Best Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Companies of 2023

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A climate-controlled self-storage company is one of the safest ways to store valuables without risking damage from extreme weather conditions. Unlike regular self-storage units, climate-controlled units store your belongings in a regulated environment with around-the-clock protection. This type of storage safeguards delicate items from fluctuating temperatures and humidity, helping to keep them in tip-top condition.

The top climate-controlled self-storage companies offer temperature control accuracy, monitoring systems, pest control, and security. Additionally, any company you choose to go with should have a good reputation, be conveniently located, supply a variety of unit sizes, and provide responsive and supportive customer service.

Read through our list of the best climate-controlled self-storage companies to find an option that works for you.

Best Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Companies of 2023

Best Overall: Extra Space Storage
Best Customer Service: Public Storage
Best Features: Life Storage
Best Security: U-Haul
Best Budget-Friendly Storage: CubeSmart
Best for Businesses: Compass Self Storage

Best Overall : Extra Space Storage

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 41 states, plus Washington, D.C.
Temperature Range: 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Average Price Per Unit: $165 per month

Pros & Cons

Pros

Variety of climate-controlled unit sizes available
Convenient locations
A+ BBB rating and accreditation

Cons

Customers report high cost increases
Some access limitations

Why We Chose It

Extra Space Storage can deliver all of your climate-controlled storage needs, making it our top choice. It maintains a strong reputation for providing high-quality storage options, is available in 41 states, and has reliable customer service, as reflected by a high Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.

Extra Space Storage sets itself apart from its competitors with its reliable and secure units. The company offers a variety of climate-controlled unit sizes, as well as a range of options to accommodate anything from a few small items to a full household of furniture and appliances—no matter the shape, size, or volume.

Customers rave about Extra Space Storage’s service and quality, noting that price and rental agreements are affordable and flexible. The company’s average cost for a climate-controlled unit is $165 per month, a good middle-of-the-road price for units of this type and size.

Best Customer Service : Public Storage

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 40 states, plus Washington, D.C.
Temperature Range: 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Average Price Per Unit: $150 per month

Pros & Cons

Pros

Excellent customer service
Widely available in 40 states, plus D.C.
Variety of unit sizes available
Offers monitoring, pest control, and security

Cons

Not BBB accredited
No 24-hour access

Why We Chose It

Widely recognizable, the bright, orange Public Storage logo is visible from the side of any of its many conveniently located buildings. That noted, Public Storage has the best customer service on our list, with impressively high reviews across a variety of platforms. Despite lacking BBB accreditation, the company maintains a 4.7 rating out of 5 (from over 43,000 reviews) on Trustpilot and holds 4.17 stars on Sitejabber.

Public Storage’s commitment to customer service sets it apart from its competitors. Its staff is highly trained and willing to go the extra mile to ensure customers have a positive experience.

The company also provides a wide range of storage sizes to accommodate your valuable items — from small lockers to large, climate-controlled spaces. The average cost of a climate-controlled unit is $150 per month, which is slightly lower than other companies, while still providing the same quality of service.

Best Features : Life Storage

life storage

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 37 states, plus Washington, D.C.
Temperature Range: 32 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Average Price Per Unit: $175 per month

Pros & Cons

Pros

A+ rating on BBB
Offers moving boxes, supplies, and truck rental
Climate-, humidity-, and heat-controlled units
Vehicle and commercial storage available

Cons

Fewer locations and availability
High prices, even outside of cities

Why We Chose It

Life Storage offers the best variety of features and options when it comes to climate-controlled storage, and the company’s locations span 37 states. Despite offering fewer locations than some other companies, Life Storage’s perks make up for its limited availability.

Unlike its competitors, Life Storage offers different levels of climate control to its customers: heat-controlled, air conditioner-controlled, and humidity-controlled. This means your items are stored in the environmental conditions most appropriate for their specific protection and preservation. The company also sells moving boxes and other moving supplies and will rent moving trucks for one day or overnight — an excellent convenience for people who don’t want to look elsewhere for a moving company.

Life Storage’s staff remains friendly and responsive, and the company’s reviews reflect strong customer service. (The BBB gives the company a 4.35 rating out of 5, and it has a 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot.) The average cost of a climate-controlled unit at Life Storage is $175 per month, which is higher than average, but the extensive features and the additional services offered may make it worth the price. Overall, Life Storage is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable self-storage option with a wide range of customization.

Best Security : U-Haul

U-Haul

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.
Temperature Range: 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
Average Price Per Unit: $145 per month

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers drive-up and outdoor storage units
Commercial and business storage available
One month free discount
Also offers U-Box and truck rental

Cons

Poor customer reviews
Few locations have 24/7 access
Unit only guaranteed up to seven days in advance

Why We Chose It

When it comes to storing your valuable or sentimental items, a robust security system can be just as important as climate control. U-Haul Self Storage uses the MAX security system, a comprehensive security package that gives its customers peace of mind. Security cameras, individually alarmed rooms, electronic access, intercoms, fire sprinklers, and limited access to your unit’s floor or building are all included in the MAX security package.

The company also offers a variety of unit sizes, most of which include climate-controlled options. As an added advantage, U-Haul is a one-stop shop for those caught in the throes of moving, thanks to its moving truck rental service and moving supplies.

U-Haul offers service in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., by partnering with brand dealers and truck rental services. While this may be great for U-Haul’s image, carefully read local reviews to make sure U-Haul affiliates provide the same service standard as the larger company.

Best Budget-Friendly Storage : CubeSmart

CubeSmart

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 39 states, plus Washington, D.C.
Temperature Range: 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Average Price Per Unit: $140 per month

Pros & Cons

Pros

Pricing is budget friendly
Discounted packing materials
Free moving truck rentals
Month-to-month leases

Cons

Very limited 24-hour access
Insurance is required
Includes upfront fees

Why We Chose It

CubeSmart is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly, climate-controlled self-storage option. The company offers a range of climate-controlled units, perfect for storing delicate items, such as artwork, electronics, and documents. It also offers discounted packing materials and free moving truck rentals, making the overall experience convenient and cost-effective. Additionally, CubeSmart offers month-to-month leases, providing customers the flexibility to store belongings for as long or as short as they need.

CubeSmart’s climate-controlled self-storage units do have some limitations, however. First off, the company only offers a few locations with 24-hour access to units, which may be inconvenient for some customers. Additionally, insurance is required for all stored items and you'll be charged upfront fees during the move-in process.

Best for Businesses : Compass Self Storage

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 14 states
Temperature Range: 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Average Price Per Unit: $131 per month

Pros & Cons

Pros

Low prices per unit
Strong customer reviews
Pharmaceutical storage options

Cons

Available in less than 15 states
Customers complain about hidden fees

Why We Chose It

Compass Self Storage is the best choice for businesses thanks to its variety of storage options and features. While most self-storage companies offer specific business storage as an option, Compass makes a special effort with all its offerings, which include key features like flexible hours (including 24/7 access at some locations), delivery acceptance, document storage, climate control and even pharmaceutical storage.

Compass Self Storage also boasts strong customer reviews on Trustpilot, with a ranking of 4 out of 5 stars based on nearly 2,000 entries. Though the company is not available nationwide (it only offers service in 14 states), it has a reputation for affordable storage in a variety of unit sizes. Even the company’s climate-controlled units cost significantly less than similar-sized units with other providers, coming in at $131 per month.

Keep in mind that Compass is a small company and does not have the backing or experience of a major national corporation like U-Haul, Public Storage, or Extra Space Storage, so issues may be harder to deal with. Still, this company remains a great choice for anyone in its service area looking for business storage at an affordable price.

Final Verdict

Extra Space Storage stands out as the best overall climate-controlled self-storage company for its good price and great nationwide availability. It is recognized for providing reliable storage solutions to its customers, and the services are available in most states across the U.S. The company’s strong BBB rating also reflects a commitment to excellent customer service.

Compare the Best Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Companies

Company	Nationwide Availability	Temperature Range	Average Price Per Unit	Video Surveillance?	24/7 Access?
Extra Space Storage Best Overall	41 states and D.C.	55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit	$165 per month	In some locations	In some locations
Public Storage Best Customer Service	40 states and D.C.	50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit	$150 per month	In some locations	No
Life Storage Best Features	37 states and D.C.	32 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit	$175 per month	Yes	In some locations
U-Haul Best for Security	50 states and D.C.	65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit	$145 per month	In some locations	In some locations
CubeSmart Best Budget-Friendly Storage	39 states and D.C.	55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit	$140 per month	Optional add-on feature	Yes
Compass Self Storage Best for Businesses	14 states and D.C.	55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit	$131 per month	Yes	In some locations

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Company

Before choosing the climate-controlled self-storage option for you, it’s important to consider certain factors, such as price, length of rental, unit size, and security. You may also want to take into account accessibility and cleanliness, and ask if the company offers an option to purchase insurance.

Price

There’s no way around it — a climate-controlled storage unit will be pricey compared to a standard storage unit. Different companies will likely charge different amounts for the same or similar-sized units. We recommend getting quotes from at least two or three companies before choosing the option that’s right for you.

Length of Rental

The length of your rental also plays a decision-making role. Do you need storage space short-term or long-term? Pay attention to contracts and lease agreements, and particularly to any specifications about rental duration. It’s important to find a company with flexible options to meet your specific needs.

Unit Size

Most self-storage companies offer the same standard selection of storage unit sizes, from small 5-foot by 5-foot units to massive 10-foot by 25-foot units, and vehicle storage, as well. A 5-foot by 5-foot unit holds about as much as a large closet and may be best suited for storing seasonal items or small items that do not fit in your home. A 10-foot by 10-foot unit is a great choice for storing all the items in a small one-or-two bedroom apartment. And a 10-foot by 25-foot unit is recommended for a two-bedroom house or larger.

Security

Security remains crucial when it comes to storing valuable possessions. It’s important to choose a company that not only offers a reliable security system, including cameras, padlocks, and alarm systems, but also one that maintains a reliable reputation and trustworthy employee vetting.

For most companies, the exact type of security will depend on the facility’s location or specific franchisee offerings, so check the actual facility to make sure you’re getting what’s advertised. Some companies, including CubeSmart, offer a unit-specific camera for a premium fee.

Accessibility

Self-storage facilities and companies offer a variety of access hours, which can depend both on geographical location and the actual placement of your unit in the building. Only a few facilities offer 24-hour access, and not all facilities within every company offer the same amount of access. Drive-up units make unloading from your car convenient, but these units are rarely climate-controlled since it is typically easier to maintain a set temperature in an interior unit.

Cleanliness

A clean storage facility is important for the preservation of your items. While you can carefully pack your belongings into clean boxes and bags, you have no control over other tenants or the facility’s maintenance itself. A storage company that pays careful attention to cleanliness and sets strict guidelines for all tenants will keep your belongings secure and well preserved from common threats like pests or moisture.

Insurance

Insurance is a must when storing valuable possessions. Choose a company that offers insurance options and make sure you understand the terms and coverage, especially if you are storing valuable items. Alternatively, many homeowner’s or renter’s insurance plans will cover your belongings up to a certain amount, even if they are stored in a facility. Check the terms of your insurance policy or talk with an agent from your insurance company for more information.

Are Climate-Controlled Storage Units Worth the Money?

Climate-controlled storage units can be worth the extra cost to store items sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, such as electronics, artwork, and important documents. Climate-controlled facilities protect these items from damage and prevent the growth of mold and mildew by keeping the unit at a consistent temperature — usually between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, a standard storage unit will suffice for noncritical items. It’s important to assess the specific needs of the items you’re storing to determine whether a climate-controlled unit and its additional cost are necessary.

What’s an Ideal Temperature for Storage Units?

A storage unit set between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit helps protect items from damage due to extreme temperatures. This ideal range also prevents the growth of mold or mildew, which can be harmful to both the stored items and the people who come in contact with them. For precious keepsakes, like fine art and archival media, we recommend inquiring about humidity levels. Humidity levels should be kept between 30 to 50 percent to avoid moisture-related damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Mold Grow in a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit?

Mold is an incredibly versatile organism and can grow in a climate-controlled storage unit if the humidity level is not properly controlled. To prevent mold growth, the humidity level in a unit must be kept within the appropriate range (30 to 50 percent humidity).

Do Storage Units Need Ventilation?

Individual storage units do not necessarily need ventilation; however, proper ventilation plays an important role in keeping climate-controlled units at an appropriate temperature. Ventilation creates air movement and helps prevent moisture from accumulating inside the unit.

What Items Should Be Stored in Climate-Controlled Storage?

Items sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, such as electronics, musical instruments, artwork, and archival documents, should be stored in a climate-controlled unit.

How Do You Store Furniture in Climate-Controlled Storage?

The best way to prepare furniture for storage is to clean and dry the item thoroughly and wrap it in a furniture pad, blanket, or shrink wrap. You can buy industrial-size rolls of shrink wrap at home improvement stores. Preparing your furniture in this way keeps moisture from damaging your items and protects them from possible harm during the moving process.

What Is the Difference Between Heated and Climate-Controlled Storage?

Heated storage units maintain a consistent heated temperature, while climate-controlled storage, ideally, maintains both a consistent temperature and humidity level. Check with the company to ensure it provides the type of climate control you’re looking for.

Is Cardboard or Plastic Better for Storage?

Both cardboard and plastic can be used for storage, but plastic containers are more durable and moisture resistant, making them a better option for long-term storage.

What Should You Not Leave in a Storage Unit?

Do not store perishable items, flammable materials, hazardous materials, and illegal items in a storage unit. Not only can this violate the terms of your storage agreement, but many of these items can also void insurance policies.

How Do You Prevent Moisture in a Storage Unit?

To prevent moisture in a storage unit, it’s important to keep the humidity level within the appropriate range (30 to 50 percent humidity), use moisture-absorbing materials, and check for leaks or water damage. You can also place desiccant packets into your storage boxes to help prevent moisture from accumulating.

How Can I Make My Storage Unit More Secure?

Properly secure your belongings by using a heavy-duty padlock on your unit and hiding any big-ticket items from immediate view. Also, make sure the company you choose has strong security measures in place, like video surveillance and keycode access.

Methodology

We reviewed more than a dozen climate-controlled self-storage companies to find the best ones for different types of customers. Each company was judged using the following criteria:

Rental costs
Additional fees
Nationwide availability
Unit sizes and features
Company reputation
Access to customer service

Companies with a large number of locations and a wide range of unit options were given extra points in the scoring phase. Cost was also a leading factor, as was customer support and company ratings posted on popular review sites like Trustpilot.