• Difference in Climate and Non-Climate Controlled Units
  • Climate Controlled Units
    • Interior access inside a larger building consisting of 1 or more floors and
      door cannot be driven up to for easy unloading
    • Temperature is kept between 55 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit via a
      furnace or AC unit
    • Prices are usually 10-20% higher than non-climate controlled units
  • Non-Climate Controlled Units
    • Exterior access where doors can be easily driven up to for easier
      unloading
    • Temperature inside unit coincides with the environmental temperature,
      and in the summer the interior of the unit can exceed far beyond what
      the exterior temperature is
      • Buildings are made of metal, so keep this in mind with how high
        the temperature can get
    • Units are typically lower in price
• How to Store Items in Non-Climate Controlled Units
  • Furniture
    • Wood Items
      • Disassemble and breakdown as much as possible
        • If legs of tables and feet of chairs/couches can be
          removed, then do remove them and store wrapped,
          bagged, or boxed
        • Doors to armoires, entertainment units, and such that can
          be easily removed should be removed and draped on
          padded covers
        • Drawers of dressers, nightstands, chest of drawers, end
          tables, etc. should be taken out of the furniture
      • Store hardware for disassembled furniture in small plastic boxes
        or baggies and label for easier assembly later on
      • To protect from moisture and dust, clean and wax all wood pieces
        before wrapping/covering
      • Place blankets/padded covers over and/or between the pieces to
        help avoid scratches while transporting/moving items to unit and
        while items are in unit
    • Mattresses and Upholstered Furniture
      • Wipe all surface with fabric-safe antibacterial wipes
      • Allow plenty of time for material to dry fully before placing in unit
        • This will help to prevent moisture being trapped when the
          furniture is covered (moisture being trapped in an
          enclosed space can cause discoloration, mildew, and mold
          later on)
      • Vacuum all surfaces to remove dirt and dust
      • Store mattresses flat on top of a tarp or blanket to prevent the
        inner coils and materials from shifting
      • Do NOT store heavy/bulky items on top of mattresses or cushions
        as this can damage them
  • Electronics
    • If possible, pack electronic devices in the original box with original
      packing materials
    • If original materials are unavailable, place electronics in an empty box
      and fill all empty space with bubble wrap or packing peanuts
    • Never cover or wrap electronics in plastic, this can trap moisture and
      damage devices
    • Keep wires with each device, preferably in a baggie or envelope, labeled,
      and taped to device
    • Keep large flat screen TVs off the floor
    • Stores devices near the back of the unit to help better protect from the
      elements and temperature changes
    • Do NOT place items directly on top of devices, as this can cause damage
  • Appliances
    • Drain all liquid from any hoses, tubing, or internal components to prevent
      mold and/or mildew
    • Clean all internal/external surfaces of food/debris to prevent against
      unwanted pests
    • Remove glass shelves from inside refrigerators and freezers and wrap
      shelves in blankets or bubble wrap to prevent them being broken
    • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly ajar to allow airflow
  • Miscellaneous Tips
    • Leave space between items
      • This will help to avoid accidental damage
      • Allows for air to flow between items
      • Items are easier to retrieve when needed
    • Consider placing moisture-absorbers throughout the unit (either by
      purchasing them or using google, Pinterest, etc. to use items laying
      around)
      • These will help prevent against moisture build-up in the unit
    • Good quality plastic storage totes and bins are better to use than
      cardboard or corrugated boxes
      • If there is any moisture build-up in the unit, the box will not be
        affected
      • Keeps boxes on the floor from getting wet in the event the unit
        floods or leaks unexpectedly
    • Call around and see if any insurance companies will offer renter’s
      insurance for the contents of the unit (renting a unit works the same as
      renting an apartment when insurance is involved)
    • Take photos of all items in unit and how they are packed and stored,
      print and place in an inexpensive photo book, this will help in the event
      an insurance claim is needing to be made for any reason

*All the above are suggestions ONLY to better protect your belongings, they are not 100% full-proof methods. Do keep a regular check on the items in your unit to ensure their safety.