Do You Need Climate-Controlled Storage for Your Valuables?

When renting a storage unit for your valuables, it's crucial to determine whether you need climate control. A climate-controlled unit is one which has features such as heating, air conditioning, humidity control and ventilation. These features protect sensitive items from suffering the effects of extreme temperature changes. But how do you determine whether you need a climate-controlled unit? Here are a few items that require ideal temperatures to prevent damage while in storage.

Clothes

Are you storing some clothes away but intend to use them in the future? If so, you need to protect them from moisture. High moisture levels in regular storage units, coupled with warm temperatures, can cause your clothes to become damp over time. This creates ideal breeding grounds for mould and mildew. Mould can leave permanent stains on your clothes, making them unwearable. What's more, it also produces a musky smell which can affect the air quality in your unit. A climate-controlled unit has optimal temperatures and humidity levels, which can help prevent mould and mildew.

Wooden and Metal Furniture

Wooden and metal furniture should be stored in a room with optimal humidity and temperature. High humidity can increase the moisture content of wood and cause it to rot and warp over time. On the other hand, furniture made from metals such as steel can rust when exposed to moisture. Rust is not only unsightly, but it is also hard to remove. By regulating moisture levels in your storage unit, you can keep your furniture in excellent condition and protect it from damage.

Documents and Artwork

Books, documents and some types of artwork are hydroscopic, which means that they can absorb moisture from their surroundings. They can release moisture as well. If left in a room with high humidity, these documents will absorb the moisture and begin to deteriorate. Similarly, when left in a room with low humidity, they lose moisture to the environment. 

Extreme temperature changes in a regular storage unit can increase the rate of deterioration. However, by storing documents and artwork in a unit with humidifiers and dehumidifiers, you can protect your important documents from damage.

Electrical Appliances and Devices

Cold temperatures can have damaging effects on electronics. They can reduce battery life and cause cracking. Devices such as phones and tablets can suffer permanent damage when stored in the cold. High humidity can cause damage to the electrical parts of your electronics and appliances. This is why you need to store them in a climate-controlled unit that has heating, air conditioning and humidity control. 

If you're storing any of these items for an extended period, it's advisable to get a climate-controlled unit. Also, check that the HVAC and humidity control systems in the unit are reliable to ensure maximum protection. Contact a local storage facility to learn more.