12 Items You Should Keep in a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

Storing your items in a self-storage unit is useful if you want to free up more space in your home, or when you are moving out, or even when you need temporary storage for your stuff. But did you know that there are specific items that are sensitive to temperature changes and may be damaged if you rent a regular storage unit?

A lot can happen to your stuff while it’s sitting in storage. Moisture can build-up, it can be exposed to extreme temperatures, and the most common concern is pests living in your storage unit. How then, can you make sure that your items are in the same condition they were when in when you put them in storage?

A climate-controlled storage unit is the solution. Climate-controlled storage units keep your possessions protected from the elements. While they cost a little more than traditional storage units, the many benefits you get from climate-controlled storage make them worth the added investment.

What Is Climate Controlled Storage?

Climate-controlled storage, sometimes referred to as temperature-controlled storage, is a special type of self-storage unit that is designed specifically to maintain steady temperatures and humidity levels. The temperature inside these units is strictly maintained at 55°F to 85°F. Unlike storage units for rent located outdoors, climate-controlled storage units are most often found indoors.

Temperature and humidity are important factors since they work together to create moisture. Humid air is hot air, and where there’s more heat and more humidity, moisture follows. Keeping both the temperature and humidity controlled and steady means that moisture can’t form and your items stay protected.

There are benefits to these maintained temperatures. For items that are sensitive to environmental conditions, or those of great value, the stable temperatures give better protection against damage, which is important especially if you’re storing your items for a long period of time.

You also don’t have to bend over backwards to find a climate-controlled storage unit because most self-storage facilities, especially with interior storage units, offer this now.

Do I Need Climate Controlled Storage?

Renting a climate-controlled storage unit can be costly compared to just getting a regular storage unit. If you’re not sure whether you need this feature, here are a few factors you need to consider:

• Length of Storage

You need to consider how long you’re storing your items. If you only need the storage for a short period of time, and you only need it because you’re moving, then you probably don’t need a climate-controlled unit. You just need to make sure that you will be able to get your items in a timely manner since heat, cold, and humidity can eventually damage some of them.

However, if you’re placing your items in storage for a long period of time, climate control is very important. This is applicable for Christmas decorations and winter clothes. People only use it for a short time every year, so keeping them in climate-controlled units for the rest of the year will help them last longer and maintain their quality for a long time.

• Geographical Location

When you are located in a place where you experience extreme temperature conditions, a climate-controlled storage unit is a must.

Places that are prone to extreme heat put items like CDs and vinyl records at risk since they can warp and/or melt. Your wine can also turn cloudy or brown when it is exposed to heat.

You also need climate-controlled storage if you’re in an area that experiences extremely cold temperatures since this can freeze objects that retain moisture. If exposed too long to the cold, these items can crack, expand, and contract unless kept under controlled conditions.

High levels of humidity can also be damaging to many items. Extreme humidity encourages the growth of bacteria, mildew, and mould, and can even attract small pests. With climate-controlled storage, you can make sure that you have a clean and dry space for your items.

• Type of Item

One of the biggest factors when deciding whether to get climate-controlled storage is the type of item you’ll be storing in it. You can get climate-controlled storage units to house objects that are sensitive to temperature and those with sentimental value.

Heirlooms and old photographs can be costly and, in most cases, impossible to replace. That’s why these are best kept in a climate-controlled unit. The same goes for store furniture made of wood, electronics and media, and items made of fabric such as toys, clothes, and upholstered furniture in a climate-controlled storage unit in order to make sure that they are kept in their best condition.

When deciding whether to get climate-controlled storage, here are questions you need to ask about the item:

• Can it get mould or mildew?
• Can it warp, crack, deteriorate, or become discoloured from interactions with moisture?
• Would high heat cause it to expand or contract?
• Is it designed to be stored at a certain temperature (for example, wine or artwork)?
• Is it sensitive to extreme heat or cold?
• Is it rare, sentimental, and/or valuable?

If your answer is yes, then it’s a good idea to rent a climate-controlled storage unit for those items.

What Things Need Climate Controlled Storage?

Here are some items that need to be stored in climate-controlled storage units:

1. Antique Wooden Furniture

Leaving antique wooden furniture exposed to the elements can damage its structure. The humidity and temperature fluctuations can warp, crack or rot the wood. This includes your antique wooden tables, chairs, bed frames, nightstands, and more.

So if you’re planning on storing them for a long time, then consider putting them in a climate-controlled storage unit

2. Leather Furniture

Leather is particularly sensitive to humidity fluctuations and can shrink, warp, thin out, and even get discoloured and mouldy through moisture when placed in regular storage.

If you have expensive leather furniture, it’s crucial that you put them in a climate-controlled storage unit if you’re living in areas where each season brings drastic weather changes.

3. Consumer Electronics

Even small amounts of moisture can short circuit your electronics when you turn them back on after storing them for a long period of time. Rusting can also be an issue.

If you are storing your computer, computer parts, or any other types of electronics equipment, then a climate-controlled storage unit can prevent any moisture buildup.

4. Media Storage Equipment

DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, cassettes, software, or any other type of media storage are extremely vulnerable to moisture and major temperature shifts. A climate-controlled storage unit is a must.

5. Clothing

Seasonal clothing can be very expensive. Keeping them in a climate-controlled storage unit can preserve their quality for a longer period of time. This is especially true for heirloom pieces of clothing like wedding gowns and the like.

Before putting your clothes in storage, make sure they are clean and dry. You can also use plastic storage bins for additional protection against moisture.

6. Special Collections

If you have special collections, a climate-controlled storage unit is the best place to store them. Since your purpose of collecting these special items is preserving their quality for many years, they need to be under controlled temperatures. Changing weather conditions can damage them.

Such items include coin collections, stamps, comics, toys, and other collectibles.

7. Important Paperwork

Business documents and inventory, tax files, and other important paperwork should be carefully stored in a climate-controlled storage unit. This prevents those documents from getting dissolved, discoloured, faded, or rotted due to humidity. Monthly self-storage is considerably more cost-effective than replacing your inventory damaged by extreme weather changes.

8. Wine

Exposure to temperature fluctuations can accelerate the wine’s aging process, degrading its taste and quality. As a result, your wine can develop an unpleasantly metallic, oxidized taste. Not only will you not be able to drink it, but you will be wasting the time and money that you invested into your wine collection.

To avoid spoilage and support proper aging, you should consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit for your wine bottles.

9. Musical Instruments

A high-quality musical instrument is a costly investment, so you need to store these delicate items in units with climate control. Otherwise, your musical instruments can be damaged by humidity and temperature fluctuations. On top of that, high levels of humidity and heat can encourage corrosion and the growth of bacteria, which is extremely destructive to musical instruments.

10. Artwork and Craft Supplies

The ideal environment for your artwork should be at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with around 50% humidity, which you can find in a climate-controlled storage unit. Your craft supplies can also benefit from being stored in a climate-controlled storage unit since the fabric is susceptible to moisture, UV exposure, and dust so keeping them under consistent temperature can be incredibly helpful.

11. Photographs

Climate control is very important when you’re storing photos. Heat can cause stacks of photos to deteriorate and fuse together. This can also cause images to fade. Additionally, you need to face the photos away from each other to prevent damage and ensure that those memories are preserved. They are, after all, irreplaceable.

12. Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies

Pharmaceutical and medical supplies can degrade when it is stored outside its normal temperature range. Make sure that you check your prescription bottle for storage instructions and you’ll typically see a recommended temperature range.

How Much Does a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit Cost?

Climate-controlled storage units in Ontario go from $40 to $500 depending on the storage unit size and location, and if you’re living in areas where temperature and humidity are not consistent all year, then surely a climate-controlled storage unit is worth the extra price. It is always better to err on the side of caution and keep your items safe.

If you still can’t decide on whether to get a regular storage unit or a climate-controlled storage unit, check the storage unit sizes and prices and see if it is what you are looking for.

“Climate Controlled Storage Near Me”? That’s Us!

Centron Self Storage offers the best value for climate-controlled storage spaces in North York. Pay a visit to our store at 4500 Chesswood Drive and get a feel of how secure and safe your belongings will be in our facilities. Call (416) 739-0000 to talk to one of our storage experts today!