Climate controlled storage vs regular units

When choosing a storage unit, you will have to choose whether to go for a climate controlled storage unit or just a regular unit.  And your choice will often come down to what you want to store.

In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of each and how they can help protect your belongings from humidity, temperature changes and extreme conditions which can damage your possessions.

What is climate-controlled storage?

A climate controlled storage unit is used so that temperature and humidity levels within your unit stay stable. These climate controlled units are equipped with ventilation, insulation and humidity control systems. This protects your furniture against damage caused by moisture and fluctuations in air quality.

By maintaining a constant temperature, your stored items are protected from the outdoor temperature shifts that can happen throughout summer and winter.

How this differs from regular storage units

A traditional storage unit does not have climate control features and is typically located outdoors or in a warehouse, because of this, the temperature and humidity levels change with the weather.

The changes in the weather mean that items such as artwork could be damaged by extreme temperature changes. Over time, this could lead to mould forming or warping and fading, especially if you are using long term storage.

What items can be stored in each unit?

Sensitive items or fragile items like wooden furniture, artwork or musical instruments, along with items such as electronics, are best suited to climate controlled storage, whereas a standard unit can store items such as garden equipment, decorations, beds, furniture and more.

The difference is to think, can this item be affected by humidity or temperature changes, and depending on your answer, it will depend on which type of storage unit you should use.

Why humidity control matters

Small changes in humidity level can have a big change on sensitive belongings. Too much moisture can mean that there are the perfect conditions for mould or mildew to grow in your unit, whereas if it's too dry in your unit then wood can crack as well as leather.

The good news is that climate control systems in these facilities can monitor these changes and balance the conditions so that your items are protected.

When to Choose Climate Controlled Options

You should choose climate controlled options if you have sensitive items that you are storing long-term to avoid your belongings from becoming damaged; however, you should note that a climate controlled facility will often be more expensive to rent, and if you don't need to store items that are affected by the weather, you will be wasting money.

When to choose a regular storage unit

A regular storage unit is going to be the right storage choice the majority of the time, as it can store most of your items without you worrying that the weather will affect them.

If you are storing gardening tools, cards, holiday decorations, kitchen utensils, patio furniture, clothing, sports equipment or other items that the weather won't affect, then a regular storage unit is going to be the right choice.

Regular storage units are around 20-30% cheaper than climate controlled storage units, so take this into consideration when hiring a storage unit, as you may be paying for a service you don't need.