Do you need Climate Controlled Storage?

Storage rental units are available in different price ranges, usually depending on the size of the units, and where the units are located. Typically, what are considered outside units with individual locks will be the cheapest. Inside units that are part of heated buildings with electricity, burglar alarms, fire alarms, and sprinklers are usually the most expensive. Access is usually restricted to these buildings, and thus, harder to break into. When it comes time for your to reserve a storage unit, one of your first questions will be, "Do you need climate controlled storage?". And, the answer will vary depending on the following factors.

The first question you should ask when calling rental companies is whether or not they even offer climate controlled storage. Do not assume that all locations offer this feature. It is always more expensive, and not all locations have the option.

Second, the length of time that you plan to use the storage unit is important. If you are only temporarily storing things for a weekend or even a week, climate control might not make much difference in your decision. Extended periods such as months at a time do require thinking about climate controlled units.

Third, the city or region in which you plan to store your items will weigh heavily in your decision to order climate controlled storage. For example, if you live in the extreme heat, and you are going to be storing your wax candle supplies, you might consider a unit with air conditioning. Likewise, keeping your valuables in a cold unit might not be the smartest idea. Glass becomes brittle very easily, and chances are high that your possessions will be damaged. Along the same lines, the time or season of the year will make a difference in whether you need climate controlled storage or not.

The fourth thing to consider is the needs of the specific items that you are storing. A classic car, for example, may require something more than a garage-type unit. Office documents that are kept as required by law should be in an area free of outside water, and high humidity. Electronics should also be kept in a climate controlled area. Generally speaking, the more expensive the items, the greater the need for climate controlled storage.

Because climate controlled units tend to be part of larger buildings, which makes sense, because the company needs to pay for utilities, there are added benefits to ordering a unit like this. First of all, the inside provides more protection against human, animal and insect intruders. The climate controlled units also have added features to prevent snow from accumulating and water from seeping in. Unlike outside rooms where crevices under the doors, and around the units, attract free flowing water and pests, the inside units are dry.

Finally, your belongings, that are placed in climate controlled storage, do not face the continual ups and downs of temperature and atmospheric changes. Even if the weather is not freezing everyday, like in the spring, the dramatic changes will wreak havoc on sensitive and delicate items such as antique wood furniture, family heirlooms, and musical instruments, particularly pianos.