What Not to Store in Your Storage Unit
Your storage unit is a valuable asset for decluttering your home or office, but not everything belongs there. For safety reasons, many items are banned from, not allowed by storage facilities. This guide highlights the most common prohibited items that don’t belong in your self-storage unit. Remember, this list isn't exhaustive, so always consult your lease agreement for specific restrictions.
Video: What Not to Store in Your Storage Unit
Dangerous and Prohibited Items
Perishable Foods
Fresh produce and meats will eventually spoil and attract pests. Ants are small enough to fit through even the tiniest opening. Rodents can cut through a bag of dry dog or cat food, eat it up, and then dig through your other boxes looking for more. Keep perishable foods out of your storage unit!
Combustible, Flammable, Toxic
Anything that is flammable, combustible, toxic, or otherwise hazardous cannot be stored in a storage unit. Examples of hazardous materials include ammunition, gasoline, motor and lamp oil, compressed gas, propane tanks, acid and other corrosive materials, grease, fertilizers, paint, cleaners, chemicals, narcotics, biological waste, asbestos, and fireworks. Basically anything that can catch fire, explode, corrode, and/or is toxic in any way.
Tip: If you store a lawn mower or other gas operated equipment, empty out the gasoline and oil, then clean the unit before placing it in storage.
Vehicles, Boats, and Trailers
Properly registered vehicles are typically stored in outdoor storage spaces designated for automobiles, cars, boats, recreational vehicles, trailers, trucks, and work vans, not in the indoor storage units. If you do store these items inside, remember to remove the gasoline, as odors can be absorbed by furniture and clothing. For size limits, check out our outdoor storage spaces serving the Fountain Valley / Huntington Beach and Riverside / Corona areas of Southern California.
Plants, Animals, and People
Most people understand that living things need food, water, fresh air, and sunshine to thrive. Live plants, animals, birds, fish in fish tanks, etc. cannot be stored in your unit. Deceased animals or plants cannot be stored either, as they will eventually rot, attract pests, disease, and cause mold and odors. And, no, you cannot live in your storage unit.
Radioactive Materials
The average person isn’t going to have radioactive materials, but there are instances when this can happen. For example, if you have a cat with cancer, she might be treated with a pharmaceutical substance that has traces of radioactive particles. In that case, their litter box materials must be disposed of properly. No radioactive equipment or materials can legally be stored in a storage unit. Heavy fines can be assessed by law enforcement for improper disposal of radioactive materials.
Illegal Drugs and Stolen Property
If an item is illegal to possess, or the item is stolen, then it cannot be stored in your storage unit. Storing stolen goods or illegal substances is a crime.
Tips for Safe Storage
- Check Your Lease: Familiarize yourself with your storage facility's specific rules and regulations.
- Prepare Your Items: For items such as lawn mowers and other gas powered equipment, empty the fluids and clean the unit before storage.
- Seek Guidance: If you're unsure about storing a particular item, contact our storage facility managers for clarification.
By following these guidelines, you can create a safer and more secure storage experience for yourself and others.
Need more space? Explore our storage options in Fountain Valley / Huntington Beach or Riverside / Corona.
We hope this article helped you to understand what not to store in your storage unit. If you are still unsure about what's not allowed, our facility managers will be happy to assist you!