5 Reasons You Should Consider Climate-Controlled Self Storage

When you are considering renting a self-storage unit, you might be wondering if climate-controlled storage is really necessary. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider renting a climate-controlled self-storage unit. 

1. Weather

Anyone who gets headaches when the weather changes suddenly understands the impact of temperature fluctuations. Since most humans live in climate-controlled spaces, if it has that kind of an impact on you, imagine what those fluctuations are going to do to your possessions. 

Depending on the part of the country you live in, you could face a range of weather throughout the year. 

If you live in the northern part of the U.S. around New York, winter temperatures in the low to mid-20s are not unusual while summer temperatures can hit the mid-80s in July and August. 

Another fun part is something called Nor’easters, which are storms with an attitude that bring wind, rain, hail, snow and storm surge from the Atlantic Ocean. 

In contrast, if you live in the south, such as in Louisiana (find out what the weather is like in Louisiana) or Florida, you might occasionally get a chilly day (although northerners are probably still wearing shorts), but temperatures usually stay from a low of 60°F to into the 90s with a bonus: humidity!

Of course, that gorgeous weather comes with a catch in the form of hurricanes–the angry cousin of the nor’easter.

Wood furniture, antiques, musical instruments, books and anything made of paper don’t do well with temperature fluctuations. 

Wood can swell and shrink, it can warp, it can crack or split. That heirloom piano could become expensive kindling if the soundboard cracks. If you plan to store anything made of wood, you want to consider climate-controlled self-storage. 

2. Collectibles

If you are planning to store collectibles such as baseball cards, photographs, books, toys or antiques, temperature fluctuations are your worst enemy. 

Humidity encourages the growth of mold and mildew, and cold dry temperatures can make paper brittle. 

Stuffing in dolls or toys can retain moisture and encourage mold and mildew growth as well. 

While you can store your baseball cards and photos carefully in archival boxes and protective sleeves, if you don’t safeguard against temperature fluctuations, your efforts will be for nothing. 

Constant temperature is the BFF of fragile items. 

3. Air Quality

If you are storing electronics, paper, books or business documents, in addition to the temperature fluctuations, you want to consider air quality. 

Air circulation helps with temperature regulation, and air circulation also improves air quality, and reduces the chance of mold and mildew. It also helps prevent dampness.

Most climate-controlled units are interior units, and they have better air circulation, which keeps the air fresher. 

Anyone who has opened a musty attic understands the importance of fresh air circulation. 

4. Critters and Creepy Crawlies

In addition to the benefits of air quality, self storage with climate control has additional insulation and interior walls. 

While every reputable self-storage facility will work hard to keep critters and creepy crawlies out of the building, interior climate-controlled self-storage units have a few extra walls that make it harder for critters to settle in and set up home in your antique chair. 

Given the choice between a unit with access from the ground or one inside on a higher floor, most critters will opt for the easier access.

Elevating your possessions on pallets or shelving also helps. Keep a close eye out for signs of infestation and report them to the storage office immediately. 

5. Metal, Motors and Whirring things

Humidity and dampness encourages rust and mildew, which is bad for metal of any kind. 

While it might seem like an extravagance to keep your outdoor toys, such as outboard motors, tire rims, lawn mowers, snowblowers or mechanical cars in a climate-controlled unit, since they are used outside, it can be a smart financial choice to protect your possessions, especially if you are in a climate prone to humidity. 

Of course, if you have moved to New Orleans, you can probably sell the snowblower. 

When you choose to store your possessions, you take the time to choose a location that will protect your things as carefully as you would. Before you go with a basic unit, consider the types of things you will be storing, and look at climate-controlled self-storage. 

While it might cost a bit more money, it will provide protection and peace of mind.