Climate-Controlled Storage: What It Is and Why You Might Need It
Nothing is worse than opening a box of older items that have been sitting in storage for a while to find the items deteriorated or mold growing. It’s a quick way to take items that hold close value and turn them into waste, which can cause the pain to sting even more if they hold sentimental or monetary value.
Climate-controlled storage offers a solution to safeguard belongings while they sit in storage without the worry of degradation from the varying Southern California climate and seasons.
What Is Climate-Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage units are specifically designed to maintain the same consistent climate inside the unit despite the outside weather. Standard storage units are not climate-controlled forcing the items to sit through various weather patterns and climate conditions during each season.
Humidity is a stored item’s worst enemy, because it introduces stagnant moisture which will eventually turn into mold if never dried. Once mold is introduced it can be difficult to get rid of as it spreads and unfortunately, in storage units, unless visited daily, can happen in no time. Mold will eat away at the integrity of stored items quickly lowering their shelf life and value.
Climate-controlled storage units maintain a safe storing environment for the items, ensuring there’s not an excessive amount of humidity build up inside the storage unit. No matter the weather outside, the climate-controlled storage unit maintains the same, consistent conditions creating an ideal place to store your belongings.
Heated Storage Units
A heated unit varies slightly from climate-controlled storage units by only providing heat to a unit when it’s cold outside. Whereas climate controlled storage units provide heat during the cold weather and cooled air during the hotter seasons. Heated storage units do not provide as ideal of storing conditions as the climate-controlled storage units, especially for more sensitive items like records, papers, and delicate fabrics.
What Items Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
Electronics – Everyone knows that moisture and electronics don’t go hand-in-hand and a storage unit that builds up humidity can result in catastrophe. The climate-controlled storage unit can help protect internal components from humidity building up and potentially damaging the electronics.
Paper documents & photos – Many individuals use storage units to store their important documents and papers as it allows them to have them in their possession, but out of the way. However, a climate-controlled storage unit can ensure the papers don’t degrade or even worse begin to yellow and cause the ink to bleed in photos. Photos are how we hang onto memories and experiences from the past to pass down, which is why placing them in a climate-controlled environment is a must.
Clothing & fabrics – These are some of the most found items in a storage unit and for good reason. We love our clothes, but our clothes don’t love sitting in high humidity. If you want the best way to store your clothing and other fabrics then a climate-controlled is the solution because it helps prevent mold and mildew build up.
Collectibles (wine, comic books, vinyl records, artwork, etc.) – When it comes to storing your collections, it’s best to place them in the best environment possible to preserve their health. Sitting in storage can cause more harm than good if the conditions aren’t right because items like vinyl records can wrap, wine can lose its taste, and artwork can degrade. Climate-controlled storage units are ideal for these delicate items to ensure your collection doesn’t go to waste and continues to hold its value for many years and generations to come.
Household appliances – It may not seem necessary at first, but appliances are best stored in climate-controlled storage units. The humidity build up in a standard storage unit can cause damage to the appliance (protects motors and wiring from moisture damage)
Why You Need Climate-Controlled Storage
Protection Against Extreme Weather – Discuss how seasonal temperature shifts impact stored items. Seasonal temperature shifts can cause extra stress on stored items due to fluctuating conditions and humidity levels. The more items are exposed to varying conditions, the more they are forced to endure and degrade over time. Climate-controlled storage units can help keep a steady temperature throughout the changing seasons.
Humidity Control Prevents Damage – Explain how excess moisture can cause mold, rust, and material breakdown. Ultimately, humidity is the root cause of many issues people encounter when storing items either at home or in a standard storage unit. The climate-controlled storage units cut out the need to worry about mold and mildew growth because they’re regulated year-round, for optimal moisture control at all times.
Long-Term Storage Benefits – If you’re anticipating needing to store your items for long periods of times, like months or years, then a climate-controlled storage unit is a must. The longer items sit stagnant, the more likely they are to developing mold and other issues. Climate-controlled storage units ensure they will sit in the best environment possible for the long run.
Added Peace of Mind – Finally, just for peace of mind, a climate-controlled storage unit can help keep your mind at ease. Don’t lose sleep worrying if your items are going to be protected and safe from shifting weather and humidity.
Is Climate-Controlled Storage Worth the Cost?
Many people are turned away from climate-controlled storage units because they tend to run higher in cost. But, the costs of a climate-controlled unit can outweigh the costs of having to replace the value of your stored items if they become damaged in a non-regulated unit or home storage options. Additionally, if the items hold sentimental value then the price of replacing them doesn’t outweigh the personal value they hold.
Determining if you need climate-controlled storage units stems from understanding your storage needs overall. If you do not intend on storing for a long period of time or have anything of specific value going into storage, then a climate-controlled unit may not be worth the extra money. However, if you do have valuable items that you want to safeguard in the best way possible, then an investment into a climate-controlled storage unit could be the best route for you.
If you have any questions or are ready to move into a climate-controlled storage unit, then contact Nova Storage where we have all of your storage needs covered!
