Trying to figure out what to do with your stuff while you move? Do you have lots of items you can no longer fit in your home? Renting a self-storage unit may be the option for you! These facilities are easy to use and are helpful in a cinch. But, finding the right unit might be a bit tricky.
There are several different types of storage units including:
- indoor and outdoor
- mobile and stationary
- climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled
Here, we’ll be looking at climate-controlled storage units and whether or not they’re the best option for your needs!
What Kind of Storage Unit Do You Need?
Before even looking at storage units, figure out what you need. Consider the following:
- How long you’ll need the storage unit
- The time of year you’ll use it
- What the weather will be like
- The items you’ll be storing
Short Term Storage
If you only need storage for a month to four months, considering the time of year you’ll be storing may be your priority. If your area has extreme temperatures during certain seasons, such as hot and humid summers or bitter-cold winters, it may have an effect on the items you’re storing. Climate-controlled units keep items within a constant temperate range with humidity control. Even if you’re storing during typically temperate times or live in a less extreme climate, you still may want to check into climate-controlled storage for extra confidence.
Long Term Storage
If you need to store your items for longer than four months, you need to consider the climate of your area. The advantage of having a storage unit is that your items should be dry. But, they will still go through each hot and cold cycle that your area goes through. If you have a climate-controlled storage unit, you won’t have to worry when the weather spikes. You’ll know that your items are staying within a consistent range.
What Will You Store?
The question of what you are storing in the self-storage facility will lead you to the next step. You need to know what types of items you need to protect to choose the best option. You will also want to have good organization in your storage unit so you know exactly where everything is.
Furniture
When storing furniture, you need to think about what the item is made of. Fabric pieces may grow mold if left to the whims of the weather. Wood pieces may begin to warp or lose their strength if they are exposed to humidity for too long. Metal will rust if it goes through severe condition changes.
These items do best when stored in climate-controlled storage units for any amount of time. They are investment pieces you’ve likely paid top-dollar for or have sentimental value.
Electronics
Electronics are particularly susceptible to humidity damage. When storing electronics, it’s best to keep them within a climate-controlled unit where humidity is also controlled.
Documents & Paper
When storing paper items, including books, you need to be careful about how long you let them stay in storage units. Regardless of whether you choose a climate-controlled unit or a standard, drive-up unit, storing papers and books in a sealed plastic container is your best bet.
The best option for papers, though, is climate-controlled storage. This way, you don’t have to worry about the papers fading as much in the heat or humidity decreasing the integrity of the paper.
Clothing
Storing out-of-season clothing items in a storage unit is a great way to free up space in your home. Ideally, any soft items should be stored in climate-controlled storage units to eliminate the threat of mold. The key to storing clothes is to pack them first. You can put them in clear plastic containers so you know what is in each box.
Which Unit Is Right for You?
Ready to find climate-controlled storage units in your area? Or do you have questions about specific items and how to store them? YourSpace Storage offers both climate-controlled and drive-up storage units at each of our 8 Maryland locations. Contact a facility near you to speak to our storage experts and find the perfect unit for your needs.
