Should you go with climate-controlled storage or traditional storage?
It’s one of the first decisions you’ll need to make when you’re planning on renting a storage unit here in Texas.
Not everything you put into storage needs climate control. Many everyday household items, like lawn equipment and patio furniture, will do just fine in a standard drive-up unit.
But some belongings are much more sensitive to Texas’s heat and humidity. They should be kept in climate control or you’ll risk them becoming damaged, especially if you’re planning on storing for more than a month or two.
Let’s discuss what climate-controlled storage is, what items should be stored in there and whether it’s the right storage option for your belongings.
Climate-controlled storage units are temperature-controlled spaces that help protect your stored belongings from temperatures that are too high or low.
Here in Decatur, our summers are swelteringly hot. Temperatures regularly climb into the 90s and 100s, and storage units without climate control can become even hotter inside.
Unfortunately, that extreme heat, combined with Decatur’s humidity, can damage many commonly stored items.
A climate-controlled unit maintains a more consistent temperature throughout the year, no matter what the weather is like outside. That consistency helps reduce the risk of sensitive items cracking, warping, melting, fading and suffering from moisture-related damage.
While climate control isn’t necessary for every item, it can make a significant difference for belongings that are difficult or expensive to replace.
Vintage and antique items are naturally more fragile due to their age. Not to mention, it’s extremely difficult to replace a hundred year old antique that’s been ruined by heat. You can’t just buy a new one at the store, after all.
It’s also important to store heirlooms in climate control, no matter how old they are. If there’s something with sentimental value that you would hate to see ruined by heat or humidity, climate control is almost always the best choice.
Paper items are surprisingly vulnerable to changes in temperature and humidity. Excessive heat can make paper more brittle, while moisture can cause papers to stick together, wrinkle or develop mold.
Consider storing these items in climate-controlled storage:
Books
Important documents and records
Photographs and photo albums
Scrapbooks
Blueprints
Collectible magazines and newspapers
Especially in the case of important documents and vital records, always make digital copies before storing, even in climate control.
You’ve invested hundreds or even thousands of dollars into your collection. Now keep it in mint condition with climate-controlled storage.
Nearly every type of collectible can be affected by fluctuating temperatures. Keep everything safe in a secure, climate-controlled environment, including:
Stamps
Trading cards
Vinyl and plastic toys
Records
Books
Comics
Magazines and newspapers
What about coins and other metal collectibles? While most metal objects do just fine without climate control, we’d still recommend it for your coin collection. Over time, fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can cause your coins to oxidize, which could lower their value.
Electronics contain delicate components, batteries and wires that don’t respond well to extreme heat or moisture. TVs, computers, cameras, game consoles and speakers can all become damaged if stored in extreme heat.
Electronics fare much better in the consistent temperature of a climate-controlled unit. To further protect your electronics, we recommend taking out any removable batteries to avoid corrosion.
Planning on storing furniture for a few months or more? Many types of furniture benefit from climate-controlled storage.
Wood furniture naturally expands and contracts when exposed to fluctuating temperatures. Over time, this can lead to damage like cracking, warping and loose joints.
Leather furniture may dry out when exposed to high heat, leading to stiffness, cracking and permanent shrinkage.
Upholstered furniture may absorb moisture, which can lead to unpleasant odors, mildew or mold.
Quality furniture is a significant investment, so it’s definitely worth opting for climate control, especially if it will be a few months before your furniture makes its way to a new home.
Vinyl records are very sensitive to heat. If temperatures are too high, records can permanently warp, affecting their sound quality and appearance.
Record sleeves can also become damaged and discolored by heat and humidity. If you have a beloved record collection, be sure to preserve it with climate-controlled storage.
Just like vinyl, candles and other wax items don’t hold up well in Texas’s heat. High temperatures can cause wax to soften or melt completely, leaving you with a mess to clean up.
Even if they don’t fully melt, candles stored in excessive heat may lose their shape or become difficult to use later.
Artwork can very easily be destroyed by fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels. Canvas can stretch or sag, paper can become wrinkled and paint can become discolored.
Climate control is a good choice for paintings, photography and any other art you want to remain in top condition.
Instruments of all types should be kept in climate control to keep them in top condition.
Like other wooden items, instruments like guitars, pianos and violins can crack or warp when exposed to excessive heat. Brass instruments are also at risk; they may become corroded if they’re exposed to excess moisture.
Cosmetics, toiletries and other hygiene products typically have expiration dates and shouldn’t be kept in storage for long periods of time.
If you do need to store unopened products temporarily, such as during a move, climate-controlled units offer the best protection, helping retain texture, consistency, scent and color.
Texas’s summer weather can be tough on stored belongings, but choosing the right storage unit can help make your life a lot easier.
A climate-controlled unit helps protect your most heat-sensitive belongings from changes in temperature and humidity, giving you peace of mind.
If you’re still unsure about which type of unit is right for your needs, don’t worry! Our team is here to help. Just send us a message or call us today.
Ready to book a climate-controlled unit here in Decatur, Texas? 1810 Storage makes it easy. Rent a secure unit within minutes right from our website.