Wondering if you need to rent a climate-controlled storage unit at Extra Space Storage? Check out our self storage guide for answers to frequently asked questions about climate-controlled storage!
- What Is Climate Control?
- Why Is Climate-Controlled Storage Necessary?
- What Items Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
- Where Do I Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
- Is Climate Control Worth It?
What Is Climate Control?
Climate control keeps your storage unit within a certain temperature range. This can help protect sensitive items from damage caused by extreme temperature changes. At Extra Space Storage, climate-controlled storage units are typically kept between 55 and 80 degrees. To help protect your items no matter where you live, Extra Space Storage offers multiple types of climate control.
Why Is Climate-Controlled Storage Necessary?
By maintaining a consistent environment, climate control reduces the chances that temperature-sensitive items will get damaged in storage. This amenity is beneficial for anyone living in a region where weather changes are common or for anyone who needs to store delicate items like collectibles or other valuables.
How hot can standard storage units get?
Storage units that don’t have climate control—particularly drive-up storage units that don’t have the insulation of an indoor building—can reach temperatures 30 degrees higher than the outside temperature in certain regions. In an uncontrolled storage environment stored items can easily be damaged by extreme heat.
Should I be worried about a cold self storage unit?
If you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing, a cold self storage unit may be cause for concern. Cold temperatures can cause furniture, electronics, musical instruments, and other expensive, temperature-sensitive items to shatter, crack, warp, or stop functioning properly.
Can humidity damage my items in storage?
Humidity can damage items made from materials like metal, paper, fabric, and more when kept in an uncontrolled storage environment. Too much humidity can cause mold and mildew growth that may irreparably damage your belongings.
What Items Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
While most items can benefit from climate control, a temperature-controlled storage environment is more important for delicate belongings like antiques, artwork, and china since these items are more sensitive to extreme temperature changes. The need for climate control also depends on where you live and whether you need short or long-term storage.
Do important documents need climate-controlled storage?
If you’re going to store paper files and photos, you should rent a unit at a climate-controlled storage facility. Paper is susceptible to mold and mildew growth, and it can fade or warp over time. Utilizing climate control can save you from the hassle of needing to replace important documents.
Should clothes be stored in climate control?
To store clothes properly, you should rent climate-controlled storage. When kept in uncontrolled conditions, clothing fabrics can stretch, fade, develop mold and mildew, and even deteriorate. You should also keep clothes in storage in air-tight bags or plastic tubs to help keep them usable for years to come.
Does furniture need to be stored in climate control?
When you store furniture, it’s recommended that you rent storage with climate control. Unprotected wooden and upholstered furniture, leather chairs and couches, and even furniture made from metal and plastic can be damaged by repeated seasonal changes.
Do I need climate control for TVs & other electronics?
TVs and other electronics need climate control because extreme heat and cold can severely damage electrical components. Even if you live in a mild climate, there are several benefits of climate-controlled storage units that can help you safely store electronics.
What appliances need to be stored in climate-controlled units?
Small and large appliances alike can benefit from climate control. Electrical components in appliances can stop working after sitting too long in extreme heat or cold, and appliances with water hookups like washing machines and dishwashers can break in freezing temperatures or develop mold in humid environments. You should also cover your electronics with some sort of plastic or covering to help keep dust from accumulating and scratches from occurring on any surfaces.
Do I need climate control for wine storage?
If you plan on storing wine, climate control is a must. Wine corks can dry out and bottles can freeze in cold temperatures—while hot and humid conditions can affect the taste and overall quality of the wine.
Is there climate-controlled commercial storage?
Yes, there’s climate-controlled commercial storage available at Extra Space Storage. Renting a unit at a climate-controlled storage facility is a great solution for businesses that need to store documents, inventory, materials, or equipment in a secure environment.
Should I have climate control for indoor vehicle storage?
You typically don’t need climate control for vehicle storage, as most vehicles are designed to withstand extreme temperature changes. That said, if you plan to store a classic car or motorcycle that needs more protection from the elements, temperature-controlled storage can help prevent rust and other body damage.
Do storage lockers have climate control?
Storage lockers sometimes include climate control, but it’s not a common feature. Most storage lockers are located in an indoor building, so they do have some insulation from external temperatures already.
Where Do I Need Climate Controlled-Storage?
Consider renting a storage unit with climate control in regions of the U.S. where extreme heat, extreme cold, or high humidity are common. Typically, you should rent climate-controlled storage if you live in an area where the temperature drops below 32 degrees or goes above 90 degrees.
Is climate-controlled storage important in the South?
Climate control is important when renting self storage in the South because the region experiences extreme heat and high humidity. This region includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Do I need climate-controlled storage units in the West?
Depending on where you live in the West, you may need climate-controlled storage. In certain areas of Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, the climate is milder year-round, so you might not need temperature-controlled storage. But in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico—where temperatures can exceed 100 degrees for long periods of time—climate control might be worth it. Areas in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana that receive a lot of snowfall could also benefit from climate control.
Should I have climate-controlled storage in the Midwest?
You should strongly consider renting climate-controlled storage in the Midwest, as this region experiences all four seasons with extreme temperature shifts. This region includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Why do I need climate control on the East Coast?
Climate control is a good idea for those renting self storage on the East Coast. If you’re in New England or Mid-Atlantic states like Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey—then climate-controlled storage is a good solution for protecting items from extreme cold. If you’re in the Southeast, where extreme heat and humidity are common, we recommend renting a storage unit with climate control.
Is a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit Worth It?
Though climate-controlled storage is generally more expensive than standard units, it’s worth renting a climate-controlled unit to help protect your delicate items. Climate control makes it less likely that your items will be irreparably damaged by extreme temperature changes, which can save you money and give you peace of mind when keeping valuable belongings in storage.
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Looking for climate-controlled storage near you? Extra Space Storage has storage facilities across the U.S. that secure storage for temperature-sensitive items. Find climate-controlled units near you!
