The Central Florida Storage Guide
Practical, local advice on storing your belongings in Central Florida — from beating the humidity to preparing for hurricane season — brought to you by the team behind Central Florida Lifestyle™ Magazine.
Why climate control matters in Florida
Central Florida's combination of heat and humidity is hard on stored belongings. Interior temperatures in a non-climate-controlled unit can exceed 100°F in summer, and sustained humidity above 60% encourages mold, mildew, rust and warping. If you're storing wood furniture, electronics, photographs, documents, mattresses, instruments or anything upholstered for more than a few weeks, a climate-controlled unit is usually worth the premium in our region.
What size unit do you need?
| Unit size | Typically holds |
|---|---|
| 5 × 5 | Boxes, seasonal decorations, small furniture |
| 5 × 10 | Contents of a studio: mattress set, dresser, boxes |
| 10 × 10 | One-to-two bedroom apartment |
| 10 × 15 | Two-bedroom home or a small vehicle |
| 10 × 20 | Three-to-four bedroom home, car or boat |
Hurricane-season storage tips
- Store items off the floor on pallets or shelving in case of water intrusion.
- Choose facilities outside flood-prone zones; ask the manager about the property's flood history.
- Use plastic bins with gasket lids rather than cardboard for anything moisture-sensitive.
- Photograph everything you store and keep an inventory — it makes insurance claims far simpler.
- Confirm whether your homeowner's or renter's policy covers stored belongings, or add the facility's tenant insurance.
What storage costs around Orlando
Rates vary by neighborhood and season, but as a rule of thumb in the Orlando metro: small 5×5 units often run $40–$80 per month, mid-size 10×10 climate-controlled units roughly $100–$180, and large 10×20 units $150–$300+. Move-in specials are common — ask about first-month discounts, and re-shop your rate yearly, since renewal increases are standard practice.
Questions to ask any facility
- Is access gated and individually coded? Are there cameras on every aisle?
- What are the access hours — and is 24-hour access available if you need it?
- How does the facility handle pest control in our climate?
- Is there covered loading, and are carts and dollies available?
- What happens to your rate after the promotional period ends?
Storing before a move, a renovation, or a season away? Follow more local living guides from our team at CentralFloridaLifestyle.com.