Find Climate Controlled Storage Near You
What is climate-controlled storage and do you need it? We answer your biggest questions to help find the right storage solution for you.
What is Climate-Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage is designed to protect your belongings from harsh conditions like extreme heat, cold, and humidity. While climate control won't be as comfortable as your living room, it's much closer to this than a garage or shed that is comparable to a standard storage unit. With that said, there are multiple types of climate-controlled storage offered at Life Storage that we'll dive into below.
Types of Climate-Controlled Storage
Climate-Controlled Storage Units
Think of climate-controlled storage units as "temperature controlled" – cooled in the summer and heated in the winter.
Helps protect valuables from extreme temperature fluctuations that can damage wood furniture, electronics, plastic, and wax.
While not as comfortable as your living room, when you visit your space the temperature will be much more tolerable than a traditional unit.
Humidity-Controlled Storage Units
Humidity-controlled storage units adjust the humidity of the air inside your space to maintain safe levels of moisture regardless of temperature fluctuations.
Humidity control reduces the likelihood of mold and mildew growth, metal rust, paper rot, etc.
Ideal for storing valuable documents, furniture, electronics, etc.
Superior to portable dehumidifiers or packaged moisture control products.
Heated Storage Units
In cold winter climates, heated storage spaces help protect your stored items from the effects of even the coldest temperatures.
Temperatures inside the storage space are carefully monitored during the cold months and heated to help preserve your belongings.
While not as comfortable as your living room, when you visit your space the temperature will be much more tolerable than a traditional unit.
Air Cooled Storage Units
Air cooled spaces are cooled by air blown through water vapor to lower the temperature.
Ideal for belongings that can't withstand high temperatures, but are tolerant of slightly higher humidity levels.
Consider an air cooled space for furniture, plastics, glass, pottery, wax, and most woods.
While not as comfortable as your living room, when you visit your space the temperature will be much more tolerable than a traditional unit.
Do You Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
There are several factors that weigh into this decision. Where you live and the weather conditions in that area, how long you plan to store for, and the items you're storing all influence this.
If you live in areas like the Midwest where you experience heat, cold, and humidity, the southwest with extreme heat, the southeast with heat and humidity, or anywhere else with harsh conditions, it's worth considering climate-controlled storage.
The longer you plan to store, the stronger you should consider climate control. Conditions can have a larger impact over time and the longer you store, the more condition changes your items will experience.
If you're storing valuable items and protecting them is a priority, you should strongly consider climate-controlled storage.
What Items Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
Electronics & Digital Media
For electronics and digital media, climate-controlled storage is recommended across the board. Electronics like TVs and computers and media like CDs, DVDs, and more are susceptible to damage when exposed to heat, cold, and humidity.
Appliances
With appliances like washers and dryers, ovens, and microwaves, most are sturdy enough to do fine in traditional storage units, but climate control is the most ideal option for these items.
Furniture
Most furniture does well in traditional storage units without climate control, but climate control is the best option for furniture storage, especially if storing long term. Items like wood furniture can expand and contract in changing conditions and moisture isn't ideal for furniture like sofas or couches.
Traditional Media
Ideal storage conditions for items like art, books, collectibles, and more is in climate-controlled storage. These items can be badly damaged by harsh weather conditions, especially humidity. We strongly suggest climate control for these types of belongings.
Other
For other miscellaneous items that you may need to store, here is what we suggest using a climate-controlled storage unit for.
Climate-Controlled Storage FAQs
Is climate-controlled storage worth it?
How much does climate-controlled storage cost?
What are the benefits of a climate-controlled storage unit?
Need Help Deciding on Climate Control?
We're here to help! Give our team a call at (833) 354-0400 and our team can talk through your specific needs and help you make the best decision.