Frequently Asked Questions About Climate-Controlled Storage

Whether you plan on moving to another part of town or across the country, you likely want to make sure your precious possessions endure the journey unscathed. While a skilled, experienced moving company can boost your odds of success, climate-controlled storage may also prove crucial.



If you've never rented a climate-controlled storage unit before, you may have no idea whether you really need this option, what kinds of items it can help protect, or how your overall moving plans affect your decision. Brush up on your knowledge with the answers to these frequently asked questions about climate-controlled storage.

When Do Environmental Conditions Call for Climate Control?

Extreme heat, extreme cold, and significant humidity can all impact your decision to choose a climate-controlled unit over one that doesn't offer this protective feature. Heat can dry or melt certain materials, cold can cause cracking, and humidity can allow mold and rot to destroy some of your belongings.

Seasonal temperatures can affect your decision to select a climate-controlled storage unit. In August, for instance, Ohio's average high temperatures commonly range from 80 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by high humidity, while the January average low drops below freezing.

Don't forget the issue of your own comfort as you move items in and out of storage. If you face the prospect of heat stroke during a summertime move or hypothermia while moving in the dead of winter, you'll appreciate the coolness or warmth your storage unit provides as you work.

What Items Benefit From Climate-Controlled Storage?

Any possessions made from organic materials will benefit from climate-controlled storage. Examples include wooden furniture or musical instruments, clothing made from natural fibers, upholstery, curtains, and rugs. The combination of temperature control and humidity control will help prevent cracking, warping, or rot.

Keep in mind that your paper files and documents face the same potential perils as your wooden furnishings. Climate-controlled storage can keep mold and mildew from ravaging business papers, photo albums, and other important items. It can also prevent extreme heat from melting your CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records.

Electronic gadgets typically require storage in a moderate temperature range to protect their delicate components. Your climate-controlled storage unit can help ensure that your computers, TVs, media players, and other gear will still work when you transfer them to your new location.

What Items Don't Require Climate-Controlled Storage?

Of course, you don't necessarily need climate-controlled storage to protect every single item you intend to move. Obvious exceptions include furniture and equipment specifically designed for outdoor use. Feel free to store patio furniture, lawn and garden devices, or outdoor sports gear in a standard storage unit.

Materials such as glass, porcelain, and stainless steel can usually hold up under fairly extreme conditions. This durability may mean that you safely store plates, glassware, table utensils, and other everyday items alongside your outdoor equipment in a standard storage unit without climate control.

Climate-controlled storage units typically cost more to rent than units without climate control. If you must store a large number of items, some of which require climate control, consider renting an additional standard unit just for the more robust items. If you have a smaller load, you might fit everything into one slightly larger climate-controlled unit.

How Might Your Move Timeline Affect Storage Decisions?

Even heat, cold, and humidity can take some time to wreak havoc on possessions. If you need to hold your items in storage for just a few weeks or months, you may not need a climate-controlled unit at all. However, if you plan on storing your items for several months or even longer, climate control makes good sense.

Check your items for potential problems from time to time if you leave them in a unit without climate control. Simply opening the door for a while helps fresh air circulate through the unit.

Coffee's Moving and Storage can serve as your all-in-one moving and storage solution. Our team can provide you with skilled movers, expert packing and organization, state-of-the-art-equipment for a safer move, and climate-controlled storage to protect your belongings for as long as necessary. Contact us today.