If you have furniture you need to move out of your house and into a storage space for any reason; you want to ensure your furniture comes out of storage in good condition, ready to use. This presents the question, do you need to rent a climate-controlled space for your furniture? It depends on various factors if a climate-controlled unit or a unit is best for your furniture storage situation.  

Is the furniture upholstered? 

The first thing you need to consider is if the furniture is upholstered. Upholstery furniture more easily picks up nearby odors and will not do well in an environment that is damp or not climate controlled. You can shrink wrap the furniture if you only intend to store it for a short period of time; however, shrink wrapping over the long term can be harmful to upholstery as it doesn't allow the fabric to breathe. 

The best thing to do for upholstered furniture is to rent a climate-controlled storage unit, so you can control the humidity and airflow and ensure the furniture doesn't pick up foul odors. You can protect your furniture with a breathable cotton cover.  

Does the city the storage facility is located experience high humidity?  

Second, you need to consider the climate where your self-storage facility is located. Is the facility located in a city with high humidity, such as a coastal city like New Orleans, or a southern city like Houston? If there are high humidity levels in the summer or throughout the year, there is a higher chance of mold and mildew in the area. 

If you use a standard storage unit, your goods will be exposed to high humidity levels, and all types of furniture, from upholstered to fabric to leather and wood, are more susceptible to mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can rapidly spread and ruin your furniture. 

In high-humidity climates, renting a climate-controlled storage unit, where the temperature and the humidity are controlled, is a wise move.  

What time of year will you be storing the furniture? 

Third, consider the time of year and how long you will be using the storage unit, as this can impact what type of unit you need. 

If you rent a storage unit in the summer, when it is hot outside, high temperatures can lead to mold and mildew. High temperatures can also cause wood and leather furniture to crack. If you are storing furniture in the summer, renting a climate-controlled storage unit is best.  

If you are storing items during the summer, when it is really cold, cold temperatures can be just as damaging to a range of furniture materials, making a climate-controlled storage unit best. 

If you are storing items just for the spring or fall, you could get away with a normal unit when temperatures are milder.  

Whether or not you need a climate-controlled storage unit for your furniture depends on a range of factors, such as the material of the furniture, the outside climate, and how long you are storing your items. Use the questions above to help you determine the best type of storage unit to protect your furniture.