Climate Controlled vs Conventional Storage

If it’s been a minute since you last rented a storage unit—or if you’ve never rented one before—you’ll likely be surprised by the high-tech advancements that are available to you. From 24/7 CCTV security monitoring to digital entry, you may find yourself wondering…

Is this perk worth the extra expense?

One such perk that many storage facilities offer is the option of renting a climate-controlled (CC) unit. And before you ask, yes, it usually adds to the overall rental cost. As one of Sydney’s most trusted storage facilities, clients often ask us if we think it’s a price worth paying.

And our answer is…it depends.

That’s why we’re dedicated today’s blog to breaking down the difference between climate-controlled and standard storage units and telling you what circumstances make having a climate-controlled unit a must.

The Climate Controlled Difference

Humidity is the game changer in a climate-controlled unit. Not only will the unit maintain a relatively constant temperature, but it will also keep humidity levels low (typically no more than 50%). Moisture can be the kiss of death when storing certain items (more on that later), so having a unit with controlled humidity levels ensures your belongings will remain in good condition.

It’s important to note that air-conditioned units and climate-controlled units are not the same. While both keep the temperature of the unit ambient, only a climate-controlled unit will regulate the humidity levels.

The Benefits of Climate-Controlled Units

Regulated Temperature/Humidity

Regardless of the weather outside, you can rest easy knowing your belongings are stored at a constant temperature and low humidity level. Climate-controlled units protect your belongings from extreme cold and heat.

Certain Items Require Storage in a Climate Controlled Unit

For some belongings, having a climate-controlled unit is a must. Plan to pay the extra cost if you will be storing:

• Furniture – Whether it’s bare wood or upholstered, furniture should always be stored in a CC unit. Excess moisture can cause mold to grow on fabric and leather and can cause wooden furniture to warp, crack, and rot. The same goes with anything else fabric-related like mattresses, pillows, and blankets.
• Electronics – Humidity does no favors to electronics, especially pieces like computers, monitors, and televisions whose internal parts can begin to rust. While not as sensitive, other plug-in appliances like microwaves, rice cookers, and air fryers benefit from being stored in a low-humidity environment.
• Artwork – No surprise here, but art and moisture are not friends. Humidity can destroy paintings and cause frames to mold, warp, crack, and rot. You’ve likely spent a pretty penny amassing your art collection. It would be a shame to lose it because you didn’t want to pay a bit more for a CC unit.
• Photographs – Despite what you may think, there are plenty of people who have large collections of actual photographs, many of which have been handed down from one generation to the next and are irreplaceable. Such treasures must be stored in a CC unit to prevent them from warping or breaking down due to moisture exposure. But it’s not just photos that require protection. If you plan to store any sort of paper documents—tax records, deeds, lease agreements, or employee records—plan to rent a CC storage unit.
• Wine – You’d be surprised how many people use a storage unit to store a wine collection that takes up too much space in their home. While maintaining a constant temperature prevents wine from aging too quickly, it’s equally important to maintain low humidity levels to ensure the wine corks don’t dry out and disintegrate.
• Inventory – Many small business owners opt to store excess inventory in a storage unit so as not to use up precious real estate at their business location. Most inventory—from clothing and skincare to toys and electronics—benefits from being stored in a CC unit that reduces the risk of mold and rust.

It’s a Gift to Yourself

If you’ve ever rented a conventional storage unit, you know the torture of working inside during extreme heat or cold. Whether you’re organising your unit or gathering inventory for an order, working in such conditions is absolutely miserable.

By renting a CC unit, you really are giving yourself a gift. Cool temperatures and low humidity levels make working in a CC unit infinitely more comfortable.

And so…

If you’re ready to say yes to a climate-controlled storage unit, we hope you’ll contact us at Holloway Storage. We’ve taken the hassle out of the storage process with our mobile storage units that are delivered right to your door. You fill the unit then give us a call and we’ll transport it to our climate-controlled facility.

Store your belongings the right way…with Holloway.