity—it’s best to consider climate-controlled. Outside elements have a sneaky way of getting inside your garage-style unit. Therefore, you will almost definitely be exposing your belongings to moisture. So unless you do something specific to protect them, it’s best to put the 15 things we discussed in climate-controlled storage.
Advice on Storing Collectibles, Valuables, Antiques, and Irreplaceable items
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your most precious belongings. Money or sentimental value items and antiques, irreplaceable, or items part of a collection are all best stored in climate-controlled units.
There are times you may be safe to skip the climate-controlled storage uni. For example, suppose you’re not storing any items from the provided list, or you’re storing items for a short period. Period of times is a month or less in outdoor storage, and three months or less in indoor storage. In that case, you should be okay with a standard self-storage unit.
Contact Belleair Storage
If you’re having trouble determining the exact type of storage unit you need, call the main office: 727-584-3575. We are here to guide you toward the kind of unit you need for your belongings.
