Self Storage

Because of the diversity in climates in different geographical locations, storing specific items in traditional storage units may not be a good idea. Storage units that are not climate friendly can have various levels of moisture inside. Also, they can be subject to significant temperature changes, as the weather outdoor fluctuates. Climate friendly and controlled storage units provide a safe stable area to store items that are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Storage units that are breathable (often referred to as climate friendly) allow the environment inside the unit to equalize with what’s outside. This eliminates the condensation inside the unit. Which is a major culprit when it comes to the climate control.

Benefits of climate friendly storage

What are other benefits to climate friendly storage units aside from the stable temperature and humidity levels year round?

There are additional benefits besides the protection from high humidity levels and extreme temperature changes to having a climate friendly storage unit. Traditional storage units often get stuffy with stale air. So you want to air them out out occasionally. This will help keep them from accumulating odors and the like in the items in the unit. With a climate friendly unit you do not have to worry about doing this. Because the air quality in these units is much better due to the constant circulation of air in the unit. When facility offers additional temperature controls it works even better. Regulation of temperature and humidity levels require systems that have to constantly circulate the air resulting in cleaner air then what you would find in a standard storage unit.

With climate friendly units like Box-n-Go, the air inside the unit will never get stuffy. Nor will the moisture accumulate inside, causing damages to your belongings.

Protection against the Disasters

Furthermore, climate friendly units are usually inside a building structure that has insulation and impenetrable floors, roofs, and walls. Your unit is safe to a higher degree against flooding and other natural disasters. Traditional storage units are susceptible to water accumulation when there is flooding, dust and debris. When there are extremely dry conditions or dust storms they may be susceptible to being made into a nice home for various insects. Also sometimes small animals. When you have a climate friendly unit, you have peace of mind that none of these issues will plague your unit.

Box-n-Go storage units, as an example, are stored inside the warehouse, which is a commercial grade, insulated building. In addition, the floor of the warehouse is elevated off the ground. This builds in added protection in case of flooding.

Indoor Storage

Another obvious advantage to a climate friendly unit is the convenience of being inside of a building when accessing, organizing, loading, and unloading your items. In some areas this does not always apply. But completing these tasks outdoors in freezing temperatures, pouring down rain and lightening, or temperatures that are hotter then your shower water. This can be an extremely uncomfortable and daunting task. When you have a climate friendly unit you do not have to worry about the weather conditions when you go to check on your belongings or move things in and out.

Reducing Carbon Footprint:

One significant but often overlooked benefit of climate-friendly storage units is their positive impact on reducing carbon footprints. Traditional storage facilities that rely heavily on energy-consuming temperature control systems contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions, adding to the overall carbon footprint. In contrast, climate-friendly units, such as those offered by Box-n-Go, employ more energy-efficient practices, resulting in reduced energy consumption and subsequently lowering their carbon emissions. By choosing climate-friendly storage options, individuals can take a step towards sustainability and environmental responsibility, aligning with the mission of organizations that aim to offset carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly solutions. Embracing environmentally conscious practices not only benefits personal belongings but also contributes to the collective effort in safeguarding the planet for future generations.

Climate Controlled Storage Cost

Does a climate friendly storage unit cost more money then a normal storage unit?

On average, climate friendly storage units cost approximately 15% more on your monthly storage unit cost. Depending on the location and market of the area. The reason for this is due to the extra of the strict maintenance protocol of most climate friendly units. Commercial sized HVAC systems, heating systems, and dehumidifiers are often constantly running. Hence using electricity. In addition, the building in which your unit is contained needs ventilation. Also insulation at all times, which requires regular maintenance and repairs on these components. An increase of 15% in monthly cost is just spare change compared to the cost of properly maintaining blocks of climate friendly storage units.

If you choose Box-n-Go climate friendly units, you will not be faced with the increased storage cost to get the benefits of constant temperature and no humidity inside your unit.

What belongings need climate control?

Do I even have items that would need this kind of controlled climate that I am going to be putting in storage? What will happen to them in standard storage units?

Items that require this type of special care are usually fragile antiques and novelties. However many other types of items also require a stable climate. There are obvious things such as food items or medications that need this type of protection. But there are other items that need a the proper environment. So the reason for doing so are not so obvious. If you plan on storing any amount of metal items in your storage unit, you want to keep in mind the way that different types of metals respond to high moisture levels. That shiny silver will quickly morph into a charcoal like black color. Iron items will rust into a red orange disintegrated mess. Items containing a large amount of lead will morph into a chalky white mess. Your glimmering copper things will turn into a rough textured hue of green.

Any type of artwork paper items, such as photos, magazines, any kind of books, can discolor with extreme changes in temperature. Paper items and artwork also have a great tendency to change sizes (expanding or shrinking) in extreme temperature fluctuations. These items also will make a comfy nurturing home for mildew, mold. Also other fungus type growths in high humidity conditions. Bedding, cloth covered furniture, clothes, toys, quilts, and blankets will also grow fungi. This is like mildew and mold in humidity levels above 35% for long periods of time.

Electronics and Climate Control

If you plan on storing electronic items in your storage unit, keep in mind that electronics with metal parts may disintegrate in high moisture environment. Electronic components can also grow mold and mildew. Moisture can also destroy electronic motherboards and electrical circuits. Rendering the item inoperable. Even when storing electronics in a climate friendly unit, it is best to make sure they are in an airtight container off the ground. Also, using packets of silica in the boxes with them will help keep moisture away. Keep the items such as vinyl records, optical discs, films and any type of tapes and cassettes in climate friendly units. This is due to the damage that moisture and light exposure may cause to them. This also includes many standard household appliances containing metal.

Storing Furniture and Antiques

Antique wood objects, wood furniture, and wooden instruments like pianos and guitars should not be in standard units. Units with fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Much like paper items and artwork, wood items will change size with temperature. Expanding in warm conditions and contracting in cooler climates. Moderate to high moisture levels are detrimental to wood. Wood easily rots and disintegrates in moist environments for extended periods of time. Thoroughly cleaning and sealing wooden items with oil or sealants can help combat issues with wood associated with climate. Items made or upholstered with leather can damage easily with high moisture levels and often costly to repair.

Are there ways to protect these sensitive items if I do want to place them in a traditional storage unit?

Yes, there are ways to protect things that are placed in a standard unit. Ones that have exposure to elements that climate friendly units do not. However, it is advisable using heavy duty water and air tight containers to hold all of your items. Also using plastic wrap, blankets, and tarps to insulate larger items. Unfortunately, this can be extremely time consuming and expensive.

If you were to use these methods to protect your items from temperature fluctuations, moisture levels, insect invasions, dust and debris, check your costs first. You will most likely end up spending more money on the supplies to do so. Not accounting for the hours of your time that you wouldn’t be spending otherwise. Imagine what would happen if you were to shell out the extra few dollars a month it costs to have a storage unit that is climate friendly or climate friendly. It is still wise to strategically place and protect items in climate friendly units. But not anywhere near the degree of protection that is needed for these sensitive items to stay in a standard unit. Also, some areas, like Southern California, have a very dry climate. As such, only temperature fluctuations are of a concern there.

I thought my items are insured from damage when I place them into any storage unit facility, why would I need a climate friendly unit?

The reality is, if you plan to put items that hold a significant monetary or sentimental value to you in storage, you must protect them. The best way to ensure those items are protected from all the issues outlined above. This way is to use a climate friendly storage unit. Renting a storage unit is no different then when you rent out an apartment or home. The owner of such dwelling is responsible for the structure itself, but is not responsible for your precious contents.

Your unit itself is most likely going to be insured, but what you put in it is not. Many facilities do offer the option to add some type of protection plan to your contents of the unit. However often times this adds more to the monthly cost of the unit then using a climate friendly unit would add. You should consider the location of which the unit is. Because some locations can be more prone to severe storms, heavy winds, and flooding. While others can be more prone to dust storms, snow storms, and other natural disasters. The ones that even insurance doesn’t always cover. With a climate friendly unit, your belongings will always be inside of a building. That alone is more protection then a standard unit that has one or more walls (often the door) directly against the outdoor conditions.

Try Box-n-Go Storage

Box-n-Go is a portable storage provider servicing the Southern California. All Box-n-Go storage units are breathable. hence they all are climate friendly. So, if you need help with storage, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-877-269-6461

The self storage is always in demand. Some 44,000 to 52,000 storage units are also currently in use or available to use in the United States. The total amount of rentable self storage space is about 2.3 billion square feet. Those stats aren’t really that surprising. Given how essential storage units have become to people moving to new homes and to those who live in smaller apartments. Renting a storage unit simply makes sense for a lot of people.

If you are also considering renting a storage unit but have not used one previously, then this article will help you find the unit that will best meet your needs. You will also learn how to make the most of the space you are renting and also pick up some valuable tips that could end up helping you save some money.

How Big of a Storage Unit Do I Need?

Before you move forward with any of your renting plans, you will first have to determine how big of a storage unit you will need. Most traditional self storage companies within the industry offer five different sizes for their storage units:

5′ x 5′

5′ x 10′

10′ x 10′

15′ x 10′

20′ x 10′

A great alternative to the traditional storage is using portable storage, like Box-n-Go. With Box-n-Go modular self storage units you can make up any size storage facility for your needs. Here is what you can typically store in various size units:

5′ x 5′ traditional unit or 5′ x 8′ Box-n-Go Unit

Let’s start small again and identify the different items that you will be able to fit inside a typical 5’x5’ storage unit. Usually, the smallest available. This is the kind of unit you should rent if your home is cluttered at the moment. Or if you are currently in the process of changing that. Just because it’s the smallest unit available, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to fit a bunch of things inside of a 5’x5’ space. Possessions that can fit in boxes can be kept in a storage unit like this. The same goes for smaller pieces of furniture. The largest item you can place inside a 5’x5’ storage unit is probably a mattress.

A standard Box-n-Go 5′ x 8′ unit offers you almost twice the space, yet it will cost you about the same. One added convenience that Box-n-go offers is that the unit can actually be delivered to you for packing. This makes it very convenient and simple.

5′ x 10′ traditional unit or 5′ x 8′ Box-n-Go Unit

Next up are the 5’x10’ storage units. The larger space inside a 5’x10’ unit gives you the ability to store even more pieces of furniture. Typically this size unit will accommodate the contents of a single size apartment or a very small 1 bedroom. A mattress and a couch can fit inside a storage unit of this size. However, you can also include some other bulky pieces along with it, such as dresser, or love seat.

Alternatively, you can also store some electronic items inside a unit of this size. However, make sure that you don’t fill it up too much. Make use of the additional space to ensure that your electronics are kept safe. Keep in mind that with the traditional storage unit you must leave a little room by the door empty. This is so that you can get inside the unit for loading and accessing. Usually self storage facilities have very narrow corridors. There is no space available on the outside of the unit.

A great alternative to the traditional 5′ x 10′ storage unit is standard Box-n-Go unit. Although is measures a bit smaller, since it can be packed fully, it will accommodate the same belongings the traditional unit does. Use 1 Box-n-Go unit to store the contents of a single apartment. It can fit furniture and belongings from about 1 to 1.5 rooms in your home.

Renting a storage unit of this size is a good idea if you are planning to redecorate and paint some of the rooms of your home and want to keep your furniture and appliances safe.

How Big is a 10′ x 10′ Storage Unit? Or (2) Box-n-Go Storage Units

The third type of storage unit available for rent measures at 10’x10’ and there’s also a significant jump up in the average cost to rent one of these for a month. It may not seem like it at first, but a 10’x10’ storage unit is actually quite big. With this type of unit, you don’t have to worry about finding room for your different pieces of furniture because you will have enough space to fit in the contents of an entire room, provided that the room in question is not too cluttered of course.

What’s even better about a space of this size is that you will no longer have to arrange your possessions in awkward ways just to make everything fit. That will make both the storage and removal process so much easier for you. You should look into putting money down for a 10’x10’ storage unit if you are planning a move to a new home and don’t want to rent extra moving trucks or if you just want the process to be completed faster.

A 10′ x 10′ unit will accommodate the contents of one bedroom apartment. Same can be done using (2) of Box-n-Go units. The main benefit of using the Box-n-Go is that the units are delivered to you for loading. So you can take your time. Also, since the loading is done straight into the unit, there is no double handling of belongings. This saves at least 505 of time or costs, if movers are hired to load the storage unit.

15′ x 10′ traditional unit or (3) Box-n-Go storage units

With a 10’ x 15’ unit, you are now talking about having enough room to store the contents of multiple rooms. Typically a two bedroom apartment. Feel free to pack in several mattresses and pieces of furniture inside a 10’x15’ unit because you are sure to still have extra space to work with. Along with holding the possessions you like to keep in the different rooms of your home. You may even find enough room in a 10’x15’ unit to fit in a motorcycle or a different type of small vehicle. This is the kind of storage unit you will want to rent if you are planning to move. Or if you are renovating your home and multiple rooms are being worked on simultaneously.

(3) of Box-n-Go units offer an equivalent storage space and will also accommodate the contents of a 2-bedroom apartment. While you won’t be able to store a car using Box-n-go units, storing belongings is a breeze. Units are delivered to you. No need for truck rental!

How Much Stuff Fits in a 10′ x 20′ Storage Unit? Or (4) Box-n-Go Storage Units

If you live in a smaller home, it’s no exaggeration to say that you can probably fit most, if not all, of your possessions inside a 10’x20’ storage unit. These units are huge and they can easily accommodate mattresses, large pieces of furniture. The different appliances you have at home will fit as well. Typically you would fit contents of a 2-bedroom house, including the garage and patio furniture. Even a car can comfortably inside of a storage unit of this size. This will prove helpful to some people. A storage unit this big will help you out if you are in the process of having a new home built or if you and a friend need to store some household items for a while.

Renting (4) Box-n-go storage units instead of one large unit has lots of advantages. Mainly, since no-one knows exactly how much storage room you will need, with Box-n-go modular approach, you can easily adjust your space. If you do not use a unit, you simply will not be paying for it. This way there is no need to guess. there is also no overpaying for the space you are not using.

Larger storage units

It is worth noting that there are still some larger storage units out there if you need the extra space. Some companies offer 10’x25’ and even 10’x30’ units. Those are harder to find, because people typically don’t need that much space to store their possessions. But just in case you do need as much space as possible, it’s good to know that there are still more options for you to consider.

What Should I Remember While Moving My Items to a Storage Unit?

More than anything else, you have to ensure the safety of the items you intend to keep inside a storage unit. One way to do that is to err on the side of caution when it comes time to choose the size of the unit. If you are planning to store electronics of any kind inside the storage unit, then it would be best to have extra space available.

Remember to take the furniture apart. Do this before you place it inside the unit to allow for easier storage and retrieval. It’s a good idea to place a pallet of some sort inside the storage unit to prevent items from touching the floor. Thus making them more prone to sustaining damage. Note that with Box-n-go storage this is not a concern at all.

Also, double check your belongings before you put them into storage just so you know their exact conditions. You should also do that to prevent a situation wherein you stored something you did not intend to.

What Are Some Additional Tips I Should Know before Renting a Storage Unit?

One of the things you should do before signing off on a self storage unit rental is to learn more about your insurance. The storage company itself is not automatically liable for your items. So instead, you have to check with your own policy provider. Most homeowners policies cover self storage. However, subject to set deductibles. Ask your agent about what they will cover and what they won’t and then take those bits of information into account before placing your belongings into storage.

Some storage companies may also offer you tenant insurance or protection policy. And if you are happy with what that covers, then feel free to purchase that. When it comes to traditional storage facilities, if you can afford it, you should also rent a climate friendly storage unit. You can even consider this as something you absolutely must do if you are looking to store furniture. Keep in mind that Box-n-Go facility is climate friendly. It is an insulated industrial building with indoor temperatures around 65-75 degrees year round.