What is Climate Controlled Storage?
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August 1st, 2024
Did you know that 65% of people store valuable items like electronics, furniture, and collectibles in their storage units? With climate-controlled storage, you can ensure these precious possessions remain in pristine condition, protected from the damaging effects of extreme temperatures and humidity.
But what exactly is climate control storage, and how do you get started? We’re here to help with this guide. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
What is Climate Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage refers to storage units or facilities that maintain a consistent, regulated temperature and humidity throughout the year. This is achieved through advanced heating, cooling, and dehumidification systems, ensuring that the internal environment remains within a specified range, regardless of external weather conditions.
While climate-controlled and temperature-controlled storage may sound similar, there is a distinct difference between the two. Temperature-controlled storage units primarily focus on maintaining a consistent temperature, typically cooler, to prevent items from overheating. However, climate-controlled storage takes it further by regulating humidity levels, which is crucial for preserving certain types of belongings.
Climate-controlled storage units provide a stable, controlled environment, protecting your valuable possessions from the damaging effects of extreme temperatures, humidity, and moisture. This type of storage is particularly beneficial for items sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations, such as electronics, furniture, artwork, and collectibles.
Why is Climate-Controlled Storage Necessary?
Climate-controlled storage is essential for preserving the integrity and condition of your valuable possessions. External weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and moisture, can wreak havoc on certain items, leading to costly damage or irreversible deterioration.
Climate-controlled storage units protect belongings from the harmful effects of excessive heat, cold, or humidity by providing a regulated environment. This is particularly crucial for items that are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and moisture levels, such as electronics, furniture, books, artwork, and collectibles.
Without climate control, these items can suffer from warping, cracking, discoloration, mold growth, and other forms of damage that can significantly diminish their value and functionality.
Climate-controlled storage units maintain an optimal temperature and humidity range, ensuring that your possessions remain in pristine condition throughout their storage period. Moreover, climate-controlled storage offers peace of mind, knowing that your cherished belongings are safeguarded from unpredictable and often harsh external weather conditions. Investing in this type of storage solution can prevent costly repairs or replacements and preserve the sentimental value of your treasured items for years to come.
Items That Require Climate Controlled Storage
Extreme temperatures and humidity can damage electronics like TVs, computers, and other devices. Climate-controlled storage helps protect these sensitive items from overheating, condensation, and other environmental factors that could cause malfunctions or permanent damage.
Furniture, especially wooden pieces, can warp, crack, or become discolored when exposed to excessive heat, cold, or moisture. Climate-controlled storage maintains an ideal environment to prevent these issues and preserve the condition of your furniture.
Books, newspapers, and other paper-based items are susceptible to mold, mildew, and yellowing when stored in damp or humid conditions. Climate-controlled storage keeps these materials dry and protected from moisture-related damage.
Wine is a delicate beverage that can easily ruin temperature fluctuations or improper storage conditions. Climate-controlled storage units maintain the optimal temperature and humidity levels to ensure your wine collection ages gracefully and retain its flavor and quality.
Heat, cold, and humidity can adversely affect media like photographs, negatives, films, and vinyl records. Climate-controlled storage provides a stable environment to prevent fading, warping, or damaging these cherished memories and collections.
Artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and other valuable pieces, requires specific environmental conditions to maintain its integrity and prevent deterioration. Climate-controlled storage protects these investments by regulating temperature, humidity, and air quality.
Musical instruments, especially those made of wood or containing delicate components, are susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Climate-controlled storage ensures these instruments remain in tune and pristine condition, ready for their next performance.
Collectibles, such as stamps, coins, comic books, and trading cards, can lose their value or become damaged if exposed to extreme conditions. Climate-controlled storage safeguards these prized possessions, preserving their condition and protecting your investment.
How to Prepare Your Items for Climate-Controlled Storage
Proper preparation is critical to ensuring your belongings stay pristine in a climate-controlled unit. Here are the steps to follow:
Determine the Items to be Stored: Take inventory of the items you plan to store and make a list. This will help you assess the space you'll need and identify any items requiring special care or handling.
Start Organizing the Items: Sort your belongings into categories, such as furniture, electronics, books, and artwork. This will make it easier to pack and label everything correctly.
Pack Items with Intention: Use high-quality packing materials like sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper to protect your items from scratches, dents, and moisture. Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to for easy identification later.
Move Items to Climate-Controlled Storage: Carefully transport your belongings to the climate-controlled storage unit once everything is packed and labeled. Take care when loading and unloading to prevent any damage.
By following these steps, you can ensure your valuable possessions are adequately prepared for their stay in a climate-controlled environment, giving you peace of mind knowing they're being well-protected.
Regions Where Climate Control is Recommended
Climate-controlled storage units are particularly beneficial in regions with extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat, bitter cold, or high humidity. These environmental factors can wreak havoc on your belongings, causing irreparable damage if not adequately protected.
Extreme Heat: Areas with scorching summers and high temperatures can take a toll on your stored items. Heat can cause wood furniture to warp, crack, or discolor, while electronics and appliances may malfunction or have a shorter lifespan. Additionally, extreme heat can accelerate the deterioration of fabrics, photographs, and important documents.
Extreme Cold: Freezing temperatures can also threaten your belongings. Cold weather can cause metals to contract and plastics to become brittle, leading to potential cracks or breakage. Furthermore, fluctuations between extreme cold and warm temperatures can create condensation, leading to mold growth and water damage.
Extreme Humidity: High humidity levels can foster the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, ruining your possessions. Humid conditions can also cause the metal to rust, leather and paper to deteriorate, and wooden items to swell or warp. Climate-controlled storage units maintain optimal humidity levels, preventing
these issues from occurring.
By renting a climate-controlled storage unit in regions with extreme weather conditions, you can safeguard your valuable belongings from the damaging effects of heat, cold, and humidity. This added layer of protection ensures that your items remain pristine until you need them again.
Other Reasons to Rent a Climate-Controlled Unit
Beyond protecting your belongings from extreme temperatures and humidity, renting a climate-controlled storage unit offers several additional benefits that can provide peace of mind and convenience.
First and foremost, climate-controlled units offer a comfortable environment for you to access your stored items. Without worrying about excessive heat, cold, or moisture, you can take your time organizing, packing, or retrieving your belongings without discomfort. This personal comfort factor can be especially valuable if you need to spend extended periods inside the self storage unit.
Another significant advantage of climate-controlled storage is the enhanced security features often associated with these units. Many storage facilities prioritize the safety and security of their climate-controlled areas, incorporating advanced access control systems, surveillance cameras, and well-lit spaces. This added layer of protection can provide peace of mind, knowing that your valuable possessions are stored in a secure environment.
Climate-controlled storage units are also an ideal solution for businesses that need to store sensitive or valuable inventory, documents, or equipment. By maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level, companies can ensure that their assets remain in optimal condition, reducing the risk of damage or degradation. This can be particularly crucial for industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, or art and collectibles.
How Much is Climate-Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage units typically cost more than standard, non-climate-controlled units. The exact price difference can vary depending on the storage facility, location, and unit size. However, you can generally expect to pay an additional 25% to 50% for a climate-controlled unit.
The cost of climate-controlled storage is influenced by several factors:
Unit Size: Larger units will be more expensive than smaller ones, regardless of whether they are climate-controlled or not.
Location: Storage facilities in urban areas or high-cost-of-living regions tend to have higher prices for all unit types, including climate-controlled units.
Facility Amenities: Storage facilities that offer additional features like 24/7 access, enhanced security, and on-site management may charge more for their climate-controlled units.
Demand: In areas with high demand for climate-controlled storage, prices may be higher due to limited availability.
Energy Costs: Maintaining a climate-controlled environment requires more energy, which can contribute to higher rental rates.
To give you an idea of pricing, a 5x5 climate-controlled unit (suitable for storing a few boxes or small furniture pieces) may cost around $60 to $100 per month, while a 10x20 climate-controlled unit (ideal for storing the contents of a 3-4 bedroom home) could range from $150 to $300 per month or more, depending on the location and facility.
How to Choose a Climate-Controlled Storage Company
When it comes to selecting a climate-controlled storage company, it's essential to do your research and ask the right questions. Here are some factors to consider:
Companies that Offer Climate-Controlled Storage Units
Many major storage companies offer climate-controlled units, including Public Storage, Extra Space Storage, CubeSmart, and Life Storage. However, it's crucial to check the availability and specific features of climate-controlled units at your desired location.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Storage Company
Do I Need Long-Term Storage?
If you plan to store your belongings for an extended period, climate control becomes even more crucial to prevent damage from fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels.
What's the Weather Like in My Area?
Consider the local climate conditions. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures or high humidity, climate-controlled storage is highly recommended to protect your belongings.
Are My Belongings Sentimental or Expensive?
If you're storing valuable items, such as antiques, artwork, electronics, or family heirlooms, investing in climate-controlled storage can provide peace of mind and prevent costly damage.
When evaluating storage companies, inquire about their climate control systems, temperature and humidity ranges, and any additional features they offer, such as air filtration or dehumidification. Additionally, ask about security measures, access hours, and any additional fees associated with climate-controlled units.
Frequently Asked Questions about Climate-Controlled Storage
Can you control the temperature in a climate-controlled unit?
Most climate-controlled storage units allow you to set the temperature within a specific range, typically between 55°F and 85°F. This ensures that your belongings are kept in an environment that is neither too hot nor too cold, protecting them from damage caused by extreme temperatures.
Is climate-controlled storage more expensive?
Yes, climate-controlled storage units are generally more expensive than traditional, non-climate-controlled units. The additional cost is due to the energy required to maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels within the unit. However, the added expense is often worth it for valuable or sensitive items that could be damaged by fluctuating temperatures and humidity.
Is climate control worth it?
Climate control is definitely worth it if you plan to store items that are susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures, humidity, or moisture. Items such as electronics, furniture, books, artwork, and musical instruments can be protected from warping, cracking, mildew, and other forms of damage by storing them in a climate-controlled environment.
How hot do storage units get?
Non-climate-controlled storage units can become extremely hot, especially during the summer months. Temperatures inside these units can easily reach over 100°F, which can be detrimental to many types of belongings. Climate-controlled units, on the other hand, maintain a consistent, moderate temperature, typically between 55°F and 85°F, preventing your items from being exposed to extreme heat.
What are the pros and cons of climate control?
Pros:
- Protects valuable and temperature-sensitive items from damage
- Maintains a consistent, moderate temperature and humidity level
- Prevents warping, cracking, mildew, and other forms of damage
- Provides peace of mind for storing precious belongings
Cons:
- More expensive than non-climate-controlled units
- Requires ongoing energy consumption to maintain the desired environment
Do drive-up storage units have climate control?
Many storage facilities offer climate-controlled units with drive-up access, allowing you to easily load and unload your belongings without having to carry them long distances. However, not all drive-up units are climate-controlled, so it's important to inquire about this feature when renting a unit.
Do climate-controlled storage units have 24-hour access?
Access hours for climate-controlled storage units can vary depending on the facility. Some facilities offer 24-hour access, while others may have more limited access hours. It's best to check with the specific storage facility you're considering to understand their access policies and hours of operation.
Find a Climate Controlled Storage Unit Near You
Remember, investing in climate-controlled storage is a wise decision to protect your valuable items from extreme temperatures, humidity, and other environmental factors. Take the time to find the right storage solution, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safe and well-preserved.
Our goal is to make storage easy. With mobile reservations, convenient move-ins, an onsite kiosk, friendly staff, clean units, and stellar security, we've got you covered.
Ready to simplify your storage experience? You can rent your unit online by clicking on the desired size, by phone, or onsite at our kiosk. Rent a unit, buy a lock, and get your gate code all at our E Kiosk—it's that easy! Start your storage journey with us today!
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