One Material That Requires Climate Controlled Storage Over the Rest

If you're tight on space in your current self-storage unit and need more climate controlled storage space, it's wise to either upgrade your unit or rent another one.  However, if it's out of your budget to upgrade and expand, there's one material you need to keep stored in your current storage, especially if your basement or attic at home is susceptible to fluctuating temperatures.

That material is wood.

Unlike steel and other hard materials, wood is made of compounds that are less dense.  This is evident from its splintery composition and lighter weight.  A good way to think about the composition of the two materials is to ask yourself, "What would happen if I broke a wooden board/steel beam across my knee?"  Obviously, the board would break – not the steel beam.

This same principle holds true for when you're deciding what to put in your climate controlled storage unit.  For instance, if you have a cherry wood dining table and four matching chairs, it's wiser to store these in your unit than engine components, sail boat rods, metal desks, etc.  They can survive in colder, hotter climates while wood can't.

According to Fine Furniture Design (ffdm.com), it's best to store wood products and furniture in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.  Also, you want the average humidity level to be around %50. 

"If you are away from home for extended periods of time, try to maintain temperatures and humidity levels that are kind to furniture," says Fine Furniture Design.  With metal, these strict temperatures and humidity levels are hardly ever a concern, which is why you should leave your metal belongings at home to increase space for highly sensitive wood items: cupboards, vanities, kitchen tables and chairs you plan on giving away or using in the future.

Bottom Line: If you're renting a new self-storage unit or need to relocate items from you existing one, make sure wood products receive top priority.