Do you need to rent a climate-controlled self-storage unit? If you're not sure whether you should invest in a temperature and humidity-controlled option, take a look at the questions to ask.

Are Your For-Storage Items Perishable?

Food, beverages, and other similar perishable items require a temperate or refrigerated environment. Does that mean a climate-controlled unit is an acceptable storage option?

Even though climate controls can keep the temperature and humidity at middle-of-the-range levels, this type of storage unit won't keep perishables safe to eat. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you should keep refrigerated foods at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (or lower) and frozen goods at zero degrees Fahrenheit. A storage unit isn't a safe substitute for a working refrigerator or freezer.

Temperature isn't the only reason that a climate-controlled unit is not suitable for your perishables. Food can grow mold, give off a strong odor, or attract pests in storage. Most storage facilities prohibit these items for these reasons.

Are Your For-Storage Items Made from Wood?

Antique furniture, delicate dining room tables, and other wooden items should go into a climate-controlled unit. Temperature fluctuations (hot to cold or cold to hot) can cause wood to warp. Along with the unit's temperature, the moisture level can also cause problems. Excessive humidity can expand and swell or potentially rot (in extremely moist or humid environments). Too little humidity can cause wood to shrink, dry, and splinter.

Are Your For-Storage Items Electronics?

Like wood, electronics also require climate-controlled storage. Electronics include a wide range of items, such as computers/laptops, stereo equipment, musical recording devices, tablets, smartphones/cell phones, video equipment, television sets, and electrical components or parts. High moisture levels can cause electrical or rust issues for these for-storage selections. This can ruin sensitive systems and destroy your electronic items.

Are Your For-Storage Items Made from Leather?

While some types of fabric can go into a traditional (non-climate controlled) rental unit, leather needs a moderate temperature and humidity level for storage. Whether you have leather furniture, shoes, boots, or clothing to store, these items can shrink, warp, crack, or grow mold in the wrong indoor environment.

Are Your For-Storage Items Made from Paper?

Not all paper items require climate controls. But if you have sensitive documents, photographs, artwork, or anything on an archival type of paper, you need to rent this type of unit. Climate controls can protect these items from moisture-related or heat damage.

Contact a climate-controlled self-storage company for more information.