Deciding on whether or not to use a climate-controlled warehouse is often tricky. Sure, people know that there are benefits to doing so. But, if you add up the cost, you naturally wonder whether the benefits are worth it. Well, in some instances, they aren’t. But, in some cases, using a climate-controlled storage unit is practically mandatory. So, to make things a bit clearer, we will elaborate on the benefits of a climate-controlled warehouse and when to make use of them.

Top Benefits of a climate-controlled warehouse

Once people see how much climate-controlled storage costs, they are often taken aback. Even relatively simple climate-controlled storage can cost you substantially more than the standard one. And seeing that people are actively looking for ways to reduce warehousing costs, you might be wondering whether climate-controlled warehouses are necessary. Well, in certain instances, they definitely are. All you need to recognize is whether your items can survive without the protection that climate-controlled units provide.

Protection from temperature fluctuations

Even if they are pretty well-built, standard storage units cannot protect you from temperature fluctuations. Thick, well-placed insulation does help. But, it can only go so far in ensuring that the temperature inside the unit stays the same. In certain regions, even day to night changes can be substantial enough to deform or even damage your items. This is one of the reasons why North Carolina got its first In-Port cold storage facility. And why climate-controlled storage is overall necessary.

With a climate-controlled storage unit, you can ensure that the interior temperature remains the same 24/7. This is achieved not only through insulation but also through proper venting and temperature monitoring. Climate-controlled units also have sensors that can tell the workers if the temperature goes above a certain level. So, all in all, the benefit of using one is that you can rest easy knowing that your items will remain at the same temperature throughout storage.

Humidity maintenance

When it comes to certain items, the temperature might not be your primary concern. For instance, if you plan on storing wooden furniture, humidity may pose a much more significant problem. Too much humidity and your furniture can swell up and deform. Too little, and it can start to crack and splinter. To avoid this from happening, climate-controlled units take great care in maintaining the humidity.

Maintaining humidity can be surprisingly difficult in certain areas. If there are constant rains or temperature fluctuations, it can be challenging to keep the excess moisture away from the storage. A common misconception is that dry rooms are best for storage. And while this is often the case, there are exceptions where too much dry air can cause damage. Climate-controlled storage units are set up to maintain a certain level of humidity at all times.

Extra protection from dust and debris

All these extra layers of protection serve another purpose. Namely, they also stand as additional safety measures against dust and debris. Ideally, every warehouse should protect its items against dust and debris. But, the larger they are, the harder it is to notice flaws and cracks. Even a seemingly small crack can cause substantial damage, especially if it goes unnoticed. But, the need to maintain both the temperature and the humidity demands that the storage company keep a close eye on the structural integrity of the storage facility.

In this case, a small crack can show as hundreds of dollars wasted on inefficient climate control. Therefore, the company is extra careful to notice and mitigate any issues the moment they occur. This means installing systems not only to help with warehouse management but also with safety monitoring. As a result, the items stored in climate-controlled units are under much better protection, even if humidity and temperature are not the primary concern.

How to make the most out of your climate-controlled storage

To reap the benefits of a climate-controlled warehouse, it is not enough to simply put your items in it. All these benefits can only help you if you first prepare your items for storage and do the necessary research.

Proper packing

Seeing that you are considering using a climate-controlled storage facility, you probably need to store fragile items. In this case, you first need to pack them properly. This means using proper packing containers, as well as padding and wrapping supplies. While you can use standard cardboard boxes, we would advise you to consider using plastic containers. For long-term use, they are much better as they are sturdy and exceptionally resilient. When it comes to padding and wrapping, you want to do your part in giving your items the necessary protection. Sure, the climate-controlled environment will do its part. But, it is still wise to protect your goods from potential harm.

Consult with your storage providers

If this is your first time using climate-controlled storage, we advise you to consult with your storage providers. More often than not, there are important details specific to your situation. And you not being aware of those details can put your items at unnecessary risk. Explain to your storage providers what you plan to store and how long you wish to store it. They can give you helpful guidelines on how to prepare and how to store.

Get the necessary insurance

Even if you properly prepare and hire the best possible company, you should still get storage insurance. Know that the insurance provided by the storage company might not be enough to adequately cover your items. This is usually the case with luxury or antique items. Here you want to first carefully read the insurance they offer you. And then consult with an insurance agent to see if there are better options. The one thing you don’t want is to find yourself without necessary coverage if something happens.

As you can see, there are some pretty unique benefits of a climate-controlled warehouse. However, whether you should go with this option will depend on the type of goods you plan to keep in there.

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Dustin Thompson worked as a storage operator and a moving consultant at SOS Moving Los Angeles. Now, he focuses on shipping industry research and writing helpful articles about various subjects related to shipping and warehousing.