Climate-Controlled Storage vs. Traditional Storage: Which is Right for You?

LUXE 20x50 Storage
December 18th, 2024

Looking for a secure storage solution for your belongings, vehicle or business supplies?

One of the first things you’ll need to consider is whether you want climate-controlled storage or a traditional storage unit. Both options have their advantages. The right choice for you will depend on your storage needs, the items you plan to store and your budget.

Let’s break down the differences between traditional and climate-controlled storage units to help you make the most informed choice.

What is Traditional Storage?

Traditional storage units are also referred to as standard or non-climate-controlled units. These fully-indoor spaces provide your stored belongings with basic protection from outdoor elements like rain, wind and sunlight.

One of the biggest benefits to traditional storage units is that they’re an affordable indoor solution, with lower monthly rents.

However, these units offer little to no insulation, making them highly susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Non-insulated units can even reach temperatures of up to 30 degrees over the outside temperature. Here in Bryan, our temperatures can soar into the 90s. Can your stored belongings handle it?

Certain items like metal tools and outdoor patio furniture aren’t affected by exposure to extreme heat. But for more temperature-sensitive items or objects of great value, it’s a different story.

Before putting anything into a storage unit, it’s worth it to consider if temperatures and humidity will damage any of your items. If that’s the case, you may want to opt for a climate-controlled unit instead.

What is Climate-Controlled Storage?

Climate-controlled storage provides an insulated space for your belongings, ensuring that everything is kept at a stable temperature and humidity level year-round. Insulated unit temperatures typically fall between 55 and 85 degrees. Your items will never experience extreme heat or cold, both of which can be extremely damaging to certain items.

Climate-controlled units are especially beneficial here in Texas, where our weather tends to be extreme. Whether the weather outside is humid and hot, chilly and icy, or raining so hard it floods, we experience it all.

No matter what the forecast is, you’ll never have to worry about your stored belongings when you store them in a climate-controlled unit.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how these two types of storage unit compare with one another to help you decide what’s right for your needs.

Comparing Climate-Controlled Storage to Traditional Storage

Protection Against Extreme Temperatures

As previously mentioned, one of the main reasons many people opt for climate-controlled storage is its increased protection against the weather.

Extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity can be very damaging to certain stored items, causing them to break, warp or melt. The last thing you want is to return to your storage unit during the heat of the summer, only to find your sentimental personal items or pricey business inventory damaged beyond repair.

If you’re storing heat-sensitive materials or valuables, it’s always best to opt for climate-control.

Cost

Traditional storage units generally offer a more affordable rent each month, as they are more basic. If you’re looking for the most affordable storage solution possible, traditional storage may be right for you.

However, monthly rental price isn’t everything, especially if you’re storing long-term. Consider the potential cost of replacing stored items that have been damaged due to heat or moisture. Opting for climate-control may outweigh the initial savings of your month-to-month rent, especially if you’re storing items that hold significant monetary or sentimental value.

Duration of Storage

Are you planning on storing for a month or two? Or are you looking to store for several years?

Traditional storage may be the right option if you only need a temporary storage solution – for instance, if you’re moving or renovating your home and need a place to store a few appliances and boxes.

However, if you’re considering long-term storage, climate control is often best. Extra protection can give you that peace of mind that your stored belongings are safe year-round, no matter what the weather is like outside.

What Are You Planning to Store?

If you’re still debating whether climate-control or traditional storage is right for you, you may want to consider what items you’re storing.

Climate-controlled storage is best for:

● Electronics (such as TVs, computers and gaming consoles)

● Wooden or leather furniture

● Artwork

● Photographs and photo albums

● Musical instruments

● Paper (especially important documents and book collections)

● Antiques

● Items with sentimental value

● Items with significant monetary value

Traditional storage works for:

● Outdoor equipment (such as lawnmowers and grills)

● Sports equipment (such as bikes and scooters)

● Metal items (such as gardening tools)

● Patio furniture

● Seasonal decorations

Vehicle Storage

What option should you go with if you’re looking to store a vehicle? Fully-indoor storage units are a fantastic way to ensure cars, RVs, trailers, boats and other vehicles stay in top condition and protected from damage.

Climate-controlled units can provide even more protection, which is especially important if you’re looking to store an RV, boat or luxury vehicle that you’ve invested thousands of dollars into.

Over time, extreme temperatures and humidity can take their toll on your vehicle’s exterior paint, interior detailing, vinyl seats, battery life, tire pressure and engine functionality. Repairs can be expensive, and it can be frustrating to need to take your car to the repair shop instead of out for a drive.

Insulated storage units can help protect your vehicle from the damaging effects of soaring summer temperatures and chilly winter freezes. You’ll know that your vehicle will be in perfect condition whenever you want to take it out for your next adventure.

Let LUXE 20x50’s Insulated Storage Units Protect Your Belongings

If you’ve decided that climate-controlled storage is right for you, LUXE 20x50 Storage has got you covered.

Located in Bryan, Texas, our 20’x50’ storage units provide you with a clean, high-quality space to store everything from vehicles to business supplies to hobby items. We offer 24/7 access and premium security, so no matter what you store, you know it will be safe and protected year-round.

Learn more about LUXE 20x50’s insulated storage units and the rest of our facility’s benefits by getting in touch with us today.