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Packing Tips for Climate Controlled Storage: Protect Your Items Effectively

  • Writer: Kris Gafner
    Kris Gafner
  • Oct 13
  • 5 min read

Updated: Oct 17

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When you store your items, you want to make sure they are safe from heat, cold, humidity, and pests. Climate controlled storage in Nashville TN provides a good option for making sure that your items stay in a stable storage environment. But even if you store your goods in climate controlled storage, proper packing is just as important to ensure your items are cared for and stored properly.

In this article, we will share practical packing tips, strategies for fragile items and organization tips that make moving and storing your items safe and easy. You will also find useful tips for maximizing your storage experience using climate controlled storage in Franklin, TN and climate controlled storage in Knoxville TN.


What Is Climate Controlled Storage?


Climate controlled storage, a kind of self-storage facility where temperature and humidity are regulated throughout the entire year. While standard self-storage facilities provide a place for your personal belongings, climate-controlled storage units take things a step further by preventing excessive heat, cold, and moisture from damaging items in the storage facility. 

Climate controlled storage is the right storage solution for items that are sensitive to environmental changes that many people keep in a self-storage unit, for example: 

  • Wood furniture and antiques

  • Electronics and appliances

  • Important documents and pictures

  • Artwork and collectibles

Choosing climate controlled storage in Nashville TN helps to minimize the possibility of warping, mold, and deterioration that can happen in a standard self-storage unit.


Why Proper Packing Matters


In the best-case scenarios, when the environment is controlled, you can incur damage due to improper packing. Proper Packing Prevents: 

  • Scratches and breakage: Packing a fragile or other valuable item with a foam wrap is a form of cushioning, keeping the item safe from damage and shifting. 

  • Moisture and dust: Proper packing and sealed containers greatly reduce exposure to moisture and dust.

  • Space savings and accessibility: Proper packing allows you to inventory and store more items and easily retrieve stored items when needed.

  • Longevity of your possessions: Proper packing protects your investment, and the item will last longer when you pack it correctly. Long term, whether you are packing for a renovation project or a need for storage, proper packing is key to preserving your belongings, with more convenience for peace of mind, or space saving.


Key Packing Tips for Climate Controlled Storage


1. Use Cirathane Boxes, Reliable Containers

Utilize strong boxes created for moving and storing - double-walled boxes are ideal for heavier items. If the item needs added protection:

  • Lining boxes with bubble wrap or packing paper 

  • Avoiding overpacking to prevent crushing 

  • Using clear plastic bins for improved visibility 

Bins, such as Sterlite or other clear plastic bins, are perfectly accepted in a climate controlled storage in Franklin if your items may be slightly impacted by the humidity. Bins can allow you to check on your items without opening each box. 

2. Cautiously Pack Fragile Items 

Fragile items require special consideration. Here’s how to pack them loosely and safely. 

  • Wrap glassware, ceramics, and electronics separately with bubble wrap

  • Pack any plates and fragile glass with dividers

  • Beware and put “Fragile” on boxes with fragile contents.

When long-term storing items in climate controlled storage in Knoxville TN, fragile packing will help ensure your items remain whole and intact.

3) Roll and Wrap Soft Items

If not properly stored, your textiles, linens, and clothing may absorb moisture or even absorb smells. 

  • When packing clothes, roll the clothing instead of folding it to save space. 

  • Store linens and fabrics inside vacuum-sealed bags. 

  •  Wrap mattresses in plastic covers to avoid dust build-up. 

By packing properly, you will reduce the risk of moisture and keep your soft items fresher.

4. Store Electronics Safe

Similar to outdoor conditions, electronics can be very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Even in climate controlled units:

  • Remove batteries to avoid leaking.

  • Be sure to use the original packaging or cushioned box.

  • Even cords or accessories should be wrapped and covered separately to avoid tangling or getting damaged.

climate controlled storage in Nashville TN is a wise choice for ensuring the temperature and humidity remain more even, but the item will be even safer if packed carefully and safely. 

5. Organize Based on Usage

Imagine your storage unit is a mini warehouse:

  • Position items you will use often, towards the front.

  • If you are stacking boxes, put the heaviest ones on the bottom and the lighter boxes on top.

  • You should keep a list so you can easily find items when you need them.

It is important to be as organized as possible using climate controlled storage in Franklin or Knoxville TN that can help you find everything, without having to unpack the whole thing.


Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid


Even the most experienced packers can still make mistakes. Avoid making these mistakes:  

  • Using Weak or Damaged Boxes: Weak or damaged boxes can collapse and break your contents.

  • Packing Items Too Tightly: Without cushioning, it’s likely that items will break. 

  • Failing to Label: Failing to label your boxes will result in wasting time looking for items later.  

  • Storing Perishable Items: You should never put food or plants into long-term storage, even if the unit is climate-controlled.  

If you avoid these common mistakes, you can avoid damaging your possessions and a lot of the stress associated with storage.


Additional Tips for Long-Term Storage


  • Use desiccants: Moisture-absorbing packets help prevent mold and mildew.

  • Cover furniture: Blankets or shrink wrap protect surfaces from dust and minor scratches.

  • Separate metal items: Wrap separately to prevent rust or corrosion.

  • Check periodically: Even in climate controlled units, occasional inspections can prevent issues.

These tips are especially useful for climate controlled storage in Nashville TN, Franklin, and Knoxville TN, where long-term storage may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. What types of things should I not put in a climate controlled unit? 

Most fittings, flammable, and hazardous items are highly unadvisable. Perishable foods and plants should also be avoided, even with temperature control. These items do have a risk, even with temperature adjustments. 

2. How long can I store items in climate control? 

Typically, units are fine for both short and long term. Just check the facility policies because some may have set maximum limits to the amount of time you can store or may require periodic reviews after a certain amount timeframe has occurred. 

3. Do I still need to pack items if it is being stored in climate control? 

Yes! Climate control protects from temperature and humidity, but packing properly also prevents damaging your items and minimizes dust. 

4. Are climate controlled units more expensive? 

Yes, but often the price is justified by increasing the level of protection of sensitive or valuable items. 

5. Can my electronics be properly stored in climate controlled? 

Yes! Just make sure to take the batteries out, keep them in cushioned boxes, and do not pile heavier items on top of them. 


Conclusion


Climate controlled storage in Nashville TN is an excellent choice for safeguarding your valuables, but smart packing is equally important. By using sturdy boxes, protecting fragile items, organizing your unit, and following best practices, you ensure that your belongings stay safe, accessible, and in excellent condition.

Whether you’re using climate controlled storage in Franklin or climate controlled storage in Knoxville TN, proper packing and organization are key to maximizing the benefits of climate control.

Ready to store your items safely? Contact your local climate controlled storage facility today to reserve your unit and protect your belongings for the long term.



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