Common Questions About Climate Controlled Storage

There are hundreds of reasons to rent a storage unit.

Maybe you need a place to store your boat during the winter. Perhaps you have to clear out your entire dorm room between spring move-out and fall move-in. Maybe you inherited a bedroom set you don’t have space for or recently downsized your house to an apartment.

Whatever the reason, Universal Storage Group is here to help. Our useful climate controlled storage spaces are here to keep your valuable items safe no matter the reason you’re storing them.

What does climate controlled storage mean, exactly?

Standard, non-climate controlled storage units are neither heated nor cooled. In contrast, a climate controlled storage unit has either air conditioning, heating, or both depending on the facility and the location. Climate controlled storage units are ideal because they offer protection against extreme temperatures and temperature changes, and those that are located entirely indoors provide another layer of protection against humidity.

A typical climate controlled unit is kept between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit to level out the extreme temperatures often found outside in the summer or winter.

What items should be protected with climate controlled storage?

There are many different types of valuables that should be kept in a storage unit that guards against the elements and changing levels of moisture in the air.

Furniture

Furniture can be built from a variety of different materials, many of which are susceptible to mold, rot, or must. For instance, a leather couch put in a storage unit that isn’t climate controlled can crack and deteriorate with different levels of humidity inside the unit.

Wicker items such as patio furniture or decorative items can easily develop mold or mildew in an uncontrolled environment. Wooden furniture can also be warped by extreme temperatures. At the end of the day, most furniture should be stored in a safe, climate controlled unit to avoid any damage.

Electronics

Electronics of any caliber should be stored where the elements won’t affect screens, cords, or hardware. Even a little bit of rust can damage a valuable item like a computer or stereo system.

Collectibles

Have you run out of room to store your signed baseball collection in your home? Did you recently inherit your grandpa’s stamp collection? Is your stack of vintage books getting out of control?

If that’s the case, a storage unit might be in the cards for you. But with items this expensive and meaningful to you, make sure they can’t get damaged by humidity-induced mold or cracked spines.

Documents

Another common item to keep in storage units are important documents. Whether you’re storing papers while you move, or keeping scrapbooks or tax documents in a unit to avoid cluttering your home office, it is essential that they stay in pristine condition. Climate controlled units are imperative for important documents.

Tools/Machines

Along with furniture and electronics, tools and machines put in storage can rust or decay without the proper storage techniques.

Make sure these items stay in tip top shape by using climate controlled storage.

Mattresses

Storing a mattress is a feat in and of itself. However, it is an expensive item that, when stored properly, can last for a long time. Before moving your mattress into storage, whether for a summer break from college or a longer time after you’ve downsized your space, make sure it is cleaned, covered properly, and stored flat.

Clothing

Mildew and mold is a high-priority enemy against clothing. Everything from your average polyester to delicate lace could be victim to moisture damage if they aren’t stored away properly.

If you plan to store items such as a wedding dress or prom dress, vintage clothing, or even clothes you’ve outgrown but need to store still, consider investing in a climate controlled unit that will ensure no moisture can damage your items.

Questions to ask

Above are just a few items that would be best stored in a climate controlled unit. However, there are many more items that could easily be damaged or destroyed without the proper storage techniques. So how do you know when to make the move to climate controlled?

Here are a few questions to ask as you consider:

● Could the item get moldy or full of mildew? Any item containing fabric will likely be answered with a “yes.” If so, climate controlled is best!

● Will the item crack if it expands or contracts in the heat? Materials such as leather will always be answered yes, but a variety of other items might fit this bill as well.

● Do you have sentimental value in this item? The old adage “better safe than sorry” applies when it comes to collectibles, antiques, or items of personal significance. A climate controlled unit will ensure those valuables are able to be passed down for generations to come.

● Would this item otherwise be stored in a climate controlled space? Bottles of wine or computer equipment is typically stored where changing temperature can’t damage it. If you would normally keep the item out of extreme elements, then climate controlled storage is for you.

No matter what item you’re trying to protect from extreme weather or moist conditions, Universal Storage Group is here to help. We can answer any questions you have about our storage facilities, and help you find a unit that is right for you. Check out our helpful size guide or storage calculator to help find the best storage unit for you.

When you’re ready to make the move to climate controlled units, find the nearest storage facility managed by Universal Storage Group today!