10 Items You Should Never Store in a Storage Unit
Written by: StorageUnits.com Editorial Team - Updated: Dec 18, 2024
Self-storage companies regulate the items tenants can store in their units to minimize risks like fires, pests, mold, and mildew. Although policies may vary by facility, there is a standard list of prohibited items. In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 things you should never keep in your storage unit and items that are safe to keep.
10 Items You Shouldn’t Keep in a Storage Unit
1. Flammable or combustible items
You should never keep anything explosive, combustible, or flammable in a storage unit, including:
- Gasoline
- Fireworks
- Oil
- Propane
- Paint
- Harsh cleaners
These items can explode or catch fire, leaving you liable for damages to the storage facility. Managers who suspect someone is storing flammable items will call the authorities, which can result in felony charges.
2. Hazardous materials
The General Services Administration lists hazardous materials as “substances or chemicals that pose a health hazard, a physical hazard, or harm to the environment.” Improper storage of these materials can release dangerous fumes and gasses into the facility. To prevent contamination, never store the following items in your unit:
- Ammonia
- Acetone
- Chlorine bleach
- Fertilizers
- Microorganisms
- Infectious substances
3. Firearms
It’s common for storage facilities to prohibit any firearms on their premises. There are no federal laws on gun storage, so this largely depends on local laws and company preferences.
The law considers a firearm “any destructive device” that “is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.” Ammunition also falls under this category.
4. Cash
Although storage facilities don’t usually include cash on the “prohibited” list, it’s strongly recommended not to keep it in your unit. Even with security measures in place, storage unit theft is still possible. If a break-in occurs, they may steal your cash, which self-storage insurance won’t cover.
5. Fur clothing
Because fur clothing and rugs are easily damaged or ruined, some storage companies will not allow them in your unit. Fur must be kept in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. It may be permitted in certain climate-controlled units, but this varies by facility.
6. Uninsured or unregistered vehicles
Many storage lots have designated parking spots for cars, trailers, boats, and RVs. You can only store your vehicle in these spots if registered and insured. Registration proves you’re the vehicle’s owner, and insurance keeps the facility from liability.
You can purchase “parked-car insurance” to cover damage or theft while your car is parked, often at a relatively low price.
7. Tires
Storage facilities often put tires on the “do not store” list because they are difficult to dispose of. If a unit is abandoned or the tenant dies, the storage company is left to deal with disposal. Tires are also flammable and can burn for a long time, making them a fire hazard.
8. Wet items
Moisture can make your storage unit a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Once something grows on one item, it can easily spread to everything else within the unit. Completely dry out items designed to get wet, such as the following, before storing:
- Wetsuits
- Life jackets
- Kayaks
- Water toys
9. Perishable items
Perishable items can rot, grow mold, and attract pests to your storage unit. To prevent these damages, avoid storing any of the following:
- Produce
- Pantry items
- Pet food
- Meat and fish
- Dairy
- Eggs
10. Plants and animals
No plant or animal, living or dead, should ever be kept in a storage unit. They can attract pests, fungi, and even diseases. Keeping a living animal in a dark, poorly ventilated storage unit is inhumane and can result in fines or jail time.
What You Can Keep in a Storage Unit
Now that you know what not to keep in a storage unit, let’s go over items that are perfectly acceptable to store:
- Furniture: Whether moving, decluttering, or reorganizing, a great way to keep furniture out of the way is by placing it in a self-storage unit.
- Books: Over the years, it’s easy to accumulate an impressive collection of books. Your storage unit is an ideal place to keep the ones you’re not quite ready to part with.
- Decorations: Free up your home closet space by keeping your seasonal Christmas and Halloween decorations in a self-storage unit.
- Clothes: Similar to seasonal decorations, putting season-specific clothes in a storage unit is a great way to free up space at home.
- Toys: Storage units are a great place to store vintage or sentimental toys you plan to sell or keep for your kids.