10 Items That Should Always Be Stored in Climate Control

woman hanging artwork on the wall
We’ve all been there. You’re moving, renovating, or just trying to reclaim your guest room from the mountain of boxes that has slowly taken over. You need storage, and you need it yesterday. But before you toss everything into a standard drive-up unit and call it a day, hit the pause button.

While a standard garage-style unit is perfect for garden tools and plastic patio chairs, it might be a death sentence for your more delicate belongings. Extreme heat, freezing cold, and the arch-nemesis of storage—humidity—can wreak havoc on your prized possessions.

If you want your stuff to come out looking exactly the way it went in, you might need to change your strategy. Here is why upgrading to temperature controlled storage units is the smartest move you can make for your valuables.

Why Climate Control Matters

Think of a standard storage unit like a garage. In the summer, it bakes. In the winter, it freezes. And when it rains, the humidity spikes. Now, think of a climate-controlled unit as a spare bedroom. These units generally maintain a steady temperature range (typically between 55°F and 80°F) and keep humidity levels in check.

This consistent environment is crucial because it protects items from:

  • Moisture, mold, and mildew: High humidity turns soft goods into sponges for mold growth.
  • Cracking and warping: Fluctuating temperatures cause materials to expand and contract, eventually breaking them.
  • Rust and corrosion: Moisture in the air loves to eat away at metal electronics and appliances.
  • Deterioration: Heat can melt adhesives, discolor fabrics, and degrade paper.
So, what exactly needs this VIP treatment? Here are 10 items that should always go into a climate-controlled space.

1. Wooden Furniture

Wood is organic, which means it breathes. When it absorbs moisture, it swells. When it dries out, it shrinks. Over time, this constant movement causes cracks, warping, and rotting. If you are storing antique tables, chairs, or bed frames, climate control prevents the wood from snapping and the glue joints from drying out.

2. Electronics and Appliances

Whether it's a vintage record player, a flat-screen TV, or a kitchen mixer, electronics hate moisture. Humidity can cause internal components to rust and corrode, leading to short circuits when you finally plug them back in. Extreme cold can also crack screens and damage plastic casings.

3. Photos, Documents, and Paper Goods

Heat and humidity are kryptonite for paper. High temperatures will turn your important tax documents yellow and brittle, while humidity can cause photos to stick together in a permanent, heartbreaking clump. To keep your memories and records safe, they need a cool, dry place.

4. Leather Furniture and Clothing

Just like your skin might get dry and cracked in the winter, leather reacts to the weather. In high heat or cold winters and low humidity, leather dries out and cracks. In high humidity, it becomes an open invitation for mildew. Keep your leather sofas and jackets supple by regulating the air around them.

5. Musical Instruments

Instruments are incredibly precise and incredibly delicate. Acoustic guitars, violins, and pianos are held together by glue and tension. High heat softens the glue, and humidity swells the wood, ruining the instrument's sound and structure. Even brass instruments can tarnish or suffer from pad rot in the wrong conditions.

6. Mattresses and Bedding

There is nothing worse than retrieving a mattress from storage only to find it smells musty. Mattresses are thick and absorbent, making them the perfect host for mold spores if left in a damp environment. Climate control keeps your sleeping arrangements fresh and ready for a good night's rest.

7. Important Business Inventory

If you are a small business owner using self-storage for stock, consistency is key. You cannot afford to have product packaging fade, labels peel, or the product itself degrade before it reaches the customer. Temperature controlled storage units ensure your inventory stays in sellable condition.

8. Paintings, Artwork, and Collectibles

Oil paintings, acrylics, and watercolors are all sensitive to thermal expansion. If the canvas expands and contracts, the paint will eventually crack and flake off. Stamps and comic books are also highly susceptible to humidity damage.

9. Antiques and Heirlooms

That velvet armchair from the 1920s or the grandfather clock passed down for generations isn't just "stuff"—it's history. Older items often feature materials and craftsmanship that are less durable than modern goods. They require a stable environment to preserve their value and structural integrity.

10. Cosmetics and Toiletries

If you are a couponer or a consultant for a beauty brand, you might have boxes of stock. High heat can melt lipsticks, separate creams, and alter the chemical composition of perfumes and lotions. Keep them cool to ensure they don't spoil.

Better Safe Than Sorry with Hawkeye Storage

While standard units are great for lawnmowers and kayaks, your sensitive items deserve better protection. By opting for temperature controlled storage units, you ensure that your furniture, photos, and keepsakes stay safe from the elements, ready for you whenever you need them again.

Contact Hawkeye Storage for a quote on our temperature controlled storage units! Our locations throughout Indiana make it easy and convenient to store your belongings with peace of mind.