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Why You Need Climate-Controlled Storage in the Northeast


October 15, 2024 | Moving

If you’re planning a move to the Northeast, climate-controlled storage could be the right choice for your belongings. Certain household materials, such as wooden furniture, electronics, and delicate fabrics, are particularly susceptible to damage from heat and temperature fluctuations. The Northeast United States, with its diverse and sometimes extreme weather patterns, is a region where climate-controlled storage is not just a luxury—it’s frequently recommended. States like Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are known for their hot, humid summers and wet, cold winters.

Climate-control storage provides a secure shield, protecting personal and business items from extreme temperature swings. This level of protection can give you peace of mind, knowing that your household items are safe and secure, no matter the weather outside. Here are some tips on preparing your belongings for climate-controlled storage in the Northeast.

How to Prepare Leather Furniture for Climate-Controlled Storage in the Northeast

Investing in high-end leather furniture is an easy way to bring style and sophistication to any space. However, proper furniture preparation and storage is crucial for keeping these investment pieces in pristine condition during a move, whether across town or the country. Temperature swings and humidity levels are common in the Northeast and can cause leather to stiffen, crack, or develop a musty odor. To safeguard your contemporary leather sofas, bar stools, and more, clean surfaces with a soft cloth and premium leather cleaner and take the following steps:

  • Apply a high-quality leather conditioner to protect against drying in low-humidity conditions.
  • Disassemble any removable components, such as legs or cushions, to simplify transport and storage.
  • Use breathable, dust-resistant covers to shield the leather.
  • Avoid stacking heavy items on top to prevent indentations or damage when storing.
  • Select a climate-controlled storage unit to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels throughout the changing seasons in the Northeast.

CONNECTICUT MOVING TIPS

Connecticut experiences all four seasons, each bringing its unique charm and considerations for moving. Plan around the region’s climate to make your move as smooth as possible. Spring and early fall are ideal, offering mild and pleasant weather. Summers can be warm and humid, while winters bring snow and freezing temperatures. Avoid moving during peak summer months if possible or during mid-winter snowstorms to reduce the risk of weather-related delays and challenges. By choosing the right time of year, you’ll be able to enjoy a more comfortable and stress-free transition.

Climate Controlled Storage For Clothes And Fabrics

Luxury clothing, such as designer suits and shoes, require extra care when preparing for storage. The fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels typical in the Northeast can cause damage to sensitive materials. To protect your valuable apparel, start by cleaning each item professionally to remove any stains or dirt. For delicate fabrics, consider using padded hangers or laying garments flat to maintain their shape. Follow these steps to ensure proper storage:

  • Use breathable garment bags to protect your clothing from dust while allowing airflow. 
  • Store clothing and linens in a climate-controlled unit, which prevents severe temperature swings and humidity levels during the Northeast’s seasonal shifts.
  • Avoid stacking heavy items on top of your wardrobe boxes to keep garments wrinkle-free by ensuring they have adequate space and are not compressed under heavier items.
  • Include desiccants, which are moisture absorbers, like silica gel, in storage areas to further reduce humidity.

NEW JERSEY MOVING TIPS

New Jersey’s climate is characterized by moderately cold and occasionally snowy winters and warm, humid summers. In northern areas like Stanhope and Andover, summers are warm but not as humid, while winters are colder and can bring occasional snowfall, which may complicate moving logistics. Central New Jersey cities like Monmouth Junction experience milder winters and warmer summers with higher humidity. The ideal time to move to New Jersey is during the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, and you can avoid the peak summer heat and winter snow.

Prepare Your Wooden Furniture For Climate Controlled Storage 

To protect high-end wooden furniture—such as dining room tables, bed frames, bar stools, dressers, and nightstands—during storage in the Northeast, start by thoroughly cleaning and conditioning each piece. Allow ample time for the furniture to dry completely before moving it into your storage unit. Rather than wrapping wood pieces in plastic, which can trap moisture and cause damage, use moving blankets to cover each item and secure them with tape before wrapping with stretch wrap.

Heirloom and luxury wooden furniture are especially vulnerable to fluctuations in moisture, heat, and cold. In the Northeast, dry heat and sudden humidity shifts can lead to warping or cracking as wood expands and contracts. Choosing a climate-controlled storage unit ensures a consistent environment, helping preserve your valuable furniture pieces year-round.

NEW YORK MOVING TIPS

New York’s climate varies widely due to its diverse geography. Summers are warm to hot, especially in areas like Long Island, where temperatures often reach the 90s°F. Winters in New York can be very cold, with heavy snowfall and occasional snow along the coast. Spring and early fall are generally considered the best times to move to New York, as temperatures are milder, and you can avoid summer heat and humidity and the freezing temps during winter. 

Climate Control Storage Offers Consistent Temperature and Humidity

Choosing a climate-controlled storage facility for household or business items offers numerous benefits, especially for homeowners with valuable furniture and delicate materials. Climate-controlled facilities provide a consistent temperature and humidity level, which helps prevent damage to items susceptible to environmental changes, such as wood, electronics, or high-end fabrics. 

Class A storage facilities enjoy advanced security features, including state-of-the-art security systems like 24-hour video surveillance, motion-activated LED lighting, and electronic gate access to ensure your belongings are always secure.

If you are traveling abroad or prefer doing everything on your smartphone or tablet, a storage provider like Metro Self Storage offers user-friendly mobile websites so renting online is more enjoyable and enabling you to manage your storage unit with online bill pay. At Metro, we focus on providing a top-tier experience through professional management, on-site service, and clean, well-maintained storage facilities.

Northeast Climate-Controlled Storage With Metro Self Storage

Using climate-controlled storage during a move provides invaluable peace of mind, ensuring your valuables are well-protected. At Metro Self Storage, we recognize how crucial it is to safeguard your belongings during any life transition. Our climate-controlled units maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels year-round, making them ideal for storing household items, business items, personal gear, and more. 

Ready to experience the benefits of climate-controlled storage during your move? Visit Metro Self Storage, where reserving your ideal storage solution is just a click away.