4 Reasons to Rent a Climate Controlled Storage Unit in Sydney
When it comes time to choose a storage unit, there are circumstances where any unit will do, particularly if you won’t be storing items for a long period of time. But there are instances when upgrading to a climate-controlled unit is advised, and it’s important to know when to make the switch.
If you’re in the Sydney area and wondering whether you should spend the extra cash on a climate-controlled unit, we’ve gathered some important information that will help you make the right decision.
What’s the Difference Between a Standard and Climate-Controlled Storage Unit?
A standard storage unit is just that—a covered place to keep your belongings safe from the elements. A climate-controlled storage unit goes a step further and maintains a constant humidity level, temperature, and air quality throughout the year. Air conditioners and heaters are only used when needed to keep the temperature steady.
A climate-controlled unit is not the cheapest option, costing anywhere from 35% – 50% more than a standard unit, but it just may be the unit you need depending on your circumstances and the items you’re storing.
Reasons to Rent a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit
1. You’re Storing Items Long Term
People use storage units on a short-term basis for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you’ve decided to rent a storage unit during the holidays to hold all the extra clutter until your parties are over and company leaves. Or you might be expecting guests for a few weeks and need a place to store your desk and cabinets in order to convert your office into a temporary bedroom. If you’re moving from one home to another, you may need to use a storage unit briefly while you stage your home for selling. In each of these circumstances, you’ll only need the unit for a little while and can likely get away with using a standard unit.
It’s a different story when you need a unit long-term. If you’ve downsized your home and just don’t have room for your antique collection or original artwork and will need to store it for the foreseeable future, you’ll want to upgrade to a climate-controlled unit.
2. Your Items Need Protection from High Temps and Humidity
If you live in an area that experiences very high…or very low…temperatures, you’ll want to protect your items in a climate-controlled storage unit.
Items like wooden furniture, antiques, or musical instruments are prone to warping or splitting when they are kept in a unit that experiences wildly changing temperatures. Books, artwork, and financial documents or paper records can also be damaged by extreme temperatures.
Other items that should be protected from extreme temperatures include:
- Upholstered furniture
- Mattresses
- Electronics
- Leather furniture
- Photographs
3. Limit Exposure to Dust and Pests
Anyone who has unloaded items that have spent months or years in storage knows—you often spend hours dusting off the thick layer of dust that can accumulate on items living in a standard storage unit. And droppings left by mice, rats, roaches and other pests are not only unpleasant, but they can also pose a health risk.
Climate-controlled units tend to have excellent air filtration systems, keeping your items clean and dust free. They are also well insulated, providing sound protection against the critters that like to call standard units home.
4. You’re Storing Irreplaceable Items
There are some things you don’t want to leave exposed to the elements. If you have an extensive baseball collection, collect rare bottles of wine, or have priceless albums of old family photos, you’ll want to consider reserving a climate-controlled storage unit.
As you think of the items you’re planning to store long-term, ask yourself these questions:
- Are my items susceptible to mold or mildew?
- Is there a chance my items will warp, crack, split, or discolor if exposed to moisture?
- Will my items expand or contract if exposed to extreme temperatures?
- Am I storing something that holds great sentimental value to me or my family?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you likely need a climate-controlled storage unit. And, if the higher price of the climate-controlled units has you groaning consider this—you really are paying for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your items are being stored in the best possible atmosphere to ensure they stay in tip-top condition.
If you’re looking for a high-quality storage facility in the Sydney area, we hope you’ll consider using Holloway Storage. Our friendly and experienced staff are happy to deliver one of our mobile units straight to your door. Pack at your leisure, then give us a call when you’re ready to have your unit safely stored in our facility where it will remain dry and free from mould and humidity. Contact us today for a custom quote.