Most people overpay for climate control when they don't need it -- and a few regret not getting it when they do. Here's an honest, straightforward guide to help you decide which is right for what you're storing.
What Is Climate Controlled Storage?
Climate controlled storage maintains a consistent temperature and humidity year-round -- typically between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with controlled moisture levels. Standard storage units are not temperature-regulated. They'll be warm in summer and cold in winter, and humidity tracks with the outside air.
In Philadelphia, that matters. Summers regularly hit 90-95 degrees with high humidity. Winters can drop below 20 degrees. That swing -- roughly 75 degrees between extremes -- is significant for sensitive materials.
If you're storing sensitive items -- electronics, wood furniture, musical instruments, documents, artwork -- get climate control. If you're storing general household goods, appliances, or commercial items, standard storage is fine and costs meaningfully less.
The Price Difference
Climate controlled units cost more. Here's how our Philadelphia rates compare across the most common sizes:
That's roughly $50/month more for climate control on a 5x10 -- about $600/year. Whether that's worth it depends entirely on what you're storing. For items that could be damaged by heat or humidity, it's obvious value. For metal tools and plastic bins, it's an unnecessary expense.
What Needs Climate Control?
Sensitive Items
- Electronics -- computers, TVs, audio equipment
- Wood furniture and antiques
- Musical instruments
- Artwork and photography
- Vinyl records
- Important documents and photos
- Leather goods -- jackets, furniture, bags
- Wine and spirits
- Clothing stored long-term
- Mattresses and upholstered furniture
Durable Items
- Metal furniture and filing cabinets
- Appliances -- washers, dryers, refrigerators
- Sports equipment and bikes
- Tools and hardware
- Plastic storage bins and containers
- Seasonal decorations
- Commercial goods and inventory
- Moving boxes with general household items
- Lawnmowers and outdoor equipment
The Honest Truth About Each Item
| Item | Standard | Climate Control |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics (computers, TVs) | ✕ | ✓ |
| Solid wood furniture | ● Short-term OK | ✓ Long-term |
| Musical instruments | ✕ | ✓ |
| Metal furniture / filing cabinets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Appliances (washer, fridge) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clothing (short-term) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clothing (6+ months) | ● Risk of mildew | ✓ |
| Mattress and upholstered furniture | ● Short-term OK | ✓ Long-term |
| Documents and photos | ✕ | ✓ |
| Artwork | ✕ | ✓ |
| Books | ● Short-term OK | ✓ Long-term |
| Tools and hardware | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sports equipment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vinyl records | ✕ | ✓ |
Philadelphia Specifically
Philadelphia's climate is more extreme than many people realize. We're not Arizona, but we're not San Francisco either. The combination of summer heat and humidity is the real risk -- not just heat alone. Humidity above 60% creates conditions for mold, mildew, and warping in organic materials like wood, fabric, and paper.
A few things worth knowing about Philadelphia storage specifically:
- Summer heat: July and August regularly hit 90-95 degrees. A non-climate-controlled unit on an upper floor can exceed 110 degrees on a hot day. Electronics and vinyl records can be permanently damaged at these temperatures.
- Winter cold: January averages around 35 degrees with lows below 20. LCD screens and batteries can be damaged by prolonged exposure to temperatures this low.
- Humidity: Philadelphia averages 65-70% relative humidity in summer. This is the threshold where mold begins to develop on organic materials left undisturbed.
The most common regret we hear: storing a valuable piece of solid wood furniture or a collection of vinyl records in a standard unit over a Philadelphia summer. Warping, discoloration, and mold are real risks with the right combination of heat and humidity. Climate control eliminates that risk.
How to Decide in 60 Seconds
Ask yourself three questions:
- Is anything I'm storing irreplaceable or valuable? If yes -- artwork, heirlooms, instruments, important documents -- get climate control.
- Am I storing over a Philadelphia summer? If yes and you have electronics, wood furniture, or fabric items -- get climate control.
- Is everything I'm storing metal, plastic, or generally indestructible? If yes -- tools, appliances, sports gear, plastic bins -- standard is fine.
If you're still unsure, call us at (215) 569-0732 and describe what you're storing. We'll give you an honest recommendation -- we'd rather you pay for what you need than pay for more than you do.
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