Knowing what not to put in self storage is essential before renting a self storage unit. While self storage units are a convenient storage solution for decluttering, moving, or supporting small business and personal needs, not all stored items are safe or allowed. Understanding prohibited items protects your belongings, other tenants, and the storage facility itself.
At City Storage Group, our facilities prioritize safety, security, and compliance. Whether you need short term or long term storage, or business storage for your small business, here’s a detailed guide on what should never be stored in a self storage unit, and why.
Perishable Food and Groceries
Food of any kind, canned, boxed, or fresh, should never be put into storage.
- Why it’s a problem: Food spoils, attracts pests, and can cause strong odors that spread to other units.
- Examples: Bread, cereal, canned vegetables, snacks, pet food.
- What to do instead: Donate extra non-perishables to a food bank or store them in your pantry at home.
Hazardous and Flammable Materials
Self storage facilities strictly prohibit items including toxic chemicals, combustibles, and explosive,s regardless of unit sizes.
- Why it’s a problem: These items pose serious fire hazards, endanger staff and other customers, and may violate safety regulations.
- Examples: Gasoline, propane tanks, fireworks, paint thinner, pesticides, motor oil, weed killer, and cleaning solvents.
- What to do instead: Safely dispose of hazardous waste at your city’s collection center. Climate controlled units cannot make these items safe.
Live Plants and Animals
It might seem obvious, but it happens more often than you’d think. Believe it!
- Why it’s a problem: Plants need sunlight and water, which storage units can’t provide. Animals, no matter how small, should never be confined to a storage space. Beyond being unsafe, it’s illegal.
- Examples: Houseplants, aquariums, terrariums, and pets.
- What to do instead: Ask a friend to plant-sit, or consider boarding services for animals.
Illegal or Stolen Goods
Storage rental units aren’t a loophole for storing items you shouldn’t have in the first place.
- Why it’s a problem: It’s against the law, and if discovered, you could face fines, legal action, and loss of the unit. City Storage Group cooperates with law enforcement when illegal items are suspected.
- Examples: Stolen property, counterfeit goods, unregistered firearms, and illicit substances.
- What to do instead: Only store items you legally own and are permitted to keep.
Cash, Jewelry, and Irreplaceable Documents
Even in a secure facility, storage units aren’t meant to serve as vaults.
- Why it’s a problem: While storage facilities have strong security measures, these high-value stored items become targets that are better kept in a bank or safety deposit box. Paper documents can also be damaged by humidity.
- Examples: Cash, gold, diamond jewelry, birth certificates, passports, and wills.
- What to do instead: Use a fireproof home safe or a bank for valuables and critical paperwork.
Wet or Damp Items
Moisture is the enemy of storage.
- Why it’s a problem: Wet items increase humidity, leading to mould, mildew, and permanent damage to your belongings, and potentially neighbouring units.
- Examples: Recently washed clothes, damp furniture cushions, wet camping gear.
- What to do instead: Always dry items thoroughly before storing. Consider climate-controlled storage for added protection.
Why These Rules Matter
Storage facility rules aren’t arbitrary. They protect:
- You and your belongings from damage or loss.
- Other tenants by preventing pest infestations, fire hazards, and contamination.
- The facility ensuring compliance with safety and legal regulations.
Whether storing seasonal items, home furnishings, electronics, or important paperwork, a storage unit is a versatile storage solution. However, knowing what not to put in self storage ensures your storage space remains safe and secure.
At City Storage, we make it easy to rent a self storage unit with confidence, whether you need short term or long term storage, or business storage for a small business. Our team is here to answer questions about prohibited items and help you choose the right unit size and services that our facility offers, including climate control for sensitive stored items.
