People look into getting a storage space for a variety of reasons and various lengths of time. Regardless of why you are looking at storing some items, your needs may differ depending on what you want to store. A storage company will be able to offer you climate controlled storage space or non climate controlled storage space. What is the difference between the two and why does it matter?
Here are some more details that can help define the two options.
Non Climate Controlled Storage Units – these units are not guarded in any way against weather conditions. This means that your contents could be subject to temperatures below freezing or to extreme heat conditions.
Climate Controlled Storage Units – climate controlled self-storage units have temperature ranges which are controlled. The general range for a climate controlled storage unit is between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Tip – To make things easier when moving; find a commercial or residential mover that also offers storage options
Now that we know more about the two options, let’s look at what items should be stored in a climate controlled unit.
Six Types of Items that Need Climate Controlled Storage
- Wood or Leather Furniture – both wood and leather are sensitive to moisture and can be damaged if exposed to high temperatures that can cause cracks or mildew or wood that becomes warped causing pieces to be ruined.
- Collectibles – stamps, comic books, coins, wine or other items that are being kept as collectibles. Any damage suffered due to large changes in temperatures can reduce the value of the items.
- Musical Instruments – damage from too hot or too cold temperatures can completely change the way an instrument sounds. Temperature controlled storage is a must for instruments.
- Artwork and Craft Supplies – moisture can do a lot of damage to artwork. Same goes for the items that create beautiful works for art. Fabrics can become discoloured; paints, glue or other substances can experience a change in their composition.
- Photos and Documents – Unless you store these items properly, they will become discoloured and will fade. Photos can stick together due to heat and moisture and eventually disintegrate.
- Electronics – Screens and internal electronic components don’t do well with extreme hot or extreme cold. So keep this in mind if you have appliances to store as well. Most appliances now have some type of computer components inside so they would require a climate controlled environment too.
Before you put anything in storage, make sure you take the proper first step in storing your items and clean everything first. Once you’ve organized your items for storage, contact a storage company to help you determine what size of unit you might need. First Choice Movers offers storage options throughout Toronto and the rest of the Greater Toronto Area. Call us at 416-792-5539 and let us help!