With so many items you can safely put in storage units, it’s easy to overlook items that should never be stored. We’ve already addressed some of the most common “storage unit offenders,” but there are a few more to consider. Never store flammable materials in a storage unit. This includes a number of items like explosives (which might be obvious), but aerosol spray cans should also be avoided. Shifts in temperature can cause combustion, which really highlights why you should seek out storage units with temperature control.
You should also avoid storing appliances that need to be plugged in at all times for a few reasons. For starters, if there’s no outlet, you’re asking for trouble. However, some storage units do have outlets. This might be for temporary usage, such as plugging in a lamp for better vision, or maybe the storage unit has been remodeled and the facility used to serve another purpose entirely. It’s never a good idea to leave a plugged-in appliance running in a storage unit—and it’s almost certainly against the rules of every storage facility.
Some people store cold, hard cash in their storage unit and that’s a very high-risk move. We already know that storage facilities are much less likely to be burglarized than a home, but that doesn’t make them burglar-proof. Even facilities with the latest safety technology are at some risk of burglary, fire, or natural disasters. Technically, it’s safer to put your cash in a storage unit than keeping it at home. However, an even safer spot is in a safety deposit box at your bank.
You’ll also want to avoid putting scented items in your storage unit. This can include potpourri, candles, or other items. It might not seem like it to you, but some scents are highly attractive to rodents. A reputable storage facility will have pest control, but you want to be extra safe with your belongings. The good news is that most highly scented items aren’t usually high value, so it’s not a big loss if you have to donate or toss these items.
Keep this list handy as well as the “no-store” items list from your facility as you prepare your storage items. The goal is to make your unit as safe as possible from all types of possible risks including fires and rodents. A great storage facility will work with you to help identify items that shouldn’t be stored, but ultimately this is usually up to you. After all, a facility manager might see a tenant trying to move in a vehicle and they can make sure it’s registered. However, they’re not going to see you storing bundles of cash in duffle bags.
