Climate Controlled vs Standard Storage Units
Climate Controlled vs Standard Storage Units: There are many situations in life you don’t exactly plan for. Perhaps you’ve found a great deal on a new house, but your move-in date is six months away and in the meantime, you’re bunking with friends or relatives. It could be that the head office is relocating you halfway across the country or to an international location, and your living space, though provided, is significantly smaller than what you’re used to.
In both cases, you’ll quickly realize that you’ll need to rent a storage unit to store many if not all of your belongings for an extended or indefinite amount of time. But what about some of your more delicate or fragile belongings like books, electronics, or collectibles? For items such as these, you need to consider renting climate-controlled vs standard storage units for added security and protection.
Climate Controlled vs Standard Storage Units: Why YOU NEED IT
When somebody hears the term “climate-controlled storage,” the first (and false) belief is that these types of units are simply air-conditioned. That is not the case. Storage units that are climate-controlled maintain a consistent temperature throughout the entire year. This means that your belongings will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing potential damage from extreme temperatures.
Additionally, many climate-controlled storage units offer enhanced humidity and atmospheric controls, providing yet another layer of protection for your belongings. Although climate-controlled storage units can be a bit more pricey than standard storage units, it is well worth the cost to know that your belongings are safe.
Of course, knowing which items to store in a climate-controlled vs a standard storage unit may be difficult to discern for some. Generally speaking, items made from hard plastics, porcelain, and non-corrodable metals like aluminum are safe in a standard storage unit (think lawn chairs, yard equipment, dishes, and bicycles). More delicate items made from paper, wood, softer plastics, and corrodable metals like copper, need a climate-controlled storage unit to safeguard their condition. If not, things like electronics, books, and antiques are susceptible to corrosion, warping, and extensive damage from extreme temperatures and especially, humidity.
Of course, you can store anything you want in whatever type of storage you wish if you really don’t care about it being damaged. If you do care, you should seriously consider climate-controlled vs standard storage units for the following types of items:
- Electronics
- Furniture (especially wood and upholstered)
- Carpets, Rugs, Mattresses and Pillows
- Clothing
- Antiques
- Collectibles (vinyl records, comic books, stamps, action figures, etc.)
- Books, Magazines, Newspapers
- Important Documents
- Musical Instruments
Climate Controlled vs Standard Storage Units: The rEAL Benefits
There are specific benefits to renting climate controlled vs standard storage units. Simply read this list to discover them!
1 - Shielding from Extreme Temperature
Even before the effects of climate change started to become more pronounced, weather in Quebec has always been a study in extremes. Summers can get up to 40 degrees Celsius and higher, when the stifling humidity gets factored in. Winters are not much better, where temperatures can drop to minus 40 degrees Celsius or more, when the wind chill factor is accounted for.
These polar shifts in temperature and humidity levels can wreak havoc on things like wooden furniture and antiques, causing them to warp, bend, or crack. This is why it’s essential to store sensitive items like these in a climate-controlled storage unit where the temperature and humidity levels are consistent all year round.
2 - Better Air Quality
Air quality might not be the first thing you think of when renting a storage unit, but it should definitely be a consideration if you are planning to store things like books, magazines, documents or electronics. After all, storing them for an extended amount of time in a space with insufficient air circulation, humidity, and airborne irritants is a recipe for disaster.
Climate controlled storage units (as opposed to standard ones) are sealed to maintain optimal temperature and humidity conditions. This means that air inside the unit is clean, modulated, and continuously flowing. This safeguards your precious items from corrosive elements and adverse climatic conditions.
3 - Shielding from Dust and Pests
One of the main differences between climate controlled vs standard storage units revolves around the fact that they are carefully constructed and sealed. These units are safely tucked away inside buildings with insulated roofs, walls, and floors, and come complete with a steady airflow and humidity and temperature controls. All this extra shielding keeps harmful dust and debris away from your valuable belongings, and more effectively than if they were tucked away in boxes in your basement, garage, or attic. Additionally, the added insulation will keep pests like rodents and insects from burrowing their way into your stuff in search of a home!
4 - Humidity Control
The impact of humidity on sensitive and/or fragile items kept in climate controlled vs standard units cannot be overstated. In standard units, there is a real risk of damage to your items if the air is not circulated and humidity builds up, especially during the spring and fall seasons. As well, humidity can cause the growth and development of mold and mildew, which may not only damage your items but taint them with an unpleasant odour that will be difficult to remove. To safeguard items such as wooden or antique furniture, electronics, and books, your best bet is to rent a climate-controlled storage unit.
5 - Peace of Mind
Shelling out more money for a climate-controlled vs a standard storage unit May seem undesirable at first. However, the slight increase is well worth the price of your peace of mind, that comes from knowing your precious valuables are well protected against extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, pests, and other destructive agents.
For more information on climate-controlled vs standard storage units or to inquire about services, unit sizes, or rates, contact Mini-Entrepôts today!