Preparing for a Winter Move? Protect Your Belongings with Climate-Controlled Storage

Preparing for a winter move this season, be prepared for many challenges that can physically affect you as well as your belongings. Freezing winter can have adverse effects on items like electronics, dinnerware, and musical instruments. These items need special protection from freezing temperatures. The best way to protect these items is to keep them in a climate-controlled storage unit. But first, we need to learn about the climate-controlled storage.

In this article, we have explored the concept of climate-controlled storage and the benefits associated with its use.

What is Climate-Controlled Storage?

Climate-controlled storage as the term explains is a storage unit that offers desired climatic protection to the belongings, irrespective of the place you live. These storage units include air-cooled storage, humidity-controlled storage, and heated storage. The requirement of the specific type of climate-controlled unit depends on your requirements.

You can choose the type of climate-controlled storage unit at the time of booking. Now, we will explore different items that need to be stored in temperature-controlled storage units.

What Items Require Climate-Controlled Storage?

There are several items in your house and office that need to be stored in climate-controlled storage. These items need to be protected from freezing temperatures, extreme heat, or moisture.

• Electronics - Most electronic items including computers, television, audio equipment, and more can be affected by cold weather. Due to the formation of condensation on the internal components of these appliances, their functioning is disrupted. Keeping them in climate-controlled storage can prevent the situation.
• Musical Instruments - Musical instruments are made of wood and are highly sensitive to temperature variation. To ensure that their tune and condition will remain intact, store them in a climate-controlled unit.
• Furniture - Wooden and upholstered furniture is prone to damage by extreme temperatures and moisture. Moving companies ensure safety and pack such items in wraps and other types of plastic sheets, but there is still the risk of mold growth.
• Photographs and Documents - Change in temperature and increase in moisture is the reason for the degraded quality of paper. To keep them in good condition, store them in climate-controlled storage units.
• Antiques and Artwork - Artwork, collectibles, and antiques can lose their value if damaged. They are at high risk of damage due to temperature variation.
• Clothes & Linen - The risk of growing mold, mildew, and other pests on clothes and linen is high if they are stored in a place with high moisture. So, store these items in climate-controlled storage.

Why Climate-Controlled Storage?

Till now, we have understood that the extreme temperature can damage the items stored in the storage units. Now, we will understand the benefits of using climate-controlled storage units.

Protect Items Against Extreme Temperatures

During winter, the temperature can range between cold to mild days. These variations in the temperature can be harsh on your belongings. The temperature in climate-controlled storage units is between 55°F and 85°F. The belongings will remain safe, and the temperature will be controlled between the mentioned temperatures.

• Electronics - The functioning of electronic items is affected by condensation due to the cold temperatures. Climate-controlled storage units will prevent condensation and keep the environment warm and safe for electronic appliances.
• Furniture - The variation in temperature causes expansion and contraction of wood that can lead to cracks and warping. Wooden furniture will remain stable in climate-controlled storage units.
• Musical Instruments - Most musical instruments are made of wood or contain delicate mini parts that can be affected by temperature variation. Extreme cold temperature can affect their tune but a controlled climate can ensure that they remain in optimal condition.

Preventing Moisture Damage

Humidity or condensation is high during winter, which can lead to moisture-related damage to the belongings. Long-term moisture contact can result in mold, mildew, and rust. Items that are at significant risk of moisture damage include:

• Books & Paper - Moisture damage can cause pages to warp and become moldy. When you store paper and books in climate-controlled storage, the level of humidity is controlled as per the stored items, and your documents and books will remain safe.
• Metal Items - Metal gets damaged due to the formation of rust. This results in complete damage to the item. A climate-controlled environment can reduce the moisture level and prevent this situation.
• Clothes - When clothes are left for a longer period in a damp environment, there will be growth of mold and mildew. These can ruin your clothes.

High-Level Security

Unlike regular storage units, climate-controlled storage units are located within the building with additional security measures. These buildings are well-equipped with cameras, access control, and on-site security staff. Your belongings will be safe and secure with climate control maintenance. This will encourage you to store your valuables like collectibles, jewelry, and sensitive documents. This will give you peace of mind and fewer worries about your belongings.

Ease of Access

Climate-controlled storage units are typically housed in buildings; thus, they are safe from the piles of ice and snow. They can easily be accessed even during the worst weather. They will have temperature control and easy access, unlike regular storage units that are difficult to open with icy locks. These are well-equipped with better lighting, moving dollies, and carts. This will increase the convenience level, and you can access your belongings anytime.

Extend Life Span

When you store your belongings in climate-controlled storage, you ensure that those items are safe from moisture and other weather changes. This will limit the chance of damage to the items and extend their lifespan. Items including artwork and antiques will be protected from temperature variation and humidity. The appliances stored in the storage will not be affected by the freezing temperature and will run longer.

Tips for Using Climate-Controlled Storage

• Pick the right sized climate-controlled storage unit for your belongings, and make sure there will be not much-unused space that can help in maintaining a stable climate.
• Packing strategy is very important when it comes to storing your items. When you pack items to store in the climate-control unit, you need packing essentials like sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and quality packing paper. Each box should be properly labeled, and avoid using plastic bags for storage. If you pack items in plastic bags, it will trap moisture and result in mold growth.
• Organize your storage unit efficiently to maximize the space like leaving space between the rows of boxes, keeping an inventory list, and using shelves to keep items away from the ground.
• Schedule regular checks on your items and inspect the signs of pests and damage. You can control the settings to ensure the temperature remains controlled.

Conclusion

Climate-controlled storage units are an essential consideration if you are planning a move in winter. You can protect your belongings while they are stored and prevent the growth of mold, mildew, or any other degradation. You can rent a climate-controlled storage unit and maintain the temperature according to the belongings stored. Van Lines Move can help you find the best storage unit service in your area.

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