Skip to content
Whether you’re looking for storage for your business or for your personal items, selecting the best storage unit for your needs is essential.
When you start searching for a storage facility, you will see there are lots of options to choose from. The size and location of the storage are crucial considerations. However, one factor you may not have considered is whether you need climate-controlled storage. In this blog, we will describe what climate-controlled storage is, what it is used for, and the benefits of using it. We will also explain how to choose between a temperature-controlled storage unit and a standard one. So, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about climate-controlled storage.
What is Climate-Controlled Storage?
You’ve probably already heard of climate-controlled storage, but you may be less sure what it actually means, and whether it is right for you.
As its name suggests, climate-controlled storage allows you control over the conditions in the storage unit. This includes temperature control and control of the humidity levels. Regardless of the outdoor temperature, the conditions you set for your storage unit will stay the same.
What are Temperature-Controlled Storage Units Used For?
By taking control of both the temperature and humidity levels inside the storage unit, climate-controlled storage units provide the perfect environment to house a wide range of items.
While many items can be safely stored inside a standard storage unit, others require some extra care and attention.
Some items are extremely sensitive to changes in temperature and the level of moisture in the air. If this isn’t taken into account when the items are placed in storage, it’s unlikely that they will stay in good condition. Leaving your items in storage and then returning to collect them and finding that they have deteriorated can be really upsetting and frustrating. In the case of sentimental items or those that have a high financial value, storing them in unsuitable conditions can lead to a big loss.
Problems such as mould and mildew growth, deterioration, and warping can leave sensitive items in poor condition, heavily impacting their value and your ability to use them.
Here are some examples of items that are most susceptible to damage caused by changes in the temperature and by humidity levels in the environment:
- Antiques and collectables
- Computers and electrical equipment
- Furniture
- Soft furnishings
- Clothing and accessories
- Fabrics
- Documents and archived paperwork
- Linens and rugs
- Mattresses, duvets, and pillows
- Musical instruments
- Vinyl records and cassettes
- Artwork
- Magazines and newspapers
- Books
These sensitive items can suffer irreversible damage if they’re not stored in the correct conditions. So, considering the environmental factors that could impact your items is essential when you choose to put them into storage.
The Benefits of Using Climate-Controlled Storage
Storing items in a climate-controlled storage unit can deliver some impressive benefits. Here are some of the main reasons why people choose climate-controlled storage for their belongings:
Guards Against Extreme Weather
As we all know, the British weather can be incredibly unpredictable. From heatwaves through to extremely wet and windy weather to icy winters, the UK seasons are hugely changeable.
While your items may be securely inside a storage unit and away from the rain and wind, they can still be impacted by temperature and humidity levels. Choosing a climate-controlled storage unit with humidity protection will help to provide a stable environment for your belongings, regardless of the outside temperature.
Protection From Pests and Dust
Storing items in your attic or outside in a shed or garage can seem like an easy and affordable option, but it has a major flaw. You see, storing items in these environments leaves them vulnerable to all kinds of damage. Your belongings will become littered with dust, and may even fall victim to damage caused by pests when they’re stored in this way. Unfortunately, this kind of damage can completely destroy your items.
Using a storage unit that offers temperature-control helps to preserve the lifespan on your belongings and ensures they’re safely away from potential threats, such as pests.
Keeps Humidity Levels Under Control
Keeping your items in a clean, dry environment is sometimes enough to keep them in good order. However, some objects are extremely sensitive to levels of moisture and temperature changes. Items such as pieces of wooden furniture and musical instruments are at risk of warping if they’re not stored if they’re stored at the wrong temperature and incorrect humidity level. This can even cause them to become permanently damaged, and in the case of muscial instruments, may prevent them producing the correct sound when played.
Safety and Security
Choosing to place your belongings in a storage unit provides protection against two major issues. Firstly, it provides protection against theft and your items being stolen or damaged by intruders. Secondly, your items will be safe from environmental factors that could cause them harm, such as damp conditions that lead to warping and mould formation.
Peace of Mind
When you make the decision to place your items into storage, knowing that they are safe, secure, and protected from harm is an absolute must. Choosing climate-controlled storage can provide the extra peace of mind you need to know that your items will be kept in the best possible condition until you need them again.
Standard Storage Units Vs. Climate-Controlled Storage Units: Which is the Right Choice for You?
Standard storage units are vital to keep your items safe, secure, and importantly, accessible whenever you need them. However, there are some situations when choosing storage in temperature-controlled units is by far the best option.
Here are some of the factors to consider when deciding between renting standard storage units and climate-controlled storage units:
Types of Items You’re Planning to Store
Not every type of item needs to be kept in a climate-controlled environment. So, it’s important to assess the belongings you intend to place into storage and decide whether they need to be in stable conditions with controlled humidity levels.
How Long the Items Will Be in Storage
If you’re planning to just keep your items in storage for a few weeks, you may feel like using climate-controlled storage won’t be necessary for such a short time period. However, if your items are likely to stay in storage for many months or even years, temperature-controlled storage may be essential to keep them in the best condition.
The Value of Your Items
The overall value of your items may also influence your decision when choosing where to store them. For items that have a high financial value or are extremely important and sentimental to you, you may decide that temperature-controlled storage is the safest way to keep them in the best possible condition.
How to Choose a Storage Unit Provider
When you need to store your most valuable belongings, you can’t afford to take risks. Instead, you need climate-controlled storage that you can rely on. Choosing the best storage unit provider is a must to protect them and to ensure your peace of mind.
Here are some points to consider when choosing a climate-controlled storage provider:
Security
Ensuring that your items are in a temperature-controlled environment may be essential to preserve their lifespan and protect them from damage. However, the importance of security at the storage facility shouldn’t be overlooked.
Checking that the storage facility has robust security measures in place is vital for your peace of mind. Knowing that there’s 24/7 CCTV surveillance and restricted access to the storage units can give you the extra assurance you need to trust the facility with your valuable items.
Humidity Protection
Being able to control the temperature of your storage unit is a must to protect your items. However, it’s also essential to check whether the storage unit also offers humidity control to protect valuables from fluctuating moisture levels.
Range of Storage Unit Sizes
Selecting a storage facility that offers several different sizes of storage unit is always a helpful idea. While the initial unit you chose may be perfect for your items right now, if you decide to put more items into storage or want to reduce how much you’re storing, you may need to upgrade or downsize your unit. Knowing that you can move to a new unit at the same storage facility will make the entire process so much simpler.
Easy Access
Being able to access your storage unit when you need to is essential. Unfortunately, some storage facilities may charge you to access the unit. Other may offer inconvenient opening hours, making it tricky for you to get to your items. So, before you agree to rent a storage unit, it’s wise to check that the facility’s opening hours and access arrangements are compatible with your needs.
Climate-Controlled Storage at Britannia Lanes
Britannia Lanes is a trusted provider of climate-controlled storage units. This means you can rest assured that your items are in safe hands. Our temperature-controlled storage units provide humidity protection and added security for your peace of mind. Check our availability today!
