5 Things You Should Never Store in a Self-Storage Unit

Self-storage units are a convenient solution for decluttering your home, storing business inventory, or safeguarding belongings during a move or life transition. However, not everything belongs in a storage unit. Whether for safety, legal, or practical reasons, certain items should never be stored in self-storage.

If you’re planning to rent a unit, knowing what to avoid storing can save you from potential hazards, fines, or damaged belongings. Let’s explore five things you should never store in a self-storage unit and why.

1. Hazardous Materials

Storing hazardous or flammable materials in a storage unit is not only unsafe but also prohibited by most facilities. These items pose a risk to the safety of your belongings, other renters, and the facility itself.

Examples of hazardous materials include:

• Gasoline, propane, and kerosene
• Paint, paint thinner, and varnish
• Fireworks, explosives, and ammunition
• Cleaning chemicals and pesticides

Hazardous materials can ignite, leak, or release toxic fumes, making them dangerous in an enclosed space. If you’re unsure whether an item is safe to store, check its label for warnings about flammability or toxicity.

What to do instead: Properly dispose of or store these materials in a safe, designated location, such as a garage or shed.

2. Perishable Items

It might be tempting to store food or other perishable goods in your storage unit, especially if you’re short on space at home. However, storing perishable items can lead to serious problems, including pest infestations, foul odors, and contamination of your other belongings.

Examples of perishables to avoid storing include:

• Fresh produce
• Meat and dairy products
• Pet food
• Frozen or refrigerated items

Even if you plan to retrieve the items quickly, perishables can attract rodents, insects, and other pests in a matter of days.

What to do instead: Use your home refrigerator, freezer, or pantry for perishable items. If you’re looking for extra storage for bulk food items, consider investing in a second refrigerator or freezer.

3. Valuables and Irreplaceable Items

While most self-storage facilities offer secure units with surveillance and access control, it’s still not advisable to store extremely valuable or irreplaceable items. Theft, natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances could result in their loss or damage.

Examples of valuables to avoid storing include:

• Jewelry, gold, and other precious metals
• Cash or important financial documents
• Rare collectibles and antiques
• Family heirlooms or sentimental items

Even in a climate-controlled unit, certain items like photographs, paintings, or delicate fabrics may deteriorate over time due to temperature fluctuations or humidity.

What to do instead: Keep these items in a home safe, safety deposit box, or another secure location. If you must store them temporarily, choose a storage unit with advanced security features, such as 24/7 surveillance and individual unit alarms.

4. Living Things

This may seem obvious, but living things—whether plants, animals, or people—should never be stored in a self-storage unit.

Why you can’t store plants: Plants require sunlight, water, and air circulation to survive, all of which are unavailable in a storage unit. Additionally, plants can attract pests or mold, which could damage other stored items.

Why you can’t keep pets in storage: Storing pets or animals in a storage unit is not only unethical but also illegal. These spaces are not designed to support life and can be fatal to animals.

What to do instead: If you need a temporary solution for plants, ask a friend or neighbor to care for them. For pets, consider boarding services or a trusted pet sitter.

5. Illegal or Prohibited Items

It should go without saying, but illegal items are strictly prohibited in storage units. Additionally, most facilities have rules about storing firearms, stolen property, or other items that could violate the law or their policies.

Examples of prohibited items include:

• Illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Stolen goods
• Firearms and ammunition (unless explicitly permitted by the facility)
• Contraband or counterfeit items

Storage facilities have the right to inspect units if they suspect illegal activity, and violating their rules could result in eviction, fines, or even legal consequences.

What to do instead: Ensure all stored items comply with local laws and the facility’s policies. If you’re unsure about a particular item, consult with the storage manager for clarification.

Additional Considerations

While the five categories above represent the most common things to avoid storing, there are other items that may require special care:

• Temperature-sensitive items: Electronics, musical instruments, and certain types of furniture should be stored in climate-controlled units to prevent damage.
• Important documents: While not illegal to store, items like passports, birth certificates, and wills are better kept in a home safe or safety deposit box.
• Vehicles: If storing a car, boat, or RV, ensure the facility allows it and follow all preparation guidelines, such as draining fuel and securing the vehicle.

Knowing what not to store in a self-storage unit can save you from unnecessary complications, damage, or even legal trouble. Hazardous materials, perishables, valuables, living things, and illegal items are among the key things to avoid.

By adhering to storage facility rules and using common sense, you can keep your storage unit safe, clean, and functional for its intended purpose. When in doubt, ask the facility manager for guidance—they’re there to help you make the most of your storage experience.

With a little planning and awareness, you can enjoy all the benefits of self-storage without any of the headaches!

Find out how Albuquerque Self Storage can help today!