Climate-Controlled Storage in Phoenix: Keep Cool in the Desert Heat

Phoenix summers aren’t just hot, they’re scorching. With temperatures often climbing past 110°F, the heat doesn’t just stay outside. It seeps into garages, attics, and closets, putting your belongings through their own version of summer stress.

That’s where climate-controlled storage comes in.

What Is a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit (and Why Does It Matter)?

Climate-controlled storage units help maintain stable temperature and humidity levels year-round—typically between 50°F and 82°F. Unlike garages or backyard sheds, these indoor spaces don’t turn into ovens by midday.

That’s a big deal in Phoenix, where extreme heat can cause warping, cracking, fading, or melting faster than you might expect.

Heat-Sensitive Items Worth Stashing Away

Some belongings simply don’t mix well with 115°F afternoons. Consider using climate-controlled storage for:

• Electronics: Laptops, gaming consoles, and stereo equipment handle heat about as well as ice cream on asphalt.

• Vinyl records: Warped records make for some offbeat tunes.

• Photos and albums: High heat and humidity can cause curling, fading, or sticking.

• Wood furniture: Expands, contracts, and can crack when temperatures swing.

• Books and magazines: Paper gets brittle and discolored faster in extreme heat.

• Clothing and fabrics: Leather and delicate materials dry out or fade when exposed to prolonged heat.

Even your favorite holiday décor or small kitchen appliances will appreciate a cooler spot to rest until their next use.

How to Pack Your Storage Unit for a Phoenix Summer

A little planning goes a long way when storing items through desert heat. Here’s how to pack smart:

• Go climate-controlled: It bears repeating—Phoenix heat is serious. A climate-controlled unit is your best defense against temperature extremes.

• Pack in plastic, not cardboard: Plastic totes with tight lids hold up better in hot, dry air and help deter pests and dust.

• Elevate everything off the floor: Use pallets or shelving to lift bins and boxes a few inches for better airflow.

• Don’t cram it: Leave space between boxes and furniture for ventilation. Air circulation helps regulate temperature throughout the unit.

• Label smart: Use printed labels or heat-resistant markers so your writing doesn’t fade in the warmth.

Pro Tips for Phoenix Locals

• Avoid packing or moving between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its peak.

• Stay hydrated! Packing boxes in triple-digit heat counts as a workout.

• Keep a quick inventory list so you don’t buy duplicates of what you already stored last summer.

Phoenix heat doesn’t have to melt your plans—or your belongings. With climate-controlled storage and a few smart packing tricks, you can keep your items tidy, organized, and ready for their next season. Stay cool out there.

Features and amenities vary by location, facility, and unit. “Climate-controlled” and related terms (such as air-conditioned, heated, or humidistat-equipped) describe storage spaces designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels compared to non-climate-controlled units. Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges. Availability, features, and unit types may differ by location, facility, and unit. Please confirm with your facility whether specific climate-controlled features are available on units at that location.