It’s getting hot around here, isn’t it? For many of us in the United States, the summer season has really started heating up. Historically, the summer is also the time of year when many families (like 70%!) embark on the moving process, especially between Memorial Day & Labor Day.
There are a lot of reasons you may want to consider some self-storage options — you’re moving somewhere new, you’re out of college for the summer, or you’re finally tackling that home renovation project and you need a little extra room to store things for the time being.
When it comes to protecting your things, it’s important to find the right storage solution. Here’s why you should consider a climate-controlled storage facility, particularly during the warmer summer months.
Importance of Climate Control During Hot Summer Months
Temperature-controlled storage uses an air system to keep facility temperatures regulated between 50℉ to 80℉, depending on the time of year. This will differ from facility to facility, but Morningstar Storage keeps their units around 78℉ during the summer and 54℉ during the winter. Extreme heat can warp things like furniture, while extreme cold can cause certain materials to crack when exposed over an extended period of time.
Did you know that storage units that don’t utilize proper insulation and climate control systems can reach temperatures of upwards of 120℉ in certain regions of the United States? That’s right — things can get hot, hot, hot in no time!
This is especially true for many of Morningstar Storage’s facilities locations, as things heat up really fast, for the majority of the year! Unfortunately, when temperatures rise, so do humidity levels. Moisture is the true culprit when it comes to ruining our beloved things. It will quickly warp items, spur mold and mildew growth, and totally destroy a variety of fabrics.
Moisture in the air can also wreak havoc on other material belongings you hope to store, including:
- Corroding and rusting metals
- Breeding ground for fungus and bacteria growth
- Degrading and decaying priceless photographs and paper documents
- Rotting and collapsing cardboard storage boxes
- Attracting pests such as bugs and rodents
There’s a reason why your uninsulated garage or unfinished attic or basement doesn’t cut it for your storage needs when you live in the hot and humid South. Instead, many opt to find peace of mind about storing their things in a climate-controlled facility.
What to Store in a Climate-Controlled Facility
So, what are we storing in this climate-controlled facility? It’s really up to you, but it will likely be items that are any of the following things:
- Precious — either expensive, valuable or absolutely priceless and irreplaceable!
- Bulky — it’s taking up too much room elsewhere and you just don’t need it right this minute.
- Seasonal — you only use it once or twice a year but need to have it easily accessible at all times, just in case.
These items could include anything from those precious family heirlooms, to priceless pictures, to treasured antique goods. Or it could be that a carefully curated wine collection needs to be kept out of direct sunlight and away from humid conditions. Maybe some moisture-averse musical instruments? Important paper documents? Expensive clothing or delicate furniture? Or maybe it’s a television, expensive electronic, or bulky appliance not currently in use. Perhaps it’s an antique or classic car or motorcycle or your business’s current stock inventory or merchandise.
What Not to Put in a Storage Facility
There are also some things you should NOT put into a public storage facility. For one, anything that is alive, whether that be a pet or a plant. Perishables, particularly food also have no place in a self-storage unit. Also, hazardous, toxic, or strongly scented things (yes, even scented candles can be an issue) don’t need to be stored here. And forget the stolen goods at home (or better yet, don’t be a criminal!) — plus, let’s not store anything illegal, while we’re at it.
The biggest thing of all is to make sure we’re not introducing anything unwanted to the storage unit’s environment. It’s especially important that you never put anything wet or damp in your unit, because despite being climate-controlled, you never ever want to introduce moisture into the small space. It will stick around and wreak havoc on the rest of your things over time.
Is Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Worth the Cost?
The answer is undoubtedly, yes. Though climate-controlled storage is going to be more expensive than your non-temperature-controlled storage options (or keeping things in a garage, basement, attic, or shed), it’s definitely worth renting a climate-controlled space to protect your items from imminent damage that comes during the hotter, stickier summer months!
Plus, it’s just as crucial to keep those important things in a safe and secure space during the cooler months, when temperatures dip later in the year. Work with a climate-controlled storage facility like Morningstar Storage to keep all of your valuable and priceless belongings in the safest and most convenient location — you won’t regret it when you come back to find everything just as you left it! The peace of mind is worth it.
Trust Morningstar Storage to Keep it Cool When Things Heat Up
Let Morningstar Storage’s expansive climate-controlled storage facilities be your belongings’ home away from home, no matter the time of year. Ready to get started? Here are some starter questions you might want to ask before renting your very first storage unit. But remember — our dedicated team is always here to answer any other questions that pop up!
From helping to supply the proper packing supplies and boxes to selecting the perfect unit to fit your exact storage needs, Morningstar Storage is always ready to lend a helping hand. Find your nearest location to get started, today.
