Protecting your belongings should be a top priority when you’re preparing for a move. While standard storage units offer a basic solution, some items need extra care to avoid damage caused by extreme temperatures or humidity.
That’s what climate-controlled storage is for. These specialized units maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels to keep your valuable items safe from environmental changes.
Below, the experts at Changing Places Moving explore the top items that benefit most from climate-controlled storage. We’ll even explain why each piece deserves this extra layer of protection.
What Items Should be Stored in Climate-Controlled Storage?
- Delicate Furniture and Antiques
- Electronics and Appliances
- Important Documents and Photos
- Artwork and Collectibles
- Musical Instruments
- Clothing and Fabrics
- Wine Collections
- Sensitive Business Equipment and Files
Delicate Furniture and Antiques
Wooden furniture and antiques hold both sentimental and financial value. This makes their preservation critical during a move.
High temperatures can cause wood to crack or warp, while humidity can swell wooden joints or lead to mold growth on fabric upholstery. If you’re using a moving company to handle your relocation, climate-controlled storage is the best choice for these cherished items.
Pro Tip: Cover furniture with breathable materials to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup during storage.
Electronics and Appliances
Items like TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances are particularly vulnerable to temperature changes. Excessive heat can damage internal circuits, while condensation caused by humidity can corrode components. Investing in climatized storage ensures these valuable pieces remain functional and safe during transitions.
Pro Tip: Pack electronics in their original boxes with proper cushioning to add another layer of protection.
Important Documents and Photos
Paper-based items (such as legal documents, birth certificates, and photo albums) are prone to yellowing, curling, or fading in damp or fluctuating environments. Mold and mildew can destroy these irreplaceable records, which makes climate-controlled storage an essential option for preserving them.
Pro Tip: Store documents in waterproof, airtight containers for long-term safety.
Artwork and Collectibles
Fragile collectibles, oil paintings, and other artwork require specific environmental conditions. Heat can cause paint to crack, and humidity can lead to tarnishing or warping. For collectors or artists relocating with a home moving company, climatized storage provides the ideal solution to maintain the integrity of these valuable pieces.
Pro Tip: Wrap framed art in acid-free materials and store collectibles in protective display cases.
Musical Instruments
Guitars, violins, pianos, and other instruments are sensitive to environmental changes. Wooden instruments are especially prone to cracking or warping due to temperature shifts, and metal parts can corrode in humid conditions. Use climate-controlled, temporary storage during your move to ensure these items stay in perfect tune.
Pro Tip: Loosen the strings on stringed instruments before placing them in storage to reduce tension and avoid damage.
Clothing and Fabrics
Special garments — like wedding dresses and vintage clothing — can be ruined by prolonged exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures. Mold, mildew, and odors often develop in environments that lack climate control. If you’re relying on relocation moving services, ensure the safety of these delicate items with climate-controlled storage.
Pro Tip: Use breathable garment bags to protect fabrics while allowing airflow.
Wine Collections
Wine requires precise temperature and humidity levels to maintain its flavor and quality. High temperatures can alter its chemical composition, and low humidity can dry out corks, leading to spoilage. Storing your collection in a climate-controlled unit protects your investment.
Pro Tip: Store wine bottles horizontally to keep corks moist and prevent air from entering the bottles.
Sensitive Business Equipment and Files
Businesses often relocate with important documents and temperature-sensitive equipment. Paper files can deteriorate in poor conditions, and delicate devices may stop functioning. For companies working with a moving company, climatized, temporary storage provides a reliable option to protect these assets.
Pro Tip: Use labeled, waterproof containers to organize business files and improve accessibility.
Protect Your Most Sensitive Belongings at Changing Places Moving
Choosing climate-controlled storage ensures your most valuable belongings remain safe from the effects of temperature and humidity changes. From delicate antiques and electronics to sensitive business files, this storage solution provides peace of mind during a move.
A professional home moving company can help you determine which of your items require extra protection. If you’re planning a move, don’t leave the safety of your belongings to chance.
To find a climate-controlled unit that’s tailored to your needs, contact Changing Places Moving today.