Interior Design & Decor

When you are looking into storage options, you may be wondering if you need climate controlled self storage. You will need to carefully think about several different considerations in order to make this decision. First, you will need to think about what you will be storing. Second, you will need to think about the types of containers you will be storing your items within. Third, you will need to think about the fragility of either the items you are storing or the storage containers themselves. Fourth, you will need to think about the dollar value of the items being stored. Finally, you will be able to determine if a climate controlled self storage unit is most appropriate to use.

First, consider what you are going to store. The actual items you store should dictate how they are stored. For instance, the needs of a couch that you will be storing will be different from the needs of a box of paperwork or magazines. Likewise, a box of holiday decorations will have different storage needs than a bicycle or other children’s toys. If you will be storing a variety of different items in your storage unit, give thought to all of those items. This can also give you an opportunity to store similar items in the same container, instead of mixing and matching items to be stored together. Keep your fragile items together so they can be more easily protected. Likewise, keep your more sturdy items together as well.

Second, what types of containers will you be using? If you will be using cardboard boxes, with or without lids, you will need to realize that they are much more susceptible to the effects of heat and cold than metal or plastic containers are. If you are using plastic containers, carefully examine their actual make up. Newer, sturdier plastic containers are a safer barrier against climate changes than older and more brittle plastic containers. Think carefully about storing your items in metal containers. Some metal containers are specially built to help shield their contents from the effects of heat and cold. On the flip side, however, consider that some metal containers, especially those that are older, actually conduct heat and cold and so can be very harmful to what is stored inside.

Third, think about how fragile the items are that you are going to stir. You should also think about how fragile the storage containers are. If you will be storing antique lace doilies, they will not stand up as well to humid or hot locations as may studier items such as metal cookware. If you have many items stored in the same bin, go with the lowest common denominator and use the most fragile item to help make your determination for the entire bin. Think about your storage containers, as well. If you have a lot of older boxes and crates, they may break down faster in less than ideal conditions than would newer containers made of sturdier materials.

Fourth, keep in mind the almighty dollar. A rule of thumb is that the more valuable the item, the more likely it will need climate control. Don’t take a risk with items of value. Instead, always err on the side of caution. For instance, if you have a really valuable baseball card collection, get it out of your hot and humid attic and always store it in an area that is kept at a constant temperature. If you will be storing furniture like beds or couches, where the cushions or mattresses may be affected by temperature, you will definitely want to choose a climate controlled self storage unit.

Finally, if you still have not come to a decision about whether or not you need a climate controlled self storage unit, look at all of your previous considerations as a whole picture instead of individual pieces. Generally, you will want to make your decision based upon what will best benefit the items that you will store.

Do not let the cost of climate controlled self storage be one of your determining factors. Climate controlled self storage units are reasonably priced, and the cost associated is more than justified by the protection that they can offer to your most prized or valuable possessions. Instead think about the option that will best benefit your needs and let that be your final determining factor. In the end, if you are unable to make a decision based on this criteria, try out a climate controlled self storage unit for a month or two to see how valuable it can be. After your trial run, you can determine whether future use will best suit your needs!