What Not to Place in a Storage Unit

What Items Should Never Be Placed in a Storage Unit?

A storage unit is a convenient place to keep furniture, seasonal decorations, business inventory, and other belongings you do not currently need. However, some items can create safety risks, attract pests, damage nearby property, or violate your rental agreement.

Before packing your unit, make sure these items stay out.

Food and Perishable Items

Food can spoil, produce odors, and attract insects or rodents. Avoid storing:

Fresh, frozen, or refrigerated food
Pet food and birdseed
Items stored in weak or unsealed containers

Some facilities may permit certain shelf-stable foods in sealed containers, but you should always check the facility’s rules first.

Flammable or Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials can leak, ignite, or release dangerous fumes. These commonly include:

Gasoline, propane, and kerosene
Fireworks and explosives
Paint thinner and certain solvents
Fertilizers and pesticides
Cleaning chemicals
Pressurized or compressed-gas containers

Equipment such as lawnmowers, snow blowers, and other gas-powered tools should be drained of fuel before storage.

Illegal or Stolen Property

Illegal drugs, stolen goods, and other unlawfully obtained or prohibited items should never be placed in a storage unit. Tenants are responsible for ensuring everything they store is legal to possess.

Plants, Animals, and People

Living things cannot safely be kept inside a storage unit. Never use a unit to house:

People
Pets or other animals
Indoor or outdoor plants

Storage units are not designed or legally approved as living or working spaces. They may lack appropriate ventilation, plumbing, emergency exits, and temperature control.

Wet or Damp Items

Moisture can lead to mold, mildew, odors, and permanent damage. Make sure furniture, clothing, appliances, outdoor equipment, and other belongings are completely clean and dry before placing them in storage.

Uninsured or Improperly Prepared Vehicles

Many facilities allow cars, motorcycles, boats, and recreational vehicles, but requirements vary. Vehicles may need to be registered, insured, operational, and free of fuel leaks. Ask the facility about its vehicle-storage rules before moving one onto the property.

Weapons and Ammunition

Rules for storing firearms, ammunition, and other weapons vary according to facility policy and applicable laws. Do not assume these items are permitted. Contact the facility and review your rental agreement before storing any type of weapon.

Irreplaceable or Extremely Valuable Items

Even when permitted, a storage unit may not be the best place for belongings that are difficult or impossible to replace, including:

Cash
Expensive jewelry
Original legal documents
Family photographs and heirlooms
Passports and birth certificates
Rare collectibles
Sensitive digital or business records

Consider using a bank safe-deposit box, fire-resistant home safe, or another secure environment designed for valuable items.

Temperature-Sensitive Items

Standard storage units may experience changes in temperature and humidity. Medication, certain electronics, artwork, candles, musical instruments, and delicate collectibles could be damaged under these conditions. Climate-controlled storage may help protect some items, but it is important to confirm what the facility permits.

Review Your Rental Agreement

Every storage facility has its own policies, and prohibited items should be listed in your rental agreement. If you are unsure whether something can be stored, contact the facility before bringing it to your unit.

Following these guidelines protects your belongings, neighboring tenants, and the entire storage property.