Self-storage is a convenient solution for families and individuals who are moving, need extra space, or for any number of other reasons someone may need a storage unit.
One in 14 people in the United States owns a self-storage unit. Chances are, if you do not own a self-storage unit already, you may own one in the future.
While you can safely store most items in a self-storage unit, familiarize yourself with a list of what not to store in self-storage.
It may come as a surprise to you that certain items are prohibited, but there are several reasons storage facilities should not store specific items. It may be because they will attract ants or other pests or they are dangerous or illegal to hold.
Whether it is a safety or legal concern, you should not keep these items in your unit.
Here is a list of 10 self-storage prohibited items and why you should not store them.
Foods capable of spoiling or decaying are considered perishable. These foods include:
• Meat
• Fish
• Poultry
• Dairy and dairy products
These perishable foods create an unpleasant odor when they go bad, and they are also unsafe to consume due to pathogenic bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses.
You need to keep them refrigerated to keep them from spoiling, and trying to preserve perishables in your storage unit is pointless and unwise.
Damp items lead to mold, which thrives in dark and moist environments.
To prevent mold, make sure none of your things are wet before shutting them away in storage. This includes surfboards, scuba gear, swimsuits, towels, etc.
You need to dry these commonly wet items before putting them away unless you want to return to your stuff ruined by a mold breakout.
There are several reasons toxic materials are on the list of what not to store in self-storage.
They are poisonous, flammable, and can produce toxic fumes if mixed with other chemicals. A spill can cause the above risks and severe health effects if it comes into contact with the human body.
Examples of toxic materials include:
• Paint and paint thinner
• Fertilizer
• Pesticides
• Acids
• Petroleum products
• Cleaning supplies
If you are not sure if something is toxic or if it should be in your unit, ask your storage provider. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to toxic materials!
Vehicles are allowed in many self-storage facilities. In fact, there are units specifically for vehicle storage. However, you cannot store unregistered, uninsured, or non-operating vehicles.
So, whether you need to store a car, boat, motorcycle, trailer, or another vehicle, you must have all the required documents so your vehicle’s transition to storage goes smoothly.
These are one of the more surprising items on the list of what not to store in self-storage.
Tires to a vehicle are prohibited for two reasons. First, tire fires are not only difficult to put out but also release noxious toxins. Secondly, tires will cost the facility a hefty disposal fee if left behind.
Storage facilities prohibit items that are fire hazards. The reason is obvious: you do not want your unit to catch fire, and the storage facility does want everyone’s units to burn down with it.
A lot of these flammable items also fall into the toxic category.
Examples of flammable or combustible items include:
• Fireworks
• Explosives
• Aerosols
• Lithium batteries
• Gasoline
• Ethanol
• Methanol
• Pesticides with flammable solvents
• Propane
• Lighter fuels
Guns are generally not permitted in storage units, but sometimes facilities allow them.
Most facilities also forbid the storage of ammunition in their units.
Firearms and other weapons pose liability issues, so they are typically not allowed in storage units.
Other examples of prohibited weapons include:
• Hand grenades
• Flame throwers
• Bombs
• Land mines
• Bazookas
• Nuclear bombs
This includes drugs, stolen goods, or anything else that breaks the law.
Storage facilities are well-monitored, so any illegal activity will be caught on camera and reported to the police.
Plants attract pests and cannot survive in a storage unit since there is no sunlight. Additionally, plants can lead to mold or other kinds of fungi.
You also cannot store big or small animals in your storage unit. Just as you would not keep your cat or dog in a storage unit, reptiles, hamsters, or other small animals are also some of what not to store in a self-storage. This includes fish.
Your pet will inevitably die even if kept in a cage or aquarium. If you no longer have room for or cannot keep your pet, it is better to rehome them.
This should also go without saying, but you cannot store people – dead or alive – in your storage unit.
While we are on the topic of how you cannot store people, living or otherwise, in a storage unit, this includes yourself. Even if you rent a climate-controlled storage unit, it is still not a house or proper living space, and you cannot – and should not – live in one.
Here are some frequently asked questions on what you can and cannot store in a storage unit.
Gas falls under the hazardous and combustible material categories, so the answer is no.
Gas is not only flammable and will create a giant mess if spilled, but it can also cause damage to the skin, eyes, or lungs if it comes into contact with a person.
So, for the safety of your unit and the storage facility, it is best not to store gas in your unit.
The answer is yes, but it is best if the bottles are unopened and if they are in a climate-controlled storage unit. This type of unit is your best option if you plan to store any alcohol since alcohol loses its flavor if not stored at an optimal temperature.
This is especially true for wine since it can begin to lose its flavor above a temperature of 65 degrees.
While candles – or scented items in general – are not prohibited, they are still not the best items to have in a storage unit. Candles will generally melt in a non-climate-controlled unit, which can create a mess if you are not careful. You can store them, but you may want to opt for a climate-controlled unit to prolong their shelf life and prevent a mess.
Cleaning supplies such as bleach, ammonia, and other household cleaning chemicals fall under toxic or hazardous materials, so they are on the list of what not to store in self-storage.
They can result in breathing problems and are harmful if stored improperly.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most popular items that you can store in a non-climate-controlled storage unit:
• Couches, armchairs, and other furniture
• Washers and dryers
• Beds and mattresses
• Books and bookshelves
• Home decor
• Clothing
• Electronics
• Musical instruments
• Sports equipment
The list goes on. Storage is a great solution that millions of Americans utilize every day to keep their stuff safe. However, you can optimize your stuff’s safety and security further by checking what is prohibited and what is not before you attempt to store it away.
Do you need assistance renting a self-storage or have any questions, contact us EZstorit.com today!
By: Diego Watsen
Diego is the front and backend developer for EZstorit. He likes to write how to guides on a variety of topics including computing, health and exersice. He is an avid marathon runner having completed a total of 10, including the Boston and New York marathons. In his spare time he teaches disadvantage youth the art of cumputers, some coding and how to train to run marathons.