The Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage Units and When You Need Them

In self-storage facilities, climate-controlled units are specialized spaces designed to maintain a stable storage environment. This means keeping the temperature within a set range (usually between 55°F and 85°F) and regulating humidity levels to minimize moisture. To achieve this, climate-controlled units are outfitted with advanced HVAC systems, dehumidifiers and insulation technologies.

Climate-Controlled vs. Air-Cooled vs. Temperature-Controlled

It’s a common misconception that climate-controlled units simply mean air-conditioned or air-cooled. While air-cooled and temperature-controlled units can protect your items from excessive heat or freezing temperatures, they won’t do much when it comes to humidity. If you live in an area with relatively stable humidity year-round, you may be able to get away with air-cooled storage. That said, climate control will give you better peace of mind since it covers all your bases.

In other words:

• Climate-Controlled Storage: Your belongings will be kept at a stable temperature (usually between 55°F and 85°F) and humidity for maximum protection from excess cold, heat and moisture. Good for all items.
• Air-Cooled Storage: Air-cooled units protect your items from extremely hot temperatures. Imagine having an AC inside your storage unit — air-cooled essentially provides the same effect. It doesn’t regulate moisture levels. Good for items sensitive to heat (but not affected by moisture).
• Temperature-Controlled Storage: A step above air-cooled units, temperature-controlled storage offers protection from both extremely hot and extremely cold temperatures. Like air-cooled storage, it doesn’t protect your items from humidity. Good for items sensitive to heat and cold (but not affected by moisture).

Climate-controlled units offer a number of benefits compared to their standard storage counterparts

Protection Against Extreme Temperatures

Climate-controlled storage keeps your items safe from both heat and cold. This includes seasonal highs and lows as well as rapid changes in temperature from daytime to nighttime. Fluctuating temperatures can make materials expand and contract repeatedly, potentially cracking items made from wood and melting or warping certain kinds of plastic. They can also make some chemicals deteriorate more quickly, which is why you may notice that photographs and paper documents that aren’t stored properly turn yellow and brittle over time.

Moisture Control

Humidity is another important factor in keeping your stored items in pristine condition. High humidity levels provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can quickly spread to every item in your storage unit and lead to irreversible staining, odors and even structural damage. Fabrics, upholstery, paper goods and wood are especially susceptible to mold and mildew.

Humidity can also corrode and oxidize metals (which is particularly bad for household electronics, specialty equipment and any metal parts of indoor furniture) and cause items made from wood or paper to swell (leading to doors jamming, drawers not closing properly, archival materials and books turning wavy and sticking together, and musical instruments becoming unplayable).

Extra Protection Against Pests

Unlike home storage areas, climate-controlled units provide an extra layer of protection against rodents, roaches and other critters. Not only are storage facilities designed to minimize potential entry points for pests, but the stable temperature and humidity levels in climate-controlled units create an environment that is actually less inviting to them. On top of that, storage facilities are regularly cleaned and maintained. Tenants are also forbidden from storing perishable items like food that can increase the risk of an infestation.

Better Air Quality

Unlike standard units, which can accumulate airborne particles over time, climate-controlled spaces are equipped with advanced ventilation systems that maintain consistent airflow and reduce the amount of dust and allergens that might settle on your belongings, especially over a long period of time.

Long-Term Preservation

For anything precious that requires long-term storage, climate control is the most reliable way to preserve the integrity and value of your stored items over time. This especially applies to antique furniture, collectibles, important documents and sentimental keepsakes. While you may be tempted to keep these kinds of items close at hand, remember that storage areas in your home, like your garage or attic, may experience major fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Climate-controlled storage, on the other hand, offers a stable environment and state-of-the-art security to ensure your items are safe.

Whether or not you need climate control depends on two key factors: the items you’re storing and where you live. 

Items That Benefit From Climate Control

Most items you own can benefit from climate-controlled storage, but some require it for optimal preservation. The following list isn’t exhaustive, but if you’re planning on storing something that falls into one of these categories, don’t risk putting it in an air-cooled or non-climate-controlled unit.

• Household Electronics (computers, TVs, monitors, phones, tablets, stereos)
• Media (DVDs, vinyl, CDs)
• Artwork (paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs)
• Musical Instruments (wooden instruments, xylophones, cymbals, drums)
• Photographic Equipment (cameras, film, memory cards, chargers, lighting)
• Leather Goods (furniture, clothing, accessories)
• Wooden Furniture (antiques, heirlooms)
• Fabrics and Textiles (vintage clothing, quilts, lace, flags)
• Books and Important Documents (archives, manuscripts, certificates, diplomas)
• Collectibles (stamps, coins, comic books)
• Wine (see our guide to wine storage)
• Medications (prescription or OTC — temperature can change the chemical composition of medications and make them dangerous to take)
• Cosmetics and Beauty Products (especially powders)
• Candles (to prevent warping or melting)
• Sports Equipment (especially if made of sensitive materials)
• Vintage Cars

Items That Don’t Require Climate Control

Not everything needs to be stored in a climate-controlled unit, especially things that are designed to withstand outdoor conditions. For example:

• Outdoor Furniture
• Garden Tools and Lawn Equipment
• Camping Gear
• Vehicles and Bicycles
• Weather-Resistant Plastic Bins
• Tools and Hardware
• Patio Stones, Bricks and Construction Materials

The year-round climate where you live can help dictate whether you need a climate-controlled unit or not. Here are some tips depending on where you live in the U.S. or Canada.

United States

In the southern U.S., states like Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Georgia experience high heat and humidity year-round. These conditions can lead to mold, mildew and warping of items like wood furniture, electronics and paper documents. Climate control is essential in these regions to protect against excessive moisture and heat-related damage.

In the Midwest and Northeast, cities like Chicago, New York, Boston and Minneapolis see drastic temperature shifts between summer and winter. Harsh winters with subzero temperatures and humid, sweltering summers create expansion and contraction in materials like wood, leather and metal, leading to warping, rust and cracking. Climate-controlled storage helps stabilize conditions, preventing damage to valuable or delicate items.

In the Western U.S., coastal cities in California like San Francisco and Los Angeles deal with salty air and moisture that can cause corrosion, while inland areas like Las Vegas and Phoenix have extreme heat that can dry out wood, leather and delicate fabrics. Climate-controlled units help regulate humidity and temperature, preventing items from becoming brittle or damaged.

Canada

In Canada, your storage needs will vary by province. The Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador) often experience damp, cool conditions that encourage mold and mildew growth, making climate control worthwhile. Meanwhile, cities in Quebec and Ontario, such as Montreal and Toronto, endure bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers, creating the need for stable storage conditions if you’re storing sensitive or valuable items. In the Prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta), the dry climate and extreme cold can cause wooden furniture and musical instruments to crack, making controlled environments ideal for long-term preservation.

Even in regions with milder climates, such as the Pacific Northwest (Vancouver, BC), persistent dampness can lead to mold and musty odors in storage units. A climate-controlled space with regulated humidity helps keep belongings dry and in good condition year-round.

Ready to reserve a climate-controlled storage unit? Use SmartStop’s Storage Locator to narrow down the list of facilities in your area. When you click on a facility, you’ll be taken to a page that shows you all the available units and whether or not they are climate-controlled or air-cooled, as well as other features such as elevator access, drive-up access, interior units, etc. For more tips on properly storing your belongings, head to our blog.