Choosing the Right Storage Unit for Your Needs
Making a big move this summer? If you are, you’re not alone. In fact, 11.2% of the American population move every year, with half of those moves taking place between May and September. Because there are so many moves happening during this time of year, it’s important to make sure you’re organized well ahead of your intended move date.
From scheduling you movers, to packing, to making move-out repairs and cleaning, a lot goes into a successful move. And this often includes renting a storage unit if you’ve got some gap time between leases or if your new home isn’t quite ready yet. If is your reality, you need to store your things with peace of mind, and you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg to do it.
Lucky for you, we have some experience with renting storage units, so we encourage you to keep these tips in mind when determining the type of unit you need.
Climate-Controlled Storage vs Non-Climate Controlled Storage
What exactly is a climate-controlled storage unit? Essentially, this type of storage unit is housed where the temperature is kept at an industry-standard range of 50 to 85° F.
With a non-climate controlled storage unit, you receive safekeeping of your things, but obviously without the benefit of a regulated temperature.
Not every storage facility offers units that are climate controlled, and the ones that do often have units that are also not climate controlled. We recommend doing your research online or giving the storage facility a call to determine the availability and pricing differences.
How do I know if I need a climate-controlled storage unit?
There are three primary things you need to consider when deciding between a climate-controlled unit and one that isn’t:
- What you’re storing
- The climate where you live
- How long you’ll be storing your items
Items that are made of leather (think couches or clothing) and wood (like furniture or instruments) can be seriously damaged when exposed to extreme heat. You should also never expose electronics like television sets, game systems, computers, and cameras to excessive heat.
If you live in a humid climate, or an area that is prone to heavy rainfall, you want to be careful with storing papers or photographs in a non-climate controlled unit. Extra moisture in the air can cause paper and photographs to stick together and become warped over time.
If you have sensitive items in a humid environment and need storage for an extended period, we highly recommend opting for a climate-controlled unit. They may be more expensive, but that expense will pale in comparison to the irreparable damage that heat and humidity can do to expensive furniture, instruments, leather goods, and electronics.
When can I use a non-climate controlled storage unit?
If you live in an area with a mild or moderate climate or you don’t plan on storing any items that are susceptible to heat damage in the medium or long-term, you should be okay opting for a non-climate-controlled storage unit. This includes items like vehicles, boats, exercise equipment, tools, and similar possessions.
In general, we suggest taking an inventory of the items you need to store and making a plan from there. You know your things best, but we would recommend that you err on the side of caution when it comes to storing your most valuable possessions. A climate-controlled unit may be more expensive, but the peace of mind they afford is priceless.
