Storage units offer a convenient way to free up space, protect belongings during moves or renovations, and safeguard items for the long term. However, not all possessions are suitable for storage. Some items can degrade, become hazardous, or even violate storage facility policies.
Knowing what items shouldn’t go in storage helps you avoid damage, fines, or safety risks. It also ensures your belongings remain secure and intact throughout their time off-site.
This comprehensive guide explores the categories of items to keep out of storage units, explains why they are unsuitable, and offers alternatives for safe management.
If you need professional moving and storage advice, companies like Big Bear Movers provide expert guidance and tailored solutions.
Why Some Items Are Not Suitable for Storage
Storage environments vary and often cannot replicate the controlled conditions found in your home. Exposure to temperature extremes, humidity, pests, or lack of ventilation can damage sensitive items.
Certain goods pose fire, chemical, or safety hazards, leading facilities to prohibit their storage to protect other customers and the premises.
Additionally, some items deteriorate naturally over time regardless of storage conditions, making long-term storage impractical or costly.
Being aware of these limitations helps you plan better storage or alternative disposal.
Hazardous Materials That Are Prohibited in Storage
Most storage facilities strictly forbid hazardous materials due to safety regulations.
Flammable substances such as gasoline, propane tanks, paint thinner, and fireworks can ignite and cause fires.
Explosives or ammunition are highly dangerous and banned outright.
Toxic chemicals including pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and cleaning solvents can leak or emit harmful fumes.
Compressed gas cylinders and pressurized containers risk explosion.
Storing these materials elsewhere according to local laws is essential for safety.
Perishable and Food Items
Perishable foods are unsuitable for storage units due to spoilage and pest attraction.
Items like fresh produce, dairy, meat, and baked goods decompose quickly without refrigeration.
Non-perishable packaged foods may attract rodents or insects if stored improperly.
Facilities typically prohibit food storage to avoid infestations and odors.
Consider donating unopened edible items or consuming perishables before storage.
Live Plants and Animals
Living organisms require constant care, light, water, and proper temperatures that storage units cannot provide.
Storing live plants risks death due to darkness, heat, or cold.
Animals are entirely prohibited in storage units for ethical, legal, and safety reasons.
Make arrangements for pets and plants in your care during moves or renovations instead of storing them.
Valuable Documents and Currency
While some paperwork can be stored, sensitive or valuable documents like passports, wills, deeds, and financial records are better kept in secure, climate-controlled environments or personal safes.
Storing cash or precious metals in storage units is risky due to theft and lack of insurance.
Use banks, safety deposit boxes, or digital copies to protect important documents and valuables.
Electronics and Appliances Without Proper Protection
Electronics and appliances are vulnerable to dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
Without proper packing and climate control, they risk damage or malfunction.
If you must store these items, invest in climate-controlled storage and professional packing materials.
Otherwise, use manufacturer-recommended storage methods or keep them in your home.
Personal Care and Medication Items
Items such as cosmetics, perfumes, and medications degrade with heat, humidity, and time.
Most medicines require temperature-controlled storage and have expiration dates.
Storing these in standard units can reduce effectiveness or cause hazards.
Keep personal care items at home or consult your healthcare provider for storage advice.
Items Subject to Mold and Mildew
Fabrics, upholstery, paper, and wood can develop mold or mildew if exposed to moisture.
Storage units lacking climate control increase this risk, especially in humid climates.
Avoid storing items like mattresses, upholstered furniture, and important books without protective packaging and climate control.
Professional movers like Big Bear Movers can recommend suitable storage environments.
Illegal or Stolen Goods
Possession or storage of illegal items such as drugs, counterfeit products, or stolen goods is prohibited and can lead to legal consequences.
Storage facilities may inspect units and report suspicious activity to authorities.
Keep your storage space legal and safe to avoid fines or eviction.
Items With Strong Odors
Strong-smelling items like paints, solvents, and some chemicals can permeate other stored belongings and bother neighboring renters.
Facilities may restrict these to maintain a pleasant environment.
Avoid storing items that emit odors or fumes without proper sealing and ventilation.
Alternatives for Items Unsuitable for Storage
For hazardous materials, follow local disposal guidelines or consult specialized disposal services.
Donate perishable food or plants to charities or friends.
Keep valuables in bank safety deposit boxes or at home in secure safes.
Store electronics and sensitive items in climate-controlled units with expert packing assistance.
Seek advice from professional movers like Big Bear Movers who can help arrange safe alternatives.
How Professional Movers Can Assist With Safe Storage
Navigating what to store and what to exclude can be overwhelming.
Experienced movers provide guidance on packing, inventory management, and storage unit selection.
They ensure prohibited or sensitive items are handled properly and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Partnering with Big Bear Movers guarantees expert support throughout your moving and storage process.
Conclusion
Not all items belong in storage units. Hazardous materials, perishables, live organisms, sensitive electronics, and valuables require special care or alternative arrangements.
Understanding facility restrictions and item vulnerabilities protects your belongings, ensures safety, and complies with regulations.
Planning ahead and consulting professionals like Big Bear Movers helps you make informed decisions for safe and effective storage.
Keeping prohibited or unsuitable items out of storage saves you from potential damage, fines, or legal trouble, giving you peace of mind throughout your storage journey.