What is the Difference Between Climate Controlled vs. Non-Climate Controlled Storage Units?

Deciding between climate controlled and non-climate controlled storage units is easier when you answer these three questions:

1. What items are you planning to store?

2. How long do you plan to store these items?

3. Is your storage location in a region with extreme temperatures?

I recently put everything I owned into storage after relocating to a city where the temperature gauge frequently dips below freezing during the coldest months of the year. I knew my items would be in storage for at least one full winter, possibly two, and that I was storing family heirlooms, artwork, dozens of books, and hundreds of photographs.

So the answer to the question, “Do I need climate controlled storage?” was a resounding yes. Like many people, I assumed that climate controlled storage units would cost too much. However, I quickly realized that the benefits of keeping my valued belongings safe throughout the seasons (whether bitter cold or scorching hot) outweighed any additional storage costs in the long run.

The definition of climate-controlled storage, also referred to as temperature-controlled storage, can vary among storage companies and locations. Sometimes units are only heated (and not cooled) or cooled but not heated. Nevertheless, climate-controlled storage regulates the temperature within a range (for example between 59 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit).

Air-conditioned storage units are popular in places with a high heat index such as Louisiana and Florida where temperatures can reach into the 90s and 100s for days on end with little relief. Heated storage units tend to be more prevalent in parts of the country where bitter cold winter months like those in Minnesota, seem to drag on endlessly before spring finally arrives.

Options for these types of climate-controlled storage units are certainly useful in weather zones that experience extreme temperature fluctuations, but maybe not as critical in areas that enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate year round.

Providing the correct storage environment for your items will help them last longer. If you are unsure whether or not your belongings would benefit from being stored in one of our temperature-controlled self storage facilities, give us a call, and one of our friendly helpful storage experts will be happy to help you figure it out!