{"id":2294,"date":"2023-08-03T13:16:45","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T13:16:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssdcmoving.local\/?p=2294"},"modified":"2025-11-04T22:15:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T22:15:51","slug":"what-is-climate-controlled-storage-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.selfstorage.com\/blog\/what-is-climate-controlled-storage-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Would You Need a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Self-storage units come in all shapes and sizes<\/a>, and different storage facilities offer different amenities<\/a> to their customers. If you\u2019re looking into renting a storage unit for any length of time, you may have noticed some facilities advertising \u201cclimate-controlled storage\u201d or something similar. You may find yourself paying more for these units, but if they meet your needs, you\u2019ll find them more than worth it in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In brief, a climate-controlled storage unit uses HVAC systems, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers to keep the space at a predictable range of temperature and humidity. Storage customers with valuable, fragile, or sensitive belongings can use these units to store their goods for a long time without worrying about moisture, heat, cold, or other environmental damage.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like to learn more about climate-controlled storage and how it might benefit you, keep reading! We\u2019ll go over what these units do and don\u2019t offer, what items need climate control to stay in good shape, and how to find the right unit for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is climate-controlled storage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A climate-controlled storage unit<\/a> is a type of self-storage unit that is kept at a specific range of humidity and temperature at all times of the year, no matter what the external weather is like. Climate control uses an HVAC system to alternately heat and cool the unit, usually maintaining a temperature between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, it uses humidifiers and dehumidifiers to keep the unit\u2019s humidity between 45% and 65%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any sort of delicate item, such as wood furniture or instruments, is prone to damage from extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes. Wooden items in particular can warp when exposed to these environments. Metal items can also expand and contract in extreme temperatures, leading to damage. A constant temperature between 50 and 80 degrees will help minimize this damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humidity, on the other hand, can lead to its own problems.<\/a> Too much moisture in the air will allow mold and mildew to grow on surfaces, leading to bad smells at best and mold damage at worst. Little to no moisture can cause damage as well, making wood brittle and prone to breaking. Having a medium, controlled amount of humidity in the air will protect from these concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ranges we\u2019ve mentioned here aren\u2019t necessarily what every facility offers, however. Before choosing a climate-controlled unit, research and ask about the actual range of temperature and humidity the facility you\u2019re looking at sets its systems to maintain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need climate control to store my items?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several factors can influence your decision whether or not to use climate control. If you\u2019re storing valuable items made of delicate materials like wood, such as an antique violin, a climate-controlled unit is perfect to keep them from being damaged. However, your environment plays into this choice as well; if you live in a particularly humid area, for example, a storage unit without humidity control almost guarantees mold and mildew will grow on anything you store. Properly cleaning<\/a> and packing your items<\/a> can help prevent this, but investing in a climate-controlled unit will go even further to keep moisture from collecting on your belongings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deciding whether or not to rent a climate-controlled unit also depends on how long you\u2019re storing items. Shorter-term storage<\/a> gives your items less time to have mold grow or temperatures damage them, but longer-term storage<\/a> raises this risk for items of any material, so you may want to consider climate control if you\u2019re storing anything for an extended period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erick Thorson, an independent agent with World Insurance<\/a> in Arizona<\/a> who specializes in insuring self-storage facilities, has seen several examples of families that opted out of climate control when storing sensitive items like art between moves. Even during these short periods, damage was done. For this reason, Thorson says it\u2019s always best to choose climate-controlled storage for delicate items, regardless of the time you\u2019re storing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the benefits of climate-controlled storage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Any environmental damage an item might take from extreme temperatures or moisture can be prevented in a climate-controlled storage unit. High heat can cause documents and pictures to fade, while extreme cold can damage wood and cause moisture to puddle on objects. High humidity can lead to mildew, mold, and other water damage, while low humidity can cause wood and documents to become brittle and fall apart. A stable temperature and humidity in your storage unit minimizes the risk of any of this damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A secondary benefit of climate control is more advanced technology throughout the whole facility<\/a>\u2013from security cameras to biometric door locks, a storage facility with climate-controlled units is often a signifier of higher-end equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What items require climate-controlled storage most of all?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some of the more obvious and valuable belongings that should only be stored in climate-controlled units include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n