Climate Controlled Self Storage – Do I Really Need It?

Do you need climate controlled storage? Spoiler alert – the answer is often yes. The question should not be if you need it but why you might need it. 

Why Do I Need Climate Controlled Self Storage?

Climate controlled self storage units stay between 55-80 degrees. This is the temperature that best protects your belongings. Too high or too low, and you risk damage from humidity and cold, leading to fragility (especially for important documents) or heat that leads to permanent damage (wax melting, ink running, metal bending). 

Think of it as a never-ending day at the spa for your belongings. They will always be at a comfortable temperature and never have to sweat in high humidity or crack in cold weather. 

Aren’t Climate Controlled Storage Units Expensive?

Companies that do not offer climate controlled storage units may tell you there is never a need for them. They’ll say not using climate control saves you money. But does it?

Let’s say you store your off-season designer clothing in a unit without climate control. The next season you are disappointed to see mildew on your clothing. Or perhaps you have priceless photos and antiques handed down for generations. The heat can cause the photos to fade, the metal components to bend, and the ink in letters to run.

But can’t you fix that with the proper packaging of your items? 

Yes, you can! However, proper packaging is also quite expensive and requires you to know what protective packaging to select, how long their protection is active, how to pack and store them properly, and more. Unless you are a curator or preservationist with access to the materials and knowledge, your items are simply better off stored in a professionally maintained, climate controlled self storage unit.

Do climate controlled self storage units cost more than ones without climate control? Yes. The rates vary, but in general you will pay approximately 10%-15% more for climate control, which is typically not a large dollar difference, and certainly more affordable than replacing or losing items that hold sentimental value. 

Does Every Item Need Climate Controlled Self Storage?

No. A lot of sports equipment is designed for elemental exposure, so an unheated unit is just fine for things like bikes, skis, and kayaks. The same goes for outdoor patio furniture and seasonal outdoor décor.

However, temperature control is best when you store antiques, family heirlooms, temperature-sensitive materials, or product samples. This creates an atmosphere with little change and, therefore, less opportunity for your items to incur damage. 

Below is a list of items that require climate control:

• Antiques
• Paintings and photos
• Family heirlooms
• Musical instruments
• Wine and spirits
• Collectibles
• Leather, suede, and other sensitive materials
• LPs, cassettes, record players, CDs
• Appliances
• Books
• Documents
• Expensive furniture

We are Here to Help!

Our friendly, experienced managers are here to help you find the best storage option for your needs. Our climate-controlled units keep your items safe from extreme temperatures, humidity fluctuations, and pests, regardless of the weather. With our full security systems in place, you can rest assured your belongings are secure 24/7. Looking for convenient self-storage near you? Contact us today to find the perfect unit for your needs!