Climate-controlled storage units cost 25–50% more per month than standard outdoor units. For some items, that premium is essential. For others, it's money wasted. This guide tells you exactly which category your belongings fall into — so you don't over-pay, and don't under-protect.
What "Climate-Controlled" Actually Means
Climate-controlled units maintain a consistent temperature (typically 55–80°F / 13–27°C) and regulated humidity (usually 40–60% RH) year-round. They're located inside multi-story buildings with HVAC running throughout. Standard units — usually outdoor drive-ups — experience the full range of seasonal temperature swings and humidity changes.
Note: facilities use "temperature-controlled" and "climate-controlled" interchangeably, but true climate control includes humidity management. If humidity is critical for your items, ask specifically whether humidity is regulated before you sign.
Items That Require Climate Control
Electronics
Heat causes internal components to expand and contract, degrading solder joints and screens over time. Humidity causes corrosion on circuit boards. TVs, computers, cameras, game consoles, and audio equipment should always go in a climate-controlled unit.
Wood Furniture
Wood absorbs and releases moisture, causing warping, cracking, and joint failure over time. Antique pieces and solid hardwood are especially vulnerable. A standard outdoor unit in a humid summer can permanently damage a quality dining table or dresser in a single season.
Artwork and Photographs
Canvas expands and contracts with temperature swings, causing paint to crack and flake. Photographs fade, yellow, and stick together in humidity. Original artwork should always be stored in climate-controlled conditions.
Documents and Books
Paper absorbs moisture, causing yellowing, mold, and brittleness. Important documents, financial records, family archives, and books all need stable conditions — especially for long-term storage.
Musical Instruments
Guitars warp and crack. Piano soundboards swell. String instruments lose tuning stability permanently if exposed to humidity swings. Any instrument worth protecting belongs in a climate-controlled unit.
Wine
Wine storage requires a consistent 55°F and moderate humidity. If you're storing anything beyond casual bottles, climate control is non-negotiable.
Clothing and Leather
Leather cracks in dry heat and grows mold in humidity. High-end clothing, vintage pieces, and leather goods should be climate-controlled — especially if stored for more than a month or two.
Mattresses
Moisture creates mold and mildew that's nearly impossible to remove. Storing a quality mattress in a humid standard unit for a summer is a common and expensive mistake.
Items That Don't Need Climate Control
Standard outdoor units work fine for these:
- Patio furniture and outdoor equipment — designed for weather
- Garden tools, lawnmowers, and landscaping equipment
- Non-sensitive sporting goods (bikes, camping gear, kayaks)
- Commercial non-perishable inventory
- Metal appliances (washers, dryers, fridges — leave doors propped open)
- Vehicles (most cars handle outdoor storage fine; check your insurance)
The Price vs. Risk Calculation
The monthly premium for climate control is typically $40–$70 on a 10×10 unit. Ask yourself: what's the replacement cost of your items versus the cost of the upgrade?
If you're storing a $2,000 guitar, $4,000 in electronics, or a set of antique furniture — the math is obvious. If you're storing outdoor furniture and bicycles, standard storage is perfectly adequate.
Humidity Matters More Than Temperature in Humid Climates
A dry 95°F day in Arizona causes far less damage than a humid 75°F summer in Florida, Houston, or Vancouver. In humid climates (Gulf Coast, Pacific Northwest, Ontario), prioritize humidity control above all else — even if temperature swings aren't extreme.
Finding a Climate-Controlled Unit
Not all facilities offer climate control in every size. Smaller units (5×5, 5×10) often aren't available in climate-controlled form at many locations. Use StorageAtlas to filter by amenity and compare which facilities near you offer the combination of unit size and climate control you need — before making a single phone call.