When renting a storage unit, it’s essential to know which items are prohibited or unsuitable for storage. Certain items pose safety risks, legal complications, or simply don’t thrive in a storage environment. Here are seven items you should never put in a storage unit and why, with guidance from Safehouse Storage and Moving Company to ensure safe and compliant storage.
Why Certain Items Are Not Allowed in Storage Units
Storage facilities like Safehouse Storage and Moving prioritize safety, security, and compliance with local laws and regulations. Some items can endanger other stored belongings, attract pests, or create environmental hazards. Understanding these restrictions helps you avoid issues and keeps your belongings, and those of other renters, safe.
1. Hazardous Materials
Items that are flammable, corrosive, or potentially explosive, such as gasoline, propane tanks, paint, and cleaning chemicals, should never be stored in a storage unit. These materials can pose a serious fire hazard or, in some cases, react with other substances, creating dangerous conditions.
Safehouse Storage and Moving advises clients to avoid storing any hazardous materials and instead recommends following local disposal regulations for these items.
2. Perishable Food
Storing perishable food items, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, or dairy products, can lead to spoilage, foul odors, and pest infestations. Even sealed food items can attract insects or rodents. It’s best to keep all food products out of storage units to prevent contamination and maintain cleanliness.
3. Valuable Personal Items
Although storage units are generally secure, valuable items like jewelry, cash, and rare collectibles are better stored in a safe at home or a secure vault. Safehouse Storage and Moving offers secure storage units, but for high-value items, a safety deposit box or home safe provides additional peace of mind.
4. Important Documents
Personal documents, such as birth certificates, passports, and legal papers, can be affected by temperature fluctuations and humidity. Instead of a storage unit, consider a safe deposit box or home safe for these sensitive items, where you can easily access them when needed.
5. Plants
Plants need sunlight, water, and fresh air to thrive, making storage units an unsuitable environment. Even short-term storage can be detrimental to plant health, as units are typically dark and lack ventilation. If you need temporary plant storage, consider finding a friend or neighbor who can care for them.
6. Firearms and Ammunition
Firearms and ammunition are often subject to specific regulations and are usually prohibited in storage units for safety reasons. Consult local laws and, if necessary, seek a certified firearms storage facility to ensure compliance and security.
Safehouse Storage and Moving can provide advice on safely storing firearms according to local guidelines but recommends against keeping them in general storage units.
7. Pets or Animals
It may seem obvious, but animals—whether pets or otherwise—should never be kept in a storage unit. Not only is it inhumane, but it’s also illegal and poses significant health risks. If you’re in need of temporary arrangements for a pet, contact a boarding facility or pet-sitting service rather than a storage unit.
What Happens if You Store Prohibited Items?
Storing restricted items can result in penalties, voiding of your rental agreement, or potential legal consequences. Storage facilities conduct regular inspections to ensure safety, and any prohibited items discovered may be removed or reported.
Safehouse Storage and Moving takes safety seriously and encourages clients to ask questions before storing items to prevent any issues. Their knowledgeable team is ready to provide guidance on what can and cannot be stored, ensuring compliance and a secure environment for all clients.