At some point in our lives, we face the prospect of moving. It could happen within our city or cross country, but whatever the situation there is the chance long-term storage comes into play. If you find yourself in need of a storage unit to rent you may have researched your options and discovered climate-controlled rentals are available. You may think to yourself that since you don’t have anything perishable – like wine – the climate-control feature is not an issue. Your stuff will do just fine, right?
Well, this might not always be the case. The question of whether or not you need a climate controlled storage shed for your things will depend on a number of factors:
1) Location. Are you looking for storage in the South, where the weather ranges from moderately warm to scorching hot throughout the year? Weather and location may have an effect on the items you store if you use a unit that doesn’t have some methods of air control and cooling.
2) Items. Even if you aren’t storing wine for the winter, non-perishable items may not fare well in a storage unit that gets hot. The amount of items you plan to keep while you move or clean out your current home may also determine your rental needs.
3) Price. What can you afford in terms of long-term storage? Prices will vary, so it’s always a good idea to shop around for the best deals.
You will find, as you comparison shop storage rental facilities, that units are typically ventilated in some manner. This is to help keep the units from becoming too unbearable, though a rental facility may inform you that they will accept no responsibility for damaged items. That said, you may wish to consider a climate-controlled unit for the purpose of keeping your possessions safe and free of mold and mildew. There are also a number of items one should not keep in storage in the event they succumb to the elements. These include:
1) Antiques. If you have anything of value – a fragile vase, an old chest of drawers, or a painting – you may be cautious to use storage that is not climate-controlled.
2) Papers and plastics. Leave items made of these in a non climate controlled storage unit after a while, and you may find the material has become brittle.
3) Anything flammable and/or corrosive. This includes paints, batteries, and lighter fluids.
If you are unsure this type of storage is for you, visit a rental facility and tour the available units. Knowing where you stuff will go will give you a better idea of its safety.
Kathryn Lively