Guide

Do I need climate-controlled storage?

You need it if you are storing things that heat, cold or humidity can damage, or if you are storing for more than a few months somewhere hot or humid. Sturdy items like tools, plastic bins and patio furniture usually don't need it.

Things that need it

Wood furniture

Wood takes on moisture in humid air and gives it up in dry air. Repeated swelling and shrinking can warp drawers, loosen glued joints and crack veneer.

Electronics

Heat is hard on batteries and screens. A cold unit that warms quickly can also form condensation inside a device, which can corrode it.

Photos, documents and books

Humidity makes photos stick together and lets mold grow on paper. Heat speeds up fading and makes old paper brittle.

Musical instruments

Guitars, violins and pianos are wood under tension. Swings in humidity and temperature can crack them and throw them out of tune.

Art

Canvas tightens and loosens with humidity, which can crack paint. Framed pieces can grow mold behind the glass.

Clothing, mattresses and upholstery

Fabric and foam hold moisture. In a damp unit they can pick up mildew and a smell that is hard to remove.

Things that usually don't

  • Garden tools, bikes and outdoor furniture
  • Kitchen items packed in plastic bins
  • Holiday decorations that live in a garage or attic anyway
  • Short stays of a month or two in a mild season

A quick test

Would you keep it in a hot attic or a damp basement for a year? If not, rent a climate-controlled unit.

Questions people ask

What is climate-controlled storage?

A storage unit inside a building that is heated and cooled to stay in a steady temperature range. Some facilities also control humidity. Ask which one you are getting.

Is climate-controlled storage worth the extra cost?

It is worth it if replacing or repairing what you store would cost more than the difference in rent. For a few months of boxed kitchen items, it usually is not.

Does climate-controlled mean humidity-controlled?

Not always. Many units are only heated and cooled. If you are storing wood, paper, art or fabric for a long time, ask whether humidity is controlled too.

How long can things stay in a regular unit?

Sturdy items can stay in a regular unit for a long time. Sensitive items are at more risk the longer they stay, especially across a summer in a hot or humid area.

Find a verified unit

We list 4,449 facilities in 847 cities whose own websites say they offer climate-controlled units. Search by city or ZIP.