We have people ask all of the time, "Do I need a climate-controlled storage unit for my belongings?" Our answer is always, "It depends on what you intend to store."

When to Use Climate-Controlled Storage

A climate-controlled unit is recommended if you live in an area with extreme heat or cold weather. But they're also helpful if you intend to store certain items. In a storage unit that isn't climate-controlled, a lot can happen while your stuff is sitting in storage that you may not be aware of. For example, extreme temperatures can affect the temperature in your unit, moisture can build up and cause damage, or pests can get in and soil or eat your things.

The temperature in climate-controlled units can remain between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Storage units like these are often in indoor storage facilities but can also be found at outdoor or drive-up storage facilities (like ours!). These units ensure that moisture is minimal through the control of the temperature and ensure that your items are protected against risk factors.

Which Items Need Climate-Controlled Storage

Not all items need to be in a climate-controlled environment, but some most definitely do, including:

  • Furniture: Specifically, anything made with metal, wood, wicker, leather, or upholstery.
  • Electronics: These have so many components that are especially sensitive to heat, cold, and moisture.
  • Media: Any vinyl records, VHS tapes, DVDs, CDs, thumb drives, external hard drives, film, etc.
  • Art: Paintings, drawings, metalwork, and such can be negatively affected by moisture and dramatic changes in temperature.
  • Clothing: Not all clothing needs to be in climate-controlled storage, but if there is any lace or leather, you'll want to take precautions.
  • Important Documents: Moisture is not a friend to documents. We all know this.
  • Photographs: Many people assume that if they put their photographs in plastic bins they will survive the elements. This isn't true, unfortunately. Moisture can build within plastic bins when too hot or cold, and heat can cause photographs to melt.
  • Musical Instruments: Every musician knows not to leave their guitar or keyboard in their car. Why? Because heat, in particular, can cause irreparable damage to instruments.
  • Antiques: Just like furniture, these tend to be made of materials susceptible to the elements.
  • Collectibles: You know those stamps, coins, and baseball cards you've been collecting? All it takes is a little moisture to destroy the collection you've worked so hard to build up.
  • Wine: There is a reason winemakers tell everyone to store their wine in cool, dark places away from the elements. You may want to look into the science behind it, especially if you're planning on storing very expensive wines.
  • Sports or Camping Equipment: These can endure a lot when you're using them, but if they are sitting for long periods of time, you'll find that they are built of materials that are susceptible to the elements in ways you may not have anticipated.

Reasons to Rent a Climatized Unit

There are a few different reasons people usually rent climate-controlled units and why you might as well, including:

  • If you're planning on storing your things for several months to years: Temperature levels vary widely over the span of several months to a year, so you want to keep this in mind when choosing a storage unit. You want to consider the temperature shifts that will happen in the future, not just how it feels 'right now.'
  • If you live in an environment with extreme heat or cold weather: You want to mitigate these factors as much as possible, and a climate-controlled unit can help you.
  • If you plan on storing collectibles, antiques, valuables, or other irreplaceable items: Any things you store that have monetary or sentimental value are worth taking extra precautions for. Better safe than sorry, right?

Difference Between Climate-Controlled and Regular Units

Regular units have no adjustments for temperature or humidity, so they are subject to whatever is happening on the outside and the ways that air temperature and moisture impact the inside of the unit. Climate-controlled storage units (also known as temperature-controlled or climatized storage units) tend to be a bit pricier. Still, you'll quickly find that they're worth it if you don't get one and find some of your belongings haven't survived being stored in a non-climate-controlled unit.

Not all items you store need to be in a climate-controlled storage unit. However, it's important to know which ones *do* so that you don't find yourself frustrated and in a bind because your things were ruined or aren't in as good of condition as when you originally stored them.

Finding a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit That Fits Your Needs

If you're trying to determine which size storage unit you may need, contact us! We can help you figure out what's best for your needs and find you a unit that will protect your belongings long-term, so you can relax knowing that your things are safe and secure.

Keep in mind that we offer the following amenities:

  • An on-site business center
  • Convenient drive-up access
  • Automated bill payment
  • High-tech security cameras
  • Free Moving Boxes & Tape
  • Moving Van available for lease

We provide state-of-the-art security at a convenient location in Meridian, Idaho. Learn more about us and how we can serve you.