What is climate controlled storage? Simply put, it’s a storage unit that keeps both temperature and humidity at steady levels, creating a safe place for your things. Unlike regular storage units, which can get hot or cold along with the weather, climate controlled units use systems to manage inside conditions. This is important for keeping sensitive belongings safe from temperature changes and too much moisture.
It’s similar to keeping delicate items inside your house, where you control the environment. The idea is to protect your things from harsh weather-whether that’s hot summers, cold winters, or damp air that can cause issues like mold and mildew.
What Is Climate Controlled Storage?
Climate controlled storage is more than just a roof over your stuff. These units have systems that control both temperature and moisture. This creates a steady environment, even if it’s very hot or cold outside.
You’ll usually find climate controlled storage in indoor facilities, sometimes on several floors. Some outdoor locations may have these units too, but most are indoors for better temperature control.
How Does Climate Controlled Storage Work?
Climate controlled storage works through built-in heating, cooling, and moisture control systems. These units often stay between about 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the outside gets too hot or too cold, heating or cooling will turn on to keep the unit at the right temperature.
These units don’t keep the temperature as steady as your home’s living room. When doors open and close, there can be small changes in the air inside. Still, climate control keeps the unit much steadier than a non-climate controlled space, which helps protect your items.
Standard Storage vs. Climate Controlled Storage
| Type | Temperature & Humidity Control | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Storage | No control; inside matches outside conditions | Tools, outdoor gear, items not affected by temperature |
| Climate Controlled Storage | Controls temperature and humidity | Electronics, wood furniture, clothing, artwork, photos |
Regular storage just acts as a barrier to rain and snow, but cannot stop temperature or humidity changes. Climate controlled storage works to keep inside conditions steady, protecting valuables that could be harmed by those changes.
Why Use a Climate Controlled Storage Unit?
Climate controlled storage is best for keeping important or delicate items safe from harm. In areas with high humidity or big swings in temperature, regular units may let things get damaged. Paying more for climate control is a way to help your things keep their condition and value.
Climate controlled units can also make access more comfortable for you, since you won’t have to move things in and out of a space that’s uncomfortably hot or cold.
Benefits of Controlled Temperature and Humidity
- Stops mold and mildew growth
- Prevents wood, paper, or fabric from warping, cracking, or fading
- Keeps electronics and metal from rusting or breaking
- Holds up the quality and color of delicate items
Many items need these balanced conditions for them to last, especially things with personal or money value.
Risks with Non-Climate Controlled Storage
- Heat and cold cause some materials to expand and shrink, leading to cracks or warping.
- High moisture can cause mold and mildew, ruining paper, clothes, and furniture.
- Over time, these problems can make items lose value and may ruin them for good.
Do You Need Climate Controlled Storage?
Whether you need climate control depends on what you’re storing and the weather where you live. For example, regular storage is fine for things like shovels or bikes, but not for valuable or fragile things. If your city often gets below freezing or above 90°F, or if it feels damp for much of the year, climate control is the safer choice. It’s especially helpful for keeping things undamaged over a long period.
How Climate Controlled Storage Keeps Items Safe
These units protect things by fighting off harmful effects from weather. A steady temperature and controlled moisture create a safe space, guarding your belongings from conditions that can cause them to break down.
Climate control helps stop mold, keeps materials from changing shape, and protects any electronics inside.
Stops Mold, Mildew, and Water Problems
A big advantage of climate controlled storage is stopping mold and mildew caused by damp air. These can ruin fabric, papers, and more. By keeping air dry, the unit helps stop these from growing and protects your things from water damage.
Less Warping, Cracking, and Rust
Big swings in temperature can make wood, plastic, or metal change size, which may cause warping and cracks. A controlled unit reduces these changes, lowering the chance of damage.
Metal objects also avoid rust and corrosion due to stable moisture. Wooden items are less likely to expand or crack this way too.
Keeps Things Away from Extreme Heat or Cold
Very high or low temperatures can hurt many things. Hot air can melt plastic, break electronics, or damage photos. Cold may freeze liquids or harm delicate pieces. A climate controlled unit keeps the temperature stable all year, keeping these dangers away.
What Should Go in a Climate Controlled Storage Unit?
Some items especially need steadier conditions. Anything valuable, breakable, or easily harmed by weather is well-suited for climate controlled storage. If you wouldn’t keep it in a hot attic or wet basement, a climate controlled unit is likely better.
Wood, Metal, and Plastic Items
- Wood can warp, split, or crack
- Metal can rust
- Plastic can change shape
Climate controlled storage helps these items keep their shape and look, whether it’s antique furniture or everyday tools.
Clothing and Fabrics
- Prone to mold and mildew in humid air
- Heat or dampness fades colors and weakens fabric
This is especially important for expensive or seasonal clothing, or delicate fabrics like leather or silk.
Artwork, Photos, and Collectibles
- Photos may stick together
- Paintings may crack or fade
- Collectibles may lose value
Climate controlled storage is best for items with personal or money value, such as family heirlooms.
Electronics and Appliances
- High heat can ruin circuits
- Moisture can cause short circuits or rust
Items like computers, TVs, or kitchen gadgets benefit from temperature control, increasing their chance to keep working later.
Documents and Books
- Humidity causes pages to stick or grow mold
- Very hot or cold temperatures can make paper brittle or faded
This makes climate controlled storage the right choice for important papers, photo albums, and special books.
Checklist: Does Your Stuff Need Climate Controlled Storage?
- Are your things valuable or sentimental?
- Does your location drop below 32°F or climb above 90°F?
- Is it often humid?
- Will you be storing things for many months or years?
If yes to one or more, climate controlled storage is probably worth the extra cost.
Things to Think About When Renting Climate Controlled Storage
If you decide to use climate control, here are some things to keep in mind to help pick the right unit and storage company. Thinking about these now can help you avoid problems later.
Unit Size and Easy Access
- Units come in many sizes; choose one big enough, but not too big.
- Think about how you will arrange your stuff inside.
- If you need to visit often, pick a unit you can get to easily during open hours.
- Check if the climate controlled section is easy to reach from the door.
Price Compared to Standard Storage
- Climate controlled units usually cost more each month.
- The extra price pays for the systems that keep things steady and the energy to run them.
- Compare the extra cost to what it would cost to repair or replace your things if they were damaged in a regular unit.
Location and Security
- Pick a storage place that’s close to where you live or work.
- Check security features, like locked gates, cameras, and staff on site.
Climate controlled units are usually indoors, which can mean better protection. Always ask about what the facility does to keep your things safe.
Tips for Using Self-Storage Safely
Even in climate controlled storage, you can do more to protect your items. Good packing reduces the chance of damage and makes it easier to find things later.
Packing Well in Climate Controlled Units
- Use strong boxes or containers
- Wrap fragile or valuable pieces carefully
- Don’t use plastic bags for long-term fabric or paper storage-these can trap moisture. Use breathable boxes or wrap in acid-free paper instead.
- Label boxes clearly with what’s inside
Frequently Asked Questions
You might have questions about climate controlled storage. Here are some common ones to help you decide if it’s right for you.
When Is Climate Control Most Needed?
Climate control matters most for things sensitive to temperature or humidity-wood, fabric, electronics, paper, artwork, and anything valuable. It’s especially important if you live somewhere with hot summers, cold winters, or high humidity.
If you plan to store things for a long time, climate control can help prevent slow damage that adds up over months or years.
Who Should Use Climate Controlled Storage?
Anyone with valuable, delicate, or easily damaged items can benefit from climate control-this includes people moving homes, storing items during renovations, or running a business that keeps inventory or records in storage. Keeping these items safe often means using climate control.
Is Climate Controlled Storage Always Needed for Long-Term Storage?
While not needed for every single item, climate control is a smart idea if you want to keep things in good shape long-term-especially if they’re valuable or easy to harm. Over time, even small changes in temperature or humidity can cause serious damage without climate control.
Deciding If Climate Controlled Storage Is Right for You
To choose the right storage, think about the worth and sensitivity of your things, how hot or damp your area is, and how long you’ll need storage. Climate controlled storage costs more, but can save you money and stress by preventing damage.
Think about the difference between the extra storage cost and the replacement cost of your items. For many people, climate controlled storage brings peace of mind. Some places, like U-Haul, offer the first month free with a truck or trailer rental, which can make it easier to try out this type of storage.