When placing items in storage, you want them to remain in the same condition as you left them. While selecting a dry and pest-free storage facility is essential in ensuring your possessions stay in good nick, some items require a little more protection than others. To shield from heat and humidity during long-term storage, the following should be placed in temperature controlled storage.

Following these tips for air conditioned storage will protect your belongings and increase their longevity by ensuring a cool, clean and consistent environment that’s free from contaminants.

Paper items

Books, paintings and photo albums are all vulnerable to paper rot when exposed to biological contaminants like mould mildew, dust, mites or bacteria. This causes ink to fade and pages to become yellowed and brittle. Using an air-conditioned unit for paper and books storage minimises the presence of moisture, which helps prevent such pollutants from appearing. Temperature controlled storage is particularly important for irreplaceable items with sentimental value like photos and diaries.

Clothing and fabric

If you are storing delicate or valuable clothing or accessories, such as those made from linen, silk, lace, leather or fur, it is essential to invest in an air-conditioned storage space. Dampness can cause mildew, mould and fungal growth, all of which can result in irreversible discolouration and foul odours. It is also advisable to wash fabric items before placing them in storage, as this ensures contaminants are kept to a minimum. For more tips on clothes storage head here.

Wooden furniture

If you’re using furniture storage while you’re in between houses or saving for a bigger home, be sure to place any wooden furniture in an air-conditioned storage facility. Wood tends to expand and contract when exposed to extreme heat and humidity, which causes it to warp and crack. It is also prone to rot in damp conditions, so temperature controlled storage is a must – especially in Singapore where humidity regularly exceeds a sweltering 80%. Valuable and antique furniture, in particular, should be prioritised for climate-controlled storage.

Musical instruments

Since musical instruments are typically made of a combination of wood and metal, they are especially prone to warping, rot and rust. Musical instruments storage should therefore always be air-conditioned. Be sure to store your instruments away from the doors and windows; the best place to keep them is the middle of the room where they will be farthest from temperature changes. Top grade instruments should be wrapped in plastic bags or coverings.

Electronics

Moisture can short-circuit electronics and home appliances when you turn them back on. Plus, when electrical items are stored for long periods in damp or unpredictable conditions, they can be susceptible to rust. This makes a temperature controlled storage unit a necessity for electronics.

Wine

Self-storage is a great option for your wine collection, but maintaining a constant temperature is essential. Wine should be stored between 11 and 14°C (52-57°F) and humidity should be kept steady to avoid condensation and cracked corks. Need more insights on wine storage? Read on here.

Need affordable air-conditioned storage?

Space Next Door might just have what you need! Contact us today to find out about our temperature controlled storage solutions across Singapore.