How are Climate-and-Humidity-Controlled Self Storage Different

If you’re getting ready to store valuable or temperature-sensitive items, it’s a good idea to consider climate- and humidity-controlled self storage. Do you understand the difference between the two, or are you looking for advice on the benefits of these types of storage. Read the following information to learn more about humidity- and climate-controlled self storage.

Standard self storage units are sufficient for most household and business items, but your temperature-sensitive and irreplaceable goods need the added protection of climate- or humidity-controlled storage. 

If you collect valuable artwork or antiques or just want to store furniture, photographs, and electronics, you need climate-controlled self storage. The consistent temperatures of a climate-controlled storage unit will protect your belongings from damage and deterioration.

Another option to consider is humidity-controlled self storage.  Humidity-controlled storage adjusts the humidity of the air inside your space to maintain safe levels of moisture regardless of temperature fluctuations. This type of storage reduces the chances of mold, mildew, rust, and rot. 

Check out the following information so that you recognize the difference between climate- and humidity-controlled storage.

Mini storage units facility.

 

Climate- and Humidity-Controlled Storage: What’s the Difference

The phrase “climate control” is one of the most confusing subjects in the self-storage industry. Climate control should manage both temperature and humidity within a narrow range, but in some cases, only temperatures are controlled and humidity levels are ignored.

Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate-controlled storage is the more familiar of the two options. Climate-controlled storage units are typically kept between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with a base humidity of 55 percent. There are no set industry standards for climate-controlled storage. Always ask facility operators for their specific temperature and climate-control standards. They should be able to explain what they do to maintain these standards and give you this information in writing.

  • Look for a facility that offers climate monitoring. The temperature and humidity should be continually monitored to verify that settings remain consistent. Ask the manager if they use generator backup in case of a lengthy power outage.
  • It’s not completely impossible, but it is rare to find climate control in a drive-up, outdoor unit. If this type of unit is advertised as climate-controlled, it’s more likely that it is simply heated or cooled to some degree. This is not true climate control.
  • Always read your rental agreement carefully. Storage facilities aren’t responsible for the items that you store. No facility will give you a “guarantee” that truly covers your belongings, so it’s up to you to insure your stored items. If you have a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy, it’s likely that you have off-premises coverage. Talk to your insurance agent to verify your coverage. Additionally, you can check to see whether your facility offers a tenant protection plan. This is not insurance, but another layer of protection for your belongings. Ask you facility manager for details.

To prevent damage and deterioration, items that should be kept in climate controlled storage include:

  • Antiques
  • Artwork
  • Documents
  • Electronics
  • Furniture
  • Photographs

Humidity Controlled Storage

Humidity control is a type of storage where the humidity is managed with an air conditioner or dehumidifier installed in the building. Generally, the humidity levels are kept around 55 percent, however, this varies based on the facility. The property manager should be happy to provide you with details.

Items that should be stored in a humidity-controlled unit include:

  • Clothing
  • Delicate Paper Items
  • Fabrics
  • Instruments
  • Metals
  • Wine

Which Option is the Best Fit for My Needs 

Self storage facilities will frequently offer both climate- and humidity-controlled units. These spaces use high-quality HVAC systems. The units are often advertised as climate-controlled storage. It’s important to ask the manager whether or not the space is both climate- and humidity-controlled. 

Having both climate- and humidity-controlled storage prevents a variety of problems. Mold, mildew, and rotting are can be stopped. Valuable artwork, musical instruments, and wine, as well as many of your prized possessions need the protection of both climate and humidity control.

When you’re trying to decide which type of storage is best for your needs, consider several factors. Are you storing valuable or sentimental items that are expensive, or even impossible, to replace? Are you looking at short- or long-term storage/ If you’ll be using self storage for only a month or two, the extra expense of temperature and humidity control may not be worth it. It’s also important to consider the climate of your storage location. 

Summary

Now that you have a better understanding of the similarities and differences of climate- and humidity-controlled storage, you can make an informed decision. In most cases, the manager of the facility can guide you in the right direction as far as the type of storage that suits your requirements.

Self Storage Warehousing Solutions

Does your business have requirements that your basement, spare room, or standard size self storage units can’t handle? If you need warehouse-sized space without the warehouse-sized costs, there are self storage facilities available that can accommodate your needs.

Here at Trusted Self Storage, we have the warehouse space you need without the costs of building your own warehouse or renting a space that is larger than necessary. It’s difficult enough to control expenses when you own a business, and you never know when you’ll have to move due to expansion or other unforeseen events.  

 

Three reasons to rent self-storage space instead of commercial warehouse space.

  1. Commercial warehouse space is more expensive than self-storage.

Commercial warehouse space is almost always more expensive per square foot than self-storage. Specialized spaces make sense for some businesses, but whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in business for years, you need to think about controlling expenses.  

  1. Self-storage does not require a long-term contract.

A month-to-month lease gives you the freedom to cancel at any time. You may want to relocate to a more strategic location or a different sized space.

  1. Self-storage is scalable.

Leasing self-storage gives you the flexibility to add on as your business grows, or scale back if you face an unforeseen event, like the 2020 Covid pandemic. 

Man at storage warehouse.

 

Why is Warehousing Important to Your Business

When you-re choosing warehouse storage, look for a location that makes the most sense for your operations. For example, it should be easily accessible by your suppliers, with a loading dock for receiving and storing product. Another company might warehouse space in a more centralized location so that goods can be more conveniently received, shipped and distributed. 

 

Improved Order Processing

Customers expect excellent service and timely delivery. Any problems in this area are not your customer’s concern: there yours. Warehousing provides the space to enable you to stock product and ship when customers place they’re orders. You don’t need to fulfill orders from your production facility. You can warehouse enough stock for several months, reducing delivery delays. You wouldn’t want to lose a sale because you aren’t able to fill an order.

 

Extra Storage

Most companies manufacture product based on anticipation of demand. You may have storage at your production site, but that space can quickly become exhausted. A warehouse space is great for storing the extra goods that customers don’t need immediately.

 

Monitor Seasonal Growth

A warehouse gives you the space to take advantage of consumer trends. You can scale your operations and stock up on inventory for peak Christmas and holiday shopping seasons. With self storage warehouse space, this won’t lead to major cost increases.

 

Risk Management

If you store your products in your warehouse, you can release them to the market when demand exceeds immediate supply and production. This way you can avoid volatile price fluctuations. For perishable products, cold storage and refrigeration can be used to avoid spoilage. Refrigeration may cost a bit more, but will be worth the savings. Another factor to consider is that your goods are insured against damage or loss due to fire or theft. 

 

Conclusion

As a business owner, self storage warehousing is your solution. It will enable you to control expenses, provide leasing flexibility, and allow you to scale your business based on growth. 

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