Self storage is a great solution when you’re remodelling, moving, or needing a place to store some of your belongings. You can keep many things in a self storage unit. Still, there are also items that you are not allowed to store in it as self storage facilities have rules and regulations that you need to follow. Some of these rules include things that you cannot store in a self storage unit for safety and legal reasons.
Suppose you are planning on renting a self storage unit. In that case, you need to make sure that you are familiar with what you can’t store so you don’t face any inconveniences later on. Here are some of the things that cannot be stored in a self storage unit.
What You Can’t Store in a Self Storage Unit
Perishable Food Items
Perishable food items can attract pests, mildew, and mold. They can’t even last long and stay fresh even in a climate-controlled self storage unit. Shelf-stable items can bring in bugs and rodents, while canned foods might combust in the long run, damaging your other valuables inside the self storage unit.
Illegal Goods
If you are in possession of illegal goods, like stolen properties, you will be able to store them in a self storage unit. Self storage facilities are well-monitored and staff from these facilities are required to call the authorities if they suspect anything suspicious going on.
Hazardous Materials
If you are going to store an item that is combustible, flammable, and toxic, then you won’t have any luck in storing them in your self storage unit. Some of the items that you are not allowed to store in a self storage unit includes the following:
- Radioactive materials
- Turpentine
- Grease
- Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Compressed gas
- Propane tanks
- Acetone
- Acid
- Chlorine bleach
- Oil
- Fireworks
- Fertilizer
- Paint thinner
- Paint
There are even household cleaners that may be labeled as hazardous. So if you are relocating or renovating, make sure to dispose these hazardous items properly.
Items That Are Wet
Of course, you can store valuables that are intended to get wet, including scuba gear, surfboards, kayaks, and more. But you need to make sure that they are dry before storing them in a self storage unit. The reason behind this is because wet items tend to grow mildew and mold in the dark and in closed-off spaces. Storing them wet will also ruin your valuables, so it is best to ensure that they are fully dry before storing them in a self storage unit.
Ammunition and Weapons
Ammunitions, firearms, weaponry, and other items that may accidentally go off are not allowed to be stored in a self storage unit. The reason behind this is because of the liability issues of the self storage facility itself and of course due to safety issues. It can also create issues for the self storage facility once the unit goes up for auction.
Living and Dead Items
Whether a person or an animal is alive or dead, you are not allowed to keep them in a self storage unit. This rule will also extend to other things, including human ashes, flowers, plants, and more.
Money
If you are planning to store money or other kinds of currency, it would be best to store them in a bank deposit box instead of storing them in a self storage unit. They will of course be more protected in the bank instead of a self storage facility.
Uninsured or Unregistered Vehicles
Whether you’re storing a RV, boat, car, or any other kind of vehicle, you need to make sure that the vehicle is properly registered and insured before you can store it in a self storage unit. The self storage facility will ask you to provide proof of registration and insurance. So it is best to contact the storage facility on the requirements of storing a vehicle in their property so you know what to do beforehand.
Toxic Materials
Fertilizers and chemicals are also considered as toxic materials (including certain cleaning products) which is why they are not allowed to be stored in a self storage facility.
Conclusion
These are some of the items that you cannot store in a self storage facility not only for the safety of your unit and belongings, but as well as for the safety of the self storage facility as well. Make sure to contact your self storage facility beforehand so you know their rules and regulations and abide by them.