Things NOT to put in a storage unit and why

You can put almost anything in a storage unit; seasonal items, clothing, furniture, boxes, and home goods are all things that can be stored. We’ve even put together a Top 10 Tips on Preparing Stuff for Storage to help you get started. There are a few things, however, that cannot be stored in a unit.

Items that cannot be stored is broken down in the following categories:

  • Anything living (e.g., plants, animals, people)
  • Items that are flammable or combustible
  • Hazardous materials
  • Items that will attract pests
  • Items that are susceptible to mold or mildew

Let’s dive deeper into these items and why it’s not good to store them in a unit.

Anything living

  • People

It’s illegal to live in a storage unit, so people are not allowed to stay in these rooms overnight. Also, depending on the rules of your facility, it may be illegal to facilitate work from a storage unit. Check with your company for the rules and regulations.

  • Animals

Thinking about storing your reptile in a small unit? Think again! It’s illegal to store animals in a unit. Their wellbeing is at risk if left alone.

  • Plants

Plants are not allowed in a unit because they can bring bugs or die if not attended to. They can also make the air toxic without proper ventilation.

RELATED: 10 Tips In How To Prepare Your Stuff For Self Storage

Flammable and/or combustible items

  • Gasoline

Gasoline is combustible and not allowed in a storage unit. If caught on fire, it could burn many units.

  • Oil

Oil is potentially flammable and a hazard. You’re not permitted to store oil (new or old) in a unit.

  • Fireworks

Fireworks is intended to be used with fire, so being a combustible item, it is not allowed in a unit.

Hazardous materials

  • Cleaners

Cleaners can produce harmful chemicals if the air temperature is high.

  • Paint or paint thinner

Paint can be a hazardous material in a unit. Components of paint and thinner, such as turpentine, can be flammable and are not allowed in a storage unit.

Items that will attract pests

  • bags of chipsFood

Avoid bringing food that will attract vermin. Air-sealed bags are not safe, and anything you enjoy eating –sealed or not — pests enjoy eating as well.

Pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches, and termites are enemies to storage units because they cause damage and are hard to exterminate. They tend to live in storage units undetected and cause harm to your belongings.

  • Scented items

Scented items can attract rodents and other bugs. Candles, soaps, perfumes, essential oils, and incense are susceptible to infestation if found by pests.

Items that will expire on a specific date

Perishable items with an exploration date are not allowed in a unit. Depending on the substance, it can either be harmful or attract pests if expired.

Items that are susceptible to mold or mildew

Wet items are a perfect place for mold to grow. Without proper ventilation in most units, wet items, such as a used umbrella or partially-wet clothes can mold when left in a unit.

Valuables items

Although not necessarily prohibited, storing valuable items isn’t recommended. Storage insurance companies usually do not cover valuable items, such as diamonds, gold, or cash, stored in a unit. Use your discernment when storing valuable items in a unit.

Weapons, guns, firearms, and ammunition

These items are valuable, combustible, and pose a threat if someone other than you accesses them. Not all storage units are safe from burglary, so us discernment and added safety when considering storing firearms.

Garbage

For many reasons, it’s not permitted to store garbage in a unit. It smells bad, it can attract pests, and it’s potentially dangerous. Garbage should be disposed of in a proper manner.

Stolen items

Storing stollen items in a unit is illegal and not allowed at any storage facility.


Contact Moishe’s Self Storage if you’re looking for cheap storage units in New York City to hold wine, art, or other things. Our Manhattan/The Bronx and Queens/Brooklyn Storage Facilities are conveniently located near you. We offer over 20 different storage unit sizes, available to individuals, students, and businesses. Reserve your room, view specials, or contact us.