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What Is Climate Controlled Storage? Your Ultimate Guide For 2020

We’ve got the solution to your storage problems. If clutter has overtaken your home or if you need a place to store your things during a move a climate controlled storage unit can be the solution. 

Keep your things safe from the weather and humidity in climate-controlled storage. This helpful guide will explain the difference between regular units and climate controlled storage and give you some helpful tips for staying organized. 

Regular Storage Units

A regular storage unit is outside. It is convenient if you have a lot of large items to store. You can drive right up to the door and load and unload your items. 

This can be a great option for people storing holiday decorations, vehicles, or other personal items. Outdoor storage units can be a more economical option than their indoor counterparts however consider the items you need to store before you make a selection. 

Climate Controlled Units

What is a climate controlled storage unit? A climate controlled storage unit is indoors. While some units are offered as drive-up units similar to the outdoor units, most are located in multi-level buildings. 

How does climate controlled storage work? These indoor units are located on the inside of a building. The building has air conditioning and is designed to keep your items at a comfortable temperature usually between 55 and 85 degrees. It’s very similar to how you would store items in your home. 

Climate controlled storage protects your items from the humidity and weather. Temperature and humidity create moisture that can ruin your items. Sensitive and delicate items should be put into climate control storage units. 

All of your items could benefit from climate controlled storage but here are some examples of items that require it. 

  • Furniture
  • Electronics
  • Artwork
  • Photos
  • Antiques
  • Wine
  • Sports equipment
  • Kitchen appliances

These items contain wood or other materials that are susceptible to mold and mildew. Electronics can crack or warp when exposed to heat and photographs should be kept safely in a dry environment. 

If you are trying to decide if you need a regular storage unit or climate controlled storage ask yourself a few questions. Can my item grow mold or mildew? Would it be damaged by heat? Is it rare or does the item have sentimental value?

If you answered yes to any of these questions consider getting a climate controlled storage unit. 

The Benefits Of Climate Controlled Storage

There are many benefits os choosing a climate controlled storage unit. Here are some other benefits you should consider when making your selection. 

If you plan on storing your items for a long period (a year or longer) the temperature will vary greatly outside in a year. Protect your items from changing weather all year long by renting a climate controlled storage unit. 

If you live in an area that is hot and has high humidity mitigate those factors with a climate controlled unit. There is peace of mind that comes with a climate controlled unit. All of your items will be in the exact condition when you go to retrieve them as the day you put them into storage. 

If you are storing valuables, antiques, or items that can’t be replaced you should use a climate controlled unit. On the other hand, if you are only storing your items for a short period or they can be easily replaced it might not be worth the extra money. 

How Much Does A Climate Controlled Unit Cost?

If you are comparing prices of a regular storage unit to a climate controlled unit you will notice a difference in price. Depending on your area a climate controlled unit could cost 35% to 50% more than a standard unity. 

The average monthly cost of a storage unit is around $88.85. If your unit was climate controlled that would bring the cost to around $120 a month. These prices all depend on what part of the country you live in and the number of storage units available in your local area.

If you are in the Northern Virginia or D.C.Metro area request a quote here to learn how much climate controlled storage will cost. 

Why are climate controlled units more costly? To keep your unit at a consistent temperature and humidity level climate controlled storage units use special technology. These systems have to be maintained and powered round the clock and that increases the cost. 

While you do pay more for climate controlled storage it is worth the extra cost to keep your items safe. 

Find Climate Controlled Storage Near You

Lookup nearby storage units. You can perform a search of Google such as, “Climate Controlled Storage VA”. Google will give you a list of companies to choose from in your area. 

Give these companies a call and ask if they have climate controlled storage available and ask the price and sizes of the units. They may be able to help you figure out how large a unit you will need to store your things. You can also use an online storage calculator

Organization Tips

If you are using your climate controlled storage unit to free up space in your garage or home here are some tips to keep you organized. 

Before you pack your items into boxes it is helpful to take an inventory of the things you are putting into storage. This will serve as a record of how many boxes you have and where you can find your items when it is time to retrieve them from storage.

Use a spreadsheet or just a good oldfashioned piece of paper and a clipboard to write up your inventory. 

Packing is a crucial step. It is helpful if all your boxes are new and around the same size. While getting used boxes from stores may be a cheaper alternative having boxes that are many different sizes can make storing your items difficult. When all your boxes are approximately the same size they stack better and are easier to store. 

Also, new boxes are great because they have less of a chance of breaking when you are carrying them. Use bubble wrap and packing materials for dishes or breakable items and pack them tightly into your new boxes. Use packing tape, not painter’s tape to ensure your boxes will not come undone.

Also, write the contents of the box on the exterior so that you can easily find your things after you remove the boxes from storage. 

One excellent rule when it comes to storage is to take everything apart. Bookshelves, tables, and bed frames all store more easily when taken apart. This will prevent damage to your items and also make more space in your storage unit. 

When stacking your boxes in your storage unit always put the heavier boxes on the bottom. Place lighter items near the top. Be careful not to place fragile items in an area where they can be easily knocked over. 

If you are going to be accessing your items try to place items that you will need to get to at the front of your storage unit. Or, leave room for an aisle in the unit to make more of your items easily accessible. 

Moving Tips

If you are using your storage unit during the process of a move we also have a few tips. If your home is on the market most real estate agents will tell you to declutter your home before showing it to interested buyers. Clearing out the closets and personal items from your home allows the buyers to picture where their items will go inside the home. 

Moving your extra belongings into a storage unit can help you sell your home faster. It can also make moving into your new home easier. Choose a storage unit that is close to the location of your new home. This allows for easy moving and unpacking. 

You will be able to pack and move at your own pace. Go through all your things and decide what you want to keep, sell, or donate before your move. Then move into your new home on your schedule. 

Moving with climate controlled storage allows you to slowly unpack and move into your new space. You’ll have plenty of time to decide where to couch and tv will go and which room will be the kids’ room. 

When all of your belongings are left in the middle of the room by movers it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the scope of the project. A climate controlled unit will keep your items safe and allow you to unpack and make your new house a home at your own pace. 

Peace Of Mind With Climate Controlled Storage

If you are moving and need a climate controlled storage unit to make your move easier contact Carmack Moving and Storage. Carmack Moving and Storage is an industry leader and has competitive pricing to make your next move easy on the budget and stress-free. 

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