Recent studies indicate many Americans are now renting a storage unit either because they just simply have too many items for their current home or apartment OR they are in the process of moving. With that in mind, a climate-controlled storage unit provides a very good option for belongings susceptible to moisture and extreme climate surroundings. Additionally, the safety of storing in such a unit is a significant factor when deciding to put valuables in storage.
You know how the old Texas saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather here, just wait a minute! We live in a region in which the heater might be on in the morning, the air conditioner in the afternoon, and back to the heater at night. North Texas can experience some harsh cold weather in the winter and blazing hot temperatures in the summer. Despite living in the southern part of the United States, we have seen some harsh winter ice storm weather and dramatic low temperatures, even in recent years.
Additionally, we all know how hot north Texas can be and is every summer. That is why, in our part of the country, it is important to consider climate-controlled units when considering storage of your valuable items. We provide climate-controlled units that keep the temperature range within the unit at an acceptable level in order to protect sensitive items from the extreme heat or cold.
What is the best temperature for climate controlled storage units?
To give you an idea of the difference in climate-controlled units and regular units without regulated interior temperatures, consider this. Climate-controlled units maintain an internal temperature range of approximately 55-80 degrees, in general. This helps provide an acceptable environment within the unit and protect your valuables from the effects of weather.
Is climate-controlled storage units worth it?
Opting to store your belongings in a climate-controlled unit has some very valuable benefits:
- HARSH WEATHER PROTECTION – While many items are stored in our non-climate-controlled units, there are some specific things we know you want to make sure are safe from the effects of extreme weather. In north Texas, that can mean freezing temperatures from Winter ice storms to 100+ degree heat throughout our summer months
- COMFORT – We know storing items in a storage unit isn’t just a one visit experience to drop off belongings. There are times to frequently come to the unit to add more items, rearrange things inside the unit, and remove items. Having your valued items in a climate-controlled unit certainly makes your time visiting the unit much more comfortable and enjoyable during inclement and extreme weather conditions. These units also provide an additional comfort feeling of security and safety since the entry access to the unit is from inside the storage building.
- COST CONSIDERATION – Even though climate-controlled units typically cost more than stand storage units, consider the benefit of not facing the possibility of having to replace or repair valuables that might have been affected by extreme weather. There are clearly benefits to specific items:
- The regulated temperature can prevent deterioration to sensitive textures such as leather and fabric materials
- Moisture causing mildew and mold can be a significant problem for fabric covered furniture and other items. This type of storage can help prevent that from developing.
- Metal items are susceptible to corrosion, rust, and deterioration from exposure to extreme weather. Storing in a climate-controlled unit can preserve the integrity of those items over long periods of time
Which items should you consider storing in a climate controlled storage unit?
Your valued wood furniture is always at the top of the list of things that you should take extra precaution in packing and storing and should seriously be considered for placement in a climate-controlled unit. But, there are other items that benefit immensely from being kept in a regulated temperature unit, especially here in Texas. And, it is primarily due to the materials of which these items are made from that require special attention. Here is a quick list for you to consider when trying to decide just which additional items to put in a climate-controlled unit:
- Anything made of plastic can be very susceptible to extreme heat. So, take extra precaution when you store items such as CDs, vinyl records, certain kitchen utensils, children’s toys.
- Paper items have a tendency to fade and yellow over time when not in a climate-controlled environment. Protect your favorite books, legal documents you are keeping for long periods of time, as well as medical and business papers that need to be referenced down the road.
- We all have our favorite seasonal leather jackets. Instead of taking up valuable space in the closet, they can be stored in a climate-controlled unit. Other leather products ideal for storing in a safe controlled environment are hand bags, wallets, and even furniture…such as sofas and chairs.
- If you plan to store any electronics, then a climate-controlled unit is a must! These items are extremely susceptible to the surrounding environment. We all take great measures to protect computers and other electronics from overheating inside our homes. So, the same sort of awareness should be adhered to when putting these electronics in store so as not to permanently damage the hardware due to exposure to extreme heat or cold.
Summary
An ideal time to put items in our climate-controlled units is when you downsize homes or perhaps have an opportunity live rent free at fully furnished homes and apartments! You may sell off some of your belongings, but there are always certainly special things you would like to hang on to but just don’t have the room at your new place. The money you get from selling off items could cover the cost of storing your remaining things in climate-controlled units for safekeeping until you are ready to use them in your next home. And, you are not faced with the dilemma of having to get ride of things that are special to you.
The longer you need to store your belongings, the more likely you need a climate-controlled storage facility. Just about anything will be okay for a month or two. Go much longer than that, and the risks of damage start to become real.
A climate-controlled storage unit is worth considering if your belongings have a lot of personal value (like photo albums)—or cost a lot of money (like power tools).
We have solutions for all your storage needs. Find a convenient north Texas area Macho Self Storage near you!
