Top 7 Items That Should Never Be Stored Without Climate Control
When it comes to storage, not everything is created equal. Some items need a little extra TLC to protect them from extreme temperatures, humidity, or dryness to keep their quality and value intact. That’s where climate-controlled storage steps in. Unlike standard storage units, these facilities carefully manage temperature and humidity levels, ensuring your belongings remain in top-notch condition.
Storing delicate items in a regular storage unit can lead to serious damage, so it’s essential to know which items require special attention. In this guide, we’ll dive into the top 7 items that should always be kept in a climate-controlled environment, making your storage choices straightforward and effective.
1. Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture is stunning but can be quite sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Intense heat can cause the wood to crack or warp, while too much humidity can lead to mold, mildew, or swelling.
Why It Needs Climate Control:
It prevents the wood from drying out or cracking.
It stops warping caused by temperature changes.
It protects against moisture-related issues like mold or rot.
Examples: Dining tables, chairs, antique dressers, wooden bed frames, and cabinetry.
Pro Tip: Before you store it, give the wood a good clean and polish with furniture conditioner for an extra layer of protection.
2. Electronics
Electronics are some of the most fragile items when it comes to storage. Temperature swings can harm internal components, and high humidity can lead to condensation, which may cause rust, corrosion, or short-circuiting.
Why It Needs Climate Control:
It guards against condensation that can damage circuit boards.
It prevents delicate components from expanding or contracting due to extreme temperatures.
Examples: Televisions, computers, gaming consoles, audio equipment, and kitchen appliances.
Pro Tip: If you can, pack electronics in their original boxes, using anti-static wrapping and silica gel packets to keep moisture at bay inside the packaging.
3. Artwork and Paintings
Artworks, especially those beautiful oil paintings and delicate canvases, are quite vulnerable to changes in their environment. Heat and moisture can lead to issues like cracking, warping, or fading of the paint over time. Plus, if canvases are kept in damp places, mold can start to grow.
Why It Needs Climate Control:
- Keeps humidity levels stable to stop mold from forming.
- Prevents the artwork from fading, cracking, or warping.
Examples: Oil paintings, photographs, sculptures, and collectible art pieces.
Pro Tip: Wrap your artwork in acid-free paper and steer clear of plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture against the surface.
4. Important Documents and Books
Paper items like documents and books can easily suffer from damage due to moisture and temperature fluctuations. High humidity can make paper warp, stick together, or even grow mold, while extreme heat can lead to fading and brittleness.
Why It Needs Climate Control:
- Stops paper from fading, yellowing, or cracking.
- Shields against moisture damage like mold and mildew.
Examples: Legal papers, certificates, photo albums, rare books, and collectibles like comics or stamps.
Pro Tip: Store your papers and books in acid-free, archival-quality containers for extra protection.
5. Musical Instruments
Musical instruments, especially those crafted from wood or with strings, are very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Fluctuations can cause wood to expand or contract, rust to form on strings, and adhesives to weaken.
Why It Needs Climate Control:
- Helps keep the instrument in tune and prevents warping.
- Protects delicate parts from rust and corrosion.
Examples: Guitars, violins, pianos, wind instruments, and drums.
Pro Tip: Loosen the strings on stringed instruments before storing them to relieve tension and avoid warping.
6. Wine Collections
For those who truly appreciate wine, having the right storage is crucial to keep the flavors, aromas, and overall quality of your collection intact. Wine is quite sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and if it’s not stored properly, you could end up ruining a whole bottle.
Why It Needs Climate Control:
- It helps maintain a steady temperature, which is vital for preserving the wine’s unique chemistry.
- It stops corks from drying out and allowing air to seep in, which can spoil the wine.
- Think of vintage wine collections, champagne, and rare spirits as prime examples.
Pro Tip: Always store your wine bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist and in good shape.
7. Photographs and Family Heirlooms
Photographs and heirlooms carry a sentimental weight that’s irreplaceable, making their proper storage incredibly important. High humidity can cause photos to stick together, while heat can lead to fading or discoloration.
Why It Needs Climate Control:
- It prevents fading, discoloration, and sticking due to moisture.
- It protects heirlooms from mold, mildew, and potential structural damage.
- Consider family photo albums, old letters, vintage clothing, and jewelry as key examples.
Pro Tip: Use archival-quality boxes and avoid letting heirlooms touch each other to prevent scratches or damage.
How Climate Control Protects Your Belongings
Climate-controlled storage units are specifically designed to create stable conditions that shield sensitive items from the harmful effects of temperature and humidity. Here’s how they make a difference:
- Temperature Regulation: Keeps the environment steady, typically between 55°F and 85°F (13°C to 29°C).
- Humidity Control: Stops moisture buildup that can lead to mold, mildew, and rust.
- Improved Air Quality: Reduces dust and pollutants that can degrade your items over time.
When Should You Choose Climate-Controlled Storage?
While not everything needs climate control, it’s a good idea to consider this option if:
- You’re storing valuable, sentimental, or sensitive items.
- Your storage area is prone to extreme weather conditions.
- You plan to store items for a long time.
