Climate Controlled Storage Units: 5 Items That Need Climate Control
Do you really need to spring for a climate controlled storage unit? The answer depends primarily on where you're storing your stuff, how long you're storing it for, and what you're storing. Generally speaking, if you plan to keep your stuff in storage for an extended period of time in a city where the weather gets damp and cold, you need a climate controlled unit. Even if you plan on getting your stuff out quickly, you may still need a climate controlled unit since certain items can get damaged overnight. If you're planning to put any of the following five things into storage, you need a secure self storage facility with a climate controlled unit.
Wood Furniture
Wood expands and contracts with changing temperatures and humidity levels, which can cause it to crack and warp. If exposed to humidity for a long period of time, wooden furniture can even rot. So if you're storing any sort of furniture, such as dressers, desks, tables, couches, etc., you want to secure a unit that has both temperature and humidity controls.
Electronic Components
Electronics and household appliances should never be kept in extreme conditions. If components crack or rust, your components and appliances could be irreversibly damaged. Always store these items in a box or loosely wrapped -- not in plastic -- in a climate controlled unit. Remember, electronics must breathe. If you wrap them up in plastic, they can collect moisture.
Pieces of Art
Pieces of art, such as paintings and drawings need protection from UV rays as well as heat, cold, and humidity. If you're a budding artist or craftsman, these items need to be kept in a controlled climate as well.
Valuable Collectibles
If you collect items that are valuable or may become valuable, such as coins and stamps, you must spring for a climate controlled unit. Exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity can tarnish prized coins and make stamps curl. As a collector, you probably already know that any sort of damage can and will drive down the price on your valuables.
Musical Instruments
All instruments, including percussion, brass, woodwind, and string instruments, need to be kept in a climate controlled unit. As you can imagine, humidity can warm wooden instruments and tarnish metal ones. Rust is also a real concern. Once instruments succumb to the elements, they will never sound the same again.
There are many things that should be stored in a climate controlled storage unit. If you have any questions about what you can and can't store in a non-controlled unit, talk to your storage facility representative.
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