Self-storage is helpful for many situations. Whether you’re moving, downsizing, travelling, or de-cluttering, renting a storage unit ensures that your belongings are kept safe. Not everything, however, is meant to go into a storage unit. Here are ten items that should not go into a storage unit!
- Perishable Items
Storing any perishable goods like human or animal food in a storage unit is a big risk for rodent or insect infestation. Additionally, any humidity or heat in the unit can cause the growth of mould or bacteria. Keep any food items out of storage units!
- Hazardous Material
Hazardous materials include anything that can be toxic or dangerous if spilled or opened. Corrosive materials, toxic gases, kerosene, gasoline, propane, motor oils, paint, fertilizer, asbestos, chemical cleaners, compressed gas, and any other flammable or toxic materials present a huge health and safety risk for the entire storage facility.
- Unregistered Vehicles
Any vehicles—cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, or trailers—must be currently registered in your name for them to be stored. Storage facilities must have proof that all vehicles are owned and operated by the person who is renting the unit, and that they are in good working condition.
- Explosives or Weapons
Firearms, ammunition, bombs, and fireworks are not allowed to be stored in storage units, and pose a huge risk should they go off. If you need a place to store such items, gun shops and shooting ranges are often equipped to store firearms and ammunition.
- Drugs
Drugs and drug paraphernalia are illegal, and prohibited in self-storage units.
- Stolen Property
If anything in your storage unit is reported as stolen, you will be held responsible for it.
- Living Things
This one may seem obvious, but it’s a strange world out there. Storage rooms are not living spaces! You cannot live or work out of a storage unit, nor can you keep live animals. Additionally, do not attempt to store plants in storage units. The lack of sunlight and fresh air will kill them, and they will also attract insects and other pests.
- Dead Things
Hopefully another obvious one. There are other options for removal of dead bodies. Storage units are for items, not people or animals (living or dead!).
- Anything Wet or Damp
Since storage units are dark and sometimes cramped places, they can be the ideal setting for mould and mildew growth. Make sure everything you’ve packed is dry and if you have concerns about humidity, consider packing in silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture.
- Pest-Prone Items
Pests aren’t only drawn to food. Other items that attract them include: corkboard, taxidermy, paper, foam, plastic bags, or fruit crates. Items like paper and foam must be properly boxed or sealed to avoid attracting pests.
If you are unsure about storing any items, simply ask the storage experts at the facility. Make sure everything is kept dry, and properly packaged. Remember that you are personally responsible for everything in your storage unit and if anything causes damage, or an accident, you may be liable.
Stay safe, and if you aren’t a hundred percent sure, always ask!
