Self Storage buildings are changing from traditional to modern facilities, or from non-climate controlled to climate controlled storage. So what does this mean? Is there a real difference?
The simple truth is YES. There is a huge difference between non-climate and climate controlled self storage.
In non-climate controlled facilities, units are exposed to any outside change. With nothing separating your belongings from outside elements except a thin metal wall, temperatures in non-climate controlled units vary 20 or more degrees.
During summer months, humidity becomes a significant factor. Hot days lead to afternoon thunderstorms producing high humidity levels. Non-climate controlled units exposed to such conditions tend to trap temperature and humidity inside.
With a combination of hot temperatures and increasing humidity, belongings are at risk for long term damage. Wood furniture begins to lose its varnish and crack at the legs and corners. Leather upholstery dries out and loses luster. Photographs and documents turn yellow, and corners start to curl. Sensitive electronic components will begin to corrode. Such damages can be permanent if not caught early.
Non-climate units are also more exposed to insects and rodents. Since access doors open directly to the outside, this allows easy access for unwelcome pests to infest unit contents. These pests cause their own special damage to all sorts of storage items.
So what does a climate controlled facility get you? It supplies management-controlled temperature and humidity, where the environment mimics optimum household conditions. (The reasoning behind climate control storage is to store your belongings in the same atmosphere as in an immaculately-kept home.)
In true climate controlled facilities, units are not accessed directly from the outside. Access is instead controlled through secure entrances, allowing units to be completely climate controlled, not letting outside conditions invade. State-of-the-art storage facilities maintain temperature between 65-75 degrees and 40-50% humidity, keeping your things proteced and outside pests at bay.
If you are renting storage space and need climate controlled, be sure to ask these important questions. Does this facility control temperature and humidity, or just temperature? What temperature and humidity levels are maintained in the actual storage units (not just in the lobby)? How does the facility maintain this temperature and humidity? Are pest control systems in place? Is access limited to interior access only? Is unit access recorded by use of multiple security cameras?
Getting the right storage for your stuff is vital to maintaining its quality. Before you pay good money for its protection, make sure your storage facility meets all your needs.
