Do You Really Need Climate Controlled Storage Spaces?
Storage solutions are essential for people and businesses that need extra space for their belongings or inventory. However, when it comes to items that are particularly sensitive to environmental changes, such as temperature and humidity, standard storage might not be enough. This is where climate-controlled storage comes in. But do you really need climate-controlled storage?
Here, we'll explore what climate-controlled storage is, its benefits for students, electronics, and furniture, and whether it's necessary for your belongings. We'll also cover which items are best kept in a climate-controlled facility and why they need these specific conditions.
What is Climate Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage is a storage facility designed to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels. Generally, the temperature ranges between 55 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This stable temperature is essential to protect the items stored under the controlled climate storage space.
Having said that, standard storage is subject to extreme temperature changes. Whereas a climate-controlled storage maintains a more consistent environment and hence, is the ideal solution for sensitive items that may be affected by temperature fluctuations.
What are the Benefits of Climate Controlled Storage?
The benefits of climate-controlled storage are clear: they protect your sensitive belongings from damage while maintaining a consistent temperature year-round.
Most storage spaces are housed in secure, enclosed buildings, offering added protection from the elements. Some facilities even provide drive-up, climate-controlled options, making loading and unloading right from your vehicle quick and convenient.
If you are looking for the benefits of climate-controlled storage for students, furniture, and electronics, below we have highlighted some key advantages:
Protection from Temperature Fluctuation
Temperature fluctuation or extreme weather conditions can significantly damage certain items placed in storage, especially those made of wood, paper, or leather. It can also lead to seasonal highs and lows and make materials expand and contract repeatedly, potentially cracking or damaging them. Putting them in controlled temperature storage protects your items from unexpected temperature shifts and maintains their structural integrity.
Preservation of Fragile Items
Fragile items like artwork, antiques, and collectibles demand special care when it comes to storing them because they are at a higher risk of damage if you don't store them properly. The way you pay attention while packing fragile items, you must follow the same care-quotient while storing them rightly as it goes a long way in preserving these precious items.
Climate-controlled storage facilities preserve these items in the right manner and prevent their deterioration. Such storage options provide stable environmental conditions and make an apt choice to store your rare, unique, and expensive items.
Humidity control for electronics
Humidity control is next in the list of benefits of climate controlled storage. High humidity levels act as the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth, which can result in odors, irreversible staining, and structural damage to your belongings.
It can also lead to corrosion or oxidization of metals. Storing your valuable possessions in a humidity-controlled storage for electronics or other sensitive items protects them from any kind of damage and allows you peace of mind.
Prevention of Pest Infestation
Pest infestation takes place in moist and warm conditions. Storage Climate Controlled facilities provide a layer of extra protection from dust, debris, and pests. These temperature-controlled storage spaces are professionally sealed and provide a stable temperature that creates an environment that is less inviting to insects and rodents. Above all, these facilities are cleaned and maintained regularly.
Is Climate Controlled Storage Facility Necessary For You?
Do you really need climate controlled storage? If you're storing delicate items like family heirlooms, electronics, furniture, student belongings, or motorcycle storage, a climate-controlled facility keeps them safe from heat, humidity, and damage so they last longer.
The necessity of climate-controlled storage also depends on where you are living and whether the area has poor environmental conditions. For example, if you live in an area with extreme temperature swings or high humidity like Miami or Orlando, Florida, Long Island in NYC, investing in climate-controlled storage can be worthwhile. So, the necessity of controlled temperature storage depends on your requirements.
What Needs To Be In Climate-Controlled Storage Facilities?
Sensitive items require climate-controlled storage for long-term preservation. Even during short-term storage, items are better protected in environments with frequent temperature changes or high humidity fluctuations.
Motorized Vehicles
Motorized vehicles like classic cars or motorcycles should be stored in temperature-controlled storage cabinets to prevent them from issues like mold, rust, and engine deterioration. Temperature fluctuations can cause metal parts to corrode and rubber to deteriorate. A stable and controlled environment preserves these motorized vehicles and keeps them in top condition.
Temperature-controlled storage is ideal for a wide range of motorized vehicles:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Jet Skis
- ATVs
- Dirt Bikes
- Side-by-Sides
- Mopeds & Scooters
Climate-controlled storage helps maintain vehicle condition by preventing freezing temperatures that can drain batteries and make plastics and rubber brittle. It also shields vehicles from heat, reducing the risk of fading paint, warped vinyl, or melted plastics. Proper motorcycle storage ensures that your vehicles remain in top condition year-round.
Collectibles
Better safe than sorry with regard to your priceless belongings. If you hold things of monetary or sentimental value, you don't want to damage them. Thus, it is better to store your collectibles in controlled climate storage.
Paper-based items, such as sports cards and comic books, are highly sensitive to humidity, which can cause warping and deterioration. Mold and mildew may also develop, especially if the items are stored in plastic. High temperatures can further damage ink, leading to fading over time. For more detailed tips on preserving comic books, check out our guide on how to store comic books.
Other items that benefit from proper storage include:
- Sports Cards
- Comic Books
- First-Edition Books
- Magazines
- Sneakers
- Vinyl Records & CDs
- DVDs & Blu-rays
- Stamps
- Coins
Electronics & Appliances
Electronics and appliances are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity, so climate-controlled storage is recommended to protect them from damage. Proper storage helps prevent rust, short-circuits, overheating, and other issues.
Items that benefit include:
- Televisions
- Video Game Systems
- Computers & Laptops
- Cell Phones
- Speakers & Sound Equipment
- Digital & Polaroid Cameras
- Washers & Dryers
- Ovens & Microwaves
- Refrigerators & Freezers
Humidity can cause metal components and other materials to corrode, while extreme heat or cold can damage screens, plastics, adhesives, and batteries.
Furniture
Storing furniture without protection can cause damage from heat, humidity, and cold, especially wooden or antique pieces. Climate-controlled storage helps prevent warping, splitting, or glue failure. For tips, see our guide on how to store furniture in a storage space.
Items to store carefully include:
- Dressers
- Beds & Bed Frames
- Desks
- Couches
- Chairs & Recliners
- Cabinets
- Tables
- Musical Instruments
Fabrics
Certain winter clothes and fabrics - like silk, wool, and cotton - are sensitive to dampness and temperature changes, which can lead to mold, mildew, or discoloration. Even sturdier fabrics, such as denim, can absorb moisture and become damaged over time. Using climate-controlled storage can help protect your wardrobe.
To keep your items in top condition, follow these tips:
- Store fragile fabrics like silk, wool, and cotton carefully to prevent damage.
- Keep sturdier fabrics such as denim dry to avoid mold and mildew.
- Properly organize clothes, hats, ties, and linens.
- Use climate-controlled storage for long-term preservation.
Learn more about how to store winter clothes to keep your fabrics in excellent condition.
Motorized Equipment
Heavy-duty equipment like lawnmowers, snowmobiles, and other machinery can be damaged by exposure to high temperatures or moisture. A climate-controlled storage provides the ideal environment to store motorized equipment, ensuring that parts do not rust or degrade due to temperature fluctuations and humidity.
Recreational Equipment
Even the gear you use for mountain adventures or sunny excursions can be affected by extreme temperatures and humidity. Most recreational equipment is made from materials that can swell, fade, or deteriorate if stored improperly. To keep your outdoor equipment in top condition, pay special attention to:
- Snowboards & skis
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- Bicycles
- Tents
- Sleeping bags
- Hiking packs
Final Thoughts
Climate-controlled storage is an excellent solution for preserving sensitive and valuable items that may be at risk of damage from fluctuating temperatures, humidity, or pests. It provides a safe, consistent environment for everything from electronics and furniture to collectibles and motorized vehicles.
At urBin Storage, we offer reliable and secure climate-controlled storage options to protect your valuable possessions. Whether you're storing a classic car, delicate artwork, or important documents, we have the right solution for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our climate-controlled storage and book your space!
FAQs
Does my storage need to be climate controlled?
It depends on what you're storing - if you have items like electronics, furniture, documents, or vehicles that can be damaged by heat, cold, or humidity, climate-controlled storage is the safer choice.
Is it okay to store furniture in non-climate control?
It's not ideal. Furniture, especially wood, leather, or upholstery, can warp, crack, fade, or grow mold in non-climate-controlled storage due to temperature and humidity changes.
What is climate control storage?
Climate control storage is a type of storage facility that maintains stable temperature and humidity levels to protect sensitive items from damage caused by extreme heat, cold, or moisture.
What are the benefits of climate-controlled storage for students?
Below are the some incredible benefits of climate-controlled storage for students:
- Keeps books and documents safe from moisture.
- Protects electronics from heat and humidity.
- Prevents clothes and fabrics from mold or fading.
- Keeps personal items safe from pests and damage.
- Provides a stable environment during breaks or moves.
How do you store items in climate-controlled storage?
Below are some key points to remember when storing your items:
- Make sure all items are clean and completely dry before storing.
- Use protective covers and sturdy containers, keeping items off the floor.
- Leave space between items for airflow to prevent mold and mildew.
- Check your belongings periodically to ensure they remain in good condition.