An additional option offered by many self-storage facilities is climate control.  Climate-controlled storage keeps a unit’s indoor temperature between 55° and 85° F and maintains a humidity level of 55%.  As a comparison, the average air conditioned home stays between 35%-45% humidity.  Think of climate control as an air-conditioner, humidifier, and dehumidifier combination to sustain the proper temperature and humidity levels for specific types of items.

Climate Controlled Versus Temperature Controlled

Keep in mind that temperature control and climate control are two different options.  Temperature controlled facilities manage only the temperature, while climate control manages temperature and humidity to control moisture levels in a storage unit.

You may be storing in an area that has extreme heat and humidity during the summer, extreme cold during the winter or, you may be subject to combinations of these conditions throughout the year.  Under these circumstances, climate-controlled storage might be a necessity for certain items.

Now that you know what it is, let’s determine whether this is a good solution for you.

Ask yourself the following questions.

1. Does the temperature where you’ll be storing your items drop below 32° or rise above 90° F?
2. Is the facility in a climate that is subject to high humidity?
3. Do any of your possessions have high monetary or sentimental value?
4. Are you storing items for a long period of time, or are you unsure of how long you will be storing your items?
5. Will you need to visit the unit frequently, and will you need comfortable conditions when you do?

If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, you need climate-controlled storage to protect what is important to you.

Items to Store in a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

Below is a list of various items that might require climate control protection.

• Artwork and Craft Supplies
• Business Documents and Inventory
• Coin Collections
• Electronics
• Household Appliances
• Leather Furniture
• Metals
• Musical Instruments
• Photographs
• Stamp and Comic Book Collections
• Wine
• Wood and Antique Furniture
• Vinyl Records

In future blogs, we’ll provide more information on the best ways to store and preserve your costly and sentimental belongings.