Buzz
Storage units are ideal for temporarily housing belongings during a move or decluttering your home with seasonal items like holiday decorations, off-season clothing, and sports gear. However, certain belongings are unsuitable for such spaces. Though storage units may resemble garages or basements, they come with distinct limitations for safeguarding your possessions.
The clear no-gos: hazardous, flammable, or combustible items
Storing hazardous, flammable, or combustible materials in a storage unit is a bad idea, as they can harm the facility and endanger staff. Items like propane tanks, filled tiki torches, fireworks, and ammunition should be kept elsewhere. Most storage companies offer a list of prohibited items, so review it carefully to avoid violations.
Avoid storing food items as well
Food is better stored at home. Storage units, often located in large facilities with minimal human traffic, can attract pests like mice and rats. Even if your food is securely sealed, these pests can damage containers and other stored items. Unlike apartments or occupied buildings, storage facilities rarely conduct pest inspections or eradication, meaning infestations can persist unnoticed for months.
It’s not ideal for stashing cash or valuables
Valuables such as jewelry, artwork, or cash are hard to trace and shouldn’t be kept in unattended storage units. Despite security measures, recovering stolen items is unlikely. Additionally, insurance coverage for storage units is often limited, leaving you uncompensated in case of theft. A safety deposit box is a safer alternative for such items.
Avoid storing titles, deeds, or bills of sale
Storing critical documents in a storage unit is ill-advised. If these papers are lost without proof of storage, proving ownership or obtaining replacements becomes challenging. Paper items are also vulnerable to moisture damage, and non-climate-controlled environments can lead to irreversible harm. Important documents like titles, deeds, and bills of sale should be stored in a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box.
Avoid storing anything wet
Wet or damp items, such as clothing, bedding, camping gear, sports equipment, tarps, or drop cloths, should never be placed in a storage unit. These items may never dry properly in a confined, poorly ventilated space, leading to mold and mildew growth. Most insurance policies exclude mold and mildew damage, leaving you unable to claim compensation for water-damaged items. Always ensure everything is completely dry before storing.
Tires are prohibited in storage units
Tires are often banned from storage units due to their flammability and high disposal costs if abandoned. While tires on a registered and insured vehicle in the unit are acceptable, storing spare tires is typically against facility rules.
