Protect Your Belongings from Heat & Humidity
Summer on Maryland’s Eastern Shore brings sunshine, outdoor fun—and plenty of heat and humidity. If you’re planning to store your belongings during the warmer months, knowing how temperature and moisture can impact your items is important. At Armored Self Storage in Easton and Queenstown, our conveniently located storage facilities make it easy to find a location close to home, ensuring quick and easy access to your stored items. We offer both standard and climate-controlled units so you can store with confidence. Choosing the right storage facility is essential for protecting your belongings during summer storage.
In this guide, we’ll share essential summer storage tips, answer common questions like “How hot do storage units get in the summer?,” and help you decide if climate-controlled storage is right for you.
How Hot Do Storage Units Get in the Summer?
Outdoor, non-climate-controlled storage units can reach temperatures well above the outdoor air temperature. On a hot July day in Maryland—when the temperature is around 90°F—the inside of a standard storage unit can climb to 110°F or more, with units often reaching triple-digit temperatures during the hottest months. This is due to heat build-up inside the metal structure, much like the inside of a parked car.
While some items can handle this heat without issue, extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations can cause damage to stored items. Others may be at risk of warping, melting, fading, or developing mold and mildew when exposing sensitive items to these conditions for extended periods.
Do You Need Climate-Controlled Storage in Summer?
Climate-controlled storage is often the safest choice if you’re storing sensitive or valuable items during summer. These units keep the temperature within a safe range year-round and regulate humidity, protecting your belongings from changing weather conditions. Climate-controlled storage creates a stable environment, ensuring that sensitive items remain in good condition.
At Armored Self Storage, our temperature-controlled storage units are designed to keep your items in stable conditions—especially important for Maryland’s humid summers. The benefits of climate-controlled storage include protection from temperature extremes, stable humidity levels, and a controlled environment, so your belongings benefit from these features and remain undamaged over time.
What Needs to Be in Climate-Controlled Storage?
Not everything requires climate control, but certain stored items—especially those with high value or delicate items—can be damaged by prolonged heat or moisture. Common examples include:
- Electronics & electronic devices – Computers, TVs, cameras, audio equipment, and temperature-sensitive hardware
- Wood furniture – Can warp, crack, or swell in high humidity
- Artwork & photos – Heat and moisture can cause fading or sticking
- Important documents – Paper can yellow, curl, or mold
- Clothing – Especially leather, suede, or delicate fabrics
- Musical instruments – Wood and strings are sensitive to temperature changes
- Collectibles – Stamps, coins, comic books, and antiques
- Medical supplies – Require stable temperatures to maintain effectiveness
- Plastics – Can become brittle or warp if not stored properly
- Soft materials – Such as cushions, bedding, or padding, which can be damaged by humidity
For example, storing medical supplies or electronic devices in a non-climate-controlled unit can lead to loss of effectiveness or permanent hardware damage.
If your items fall into these categories, climate-controlled storage is the best way to ensure they stay in great condition and protect their value.
Summer Storage Tips to Keep Items SafeWhat Needs to Be in Climate-Controlled Storage?
To determine your storage needs, consider the types of items you plan to store and whether they require special conditions. Choosing the most suitable option depends on your belongings’ sensitivity and your budget.
Whether you choose standard or climate-controlled storage, these tips will help protect your belongings:
1. Clean and Dry Everything First
Dirt, food crumbs, and moisture can attract pests and cause mold growth. Wipe down items, vacuum fabrics, and ensure everything is completely dry before storage.
2. Use Quality Packing Materials
Avoid flimsy cardboard boxes that may collapse in humidity. Use sturdy plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to keep dust and moisture out. Fill any empty spaces in boxes or bins with soft materials to prevent items from shifting and to protect delicate belongings.
3. Elevate Items Off the Floor
Place furniture and boxes on pallets or shelving to improve air circulation and protect against any unexpected moisture.
4. Cover Furniture and Mattresses
Use breathable covers—not plastic wrap—to protect against dust while allowing airflow.
5. Label Boxes Clearly
Summer moves can be hectic. Clear labels make it easier to find items without unpacking everything.
6. Visit Your Unit Periodically
If possible, check your storage unit every few weeks during the summer to ensure everything is in good condition.
Climate-Controlled Storage in Easton and Queenstown
At Armored Self Storage, we understand that your belongings aren’t just “stuff”—they’re memories, investments, and essential parts of your life. That’s why our facilities offer secure, clean, and affordable storage options, featuring state-of-the-art surveillance, gated access, and a variety of self-storage units with climate control and other amenities.
Our climate-controlled storage units are perfect for summer storage, as they maintain a constant temperature and regulate temperature and humidity levels to protect your items from extreme heat and freezing temperatures. This helps prevent sensitive belongings from being affected by cracking, warping, or melting. Compared to non-climate-controlled units and traditional storage facilities, climate-controlled units offer superior protection but may come at a higher cost. Pricing for climate-controlled units is generally higher than for non-climate-controlled units, but the added protection is often worth it—renting terms can vary by facility and location. For short-term storage, non-climate-controlled units may be suitable for hardy items, but sensitive items can still be affected by fluctuations in temperature and humidity. And with online reservations and bill pay, storing with us is convenient and stress-free.
Looking for Summer Storage?
When it comes to summer storage, preparation is everything. Knowing how hot storage units get in the summer and what items are vulnerable helps you make smart decisions—like when to invest in climate-controlled storage.
Whether you’re storing for a short move, freeing up space at home, or protecting seasonal gear, following these summer storage tips will keep your belongings safe from the summer heat.
If you’re ready to reserve your unit in Easton or Queenstown, contact Armored Self Storage today or book online. Your belongings will thank you.