Do I Need Climate Controlled Storage?

Are you running out of room in your home to store the things that are most important to you? Whether you want to hold onto keepsakes like your wedding dress and grandpa’s old violin, or you’re saving furniture items and toys for the grandkids, it could be wise to rent out a indoor storage unit. If your possessions are delicate and susceptible to damage from the elements, not just any old storage solution will do. For these sensitive items, you need climate controlled storage.

Looking for climate controlled storage in the DC Metro area? If so, contact Georgetown Moving and Storage at (703) 889-8899 to learn more about what we offer and storage tips!

What Is Climate Controlled Storage Facility?

Traditional self storage units are nothing more than garages lined up in a parking lot. The items inside are exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity fluctuations all year round.

Climate controlled storage is different. This solution involves heating the storage space to 55 degrees or above in the winter, cooling to 85 degrees or below in the summer, and maintaining a relative humidity level around 40 to 55 percent. The purpose of climate controlled space is to prevent your belongings from ever being exposed to extreme conditions.

Items that Need Climate Controlled Storage

It isn’t necessary to store all belongings in a climate controlled storage unit. However, a surprising array of materials may be susceptible to temperature and humidity extremes. Seriously consider a climate controlled option if you plan to store any of the following:

• Wood furniture and musical instruments
• Leather items
• Electronics and appliances
• Books and documents
• Artwork and rare collectibles
• Bedding and mattresses
• Clothing
• Photographs
• Vinyl records
• Videotapes

Benefits of Climate Controlled Storage

If you’re planning to store any sensitive items over the long term, climate control gives you peace of mind knowing your belongings are protected against harsh seasonal extremes. Consider the many benefits of climate controlled storage:

• Prevent damage from high temperatures: The thermostat can easily read 90 degrees or higher outside during the summer in DC. High heat can cause photographs to stick together, stamp collections to peel, and electronics to be harmed.
• Prevent damage from freezing temperatures: The average nightly low in January during a DC winter is below freezing. Without climate control, this could damage appliances, cause leather to crack, and lead to battery failure in electronics.
• Prevent damage from high humidity: The East Coast is known for humid weather all year round. If humidity levels rise well beyond the ideal range of 40 to 55 percent, wood furniture may warp, mold may grow on clothing and upholstery, and silver coin collections may tarnish.
• Prevent damage from low humidity: When the humidity level drops too low, the results can be just as severe. Wood may crack, pages in books may become brittle, and photos and documents may turn yellow.
• Decrease the accumulation of dust: A climate controlled storage warehouse has sealed and insulated walls, floors, and roof. This helps to keep dirt and debris out that could otherwise settle on your belongings and gradually deteriorate them.

How Does the Climate in Your Area Affect the Need for Climate Controlled Storage?

If you have ever thought about utilizing such a storage solution that requires the maintenance of a steady temperature and humidity level then you should be aware about the climate of the region in which you are located because it is of utmost importance. The climate of a country has a significant impact on the usage of such storage units that are designed to keep your possessions safe from environmental changes.

• Hot and Dry Climates: A hot southwestern climate can be very dry, which causes wood furniture to shift, leather to dry out and crack, while fabric fades. Air conditioning reduces these threats, but only somewhat.

• Humid Environments: The southeastern american states have a reputation for their humidity, which may cause sensitive materials like documents, electronics and textiles to become prone to mould and mildew growth. Climate controlled storage presents itself to be a solution in dealing with moisture related damage to materials.

• Cold and Fluctuating Temperatures: Climate controlled storage offers security for vulnerable items in regards to a potential freezing threat which the musicians, antique collectors and electronics owners in Midwest part of the USA understand well since its winter can be rather intense and the temperature can fluctuate vastly.

In conclusion, learning about the local climate assists you in making a decision on whether it is commercially worthwhile to put money into climate controlled storage. This choice guarantees that regardless of how the weather changes, your personal belongings will remain in good condition.

When Climate Controlled Storage Isn’t Necessary

In my view, climate controlled storage is not always needed for all of the possessions that one has. If you are one of those people who tends to worry about the climate and the constraints in which certain belongings will be, here is a suggestion; put your belongings in a storage facility where there is controlled climate. In my opinion, there are certain situations which can easily make loss of warmth and humidity control irrelevant. Climate control, for instance, might be an overkill in the following scenarios:

Temporary Storage Needs

In case of few weeks or a month’s storage duration might not fundamentally require climate control. Snapshots storage ranges from short travels to having to live between homes. A normal storage unit usually is enough if you have recently moved into a smaller space and need a place for some of your possessions until your new living arrangement is more permanent.

Storing Durable Goods

Some items, such as tools, outdoor furniture, and even sporting equipment, don’t need the climate control that certain items require. The basic principle is straightforward: if it’s something that you would store without concern in a garage, then wiith the help of a storage unit, such items would be able to be stored without a lot of expenses.

Living in a Stable Climate

Not all areas have severe climatic conditions. People living in certain regions of the southwest, or the west coast, where temperature and humidity are moderate and constant throughout the year, do not require air conditioning as natural environmental stability comes into play. Often, you can keep your belongings there without incurring the additional cost.

Non Sentimental and Replaceable Items

For most non sentimental and easy to replace items, climate control may be irrelevant. Normal storage space should suffice if, for example, one is storing cheap furniture, mass produced items, or seasonal decorations.

Before I turn those plane wheels, allow me to restate something I said at the beginning. On such a big project, nine million dollars’ worth of climate protection equipment could ensure sufficient returns in the foreseeable future. So, avoiding further climate controlled storage cost would be, in these instances, a reasonable decision without endangering one’s belongings.

Climate Controlled Storage: Your Shield Against Pests

As a new thought comes how are these climate controlled units helping in case of pest infestation. When it comes to storing items, how does the unit ensure a pest free environment for the former? Here’s how storage units safeguarding your valuable.

Indoor Location Advantage

• Sealed Facilities: Climate controlled storage units, are often located inside of a building’s shell which means they are less exposed to outdoor elements such as warm weather or outside fauna.

• Enhanced Barriers: In general, the construction of these buildings incorporates measures that enhance sealing and insulation, thus making it considerably difficult for pests to enter.

Temperature and Humidity Control

• Stable Conditions: By maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels, climate controlled units create an inhospitable environment for pests that thrive in extreme conditions.

• Mold Prevention: Aside from obstructing pests, these well balanced climatic conditions inhibit the development of mold and mildew, thereby keeping your possessions secure and unharmed.

Additional Protective Measures

• Regular Maintenance: Numerous climate controlled structures focus on manger inspection and maintenance on a regular basis, averting a pest problem from arising.

Investing in a climate controlled storage unit is more than just maintaining temperature; it is a precautionary measure against pests infestation and damage to the environment.

Rent a Climate Controlled Storage Unit in the DC Area

At Georgetown Moving and Storage, we recognize the value you place on your possessions. That’s why we offer climate controlled storage warehouses in Washington DC; Arlington VA; Alexandria VA Our goal is to provide the most reliable storage options for our customers in the DC area. When you choose to store with us, our moving and storage experts will walk you through your storage options and point you toward the solution that meets your needs and budget best.

For more information about indoor storage and climate controlled storage, please contact Georgetown Moving and Storage at (703) 889-8899 for available storage types!