Climate-Controlled Self Storage
Not sure if you need a climate-controlled self storage unit? Let our experts explain why you might need climate control
What is Climate-Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage units are temperature-controlled to stay within 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (10 - 27 degrees Celsius).
If storage units aren’t climate controlled, the temperature may fall below or rise above this range depending on the time of year.
Climate-controlled self-storage units are located inside the facility to protect your valuable items and temperature-sensitive materials i.e., wood, clothing, mattresses, books, paper, wine, instruments, wine, paint, antiques, and collectibles.
Our climate-controlled units are integrated with state-of-the-art technology that allows for remote monitoring 24/7 to ensure temperature compliance with our STORExpress standards.
Do I Need a Climate-controlled Self-Storage Unit?
Valuables that are sensitive to weather change and humidity will need to be stored in a climate-controlled unit. If not, these belongings can be susceptible to damage such as mildew, color fading, expansion/warping, or dry rot. Below is a list of items you would want to consider storing in a climate-controlled storage unit.
Electronics
Extreme heat and cold temperatures can cause TVs, computers, and stereos to stop working over time.
Furniture
Whether it’s a couch, chair, table, mattress, etc., these upholstered materials are prone to fading and collecting moisture if they aren’t stored in a climate-controlled space.
Books
High heat and low humidity in a storage unit will cause the fibers in the book to dehydrate. This will damage the pages and make them brittle!
Artwork & Collectibles
These precious items should always be stored in climate-controlled areas to preserve their original condition.
Wine
Wine should always be stored in a cool area between 50 - 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 -16 degrees Celsius). Traditional units won’t provide the proper insulation and temperature consistency for your wine to mature properly in storage.
Musical Instruments
Extreme temperatures can warp the wood and strings, which will affect the sound of your instrument.
Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage
Protection From Extreme Temperatures
Seasonal weather changes occur no matter where you live. If seasonal temperatures don’t fluctuate much, chances are the humidity levels from rain do.
Preventing Damage to Belongings
Taking the chance to store these items in a non-climate-controlled space can be an expensive risk. Corrosion and other damage that occurs can be expensive and stressful to fix or replace. Taking the extra precaution to rent a climate-controlled space will give you peace of mind when storing your items.
Comfort When Visiting Your Storage Unit
This is especially true for those that experience freezing winters and hot summers. A temperature-controlled storage unit will save you discomfort during the packing and moving process. Indoor climate-controlled storage also gives your belongings better security as you have to enter the building to access the unit.
Packing
When you’re boxing up items and getting ready to store them, group your belongings based on what you will use the most often.
Label your boxes on all sides so you can easily see where your possessions are located once they are packed.
If you can, avoid taping boxes you will want to frequently access so you can get inside of them quickly.
Moving boxes with handles are very convenient for the packing process.
Shelving (Optional)
Bring shelving into your storage unit so that your moving boxes are neatly stacked on top of each other.
This will make it easy to visually see all of your possessions when you need to open them. Find shelves that don't need installation of any kind.
Simply buy or use shelving you already have that is portable and sturdy. Put your largest items on the bottom and store lighter ones on top to avoid them from falling or getting damaged. This will be especially useful for those storing 6 months or longer.
At STORExpress, we offer storage units with built-in shelving, so be sure to ask about our availability!
Organizing Your Climate-Controlled Unit
If you are storing large pieces of furniture such as your bed, couch, desk, chairs, etc., make sure to put those items in the back of the unit.
Pack objects like your clothes, shoes, utensils, or other everyday items on the sides of the unit along the walls. Wardrobe boxes are a must for those who are switching out clothing to keep these articles wrinkle-free.
If you aren’t using shelving, avoid stacking boxes that will be accessed the most so that you don’t have to continuously move the stack when you need to retrieve an item.
Make sure to keep a clear walkway in the center of the unit so you can walk inside without having to tumble over boxes.
If you are planning on storing long-term, it might be useful to create a quick sketch or outline to remind you where you placed your belongings and what containers they are in.