Many guides for choosing the right storage unit mention location, size, price and accessibility. Fair enough, but there is another detail that you should weigh on before renting a self-storage unit, and that is climate control.
Why should you care about that? Say you’re packing away furniture while renovating your home. You’d want those pieces safe, right? Now, think about where you’d feel more comfortable leaving them. In a cool, steady space where it’s never too humid or too hot? Or are they okay in a place that gets to mimic the weather?
Putting them in a non-climate-controlled unit is more like stashing them in your garage and some of your things might not do well with too much heat, cold, humidity or dryness. It’s not just furniture. Do you know what happens to electronics or books when they sit in a super damp or chilly place for too long? Nothing good, that’s for sure.
But then again, not everything you store needs special treatment, so that’s what we’re here to shed light on: Is climate-controlled storage necessary for your belongings or can you do just fine with a standard storage unit?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need climate-controlled storage?” this one’s for you.
- Climate-Controlled Storage
- Non-Climate-Controlled Storage
- When To Choose Climate-Controlled Storage
- Benefits of climate-controlled storage
- When Non-Climate-Controlled Storage Works
- Cost Benefits of Non Climate Controlled Storage
- Choosing the Right Storage Unit Type
- Accessibility, convenience and security
What Is Climate-Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage (not to be confused with heated storage) keeps things at steady temperature and humidity levels, no matter what craziness the weather’s doing outside.
- The thermostat in these units usually hangs out between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This means no sweltering summer heat or freezing winter cold gets to your stored items.
- Some days may feel super sticky or dry, but climate-controlled units balance humidity, so your stuff doesn’t feel it. The typical range here is 30-50%.
What Is Non-Climate-Controlled Storage?
Stepping over to the non-climate-controlled side of things, you’re not exactly letting your items brave the elements, as they have a roof over their heads, but they sure will feel weather extremes and fluctuations, in both temperature and humidity.
If it’s hot and sticky outside, it’s likely going to be hot and sticky inside. Cold outside? Same deal in the unit, following the beat of nature. Your things are sheltered from rain and snow, but they live through the seasons just like you do, only under lock and key.
When To Choose Climate-Controlled Storage
Got some special items you’re not sure where to keep? A climate-controlled environment might just be the right answer for storing sensitive items of all sorts. As a rule of thumb, opt for climate control if:
- You’re storing anything that can warp or get damaged by extreme heat, cold or humidity. Not everything can handle the roller coaster of chilly winter days and scorching summer heat.
- Your items are valuable, not just in dollars, but in sentiment too — some things are just irreplaceable: family heirlooms, your favorite guitar or that collection you’ve been adding to since you were a kid.
To make it easier, here’s a quick list to consider (mind that it’s not exhaustive):
- Antiques and furniture
- Musical instruments
- Mattresses (because no one likes a musty bed)
- Clothing, especially lace or leather
- Books and magazines
- Electronics and household appliances
- Important documents and photographs
- Upholstered furniture and rugs
- Vinyl records and DVDs
Benefits of climate-controlled storage
We mentioned the constant temperatures and humidity, but how do these translate into hard advantages for your valuables?
- Protection from extreme temperatures is essential for things like wood furniture and musical instruments. They are prone to warps and cracks and they really don’t like changes in the weather.
- The air in climate-controlled units is continuously circulated, keeping it fresh. This air conditioning matters a great deal for electronics and paper-based items like books and documents.
- Thanks to being indoors and well-sealed, these units keep out dust, pollen and even pests. So, you won’t find unexpected visitors making a home among your belongings.
- Humidity control protects your sensitive items from moisture damage or drying out. High humidity can lead to mold and low one, well, you know how dry winter air can make your skin crack? Imagine what that does to wood or electronics.
When Non-Climate-Controlled Storage Works
Not everything needs the VIP treatment of climate control. In fact, for many items, a standard storage unit does the trick just fine, for instance:
- If you store items that aren’t affected by temperature swings and humidity changes. Some stuff just doesn’t care if it’s hot or cold, wet or dry.
- If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option. Because, let’s face it, saving money where you can is always a good plan.
So, what kind of items are we talking about? Here’s a list of things that are just fine in a non-climate-controlled environment:
- Gardening tools like shovels and rakes
- Cars and boats — they’re used to being outside but don’t forget to winterize them
- Kitchen utensils like spoons, knives and mugs
- Holiday decorations — they’ve seen worse in your attic or basement
- Patio furniture — it’s built tough for the outdoors
- Adhesive tape and labels — they stick with you through thick and thin
Cost Benefits of Non Climate Controlled Storage
Non-climate-controlled units tend to be more wallet-friendly, there’s no denying that. They can be 25-40% cheaper than their climate-controlled counterparts. That’s no small change, especially if you’re storing items that don’t need special conditions. I mean, if your items aren’t affected by temperature or humidity, why pay extra? Save that money for something else.
However, if your things do get bothered by a bit more heat in the summer or cold in the winter, the extra cash that you keep in your pocket by choosing non-climate-controlled storage may come back to bite you when your belongings are destroyed.
Choosing the Right Storage Unit Type
So, what’s it going to be, climate-controlled or not? Here’s a quick checklist:
- Assess your items and ask yourself: Can they get damaged by humidity or temperature changes? If you nodded yes, lean towards climate control.
- Think about how long your stuff will be stored. A few weeks, months or is this a long-term situation? The longer your items are stored, the more likely they’ll encounter harmful environmental changes.
- Consider your climate — Is it hot and humid in the summer and freezing in the winter? If your area goes through extreme weather changes, climate-controlled storage it is then.
- Are you storing items that are irreplaceable or have high sentimental value? Climate control is a safer bet, why risk it?
Factor in accessibility, convenience and security
With the climate-control decision out of the way, there are other features to look for when choosing a storage facility. For instance, how easy it is to move your stuff in and out and how safe they are in there.
- Think about the equipment and layout. Facilities that offer dollies and carts can save your back and time. Also, how close can you park to your unit? The less distance you have to cover, the better.
- Access hours matter a great deal, especially if you’re an early bird or a night owl. 24/7 access is a plus, but not always necessary. Just make sure you won’t be left in the lurch when you need something.
- Security and safety are not to be overlooked and make no mistake: A secure facility means more than just locked gates. Are you feeling safe when you visit it? For extra peace of mind, look for on-site staff, digital video surveillance, alarms and good lighting.
Climate-Controlled Storage vs Non-Climate-Controlled Debate Settled
Alright, we’ve taken a pretty good tour of the ins and outs of storage units and climate control, haven’t we? In the end, choosing between traditional storage and climate-controlled units boils down to making sure those items in storage are just as you left them, whether you come back for them in a month, a year or even longer.
The last thing anyone wants is to open their storage unit and think, “Gee, I really should’ve gone for that climate-controlled option.” Sure, those units might cost a bit more, but think about it this way: isn’t it better than having to replace your precious or heartfelt items because they didn’t like the weather?
So, pause for a sec. Reflect on what you’re stashing away. Mull over everything we’ve talked about. Then, pick the storage solution that feels right for you. Whether you choose the extra care of climate control or stick with a simpler setup, the main goal is keeping your belongings just as you expect to find them later on.
With all this info in your back pocket, you’re totally equipped to make a choice that ticks all your boxes — fitting your needs, your wallet and giving you that calm, all’s-good feeling.
