While basic self-storage is sufficient for a lot of different household, business or yard items, it’s not the right choice for sensitive items like antiques, musical instruments, electronics, or fine art. If you’re going to be placing items like those in storage, you’ll want to consider a climate controlled unit.

The climate can wreak havoc on stored items in many regions of the U.S. In parts of the South and West, daytime temperatures regularly reach scorching highs above 100 degrees during the summer. When storing items for extended periods, you must consider climate control for your belongings. Climate-controlled storage units come in all sizes, providing you the flexibility to store large and small items that are extremely sensitive to the intense cold and high heat, such as comic books, antique furniture and photographs. We at North Pulaski Storage understand what is important for people looking to preserve their household items, family heirlooms and precious memories. We have units that provide you with extra space like your home, with controlled temperatures, easy access and monitored security measures.

Other items that may be susceptible to damage without climate control include:

• Bedding and mattresses
• Sports equipment
• Metal appliances
• Books and other paperwork
• Wine
• All musical instruments

Climate-controlled storage reduces these risks by using heating and cooling units to keep the storage space at a safe temperature, usually at a level above freezing and below 90 degrees. At North Pulaski Storage we operate our climate controlled units at a range of 60 degrees to 80 degrees.

Humidity: The 55% Mark

For collectors of paper, wood, fabric, and leather items, mold and mildew are a major concern when it comes to preserving and conserving a collection. Sports cards, stamps, postcards, ephemera, and books are all susceptible to mold if stored improperly. Mold is a growth caused by fungi that appears fuzzy in texture. Mildew is a type of mold that emits a strong smell. Mold and mildew are dangerous to paper and other natural fibers because they stain and consume the paper and leave it in very poor condition. To keep a collection such as stamps, postcards, sports cards, books, and ephemera free from mold, store the items in a room of the house that is both air conditioned with a relative humidity level between 35 and 50%. If you own an item that’s especially sensitive to humidity, search for a storage unit that actively dehumidifies the air. Units that simply cool the air with air conditioning may not bring moisture levels low enough to protect all items.

The climate control units at North Pulaski Storage have controls in place to keep the humidity levels below 55 percent. Humidity is particularly dangerous to a variety of items. High humidity can cause photos to stick together, or wood furniture to warp, or leather goods to crack. Electronics, artwork and items such as pianos also may sustain damage from too much moisture in the air.

Air Quality

One aspect of storage that is often overlooked is air quality. A standard storage unit isn’t sealed the same way a climate controlled unit is. Because the air in a climate controlled storage facility is constantly circulated it remains clean and free of debris like dust so you’ll find your items just the way you left them, whether they’re stored for a week, a year, or a decade. For the storage of sensitive electronics, heirlooms, furniture, books, art or documents, air quality should be considered.