What Items Need Climate-Controlled Storage (and Why)
During the cold winter months like we’re experiencing now—or the hot summer months just around the corner—we’re often asked why climate-controlled units matter and what items actually need to go in them. It’s a great question, because many people don’t realize how quickly temperature swings and humidity can damage their most valued belongings.
Climate-controlled storage helps by maintaining a consistent temperature and stable humidity year-round. It’s a balance that protects items from cracking, warping, freezing, rusting, and mold growth—problems that usually go unnoticed until the damage is already done.
At the same time, not all items benefit equally from climate-controlled storage. Here are the ones that truly do:
Wooden Furniture & Antiques
Solid wood expands and contracts with temperature and moisture changes. Over time, this can cause cracking, splitting, and loose joints—bad news for heirloom furniture and items or antique pieces you want to preserve for generations.
Artwork & Photos
Paper, canvas, and photographic prints are extremely sensitive to heat and humidity. Without stable conditions, colors can fade, frames can warp, and mold can develop. Climate control helps preserve both the beauty and value of your art.
Leather & Fabric Upholstery
These materials “breathe,” so changes in humidity can cause mildew and overly dry air can cause cracking and stiffness. Temperature control helps by keeping leather soft and fabrics fresh.
Books, Records & Important Documents
Paper and vinyl are easily damaged by temperature extremes as heat accelerates deterioration, cold makes items brittle, and humidity invites mold. Stable conditions like those in climate-controlled storage units protect irreplaceable records, paperwork, and collections.
Musical Instruments
Guitars, violins, pianos, and other instruments are especially vulnerable as wood can warp, strings can weaken, and sound quality can suffer when exposed to fluctuating temperatures.
Wine & Other Collectibles
Even a small wine collection benefits from consistent temperatures not only in terms of preventing the collection from going bad, but also in preserving flavor, quality, and long-term value. The same applies to trading cards, coins, stamps, and other collectibles.
Electronics & Appliances
Extreme heat and cold can damage internal components, shorten battery life, and lead to condensation. Climate control helps extend the life of these units by preventing these issues and by protecting sensitive circuitry.
Clothing & Seasonal Items
Wedding dresses, winter coats, and special-occasion clothing can yellow, mildew, or deteriorate without proper conditions. Climate-controlled storage helps by keeping fabrics clean and wearable.
No matter which of these (or other) items you’re storing, it can be helpful not to think of climate control is a luxury—but rather as a necessity and as peace of mind. After all, the right environment can make all the difference in how well your items stand the test of time.
Let Towne Storage accommodate your climate-controlled storage needs by checking availability and reaching out today!