Choosing a storage unit can be difficult. How much space do I need? What type of access is necessary? How should I pack all of my various stuff so it is best-protected while it’s stored?
It becomes even more complicated when you store valuables. Of course, anything someone chooses to store has value, but certain items – such as art or antique furniture or wine – can actually be pretty easily ruined if they’re not stored in a climate-controlled storage unit. We tell our customers to think of it this way: if you wouldn’t store an item long-term in a garage or shed, you should probably only store it in a climate-controlled storage unit.
Why? A climate-controlled storage unit limits the temperate and humidity swings an item would be subjected to in a non-climate-controlled storage unit. We maintain temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees in our climate-controlled storage units, which is reasonable for most items – though some people might find it a little uncomfortable. There are a number of things that need to be stored in climate-controlled storage units to protect their longevity. We’ve already coveredhow to store canvas paintings, and even how to store holiday decorations in past blogs, so let’s get to the ones that might be a little more prone to damage temperature things than you might know.
1. Cosmetics
If you’ve never tried to use lip gloss after it’s been in the car all day, we’ll be the first to tell you: makeup melts. All of the expensive lotions and potions also stop being as effective when they get too hot, and frozen makeup separates and clumps up and never works quite right again even after it gets back to room temperature. Not only do you have to maintain the temperature of all of our cosmetics, but you can’t store them in direct sunlight or in a high humidity spot (ahem, bathroom counter). Cosmetics are high maintenance, but as many make-up artist know, so are many clients.
2. Electronics and Appliances
There’s no question that electronics have been made much, much tougher over the years, but they still do not handle wide fluctuations in temperature very well. Computers, specifically, will incur quite a bit of damage to their batteries, timing function and electrical resistance, even to the point of making them cease to function. The good news is that Staples accepts old and inoperable electronics for free recycling, and many schools and other non-profit organizations also take donations of used or out-of-date electronics.
3. Wine
Whether you’re an official wine collector or just a wannabe wino, there’s a chance you’re running out of space for your that new, enviable vintage you just picked up. You already know how important temperature, humidity and light are to the structure and body of wine. Though a wine cellar may be within your budget, there’s a chance you may not have the right conditions or space to keep your wine stored properly. Many restauranteurs find that wine storage is a better option than storing fine vintages and large boxes of product in their establishments.
4. Photos, Documents, Memorabilia
The pieces of paper and other mementos of our lives that are so meaningful are also oftentimes exceptionally delicate. Be sure to store them with the utmost care in archival boxes in a climate-controlled storage unit as extreme heat or cold can cause your photographs to crack or even begin to separate the base layer from the emulsion layer. Paper can also become extremely dried out and brittle.
5. Vinyl Records, Cassette Tapes, CDs
If you’ve got any old records, tapes or CDs lying around you’re thinking about putting into storage, definitely spring for the climate-controlled variety. Otherwise, you’re just asking for your sweet sounds to be permanently warped and made unplayable by the variances in temperature and humidity of a regular storage unit. These items grow hotter by the day to collectors – both sentimental and monetary – so are definitely worth the extra funds to ensure the extra peace of mind.
6. Vintage Furniture and Antiques
Though storing furniture in a storage unit is a no-brainer, certain types of furniture and upholstery do much better in a climate-controlled storage environment. Whether it’s that velvet chair you picked up at an estate sale, or an older antique you plan on rehabbing later (when you have a garage) you can use climate-controlled storage to keep the integrity of your piece intact. Pro-tip: Ensure that your vintage furniture piece has a protective covering made of an appropriate material, e.g., linen, cotton, or even bubble wrap, to avoid dust while in storage and dings from other items as you move.
7. Musical Instruments
Regardless of whether you play brass, woodwind, brass, strings or a piano, musical instruments in general do not take well to temperature or humidity extremes, with the cold weather being a source of more damage than hot. Too much humidity can also be a source of extreme damage to wooden instruments, by softening the wood, weakening the glue joints and even creating permanent deformations in the structure. Your songs will definitely never sound as sweet.
8. Glassware
Glassware is surprising because most people store it with utensils, plates, mugs and other dishes that can be stored in variable temperatures. It turns out that glass can become extremely brittle and easily breakable if left in freezing temperatures. This goes double for thin glass, like a coffee carafe or flower vase.
9. Leather and Vintage Textiles
More durable clothes like sweatshirts or socks can definitely be stored in sealed containers in non-climate-controlled storage units, but you’re going to want to put the more delicate materials and clothing (especially leather, suede or other kinds of animal material) in a unit with more regulated temperatures. Too much heat or too little humidity can dry out leather and vintage textiles, leaving you with unusable pieces on your hands.
10. Art
Many of us don’t take into account how fragile certain art pieces can be. High humidity and light can wreak havoc on oil paint, clay, wax, and other mediums. According to Art Business News, 55% humidity is ideal for keeping art at an optimal state. Instead of storing your art in a shed or garage, make sure your art is packed away in a climate-controlled storage unit within dry, dark containers.
With our climate’s ever-shifting weather patterns, the days of being able to count on relatively stable temperatures anywhere in America may be past us. Play it safe by always putting anything that is at all fragile in climate-controlled storage. It’s better to invest now, than to pay the ultimate price of losing the item down the road.
