If you’re looking for a Tucson storage unit, chances are you’ve come across the climate-controlled variety. If you’re wondering if you need a climate-controlled room, the answer is “yes.” However, that would make this very short, so here are a few things that a climate-controlled unit protects and things it will guard against, so you can make an informed decision. Moisture Arizona is notoriously dry, unlike Florida, per say. For this reason, conventional logic would tell you that your items don’t need protection from humidity or moisture. Unfortunately, Arizona doesn’t care about conventional logic, and it throws Monsoon at you once a year. Most residents are grateful for the storms, but if your storage isn’t protected from humidity, you can risk damage either by encouraging mold and mildew growth or by warping. Some things which are sensitive to humidity include: Bedding and Mattresses Clothing Collectable Toys (especially boxed ones) Electronics and Appliances of All Types (are also sensitive to heat) Furniture Metal Paintings Paper Goods (books, comic books, newspapers, documents) Photographs Stuffed Animals Vinyl Records (are also sensitive to heat) Temperature Thankfully, Tucson’s cold days aren’t all that cold. They usually average in the high 30s or low 40s, which means it rarely hits the freezing point. However, the region pays for these mild winters when summer comes, and the temperatures are over 100-degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures can cause all sorts of trouble for: Media (CDs, DVDs, tapes) Musical Instruments Plastic Items Sculptures Sports Equipment Wood (Usually caused by extreme variances, but can be influenced by moisture as well) Things which Don’t Need Climate-Controlled Storage While it’s true that most things can benefit from a climate-controlled Tucson storage unit, there are a few things you can usually get away with keeping in a traditional unit, provided it’s short-term. You’ll have to personally weigh the risk involved for yourself, but you may not need a climate-controlled space for: Boats Lawn Mowers Motorcycles Snow Blowers Vehicles Sometimes if you take other precautionary measures, such as stowing clean, dry fabric in a sealed container, it will be ok for a short period of time in traditional storage. Paper also does well under similar circumstances. However, most items on the heat damage list will not last very long in traditional storage. If you’ve ever entered a vehicle on a summer day in Tucson, you’ll understand why. It’s not just hot.It’s like standing under a blow-dryer, multiplied by a thousand. If you’re in doubt which kind of storage you need, ask the facility’s staff, or err on the side of caution. If you can’t repair or replace the item, it’s best to make sure it’s safe. Call or stop by our Tucson self storage facility today! US Storage Centers 2825 North 1st Avenue Tucson, AZ 85719 (520) 216-7911