Blogs

Vehicle Storage Tips: What You Need to Know

Climate Control Storage Car enthusiasts, collectors, and business owners with fleets of commercial vehicles, often face the issue of not having enough space for excess vehicles at their residence or company locations. Many self-storage companies offer a variety of options for storing small cars, trucks, boats, and RVs, and even larger construction vehicles. Given the investment level, and often the sentimental value, associated with vehicles, it is important to evaluate the type of unit you are renting, the level of privacy and the climate conditions. 3 Considerations for Storing Your Vehicle In addition to selecting a space or unit that can adequately fit your vehicle, consider the following factors: 1. Warehouse vs. Storage Unit Some facilities will offer the option of storing your vehicle in a larger, warehouse setting, or in a private storage unit. Warehouse settings can sometimes have limited access points, making it hard for owners to come and go easily. Storage units, while often more expensive, provide a private, secure area for your vehicle. You have complete control over who can access your vehicle. In addition, a dedicated space can help to prevent scratches and nicks from other cars in close proximity. 2. Conventional vs. Climate-Controlled Storage For long-term storage, having temperature and/or humidity control in your unit can minimize moisture, which can help to prevent damage to the engine, and avoid the acceleration of rust and corrosion to the car body. This is particularly important during seasons when the temperature conditions are extreme. For temporary car storage, when the outside temperature is moderate, conventional storage is acceptable. 3. Security Features Because some car storage is in an open, warehouse setting, ask the clearance procedures practiced by the facility to ensure that only car owners are permitted in the storage area. This helps to avoid any unnecessary damage, and ultimately theft, to your car. Ideally, unauthorized individuals should not be permitted in the storage area unattended. If you elect to rent a personal storage unit, inquire about the entry and exit procedures, and security and surveillance equipment used. Self storage facilities do ...

Norm Kotoch
October 12th, 2021

4 Ways to Preserve Household Belongings Against Rock Salt

Climate Control Storage

Self Storage Tips, Climate Control Storage Snow, ice and slush—as you make trips into work, to take your kids to school or to pick up your groceries for the week, you might find yourself thankful for rock salt. Rock salt has been traditionally used to help with the toughest winter job: de-icing. Rock salt is made up of sodium chloride in its mineral form called halite, and has a lower freezing point than water. When poured on ice, halite will make the temperature of the ice rise, lower its freezing point and cause it to melt. This element can be a miracle worker in tough winter times, but not without consequence. Because of its chemical nature, cars, plants and more can see unfavorable impacts. Below, we share a few considerations to clean and protect these items from this winter “frenemy. “ 1. Clean Salt Residue from Floors White spots are a sure sign that salt residue is left behind. Because of its abrasive and chemical nature, rock salt can be harmful to unprotected floors and can actually eat through protective sealants. If you see a salt spill, clean off the floor as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage. Should stains remain, use a warm water and vinegar solution as your first step for laminate and carpeted floors, and specialized solutions for hardwood. 2. Prevent Car Rust from Road Salt Without a little extra care, road salt can cause damage to the body and undercarriage of your car, forming rust in places you can’t even see. DMV.org lists a few tips to keep your vehicle well-maintained during the winter: Give it a clean and wax during the fall to free any debris and seal it. Make frequent trips to the car wash (when temperatures are warm enough). If noticeable salt build up occurs, wash with a solution of car soap, water and a couple tablespoons of baking soda to remove and neutralize salt particles. 3. Utilize Salt Alternatives to Protect Plants Salt use around the house may seem ...

Norm Kotoch
January 18th, 2020

4 Items to Protect from the Cold with Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate Control Storage

Not all of your belongings are a match for winter’s mix of snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Below, we share a few items that will need extra care to preserve against cold conditions. 1. Batteries Batteries operate based on an electric current passed between positive and negative terminals. This chemical reaction thrives in warmer temperatures. Out in the cold, the electrons that power the reaction move at a slower pace, which subsequently slows down the speed of the current and makes your batteries less powerful. As the temperature drops, batteries have to work twice as hard to run currents in everything from your electronic devices to your car. The optimal storage temperature for batteries is as close to 59 degrees Fahrenheit as possible. 2. Camera Equipment Winter provides beautiful snowy landscapes that are perfect for your seasonal pictures. Ensure you store your camera correctly for your photo shoot. Cameras thrive on temperature consistency. If you move from the cold outdoors to a warm room afterward, condensation can build up on your lens, destroying your camera. Instead, store in a consistent environment that keeps your camera as close to room temperature at all times—65-75 degrees Fahrenheit at 20-80%—to play it safe. When you’re on the go, keep your camera safe, snug and warm in a camera bag. For additional pointers and considerations specific to your camera model, please consult your camera’s purchasing manual. 3. Electronic Devices Cold weather and electronic devices don’t mix. In addition to battery issues, the chill can crack or damage the effectiveness of internal components, making the device inoperable. As with other item types, keep electronics at room temperature to protect. 4. Recreational Vehicles Cars kept outside of your garage become subject to ice, snow and freezing temperatures. These aren’t exactly ideal conditions for your engine! The cold makes the engine work harder and oil thicker. It can even impact tire pressure. If you don’t have room to pull your car into the garage, consider housing at room temperature in a climate-controlled self-storage unit. Protect with a Controlled Environment Don’t leave your item’s condition up to chance. Maintain control of ...

Norm Kotoch
September 14th, 2018

4 Items that Benefit Most from Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate Control Storage

Did you know that high or low temperatures, along with high humidity, are the leading causes of damage to your stored items? While closets, attics, basements and garages are great for those that can withstand varying temperatures and moisture levels, there are certain items that need some extra TLC when it comes to storage. Consider a storage unit with climate-controlled features to protect the following valuables that are most prone to conditional damage. 1. Important Documents Many of the documents you currently have put away could benefit from a climate-controlled environment. These sometimes irreplaceable documents will potentially yellow or break down if stored in moist or wet conditions. Whether personal or sentimental, store with care. Consider: Children’s school papers or artwork Legal or work-related documents Old medical records Photographs Tip: Use plastic sheets to encase important documents for added protection. 2. Valuable Electronics When it comes to storing electronics, temperature should be kept between 50-75*F. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can damage parts of the device. It’s also critical to store items in low humidity, avoiding basements, attics or garages. Computers and accompanying components Gaming systems Stereo or audio equipment TVs—most importantly LCD or plasma flat-screens Tip: Store (and move) all equipment in an upright position to protect internal systems. 3. Home Furnishings Avoid varying temperatures and humidity with a climate-controlled storage unit to maintain your favorite pieces’ conditions, and keep them from warping, discoloring or cracking, or to keep fabric from smelling musty. Antique or heirloom pieces Leather sofas and chairs Mattresses and bedding Wood furniture Tip: Having trouble parting with a piece of furniture? Take our simple “Store It or Sell It” quiz to help you decide. 4. Clothing You invest a lot in your wardrobe, so store it properly to make your favorite pieces last. The best solution to keep clothes safe from damage is to store clothing in a climate-controlled area like a storage unit. By doing so, you’ll prevent issues related to mold, mildew or insects. Tip: For added freshness, consider placing a dryer sheet in between individual items or stacks of items while you pack. When In Doubt, Store It Items of any kind that you truly love and value are worth protecting. Remember the added benefits of a climate-controlled storage unit to keep your ...

Norm Kotoch
September 27th, 2017

What is a Climate-Controlled Unit? What Does It Look Like?

Climate Control Storage

Clothes, documents, furniture and electronics—these are just a few of the items that can become damaged by humidity or moisture. In a regular storage unit, humidity and moisture are difficult to manage and dependent on natural elements like summer heat and winter chill. Modern technology, however, allows you to take control. Give your items the environment they need to survive with a climate-controlled unit. How Does a Climate-Controlled Unit Work? A climate-controlled storage unit will have a similar look and feel to any other unit on the property. You will be able to tell the difference, however, in the increased level of preservation a unit of this type provides to your items. Storage unit providers use a variety of methods to maintain consistent humidity and temperature within climate-controlled units. They include: An increased amount of insulation, programmable thermostats and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) installation during the construction process, allowing for manipulation of the unit’s climate. Installation of double doors, like those made for restaurant coolers, to trap climate conditions. Additional measures, such as rerouting of the entrance holes that result from plumbing or heating work, to decrease the amount of outlets and dust able to flow into your unit. The goal is to create as few entrances as possible to avoid unwelcome conditions or unit additions. What Are the Benefits of Controlled-Climate Flow? Increased amounts of moisture can leave clothes and furniture musty in odor. Electronics can malfunction, wood can warp, and documents can yellow in similar conditions. Avoid this from becoming reality by storing your items in appropriate conditions for their material type. Know your items and know how they will need to be stored to keep them in good condition for years to come. Do I Need a Climate-Controlled Unit? How will you know if you need a climate-controlled unit for your items? Try the put them to the garage test. Think for a moment about your items and if you would be comfortable storing them year-round in your garage. If your answer is “yes,” then you’ll be pleased with storage in a regular storage unit. But if your answer is “no,” consider climate control as your ...

Norm Kotoch
August 3rd, 2017