Regular Storage vs Climate-Controlled Storage: Which One is Right for Your Belongings?

Ian Horowitz • November 7, 2025

Self-storage units are an excellent investment when it comes to safeguarding your valuable possessions. These spaces are very reliable in keeping your possessions safe without getting you worried at the same time. Whether you are looking for climate-controlled storage or seeking the services of secure self-storage units, your items are always safe and sound with them.

Some people prefer regular storage, while others favor climate-controlled storage. While the core purpose of both these storages is similar, there are some differences as well. In this blog, we will explore how different regular and climate-controlled storage are from each other.

What are Climate-Controlled Storage Units?

Climate-controlled storage units are specialized storage spaces that regulate temperature and humidity levels. They maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, usually between 55°F and 85°F, with a controlled level of humidity. This helps your belongings stay safe from extreme heat, cold, or moisture.

These units have built-in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. With temperature regulators installed, your items won’t suffer as the result of extreme temperatures outside. Instead, they will feel and look just like they did pre-storage.

What Items Benefit the Most from Climate Control Units?

These are the items that climate-controlled storage units help the most:

1. Electronics and Appliances: Items like TVs, computers, and musical instruments can suffer from temperature changes, causing them to degrade over time.

2. Furniture: Leather, wooden, or fabric furniture can warp, crack, or develop mold in extreme moisture.

3. Important Documents: Old letters and documents can easily be damaged by moisture, leading to fading or warping.

4. Artwork and Antiques: Valuables such as paintings and sculptures require stable conditions to preserve their integrity.

5. Wine: Wine benefits from a stable environment as it helps preserve its quality.

What are Normal Storage Units?

Normal storage units lack temperature and humidity control features. While vulnerable to extreme temperature changes, normal storage units are a convenient and affordable storage option if you don’t have sensitive items to store.

The internal temperatures of these units are similar to outside temperatures. While climate-controlled units offer numerous benefits, normal storage units have their own set of advantages. These units are generally more affordable than climate-controlled storage units.

Suitable Items for Normal Storage Units

Not every item needs to be stored in climate-controlled storage units, especially the ones that can withstand outdoor conditions. Here’s the list of these items:

1. Outdoor Furniture

2. Garden Tools

3. Camping Gear

4. Vehicles and Bicycles

5. Weather-Resistant Plastic Bins

6. Tools and Hardware

7. Patio Stones, Bricks, and Construction Materials

Key Differences Between Normal and Climate-Controlled Units

Here are the key differences between normal storage units and climate-controlled storage units:

1. Temperature: Climate-controlled units have the temperature between 55°F and 85°F, while the temperature of normal units is similar to the external environment, fluctuating with the weather.

2. Humidity Control: Climate-controlled units are equipped with humidity regulation, while normal units have no humidity control.

3. Protection from Environmental Factors: Climate-controlled storage units have high protection against extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust. Normal storage units, on the other hand, are exposed to temperature and humidity changes.

4. Suitable Items: Climate-controlled units are suitable for sensitive items such as electronics, appliances, furniture, important documents, artwork, antique items, and wine. As for normal storage units, garden tools, camping gear, vehicles and bicycles, tools and hardware, and weather-resistant plastic bins can be kept safely.

5. Cost: Climate-controlled units cost more, while normal storage units are affordable and pocket-friendly.

6. Purpose: Climate-controlled storage units are ideal for long-term storage of sensitive and valuable items. Normal storage units, on the other hand, are typically used for short-term storage or items not affected by temperature and humidity changes.

What Should You Choose?

Your choice of storage units depends on the following factors:

1. Storage Duration: If you’re storing items for a long period of time, a climate-controlled storage unit is ideal for you in terms of year-round safeguarding. However, you can consider a normal unit for short-term storage.

2. Nature of the Items: Sensitive items such as electronics, artwork, and furniture should be stored in climate-controlled units. The same is the case with valuables like important documents and jewelry.

3. Weather Conditions: If you live in a place with a moderate climate, a climate-controlled storage service is not necessary. However, if you reside in a city with extreme weather conditions, a climate-controlled facility is a must.

4. Cost: When deciding between the two options, consider the value of items you intend to store and the potential risks from changes in temperature. While climate-controlled units offer added protection, normal units provide cost savings that may make sense if you have a tight budget.

Conclusion

While climate-controlled storage units are perfect for long-term storage and protection from extreme temperatures, normal units provide a more affordable and cost-effective option. At Square Space Storage, we make self-storage easy with contactless rentals and move-ins. Our secure self-storage units are designed to be safe and secure with easy drive-up storage units. We make renting units as easy as possible. We offer climate-controlled storage units, standard storage units, covered parking, and outdoor RV and boat parking.

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