The term storage is used quite frequently to mean a variety of different things. The one common factor is that materials or belongings are kept in a secure location during a time when they are not needed but ready for shipment to their final destination when the need arises. However, different items have different storage requirements. Some have to be maintained at a constant temperature to avoid damage. Others require special packaging or handling prior to storage. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of storage available to meet these different needs.

Cold storage is often required when one stores foods, especially meats and dairy products. The temperatures for such storage units can vary from several degrees below zero up to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures are normally controlled by the use of a refrigeration unit capable of cooling the entire storage unit down to the required temperature and maintaining it.

Other items, such as electronic equipment and pharmaceuticals require storage within a range of acceptable temperatures. This range can vary depending on what is being stored. It is customary to equip storage spaces for materials such as these with appropriate air conditioning or heating systems to maintain as close to a constant temperature as possible. Unlike true cold storage units, environmentally controlled units can be set to virtually any desired temperature depending on the material being stored.

Finally, there are those materials that have no specific environmental requirements for storage other than a dry environment. Most items fall into this category; so most storage facilities do not have any special features to control temperature or humidity. These units are simply storage spaces with a door that locks but can be opened to the outside without hindrance when materials are moved into or out of the facility.

There are some items that do not have any temperature requirements, but do require special handling prior to storage. If humidity or insects can damage an item, it must be packaged in such a way as to make it impossible for these factors to have any effect. This is normally accomplished by the use of specific packaging types that provide the needed protection from the environmental hazard. Some items can be packaged at home in a manner that will provide adequate protection, but often it is necessary to hire professionals to package items and provide any special handling that is required.

Most self storage facilities do not offer such professional material handling and packaging. However, there are some who do. While shopping for a storage facility to care for your items, it is a good idea to look for one that provides the services you require in this regard if you have items requiring special packaging or handling.

Rates for the various storage facilities generally vary based on the amount of special modification that is required. Cold storage is often the most expensive owing to the extent of equipment needed to lower temperatures to an acceptable range. Environmentally controlled storage spaces are next, though usually much less expensive than cold storage. Regular, uncontrolled storage is the least expensive normally, with variations based on location and level of service provided.