Avoid storing illegal items, perishable foods, flammable materials, and living things in a storage unit, as these are typically restricted for safety and legal reasons. Hazardous chemicals and explosives pose serious risks, while valuables and electronics are better stored elsewhere. Always check facility rules to ensure proper storage practices.
Introduction
Self-storage units offer a practical solution for people looking to declutter, move, or simply find extra space. Whether you’re downsizing your home, managing a move, or just storing seasonal items, these facilities are convenient and secure most of the time. However, it’s critical to know what not to store in a storage unit. Not only can storing the wrong items pose safety hazards, but it can also violate storage facility rules and cause legal problems.
Therefore, it is necessary to understand what not to store in a storage unit to ensure you’re using your rented space wisely and safely. This guide will walk you through the Dos and Don’ts of Self Storage, emphasizing restricted, hazardous, and risky items that are better kept elsewhere.
Why Do Storage Units Have Restrictions?
To keep both customers and facilities safe, storage companies implement strict rules about what not to store in a storage unit. These policies aren’t just about protecting your belongings, they also protect the property, employees, and other tenants.
For example, fire hazards or chemicals can put the entire facility at risk, while stolen or illegal goods can result in legal investigations and forced closures. Additionally, certain items could attract pests, mold, or foul odors, affecting other storage units nearby. That’s why reviewing and understanding the Dos and Don’ts of Self Storage before you load up your unit is not just good practice, it’s essential.
Restricted Items: What Storage Facilities Forbid
Storage units may seem like private spaces, but they still fall under facility-wide rules. Most companies provide a list of prohibited items to help you understand what not to store in a storage unit. Here are the most common examples:
1. Illegal or Stolen Goods:
Storing illegal substances, unregistered firearms, or stolen items is not only against storage policies—it’s against the law. Facilities often cooperate with law enforcement if they suspect illegal activity. So, if you’re wondering what not to put in a storage unit, this is the absolute top of the list.
2. Perishable Food:
Any food that can rot or spoil should never be stored. Perishables attract insects, rodents, and mold. Even packaged goods can become a problem over time. If you need to store food long-term, look for specialized food-grade storage options.
3. Living Beings:
It might sound obvious, but pets and plants are sometimes mistakenly placed in storage units—especially during moves. These units are not designed to support life. No ventilation, no light, and often no temperature control. Storing anything living is not only inhumane but also illegal.
4. Uninsured or Uninspected Vehicles:
Some storage facilities allow vehicles, but they must meet specific conditions, like having up-to-date registration and insurance. Don’t assume you can park a junk car or unregistered RV in a storage space without repercussions.
Hazardous Materials: A Serious No-Go
When we talk about what not to store in a storage unit, hazardous materials deserve their category. These substances pose risks not just to your belongings but to the entire facility.
1. Flammable Items:
Gasoline, propane tanks, fireworks, kerosene, and other flammable liquids or explosives are strictly prohibited. Even if sealed, these items can combust under high temperatures, making them incredibly dangerous.
2. Toxic Chemicals:
Think twice before storing items like pesticides, bleach, ammonia, or industrial cleaners. These chemicals can create toxic fumes or spills, damage property and pose health hazards.
3. Ammunition and Explosives:
While you might be able to store some types of hunting gear, ammunition and explosives are universally banned. If you’re unsure whether your item qualifies as dangerous, always check with the storage provider first.
When reviewing the Do’s and Don’ts of Self Storage, avoid any material that might combust, corrode, or leak. These are not just policy violations; they’re real threats.
Risky Items: Things You Can Store But Probably Shouldn’t
Now, let’s talk about items that are technically allowed but come with big risks. These aren’t always on the “prohibited” list, but you should think twice before storing them.
1. Valuables and Irreplaceable:
Jewelry, rare collectibles, family heirlooms, or important documents should not be stored unless you have a climate-controlled, high-security unit. Even then, theft, fire, or water damage could cause irreparable loss. Also, know if storing a car is a reliable option or not.
2. Cash and Financial Documents:
While it might seem like a convenient hiding spot, storing cash or financial documents in a storage unit is risky. If your unit is broken into or damaged, recovery is unlikely, and insurance may not cover the loss.
3. Artwork and Antiques:
Temperature and humidity fluctuations can destroy paintings, sculptures, or antique furniture. If you must store these items, use climate-controlled units and proper packaging.
4. Is It Safe to Store Electronics in a Storage Unit?
Storing electronics is common but not always safe—especially in standard units. Extreme heat, cold, and humidity can ruin televisions, computers, gaming systems, and audio equipment. If you decide to store electronics, choose a climate-controlled unit and pack your devices in anti-static, padded containers. Even then, it’s wise to back up important files and consider if storing them at home is a better choice.
How to Store Smart and Safe?
Once you know what not to store in a storage unit, you’re better equipped to make smart storage choices. Here are a few quick tips to keep everything safe and legal:
- Check the facility’s list of restricted items before signing your contract.
- Invest in climate control for sensitive items like electronics, photos, or wooden furniture.
- Label your boxes and make a detailed inventory for future reference.
- Avoid storing items with high sentimental or monetary value unless necessary.
- Never guess—when in doubt, ask your storage provider about specific items.
Being proactive helps prevent damage, fines, and liability while keeping your belongings in good condition.
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Conclusion
To conclude, it is necessary to understand what not to store in a storage unit as much as you understand what to store in it. From illegal goods, perishable items to hazardous materials like chemicals and flammables, you should try your utmost to avoid these items. Even with permissible items, such as electronics or artwork, it’s essential to weigh the risks and opt for climate-controlled environments when necessary.
Remember, the Dos and Don’ts of Self Storage exist for one reason: to protect you, your belongings, and the facility. The next time you’re prepping for a move or cleaning out the garage, keep this guide in mind. Ask questions, stay informed, and always double-check what not to put in a storage unit before locking the door.
Additionally, do you want affordable and climate-controlled storage solutions for your valuables? Shaefer Lyndon Self Storage is just the right option for you. Schaefer Lyndon Self Storage is a privately owned & operated facility providing diverse storage options to the local communities within Detroit City. We offer professional, hygienic, temperature-regulated, & affordable self-storage in Detroit, Michigan. Contact us today.
