Climate-Controlled Self Storage in Houston: Who Should Use it and How Can it Help Them?

Self storage has many applications, and a diverse range of customers – from people operating businesses and services to those who only have their homes to think about. By providing space that’s lacking in houses, apartments, dorms or business premises, self storage is a great way to keep belongings away from home. Moreover, thanks to the availability of climate control – a feature much appreciated in hot and humid climates like Houston – many sensitive items can be safely placed in storage.

During the summer, temperatures here can reach 90°F on an average of over 105 days a year. Add to that the moisture and heat brought by winds from the south and southeast, from the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay, and a climate-controlled storage environment for residential or business use becomes a must.

Here are some categories of potential self storage customers who can benefit from renting a climate-controlled storage unit in Houston:

1. Homeowners and Renters

Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, you can always manage your home better if you turn to self storage. For renters, the service is especially useful, given that Houston apartments are less generous when it comes to the availability of space per person. Therefore, it’s more practical to keep bulky and seasonal items in storage until you’re ready to use them again instead of cluttering up your apartment.

Small Houston apartment

Moreover, appliances, electronics, extra furniture, books and family heirlooms can also be put in storage, often requiring a climate-controlled environment. Besides the things a typical American household would put into self storage to avoid clutter in their home, these sensitive items are also likely to be put in storage more often now as a result of the increasing diversity of American households. Specifically, as two or more generations come under the same roof to embrace multigenerational living, excess items will also need a new home, and a climate-controlled unit is perfect for keeping them until they can be used again. In Houston, as many as 36% of 18-34-year-olds preferred this type of living arrangement in 2020 – which makes self storage a handy amenity if you have moved back in with your parents in H-Town.

2. Car Owners

Multiple car owners can also benefit from climate-controlled storage. This comes especially in handy for homes that can’t accommodate two cars in the garage – while going away on vacation or visiting friends and family, it’s better to put one vehicle in storage to avoid exposure to heat and high humidity that can damage it.

Additionally, the Houston metro area is making considerable strides to go electric, with over 8,000 electric cars registered in Houston – and electric car users tend to be multi-vehicle owners. Many use their EV for driving within the metro area, while their gasoline-powered car takes up space in the driveway. Self storage can be a smart alternative, keeping it safe and ready for those out-of-town trips.

3. Students

As it happens, students make up a sizeable chunk of the self storage demographic. Whether you attend the University of Houston, Texas Southern University or another Houston-based college, you’re likely to be leaving your belongings in the city instead of moving everything out over the summer break. A lot of student-specific items, such as appliances, furniture or even textbooks are best kept in a climate-controlled unit to make sure they aren’t damaged while in storage.

4. Businesses

With Houston’s diverse business landscape, the need for self storage becomes apparent as businesses can also reap the benefits of climate-controlled units. Here are some types of local businesses for which taking advantage of this amenity can pay off:

• Hospital and Medical Professionals

Houston is one of the largest medical centers in the country, in part thanks to the presence of the University of Houston. Its medical program impacts the metro area, generating close to $1 billion annually. Paper-based financial and medical records, as well as medical devices, are excellent candidates for putting in storage units equipped with climate control that protects them from deterioration.

Medical center in downtown Houston, Texas

• Office-Based Businesses

Thanks to its “multi-downtown” structure which has allowed the construction of high-rise buildings in various parts of the metro area, Houston can boast 30+ skyscrapers. Many of them are home to office-based businesses, which can benefit from the extra space that self storage offers. As paperwork is still a part of the business world, many businesses can turn to climate-controlled storage units to keep their paper records in pristine condition.

• Blue-Collar Businesses

A slew of blue-collar businesses including landscapers, mechanics and construction contractors can benefit from renting a climate-controlled storage unit in Houston. Besides being a safe and secure solution for storing supplies, a climate-controlled environment is ideal for electric tools that are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and humidity.

On the construction front, as certain building materials and tools used in the trade are susceptible to damage unless kept in a climate-controlled environment, renting this type of self storage unit is a service the building industry appreciates. And given Houston’s booming construction sector, the idea is more welcome than ever. In fact, Houston emerged as the busiest construction market in 2020, with over 48,000 construction permits for single-family homes issued in 2020. Moreover, on the multifamily front, construction is also going strong, with over 15,000 units projected to be delivered in the Houston metro area, the fourth largest amount of construction among large metro areas in 2021.

• Realtors and Home Decorators

Realtors and designers are another category of professionals that could benefit from self storage. Staging a home requires many items, including furniture and décor, that are typically sensitive to heat and humidity. Therefore, as a realtor or a home decorator, you’re better off keeping these items inside a climate-controlled unit.

Staged living room in Houston

• Retailers

Since many types of items sold in retail stores – clothing, furniture, electronics, home goods and much more – require a climate-controlled environment, this type of self storage amenity is a welcome addition to any retail business.

Excess stock can be kept in the storage unit until the store is ready to house it. Having access to a storage unit can even help retailers better manage summer clearances, which typically take place in late July and August – buying stock in advance and keeping it in a storage unit can be an efficient way to manage your business.

5. Museums

Besides having a rich business environment, Houston boasts several cultural institutions and exhibitions venues located in the Museum District, home to 19 museums, galleries and community spaces. Paintings and other museum artifacts are delicate in nature, so it goes without saying that storing them outside the exhibit space requires special conditions. Therefore, when they’re not on display for public viewing, museum items are best kept in climate-controlled units where they can be preserved without incurring temperature- or humidity-related damage.

Whether you’re a Space City resident or you play an active role in the business or cultural scene of Houston, renting a climate-controlled unit can be a very useful addition to your daily life or business operations.