The hot, humid summers and the chilly weather are perfect reasons to use climate-controlled storage. Storing perishables and valuables in basic storage is as good as keeping them out. It would be best to have square pegs in a square hole and climate-sensitive items in a climate-controlled unit.
This article is all you need to know about a climate-controlled storage unit.
What is a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit
Images by David Marinaro
A climate-controlled storage unit is an upgraded storage unit that monitors storage conditions including temperature, humidity, or both to extend the life of stored items. Climate-controlled storage units protect your belongings better because they regulate air, temperature, and humidity.
But we can’t talk about climate-controlled units without first addressing the ‘whats’ of climate control. A climate-controlled unit operates at a consistent temperature range year-round with the help of a special device, climate control.
According to Webster, “climate control is a device which controls the temperature and relative humidity in cars, buildings, etc, by way of a heating and/or air conditioning system.”
After extensive research, we found out that there are upgraded versions of climate-controlled storage units. These units charge more than traditional ones because of their on-demand or valet storage services.
You can order online for pick up, and they’ll also deliver your belongings when you need them. Some charge extra for delivery fees, and others don’t.
You can save time by searching for a storage company near you. Use an advanced search option instead of checking for the right storage company only to see it miles from your home. SelfStorage.com or Storage.com has free search options for climate-controlled units in the U.S.
Always ask storage facility operators for their specific temperature and climate standards and what they do to meet their standards. Most so-called climate-controlled storage units are only operated on a temperature basis or air conditioning systems.
See Also: How to Pack Jewelry for Moving
Do I Need Climate-Controlled Storage
Do you keep asking yourself why you should opt for climate-controlled storage? Here’s why:
- You’re moving to a place with extreme weather conditions.
- You won’t be needing the items where you’re moving.
- You can’t move the items with your belongings.
- You need to store an item of sentimental value like wedding dresses.
- The belongings don’t do well in extreme conditions.
Hence, needing climate-controlled storage is a question of what items you want to store.
What Can I Store in a Climate-Controlled Storage
Do you have trouble deciding which valuables should go in climate-controlled storage? We can help!
Generally, items that can be kept in your basement or garage should go in basic storage, not climate-controlled units. But weather-sensitive items like wines and spices are best stored in climate-controlled storage.
Here is a list of what goes in storage units:
■Antiques
■Artwork
■Books
■Clothing and fabric
■Computers
■Documents and important paperwork
■DVDs, CDs, VCDs, or vinyl
■Electronics
■Family heirlooms
■Furniture
■Furs
■Household appliances
■Medical supplies
■Musical instruments
■Photographs
■Sporting equipment
■Transport
■Wine bottles
■Wood or leather furniture
See Also: 50 Moving Tips and Hacks
Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage
Long-term Storage
Climate-controlled units are year-round storage facilities. Renting basic storage units costs less and is perfect for storing short-term. But the damage is inevitable when storing long-term. Sooner or later, your belongings will succumb to extreme temperatures and high humidity.
Security
You can sleep well at night knowing your possessions are safe from theft and the elements.
■Extreme temperature cracks wood, melts or warps DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes, vinyl records, spoils leather, and clouds wine.
■Extreme cold shrinks wood and damages electronics.
■Extreme humidity creates moisture that develops into mold, which causes rust and rot: mold damages books, pictures, fabrics, and appliances beyond repair.
Perhaps, the only con to using a climate-controlled storage unit is because it’s high-priced.
Climate-Controlled Storage vs. Standard Storage Units
There’s a huge difference between basic storage units and Climate-Controlled units.
Basic storage units fluctuate with the weather; they get hot during summer and cold in winter. On the other hand, Climate-Controlled keeps your belongings in the suitable temperature range for each item.
Although conditions in controlled units are typically kept at room temperature, storage units vary depending on their location or where you live. These additional forms of environmental control include basic climate control, heated storage, humidity-controlled storage, and air-conditioned storage.
For example, folks that live in hot conditions need air-conditioned storage units for their belongings. Humidity-controlled storage is the best option for those who want to store wine.
Climate-controlled storage units are an all-rounder, and these units don’t depend on where they’re located.
Aside from optimal climate conditions, climate-controlled storage is protected from pests and insects. A climate-controlled unit is sealed and insulated against environmental or biological assailants.
It takes thousands of dollars to run these units and provide these benefits. Climate-controlled storage also costs 20-50 percent more than storage units without climate control—except you’re ordering online.
See Also: 3 Ways to Pack Spices for Moving
Best 5 Climate-Controlled Storage Companies of 2022
Before we jump into the list, you have every right to know which factors we considered.
That leads us to the question, “what should you look for in a climate-controlled storage company?”
It would be best to ask for climate control info like temperature and humidity and whether they’re suitable for your belongings.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for your possessions varies but should always fall within 50–85°F. This means the unit’s temperature, even in the harshest of weather, should not fall below the range. It’s only normal that the temperature for clothes differs from that of wine—which stores at 55°F.
Humidity
Humidity is the measurement of water vapor relative to air temperature. Regulated humidity prevents mold, rust, and rot.
A few companies offer information on humidity. Suppose you want humid conditions or humidity-controlled units. In that case, you must be asked beforehand so that you won’t invest your money in the wrong storage.
Pricing
Since you’ll be spending money on moving other belongings, it’s wise to go for good and budget-friendly storage.
A climate-controlled unit of $150 per month or less seems like a good pick. But on average, the monthly cost to rent a self-storage unit in the U.S. is $108.18 per month.
Tip: You can get a price reduction of up to 20% if you order online.
Proximity
Fell in love with a storage unit already? You should check if the company is near your location unless you’re okay with spending extra on moving them down there.
Reviews
You MUST check for reviews. If other conditions meet your taste, but there are many dissatisfied customers, it’s a NO!
Having compared the crucial features all storage units should have, we’ve compiled a curated list of America’s five best storage chains.
- Extra Space Storage
- Public Storage
- Life Storage
- U-Haul
- CubeSmart
Friendly Reminder: Don’t forget to ask the storage company for the specifics of what you’re storing.
See Also: How to Pack Wine Bottles for Moving
Final Word
Renting a unit is expensive, but compared to the value (monetary or otherwise) of your items, they’re worth every cent.
You’ll lose more if you decide against storing your weather-sensitive valuables in climate-controlled storage. You only need to find one that suits your pocket.
