18 Items You Should Store in Climate-Controlled Storage Units

Sometimes, whether you like it or not, you just know that a major life change is in order. You are about to welcome a new bundle of joy into the fold, go back to school, quit your job, or move to a new city. Along with these changes are challenges - and that includes storage.

Whether you need to repurpose your library to make room for the nursery, feel compelled to leave your job, or relocate to a new town, basic storage will become insufficient for storing your stuff and your valuables.

Climate- controlled storage units come in handy if you intend to store your stuff for a long period and although they tend to be a bit pricier than other standard units, they have a lot of utility and a smart choice especially if you're storing items in a place with extreme weather conditions. It does pay to learn the basics of climate-controlled units, but first things first, how do you decide whether or not you need a climate-controlled unit?

When you've finally decided to clear out some of the stuff that you have, these pointers can help you decide whether or not you need a climate-controlled self-storage.

The Basics of Climate-Controlled Storage

Also known as temperature-controlled storage, is a type of storage unit that is specifically engineered to maintain steady temperatures and humidity levels. Temperatures will remain stagnant at between 55 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit at these units and such climate-controlled units are mostly found at storage facilities with indoor storage units. Some providers do have an outdoor or drive-up option though, so it is worth asking. It is important to factor in the temperature and humidity should you decide to rent a unit since these are crucial metrics, two elements that work together to create moisture. More heat and more humidity mean more moisture, meanwhile, more humidity means more heat in the air and vice versa. To ensure that your items stay protected, it is important to keep both temperature and humidity controlled and steady.

Below are the items that require climate-controlled storage:

• Furniture. This includes anything made of or containing wood, wicker, metal, leather, or upholstery
• Gadgets
• Media such as DVDs, videos, vinyl records, and the likes.
• Artwork
• Papers and important documents
• Photographs
• Clothing, particularly if it’s leather, lace, and other delicate fabrics or if it’s going to be stored in bags
• Musical instruments
• Wine
• Antiques and collectibles such as coins, books, stamps, etc.
• Medical supplies and medications
• Makeup and toiletries
• Appliances
• Sports equipment
• Bicycles with leather seats

These items will benefit from climate-controlled storage because of how they react with moisture. Wood, for example, can crack, become warped, or rotted due to moisture exposure, while leather, on the other hand, can become discolored and is more susceptible to mold and mildew. Electronics can also become cracked or rusted thus rendering them unusable or dangerous to use. And paper items which include your precious photographs can disintegrate.

Ask yourself the following questions when trying to decide if an item should be kept in a climate-controlled unit:

• Can it get mold or mildew?
• Can it warp, deteriorate, crack or become discolored from moisture exposure?
• Would high heat cause it to expand or shrink?
• Is it designed to be stored at a certain temperature? (wine and artwork, for example)
• Is it sensitive to extreme temperatures?
• Is it a rare find, sentimental, and/or valuable?

If your answer to any of the above questions is yes, then opting for a climate-controlled unit is a smart choice.

Other reasons why you should consider renting a climate-controlled unit

Long term storage
Do you intend to store your stuff for extended periods? Chances are, the temperature outside is going to vary quite widely during that time. The weather can be predictable at some places and just because it’s 60 degrees in the present doesn’t mean it will be like that later on. Always take into consideration what temperature and humidity shifts might occur and for you to be sure, go for the climate-controlled option.

Collectibles, Valuables, and other irreplaceable items
When it comes to your most precious belongings, is always better to be safe than sorry. Things of sentimental and monetary value, as well as your growing collection like wine, antique, and other irreplaceable items, are all best stored in climate-controlled units. If you are just to keep these items for a short period of time, say a month or two, then a standard self-storage unit will do.

Finding a climate-controlled San Bruno Storage Facility
Arco's Self Storage offers safe, secure, clean, and convenient self-storage facilities across California. Use our location finder as well as our storage size guide to compare options that fit your needs.