Is a climate-controlled storage unit recommended for furniture? This is a common question and the answer depends on various factors. Furniture is meant for areas such as your living room and bedrooms, but not a cold, damp basement or hot attic. For the short term, storing furniture in a standard storage unit will suffice, but if you plan on storing certain furniture items for months or years, it may be best to consider a climate controlled unit.
Here are a few factors to consider when deciding what type of unit to store your furniture in:
Upholstered furniture is more likely to pick up and absorb odors from a humid, non-controlled environment. Your upholstered couch is less likely to be damaged in a cool, dry environment.
Antique and Valuable Furniture
Antique wood is very durable, but it still needs to be treated with care. Storing antique furniture in a humid environment isn’t recommended because this could cause the wood to shrink or swell. The shrinking and swelling can cause cracks and damage to the furniture and could definitely affect the value if you plan to resell. It is recommended that antique wooden furniture be stored in a controlled environment with a consistent temperature.
Your Location
Do you reside in a humid city? Most humid areas consist of high temperatures and are located near large bodies of water. Since humid environments breed mold and mildew at rapid rates, furniture made of wood, fabric, or leather should be stored in a climate controlled unit to protect the furniture.
The Season
Seasons matter when it comes to storage so the time of year could impact your decision. Colder weather can dry-out and loosen joints in wooden furniture and will cause leather to crack. The summertime heat can also cause problems such as swelling wood and damage to leather. If you are needing temporary storage and it is during the summer or winter months, opting for a climate controlled unit is the best bet. However, if it is fall or spring, a non-controlled storage environment should be sufficient.
If you don’t want to upgrade to a climate-controlled unit, consider storing your items in a unit that is located indoors instead. Contact us today for any storage questions !