Do I Need Climate Controlled Storage?

If you are planning on renting a storage unit, you may be wondering if your belongings will be safe and protected. Think about what happens to your belongings when they sit on your bookshelves, in your garage, or up in the attic for weeks at a time. All those items start to collect dust and could wear down or be damaged if exposed to the elements.

Can a self storage unit keep all your belongings in good condition year-round? Specifically, when the weather is very hot or very cold?

What is Climate Controlled Storage?

Self storage is usually broken into two categories – non-climate controlled storage and climate controlled storage. Generally, most items in a non-climate controlled storage unit will be protected. But non-climate controlled storage units are not heated or cooled, which means your belongings will be subjected to fluctuating outdoor temperatures, depending upon the nature of the building.

When Do I Need Climate Controlled Storage?

Now that you have a better understanding of what climate controlled storage is, you are probably asking yourself, “Do I really need a climate controlled storage unit?” The quick answer is, it depends.

If you have items that are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature, or if you just want peace of mind that your belongings will remain in good condition, you may want to consider a climate controlled storage unit. If you only need to store those more delicate belongings for a few weeks, you may be able to skip opting for the climate controlled storage unit, depending on the time of year and where you live.

What are the Benefits of Climate Controlled Storage?

Climate controlled storage offers many benefits, including the following:

• Protection from extreme temperatures. You don’t want your belongings sitting in a room that’s above 100 degrees, or in below-zero temperatures. Climate controlled storage units prevent these types of temperature fluctuations that can damage your belongings.
• Better air quality. Climate controlled storage units often have cleaner air because they’re sealed differently than non-climate controlled storage units. Clean air quality in self storage units is ideal for items like electronics.
• Lower risk of costly damage. If you store valuable belongings in the garage, basement, or attic, flooding or extreme temperatures can lead to damage that would be expensive to fix. Climate controlled storage can help prevent costly damage from occurring.
• Peace of mind. Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to worry about important documents getting destroyed or wooden furniture warping or cracking? When you store your belongings in a climate controlled storage unit, you know exactly where they are and you know they’ll be in good condition when you’re ready to pull them out of storage.

What Can I Store in a Climate Controlled Storage Unit?

Generally speaking, the more delicate your belongings, the more likely you should consider climate controlled storage. Some of these items can include:

• Wooden furniture
• Toys
• Documents
• Electronics
• Vehicles
• Some types of artwork
• Record collections

Keep in mind, even a climate controlled storage unit is not appropriate for certain types of items. For example, certain kinds of artwork, pianos, wine, or other items that require a much narrower range of temperature variation may not be as protected as you’d want them to be, even in a climate controlled storage unit.

If you’re not sure about a specific item, it’s important that you research it or talk to an expert to determine what sort of environment is needed to protect that item from damage or natural wear and tear.

Where Can You Find a Climate Controlled Storage Unit?

Many storage facilities offer climate controlled storage, but not all. Don’t assume that the facility you are considering offers this option. You’ll need to call ahead to ask or check the website.  As you are researching self-storage locations, you can ask if the facility offers climate controlled storage.

The general industry standard temperature for a climate controlled storage unit is a range between 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to ask about what temperature the storage units are maintained at. You’ll want to know what range of temperatures you’re dealing with so you can determine if your belongings will be protected in the storage unit.

Climate Controlled Storage Near You

ezStorage offers climate-controlled storage at many of our self-storage facilities. Find an ezStorage location near you today – we’re more than happy to help you find the right storage unit for your delicate items.