Self storage serves many purposes, but it’s important to remember what not to store in a storage unit. Storage units have limitations on what can be stored in order to maintain a clean environment for both yourself and the other customers using the facility. Many of the items are no-brainers — flammables and stolen cash, for example. Other items may not come to mind immediately, which is why we wrote this blog. You won’t be able to store potpourri or prescription drugs, but you’ll be thankful when you visit a clean storage unit on each visit.

What Not to Store in a Storage Unit

don't store fireworks Ditch the Food, Fireworks, Firearms and Flammables

The “Big Fs” are some of the most important items that can’t be stored in a storage unit. Food, for example, can attract unwanted pests, as well as mold and mildew. At Security Public Storage, we don’t allow food of any kind to be kept inside our storage units — even if it’s in a plastic storage container. We ask you to sort through your belongings and remove any food (including crumbs) before moving into your storage unit.

Firearms are typically illegal to store in a storage unit. There’s potential liability issues for everyone involved, which can create problems — especially if your unit goes up for auction after unpaid bills pile up. In the past, storage companies have worried about firearms ending up in the wrong hands, resulting in involving the police. It’s better to avoid these problems altogether, which is why we don’t allow firearm storage at SPS.

Hazardous and dangerous materials rank high on the list of items you can’t store in a storage unit. Fireworks, which include gunpowder and other dangerous substances, are highly flammable and prohibited from storage in a storage unit. Gasoline, chemicals, cleaning supplies, acid, fertilizer, grease, paint and propane are also among the dangerous items that are prohibited from a storage unit. Remember that cleaning supplies can be used to clean your storage unit, but can’t be stored there.

don't store fragrances Too Sweet to Store — Fragrances

We know you love inhaling the sweet scent of that vanilla candle, but unfortunately, these items aren’t allowed in a storage unit. Scented candles, potpourri, perfume, toothpaste and other items that emit a strong fragrance are prohibited in self storage because their odor attracts pests, rodents, insects and other vermin. These creatures are attracted by odors and will come to investigate that sweet smell. It’s also important not to store wet items, as they can start producing bacteria, mold and mildew.

Neither Living, Nor Dead

Whether it’s living or used to be, it can’t be stored in a storage unit at SPS. That means you can’t live in a storage unit and neither can your houseplants. If it does, or used to breathe, it’s safe to assume that it can’t be stored in your storage unit. This includes:

  • Cremated ashes of a person, animal, etc.
  • Animals
  • People
  • Plants and flowers
  • Any former living thing that is now dead
  • Body parts

Remember, leaving a live animal in a storage unit is illegal, as well as being a violation of your storage agreement. Don’t ever leave a live animal or person in a storage unit, which should go without saying, but we really want to hammer this one in.

If it’s Stolen, Don’t Store It

One of the most important rules of self storage is items stored in your unit must either be your personal property or you must have explicit permission to keep them there by the true owner. It’s another common sense rule — if it’s stolen, you can’t store it at SPS. Illegal activities of any kind are prohibited on SPS property and if our managers suspect something is happening that shouldn’t, they won’t hesitate to get the authorities involved.

Clean It Before You Store It

Other items come to mind that typically can be stored in a storage unit, but only if cleaned properly. Used fishing equipment, for example, if stored unclean can attract both pests and mold. This goes for boats being stored inside storage units. They need to be stored dry in order to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Dirty BBQs that haven’t been cleaned also can’t be stored in a storage unit. We ask that if you will be storing the BBQ grill in your storage unit that it is cleaned completely. Remember that propane tanks cannot be stored at SPS because of their flammable nature.

Irreplaceable or Priceless? It’s Your Call

Some storage companies would suggest you store irreplaceable and priceless items, like antiques, baby clothes, family heirlooms and jewelry, in a storage unit, while others don’t. It can be confusing, but remember that it comes down to you, your situation, your attachment, your comfort. If you fear your storage unit will land at auction because of unpaid bills, it’s best not to store your priceless items inside. You don’t want someone else ending up with your grandma’s engagement ring. On the flip side, storage can be a safe and reliable space to keep these items if it’s not possible at home.

At SPS, our storage units include individual security alarms, as well as an advanced surveillance system. Our facilities are well-lit and well-maintained, and monitored using 24/7 high-def video surveillance by our resident managers. We place our highest priority on security, which allows us to offer Self Storage With a Difference™.

To Store, Or What Not To Store in a Storage Unit

Like most self storage companies, SPS has strict rules about what not to store in a storage unit. The ashes of your childhood pet and toxic chemicals are pretty obvious, but we are willing to bet some of the items on our list didn’t immediately come to mind. Remember to clean items before moving them into self storage and store them dry. All of our storage restrictions are for the protection of your property, and that of all our customers, while stored at our locations.

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