Storage units that don't have any climate control, often known as "non-climate controlled" storage, are popular for many reasons. While these units are generally less expensive than their climate-controlled counterparts, safety and security of your belongings should still be considered depending on what's being stored and for how long. In this blog post, we'll explore what types of items can be safely stored in such a unit and any extra steps that might need to be taken in order to protect the items while they are away from home.
The good news is that most non-climate controlled storage units can accommodate almost anything that you'd normally store at home, including furniture, boxes of clothing, toys and books. These items are usually safe to store as long as the box or container is sealed and all belongs belong securely wrapped or sealed against moisture. In some cases vinyl wrapping furniture may even be necessary if storing something with an uncovered fabric back or sides.
Of course, there are some items which must not go into a non-climate controlled storage unit due to the risk of damage from fluctuating temperatures, humidity or pests / mold / rusting etc.. This includes food in any form (including dry goods), any kind of liquid including paint cans and other fuels, cash or valuables and any hazardous materials like noxious fumes from flammable liquids etc. It is also important to note that electrical devices such as computers will not fair well in an environment where temperatures can reach upper extremes so avoid storing these items in such environments if possible.
Overall, non climate control storage units can accommodate a wide range of personal belongings — those with shelves and wire racks being held up by rubberized feet work best — but there can also be some risky items which should not be placed inside a unit without climate control. Remember to ensure your items are properly packaged to protect against dust, humidity and pests so you can rest assured your belongings will remain safe while they're away from home!
What items are not suitable for non climate-controlled storage?
When it comes to non climate-controlled storage, certain items simply aren’t suitable for being stored in such an environment. In this post, we’ll outline what these items are and provide some tips and advice on protecting them from temperature fluctuations and damage.
Non climate-controlled storage usually involves placing items in an attic, shed, or other area without insulation or air conditioning where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. Commonly, these places are subjected to extreme heat and cold over the course of the year without any control over the climate. As a result, the following items should not be put in non climate-controlled storage:
First, food products stored in containers should not be placed in non climate-controlled storage. This is because such environments are highly susceptible to temperature changes; when things get too hot or cold outside storage, any food products may spoil quicker than expected due to lack of insulation holding a consistent temperature in place. Additionally, foods stored here may become easily contaminated as humidity levels increase from time to time. As such, it is always best store food products elsewhere where conditions can be better managed or monitored.
Another good example of something that isn’t suitable for non climate-controlled storage is electronics such as TVs and computers as these can be easily damaged due to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Since computers involve intricate wiring and delicate internal components, exposure to fluctuating temperatures can cause them to malfunction unexpectedly if not cared for properly. Additionally, if the item stored away gets too damp from the humidity then this could cause corrosion damage which could end up costing a lot of money to repair. Therefore it is important that electronics and other similar items are kept away from such environments at all costs in order to maintain their integrity.
In conclusion, non climate-controlled storage should never be used for food products and electronics due to temperature fluctuations which may cause them harm over time; consideration must also go into storing items with delicate parts such as antique furniture and fabrics in order prevent any further damage over long periods of time without sufficient protection against extreme temperatures.
What risks are associated with storing items in non climate-controlled storage?
When it comes to storing items for an extended period of time, a climate-controlled storage unit is often seen as the only way to go. But what risks are associated with storing items in a non climate-controlled storage unit?
The most obvious answer is that without the temperature and humidity control of a climate-controlled storage unit, your belongings may be subject to drastic swings in both temperature and moisture levels. This can cause increased wear, damage and deterioration of both wooden furniture and other fabrics such as clothing, carpets and more. Frictional damage such as scratches, scuffs and scraped paint can also happen when moving items in and out of your storage unit in extreme weather. Furthermore, electronic items such as appliances, computers, televisions and electronics cannot endure harsh temperature fluctuations or humidity levels that may destroy their internal components.
A second risk associated with storing items in non-climate controlled units is increased bug infestations. If the environment of your storage unit varies heavily from extreme cold or heat without moderating air circulation from air conditioning and/or dehumidification, bugs will be attracted to them. Mice can easily enter through openings or cracks due to changes in temperature which can cause massive clutter for you to sort through when you come back for your items after an extended period of time.
It’s important to remember that even if you don’t think your belongings will suffer any damage from being exposed to these conditions - an insurance policy won’t generally cover losses due to environmental forces beyond their control. So when considering weather or not a climate-controlled storage facility is right for you - make sure you have taken into consideration all the associated risks before making your final decision.
How often should I check my items kept in non climate-controlled storage?
It is important to regularly check on items stored in non climate-controlled storage facilities for more than just the comfort of knowing that your items are safe and secure. When storing items in a non climate-controlled facility, regular maintenance checks become ever more important in order to reduce the risk of any damage caused by over exposure to natural elements like moisture, heat, and cold.
The best way to decide how often to check these items is by understanding what type of materials they are and how they might be affected by extreme temperatures, as well as other risks associated with non climate-controlled storage such as pests. For items like fabrics, paintings or other artwork, electronics, vintage furniture or most any item that could be sensitive to extreme temperatures or humidity it is advisable to check up on them monthly. Even if you think that your item might be soundly protected from the elements, regular checking in can still be a good idea depending on factors such as length of storage and material sensitivity.
For other items such as books, documents, letters and photographs regular visits every six months may suffice in ensuring that no damage is taking place due to humidity or unwanted insect activity which can potentially damage these types of materials more quickly than others. However it is also visible with these types of materials periodically checking could help prevent any heft damages from occurring from unexpected spills from water leaks or other sudden environmental changes in the storage facility.
At the end of the day it all comes down to understanding what types of materials you are storing and how they will respond to both conditions within the facility itself such as temperature changes as well as potential risks inside such as uninvited pests. Regular monitoring will help you keep an eye on both potential issues so no surprises pop up when you come back for your stored items later down the line.
What is the best way to protect my items stored in non climate-controlled storage?
When it comes to protecting your items from damage when stored in a non-climate controlled space, preparation is key. Ensuring that you properly store or transport your items will help preserve them and safeguard them from the elements.
For items that need extra protection, use padding and packing materials like bubble wrap or foam and ensure your belongings are thoroughly wrapped, sealed and marked before storing them, with an emphasis on double wrapping any fragile items for added protection. Make sure to seal the top with some form of weatherproof adhesive or waterproof material. Labeling your box or container is also important as it can help you identify which item was damaged should something happen down the line.
Resealing old boxes and containers prior to storing them is beneficial to keeping the elements out and preserving the items inside. Be sure to check containers like plastic storage bins for wear and tear periodically throughout the duration of your storage. Regularly checking the condition of all containers can be beneficial in recognizing any developing issues that could potentially damage stored goods before they become a problem.
By taking some precautionary steps such as ensuring proper protecting packaging, double wrapping any fragile items, resealing boxes regularly and labeling each box clearly with its contents will help protect your goods when stored in a non climate-controlled environment.
Are clothes and electronics safe to store in non climate-controlled storage?
When it comes to the question of whether clothes and electronics are safe to store in non climate-controlled storage, it's important to understand the risks involved and what items are a better fit for such an environment. Non climate-controlled storage can be great for some items, but not all.
In terms of clothes and textiles, it depends on the type of material. Natural fibers like wool, cotton, linen and hemp are far less durable when exposed to extreme temperatures than something synthetic like polyester or acrylic. Keeping natural fibers out of non climate-controlled storage is usually a good call as they can be especially vulnerable to mold or mildew. Storing synthetic fabrics in this kind of environment is more feasible but even then you will still want to keep an eye on them as the intense hot or cold temperatures could reduce their longevity through material breakdown over time.
When it comes to electronics, many consumer devices like phones, tablets and laptops won't suffer too much damage from extended exposure to fluctuating temperatures as most modern products come with built in temperature regulation systems in place. With that being said, larger electronic appliances like TVs or kitchen appliances may not fare so well in uncertain temperatures so you would want to try keeping those away from non climate-controlled storage. It’s also important to take into account conditions like moisture or dust that could further pose risks if left unchecked within such a space.
Ultimately there is no definitive answer when it comes to storing clothes and electronics in non climate-controlled storage; just make sure you evaluate your individual possessions for any inherent vulnerabilities before making a decision on where best store them!
How long can I store items in non climate-controlled storage for?
When it comes to non climate-controlled storage, the maximum amount of time you can store items will depend on a variety of things. Non climate-controlled storage units do not provide the same level of protection against extreme temperatures, making it important to understand what environment your items require to remain undamaged.
If you’re storing temperature sensitive items like electronic equipment and documents, you’ll want to limit their exposure to high temperatures as much as possible. To maintain a safe storage environment for those kinds of items, try opting for a more climate-controlled storage solution or limit your time in a non climate-controlled unit to no more than six months.
On the other hand, durable items like furniture and books can typically withstand wide temperature fluctuations and should fare better in non-climate controlled units over an extended period of time. You can even store seasonal items like sports equipment or patio furniture year round if they’re packed properly in sealed boxes or containers.
If you’re not sure what type of environment is optimal for long-term storage of your items, consult with an experienced storage company who can help guide you toward a solution that best fits the needs of your stuff. A careful combination ensure your items remain safe and unharmed throughout their time in storage.
