What the swings do
Wood moves: it takes up moisture and gives it off, expands and contracts. In an ordinary storage room the humidity swings considerably between summer and winter, and that is exactly when cracks form in solid wood and veneers and glue lines come loose.
With instruments the action comes on top: a piano in an unheated store does not merely go out of tune, it can take lasting damage. Canvas tightens and slackens, leather dries out, paper cockles.
What it is worth it for
Not every household needs climate controlled storage. It makes sense for solid wood and antique furniture, paintings and prints, instruments, leather and valuable upholstered furniture, photographs, documents, records and wine collections.
Often the best answer is a combination: most of the household in ordinary storage, the delicate pieces climate controlled. We tell you what belongs in that group in your case, and what does not.
Transport and acclimatisation
The benefit of stable storage is lost if the transport is careless. We move delicate pieces accordingly, see art transport and antique transport, and allow acclimatisation time in cold weather.
The same applies on return delivery: an instrument that comes out of storage straight into a heated flat needs time before it is tuned. We point that out.
How the climate controlled storage runs
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Advice
We settle which objects need climate controlled conditions and which do not.
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Packing
Delicate pieces are packed individually and to suit their material.
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Storage
Stored at stable temperature and humidity, with the inventory recorded.
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Return delivery
Transport with acclimatisation time, with setting up on request.
Frequently asked questions
What does climate controlled storage cost compared with ordinary?
It is dearer per cubic metre. Which is why a combination usually pays: the bulk in ordinary storage, the delicate pieces climate controlled. We cost both for you.
Does my piano need climate controlled storage?
For a few weeks usually not, for several months yes. An instrument in an unheated store over the winter can take lasting damage.
Can I store single objects under climate control?
Yes, even a single picture or a single piece of furniture.
Does that apply to wine collections too?
Yes, where it is about stable conditions. For proper wine conditioning with specific values, please raise it with us directly.
