Climate Controlled Self Storage: Features, Advantages, and Benefits!

When you’re thinking about storing your belongings, especially for an extended period of time, you have a number of things to consider. If you’re planning on storing things for more than a few months here in Oklahoma, one of your chief considerations should be standard storage versus climate controlled self storage. As anyone who has used self storage knows, there really is no debate. Climate controlled self storage is better for your belongings in virtually every case, and it is absolutely essential for storing many items long-term.

What are the features, advantages, benefits, and costs of climate controlled self storage? It’s a topic we’ve written about before, but we wanted to put together the ultimate resource for those who are researching “climate controlled self storage near me” and who still have questions about how it all works and whether it’s right for their specific needs. Let’s get started!

What is climate controlled self storage? Honestly, it works a lot like your home’s air conditioner and HVAC system, just on a much larger scale. In a climate controlled self storage facility, this system monitors and controls the temperature throughout the facility, keeping the temperatures within a fixed range that is optimal for the long-term storage of a variety of sensitive objects. This way, your stuff is kept safer from fluctuations in temperature. Additionally, self storage facilities such as Storage ‘R’ Us make every effort to combat humidity through air conditioning as well, but sometimes even that is not enough. Dehumidifiers are often employed to help combat humidity, but it is often difficult to regulate.

What are the benefits of climate controlled self storage? The benefits are numerous, but the biggest one is the one that we already mentioned. Climate controlled units are heated in the winter and cooled in the summer, helping to protect your belongings from extreme fluctuations in temperature that could damage everything from wood furniture and artwork to papers, books, electronics, and collectibles of any kind. Climate controlled storage also protects against dust and keeps out pests that can damage your belongings. Climate controlled units are also more comfortable for you if you visit your unit frequently.

What types of items require climate controlled self storage? We already mentioned a few, but when you get right down to it, anything that you wouldn’t feel comfortable storing in your garage, attic, or backyard shed should go into climate controlled self storage. All sorts of items can be harmed by fluctuations in temperature or by prolonged exposure to high heat or humidity. Wood furniture may warp or crack, electronics can be damaged by excessive moisture, artwork can mold or otherwise degrade, photos can peel or curl, fine wines may turn to vinegar, and even paper may become damaged over long periods of time. All of these items and more can be damaged by improper storage.

What is the temperature of a climate controlled storage unit? Because the systems that operate a climate controlled storage unit are so similar to a home HVAC system, many people assume that climate controlled storage will have a temperature similar to what you enjoy in your home. However, the temperatures needed for a person to be comfortable living day-to-day are different than what is needed to keep items safe from the ravages of the elements. Climate controlled storage units in Oklahoma are more likely to be kept around 85 degrees in the summer and around 55 degrees in the winter. The temperature in your unit is probably a little hotter and colder, respectively, than you like your home, but it’s adequate to protect your stored items.

Is climate controlled self storage worth the cost? This is one of the top questions we hear when people are looking at their self storage options. When you get right down to it, the price difference between climate controlled self storage and standard storage is not that great, while the peace of mind you’ll enjoy knowing that your belongings are better protected from fluctuations in temperature is priceless. How much does it cost for climate controlled self storage? In general, you can expect to pay around $20 to $25 more for a climate controlled storage unit in Oklahoma than you would for a non-climate controlled equivalent. That doesn’t sound like much, and it isn’t! This low difference in cost can be accomplished thanks to the fact that climate controlled facilities operate their systems at scale, heating and cooling numerous units all at once to save on costs. Considering the value of the items that you’re probably storing in your climate controlled unit, the difference in price is a no-brainer.

Are there climate controlled storage units near me? If we’ve now convinced you that climate controlled self storage is the way to go for storing some of your most valuable (and most fragile) belongings, your next question is probably, “Where can I find climate controlled storage?” The good news is that many self storage facilities offer this incredibly versatile storage option. Here in Oklahoma, Storage ‘R’ Us has eight convenient locations in Lawton, Moore, Duncan, Chickasha, Newcastle, and Norman. Wherever you are and whatever you need to store, there’s bound to be a Storage ‘R’ Us location near you.

Of course, if you’re planning to store valuable items—or items that are priceless to you—it’s also a good idea to invest in some insurance. After all, climate controlled self storage can protect against many of the extremes of an Oklahoma summer or winter, but there’s not much it can do in the face of a natural disaster such as a tornado or flood.

If you want to learn more about climate controlled self storage or you’re ready to reserve your space to protect your belongings from the hot Oklahoma summer and cold winter, contact us today or come visit Storage ‘R’ Us at one of our eight convenient self storage locations in Oklahoma. Let us help you find the storage solution that’s perfect for you.