Climate Control
Climate control in storage units involves the monitoring of temperature and/or humidity to ensure the preservation of your belongings. While different storage companies may interpret the term differently, the main concept is to have a monitoring system (for temperature, humidity, or both) in place to safeguard your items during storage.
It's important to note that the availability and specific definition of climate control can vary depending on the location and even within the same storage company. To get more detailed information, we suggest reaching out to your local self-storage facility.
In our rankings, we consider companies that provide temperature and/or humidity monitoring to protect your belongings.
If you reside in an area with extreme temperatures or humidity, it's advisable to opt for climate control when choosing a storage unit. Likewise, if your location experiences significant temperature or humidity fluctuations, climate control becomes essential. The ideal temperature range inside a storage unit is typically around 50°F–85°F to prevent damage to stored items.
States like California, Arizona, and Florida have witnessed extreme temperature swings in recent years, with fluctuations of up to 45° in a single day. Climate-controlled storage is particularly beneficial for items that are sensitive to such conditions. Many storage unit companies recommend climate control for the following belongings:
- Antiques
- Artwork
- Books
- Clothing and fabric
- Computers
- Electronics
- Wooden or leather furniture
- Household appliances
- Important paperwork
- Musical instruments
Controlling parameters for Climate Controlled Storage
Temperature controls: Look for a unit that keeps your belongings within a temperature range of about 50°F–85°F. Be aware that recommended temperatures for your particular belongings can vary. For example, you should keep wine closer to 55°F, while vinyl records do best between 65°F–70°F. Your local storage unit company can give you more guidance on your specific items.
Humidity controls: Very few companies offer humidity control, so if you’re interested in it, the first thing is to verify whether they have it. After that, you should ask about the specific relative humidity range of the unit and see if it’s a good fit for your belongings. Humidity-controlled units are ideal for areas with high humidity (think coastal areas like Florida or Maine) because they fight against mold, mildew, rust, and rot.
Low prices: Don’t pay more than you have to. Our research shows that you can usually get a climate-controlled unit for about $190 per month.
Solid reviews: Do a quick Google search for company reviews. Low prices don’t matter much if the company treats you poorly or has tons of complaints about damaged items or hidden fees.
Wide availability: Many storage unit companies have excellent value but are available in only a few hundred places across the country. Be sure the company that you like has a nearby location.
Climate Controlled Storage Companies
Extra Space Storage: Top choice overall for storage needs.
Public Storage: Stands out for its exceptional customer service.
Cube Smart: Offers budget-friendly options for storage solutions.
Life Storage: known for providing reliable and secure storage facilities.
Extra Space Storage
Our top recommendation for climate control is Extra Space Storage. With units maintained between 55°F–80°F, they provide comprehensive climate control information to ensure the safety of your belongings. Operating in nearly 2,000 locations, the company boasts excellent customer reviews. Their website offers valuable insights into climate control, specifying which items benefit from it and the advantages of using a climate-controlled unit. Extra Space Storage offers units tailored to your specific requirements, including separately heated, humidity-controlled, and cooled options, which can be crucial depending on your local weather conditions.
Public Storage
Public Storage receives exceptional customer reviews, with customers praising its clean storage units, professional representatives, and excellent customer service. It consistently achieves an impressive overall customer ranking of 4.7 out of 5 stars, the highest among self-storage companies. However, the drawback is its pricing, as Public Storage's climate-controlled units average around $200, which is approximately $10 higher than the industry average. On the bright side, Public Storage offers a reliable insurance policy called the Orange Door Insurance Program, providing $5,000 worth of coverage for your belongings at a cost of approximately $15 per month, making it a budget-friendly option for most customers.
Cube Smart
Cube Smart is an excellent choice if you're seeking budget-friendly rates and numerous benefits. Apart from storage, Cube Smart provides additional services like professional movers and access to moving trucks at most locations. Surprisingly, their climate-controlled storage units are priced at around $160 per month, despite offering a wide range of perks. However, Cube Smart receives mixed customer reviews, with a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, and their limited number of locations (around 1,300) can make it harder for customers to find a nearby facility compared to competitors like Extra Space and Public Storage.
What sets Cube Smart apart is their variety of size options for climate-controlled storage units, allowing you to find the perfect fit and save money by not paying for unnecessary space. Additionally, Cube Smart goes the extra mile to ensure a comfortable experience for customers, providing perks such as free Wi-Fi, fresh coffee, remote-controlled access, and video monitoring services. Their comprehensive offerings make Cube Smart stand out as a storage company that goes above and beyond to meet customers' needs.
Life Storage
If top-notch security is your primary concern, Life Storage is the ideal choice. Unlike some companies that avoid discussing security on their websites, Life Storage is transparent about the level of protection they provide for your belongings. They offer a wide range of climate-controlled options to suit your needs, but this comes at a higher price, averaging around $240. With Life Storage, you get excellent value for your money, but expect to pay approximately $50-$60 more than the industry average. The company offers various climate-controlled storage units, ensuring they can accommodate your specific requirements, whether you live in a hot, cold, humid, or dry environment.
Life Storage promotes several notable security features that set it apart from other storage companies:
- Digital surveillance system: With 24-hour video surveillance, Life Storage uses advanced digital storage to ensure high-quality video coverage and minimize the risk of blind spots compared to traditional videotape storage.
- Exterior and interior lighting: Life Storage lights up the exteriors of its storage buildings to deter potential thieves, and inside each unit, motion-activated lights ensure customers are never left in the dark.
- High-quality locks: Life Storage boasts the use of top-of-the-line storage unit locks, highlighting its commitment to security. Customers have the option to purchase locks on-site or bring their own.
- Password protection: To access a Life Storage facility, customers receive a unique password that must be entered into an electronic keypad. This security measure allows Life Storage to control access to the facility and track every person entering and exiting the storage buildings.
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