Do You Need Climate Controlled Storage?

When looking for self-storage, you need to consider a number of important factors – the location of the storage facility, the size of the storage unit, the kind of access you require, the level of security you want, etc. The type of storage you need – climate-controlled or not – is also among the most essential things to think about when choosing a self-storage solution.

Climate-controlled storage is a step above standard storage. While a conventional storage unit gives you a place where to keep your stuff, a climate-controlled unit gives you the peace of mind that you will find belongings in the same condition as they were when you dropped them off, regardless of how long they remain in storage.

Climate-controlled storage facilities use air conditioning and humidity control to ensure protection from extreme temperatures and moistness. The items in a climate-controlled unit are stored in a regulated environment with steady temperature and humidity levels so they’re never exposed to intense heat, severe cold, or excessive moisture – and they stay safe and sound, no matter how long they stay in storage or what the outside weather conditions are.

Climate-controlled units, however, are more expensive than standard storage units and not so easily available, so you may rather opt out of environmentally controlled storage – unless you really need it.

Here is everything you need to know about climate-controlled storage – and how to decide whether it is necessary or not.

What is climate controlled storage?

Climate-controlled storage refers to the regulation of temperature and humidity in a storage space.

Climate-controlled facilities maintain steady temperatures and humidity levels in their storage units – the temperature is typically kept between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (which is similar to the average room temperature) and the humidity – at about 55%.

Both the temperature and humidity in a storage space are crucial for the safety of the stored items. Extreme temperatures, huge temperature fluctuations, and moisture build-up can cause severe damages:

• wood can warp or rot when exposed to moisture, dry out and splinter if there isn’t enough humidity in the air, or crack in extreme heat;
• plastic can melt in intense heat or crack in frigid cold;
• metal can rust because of high humidity;
• electronics can be completely ruined by moisture, as well as by very high or very low temperatures;
• leather can crack because of extreme heat or become discolored in a humid environment;
• paper can disintegrate in high humidity;
• most materials become susceptible to mold and mildew when exposed to moisture.

It is, therefore, essential to keep both the temperature and humidity in a storage space moderate and steady. That’s why climate-controlled facilities are equipped with HVAC systems and dehumidifiers – so the humidity level can be controlled at all times and the storage units can be either cooled or heated depending on the weather.  

Good to know: True climate-controlled storage means the facility is regulating both the temperature and humidity in the storage units. Temperature-controlled storage, on the other hand, although often used interchangeably with climate-controlled storage, means that only the temperature is regulated.

Since temperature affects humidity, however, temperature-controlled storage units actually provide some protection from moisture. (Humidity is the presence of water molecules in the air – in higher temperatures, more water can be held in the air, so higher temperatures lead to increased humidity. So, when a constant moderate temperature is maintained in the storage unit, the chances of moisture building up are significantly reduced.) So, unless your items are very vulnerable to humidity, they will be safe enough in a temperature controlled storage unit.

Climate controlled storage is more commonly available in storage facilities with indoor storage units, though some outdoor storage facilities may also have climate controlled units.

Now you know what environmentally-controlled storage is. But why would you need a climate controlled storage unit?

Benefits of climate controlled storage

Considering the idea behind climate-controlled storage, it’s easy to see the numerous advantages of storing your items in an environmentally-controlled unit:

• Protection from extreme temperatures – Both scorching and freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to sensitive items like wood furniture, musical instruments, electronics, antiques, and works of art. Since air-conditioned storage units are kept at a consistent moderate temperature, the items stored in them are never exposed to extreme heat or cold, so there is no risk of temperature-related damages;

• Humidity control – Moisture promotes mold growth and can cause items to warp, rust, rot, or become discolored. Excessive dryness of the air can also cause damage to sensitive items such as pieces of art, musical instruments, and fine wood furniture. Since the humidity level in climate-controlled storage units is constantly kept at around 55%, the stored items are safe both from high humidity and low humidity issues;
• Good air circulation – Poor air quality in the storage space can also lead to the deterioration of delicate items, not to mention that stagnant air contributes to the formation of mold and mildew. Climate-controlled units are sealed and well-ventilated (the HVAC system continuously circulates fresh air into the unit), so the air quality in the storage space is very good and helps keep the stored items safe and in good condition;
• Protection from the elements – Storage units with climate control are well insulated, so water from rain and snow cannot get inside. The stored items are fully protected from inclement weather and harsh seasonal conditions;
• Protection from dust and dirt – Climate controlled units are tightly sealed, so there is no way for dust and debris to get into the storage space and accumulate on the stored items (especially when the units are inside a storage facility building);
• Protection from pests – The chance of insects or rodents entering a sealed climate-controlled unit is very small, so the stored items are safe from pests.

What’s more, since climate-controlled units are usually located in indoor storage facilities, there’s an added layer of security for the stored items.

Related: How to choose a storage facility

Now you know the answer to the question “Why do I need a climate controlled storage unit?” – because a climate-controlled unit will provide better protection to your belongings and will ensure your peace of mind. You will be able to rest assured that you’re going to find your stored items just the way you left them, whether you’ve stored them for a couple of weeks, a few months, or several years.

When do you need climate controlled storage

Despite all the benefits of climate-controlled storage units, they’re more expensive, so you may not want to rent one unless you really need to. But how would you know whether you need environmentally-controlled storage or not?

It depends on what you’re storing, for how long you need to keep your items in storage, and what the weather is like.

1) The kind of items you intend to put in storage

If you’re storing delicate items, sensitive items, or items with high sentimental or monetary value, it’s best to opt for climate-controlled storage – delicate and sensitive items can easily be damaged by extreme temperatures or moisture and valuables should be kept as safe as possible, so environmentally-controlled storage is the best option.

You can find out what items should be stored in climate controlled storage later in the text.

2) The storage period

If you’re moving house or renovating your home and only need short-term storage, climate-controlled storage may not be necessary – most things will survive just fine for a brief period of time in a standard storage unit. So, unless it’s going to be very hot or very cold during the period when you need storage, or you live in an extremely humid climate, you don’t really need to rent a unit with climate control if you’ll be storing your items for less than a couple of months.

The longer you need to keep your belongings in storage, however, the more necessary environmentally-controlled storage becomes. If you intend to store your belongings for more than three months, the temperature and humidity are likely to change drastically during the storage period and may put your belongings at risk if they’re not in a unit with climate control. So, when it comes to long-term storage, you need to consider the natural fluctuations in temperature and humidity that occur with the change of seasons and, if they’re likely to be significant, opt for climate-controlled storage.

Needless to say, if you need storage in the height of summer or the dead of winter, or during a very rainy period – even just for a few weeks – environmentally-controlled storage is your best choice.

3) The climate in your area

If you live in an area with moderate humidity and year-round mild climate, you won’t need to worry about the safety of your stored items, even if they’re in a standard unit.

If, however, the temperatures in your city drop below zero in the winter or rise above 90°F in the summer, or the humidity levels are very high, you should definitely consider environmentally-controlled storage. The outside temperature and humidity will inevitably affect the temperature and humidity in a non-climate-controlled unit and your items will be exposed to moisture and/or extreme heat or cold. In order to protect them from the elements, you need to store them in an air-conditioned unit.

So, when wondering “Do I need climate controlled storage?”, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

• How valuable are the items I intend to put in storage?
• Are they sensitive to heat or cold?
• Can they warp, rot, rust, become discolored, or deteriorate in any other way when exposed to moisture?
• How humid is the climate?
• What will the weather be like during the storage period?

The answers will tell you whether climate controlled storage is necessary or not.

What items need climate controlled storage?

While climate control is crucial in extreme colds, extreme heats, and high humidity and beneficial for all items in long-term storage, some things should always be stored in a controlled environment:

• Wood furniture – As already mentioned above, humidity can cause wood to warp or rot and heat can make it expand and crack. The fine wood finishes can also be easily ruined by heat, cold, and/or humidity;
• Leather furniture – Leather can crack in extreme heat and deteriorate quickly when subjected to large temperature fluctuations. It is also very susceptible to mold growth when left in damp conditions for long (the same applies to all upholstered furniture);
• Antique furniture -Antiques furniture is highly valuable and very vulnerable to extreme temperatures and humidity, so it needs the protection of a regulated environment;
• Mattresses – Even a small amount of moisture can cause mold to develop on the porous material, so it’s crucial that mattresses are kept in low humidity conditions;
• Clothing and linens -Anything made of fabric is susceptible to mold growth in a humid environment;
• Electronics and appliances -Electronics are very sensitive to heat and cold, as well as to temperature fluctuations – and humidity wreaks havoc on all electronic and electrical items (even a little moisture can cause them to short circuit and their metal parts can rust in humid conditions, reducing the conductivity and making the devices more likely to malfunction);
• Media (DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, video tapes, etc.) -Moisture can completely ruin disks and tapes and picture and sound quality can deteriorate when the media is subjected to extreme temperatures or temperature fluctuations;
• Books, magazines, photos, and paperwork – Images and print fade when exposed to intense heat and below-zero temperatures and paper warps and gets moldy very quickly in humid conditions;
• Artwork – Very delicate and made of sensitive materials (paint, ceramic, wood, etc.), artwork needs to be kept in low humidity and at a moderate temperature;

• Musical instruments – Metal instrument can rust when exposed to moisture, while wood instruments can warp in high humidity and splinter in excessively dry conditions. Extreme temperatures can also cause severe damage to the delicate musical instruments and render them unusable;
• Cosmetics and toiletries -Humidity can ruin cosmetics and toiletries, while heat can melt them and cold can dry them out to the point where they can’t be used anymore. Such items are better not kept in storage, even if it is climate-controlled, for more than a few weeks (the same applies to medications);
• Wine – Wine needs to be stored at a certain temperature (usually between 55 and 65 Fahrenheit), so climate-controlled storage is a must;
• Tools, sports equipment, medical supplies, and other specialized items – Such things need to be well protected from the elements in order to remain in good condition, so they should be stored in a climate-controlled space;
• Collectibles, heirlooms, and all kinds of rare and/or irreplaceable items – You will certainly want to provide your precious belongings with the best possible protection while they’re storage – and the best way to do so is to put them in a climate-controlled unit.

If you intend to put any of the above items in storage for over a month, you have the answer to the question “Should I get climate controlled storage?”

See also: How to pack for long-term storage

How much does climate controlled storage cost?

The last thing to consider when choosing what type of storage to get is the cost of environmentally-controlled units.

So, how much is a climate controlled storage unit?

Storage unit costs vary significantly from company to company and from one area to the next, but climate-controlled units are always more expensive than standard storage units. The reasons for the higher cost are easy to understand – regulating humidity and temperature requires special systems to be installed, powered, and maintained.

According to statistical data, storage units with climate control can cost from 25% to 65% more than units that don’t offer any temperature control.

The actual cost of an air-conditioned unit depends on its size, the storage company, the additional self-storage services you require (such as extra security or ground-level access), and the area where the storage facility is located (climate-controlled storage in big cities is more expensive than in small towns).

On average, you can expect to pay about $80-$90 per month for a small temperature-controlled storage unit, $140-$160 for a medium-sized unit, and $200-$250 for a large air-conditioned unit.

You may be able to get a better deal when renting a unit for a longer period of time (a longer rental term results in a lower monthly storage unit cost).

See also: Top 5 self-storage problems

The bottom line: Is climate controlled storage worth it?

Climate-controlled storage can keep wooden items from warping or cracking, prevent the degradation, yellowing, and fading of leather, fabrics, and paper, reduce the risk of rust and corrosion, ward off mold, mildew, and pests, and keep electronics and valuables safe. Or, in other words, environmentally-controlled storage can prevent damage to your belongings and ensure they remain in the same condition they were in when you put them in storage, regardless of how long they stay in storage.

Even though climate-controlled units cost more than standard storage units, the difference in the price is far smaller than the cost of replacing or repairing damaged items (not to mention that some of your stored belongings may be simply irreplaceable).

So, to put it in a word, yes, climate-controlled units are definitely worth it, even if just for the peace of mind they provide.

Related: How to prepare items for storage