There are different reasons why people rent self-storage units, and the common concern is the need to free up space. Storage units indeed play a huge role in bringing convenience to both households and businesses because you can store a lot of items inside with varying storage unit sizes that can fit even large and bulky items such as furniture, appliances, and musical instruments. However, given the storage unit’s capability to store items of varying kinds and sizes, there are still items that you can’t store inside, mainly because they can bring damage not only to the unit itself but also to the facility as a whole.
1. Flammable and Explosive Items
Flammable liquids or any items that can doubtlessly combust or blow up are not allowed to be stored in a storage unit. Here are some examples of flammable and explosive items that you need to take note of:
- Chemicals
- Gasoline
- Oil
- Paint / Paint Thinners
- Alcohols
- Cleaning Detergents
- Grease
It’s best to consult with your self-storage provider about the do’s and don’ts as you prepare your things for storage to avoid risks and damages.
2. Food
Food are perishable items and can easily attract pests, rodents, mold, and mildew inside the storage unit. Canned goods aren’t also allowed to be stored in storage units despite their prolonged expiration because they are a risk of combustion and can potentially damage the facility. Bottomline: never opt to store perishable items in a storage unit.
3. Tires
Tires don’t usually self-ignite, but they are considered hazardous because when they do catch fire, they burn for a long period of time and it can be difficult to put out, especially when the fire has already spread. On top of that, tires emit a toxic smoke when they burn, so it’s also harmful to the environment and health of people. It may also be a problem when the storage company gets tied up in dealing with tire disposal fees as they can be expensive.
4. Money
Money shouldn’t be stored in storage units simply because it’s not the place for that. There are banks where you can deposit your cash. Banks are designed to safeguard your money and storage units are created to store items such as furniture, seasonal items, and more to free up space in households and businesses. Don’t get them mixed up.
5. Illegal or Unlicensed Items
Storage companies don’t allow any illegal, stolen, or unlicensed items to be stored in their facility. Keep in mind that storage facilities are monitored 24/7 by security personnel and surveillance cameras, so any suspicious activities can be reported to the management that may call for your attention or cost fines.
6. Wet Items
Storing wet items in a storage unit is often the cause of molds, mildew, and pungent odors. This can also cause damage to other items such as furniture and clothing. It’s important to keep in mind that the things you’ll be putting up for storage are all clean and dry so you can avoid quality deterioration and damage on your stored items.
7. Firearms, Explosives, and Ammunition
Just like money, firearms, explosives, and ammunition have designated places that they can be properly stored — and that’s not in a self-storage unit. Storing these items can also mean serious liability issues for the storage company. To boot, they can cause huge hazards to the facility.
8. Alive and Dead Items
The storage unit isn’t built to store both living and nonliving things inside. This includes humans, animals, plants, and human ashes.
9. Indispensable Items
Indispensable or highly-valued items, shouldn’t be stored in a storage unit because they’re basically things you can’t live without. Unexpected threats or hapless circumstances can occur in the storage facility, so it’s ideal to keep indispensable items with you, especially if you know that they mean so much to you. Although, this doesn’t include items such as photographs and antiques because storage companies do allow for them to be stored.
In need of a self-storage unit nearby to store your belongings? Contact us today and we will be glad to assist you!
