8 Things You Should Never Put in a Storage Unit
Take note of these guidelines next time you need to rent a storage unit.
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Leasing a self-storage unit can be a smart storage solution in many instances. Whether you're organizing small business inventory, have a window of time between selling and buying a home, or living in a small apartment with no space to spare, a storage unit can come in handy. The recurring monthly cost is usually a small price to pay for the stress it saves, especially if it’s only a short-term solution.
If you're considering renting a storage unit, there are a few guidelines to be aware of. Like garages, attics, and basements, there are items you should not keep in a storage unit. There typically are actual rules about what can and cannot be stored in any given storage facility, so it's a good idea to look into that before signing a lease. Most companies follow these guidelines nationwide and, although some are put in place to lessen their liability, many actually help protect your things as well. And then there are items that, while not necessarily banned by the facility directly, are wise to keep out it.
If you're planning to rent your own storage unit, refer to this list of what not to keep there in order to protect your belongings.
Related: 13 Storage Mistakes You’re Currently Making (and How to Fix Them)
Do You Need a Climate-Controlled Unit?
Before signing a lease, decide if you need a climate-controlled storage unit. Understanding the difference between a climate-controlled unit and a regular one will help you determine what you feel comfortable putting into storage. A climate-controlled unit is exactly as it sounds, meaning it maintains steady temperature (typically between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit) and humidity (roughly 50%) levels so your things are better protected against mold, mildew, and potential pests.
Of course, this means paying a higher price compared to a standard storage unit. Companies can charge as low as 15% or as high as 50% more for the climate-control feature, with overall rents varying greatly depending on location. Unless you live in a predictably temperate climate year-round, it’s smart to shell out the extra money if you need to store any of the following items:
Clothing and linens
Antiques and artwork
Paper, photographs, and books
Electronics and media such as DVDs
Musical instruments and sports equipment
Collectibles such as comic books and vinyl records
Furniture and any items made of wood, leather, wicker, or upholstery
Anything else that can be damaged by extreme heat, cold, or humidity such as your wine collection, beauty products, or medical supplies
Even if you plan to use a storage unit for things that don’t necessarily need climate control, like dish sets or outdoor furniture, you may want to consider it anyway for added peace of mind. Regardless of which type you choose, below are the things you should never stash away in a storage unit, even on a short-term basis.
Related: The 11 Best Garage Storage Systems to Maximize Your Space in 2023
1. Any Food
Leaving any kind of food in a unit is essentially inviting creepy critters to come for dinner. Storing anything perishable is out of the question and, even if your particular facility isn’t strict on it, pantry non-perishables are not much better. Canned goods can explode, boxes or bags can easily be chewed through, and food can eventually rot, causing an odor issue in the building.
Speaking of odor, even pleasant smells should be left out of your storage unit. The strong scent of things like candles, perfumes, incense, and soap can also attract pests and inevitably bother your storage neighbors’ noses.
Related: 10 Things You Should Never Store in the Bathroom
2. Anything Damp
Say you’re using a storage unit to house your kayak or stand up paddleboard in between trips to the lake. Ensure that they’re completely dry before locking up so you don’t subject both your expensive equipment (as well as everything else in the unit) to mold and mildew. If you’re moving items in on a rainy day, either be prepared with towels to thoroughly wipe them down or leave them out of the storage unit altogether.
3. Toxic or Flammable Materials
This is another category that’s forbidden by virtually every storage company, for good reason. You can’t use a self-storage unit to store anything that could leak harmful fumes or potentially start a fire. Fireworks and other explosives are self-explanatory, but even common household items, like paint, propane, gasoline tanks, fertilizer, and car batteries, are off-limits. Likewise, leave out cleaning agents such as bleach, aerosols such as cans of hairspray, and nail polish removers containing acetone. Hazardous materials should ideally be kept in a well-ventilated area, something a storage unit most definitely is not.
Related: 11 Things You Should Never Store Under the Kitchen Sink
4. Weapons
Along the same precarious lines, firearms, ammunition, and any other type of volatile weapon should not be stored in a storage unit for safety and security reasons. If someone defaults on their rent payment (by just 30 days in some states), the storage facility has the authority to sell the unit contents in an auction and weapons can easily fall into the wrong hands.
5. Irreplaceable or Valuable Items
Things like letters your grandfather wrote to your grandmother while serving overseas, your childhood photo albums, or the deed to your current home should never be put in a storage unit. Although it’s nerve-wracking to think about, a burglary can occur or, worse, a fire in the building could destroy everything you have stored. Anything that cannot be replaced or duplicated, as well as any original and important documents, should be kept close to you or in a fireproof safe at all times.
Related: How to Store Cards to Prevent Damage to Your Keepsakes
6. Spare Tires
You might be disappointed to learn this, especially if you’re short on space in your garage or basement to store your spares. Tires are usually prohibited from all storage units for two reasons. The first, although rare, is the threat of a tire fire. Second, there is a costly fee that storage companies have to pay to dispose of tires either left behind by a tenant or forfeited due to non-payment.
Related: 10 Things You Should Never Store in an Outdoor Shed
7. Unregistered, Uninsured, or Inoperable Vehicles
Self-storage units—specifically climate-controlled units—can be an optimal method to store a car, boat, RV or camper, and any other mode of transportation for either a long or short-term period. Military deployments, car show cruise-ins, or strict HOA parking rules are just a few scenarios that could warrant the need to store a vehicle in a self-storage unit. What you cannot do, however, is store one that is not currently working or insured and is not registered to the person listed on the storage unit lease agreement.
8. Clutter
Lastly, you should never keep clutter in a storage unit because that means you're needlessly paying a fee every month—and potentially for years on end. Take the time to pare down your stuff before you decide to invest in a storage unit or, if you already have one, clear it out as much as possible. You may find that you still need a self-storage unit but you may also be able to downsize, reducing your monthly bill, or use the newfound space to hold seasonal items, creating more room in your home.
Related: The Cost of Clutter and Clever Organizing Tips That Save Money
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