The Differences Between Climate-Controlled and Traditional Storage Units
There will come a time when you’ll need extra space to store your valuables. Even if you’re decluttering, downsizing, or moving somewhere else, self-storage units can provide a home for your stuff.
Choosing between climate-controlled storage units and traditional ones is challenging. Let’s explore the perks of both storage units to make a good choice.
Understanding Traditional and Climate-Controlled Storage
The types of storage units that people commonly use can be broken down into two—traditional and climate-controlled. Both can be used to store items, depending on the kind.
A traditional storage unit has no controlled temperature or humidity levels inside it. They’re also known as standard or non-climate-controlled storage. These conventional storage units are usually outdoors or in buildings without insulation or environmental control systems. They’re suitable for storing sporting equipment and gardening tools, as they aren’t sensitive to humidity and temperature.
On the other hand, a climate-controlled storage unit has a consistent environment. Climate-controlled units maintain a stable temperature, but not necessarily cold, to protect sensitive items from temperature fluctuations and high humidity. These temperature-controlled storage units keep your sensitive documents, musical instruments, antiques, appliances, photographs, and wooden furniture in good condition.
Extreme temperatures can warp and harm important items like delicate fabrics and electronics. Excessive moisture can make moulds grow and deteriorate your items. Climate-controlled units come to the rescue with their steady environment.
How a Climate-Controlled Storage Facility Helps
Now that you know the importance of a climate-controlled environment in a storage unit, here are the benefits it offers:
1. Protection from unstable temperatures
Temperature and humidity fluctuations are common all days of the year. Storage facilities with climate control features give constant temperatures to protect your items from damage rocky temperatures bring. Your items are protected in summer, winter, spring, and autumn.
2. Improved air quality
A self-storage unit with a climate control function allows air to circulate continuously to reduce moisture, mould growth, corrosion, and rust. This helps protect items like books, documents, and wooden items, which can get damaged by excess moisture.
3. Dust, debris, and pest protection
Since climate-controlled storage units are located inside buildings, pests, dust, and dirt won’t find their way into these sealed units. Every roof, floor, and wall of these units is also insulated, and intense security measures are in place to protect your items.
4. Peace of Mind
A climate-controlled unit may be slightly more expensive than a traditional unit, but it gives you some peace of mind. You won’t need to worry about storing items when you know they’ll be protected from constant temperature fluctuations and dirt.
Traditional Storage Benefits
Traditional storage units can give you the following advantages:
- Size options: Traditional storage units have various size options, allowing you to use the space you need and save money in the long run.
- Amenities: Traditional storage units have alarm systems located in a staffed facility, securing and protecting your items well.
- Outdoor storage: You can use an outdoor storage unit that doesn’t need climate control to store things like outdoor furniture and vehicles. Drive-up access is another option for easily loading and unloading items into your car.
- Short-term storage: If you only need to store items for a short while without the need for climate control, traditional storage is the best option. You only pay for the time you need to keep your items.
- Convenience: Many storage facilities allow you to access your items 24/7. This makes getting the items you need at the most suitable time is easy.
Storage units may cost less than climate-controlled ones, but they offer protection and convenient access to your items.
Factors for Storage Needs
Consider these factors when choosing between traditional and climate-controlled storage units:
- Kind of Items to Store: If the items you need to store are sensitive to temperature and humidity, use a climate-controlled unit. A traditional storage unit will do if the items are less prone to damage.
- Duration: A short-term storage solution is perfect if you only need to keep items temporarily. Climate-controlled storage units work best for long-term contracts and regions with extreme climates.
- Budget: Get a quote from storage facilities and see which fits your budget. Evaluate your budget and the items you’d be storing to see if your chosen unit is worth spending for.
It may be necessary to make compromises before contacting the storage facility regarding the storage unit you want to avail yourself of to avoid any regrets.
Final Words
Understanding the benefits and differences between traditional and climate-controlled storage units helps you make informed decisions. You can also assess your storage needs when sorting out your items. Both types of storage units have advantages that preserve your items for a long time.
Work with a storage facility that you can trust to get peace of mind while keeping your things away from home. These facilities have secured premises, top-notch surveillance and alarm systems, and high-quality units to keep your items in good shape. Choose a facility near you to make retrieving items fast and convenient.