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3380 Rustin Street, Sioux City, IA 51105
seasonal storage tips for Sioux City homeowners
February 1, 2024

Climate-Controlled Storage vs. Standard Storage in IA

If you’re looking for a self storage unit in Sioux City, you might notice that there are a few different options. For indoor storage units, you can choose climate-controlled storage or standard storage. Standard storage units are more affordable and easier to find, but there are some circumstances that make climate-controlled storage worth the effort and the money.  Find available climate-controlled storage units in IA.

Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate-controlled storage is typically more expensive than standard storage, for a number of reasons. Though standard self storage may be fine for some storage needs, climate-controlled storage has some advantages:

Temperature controlled

Climate-controlled self storage is usually kept between 55 and 80 degrees year-round.  Iowa has very hot summers and several cold snaps throughout the winter, so it’s important to consider that if you expect to store your items through times of extreme temperatures..

Clean

Climate-controlled storage units are usually sealed and insulated better than standard storage units in order to maintain a stable temperature. This keeps dust out of the storage unit and is an extra barrier against pests.

Good air quality

Many climate-controlled storage units are also humidity-controlled, which regulates the amount of moisture in the air no matter what the Midwest climate is doing. Moisture can cause mildew or mold to grow in the storage unit, while air that is too dry puts wood and some other items at risk of cracking or breaking. The proper sealing in climate-controlled storage units means the air remains fresh instead of becoming stale or stuffy like it does in some standard storage units.

When to Opt for Standard Storage

There are some situations where you might want to opt for standard storage:

Money

If you’re on a budget and don’t absolutely need climate-controlled storage, a standard storage unit in a reputable self storage facility will offer secure extra space when you need it.  Climate-controlled storage units  are more expensive than standard storage units.

Types of items

If you don’t plan to store anything particularly sensitive to temperature, humidity, or the elements, it might not make sense to invest in climate-controlled self storage vs. standard self storage. Consider standard storage if you will not be storing any of these items:
  • Furniture 
  • Electronics 
  • DVDs, records, CDs, video games, and similar media items
  • Important documents
  • Photographs 
  • Clothing
  • Musical instruments 
  • Art
  • Household appliances
  • Collectibles
  • Medications 
  • Makeup and other toiletries
  • Antiques 
  • Camping and sporting equipment

Duration of Storage Rental

If you will only be renting a storage unit for a short period of time when the temperature and humidity levels are more moderate, you also won’t see the full benefits of climate-controlled storage. 

Making the Right Choice for Your Belongings

Whether you decide on climate controlled self storage vs standard self storage depends on a number of factors. No matter which option you choose, it’s important to select a self storage facility that offers amenities such as”
  • Secure Both the facility itself and your individual unit should be safe and secure, with features such as bright lighting and video surveillance
  • Convenient location so you can get your items when you need them without going too far out of your way
  • 24/7 access to your storage unit so you can operate on your own schedule
  • An office with staff to help when you need packing materials or have questions
  • Month to month lease so you  can pay only for the time you need and and switch units when necessary

Find A Storage Unit In Sioux City IA

Need a little extra space? We’ve got you covered! Contact Elite Self Storage today to learn about our many self storage options in Sioux City IA.