What Not to Store in a Storage Unit

What Not to Store in a Storage Unit

Posted by: satelliteselfstorage on August 12, 2021

Self storage units are excellent when it comes to storing seasonal items, furniture and possessions while moving from one home to another. From couches and tables to yard equipment and motorcycles, there are countless ways to get the most out of your storage unit.

That said, there are some items that you shouldn’t place in storage units due to security, safety or zoning concerns. At Satellite Self Storage, we’re here to help you figure out what you can and can’t safely store in your unit.

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The Top Six Things You Can’t Store in Storage Units

Due to the safety risk they pose, many items have self-storage restrictions. Here are the six things you should never store in your unit.

1. Perishable Products and Food

One of the most overlooked storage unit restrictions is the prohibition of food and perishable products. When you store your food in a storage unit, you run the risk of attracting pests to your unit and compromising your food’s integrity.  Aside from the threat of pests, perishables also risk spoiling due to heat or cold.

2. Flammable and Combustible Items

You should never store flammable items such as propane, oil, gasoline, paints, cleaners and pesticides in your unit due to the risk of combustion. These products are especially risky to store in units that are not temperature controlled.

Aside from the possibility of combustion, the harmful fumes produced by these substances risk creating a toxic environment where breathing is difficult. Their smell can seep into your valuables, too.

3. Hazardous Materials and Items

Hazardous materials like chemicals, corrosives and pesticides are restricted from self-storage units due to the health dangers they pose and their ability to cause damage to the unit even in a short period of time. You can only store items like lawnmowers and weed whackers once they have been completely emptied of all fuel.

Dangerous weapons should not be stored in units, either. Your local firearm shops or ranges may store them for you, so be sure to explore your options.

4. Plants and Animals

Due to the lack of sunlight and water, you should never store plants or animals in your unit. Living plants and animals won’t survive or thrive in the cramped, dark and unaerated property of your storage unit. They may even attract additional pests that threaten the safety of the rest of your items. Always make sure your plants and animals live in an environment conducive to their need for growth, nourishment and fresh air.

5. Wet and Damp Items

Whether you’re storing seasonal outdoor decorations or lawn equipment, you must fully dry your items before placing them in the storage unit. Storage units are designed with low ventilation to keep your items safe. If you place wet or damp items inside, you risk growing intense mold that spreads throughout your unit. When you store wet items, you risk ruining your stored valuables as well as the integrity of your entire unit.

6. You and Your Family

Storage units are not residential property and do not contain the necessary electricity, water and ventilation to house you or your family. Regardless of the circumstances, you cannot live in a storage unit due to the risk it poses to your health and safety. The lack of air circulation can turn a storage unit into a potentially deadly place to be, and doors that lock from the outside mean that you could easily become trapped inside with no ability to call for help.

Things You Can Store in a Climate Controlled Unit

With climate-controlled storage units, you can safely store many temperature-sensitive items. Here are five things you can keep in a climate-controlled unit.

1. Electronics

Climate-controlled storage units are perfect for storing sensitive electronics and protecting them from heat and humidity. Without properly climate-controlled storage, electronics run the risk of becoming cracked from the heat or rusted by the elements over time. Climate-controlled storage units provide the safety necessary to keep your electronics from becoming overheated and warped. These units are an ideal solution for businesses that need to store their excess or old electronic goods.

2. Furniture

In regular storage units, antique and leather furniture may crack due to extreme temperatures as the weather rises. Climate-controlled storage units keep these items safe from rising temperatures, cracking and the potential of growing mildew.

3. Paper and Photographs

Climate-controlled storage units provide the steady atmosphere necessary to store books and papers for long periods of time without the threat of warping. With the added protection of moisture absorbers and desiccants, you can be sure that your papers will be preserved in your unit for years to come.

4. Clothing and Fabric

If you’re storing large volumes of clothing or fabric, you should always keep them in a climate-controlled environment. Aside from paper, fabric is the material most susceptible to damage from mold and mildew over time. Climate control is absolutely essential for sensitive fabric materials such as furs and antique pieces. With climate control, you can rest assured your clothing will have the same look and feel when you retrieve it from your storage unit.

5. Nutriceuticals, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies

If you have a large volume of nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals and require extra storage for them, you must opt for a climate-controlled unit. Climate-controlled units will keep the integrity of your pharmaceuticals and medical supplies intact and prevent damage or spoilage caused by heat and moisture.

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Store Your Items Safely With Satellite Self Storage

At Satellite Self Storage, we’re here to help you store your items and determine what is and isn’t safe for storage. If you ever question what not to put in a storage unit, don’t be afraid to ask us in person, online or by calling 732-671-2345. We’re a small, family-oriented business that promises to take care of your items and treat your belongings as if they were our own. To get started with Satellite Self Storage, read through our self-storage pages and contact us online today.