Table of Contents
- What Can I Store in a Non Climate Controlled Storage Unit?
- What is Safe to Store in a Standard Unit
- Items to Be Cautious With and Why
- What Not to Store in a Garage or Storage Unit
- How to Pack for a Storage Unit to Prevent Damage
- Storage Unit Moisture Protection and Prep Tips
- Preparing Furniture for Storage
- Is Climate Control Necessary or Unnecessary?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 6, 2026
What Can I Store in a Non Climate Controlled Storage Unit?
Most household and business items store perfectly well in a non climate controlled storage unit, provided they are packed correctly. The exceptions are items sensitive to extreme heat, humidity swings, or prolonged direct sunlight.
Standard units like ours in Bunbury and Picton experience WA’s natural climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, without the extreme humidity of tropical regions or the freezing risk of southern states.
What is Safe to Store in a Standard Unit
Items that store well include wooden and upholstered furniture, whitegoods with doors left slightly ajar, hand tools and power tools in sealed cases, sporting equipment, seasonal decorations, and general household goods in sealed boxes. Business owners regularly store excess inventory, files, and equipment. Caravans, boats, and jet skis are also well suited to standard units, particularly outdoor units with good airflow.
Clothing and textiles store safely when placed in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard, which can absorb moisture. Most business records and documents are fine in plastic tubs or metal filing cabinets.
A simple rule of thumb: if an item would survive a typical summer [in a](/prohibited-items-storage-units-what-items-cannot-be-stored-in-storage-unit/) shed or garage at your own home, it will survive in a standard storage unit.
Items to Be Cautious With and Why
Certain items need extra thought because they react poorly to heat or moisture over extended periods.
Photographs, Film, and Paper Documents
Heat accelerates chemical degradation, and humidity promotes mould growth. Photographic prints contain residual chemicals from development, and heat speeds up the fading and yellowing reaction. Film negatives and slides have gelatin emulsions that can soften and stick together in humid conditions.
When relative humidity exceeds about 70% for a sustained period, mould spores feed on the cellulose in paper, causing staining, weakening, and a musty odour that is nearly impossible to reverse.
The practical approach: Store photographs and documents in archival-quality plastic sleeves inside sealed tubs with a small silica gel pack. If you have irreplaceable family photos, consider digitising them before storage.
Vinyl Records
Vinyl is a plastic that softens as temperatures rise. In a unit reaching 40°C on a summer afternoon, records stored flat under weight can warp permanently. Heat also accelerates the migration of plasticisers, making records brittle over years.
Paper sleeves can absorb moisture and promote mould growth on the record surface. Cardboard covers can warp, putting uneven pressure on the vinyl inside.
The practical approach: Store records vertically, like books, never flat-stacked. Keep them in the coolest part of the unit, typically the rear, away from the metal roller door that radiates heat. If you’re storing valuable or collectible records for more than a season, a climate-controlled unit or a temperature-stable cupboard at home is the safer choice.
Wooden Furniture and Instruments
Wood is hygroscopic, it constantly exchanges moisture with the air. In summer, dry air pulls moisture out, causing shrinkage and cracking; in winter, humid air adds moisture, causing swelling. Over a full year of cycling, this loosens joints, splits veneers, and crazes finishes.
For musical instruments, the stakes are higher. A solid wood guitar or violin is engineered to tight tolerances, and seasonal humidity swings can crack the top, bow the neck, or lift the bridge, repairs that can exceed the instrument’s value.
The practical approach: Clean and polish wooden furniture before storage to create a partial moisture barrier. Wrap pieces in cotton sheets or breathable furniture blankets, never plastic, which traps moisture against the wood and accelerates warping. For instruments, loosen string tension slightly, keep them in their hard cases, and add a small desiccant pack inside the case. If the instrument is valuable or antique, do not risk a standard unit.
Electronics and Appliances
Electronics fail in storage from heat damage to adhesives and capacitors, moisture corrosion of circuit boards, and dust accumulation. Heat above 35°C can soften adhesives and accelerate the drying of electrolytic capacitors.
The practical approach: Clean devices thoroughly and remove batteries, leaked battery acid is a common cause of storage damage. Wrap electronics in anti-static bags or bubble wrap, then place them in sealed plastic tubs with a desiccant pack. For large appliances like fridges and washing machines, clean and dry the interior thoroughly, then leave the door slightly ajar with a towel wedged in the gap to prevent mould and mildew.
Leather Goods
Leather is animal hide containing natural oils that keep it supple. In hot, dry conditions, those oils evaporate, and the leather dries out, cracks, and becomes brittle. In humid conditions, leather can absorb moisture and develop mould.
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The practical approach: Condition leather goods with a quality leather conditioner before storage. This replenishes oils and creates a protective layer. Wrap items in cotton cloth, again, never plastic, and store them in a sealed tub with a desiccant pack. Check them at your seasonal visit and recondition if they feel dry.
Candles, Wax, and Melting Items
Candles, crayons, and wax-based products have low melting points, typically between 40°C and 60°C. A standard metal unit in a WA summer can easily exceed 40°C internally, especially near the roof and roller door, causing softened wax to deform and fuse.
The practical approach: Store wax items in the coolest part of the unit, away from the door and roof, in sealed tubs to contain any melting. If you’re storing candles through the height of summer, consider whether they’re worth the risk.
Artwork
Paintings, prints, and framed art face multiple threats: UV fading from light exposure, heat accelerating pigment degradation, and humidity causing canvas to sag or tighten and paper to ripple. Acrylic and oil paints are relatively stable, but watercolours and prints on paper are more vulnerable.
The practical approach: Wrap framed art in bubble wrap and then a breathable cotton cover. Store pieces vertically, not flat, to distribute pressure evenly. Keep them away from the roller door and any light source. If the artwork has significant monetary or sentimental value, climate control is the only safe option.
A common mistake is wrapping items in plastic cling film or garbage bags. This traps moisture inside, creating a microclimate that promotes mould and condensation. Always use breathable materials like cotton sheets, or sealed containers with desiccant packs, never airtight plastic directly against the item.
The common thread across all these items is that heat and humidity cause chemical and physical changes over time. Understanding the mechanism, warping, corrosion, mould, evaporation, tells you exactly what preparation is needed. Most items can be stored successfully with [the right](/best-storage-facility-features-2026/) barriers; only truly irreplaceable or highly valuable items justify climate control.
What Not to Store in a Garage or Storage Unit
Some items should never go into any self storage unit, regardless of climate control, for safety and legal reasons.
Perishable food items attract pests and create unpleasant odours. Flammable or hazardous materials, including petrol, paint thinners, gas cylinders, and chemicals, pose a serious fire risk and are typically prohibited by facility terms. Living things must never be confined in a unit. Illegal items, stolen goods, and unregistered firearms are also banned.
If you are unsure whether an item is permitted, ask the facility manager before booking.
How to Pack for a Storage Unit to Prevent Damage
Correct packing is the single most effective way to protect your belongings in a non climate controlled storage unit.
Use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes wherever possible. Cardboard absorbs moisture from the air and can soften over months of storage. Plastic tubs with tight-fitting lids create a reliable seal.
Elevate everything off the floor using wooden pallets or shelving to protect against ground moisture. Leave a small gap between items and the walls to allow air circulation, and place moisture absorbers or desiccant packs inside tubs containing sensitive items like electronics or leather goods.
:::warning
Never stack cardboard boxes directly on a concrete floor. Concrete wicks moisture, and within a few months the bottom layer of boxes will be damp, risking damage to everything inside them.
Storage Unit Moisture Protection and Prep Tips
Moisture is the primary threat to goods in a standard unit, but the risk isn’t constant. In the South West, humidity peaks during winter rains and drops sharply in summer.
The Real Mechanics of Moisture Damage
Moisture damage isn’t just about items getting wet; it’s about micro-condensation. When warm, humid air meets a cooler surface, like a metal tool or concrete floor, it releases that moisture as condensation.
Different materials react differently:
- Metals: Ferrous metals (steel, iron) will oxidise, rust, when exposed to moisture and oxygen. The process accelerates with heat. A light coating of CRC or Lanotec on bare metal surfaces creates a barrier that stops the electrochemical reaction.
- Wood: Timber is hygroscopic, meaning it constantly absorbs and releases moisture to balance with the surrounding air. In humid months, it swells; in dry months, it shrinks. This cycling causes joints to loosen and surfaces to crack. Sealing wood with a polish or wax slows this exchange dramatically.
- Fabrics and paper: These are cellulose-based and provide a food source for mould spores, which are always present in the air. Mould requires three things: a food source, moisture above ~70% relative humidity, and temperatures above 15°C. Sealed plastic tubs remove the moisture variable.
The Maintenance Schedule Competitors Don’t Mention
A simple seasonal check-in prevents small issues from becoming major damage.
Every 3 months (seasonal change):
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- Visit on a dry day. Open the door and let fresh air circulate for 15-20 minutes.
- Run your hand along the floor and walls near the roller door. Dampness or condensation means you need better airflow or more moisture absorbers.
- Check corners and the underside of cardboard boxes for early mould signs, often small dark specks.
- Sniff the air. A musty smell is the earliest warning sign of a moisture problem.
Every 6 months (before and after winter):
- Inspect metal items for surface rust. Remove any with fine steel wool and reapply protective oil.
- Check wooden furniture for cracks or warping. If you notice changes, add a moisture absorber to the unit.
- Replace desiccant packs inside sealed tubs. Once they feel hard or the indicator beads change colour, they’re spent.
Choosing the Right Moisture Control
For a standard unit in the South West, you rarely need industrial dehumidifiers. Passive control is usually sufficient:
- Desiccant packs (silica gel) work well inside sealed tubs for electronics, documents, and leather goods.
- Damp-rid style buckets with calcium chloride crystals actively pull moisture from the air and collect it in a reservoir. One bucket per 20-30 square metres is a common starting point, but check it seasonally, it will fill faster in winter.
- Elevation is non-negotiable. Pallets raise items 10-15 cm off the floor, clearing the condensation zone. This single step prevents more damage than any other measure.
A simple test: tape a small, clear plastic mirror to the inside wall of your unit. If it fogs up when you visit on a cool morning, you have a condensation problem that needs addressing before it damages your goods.
Sunlight and Heat Management
Direct sunlight through or near a roller door creates two problems: UV degradation and localised heating. UV fades fabrics, artwork, and plastics, while localised heat can soften items like vinyl records or candles stacked near the door.
Position heat-sensitive items toward the rear of the unit, away from the door. A simple cotton sheet draped over sensitive items provides a breathable UV barrier without trapping moisture.
Moisture protection isn’t a one-time task, it’s a seasonal habit. A 15-minute check-in every three months, combined with passive moisture control, will keep your belongings in the same condition you stored them.
Preparing Furniture for Storage
Preparing furniture for storage properly can extend its life significantly, with steps varying depending on the material.
For wooden furniture, clean and polish surfaces to create a protective barrier. Remove drawers and store them separately, or leave them slightly open for airflow. For upholstered pieces, vacuum thoroughly and wrap in breathable covers to protect against dust while allowing moisture to escape.
Metal furniture and appliances benefit from a light coating of protective oil or wax on exposed surfaces. Disconnect and coil any cables or hoses. For mattresses, use a purpose-built bag and store them flat, never on their edge, to prevent sagging.
:::takeaway
The golden rule of furniture storage: breathable covers for wood and upholstery, sealed containers for textiles and documents, and everything elevated off the floor.
Is Climate Control Necessary or Unnecessary?
Climate control is rarely necessary for standard household and business storage in WA’s South West. Our climate is mild compared to tropical regions or areas with freezing winters.
Climate control becomes worth considering for a narrow range of highly sensitive items: antique wooden furniture or instruments, valuable artwork, archival photographs or documents, and certain collectibles like vinyl records or vintage electronics. If items are worth thousands of dollars and would be irreplaceable if damaged, the added cost may be justified.
For the vast majority of storage needs, including furniture, appliances, tools, vehicles, and business stock, a standard unit with proper packing preparation is sufficient. Urban Self Storage offers furniture storage in Bunbury and business storage options across our East Bunbury and Picton facilities.
Choosing what to store in a non climate controlled storage unit comes down to understanding your items and preparing them properly. Most household and business belongings store safely with sealed containers, elevation off the floor, and breathable covers for wood and leather. For the few items that need climate control, you will know them by their value and sensitivity. Urban Self Storage provides secure, clean standard units with 24/7 CCTV surveillance and a move-in process that takes under ten minutes. Get a quote online to find the right size unit for your belongings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a standard storage unit safe for furniture?
Yes, for most furniture. Wooden and metal furniture store well in a standard unit when prepared correctly. Clean everything first, apply a protective wax or polish to wood, and never store items directly on the concrete floor. Use pallets or plastic sheeting as a barrier against moisture. In Western Australia’s South West climate, with hot dry summers and mild winters, the main risk is heat damage or dust, not freezing. Seal furniture in plastic or quality furniture covers to keep it clean and dry.
What items are damaged by heat in a storage unit?
Items sensitive to heat include vinyl records, which can warp, and candles or wax-based products that may soften or melt. Electronics with batteries can degrade faster, and some plastics may become brittle over time. Photographs and artwork can fade or stick together in sustained heat. Leather goods can dry out and crack. Standard metal units in Western Australia can get quite warm in summer, so store these items away from the roller door and direct sunlight, and pack them in insulated or thicker containers for added protection.
How do I protect items in a non climate controlled storage unit?
Focus on moisture protection and airflow. Use sealed plastic tubs instead of cardboard boxes, which absorb humidity. Add moisture absorbers or desiccant packs inside containers and throughout the unit. Elevate everything off the concrete floor using pallets, as floors can sweat with temperature changes. Avoid placing items directly against the walls to allow air circulation. Use breathable covers like cotton sheets for furniture rather than plastic wrap, which can trap condensation. Check your unit every few months to monitor for any issues.
What should you never put in a self-storage unit?
Never store perishable food items, as they attract pests and create odours. Flammable or hazardous materials like petrol, paint thinners, propane tanks, and chemicals are prohibited for safety reasons. Living things, including plants and animals, are not allowed. Also avoid storing illegal items, unregistered vehicles, or anything extremely valuable that you cannot afford to lose or insure. Check your storage agreement for the full list of prohibited items, as these rules protect both you and the facility.