WHY CLIMATE MATTERS?

Why Climate-Controlled Storage Matters

As winter approaches in Grey Bruce, most of us are thinking about snow tires and heating bills. But there's another cold-weather concern that often gets overlooked: where you're storing your belongings.A recent Cottage Life article highlights the surprising damage that cold, unheated storage can do to everyday items from canned food to leather furniture to musical instruments. If you're using a garage, shed, or standard storage unit without climate control, your valuables could be at risk.

The Hidden Dangers of Unheated Storage

When storage spaces aren't climate-controlled, three major threats put your belongings in jeopardy: 1. Freezing Temperatures: Cold can warp wood, make plastics brittle, damage electronics, and cause leather to crack. Items that seem durable often have hidden vulnerabilities to freezing conditions. 2. Moisture & Humidity: When temperatures drop, moisture condenses on surfaces and inside containers, leading to rust on metal, mold on fabrics, and warping of wood furniture. 3. Temperature Swings: Grey Bruce experiences frequent freeze-thaw cycles throughout winter. These fluctuations cause materials to expand and contract repeatedly, accelerating deterioration.

What Should NEVER Go in Unheated Storage

Furniture & Home Goods: Wood, leather, and upholstered furniture will warp, crack, or develop mildew in cold, damp conditions. Mattresses and bedding are extremely vulnerable to moisture and mold. Electronics & Appliances: Computers, TVs, monitors, stereo equipment, and small appliances suffer from failed hard drives, cracked screens, and deteriorated circuit boards when exposed to cold and condensation. Valuable Collections & Heirlooms: Musical instruments warp and crack in unheated storage. Vinyl records, artwork, photographs, collectibles, and antiques deteriorate rapidly with humidity and temperature swings, losing both condition and value. Important Documents & Media: Paper documents, books, photo albums, and media like DVDs and CDs become yellowed, brittle, moldy, or warped without climate control. Clothing & Textiles: Seasonal clothing, wedding dresses, formal wear, and business inventory need protection from mildew and musty smells that develop in unheated spaces. Vehicles & Recreational Equipment: Motorcycles, bicycles, boats, classic cars, ATVs, and PWCs all suffer damage to batteries, rubber seals, upholstery, and electronic systems. Our indoor heated boat storage is ideal for protecting these investments. Specialty Items: Wine collections, medications, paint and art supplies, and business records all require stable conditions to maintain their integrity and effectiveness.

What CAN Go in Standard Storage?

Some items handle cold just fine: metal tools (if kept dry), outdoor equipment, lawn mowers (drained of fuel), plastic bins with non-sensitive contents, and car tires. For everything else? Go climate-controlled.

The Climate-Controlled Solution

Climate-controlled storage units maintain stable temperatures between 55-85°F (13-30°C) and regulate humidity levels year-round. Here's why that matters: Protection from Damage: Preventing warping, rust, mold, and component failure protects your investment. Items stored for more than three months are especially vulnerable without climate control. Cleaner, Safer Environment: Indoor climate-controlled units offer better air circulation, reduced dust, and improved pest prevention. Sealed, insulated buildings keep rodents and insects out. Peace of Mind: You won't spend winter wondering if your furniture is warping or your inventory is growing mold.

Climate Control in Owen Sound & Port Elgin

At Stow-It Self Storage, our heated units are specifically designed for Ontario winters:✓ Indoor, insulated units protected from outdoor temperature extremes✓ Year-round temperature maintenance to prevent freeze-thaw damage✓ Humidity control to reduce condensation and moisture problems✓ 24/7 access with gated entry and cameras✓ Flexible sizes for furniture, business inventory, and seasonal itemsOur locations at 1264 Mackenzie Road in Port Elgin and 1960 20th Street East in Owen Sound both offer climate-controlled options.

Is Climate-Controlled Storage Right for You?

Ask yourself:

  • Are you storing wood, leather, electronics, or fabric items?
  • Will items be stored through winter (3+ months)?
  • Do you live in an area with freeze-thaw cycles? (That's us!)
  • Do you want to avoid costly replacement or repairs?

If you answered "yes" to any of these, climate-controlled storage is the smart choice. Don't Let Winter Damage Your Valuables. The difference between standard and climate-controlled storage could mean the difference between preserving your belongings and replacing them. Rent your heated storage unit today and enjoy peace of mind all winter long. Contact Stow-It Self Storage:📍 Port Elgin: 1264 Mackenzie Road. 519-389-7700.📍 Owen Sound: 1960 20th Street East. 519-376-8831.🌐 www.stowit.ca