If you need to store your furniture for several months or even years, you probably don't want to splurge on climate-controlled storage units. After all, it's just furniture—what could go wrong? Whether you have an expensive antique piece of wood furniture or a cost-effective sofa you purchased at a garage sale, you're going to want climate-controlled storage to protect your belongings. Read on to learn more about protecting your goods by selecting the right self-storage unit.
Climate-Controlled Vs. Temperature-Controlled
Climate-controlled and temperature-controlled storage units are similar, but they're not the same. If your self-storage facility offers climate-controlled units, they're providing premium storage. Controlling the climate means that both the temperature and the humidity levels are regulated and monitored. Depending on your local climate and the time of year, your storage unit should remain somewhere between 60–80° F. Your unit should also stay between 55–65% relative humidity. With a temperature-controlled self-storage unit, the facility only maintains the temperature. This means your unit could be too humid or too dry to properly protect your belongings.
Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage
As a premium type of self-storage unit, climate-controlled storage truly offers the maximum protection for your furniture. First of all, the steady temperature and humidity prevents wood from warping or drying out. Second, the moderate climate helps minimize dust buildup, as well as damage from pests that are trying to escape harsh weather conditions. Plus, since air is continuously circulated and even filtered, you won't have to worry about odors or musky smells sticking to your delicate fabric pieces—no need to "air out" your unit.
Additional Self-Storage Considerations
If you're only storing your furniture for a short period during mild fall or spring months, you may not think you need to upgrade to a climate-controlled unit. While this might be true, if something occurs that causes you to need to store your furniture for an extended period, your household goods are already stuck in a unit that's going to get too hot or too cold. Since circumstances change regularly, it's always best to keep your furniture protected so you can have some peace of mind by knowing your valuables are secured in a climate-controlled self-storage unit.
Talk with the self-storage facility team to find out if you qualify for discounts for long-term storage. It's easier for the team to have tenants who rent units for longer periods. Since climate-controlled storage units are typically more expensive than traditional units are, you might be able to save money by paying for several months upfront.