When you are looking into storage options, you may be wondering if
you need climate controlled self storage. You will need to carefully
think about several different considerations in order to make this
decision. First, you will need to think about what you will be storing.
Second, you will need to think about the types of containers you will be
storing your items within. Third, you will need to think about the
fragility of either the items you are storing or the storage containers
themselves. Fourth, you will need to think about the dollar value of the
items being stored. Finally, you will be able to determine if a climate
controlled self storage unit is most appropriate to use.
First,
consider what you are going to store. The actual items you store should
dictate how they are stored. For instance, the needs of a couch that you
will be storing will be different from the needs of a box of paperwork
or magazines. Likewise, a box of holiday decorations will have different
storage needs than a bicycle or other children's toys. If you will be
storing a variety of different items in your storage unit, give thought
to all of those items. This can also give you an opportunity to store
similar items in the same container, instead of mixing and matching
items to be stored together. Keep your fragile items together so they
can be more easily protected. Likewise, keep your more sturdy items
together as well.
Second, what types of containers will you be
using? If you will be using cardboard boxes, with or without lids, you
will need to realize that they are much more susceptible to the effects
of heat and cold than metal or plastic containers are. If you are using
plastic containers, carefully examine their actual make up. Newer,
sturdier plastic containers are a safer barrier against climate changes
than older and more brittle plastic containers. Think carefully about
storing your items in metal containers. Some metal containers are
specially built to help shield their contents from the effects of heat
and cold. On the flip side, however, consider that some metal
containers, especially those that are older, actually conduct heat and
cold and so can be very harmful to what is stored inside.
Third,
think about how fragile the items are that you are going to stir. You
should also think about how fragile the storage containers are. If you
will be storing antique lace doilies, they will not stand up as well to
humid or hot locations as may studier items such as metal cookware. If
you have many items stored in the same bin, go with the lowest common
denominator and use the most fragile item to help make your
determination for the entire bin. Think about your storage containers,
as well. If you have a lot of older boxes and crates, they may break
down faster in less than ideal conditions than would newer containers
made of sturdier materials.
Fourth, keep in mind the almighty
dollar. A rule of thumb is that the more valuable the item, the more
likely it will need climate control. Don't take a risk with items of
value. Instead, always err on the side of caution. For instance, if you
have a really valuable baseball card collection, get it out of your hot
and humid attic and always store it in an area that is kept at a
constant temperature. If you will be storing furniture like beds or
couches, where the cushions or mattresses may be affected by
temperature, you will definitely want to choose a climate controlled
self storage unit.
Finally, if you still have not come to a
decision about whether or not you need a climate controlled self storage
unit, look at all of your previous considerations as a whole picture
instead of individual pieces. Generally, you will want to make your
decision based upon what will best benefit the items that you will
store.
Do not let the cost of climate controlled self storage be
one of your determining factors. Climate controlled self storage units
are reasonably priced, and the cost associated is more than justified by
the protection that they can offer to your most prized or valuable
possessions. Instead think about the option that will best benefit your
needs and let that be your final determining factor. In the end, if you
are unable to make a decision based on these criteria, try out a climate
controlled self storage unit for a month or two to see how valuable it
can be. After your trial run, you can determine whether future use will
best suit your needs!