If you’re moving house and need to store items for a long period, you should consider a climate-controlled self-storage unit. This type of storage provides extra protection for valuable or delicate items and also gives you the peace of mind that your belongings are well looked after. Before deciding, you should learn more about the differences between climate-controlled and air-cooled storage, as well as the items that benefit from added protection. Here at Move-tastic!, our storage experts will talk you through your options before your move.
Understanding Climate-Controlled Storage
You may be wondering what is climate-controlled storage and whether it differs from temperature-controlled storage. A climate-controlled storage unit prevents significant temperature variations and protects your items against humidity to avoid mold. They’re usually equipped with air conditioning systems and dehumidifiers to ensure that the air remains at a safe temperature and that moisture is minimized.
Difference Between Climate-Controlled and Temperature-Controlled Storage
A temperature-controlled unit focuses exclusively on maintaining a mild interior temperature using an air conditioning unit or cooler. This setup may be adequate for your needs, depending on what you’re storing. It won’t necessarily protect your belongings against humidity, which can damage wood, fabrics, and plastics over time, since temperature-controlled units aren’t typically fitted with dehumidifiers.
Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage
Climate-controlled storage offers several key benefits.
Long-Term Protection for Valuables and Delicate Items
The combination of a stable temperature and low air moisture creates an ideal environment for protecting important items over a long period. Wood or paper will retain its original qualities much more effectively in these conditions. Soft items, such as clothing, are also less likely to be exposed to mildew or rot.
Safeguards Against Pests
Controlling the climate in storage units helps to keep pests at bay. They can be attracted by dampness, decaying materials, and perishable items. Since climate-controlled storage units have strict controls on what can be stored and keep the air quality inside to a high standard, the risk of pest infestations is substantially reduced.
Eliminates Moisture
Moisture can be more harmful to your items than temperature changes. Wood can crack or rot, paper can decay, and chemicals in photos or books can degrade. These threats are minimized in climate-controlled units, which prevent moisture in the air from causing damage.
Determining the Need for Climate-Controlled Storage
Although climate-controlled storage offers significant advantages, it may not always be necessary for your needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether you have items that need climate-controlled storage.
Wooden furniture will benefit from climate-controlled storage, especially if it’s going to be there for some time. Wood must be protected against moisture and sudden temperature changes to prevent warp or rot. Electronic items, such as computers and televisions, will also require climate-controlled conditions to avoid damage to their systems and keep them in good working order. Clothing and soft furnishings, such as blankets, cushions, and carpets, also need a controlled climate to help them retain their shape, color, and stability.
What Doesn’t Require Climate-Controlled Storage?
You may be able to save on additional rental costs if you want to store items that don’t require a climate-controlled environment, such as garden furniture, tools, and camping gear that are designed for outdoor environments. Gardening equipment, such as plant pots, patio stones, and shovels, also don’t need climate control.
Climate-Controlled Storage Options
If you require storage, you can consider various options. A small climate-controlled storage unit may be perfect for keeping your valuables, such as important documents, books, clothing, and collectible items, safe. If you need to store large pieces of furniture, such as tables, chairs, or sideboards, you may require a larger unit. Commercial-sized climate-controlled units may be necessary if you want to store your car, truck, or caravan in ideal conditions over the winter or during a move.
If you want to store items that don’t need climate-controlled conditions, you can consider heated storage units. These are ideal for large outdoor furniture or gardening equipment. Air-cooled storage units may also be perfect if the stored items are not especially delicate.
Tips for Using Climate-Controlled Storage
As you prepare to put your items into storage, it’s important to pack them carefully and ensure they’re clean. Whether you’re driving your belongings to the unit yourself or having them collected, they’ll be on the road for some time. So, proper packaging will prevent falls or breakage. You should also ensure that items, such as clothing and furniture, are clean. Dirt or debris can decay over time and damage your belongings.
It’s also a good idea to keep a meticulous record of what you put into storage. Climate-controlled units are securely locked. But if anything goes missing or suffers damage, it will help you to recover damages if you know what you’re looking for.
Learn More About Climate-Controlled Storage in Chicago at Move-tastic!
Although climate-controlled storage units offer the best protection, they’re not always necessary. Valuable or fragile items should be stored in this way, but a heated unit will be adequate to store your garden or outdoor items. If you want further advice or a storage quote, don’t hesitate to contact us today at Move-tastic! in Chicago.
brown cardboard boxes on brown wooden table by Michal Balog is licensed with Unsplash License