When searching for a storage unit, you will come across the terms ‘Climate-Controlled’ and ‘Drive-Up Storage’. If you aren’t familiar with self-storage, these terms may not mean anything to you. Both terms are different features of storage units. Having these options could be the difference between an okay rental experience and a great experience. At Stor4You we offer both of these storage options so you can choose what works best for you.

Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate-controlled storage means a storage unit is maintained at a controlled temperature. Most climate-controlled storage is kept at a temperature between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. In a non-regulated storage environment, extreme temperatures can destroy and damage your items. Using a climate-controlled storage unit keeps your items protected from external weather conditions. It also keeps items safe from extreme heat and cold temperatures. This will prevent damage to the items and provide you with peace of mind. You’ll never have to worry if your storage is damaged or ruined. While all items can benefit from climate-controlled storage, certain items require this type of storage.

These items include:

• Artwork such as paintings, photography, and drawings.
• Antiques, especially furniture or fragile items.
• Electronics including computers, game consoles, and video cameras.
• Appliances such as toasters, microwaves, or a KitchenAid.
• Books, both hardcover and softcover.
• Fragile items including glass, mirrors, and dishware.
• Sensitive materials and fabrics such as leather, upholstery, glass, metal, and plastics.
• Wood furniture including chairs, tables, and bed frames.
• Instruments such as drums, trumpets, and guitars.
• Records and CDs, as well as DVDs.

These types of items can get destroyed in regular storage. Opting for a climate-controlled unit will ensure the items stay safe.

Drive-Up Storage

Drive-up storage is a type of storage that has drive-up access. It is similar to a garage, where a person can pull a vehicle up to, or into, the storage space to unload and load up their items. Indoor storage is where one has to unload their items at a loading dock and carry it through a hallway to the storage unit. Drive-up storage eliminates these steps, by allowing unloading directly into a unit. Because of this, drive-up storage is great for moving bulky and heavy items. This type of storage unit is usually conveniently located and easy to find. It often offers larger sizes than indoor storage does as well. If you are storing the whole contents of a house during a move, a large unit is very beneficial.

Drive-up storage is convenient for many types of storage, but it is ideal for the storage of these items:

• Because drive-up storage often has larger sized storage units available, they are perfect for storing the contents of a home during a move. It is convenient because one can drive a moving truck right up to the unit, making loading and unloading quick and easy. During a difficult move, the last thing you’d want is to make things more complicated!
• Seasonal decor is the perfect option for drive-up storage, as one can easily drop it off and switch boxes as the season's change. Get rid of your bulky seasonal decor storage and save the storage room in your house for items you’ll use more often.
• Another great use of drive-up storage is outdoor equipment. Items such as bikes, skis, boats, motorcycles, BBQ grills, and smokers are often large and heavy. Having the ability to drive up and drop these items off right in the unit makes storing them much more convenient.
• Gardening and yard supplies are also great items for drive-up storage. Tools such as rakes, wheelbarrows, lawnmowers, snowplows, and other outdoor supplies are bulky and seasonal. Keep room in your shed or garage by moving these to a storage unit that you can drive right up too.

These types of items are great for drive-up storage. But, the convenience of driving directly up to the storage unit is nice for most storage options.

Both drive-up storage and climate-controlled storage options are good ideas for your storage. While some drive-up storage is climate-controlled, not all are. Take the time to do your research when looking for a storage facility. Think of what options will best fit your needs. Learn more about Stor4You’s storage options on our website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us as we are always happy to help!