Climate Controlled Storage

When using self-storage, some items require additional protection from temperature fluctuations. Items such as vinyl records, antiques, and artwork are best stored in a temperature-controlled storage unit.

Everyday items like clothes, furniture, and important paperwork also thrive in a climate-controlled storage facility. This type of unit helps ensure they remain in excellent condition and free from damage.

In this guide, we explore 20 items that are best suited for climate-controlled storage.

What is Climate Controlled Self-Storage?

Climate-controlled or temperature-controlled storage units are self-storage options designed to maintain an ideal environment for your belongings. These units protect your items from extreme or fluctuating temperatures.

By regulating the internal climate, these units help prevent issues such as warping, discoloration, dampness, mould, and mildew, ensuring your items remain in optimal condition.

Why Are Temperature Controlled Units Necessary?

Basic storage units are ideal for short-term use or for storing less valuable items made from durable materials. For long-term storage or valuable possessions, climate-controlled units are highly recommended.

These units offer significant benefits for a wide range of items, and for some, they are essential. Items sensitive to light and heat should always be stored in a climate-controlled unit.

Using a temperature-controlled storage unit helps protect items from cold, damp conditions and also eliminates dust and other foreign particles from the air, keeping your belongings in better condition.

This is one reason why car storage tends to be more expensive, as most car storage units are temperature-controlled.

How Much is Temperature Controlled Storage?

Storing the contents of a two-bedroom property for 6 months in self-storage typically costs between £500 and £800. However, climate-controlled units generally come at a higher price.

Self-storage costs can vary across the country, with locations in London generally being more expensive than those in the North of England or Wales. Factors such as the unit size, rental duration, and the level of security provided will influence the overall cost.

Costs can also differ between storage companies, so it’s important to compare storage quotes before committing to a unit.

What Items Need Climate Control Storage?

Many items made of metal, wood, leather, wicker or upholstery are best kept in climate controlled storage units.

Whether these are personal items or stock for commercial storage, units that are temperature controlled will protect them.

Below we’ve listed 20 of the items often kept in specialised storage units:

Electronics

Rising temperatures and high humidity cause electronics to suffer in a regular storage unit. This can lead to corrosion and damaged parts, among other issues.

Clothing and Fabrics

In very cold and damp conditions, clothing and fabric can suffer from mould and mildew. Regardless of the type of storage unit, these items fare better in plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes.

Paper, Documents and Archives

These are also items which can be susceptible to mould and mildew, in addition to fading and warping. Important documents must be protected from the elements if stored long-term.

Wine

Wine can be ruined if left exposed to fluctuating temperatures and humidity. Without a wine cellar, using a climate controlled unit is the best option to maintain flavour and quality.

Leather

Although leather is a hardy material, it’s compromised if exposed to the elements. Heat can dry out the leather and cause it to crack. Damp and cold conditions can cause warping and mildew.

Items Made Out of Metal, Wood, Wicker or Upholstery

Metal rusts if left in cold and damp areas, causing irreversible damage. Wood is vulnerable to warping and splitting during hot summers and fluctuating temperatures. Wicker and upholstery items are also vulnerable to the elements.

Mattresses and Bedding

Bedding and mattresses are especially vulnerable to damage from damp, making the items unusable. Storing them in a specialised unit ensures they are kept in good condition.

Media (CDs, videos, cassette tapes, DVD’s, vinyl records)

Vinyl records are vulnerable to warping and these, in addition to VHS and cassette tapes, are often difficult to replace. Keeping your media protected will ensure their longevity.

Artwork and Paintings

Galleries and museums store art at a particular temperature to maintain their condition. Often valuable and irreplaceable, it is recommended that artwork is kept in a climate controlled unit.

Collectables

Soft toys, figurines, music, war or sport memorabilia would be the best place to keep your valuable collection in good condition.

Antiques

Antiques are likely to need temperature-controlled storage more than any other items. These are often valuable, vulnerable to the elements and difficult, if not impossible, to replace.

Bicycles

Short-term, a basic storage unit may suffice for bicycles. However, storing bikes in a specialised unit long-term will avoid corrosion and rust.

Sports Equipment

If you are storing sports equipment long term, you’ll need a specialised unit to protect them and keep them in good working order.

Medical Supplies and Medication

Certain medications and supplies will need to be kept at a particular temperature. This maintains their effectiveness and ensures they are safe to use.

Make-Up

Whether for personal use or as business stock, keeping make-up products at an optimum temperature is essential. This ensures it is safe to use and stays in good condition.

Toiletries

Like medicines and make-up, certain toiletries need to be kept at a particular temperature to keep them fresh and usable.

Photographs

If stored incorrectly, photos can fade and become warped in fluctuating temperatures. They should be kept at a consistent moderate temperature.

Furniture

Both cold and heat can damage furniture. High temperatures can cause upholstery to expand and contract. With the cold, wood can contract and warp, leading to misshapen or broken items.

Household Appliances

Mechanical and electric parts in these devices can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. This could result in damage, corrosion and inefficiency of the product.

Musical Instruments

Wooden parts can be damaged and strings can snap in fluctuating temperatures. Excessive moisture can even cause mould growth inside instruments.

Find Climate Controlled Self-Storage Near Me

Using a comparison website is an easy way to find a reputable storage company.

At Omni Removals, we have a trusted and insured network of storage companies across the UK. They offer a range of options for items that need a specialised unit.

We can match you with up to 6 local storage firms, saving up to 70% on the cost of your storage.