Climate-controlled storage costs more than standard storage, but for certain items, it's not optional—it's essential. Here's when you need it and when you can save money with standard storage.
Climate-controlled units maintain a consistent temperature (usually 55-80°F) and humidity level (typically 30-50%), protecting your belongings from extreme temperatures, humidity, and moisture damage.
Items That NEED Climate Control
1. Electronics
Computers, TVs, stereos, cameras, and other electronics are sensitive to temperature extremes and humidity. Moisture can cause corrosion, and extreme cold can damage components.
Risk without climate control: Permanent damage, corrosion, component failure
2. Wooden Furniture
Wood expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. This can cause warping, cracking, splitting, and joint failure.
Risk without climate control: Warping, cracking, splitting, joint failure
3. Artwork and Collectibles
Paintings, photographs, antiques, and collectibles are extremely sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Risk without climate control: Fading, warping, mold, deterioration
4. Musical Instruments
Pianos, guitars, violins, and other instruments can be permanently damaged by temperature and humidity changes.
Risk without climate control: Warping, cracking, tuning problems, permanent damage
5. Important Documents and Photos
Paper documents, photographs, and books can be damaged by humidity, which causes mold, mildew, and deterioration.
Risk without climate control: Mold, mildew, yellowing, deterioration
6. Leather and Upholstered Furniture
Leather can crack and dry out in low humidity, while high humidity can cause mold and mildew on upholstered furniture.
Risk without climate control: Cracking, mold, mildew, deterioration
7. Wine and Other Temperature-Sensitive Items
Wine, certain medications, and other items that require specific temperature ranges need climate control.
Risk without climate control: Spoilage, degradation, loss of value
Items That DON'T Need Climate Control
These items are fine in standard storage units:
- Metal items — Tools, appliances, metal furniture
- Plastic items — Toys, containers, outdoor furniture
- Seasonal items — Holiday decorations, camping gear
- General household items — Dishes, pots, pans, non-wooden furniture
- Clothing — Most clothing is fine (though leather and fur may need climate control)
- Vehicles — Cars, boats, RVs (though covered storage is recommended)
Winnipeg-Specific Considerations
Winnipeg's climate is challenging:
- Extreme cold winters — Temperatures can drop to -30°C or lower
- Hot, humid summers — High humidity can cause mold and moisture damage
- Temperature swings — Large temperature variations can damage sensitive items
- Humidity fluctuations — Can cause condensation and moisture damage
For valuable or sensitive items in Winnipeg, climate control is highly recommended, even if it's not strictly "required."
Cost vs. Value
Climate-controlled storage typically costs $20-50 more per month than standard storage. Ask yourself:
- Is the value of my items worth the extra cost?
- Would replacing damaged items cost more than the extra storage fees?
- How long will I be storing these items?
Example: If you're storing $5,000 worth of electronics and furniture, paying an extra $30/month for climate control ($360/year) is worth it to protect your investment.
When Standard Storage Is Fine
You can save money with standard storage if you're storing:
- Items that aren't temperature or humidity sensitive
- Items for short-term storage (1-3 months)
- Items of low value that can be easily replaced
- Items that are already protected (in sealed plastic bins, for example)
Hybrid Approach
You can use both:
- Climate-controlled unit for valuable, sensitive items
- Standard unit for general items, seasonal gear, and non-sensitive belongings
This gives you protection where you need it and savings where you don't.
The Bottom Line
If you're storing electronics, wooden furniture, artwork, documents, musical instruments, or other sensitive items, climate control is worth the extra cost. The damage that can occur without it often costs far more than the monthly fee.
If you're storing general household items, metal tools, or seasonal gear, standard storage is usually fine and will save you money.
At East Side Self Storage, we offer both climate-controlled and standard units. We can help you decide which is right for your specific items and situation.