A climate-controlled unit is a storage unit which maintains temperature and/or humidity within a limited range. Temperature and humidity control can give your household items longevity and protect them from mould, mildew, dust, and other elements that can damage them.
Climate control can bump up the storage price by 25-50%, so is it worth it for your items? There are some items that must be stored in a climate-controlled unit whereas others would benefit from it but don’t require it. If you’re wondering if you need a climate-controlled self-storage unit, you’ve come to the right place!
When do you need a climate-controlled self-storage unit?
Extreme temperature swings tend to expand and contract materials in household items that then warp or crack, such as wood, fabric, and leather. High humidity causes mould and mildew to grow on wood, paper, and clothing.
A climate-controlled unit protects your items from these forms of damage by keeping humidity at the ideal 55% and temperature within a median range.
Luckily, Australia doesn’t suffer from extreme temperatures, especially Sydney which is a temperate city. The following are situations where it is worthwhile paying for a climate-controlled unit:
If you are storing in an area prone to extreme weather conditions, e.g., subzero winters and 40-degree summers.
If you are storing somewhere where humidity regularly exceeds 60%. For reference, Sydney’s average humidity is 57%, however if you’re storing in summer, you should be aware that humidity can reach 60% or slightly more in the months of January and February. Thanks to La Nina, humidity in Sydney has been as high as 85% in the summer months during the last two years.
If you’re storing for a very long time.
If you’re storing valuables and heirlooms. These items are irreplaceable and more vulnerable to damage.
When you’re storing certain items, listed below.
Which items NEED climate control?
Generally, items that are susceptible to mould, mildew, likely to spoil, discolour, crack or warp should go to storage. Here is a quick list:
Antiques are especially made of wood, metal, leather, and upholstery. Wood is prone to mould and mildew, metal to rust, leather to cracking and upholstery to discoloration and mould. Antiques are very delicate so more likely to be irreplaceable if this sort of damage happens.
Books, magazines, and documents.
Collectables such as vinyl records.
Wine.
Leather goods.
Musical instruments.
Family heirlooms.
Which items benefit from climate control?
These items are unlikely to get damaged without temperature control if properly cleaned, dried, and wrapped before being put into storage. However, if they are stored in a climate-controlled unit it will still reduce this type of risk.
Furniture (as mentioned above, wood, metal, leather, and upholstery are susceptible to all sorts of damage).
Metal appliances.
Shoes, clothing, and linens.
Bedding and mattresses.
Still in doubt?
The bottom line is if you’re storing highly valuable items for a long time, invest in climate-control or you may regret it!