Table of Contents
Climate Controlled Storage
Renting climate controlled storage for the first time? Awesome. You’re about to join the more than 33% of Americans who rent self-storage.
The problem? Many of them rent units that have climate control for an essential reason. They want to protect their valuables.
Unfortunately, most first-time renters don’t understand the difference. They sign a lease and pay a significantly higher amount than they should.
Even worse, they damage or lose their stuff because they don’t understand climate-controlled units.
The good news is that after reading this guide, you’ll know the basics of climate controlled storage.
Once you do, you can make an informed decision about your storage unit. And that will save you money while protecting your stuff.
Ready to learn all about renting a climate controlled unit as a first-time renter? Let’s get started.
Contents show
- What Is Climate Controlled Storage Anyway?
- Do You Actually Need Climate Control?
- The Real Cost Of Climate Controlled Storage
- Choosing The Right Size Unit
- Location Matters More Than You Think
- Questions You Must Ask Before Signing
- Insurance: Don’t Skip This Step
- Preparing Your Items For Storage
- Getting Your Things Back Out
- Bringing It All Together
What Is Climate Controlled Storage Anyway?
Climate controlled storage isn’t the same as regular storage units.
Regular self-storage units have walls and a door. At best, they keep the rain and thieves away.
But that’s pretty much it. If it’s 80°F outside, it will be 80°F in the unit. Same thing when it’s cold.
Climate controlled units are a different story.
These storage units use HVAC equipment to control the temperature. The actual temperature can vary by company, but 55°F to 85°F is a common range.
The best climate controlled units also control humidity. This is especially important. Humidity is invisible but just as damaging as high or low temperatures.
You can see the effects of humidity on your stuff, though. Look for rust, mold, and mildew.
Do You Actually Need Climate Control?
Here’s the real question first-time renters ask:
Do I really need climate controlled storage?
The answer to that question is based on what you’re storing.
Things that need climate control:
- Electronics and computers
- Wood furniture and antiques
- Musical instruments
- Photographs and documents
- Clothing and fabrics
- Collectibles and artwork
Things that don’t need climate control:
- Metal tools and equipment
- Outdoor furniture
- Vehicles and boats
- Garden supplies
Climate controlled storage units are typically indoors. That has two important advantages.
First, they’re more secure. Second, the environment is cleaner. Indoor units are less dusty and more rodent-free.
The Real Cost Of Climate Controlled Storage
Let’s cut to the chase…
Renting a climate controlled unit costs more than a standard unit. Data from recent industry reports shows the national average for a climate controlled unit is $145 per month. The average for a regular non-climate-controlled unit is $114.
That’s about 30% more.
Now here’s something to think about…
Is that extra cost worth it to protect tens of thousands of dollars of your stuff? If so, go for it. If not, then don’t rent a climate controlled unit. It all depends on what you need to store.
Price will vary by location and unit size. Places that have wild temperature swings and humidity levels will charge more for climate control.
Choosing The Right Size Unit
This is one area first-time renters often mess up.
They rent a unit too small to hold all of their stuff. Or, they rent a unit too big and waste money. Either way, it’s a problem.
Try to choose a unit that’s just right. First, make a list of what you want to store. Then, go to the facility website and check out their unit size guides. You’ll get a good idea of how much fits in each size.
Climate controlled units range from 5×5 (one bedroom’s worth of items) to 10×20 (four-bedroom house).
If you’re not sure, go a little bigger. Access is easier when you have more room in the unit.
Location Matters More Than You Think
This is another common mistake first-time renters make…
Choosing the wrong location. Some storage facilities are right next to your house. Others are in the middle of nowhere. Location is about more than convenience…
Location also matters based on how often you need access to your stuff. If you need to get in and out frequently, it makes sense to pay more for a closer facility.
If you’re storing items for a long time, you can save money on a facility that’s a bit further away.
Facility locations also have an impact on price. Places that are close to cities have to pay more for land, and therefore, rent is higher. You might save money by going to a facility further out.
Read online reviews carefully. Look for comments about cleanliness, customer service, and actual climate control.
Most facilities advertise climate control, but do they actually maintain the temperature and humidity? Check access hours, too. Some storage facilities offer 24/7 access, while others have more limited hours.
Questions You Must Ask Before Signing
Here’s something else first-time renters often forget to do…
They ask the wrong questions (or no questions at all). Sooner or later, they find out that the facility has some hidden costs or rules that surprise them.
Here are some questions you should ask:
- What temperature range does the unit maintain?
- Is humidity controlled, or just temperature?
- Can I access my unit 24/7?
- What security features does the facility have?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
Don’t be shy about negotiating. Many facilities will give you a better rate for a longer lease or for being a first-time renter.
Insurance: Don’t Skip This Step
If you rent storage, you need to have insurance on your items.
Storage facilities typically offer their own insurance, but it’s super expensive. Your best bet is adding a rider to your existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
Check with your insurance agent first. You might not need to buy the facility’s insurance.
Facility insurance will usually run you $10 to $30 per month. A homeowner’s insurance rider will be $5 to $15 per month.
That difference over time really adds up. Plus, your existing policy may already cover storage.
Preparing Your Items For Storage
Climate control or not, you should prepare items before moving them into storage.
Climate control can protect your stuff from heat and humidity. But it’s not invincible. So take the time to clean, wrap, and organize your items before moving them to storage.
Clean everything first. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Wrap furniture in protective covers, and label everything clearly. Take photos of valuable items and keep an inventory list.
Even in a climate controlled unit, you want air circulation. So leave space between items so air can move around freely. This will prevent musty smells.
Getting Your Things Back Out
Renting storage is one thing. But no one thinks about getting their stuff back out until it’s time to move.
Before you sign the lease, make sure you understand the move-out process. Some facilities require advance notice, and others charge fees if you don’t give the proper notice.
Pack with an exit strategy from day one. Store items you might need first near the front of the unit. Create aisles in the unit so you can walk through and access items easily.
Bringing It All Together
Renting climate controlled storage as a first-time renter isn’t difficult.
Start by figuring out what you’re storing and if you need climate control. Then, research storage facilities in your area.
Check online reviews and call to ask questions about location, unit sizes, and climate control.
Choose a reputable facility in a convenient location. Rent the right size unit and ask all the questions before signing.
Climate controlled storage costs a little more, but it’s worth it. When you need to protect valuable items, climate control is insurance for your stuff. You pay a little more upfront to protect against damage or loss later on.
Renting self-storage for the first time is a big deal, but you can do it. Just take your time, do your homework, and make a smart decision.
The right climate controlled storage unit will give you peace of mind. Your stuff is safe, secure, and protected from extreme temperatures and humidity.