Storage Blog

5 BLOGS YOU NEED TO READ ABOUT STORING DURING WINTERTIME

EXPECT THE BEST & PREPARE FOR THE WORST THIS WINTER You may think the worst has already hit us. But last week, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day and predicted six more weeks of winter weather. That doesn’t mean you need to delay your move or cancel your storage unit reservation. It just means you need to plan ahead! Over the years, we have published several blog posts about winter storage. Our five favorites you need to read are listed below, so take a look and prepare yourself for whatever weather could be headed our way. #1: Moving During Winter The last thing you want to do during a big move is get sick, especially during a global pandemic. Our blog post on moving during winter offers five tips you can take to prevent a cold or the flu. PS: We also offer contactless storage rental options for those of you most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s always about safety first here at Modern Storage®! #2: Winter Storage: What Can Go Wrong? Lots of first-time renters struggle with deciding whether or not they need a climate-controlled unit. For some, it’s not necessary. For others, we cannot recommend it more. From freezing electronics to cracking furniture, so many things could go wrong if you store something sensitive in an outdoor storage unit during winter time. If you want to be extra careful, it’s also smart to consider getting tenant insurance. #3: Winter Storage: Why Choose Climate Control? Not sure if your belongings are considered “sensitive?” Read our blog post covering climate-controlled winter storage for a list of common temperature-sensitive items. Hint: appliances, artwork, clothing, and more all made the list! #4: Winterizing Your Storage Unit Once you get all your items organized in your storage unit, there are several things you can do to protect them from winter’s worst. #5: Winterizing Your Vehicle for Storage Did you know Modern Storage® also offers boat, motorcycle, RV, and other types of vehicle storage? We are happy to help you safely store your precious babies! If you have ...

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January 2nd, 2022

YOUR WINTER GUIDE TO CLIMATE-CONTROLLED STORAGE UNITS

Climate Control Storage

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE Winter in Arkansas can be brutal. When frigid temperatures and humidity fluctuations take hold, it causes damage to your belongings you may never have fathomed. Fortunately, Modern Storage has a solution that can address the issue: climate-controlled storage units! What Are Climate-Controlled Storage Units? Climate-controlled storage units are the best way to keep your belongings in good health all year long. Climate-controlled units are heated and cooled to store your belongings between a steady 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, no matter what the temperature is outside. Why Should You Care? Many people we speak to are aware that heat and humidity can cause harm to their items in the summer. But, no so many are aware that the extreme drops in temperature during the winter can cause the same effect.Without climate control, a storage unit will allow a buildup of moisture and humidity on your items during warm summer months. Living in sticky southern areas like Arkansas creates a prime environment for these conditions.This means during winter, the accumulated moisture will freeze and potentially destroy many of your beloved items.Here are just a few ways your items can be affected by winter’s chill without being stored in a climate-controlled environment: Lips aren’t the only thing cracking in the winter! Leather, wood, canvas art, glassware, dishes, china, and other delicate materials can be destroyed with the freezing of the humidity caused by warmer months. The Energizer Bunny cannot keep going and going when it’s freezing outside! Your electronics are at great risk if not cared for in the cold. Damage can be done to the batteries, hard drives, and electrical systems of your devices when left to freezing temperatures. The Little Engine That Could may not! Small engine equipment such as mowers, leaf blowers, golf carts, dirt bikes, boats, and 4-wheelers must be properly stored during the winter. Without great care, freezing temperatures can cause damage to batteries, cracks in the engine and hoses, and harm to the electrical systems. Picture imperfect. Although heat and humidity cause the greatest damage level ...

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July 13th, 2021

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE CLIMATE CONTROL THIS WINTER

Climate Control Storage

CLIMATE IS KING Arkansas winters can be brutal and unpredictable. The cold weather not only wreaks havoc on our bodies, but also threatens the integrity of items in your storage unit. Can you securely say your stuff isn’t at risk? We want to help you prepare for the winter months ahead, and that all starts with seriously considering choosing a climate-controlled storage unit. Not sure you need it? Need to see more facts? Here is some serious insight on why climate control is perfect for you during these cold months. How Does Climate-Controlled Storage Work During Winter? Year-round, the key to climate control is to keep your valuables protected from extreme heat, extreme cold, and humidity. In a climate-controlled storage unit, the space itself and the hallway surrounding it is heated or cooled depending on outside temperature. When it comes to wintertime, it’s important to keep a climate-controlled storage unit far above freezing temperatures. That’s why we utilize insulation and central heating to protect your belongings from even the harshest of winters. For additional protection, climate-controlled storage units also maintain a consistent humidity level. If you can imagine what cold, damp conditions could do to your most precious possessions, you can see why climate control is so important. How Bad Can an Arkansas Winter Really Be? Are you still questioning if a climate-controlled storage unit is something you should choose? You need to know what the cold temperatures can do to your valuables. From furniture to photos, the following most commonly stored items are very temperature sensitive. Wood Furniture Cold, humid conditions can cause warping and cracking in your beautiful wood furniture. Leather Furniture Humidity hangs in the air like heavy rain during wintertime, leaving your leather goods dried out or discolored once it warms up in the Spring. Appliances Household appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers, dishwashers, etc. all have electrical and mechanical parts that can get damaged in extreme cold. Electronics When temperatures drop to freezing, the internal parts of electronics can get damaged. Think about your TVs, stereos, computers…do you think they could survive ...

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July 13th, 2021

INSIDE VS. OUTSIDE: WHERE SHOULD YOU STORE YOUR STUFF?

Climate Control Storage

SHOULD YOU CHOOSE CLIMATE-CONTROL OR DRIVE-UP? Admit it: Your home or office is in dire need of decluttering. You know it’s a big chore, but you have decided it’s time to bite the bullet and rent a self-storage unit. But, do you know what kind of storage unit you need? Inside…or outside? If you give Modern Storage a call, one of our storage experts can help you choose! Both indoor and outdoor storage options are available to you at our Arkansas self-storage facilities, and we also have an abundance of amenities to go along with it all: On-site managers 24-surveillance cameras Perimeter fencing Controlled-access gates Moving supplies And more! We can’t clean out your house and pack your stuff for you, but we can certainly steer you in the direction of a unit that will fit your needs.So, let’s review your options… Outside Self-Storage Units Outdoor self-storage units are typically drive-up or walk-up access. This type of storage unit is very popular because they are affordable and easy to load and unload. You can drive up to the door, unpack your stuff, and call it a day! If you need to store large or heavy items, an outdoor unit would be much easier for you than an inside unit. You don’t have to worry about navigating an unending series of doors or hallways to reach your stuff. Outdoor units are also especially useful if you need to store some stuff, but don’t have a garage (or overstuffed your garage) at your home. The concept is the same: you leave your stuff outside in a covered area, roll down the door, and lock it up tight. (PS: We also sell storage unit locks if you need one!) What Can I Store Outside? If you are storing a boat, car, truck, trailer, or RV, and outdoor storage unit is always the perfect go-to. You can rent an outdoor parking space or vehicle storage unit from a storage facility like Modern Storage and be all set! There are a few other items that can also be stored outside without any problems: Lawnmower gardening ...

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July 13th, 2021

IS CLIMATE-CONTROLLED STORAGE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Climate Control Storage

BENEFITS OF CLIMATE-CONTROLLED STORAGE UNITS Have you ever gone into your attic, shed, or basement to find something you stored there, only to discover damage? That’s what storing in the average storage unit could be like for you – your worst nightmare! Unexpected weather, pests, dirt, and more play a part in how successful your storage experience will be. But, a climate-controlled storage unit located indoors and set to a constant temperature can help eliminate the fear of anything happening to your most important personal belongings. Climate Control vs. Non-Climate Control While a standard storage unit may be perfect for certain storage applications, it’s not the best choice for everyone. If you plan to store electronics, artwork, furniture, documents, or other sensitive items, a climate-controlled storage unit would be the better choice for you. Just by spending a few more dollars a month to secure a climate-controlled unit, you might save yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars in potential damages.Let’s dive into some of the unique benefits of climate-controlled storage to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Temperature Control Throughout an average year in Arkansas, temperatures can range from well-below-freezing in the winter, to over 100 degrees in the summer. Plus, the added humidity we are famous for is friend to no one.These huge temperature fluctuations can take a toll on items stored in a non-climate-controlled environment. For example, delicate belongings like antiques, musical instruments, and wood furniture can become damaged or warped. The last thing you want to see when you open the door to your storage unit is splitting, warping, and cracking due to the uncontrollable temperatures.At Modern Storage, our climate-controlled storage units are kept at a controlled temperature above 60 degrees and below 80 degrees. This way, keeping your belongings in a storage unit feels much more like leaving them in your own home. Mold and Mildew Protection It doesn’t really matter what you’re storing: In the Arkansas humidity, your stuff will start to smell like it’s been sitting in a ...

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July 13th, 2021

5 FAQS ABOUT CLIMATE CONTROL STORAGE

Climate Control Storage

Let Us Answer All Your Questions About Climate Controlled Units As you weigh your options between renting a climate control unit or a non-climate control unit, naturally, a lot of questions come up. At Modern Storage, we are always happy to answer them for you and help you make the best decision.Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about renting a climate control unit. What does “climate-controlled” mean? Having a climate-controlled unit, in other words, means that the unit is temperature-controlled. It is also located indoors, as not to interact with the elements outside.Depending on the weather, which constantly changes here in Arkansas with our humidity levels, climate control units at Modern Storage will always be kept between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Is that all a climate-controlled unit does? No! Because the unit is set at a controlled temperature, you will also keep your items from warping, fading, or damaging from fluctuating temperatures. If we have a sudden head wave, you can sleep soundly knowing your items are cool.Plus, because they are enclosed indoors, renting a climate control unit helps fight against pest and dust accumulation. Why do I need a climate-controlled unit? A climate-controlled storage unit is ideal for long-term storage of sensitive items. As the seasons change, you can trust that your most important belongings are not being exposed to the weather.If you are planning on storing any of the following items, we highly recommend renting a climate control unit: items made of wood, or any large furniture electronic devices collectibles like artwork, comic books, or family heirlooms beverages, like wine or spirits. At our West Little Rock location, we even offer special wine storage units to ensure your beverages will not spoil while in storage. When do I not need a climate-controlled unit? When you are storing items for a short amount of time, a climate-controlled unit is not essential. For example, if you need to store some belongings for a couple of months during one season, you usually do not need to worry about ...

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July 13th, 2021