If you’ve been researching storage options, you’ve probably seen plenty of talk about “climate-controlled” units. They’re often advertised as essential for keeping your belongings safe. But are they really worth the extra cost?
At Cans N Boxes Storage here in Grande Prairie, Alberta, we don’t offer climate-controlled units — and for most people storing in our region, they aren’t needed. Let’s break down why.
Climate-controlled storage units are designed to regulate both temperature and humidity. They're typically kept between 10°C and 25°C year-round and aim to prevent damage to sensitive items like wood furniture, electronics, or artwork.
Grande Prairie does get cold winters and warm summers — but extreme temperature swings indoors are less of an issue if your items are packed properly. Many items that might need climate control in hot, humid places (like Florida or Texas) simply don’t face the same risks here.
The vast majority of storage customers are storing:
Furniture
Boxes of clothes
Holiday decorations
Tools and equipment
Household goods
With the right prep — like using plastic bins, moisture absorbers, and wrapping fabrics — these items store perfectly well in non-climate-controlled units.
Climate-controlled units can cost 50–100% more per month. In many cases, that’s money you don’t need to spend — especially when careful packing offers similar protection for everyday items.
We’ll be honest: there are a few scenarios where climate-controlled storage might make sense:
Long-term storage (over 1 year) of delicate antiques or fine art
Expensive electronics or musical instruments
Important documents or rare books
But in these cases, many customers opt to store those specific items at home or in a temperature-stable office space.
At Cans N Boxes Storage, we keep things simple, secure, and affordable. Our non-climate-controlled units are perfect for:
Moving transitions
Renovations
Seasonal gear
Business overflow
No frills — just clean, dry, secure storage you can count on.
Check availability or reserve your unit online today — no climate control, no upsells, just great storage at a great price.