There are a lot of things you can put in a storage unit from keepsakes to inventory, musical instruments, and holiday decorations. However, there are also a few things you never want to put in a storage unit—like food. Specifically, perishable food should be kept out of storage units because it will quickly rot or spoil. At best, this will cause a very unpleasant odor. At worse, it might draw rodents to your unit. A reputable storage facility will have measures in place to keep rodents at bay, but these critters simply won’t be able to resist a storage unit that’s turned into an open, rotting fridge. You can keep non-perishables, such as dry boxed goods or canned food, in a unit. In fact, a lot of small businesses use storage units just for this purpose.
You also want to keep hazardous materials out of storage units. This includes anything that can harm or cause damage to the unit or facility. Some of the most common hazardous materials include ammunition, fireworks and other explosives, and even radioactive materials. A good storage facility will have a list of items that can’t be stored, and it’s important to look them over.
Never store wet or damp materials in a storage unit. This can happen for a number of reasons. Maybe it rained the day you moved the couch—if this is the case, you’ll want to wait until the couch is completely dry to store it. Laundry might mistakenly get put from the washer to a box in the rush of a move and then tucked into storage. Bear in mind that obvious fabrics like clothing and upholstery aren’t the only items that need to be dry. Plastic, tents, and just about any other material can grow mold if it’s stored before it had a chance to dry.
Very high-value items are best kept in a safety deposit box rather than your home or a storage facility. Even though storage units have a much lower burglary risk than a home, there is going to be a small inherent risk even at the most secure facility. If you have something like a diamond necklace that you want to safeguard, consider investing in a safety deposit box. Storage facility units can and should have the latest video surveillance technology, access codes, and security guards, but you can never be too safe with exceptionally high-valued items.
Many people depend on storage units to keep their vehicles safe, however these vehicles should always be registered. In fact, storing an unregistered vehicle goes against the rules of most storage facilities. Many facilities will also require vehicles to be in good working order, and some even require loading onto a trailer. Some rental agreements require these vehicles to be insured and licensed by the person renting the unit.
Not sure if your item(s) should be stored in a facility? At Oquirrh View Storage we can work with you to make sure your items are safe, secure, and suitable for storage.
