A woman inside of a storage unit facility

Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate-controlled storage units are designed to maintain a consistent temperature range—usually between 55 and 80 degrees—throughout the year. This is ideal for protecting sensitive items from extreme temperatures and fluctuations. At Extra Space Storage, these units are predominantly indoor, offering some natural protection from humidity, which is similar to the conditions inside a home.

  • Indoor Units
  • Affordable Pricing
  • Month-to-Month Rentals

What Is Climate-Controlled Storage?

Climate-controlled storage units are kept within an average temperature range year-round, helping protect sensitive belongings from extreme heat, cold, or moisture. At Extra Space Storage, our storage units with climate control typically maintain temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees. These types of indoor storage units generally range in size from 5x5 to 10x30.

Climate-controlled storage units help by using the following features:

Temperature Regulation

By using HVAC systems, your storage unit's temperature is regulated, preventing temperature fluctuations.

Humidity Protection

Units are predominantly indoors, offering some natural protection from outdoor humidity. Some locations also offer dehumidified storage to help manage moisture.

Indoor Access

These storage units can be found in enclosed, insulated buildings for an extra layer of protection from pests, rodents, dust, and drafts.

Do You Need Climate Controlled Storage?

If you plan to store temperature-sensitive items, you may want to opt for climate-controlled storage, which can help protect stored belongings from extreme heat or cold throughout the year. As a general rule of thumb, renting a climate-controlled storage unit is typically the best choice. The cost difference compared to a standard unit is usually small, and Extra Space Storage offers month-to-month leases allowing for added flexibility as your needs change.

To help you make the right choice for your needs, we’ve put together scenarios for guidance on whether or not you'll likely need climate-controlled storage, and a video listing some of the basic things you need to consider before choosing a climate-controlled storage unit.

Consider Climate Control If:

  • You live in a climate with extreme weather: Coastal and Midwestern climates can experience hot, humid summers and below-freezing winters, creating temperature fluctuations that can put sensitive materials at risk.

  • You're storing items Long-Term: For those storing for three months or more, climate control is recommended to help protect your items over time.

  • You're storing sensitive items: Items made of wood, paper, and fabric, as well as electronics, musical instruments, and other sensitive belongings, are more vulnerable to damage from outdoor temperature and humidity changes.

You May Not Need Climate Control If:

  • You live in a mild climate: If you live in an area with relatively stable temperatures and low humidity, you could consider renting standard storage.

  • You're storing items short-term: Depending on the climate and the material your items are made of, standard storage may be a suitable option if storing less than three months.

  • You're storing durable items: Hard goods made from materials like steel, stone, plastic, glass, or metal, as well as outdoor gear or recreational equipment, may not require climate control.

Types of Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate-controlled storage options can vary depending on where you're renting, since some regions offer additional types to help protect your belongings from specific weather challenges, like intense heat or humidity. Below are the most common types of climate-controlled storage, along with what makes each one a good fit for your needs.

Climate-Controlled Storage

This is the most common temperature-controlled storage option. Climate control is typically heated in the winter and cooled during the summer. Most climate-controlled units are located within a building at our facilities, so the humidity level is similar to the inside of a house. This option is best for everyday belongings like wooden furniture, electronics, and other temperature-sensitive items.

Air-Cooled Storage

Utilized in states where extreme heat is prominent throughout the year, the difference between climate control and air-cooled storage is that cold air is blown through storage units using water vapor. It’s a highly effective way to keep indoor storage units at a safe temperature for your belongings, but it might not be the right option if you’re storing items that are sensitive to humidity.

Heated Storage

In areas that experience extreme cold temperatures, especially in winter—heated storage units are the perfect solution. This feature maintains a safe, warm environment in your indoor storage unit when the temperature drops in your area.

Dehumidified Storage

If you're storing moisture-sensitive items like documents, photographs, or electronics, consider renting a dehumidified storage unit. This storage type uses a dehumidification system to reduce excess moisture in the air. Give our team a call at (888) 609-8483 to help find dehumidified storage near you.

Understanding the types of Climate-Controlled Storage

Storage Type

Primary Function

Best For

Climate-Controlled

Helps moderate high and low temperatures

Temperature-sensitive belongings like furniture, electronics, and documents

Heated

Helps with extreme cold

Items sensitive to freezing temperatures

Air-Cooled

Helps reduce extreme heat

Items sensitive to high temperatures

Dehumidified

Helps reduce excess moisture

Moisture-sensitive items like documents, photos, and electronics

*Standard climate control does not include humidity control unless stated. Check with your local facility for details.

BENEFITS OF CLIMATE CONTROL

There are many benefits to renting one of our secure, climate-controlled storage units—including protection from a variety of climates, better longevity for your items, and increased peace of mind. Keep in mind that climate-controlled storage may come with added costs, so reach out to a storage facility near you to find affordable storage units with climate control.

Extreme Temperature Protection

Whether it’s high heat or freezing cold, extreme temperature changes and humidity can severely damage sensitive items kept in a non-regulated environment. Temperature-controlled storage is a great option for storing a personal car, recreational vehicle, or protecting other sensitive items from moisture.

Pest & Dust Prevention

Climate-controlled units are inside enclosed, insulated buildings with highly sealed walls. That creates a physical barrier against pests, insects, rodents, dust, and debris that open-air or drive-up units just can’t match.

Moisture & Humidity Protection

High humidity is one of the biggest threats to items in storage. Most climate-controlled storage offers indoor conditions similar to those inside a home. Dehumidified storage helps reduce excess moisture and humidity.

Better Air Quality

Active ventilation systems continuously circulate fresh air through each unit, clearing out the musty odors and moisture buildup that develop in sealed, unventilated spaces.

Damage Prevention

Though climate-controlled units can cost more than standard storage, they can be a valuable option for customers storing temperature-sensitive items. Climate control can help reduce exposure to extreme temperature changes that may contribute to warping, cracking, fading, or damage to electronics and other sensitive belongings.

Personal Comfort & Peace of Mind

A climate-controlled unit doesn’t just provide a protective environment for your belongings—it also makes visiting your storage unit on hot and cold days more comfortable. And since most storage units with climate control are accessed from inside a storage facility rather than outside, there’s another layer of privacy and safety for you and your stored items.

Search Storage Facilities by Location

Search Storage Facilities by Location

Find available self storage units in your area. View sizes, amenities, and pricing to make the best choice for your belongings.

Find available self storage units in your area. View sizes, amenities, and pricing to make the best choice for your belongings.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR ITEMS FOR CLIMATE CONTROL

Ready to use climate-controlled storage? The following steps will help you reap the full benefits of climate control and ensure you’ve maximized your self storage investment.

1. Figure Out What Items You’ll Be Storing

Make a list of the items you'll be putting into self storage, categorize into groups to store similar items together, and measure your items to ensure they will fit in your storage unit.

2. Start Organizing the Items

Get Extra Space Storage packing and moving supplies and start organizing your items and labeling your boxes. Check out our storage unit size guide for an idea of how to visualize and organize your items within your indoor storage unit.

3. Pack Items with Intention

Wrap fragile belongings in bubble wrap or newspaper, keep like items together, and disassemble furniture and other large items with care for a smoother move-in process.

4. Move Items to Climate-Controlled Storage

Check with the manager at your storage facility for gate hours and item restrictions, and begin moving your items into climate-controlled storage unit!

Items That Need Climate Control

There are several types of items that require climate-controlled storage, such as electronics, furniture, artwork, books, and more. Check out the list below to learn more!

Electronics

Avoid exposure to extreme heat, cold, and high humidity when storing electronics and media like TVs, computers, gaming systems, stereos, and cameras. This will help prevent heat-related damage.

Furniture

When storing furniture, use climate-controlled storage to help protect wooden, leather, and upholstered furniture from warping, cracking, or collecting mold and mildew.

Books & Newspapers

When storing books and newspapers, avoid extended exposure to humidity and extreme temperatures, which can fade and warp them.

Wine

Extra Space Storage offers wine storage at select locations. Wine requires very specific conditions that differ from typical climate control.

Media

Likewise, DVDs, records, and other media are susceptible to humidity damage and certain items can even melt in extreme heat. Items that can benefit from climate control also include cassettes, VHS tapes, photos, film reels and negatives.

Artwork

If your area experiences high humidity or extreme temperatures, opt for climate control when storing artwork and antiques.

Musical Instruments

Storing musical instruments like percussion, string, or bass instruments in a climate-controlled environment can help preserve them from humidity and temperature-related damage.

Collectibles

Most collectible items, including antiques, artwork, coin collections, stamp collections, and more should be kept in stable, ideal storage conditions.

Items That Don't Need Climate Control

If you’re storing durable goods or items in protective containers, standard storage is usually fine. Save money on a standard unit when storing:

  • Plastic, glass, or metal items (like patio furniture or kitchen utensils)

  • Clothing in sealed, airtight containers or plastic tubs

  • Holiday decorations in moisture-resistant bins

  • Tools and hardware with no electronic components

  • Appliances that are clean, dry, and going in short-term

How Much Do Climate-Controlled Storage Units Cost?

Climate-controlled storage units typically cost more than regular storage units because of the protective HVAC infrastructure, dehumidification systems, and year-round environmental regulation. On average, these storage units can cost about $117 per month, or range from $40-$200+ per month.

Unit Size
Average Price +
Lowest Price
5x10
$68
$23
10x10
$109
$45
10x15
$149
$61
10x20
$201
$82

Factors that Impact Climate-Controlled Storage Pricing

Multiple factors can increase the cost of your climate-controlled storage unit, including:

  • Unit Size: Larger units typically cost more— with an average price across all unit sizes at $233 per month.

  • Location: Pricing naturally shifts with local market demand, so rates may be higher in an area with higher demand.

  • Climate Control Type: Dehumidified storage units can be more expensive than standard temperature-only units.

  • Seasonal Demand: Pricing can vary by season—summer and peak moving months typically see the highest demand and higher pricing as a result.

Find Climate Controlled Storage Near You

Why Choose Extra Space Storage?

  • 4,300+ facilities nationwide. Find a climate-controlled storage facility near you with the size and features you need.

  • Flexible month-to-month leases. No long-term commitment required. Rent for as long as you need.

  • Free, no-obligation reservations. Reserve your unit online in minutes.

  • Indoor access year-round. All climate-controlled units are inside enclosed, insulated buildings—protected from the elements in every season.

See what our customers have to say about our climate-controlled storage solutions. With a wide range of storage unit sizes and other amenities, we can help keep your temperature-sensitive items protected from extreme heat or cold.

Hear What Customers Have to Say

How to Rent a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

First-time renter? With Rapid Rental, you can secure your storage unit 100% online in minutes—no office visit needed. Same-day move-in and easy online payment available.

laptop

Reserve Your Unit Online

Choose your size, select climate control, and lock in your rate—including our quick Rapid Rental option to complete your lease in minutes.

boxes

Order Packing Supplies

Purchase high-quality moving supplies to safely pack and move your belongings.

person-dolly

Move In Your Items

Pack your belongings, head to the facility, and load your temperature-sensitive items into your clean, protected unit.

warehouse-duotone

Access Your Unit Anytime

Use your personal gate code to safely visit your unit during secure facility access hours whenever you need something.

TIPS & RESOURCES FOR CLIMATE CONTROL

How to Choose a Storage Unit

Find out which factors you need to consider when choosing a storage unit!

How to Insure Your Belongings

Sign up for storage insurance to protect the value of your belongings from the unexpected!

What You Need to Reserve a Storage Unit

Renting a storage unit is easy! Double check what you need before you reserve self storage!

How to Pack and Organize Your Storage Unit

Learn how to maximize space in your storage unit plus tips for keeping it organized.

Indoor Storage Units

Learn more about the benefits of indoor or interior access storage units.

Storage Unit Size Guide

No matter the type of unit, make sure you find the right storage unit size for your needs!

Drive-Up Storage

Is convenient access to load and unload your belongings a priority? Learn more about drive-up access and its benefits.

Find Cheap Storage Rentals Near You

Our facilities offer competitive monthly rates giving you the best deal on renting a storage unit.

Frequently Asked Questions of Climate-Controlled Storage

Can you control the temperature in a climate-controlled unit?

You cannot control the temperature in an individual storage unit. All climate-controlled storage units are kept within the same temperature range at our locations (between 55 and 80 degrees).

Can mold grow in a climate-controlled storage unit?

Mold can grow anywhere, but climate-controlled storage can help mitigate the risk. Be sure to take additional precautions to prevent mold growth by leaving space between the sides of the storage unit and your items, drying items before storing them, using desiccants, and keeping items in airtight containers.

Is climate-controlled storage more expensive?

Yes, climate-controlled storage will be more expensive than a standard storage unit. However, you can still find cheap storage units with climate control, large and small, at Extra Space Storage! Simply contact our team of storage experts to help you find a storage facility near you that best fits your needs!

Is climate control worth it?

This varies based on your situation. If you’re storing valuable belongings that can be damaged by extreme heat, cold, or humidity—and they’ll be exposed to those conditions based on when and where you’re storing—then climate-controlled storage is absolutely worth it.

Can you sleep in a climate-controlled storage unit?

No, it is prohibited to sleep in any storage unit at Extra Space Storage. It is illegal to sleep in your storage unit.

How hot do storage units get?

Outdoor access storage units (without climate control) that are exposed to the sun in the summer can get significantly hotter than the outdoor temperature. If storing items that shouldn't be exposed to extreme heat, strongly consider climate-controlled storage.

What are the pros and cons of climate control?

The pros of climate-controlled storage are protection from adverse climates, extra protection from dirt and pests, better air quality, and—in the case of dehumidified storage units—protection against fluctuating humidity levels. The cons of climate control include higher costs and more limited access.

What size climate-controlled storage unit do I need?

You can find the perfect climate-controlled storage unit size for your items using our AI Smart Size Finder!

Do drive-up storage units have climate control?

Yes, some drive-up storage units have climate control, but it's not as common as our other self storage options that we offer at Extra Space Storage. Contact a facility near you to learn more.

Do climate-controlled storage units have 24-hour access?

Some storage facilities may offer 24-hour access so you can access your climate-controlled storage unit when it best fits your schedule. Contact a facility near you to learn more about access hours!