Climate-Controlled Units for Sensitive Items During Renovations

While 1800 We Store It does not offer climate-controlled units for storage during a renovation, we understand this feature is essential for some of our customers. Regulating temperature and humidity requires energy, climate-controlled storage is more expensive.

However, mixing and matching storage services will allow you to protect your more delicate items with climate control while saving money by keeping your more durable items in cheaper storage.  

Temperature-Controlled Versus Climate-Controlled

You may have encountered temperature-controlled or climate-controlled storage options in your search for self storage. So, what’s the difference between temperature-controlled and climate-controlled units?

Both units will regulate the temperature to keep it within a couple of degrees. However, a climate-controlled unit will also regulate the temperature, humidity, and air quality throughout the storage unit. Climate-controlled units are more critical when storing sensitive artworks, antiques, and other fragile goods that will deteriorate in climate extremes. 

What Are Climate-Controlled Storage Units?

Unlike standard storage, climate-controlled storage units are outfitted with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to regulate temperature and humidity levels. The primary use case for these units is to create a stable environment for sensitive items more susceptible to damage from temperature extremes, humidity, and moisture. 

Everyday items that can benefit from climate control include: 

• Wine
• Photographs
• Vinyl Records
• Antiques
• Makeup

How to Know if You Need Climate-Controlled Storage

There are always pros and cons to choosing a controlled storage unit over more traditional options, so how do you know if you need climate control? 

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does your location often experience extremes in temperature or humidity?
• Are any items susceptible to discolouring, cracking, or warp during temperature changes?
• Will my items expand or contract during temperature changes
• Do my items possess great sentimental value

Not all of your items may need climate control. All storage solution costs are based on volume, so you can save money using a regular self-storage container.

Climate-Controlled Storage Alternatives

Climate-controlled storage will significantly add to your storage costs, but there are strategies to keep sensitive items safe from climate extremes. 

Vacuum-sealed bags are another great option for clothing and other textiles. Sucking all the air out means moisture and pests will not be a problem. 

You can protect against humidity with charcoal bricks or silica gel packets.  Both of these products will absorb and store moisture from the air. Simply pack them in the carton with the items. Remember that they must be changed regularly, so you will want to ensure these cartons are accessible. 

Why Use Climate-Controlled Storage During a Renovation?

Renovations can be chaotic, so it’s often a good idea to get valuable furniture, expensive wine collections, photographs, and important documents out of the building where they can be protected from damage. Most furniture, white goods, and kitchen equipment will be fine in a portable storage container.

Deciding whether you need climate-controlled storage will involve considering factors like climate conditions, sentimental value, and susceptibility of your items to damage. At 30% to 50% higher prices than traditional storage, climate control will significantly add to your storage costs. For shorter durations, the weatherproof, rodent-proof, and ventilated self-storage containers from 1800 We Store It will more than satisfy your storage needs at a price you can afford.