Storage guide

Climate-controlled storage

Climate-controlled units sit inside a building that's heated in winter and cooled in summer, so the temperature stays within a set range all year. Many facilities also manage humidity, which is what really protects wood, paper, fabric and electronics from warping, mold and corrosion.

When a climate-controlled unit makes sense

It usually costs more than a standard unit of the same size. It's worth it whenever you're storing something valuable or sensitive, or storing for more than a season somewhere with hot summers, cold winters or high humidity.

Best for

  • Wood, leather and upholstered furniture
  • Electronics, computers, TVs and musical instruments
  • Documents, books, photos and artwork
  • Mattresses, clothing and linens
  • Collectibles, vinyl records and wine

What to look for

Questions worth asking before you choose a climate-controlled unit.

Temperature range

Ask what range the building holds. "Climate-controlled" can mean heated only at some facilities.

Humidity control

Dehumidification matters as much as temperature for paper, wood and electronics, especially near lakes and coasts.

Indoor access

Units are reached through interior hallways, which keeps dust, pests and weather away from your door.

Building security

Look for a controlled building entry on top of the gate code, plus camera coverage of the hallways.

Common sizes

5×5Files, artwork, a few boxes of keepsakesSize guide 5×10Furniture from a small apartment, electronicsSize guide 10×10A one-bedroom's furniture with room for boxesSize guide 10×15A two-bedroom's furniture and appliancesSize guide

Find climate-controlled units near you

Search by city or ZIP above, or start from a state below. Unclaimed listings don't list their features yet, so ask in your free request whether they offer what you need.

Texas 1,108California 878Washington 675Florida 537Georgia 485Pennsylvania 463Arizona 436Illinois 429Virginia 394Colorado 357Ohio 351New York 344North Carolina 337Oregon 313Michigan 270South Carolina 247Montana 224Wisconsin 216Tennessee 210New Jersey 207Oklahoma 202Maryland 196Minnesota 175Alabama 166Indiana 163Massachusetts 157Utah 157Nevada 145Missouri 131New Mexico 125Louisiana 117Kansas 100New Hampshire 95Arkansas 90Connecticut 86Kentucky 78Mississippi 69Iowa 68Maine 65Nebraska 58West Virginia 45Wyoming 35Delaware 34Hawaii 24Alaska 24Vermont 20Rhode Island 20North Dakota 17Idaho 13District of Columbia 13South Dakota 2

Tips from the pros

  • Raise furniture and boxes off the floor on pallets, and leave a gap at the walls for airflow.
  • Never wrap wood or leather in plastic. Use breathable moving blankets or cotton sheets.
  • Store electronics in their original boxes if you can, and remove batteries first.
  • Ask whether the climate system runs year-round and whether it has backup power.

Climate-controlled storage: common questions

Is climate-controlled storage worth the extra cost?
For wood furniture, electronics, documents, photos, instruments or anything you're storing more than a few months, usually yes. A warped dresser or a mildewed box of photos costs more than the difference in rent.
What temperature do climate-controlled units stay at?
It varies by facility, so ask. Many hold roughly 55–80°F. Some only heat in winter, and only some actively control humidity.
Do I need climate control for a short move?
For a few weeks in mild weather, a standard unit is usually fine. In peak summer heat, deep winter cold or humid areas, climate control is safer even short term.
Is climate-controlled the same as heated storage?
Not always. Heated storage keeps units above freezing. Climate-controlled storage also cools in summer, and often controls humidity.
Self storage unitsMoving between homes or leasesStorage lockers & small unitsStudents between semestersBusiness storageE-commerce and retail inventory

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