What Can and Cannot be in Storage Units?

Whether you’re moving or just trying to clear up some clutter around your home, a self storage unit can be a perfect solution, but there are some items that cannot be stored. To save you the time and stress when you are getting ready to move things into storage, here is a helpful guide to help you know what can and cannot be put into your storage unit. Whether you’re moving or just trying to clear up some clutter around your home, a self storage unit can be a perfect solution, but there are some items that cannot be stored. To save you the time and stress when you are getting ready to move things into storage, here is a helpful guide to help you know what can and cannot be put into your storage unit.

What Items Can You Store in a Storage Unit?

Most items can be stored in a storage unit. As long as it isn’t against the company’s rules and it fits inside, it’s fine. Most often, storage units are used to keep valuables from your home and vehicles. The list below includes, but is not limited to, items that can be kept in storage:

• Antiques and collectibles
• Artwork
• Appliances, both large and small depending on size of the unit (Washers, Dryers, Stoves, Ovens, etc.)
• Books
• Boxes
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Home Decor
• Mattresses
• Photographs
• Musical Instruments
• Clothing
• Vehicles
• Wine
• Sports Equipment

What Items Cannot Be Stored in a Storage Unit?

Every storage company has their own rules and lists of prohibited items. Typically though, there are 11 items that can’t be put into storage, regardless of what company you are renting from:

Firearms: Storing firearms in your storage unit is a big no-no, not to mention it is illegal in most places. This is because they create potential liability issues for the company, not to mention the problems that arise if your unit goes up for auction.

Food: The majority of storage units do not allow perishable foods to be stored - and for good reason. Perishable food items are known for attracting pests, mold, and mildew. You will also want to ask your storage company if you are planning to store non-perishable food items as they can sometimes attract bugs and rodents. If you are going to store shelf stable food items, ensure that they are kept in air-tight containers.

Fur Clothing: There are many self storage companies that prohibit customers from storing fur. This is because fur is more susceptible to molt at high temperatures and it requires very specific climate conditions to be properly preserved. Always check with your self-storage facility to be sure.

Hazardous Materials: Items that are combustible, flammable, or toxic will not be allowed to be kept in a storage unit. These items include, but are not limited to the following:

• Paint
• Paint Thinner
• Fertilizer
• Fireworks
• Oil
• Chlorine Bleach
• Acid
• Acetone
• Propane Tanks
• Compressed Gas
• Kerosene
• Gasoline
• Grease
• Turpentine
• Radioactive Materials

Living (and Dead) Items: Storage units prohibit customers from storing living or dead things. It is safe to assume that it is illegal to store any of the following items in your self-storage unit:

• Animals
• Ashes (Animal or Human)
• Dead Organisms
• Flowers
• People
• Plants

Money: Money is also on the list of the things that are not allowed to be kept in the majority of storage units. If you have money to store, try a bank deposit box instead of placing it in a self-storage unit.

Tires: While you can find a self-storage facility that allows tires on occasion, they are usually on the prohibited list. This is due to steep disposal fees and tire fires.

Unregistered or Uninsured Vehicles: Although most companies allow you to store your vehicle, it must be properly registered and insured before placing it in storage. Many companies will ask that you provide proof of registration and insurance.

Wet Items: Before storing your items, you need to ensure that they are dry. Wet items tend to grow mold and mildew when they are left in dark, closed-off spaces, such as a storage unit.

Priceless and Irreplaceable Items: Simply put, if you can’t live without it, don’t put it into your storage unit. When putting your items into storage, you are taking a risk, including the possibility of money issues that lead to your items being sold at auction or even events that could destroy your items, such as a flood, fire, or robbery. If you are wanting to store any of the following items, it is recommended that you first check with your local storage unit company:

• Antiques
• Awards
• Baby Clothes
• Baby Toys
• Baseball (or other sport) Cards
• Family Heirlooms
• Gifts
• Jewelry
• Legal Documents
• Medical Bills
• Photo Albums
• School Assignments
• Scrapbooks
• Silverware
• Wedding Dresses
• Yearbooks

Stolen and Illegal Goods: Under no circumstances are you allowed to keep stolen property in your self-storage unit. These facilities are well-monitored and the employees are liable to call the police if they suspect any suspicious activity going on.