Self storage units are convenient for people that are moving out or just trying to tidy up their home. If you are relatively new to the concept of renting a storage unit, you might not know what exactly can be kept in there. Many items can be stored away, from large pieces of furniture to smaller boxes of memorabilia. However, there are some objects that are advised against and possibly even illegal.

Welcome back to the Albuquerque Self Storage Blog! There are quite a few things to take into consideration when first starting to use a storage unit. Earlier this month, we talked about some helpful tips to make using a storage company easy and efficient. This article is going to focus on what you can (and can’t) store in a unit. If you are moving or just trying to de-clutter your current home, a storage unit is a simple way to get some extra space.

Items You Can Store in a Unit

Furniture

Here, at Albuquerque Self Storage, our indoor units come in a variety of sizes. You might be remodeling your home and not know where to put items like furniture. The different dimensions and sizes of units allows you to keep larger pieces like couches and bookshelves locked away safely. Renting a storage unit, even for a short period of time, will help solve this problem and keep your furniture in good condition.

Electronics

Oftentimes, people like to keep their electronics stored away somewhere in their home when they aren’t being used. However, if this isn’t a possibility, electronics should be kept in a unit that is climate controlled. Televisions, video gaming systems, and other electronics need to be treated and stored with care because of their high quality and delicateness. We offer climate controlled storage units, but if you are out of the area be sure your nearest storage company has this feature too!

Appliances

The most important part of storing household appliances is the steps you take before moving them into the unit. You must make sure that your appliances have been carefully wiped down and are completely dry to avoid mold or other bacteria build up. Also, you must not store them plugged into an outlet. Some of the appliances that you can store range in all sizes from refrigerators to toasters. The key piece of storing these items is making sure they are thoroughly cleaned in order to be sure they remain in good shape.

Items You Can’t Store in a Unit

Perishables

We all know that food goes bad relatively quickly, if not consumed fast enough. Perishable items like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, etc. should not be stored away in a unit. These items have expiration dates and need to be kept in a refrigerator which makes it challenging and unlikely to store.

Not only does our food perish, but so does our pet’s. Dog and cat food should not be stored in a unit. If food goes rotten, it could attract bugs and other creatures. Also, it could create a build up of mold and lead to bigger problems. So, for these reasons, it’s suggested to avoid storing perishables when renting a unit.

Hazardous Substances

It’s important to keep any dangerous materials out of your storage unit. It is against safety regulations to store away anything flammable like propane, gasoline, oil and similar substances due to the potential risk catching on fire. Not only is there a possibility for fire, but these substances can release toxins in the air that are unhealthy for the human body to be exposed to. It is also prohibited to store substances that are illegal by the government such as narcotics and radioactive materials.

Weapons

Like the hazardous substances listed above, weapons are against protocol. In general, this applies to most storage companies depending on the government regulations that are in place. For the most part, firearms are not permissible in storage units because of these strict rules. These rules are there for the safety of yourself and others and must be followed in order to use the facilities.

In conclusion, storage units are very helpful in making extra space in a cluttered house or providing additional room for people in the transition of moving to a new home. Be sure to research and gather information before storing any belongings that might be questionable. As long as you are aware about what you are storing and follow these suggestions, you will have a great experience while using a storage unit! Contact us if you are ready to get started or have any further questions!