What Not to Put in a Storage Unit (and Why): A Guide to Self Storage
There are countless objects and belongings that one could put into storage. From toys to furniture, the list is practically endless. What about all the things you should not put into self storage? StorageMart has compiled a summary of prohibited items in your storage unit, including:
- Food and other perishable items
- Hazardous items like flammables, chemicals, or explosives
- Pets and other animals
- Yourself
For more information on our general storage policies, consult our FAQ page or—if you are a current customer—your lease or facility manager.
Don’t Keep Food in a Storage Unit
This might be one of the most obvious ones, yet it is likely the most common forbidden item we find in storage units. While we dislike food in our units, pests like rodents, roaches, and other bugs love it! Storing food, such as meat, produce, dairy, bread, and even pet food, can attract pests and produce a foul odor, as they spoil easily. If pests inhabit the unit, it will not only be a nightmare when you make your next visit, but these creatures can also cause damage.
What’s more, food isn’t always intentionally left in storage. Sometimes, it is left behind in furniture (like crumbs in a couch or chips in a cabinet). Before moving into your unit, be sure to check your belongings for food. Although you can’t store food, you can always store food-related items such as appliances, dishes, pots, and pans.
Don’t Keep Hazardous Items in a Storage Unit
Storage units are very limited, enclosed spaces. For the safety of yourself, your belongings, and of others, keep firearms, flammable items, chemicals, gasoline, and any potentially explosive materials out of self storage.
Don’t Keep Pets in a Storage Unit
Storage units make great temporary homes for your belongings but terrible homes for your pets. Ensure the safety of you and your furry friends by keeping all living creatures at home. Your dog and cat will appreciate it. Remember, pet food is still considered food and should not be stored in a unit, as it will attract pests.
Instead of putting pets into the storage unit, however, you can certainly store pet supplies such as old toys, cages, and carriers. Self storage is a great option if you have puppy equipment so when the puppy grows up into a dog, you can put the supplies into storage in case you get another one day.
“Self Storage” Does Not Mean “Store Yourself”
We get it: The cost of living can be expensive, and if a 200-square-foot space for a relatively low price seems tempting . . . well, you’ve been watching Tiny House, haven’t you?
As much as we’d like to see what a tiny-home expert could do with one of our units, it is illegal to inhabit a storage unit. (That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get a tiny home, though—and if you do, you can rent a storage unit for your non-essentials at a very reasonable rental rate.) Besides, it wouldn’t be all that comfortable, and the legal consequences you might face aren’t worth the thrill.
At StorageMart, We Know It’s Better Safe Than Sorry
For the well-being of your possessions and those around you, it’s crucial to adhere to our rules for what not to put in storage. The official list of restricted items you cannot store in your storage unit is covered in your lease. Most of them are common sense, but still read over it carefully to be sure you know what is allowed in your self storage space.
When it comes to moving into storage, our packing and moving tips provide helpful advice to remember. Not sure what kind of unit you need? Our unit size guide can offer a hand. Ready to get started? Find a facility near you, and rent a unit online today!
Updated July 21, 2020