8 Common Items that NEED a Climate Controlled Storage Unit

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It can be hard to know what items need climate controlled storage and what items are okay in a non-climate space. Climate-controlled units are an Amazing storage feature where the unit’s indoor temperature is kept between 60 and 78 degrees year-round and maintains a consistent humidity level. Basically, it’s a heater, air conditioner, humidifier, and dehumidifier all in one.

We’ve compiled a list below of a few special items that benefit from climate-controlled storage.

Wood and Leather Goods Need a Climate Controlled Space

Items Needing Climate Controlled Storage

When exposed to too much moisture, wood can crack, warp, or rot over time. Leather that’s not stored in a climate-controlled unit is also more susceptible to moisture, which can discolor the pieces and be damaged by mildew or even crack.

Special Collectable Items Need Climate Controlled Storage – coins, stamps, comics, and trading cards

Items Needing Climate Controlled Storage

The point of collecting certain items is to preserve them for years to come. Temperature control can help with preservation. Everything from coins, stamps, comics, and trading cards all the way to wine collections need to be stored in a climate-controlled environment to prevent damage caused by seasonal temperature changes and uncontrolled humidity.

For example, one of the things that could quickly decrease the value of your stamp collection is heat and humidity. When a stamp collection is subject to unfavorable conditions, the stamps start to stick and curl. The ink can also be adversely affected. The right temperature and humidity level can help a stamp collection maintain its value and visual appeal for years to come.

Many collectors with a special coin collection find that keeping their collection in a storage unit with climate control is essential. In fact, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) advises its members that coin collections be kept at a constant temperature as well as humidity level. Should a coin collection be exposed to any type of extreme temperature or humidity, it could experience the oxidation process. This could cause permanent damage to the coins in a collection. Silver and copper coins are very vulnerable to tarnishing as well as becoming very dark. This not only diminishes the visual appeal of the coin, but also the long-term value of the collection.

Musical Instruments Will Need Climate Controlled

Items Needing Climate Controlled Storage

Musical instruments, though sometimes large, are very delicate and need to be handled with great care. Whether it’s short-term or long-term storage for instruments, temperature control is a must. Wooden instruments are especially vulnerable to changes in heat and humidity, and brass instruments can start to tarnish if not kept under proper storage conditions.

Artwork Needs Climate Controlling

Items Needing Climate Controlled Storage

Many artists like to store their work. They may have limited storage space where they create their art, or they might be getting ready for an art show or a festival. There is always a concern of what could happen if the art is subject to the wrong temperature as well as humidity. If uncontrolled, the wrong temperature and humidity could cause the art to fade, warp, stretch, and more. When this happens, quality could be lost.

Artists need climate-controlled unit to keep their work in an environment but they should be careful and confirm that the space is kept at a constant temperature, such as between 60 and 75 degrees. The best environment for artwork is about 50% humidity and a temperature between 70-75°F. Crafting equipment and supplies also need similar climate control. In fact, sewing machines have belts inside that can shrink and expand with extreme temperatures, so a relatively even temperature is helpful!

Clothing Needs Climate Controlled

Items Needing Climate Controlled Storage

When you’re swapping out summer dresses for sweaters or storing that beautiful wedding gown, climate-controlled storage can keep your clothes in good shape. After you’ve cleaned everything thoroughly (the first step in clothing storage that shouldn’t be skipped), it’s important to maintain the humidity levels inside your unit to avoid mold and mildew. Using plastic storage bins over cardboard boxes also prevents moisture from reaching your clothing keeping them safe for many more wears to come.

Business Documents Need Climate Controlling

Items Needing Climate Controlled Storage

A climate-controlled unit is the only thing standing between humidity and documents, which will fade, discolor, or dissolve with exposure to moisture. They may also become faded an unreadable, making bad storage today a bad headache tomorrow!

Photos Definitely Need Climate Controlling

Items Needing Climate Controlled Storage

A climate-controlled storage facility and the use of boxes or albums that have passed the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) will help to ensure your memories are preserved well into the future. Also, if temperatures get too high in an area where photos are stacked on top of one another, the prints can blend together and deteriorate. Always store photos facing away from each other, even in albums.

Electronics Need Climate Controlled

Items Needing Climate Controlled Storage

From TVs and computers to recording equipment, you might be filling your storage unit with some expensive electronics. The screens and internal components of plasma TVs in particular don’t do well with extreme temperatures. Choosing to store electronics in a standard storage unit may work for a short time, but after a while, the moisture that accumulates as a result of rising humidity levels can have the same effect as a direct water spill. Internal parts can rust, and wiring can break completely.

Still need help figuring out what needs climate controlled storage? Check out our amazing video about climate controlled versus non climate controlled storage and learn how to choose!

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