Do I Need Temperature-Controlled Storage?

There are so many ways of freeing space up in your home. However, one that you might consider for your valuables in terms of money and sentimental value is using a portable storage unit. Portable storage can be effective because it helps keep your belongings safe and secure while at the same time keeping your home free from unnecessary clutter.

Some of these items can be susceptible to temperature changes and might be damaged when you store them in a standard storage facility. These items need to be stored in a temperature-controlled warehouse. Read on for more information on temperature-controlled storage and what types of possessions are suitable for this type of storage method.

What Is Temperature-Controlled Storage?

A temperature-controlled storage warehouse is unique in that it is kept at temperatures between 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you have items that are susceptible to environmental and temperature conditions or things you treasure, choosing temperature-controlled storage is the way to go. Due to the stable temperature, the items are protected against damage, which is vital if you want to keep items there for a long time.

Why Would I Need Temperature-Controlled Storage?

A few reasons that temperature-controlled storage may be appropriate for your situation include:

• living in an area that experiences extreme temperatures or constant fluctuations in temperature

• requiring seasonal or long-term storage

• storing expensive or antique items

• storing electronics, such as video game consoles, computers/laptops, digital cameras, TVs, etc.

• storing wooden furniture or instruments

However, if you’re planning to store items that aren’t as delicate or expensive, or if you’re only planning to store your items for a short period of time, temperature-controlled storage may not be worth the additional cost.

How Is Temperature-Controlled Storage Different From Climate-Controlled Storage?

Temperature-controlled storage warehouses focus solely on temperature management, while climate-controlled storage protects against both temperature fluctuations and humidity. Climate-controlled storage also uses HVAC systems and dehumidifiers to keep moisture away.

The two main types of humidifiers used for climate-controlled storage are desiccant and mechanical. Desiccant dehumidifiers use a drying chemical substance to remove any moisture in the air. As they use heat as an energy source, they can be programmed to run off any other processes' waste heat. However, desiccant dehumidifiers are not as effective at controlling higher levels of humidity when compared to mechanical dehumidifiers.

Mechanical dehumidifiers (or refrigerative dehumidifiers) are a more frequently used model. This type mainly uses refrigerants to remove moisture from the air. Mechanical dehumidifiers can manage high levels of humidity; however, they are less efficient in terms of energy when compared with desiccant models. It is important to track humidity levels before picking a storage facility.

Benefits of a Temperature-Controlled Storage Facility

Depending on where you live, summers can reach temperatures over 100 degrees and winters can dip to subzero temps. These extremes can wreak havoc on your belongings, costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damages.

With temperature-controlled storage, the biggest upside is peace of mind. Not only will you never have to worry about your valuable items getting stolen, but there’s no risk of them getting damaged from excessively high or low temps. The temperature is kept below 80 degrees and above freezing, which suits a wide variety of items.

Wood items such as antiques, instruments, and furniture can quickly deteriorate from temperature fluctuations, as well as books, documents, and other paper items.

What Can I Store in a Temperature-Controlled Warehouse?

You can store a lot of items using a temperature-controlled facility, but items that are more delicate and susceptible to damage, as well as items that are expensive or have great sentimental value, are the best candidates for temperature-controlled storage. Some examples of appropriate items include:

• Collectibles
• Medical supplies or medications
• Furniture or other items made from wood, wicker, or leather
• Antiques
• Musical instruments
• Vinyl records
• Electronics
• Artwork
• Household appliances
• Photographs and videos
• Clothing, especially those made of leather or lace
• Important documents
• Wine
• Sporting equipment
• Makeup
• Leather seats or bicycles

How to Keep Mold and Mildew Out of Your Portable Storage Unit

You need to check your items well before you place them inside your unit. Ensure that all your items are completely dry because anything damp might lead to the spread of mold. One way you can do this is by avoiding moving your items while it is raining.

You can use blankets and plastic wrapping to transport and to store items in your storage unit. You can also use plastic storage bins to keep things that you might want to store. This can help prevent mold from spreading across your items or from carrying mold spores. Before storing your items in a storage box, you can use desiccants to suck away any moisture. They are effective for a few days and can be used in a limited amount of square footage.

Whether or not you think that temperature-controlled storage is worth the investment really depends on the items that you’re planning to store, the importance that these items have for you, and your willingness to invest in the process. Consider this helpful information, and make the best decision for your portable storage needs at SMARTBOX Moving and Storage. Get a free quote today!