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Self-Storage 101: Do’s and Don’ts for Your Self-Storage Unit

Storage units are very much useful if you’re looking into minimizing the clutter in either your home or your office. They are usually a good option for homeowners and businesses who need extra storage space during a renovation, move out or expansion. We often see or hear about the benefits of having a storage unit, but in this article, we will be giving you a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to storing things inside your unit. 

Do Store:

1. Household Items

This is basically why homeowners opt to rent a storage unit: you can safely store most of your household items in it. This includes kitchen items, home supplies, furniture, books, toys, and even clothing. You just have to make sure that they are all properly stored inside a moving box and just neatly stack them up, so it will not be hard to get some of them when the need arises.

2. Business Files and Supplies

Storage units are not just for household items, but it is also for storing business supplies and items. You can store different commercial items, such as products for shipping, excess office supplies, office furniture, as well as files or documents that are not urgent for use, but still essential to store.

3. Seasonal Items

The convenience of having an extra storage space is what storage units are all about, so your seasonal items can definitely be stored here. Examples of seasonal items are Christmas decors, seasonal clothings, events props and decors and other items that you don’t often use in a year or just at least once a year. 

4. Electronics and Appliances

Yes, you can store your electronics and appliances! But take note that they have to be dusted-off, unplugged, and their wires have to be properly placed in a box container, so you can avoid any damage upon storage. Electronics and appliances all include gaming systems, televisions, refrigerators, stereo systems, monitors, printers, DVD players, microwave ovens, freezers, stoves, vacuums, toasters, and even coffee makers. 

Don’t Store:

1. Perishable Goods

Storing perishable goods in a storage unit is a big ‘no no’ because they rot and easily get infested by bugs, rats, molds, bacteria. The point of having a storage unit is to avoid clutter and mess, so you should also observe proper hygiene with the things you store. Perishable goods include food and every other animal product.

2. Hazardous Items

Hazardous items include those that are flammable liquids like pesticides, insecticides, paint, paint thinner and remover, cleaning disinfectants. Aside from these, avoid other possible causes of fire like matches and gas tanks. 

3. Any Living Thing

Your storage unit is not a place for any living thing. You cannot leave any animal or plant, as well as a person inside or for them to even live inside a storage unit. All of these are illegal.

4. Weapons

Weapons such as firearms, especially those that are unlicensed or unregistered are not allowed to be stored in a unit. You would have to discuss this first with the storage provider or company before you intend to store any of these things. But for most cases, they are not allowed because of safety purposes. 

5. Wet Items

Wet items should not be in a storage unit because they invite molds, bacteria, insects, they even tend to leave unpleasant smells inside. So it is best to not store them inside as it is an enclosed area.

6. Unregistered Vehicles

Keep in mind that cars, motorcycles, trucks, etc. that are unregistered cannot be placed in a storage unit. You have to completely register them first before storing them up. Like the firearms, any unregistered items are not allowed in storage facilities. 

We hope that this article has helped you be more informed about the things you can and cannot store in your storage unit. 

Are you in need of a self-storage unit for your home or office? How about boxes to store your belongings? You can contact us today for all of these needs, and we will be glad to assist you!