If there were ever an ideal time to get a storage unit, it would be in the summer. With the school year over, many families use the season to move since it will be the least disruptive to their children's schooling. Others spend the warmer months renovating their home, as the heat is perfect for drying paint and letting things like cement and adhesives set properly. Whatever the reason may be, if you decide to rent out a unit to facilitate these activities, there are some storage guidelines to be mindful of during the warmer months.

According to West Side Storage & Truck Rental in Cincinnati, OH, a variety of items can't be left in a basic storage unit during summer. Due to the extreme temperatures and the negative effects that come from the subsequent fluctuations and humidity, they need a climate controlled storage unit.

5 Items That Need a Climate Controlled Storage Unit During Summer

1. Musical Instruments

When it's hot, wood expands, and when it's cold, it contracts; for the bodies of stringed and woodwind instruments, this means they can crack, distorting the finely-tuned designs. Strings can also snap due to fluctuating temperatures, and brass instruments can be susceptible to mold if the heat and humidity are too high.

2. Comic & Stamp Collections

The delicate and aging ink and paper will deteriorate in the heat. Pages will yellow, corners will curl, and ink will bleed. Even if you've invested in archival storage options, these items won't stand a chance against excessive heat and moisture.

3. Artwork

Just like the previous items, artwork doesn't do well in heat. Even if it's not a seven-figure masterpiece, any fine art pieces should be kept in a climate controlled storage unit. Paintings, in particular, are at risk, as the heat can crack both the paint and the canvas, causing them to peel apart from each other.

4. Electronics & Appliances

Extreme temperatures will cause plastic casings and covers to bubble and peel, as well as cause metal components to corrode. Even the smaller gadgets are vulnerable; we've all seen how batteries can leak if they are left in a hot area and forgotten for too long.

5. Leather Furniture

Considering how much special cleaner and conditioner is required to maintain leather, it's no surprise it can be extremely sensitive; simply leaving it next to a radiator can cause the material to dry out. Additionally, too much moisture can lead to mildew and cause the color to change.

If you're in Cincinnati and need to store any of your items in an affordable, reliable storage unit with climate control, look no further than West Side Storage & Truck Rental. They currently have a fantastic promotion where they're offering 25% off the second and third month of service. For more information, visit the website, Google+ page, or call them at (513) 451-6474.