You can store just about anything in your self storage unit, except these...

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While we can store almost anything, there are some things that we really can't store so please make sure that none of the following (or similar) are included in your goods:

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Perishables (food especially left in fridges or freezers)

Hazardous Materials

Live Plants or Animals

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Why do public storage restrictions exist?

 

Some people might argue that as long they keep paying for a storage unit, that rented space becomes their own rented space, and therefore they can store in it anything they wish. Needless to say, that argument is rather weak simply because those people tend to forget something that is of paramount importance: SAFETY.

 

Safety rules are there to protect people and property alike, and without them chaos, anarchy and trouble would follow.Rules are rules, and the same way you can’t just disregard all road safety rules and traffic regulations simply because you’ve rented a car, you are expected and strongly advised to follow the safety guidelines when renting a self-storage unit. Unless, for some strange reason, you are in the mood for a world of headaches and even possible serious troubles with the law.Remember: there are things you can’t put into storage because they are not allowed for safety reasons. Simple as that. If anything bad happens due to your negligence and refusal to follow the rules, then you will be liable for any potential damage.

 

Top 7 things you should never put into a storage unit

 

Here’s a handy list of things you are not allowed to keep in a self-storage unit, including the very reasons why they are not permitted. Some of these restricted items are pretty obvious, but there are also those items that you don’t automatically consider unfit to be stored in your rented space. So, do read on.

 

Food

 

This is one of the most frequently overlooked safety rules when using self-storage! Food, including pet food, should never be kept in a storage unit. Just think about it – you leave food in the enclosed space for a long time, it will rot and its smell will attract insects and rodents alike. In turn, those little intruders will probably damage the rest of your stored items by chewing on them and even nesting in them.Want bigger problems? Infestation is quite possible for the entire self-storage facility. And if, miraculously, no rodents enter your unit for the food, mold and bacteria will appear from the rotting food.

 

Live Animals

 

This one is crazy: who would want to leave a life animal in their storage unit? Yet, there are those who have done it. Leaving a live animal (for example, your poor pet) in a self-storage unit is not only against the public storage restrictions, but it is against the law. Don’t ever do it! If you’re leaving and you can’t take your animal friend with you, then the least you want to do is subject them to darkness, loneliness and without proper cares.  Do you care for your pet at all? If yes, leave them with a family member or a friend you can trust, hire a pet sitter or leave your animal friend with pet caring professionals.

 

Plants

 

Now that you know never to leave a live animal in your rented space, what not to store in your self-storage unit includes plants as well. As you know well, plants need light, water and fresh air to grow, and these three essentials cannot be found inside in a storage unit.If you can’t take your plants to your new home or you can’t find space for them in your current residence while the latter is being remodeled, then leave them with friends or give them away. In other words, don’t kill your leafy friends while desperately trying to save them.

 

Stolen Items

 

One of the things you should never put into a storage unit is… drum roll… stolen things! Now that should be common sense right there but hey, you never know.  You’re not allowed to keep items in your self-storage unit if you don’t legally own them or if you don’t have the explicit permission to keep them there by their true owner. Why? Because it is very illegal. If the facility manager senses or suspects that something illegal is going on, then they won’t hesitate to call the police for further investigation. If it turns out that you’ve placed in storage items have been reported as stolen, then you could be arrested and interrogated. In other words, don’t even think about doing it.

 

Hazardous Materials

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Speaking of restricted items in a storage unit, hazardous materials do classify as such. By definition and as a rule of thumb, anything that has the potential to create substantial damage if opened or spilled is considered a hazardous material. Corrosive, flammable or explosive materials are strictly forbidden to be put in storage as they pose serious health risks and can cause damage property in seconds!Examples of such no-no materials include chemicals, aerosol cans, acids, gases, gasoline, propane tanks, lamp or motor oils, pains, paint thinners, cleaners, pesticides, weed killers, car batteries, fireworks, liquor, charcoal, and more. Also, what you shouldn’t put in storage is yard equipment containing fuel. Yes, you can store a lawn mower in your unit but only after you have drained all the fuel and oil from the machine.And no, you are definitely not allowed to store firearms of any type, ammunition and explosives – look for suitable storage for your weapon at your local gun shop or shooting range. SEE ALSO: How to pack for storage?

 

Scented or Wet Items

 

What not to store in a storage unit include scented or damp items. As mentioned above, strong scents can easily attract pests, insects, rodents or vermin to investigate the source of the overwhelming odors. Trust us, you don’t want any living things crawling or flying around in your rental unit as that will spell out T-R-O-U-B-L-E in no time.Also, any items that are wet or damp will start producing mold, mildew and spread bacteria in your self-storage unit, and that will likely damage some, most or all of your prized possessions placed in temporary storage. First and foremost, make sure that every single item you plan to store in there is perfectly dry before you pack it up and leave it in your storage unit.

 

Read more: https://moving.tips/diy-tips/items-not-allowed-in-storage/

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