Storage Unit Features
Most people wouldn’t think there’s much to a self-storage space beyond having an extra space to put your things in. Maybe that’s all some people need, but we offer so much more than that. Plus, if you take that approach, you’re likely to see some items be destroyed by the environment of your storage unit. Many materials break down with inattentive care, humidity, and certain temperatures. At Gateway North Storage, our knowledgeable team will help guide you in where and how you store your items, to help ensure that your items stay in as good of condition as they were the day they went in.
Climate-Controlled Units— Up to the 10’x20’ size, all of our units come in a climate-controlled version. We highly recommend taking advantage of climate controls in your storage unit if you’re storing antiques, clothing, or anything made of certain materials, such as wool. Below are a few examples of things that should be stored in a climate-controlled room and the threat that the elements pose to each.
Fabrics — Different types of fabrics react to temperatures differently. Depending on what you put in storage, you could see your clothes, towels, blankets, and tablecloths start to deteriorate fairly quickly if you don’t put them in the proper climate. Air-tight storage bags are also recommended for fabrics in order to fight this and any possible critters that might make it into your self-storage unit.
Antiques — If you’re keeping an item to build its value, then unless it is heavily primed or made of certain extremely durable materials, like copper, you most likely want to have it in a climate-controlled environment. Wood and different fabrics can decay or warp if they’re exposed to extreme climate changes in a brief amount of time because of materials constricting in the cold, expanding in the heat, and then repeating the process. Humidity can affect these materials as well, softening wood and making fabrics more susceptible to growing mold and mildew.
Art — Art has one of the quickest deterioration rates of anything that might go into a storage locker, with just one or two rapid changes in climate being able to permanently alter the piece. Aside from security, this is why so many museum pieces are in a special casing. Canvases and certain types of paint are particularly susceptible to this and can warp or melt.
Vinyl — It’s important to keep your records upright to avoid dust, so that’s your first concern when storing, but vinyl records and other vinyl materials are prone to warping and becoming brittle enough to be prone to chips and cracks.
Instruments and Tools — Often made out of both wood and metal, older instruments and tools are more susceptible than newer models to the rigors of climate changes and humidity.
Classic Cars and Vehicles — If you have a classic car worthy of putting in storage, chances are that you want it to stay in pristine condition. In order to do that and avoid the oxidation of the metal components, a climate-controlled unit is a must.
Size and Capacity — Our self-storage storage units come in a variety of sizes, and can serve a variety of needs.
- 5’x10’ — If you’re storing a jet ski, ATV, or other typical garage overflow items, then one of our 5’x10’ storage units should work just fine.
- 10’x10’ — If you’re moving into a place that already has it’s own furniture, then the 10’x10’ storage unit is a great option for your storage needs. Capable of handling the contents of most one-bedroom apartments, this is a popular option among people moving in with partners for the first time, recently graduated students who need storage space during a transition period, and those who are coming back to Colorado, and will be moving into a new space when they come back.
- 10’x15’ — Our 10’x15’ storage units offer a secure place for transitioning families to keep their things safe while they deal with other aspects, and can hold the typical furniture contents of a two-bedroom apartment. Often times, people who use this type of unit are moving into a furnished space.
- 10’x20’ — Another option typically used by those who are moving up or down a size in their living situation, our 10’x20’ containers are spacious enough for the typical furniture of a two-bedroom apartment as well as some of the miscellaneous items that would come with any living arrangement.
- 10’x25’ — Now we’re getting into some serious storage space, as our 10’x25’ self-storage units offer a secure option for anyone who needs to store the contents of a small home. This option is often used in cases of an unexpected inheritance. It’s also great for commercial use for businesses that don’t need much climate control.
- 10’x30’ — There is very little our 10’x30’ storage options won’t hold, they’re typically enough space to hold the contents of a three-bedroom home. Most of these rentals are extremely short- or long-term rentals, depending on the needs of the client and their valuables. If some of your items need climate control, we may suggest two smaller storage units, one with climate control and one without.