Choosing a self-storage facility with climate control gives you the peace of mind that your belongings will be protected from temperature and humidity fluctuations. Climate-controlled units maintain a consistent environment to safeguard items that are prone to damage from extreme heat or cold. This article will guide you in selecting the top self-storage companies that offer temperature-regulated unit options.
What Are Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Units?
Self-storage units with climate control have heating and air conditioning systems to regulate the interior temperature and humidity levels. The climate is monitored and maintained within a specific range, typically between 55°F and 85°F.
This type of unit protects your valuables from:
- Heat damage – Prevents problems like warping, melting, and cracks.
- Cold damage – Stops condensation buildup and cracking.
- Mold and mildew – Controls humidity so moisture doesn’t accumulate.
- Pests – Regulated climate deters bugs, rodents, and pests.
- Fading and distortion – Maintains consistent temperature and humidity to prevent damage.
- Odors – Neither too much dryness nor dampness minimizes musty smells.
The climate-controlled environment protects your belongings and gives you peace of mind while storing your items.
Benefits of Climate-Controlled Self-Storage
Renting a temperature-controlled self-storage unit has many advantages:
Preserves Belongings
A regulated climate protects your valuables from extremes that cause deterioration and damage. Consistent temperature and humidity prevent cracking, warping, discoloration, mold growth, condensation, and pests.
Ideal for Sensitive Items
Climate control is essential for storing objects that are vulnerable to shifting conditions like electronics, musical instruments, documents, photographs, art, antiques, and textiles. It protects items prone to heat, cold, or moisture sensitivity.
Odor and Pest Control
Controlling humidity inhibits musty odors, while regulated temperatures keep pests away. Bugs, rodents, and mildew cannot thrive in the maintained environment.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your belongings are protected 24/7 from climate fluctuations gives you confidence and reduces storage worries. Climate monitoring alerts staff if conditions ever fall outside the specified range.
Accessibility
Climate-controlled units are often indoor spaces with easy, year-round access. You can retrieve items conveniently without concerns about ice, snow, rain, or other extreme weather.
Cost Savings
The added expense of temperature control helps prevent costly damage and repairs to your stored goods. Paying a little more upfront saves you money in the long run.
For all these reasons, climate-controlled storage is the best option if the items you’re storing are vulnerable to shifting conditions. The small additional monthly cost is worthwhile to protect your precious belongings and peace of mind.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Storage Facility
If you’ve decided climate-controlled storage is right for your needs, these factors will help you select the best self-storage company:
Stringent Climate Monitoring
Look for strict temperature and humidity monitoring within a narrow range of 55°F to 85°F. Sophisticated sensor systems ensure immediate detection and correction of any climate deviations.
Unit Sizes
Choose a company that offers a range of climate-controlled unit sizes to accommodate your specific storage needs today and in the future.
Security Features
Look for robust security like gated, camera-monitored access, individual door alarms, and climate monitoring alerts. Some companies may offer customizable access hours or CCTV surveillance of your individual unit as added security options.
Cleanliness
Inspect the grounds and storage areas for cleanliness, organization and maintenance. Well-kept facilities typically have better climate systems and storage conditions.
Shelving and Accessories
Storage companies that enable you to purchase storage shelves, bins, and accessories help you better organize your space.
Insurance
Ask if rental insurance is required and what’s covered if your items are damaged. Look for inclusive insurance options as well as climate damage protection.
Location and Access
Choose a company with a convenient location that’s easy to access regularly. Climate-controlled units are often indoors, offering accessible year-round entry unaffected by weather.
Customer Service
Excellent customer service is essential, including friendly staff that promptly answers your calls and questions. They should provide supportive guidance in selecting the right storage solution.
Reviews and Ratings
Check reviews on Google and other third-party sites like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. Look for consistently positive ratings and feedback about customer service, security procedures, and storage conditions. Avoid companies with multiple poor reviews.
Price
Compare rental rates. Remember that climate control comes at a higher cost but may be worth the investment to protect your valuables. Look for special offers and discounts, especially for longer rental terms.
By keeping these key factors in mind, you can zero in on the self-storage facilities that meet your specific climate-controlled requirements. Top-rated national companies with stringent climate monitoring, security, extensive climate-controlled options, and excellent service are typically the best choices.
The Top Self-Storage Companies with Climate Control Units
Based on the above criteria, these highly-rated national brands rise to the top for climate-controlled self-storage:
Public Storage
With over 2,500 locations across the United States, Public Storage is the largest self-storage provider. They offer a wide selection of climate-controlled unit sizes, plus high-tech security like cellular-enabled door alarms and climate sensors that send instant alerts if temperature or humidity ever drift out of range.
Extra Space Storage
This major chain has over 2,000 self-storage facilities across the US and Canada. Extra Space Storage features advanced climate monitoring and control technology for precise regulation. They have an extensive range of climate-controlled unit sizes and helpful storage accessories.
CubeSmart
CubeSmart manages over 1,200 storage locations nationwide with state-of-the-art climate monitoring systems to control temperature and humidity. Highly-rated for exceptional service, they offer add-ons like door alarms and specialty storage items.
Life Storage
With 700+ storage facilities, Life Storage is known for spotless locations, high-tech security, and options like insurance and climate monitors to text you alerts. Climate-controlled units range from closet sized to roomy spaces.
U-Haul Self-Storage
Operating under parent company Amerco, U-Haul manages over 750 self-storage locations across the US and Canada. Their climate-controlled spaces are kept between 60°F and 78°F with strict monitoring. All locations offer interior loading/unloading areas.
Uncle Bob’s Self Storage
This company has over 130 self-storage facilities predominantly located across the Southern and Midwestern US. Uncle Bob’s Self Storage features advanced climate systems to maintain temperatures between 55°F and 85°F and a high level of security monitoring.
National Storage Affiliates
This prominent management group operates over 200 self-storage locations under various brand names like Northwest Self Storage, SecurCare Self Storage, and Easy Storage. Advanced climate systems precisely control temperature and humidity within set ranges.
ezStorage
ezStorage has over 150 temperature-controlled self-storage facilities located in the Eastern and Midwestern US. Highly rated for exceptional service, they offer high-tech security and extensive climate-controlled unit sizes, plus moving and packing supplies.
Guardian Storage
This company manages over 5 million square feet of storage space in over 100 locations across the US. Guardian Storage features advanced technology to maintain climate-controlled spaces within a precise temperature range of 55° to 85°F for optimal protection.
No matter where you live in the US, one of these leading national self-storage brands is likely to have a conveniently located, climate-controlled facility option to meet your needs.
What to Store in a Climate-Controlled Unit
Temperature and humidity controlled self-storage units are ideal for protecting items that are vulnerable to shifting conditions, including:
- Electronics – Stereos, TVs, computers, tablets, software, cameras, etc.
- Musical instruments – Guitars, violins, saxophones, pianos, drums, etc.
- Artwork – Paintings, sculptures, collectibles
- Antiques – Furniture, lamps, clocks, frames
- Books/Documents – Files, photo albums, manuscripts
- Textiles – Clothing, linens, quilts, blankets, rugs
- Leather/Wood – Furniture, sports equipment, luggage, tools
- Wax/Plastic/Rubber – Records, 3D molds, miniatures
- Pharmaceuticals – Medicines, compounds, vitamins
- Wine – Bottles, collections
- Chemicals – Cleaners, oils, automotive fluids
- Metals – Tools, silver, firearms
- Memorabilia – Awards, yearbooks, cards, posters
Really anything prone to damage from shifting temperature, humidity, condensation, or pests can benefit from the stable environment of a climate-controlled space. Valuable or irreplaceable items deserve this added protection.
What Not to Store
Some items don’t require specialized climate control and do fine in standard self-storage units:
- Outdoor gear – Tents, skis, lawn furniture, grills
- Appliances – Washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves
- Sporting goods – Exercise gear, golf clubs, helmets, cleats
- Autos – Cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs
- Files – Tax records, old bank statements, utility bills
- Seasonal decorations – Holiday knick-knacks, wreaths, lights
- Kitchenware – Pots, pans, utensils, plates, appliances
- Off-season clothing – Heavy coats, swimsuits, shorts, sandals
- Furniture – Couches, beds, chairs, shelves, tables
Everyday household goods and furnishings typically aren’t climate sensitive. For anything resistant to some temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests, standard self-storage delivers an economical option.
Key Points and Considerations
- Climate-controlled storage maintains consistent interior temperature and humidity levels between 55°F and 85°F.
- Regulated conditions prevent damage to items vulnerable to heat, cold, condensation, pests, and odors.
- Look for strict climate monitoring technology and systems that send instant alerts for any variations.
- National self-storage brands like Public Storage, U-Haul, and CubeSmart offer exceptional climate-controlled options and service.
- Ideal for storing electronics, instruments, documents, leather goods, antiques, artwork, wine, and more.
- Standard units work well for household goods, furniture, appliances, and outdoors equipment.
- While more expensive, climate control provides essential protection well worth the added peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose climate-controlled storage?
Climate control protects your valuables from heat, cold, moisture, pests, and odors. It provides ideal storage conditions for anything vulnerable to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
How much more does climate-controlled storage cost?
Expect to pay 10% to 25% more compared to standard non-climate-controlled units. The added expense provides essential protection that saves you money in the long run by preventing costly damage.
What temperature is maintained?
Reputable storage facilities maintain climate-controlled units within a temperature range of 55°F to 85°F. State-of-the-art sensor systems monitor conditions 24/7 and alert staff immediately if the interior climate ever drifts outside the set range.
Can I control the access hours and security?
Many storage companies give tenants personalized access hours and codes. Added security like customizable door alarms and video surveillance of your individual unit may be available.
What are the signs of a good climate-controlled facility?
Look for advanced climate monitoring technology, clean grounds, well-maintained buildings, high security standards, excellent customer service ratings, and temperature control within 55°F to 85°F.
What’s the best way to choose a self-storage company?
Check online reviews, compare rental rates, consider convenience of locations, and visit in person to view security procedures and storage unit conditions. Reputable national brands like Public Storage offer exceptional climate-controlled options.
Is climate control advisable for furniture storage?
For everyday household furniture and décor, standard storage often suffices. But for fine woods and antiques prone to cracking, climate control provides ideal protection well worth the investment.
Can I access my climate-controlled unit year-round?
Yes, reputable facilities offer interior access unaffected by weather, ensuring easy year-round entry to retrieve your items. Outdoor loading areas are typically covered and protected too.
Conclusion
For valuable items prone to changing conditions, self-storage units with climate-control deliver essential protection. Advanced systems maintain interior temperatures between 55°F and 85°F along with stable humidity to prevent damage from heat, cold, moisture, pests and odors. Leading national chains like Public Storage, Extra Space Storage, and CubeSmart offer exceptional climate-regulated storage options to safeguard your belongings and peace of mind. While costing moderately more, climate-controlled storage provides ideal conditions for electronics, musical instruments, antiques, collectibles, artwork, wine, textiles, leather goods, and more. For household furniture, sporting equipment, and everyday staples, standard self-storage often suffices. By choosing a reputable storage company with high-tech climate monitoring, robust security, extensive climate-controlled units, and excellent customer service, you can confidently store your valuables knowing they are protected 24/7.