When renting a self-storage unit, you might want to go for climate-controlled storage. It costs more than ordinary storage, with plenty of benefits, but is it the right one for you? It mostly depends on the items you are planning to store.
The temperature remains consistent all year round inside a climate-controlled storage unit, and some even offer heightened humidity control. These features make it especially suitable for sensitive items, including the following.
Wooden furniture
Wood can warp, crack or rot when exposed to too much moisture over a prolonged period of time. If you are planning to store wooden furniture, such as tables, chairs, bed frames, dressers, and entertainment centers, you absolutely need to rent a climate-controlled storage unit.
When you choose a climate-controlled unit, the stuff you put inside will not only be in a climate-controlled environment but the humidity will be controlled, as well. The controlled humidity in a storage unit containing wooden furniture is essential in protecting it. Typically, a lower humidity is better for wooden furniture.
Leather furniture
Leather is quite sensitive to hot and cold swings. When you live in an area that is prone to drastic weather changes throughout the year, the temperature sensitivity of leather becomes a big issue. Even if the storage facility is in an area that is not prone to sudden and major temperature changes through the seasons, a temperature-controlled environment is still crucial to maintain the durability and quality of expensive leather pieces. Also, keeping leather in a standard, non-climate-controlled unit makes it extremely susceptible to moisture, which can cause discoloration and mildew.
Household appliances
If you live in an area that experiences extreme cold or heat at any time of the year, you must store your household appliances in climate-controlled storage, especially refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and washers and dryers.
Extreme temperatures cause electronic and mechanical parts to crack and rust, which leads to permanent damage to your appliances. Storing them inside a climate-controlled unit protects these sensitive parts from damage caused by temperature. Climate control also prevents mold and mildew from forming inside the appliances. However, you need to thoroughly clean and dry your appliances, and remove water hoses, before putting them in storage.
Documents and photos
Humidity causes the paper to fade and discolor, and even dissolve when exposed to moisture, regardless if your files are in boxes or cabinets. A climate-controlled unit keeps moisture and humidity away, keeping your important documents from ruin.
Your photos also need to be stored in a climate-controlled environment to preserve them well. Storing photos in boxes or albums inside climate control has even passed the Photographic Activity Test (PAT), so it is a surefire way to safeguard your memories.
Clothes
Climate control keeps your clothes in good shape. Mold and mildew can build up on clothes that sit unattended for a few months, and the well-maintained humidity in a climate-controlled storage unit is the best solution to keep your fabrics dry. Before putting them in storage, make sure that your clothes have been cleaned and dried thoroughly.
Climate-controlled storage is the best option for anything that is sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. And while an ordinary storage unit is a very handy in itself, a climate-controlled unit provides the extra special attention that your extra special possessions need.
