Three Signs You May Need To Use Climate-Controlled Storage

If you're considering getting a self-storage unit for whatever reason, one of the questions that comes to mind is whether or not you need a climate-controlled unit. Don't be fooled by the name; non-climate-controlled units are still air-conditioned. They're generally slightly less controlled (like your house when you turn the thermostat up a little before leaving for work in order to save money on cooling) and may not have humidity control. However, many items that you'd wish to store can still survive these types of conditions perfectly unscathed, especially if you're just leaving them there for a few days. And if you're an environmentally conscious consumer, you don't want to choose the climate-controlled unit unnecessarily. So here are three reasons you may legitimately need a more controlled environment. 

1. You're storing valuables and antiques.

If you store something valuable in a non-climate-controlled storage unit and it becomes damaged there for whatever reason, your insurance company may not want to pay up. And, no matter how unlikely it is that damaging conditions will occur, it's better to choose the highest quality option available if you're storing something irreplaceable. This is true whether it's a priceless original painting or a family heirloom whose worth can't be counted in dollars.

2. You're storing easily damaged substances or items.

Soft plastics that melt easily (or wax, which can easily be destroyed even in your attic) should be kept in the most controlled environment possible. Other materials that need this sort of preferential treatment include:

• Books and papers, as well as anything made of paper such as photographs or magazines
• Musical instruments, which may tarnish or warp in humidity and less-controlled temperatures
• Electronics and appliances
• Leather, whether it's furniture or clothing
• Wood, which can warp and crack in heat and humidity

3. You're storing items long-term.

If you're just storing things for a few days or a week during a move, especially if the weather is mild, you may be able to get away with leaving some things in a non-climate-controlled unit that wouldn't do well there year-round. This is because much of the possible damage that could occur is the result of extreme temperatures or long-term exposure to humidity. So if you're planning on storing things long-term, you may want to stay on the safe side and choose climate control. Even things that are fine in regular storage for a little while, like clothes and other household belongings, may not stand up well to unmonitored exposure to humidity for months and years at a time. 

These three signs indicate that a climate-controlled storage unit is your best option. But remember to re-evaluate each time you select a unit; non-climate-controlled units have their uses too. Talk to a service like Simonson's Mini Storage for more information.