When researching storage, you may come across more storage options than originally anticipated. You’ll find options such as boat and RV storage, indoor storage, drive-up storage, shipping containers, and standard storage units. Some of the most often confused storage options are climate controlled storage versus humidity control storage. While sometimes these terms are talked about interchangeably, they mean different things and both have different benefits for your stored items.
First, let’s talk about climate-controlled storage. Climate control is a type of storage where the temperature is managed. Generally, this temperature is kept between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it varies per facility. This controlled temperature creates an ideal environment for storing certain types of items. Climate control is sometimes referred to as temperature control storage.
While most things can benefit from climate controlled storage, certain items need to be stored in climate controlled storage to prevent damage. These items that need to be kept in climate controlled storage include:
Furniture
Electronics
Artwork
Antiques
Documents
Photographs
Next, let’s talk about humidity-controlled storage. Humidity control is a type of storage where the humidity is managed. Generally, the humidity levels are kept around 55% humidity. However, this varies per facility. Humidity-controlled storage creates a perfect place for storing many types of items.
While most stored items can benefit from humidity controlled storage, certain items need to be stored in humidity controlled storage to prevent damage. Especially items that may mold or mildew. These items include:
Clothing
Upholstered furniture
Instruments
Fabrics
Metals
Wine
Delicate paper items
Often, storage facilities will offer both climate and humidity-controlled units. These conditions are kept stable using dehumidifiers and high-quality HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Sometimes facilities offering both will advertise them as both climate control and humidity control. However, sometimes they will just be advertised as climate control storage, so it’s important to ask the facility and do your research if you are not sure.
Having both climate control and humidity-controlled storage will help prevent mold, mildew, rotting, overheating, cracking, and a wide variety of other issues to your stored items. While some items can be replaced, many things such as family heirlooms or photographs cannot. So it’s best to play it safe when you have something delicate or something you are unsure about.
When you are deciding on the type of storage unit that will best fit your needs, make sure to consider what you will be storing and for how long. If your storage is short-term, it may not be worth paying more for climate or humidity control. However, if your items are very vulnerable, it is important to properly store them. Evaluate your needs and make your decision based on that information.