Climate Controlled Vs Dry Storage



At Vault Self Storage we offer a wide range of Climate Controlled Storage Unit sizes.  They have a lot of utility, especially when you are storing certain types of items or intend to store your belongings for a long period of time. They are also recommended if you are storing items in an area with extreme heat, cold, or humidity, like we have right here in Rabun County, Georgia. 


A lot can happen to your stuff while it’s sitting in storage. Moisture build up, extreme temperatures, and pests are the most common concerns, and rightfully so. How then do you make sure your items are in the same condition when you pick them up as they were when you dropped them off? Climate control and renting units that are properly built and managed. You have all of that here at Vault Self Storage Units in Clayton, Georgia. 


Let's go over the basics that you should know about climate controlled storage, plus the 16 items that should ALWAYS be in this type of storage unit.



What is Climate Controlled Storage?


Climate controlled storage, is temperature controlled, heated and cooled storage.  It is a type of storage unit that is specially designed to maintain steady temperatures and combat those Georgia humidity levels. Typically, the temperature will remain stagnant at between 50 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Climate controlled storage can be found at Vault Self Storage indoor storage units. Our commitment to protecting your property against moisture build-up, extreme temperatures, and pests is managed with our climate controlled, properly built, and professionally maintained rental units.   



Items That Require Climate Controlled Storage


Virtually everything you own will benefit from a Vault Self Storage Climate Control Storage Unit here in Rabun County, GA but some truly need it. These are the big ones.


  • Furniture (anything made of or containing wood, metal, wicker, leather, or upholstery)
  • Other items made out of the materials listed above
  • Electronics
  • Media (DVDs, videos, vinyl records, etc.)
  • Artwork
  • Clothing, particularly if it’s lace or leather, or if it’s going to be stored in bags
  • Important documents
  • Photographs
  • Musical instruments
  • Wine
  • Antiques
  • Collectibles (stamps, coins, comic books, etc.)
  • Medical supplies and medications
  • Makeup and toiletries
  • Household appliances
  • Sports equipment


Why these items require climate controlled storage is obvious once you start to think about how they react with moisture. Wood, for example, can become warped, cracked, or rotted from moisture exposure.  Leather can become discolored and is highly susceptible to mold and mildew.    Electronics can become cracked or rusted, leaving them worthless or dangerous to use, if not impossible to use, later on. And paper items, especially photographs can disintegrate or become otherwise illegible.


When trying to decide if an item should be stored in a climate controlled unit, ask yourself the following questions about it:


  • Is it rare, sentimental, and/or valuable?
  • Is it designed to be stored at a certain temperature (for example, wine or artwork)?
  • Is it sensitive to extreme heat or cold?
  • Would high heat cause it to expand or contract?
  • Can it get mold or mildew?
  • Can it warp, crack, deteriorate, or become discolored from interactions with moisture?


If your answer to any of the above questions is yes, then it is going to be in your best interest to rent a climate controlled storage unit.



Other Reasons to Rent a Climate Controlled Unit


Sometimes you need a climate controlled storage based on the length of time you plan to store and the climate where you are storing.  Here are some of the other reasons that you should consider going the climate controlled route.


  • If you’re going to be storing your things in the unit for a long time. If you intend to store your belongings for several months, a year, or longer, then chances are that the temperature outside is going to vary quite widely in that time. Just because it’s 50 degrees and dry outside in the present doesn’t mean it will be like that later on, so take into consideration what temperature and humidity shifts might occur in Rabun County, GA and, since we know they can be extreme, get the climate controlled option.


  • Because we live in a high humidity climate. Since you you are storing your items in Georgia we know its to humidity, so it’s best to mitigate this with climate controlled units. Outside elements have a sneaky way of getting inside of your unit, so you will almost definitely be exposing your belongings to moisture unless you do something specific to protect them.


  • If you are storing collectibles, valuables, antiques, irreplaceable items. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to these more precious belongings. Things of monetary or sentimental value, as well as items that are antique, irreplaceable, or part of a collection, are all best stored in climate controlled units.


As for times when you’re probably safe to skip the climate controlled storage unit, if you’re not storing any items from the provided list and you’re only storing items for a short period of time (think a month or less in outdoor storage, and three months or less in indoor storage), then you should be okay with a standard self storage unit.


If you’re having trouble determining exactly what type of storage unit you need, talk to a team member here at Vault Self Storage and let us know what you will be storing and for how long. We’ll be able to guide you toward the right type of unit for your belongings.