4 Things You Should Never Leave in a Storage Unit

Self-storage units offer an excellent solution for reducing clutter around your home, securing valuable items during a move or handling business equipment and inventory overflow. Although you can typically store anything from anchors to Zumba tapes, there are some forbidden items. Below are four categories of items that should not be put in a storage unit. If you are unsure if a specific item can be stored, consult the storage manager. The rental contract you sign also specifies items that are prohibited and how certain items must be prepared.

Food and Animal Products

Anything perishable, such as pet food, grains, flours, milk products, meat and so on will spoil quickly inside a storage unit. They also attract insects and other vermin. The one exception to this rule is canned food. However, considering that ordinary storage units are typically subject to wide temperature ranges and have minimal ventilation, the life of canned goods may be severely shortened. Rather than take a chance with consumables, it is better to donate them to friends and family.

Chemicals, Explosives and Other Toxic Items

Nothing hazardous to human health may be placed in storage units that are toxic, corrosive, flammable or potentially explosive. Such items include motor oil, gasoline, diesel, oil-based paints, chemical solvents, propane tanks, welding gasses, fireworks, firearms or ammunition, chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Be sure to drain fuel from any stored equipment that has an internal combustion engine. Radioactive materials that are sometimes found in medical supplies or equipment may not be stored either.

Non-running Vehicles

While it is common for people to place boats and cars into storage units, the storage contract likely stipulates that vehicles must be in operating condition, insured, licensed and registered. If you are storing a project car that does not yet have an engine or drive train and is in otherwise good condition, discuss it with the storage manager, as there may be an exception in a case like that. Whatever kind of vehicle you store, remember that you are responsible for any damage the vehicle may cause while in storage.

No Live Animals (Including You)

It may sound unbelievable, but there have been cases where people used storage units as a temporary living space. Of course, this is a bad idea given that storage units are typically without heating or cooling, are dark and have inadequate ventilation for animals or humans. Furthermore, customers are prohibited from plugging in appliances, lights or cooking in a unit.

People are very often tempted to place their pets in storage units when they are moving or on a short vacation. For the same reasons that humans are not allowed to occupy the unit, leaving pets there is unsafe for them and prohibited. Even climate-controlled units typically have insufficient ventilation for animals or even plant life.

Insurance

Self-storage operators have property damage and liability insurance for the site but not for your possessions stored at their site. You are responsible for purchasing property and theft insurance to protect your items. Sometimes, insuring your stored items is a requirement of the rental contract. The facility may offer a low-cost plan or you can obtain one from your insurance agent that will compensate you should the unexpected happen.

If you’re unsure whether an item you want to leave in storage is acceptable, contact our team for advice.