Storage units offer a convenient solution for storing belongings that you don’t currently need or have space for. However, it’s important to be aware that not all items are suitable for storage.
Certain items can pose risks, create hazards, or deteriorate over time when stored in a typical storage unit. In this blog post, we will discuss nine items that you should avoid storing in your storage unit.
Perishable Food Items
Storing perishable food items in a storage unit is a big no-no. Perishable items, such as fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and frozen goods, can spoil quickly and attract pests. The lack of temperature control in most storage units can accelerate the spoilage process, leading to foul odors and potential infestations.
It’s best to consume or properly dispose of perishable food items before storing your belongings.
Hazardous Materials
Storage units are not designed to store hazardous materials, including flammable, explosive, toxic, or corrosive substances. These materials can pose significant risks, such as fires, chemical reactions, or environmental damage.
Examples of hazardous materials include gasoline, propane tanks, paint, pesticides, cleaning agents, and ammunition. Properly dispose of these items according to local regulations to ensure safety.
Living Creatures
It goes without saying that living creatures, such as animals and plants, should never be stored in a storage unit. Animals can suffer from extreme temperature fluctuations, lack of proper ventilation, and limited access to food and water. Plants, on the other hand, require sunlight and care to thrive.
Find appropriate accommodations for living creatures or make alternative arrangements, such as finding suitable homes for pets or giving plants to friends or family.
Valuables and Irreplaceable Items
While storage units can provide security, it’s generally not advisable to store valuable or irreplaceable items in them. Items of high sentimental or monetary value, important documents, family heirlooms, or valuable jewelry are best kept in a more secure and accessible location, such as a safe deposit box or at home. This ensures better protection against loss, theft, or damage.
Wet or Moist Items
Avoid storing wet or moist items in your storage unit, as they can promote mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. Moisture can seep into the unit, especially in areas with high humidity or inadequate ventilation.
Make sure items are completely dry before placing them in storage, and consider using moisture-absorbing products like desiccant packs or silica gel to mitigate moisture-related issues.
Flammable Materials
Flammable materials, such as gasoline, propane tanks, oil, and fireworks, should never be stored in a storage unit. These materials can cause fires or explosions, putting your belongings, neighboring units, and the entire storage facility at risk. Always follow proper disposal guidelines for flammable materials and avoid storing them in storage units.
Illegal or Stolen Items
Storing illegal or stolen items in a storage unit is not only morally wrong but also illegal. Storage facilities have measures in place to prevent illegal activities and may report suspicious behavior to the authorities. Keep your storage unit for legitimate and legal purposes, ensuring that all items stored are legally obtained and owned by you.
Scented or Fragile Items
Avoid storing scented items, such as candles or air fresheners, as their strong odors can permeate other items and make them unpleasant to use. Fragile items, such as fine china, glassware, or delicate electronics, may also be at risk of breakage or damage in a storage unit due to shifts or impact during transportation or while being stored.
It’s best to pack and transport fragile items with extra care or keep them in a more controlled environment.
Uninsured Items
Lastly, avoid storing items of significant financial or sentimental value without proper insurance coverage. While storage facilities typically have security measures in place, accidents, theft, or natural disasters can still occur. Ensure that valuable items are adequately insured to provide financial protection in case of unforeseen events.
Conclusion
Knowing what not to store in your storage unit is essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of both your belongings and the storage facility. Avoid storing perishable food items, hazardous materials, living creatures, wet or moist items, valuables, flammable materials, illegal items, scented or fragile items, and uninsured items.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother storage experience and protect your belongings from potential damage or loss.