Pros and Cons of Climate-Controlled Storage

When renting a storage unit, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to opt for climate-controlled storage or stick with a standard, non-climate unit. Many storage companies, including Goodfellas Storage, offer both options depending on the location—but is climate control really necessary for your items?

Let’s break down the pros and cons of climate-controlled storage so you can make the right choice for your needs—and your budget.

✅ Pros of Climate-Controlled Storage

1. Protection from Extreme Temperatures
Climate-controlled units maintain a stable environment, typically between 55°F and 85°F. This is ideal for items sensitive to heat or cold, such as:

• Electronics
• Wood or leather furniture
• Musical instruments
• Artwork and photographs
• Wine collections

2. Humidity Control
In many climate-controlled facilities, humidity levels are regulated to prevent mold, mildew, and warping. This is especially useful in coastal or humid regions.

3. Enhanced Peace of Mind
Knowing your valuables are in a stable environment can be worth the extra cost, especially if you're storing items with sentimental or financial value.

⚠️ Cons of Climate-Controlled Storage

1. Higher Cost
Climate-controlled units usually come at a premium—sometimes 20–50% more than standard units. For long-term storage, this adds up quickly.

2. Limited Availability
Not every facility offers climate-controlled units. While Goodfellas Storage provides limited climate control at select locations like Manning, SC, most of our sites focus on traditional drive-up units that still offer excellent protection for most items.

3. May Be Unnecessary for Many Belongings
Items like tools, outdoor gear, seasonal decorations, lawn equipment, and most household goods store just fine in non-climate environments—especially in well-maintained, secure facilities like ours. With proper packing and protection, the average tenant doesn’t always need climate control.

Is Climate-Controlled Storage Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you storing delicate or temperature-sensitive items?
• Is your rental period longer than six months?
• Do you live in an area with extreme heat, cold, or humidity?

If you answered yes to one or more, a climate-controlled unit might be the safer choice. If not, a well-ventilated, secure drive-up unit may offer all the protection you need—for a fraction of the price.

Find the Right Fit with Goodfellas Storage

At Goodfellas Storage, we believe storage should be simple, affordable, and secure—whether you need climate control or not. Our team can help you evaluate your needs and choose the right unit size and features.

• View Our Locations »
• Contact Us for Personalized Help »
• Protect What Matters with Tenant Protection Plans »
• Use Our Storage Size Guide »



Final Thoughts

Climate-controlled storage is a great option—but it’s not the only option. At Goodfellas Storage, our non-climate units are clean, secure, and built to handle almost anything you throw in them. Whether you’re storing for a few weeks or a few years, we’ve got a solution that works for you—and your wallet.