It’s a No! What Not To Store in Self Storage

We know that personal self-storage is amazing for keeping a huge range of items safe and out of the way. From collectables to canoes, baubles to bikes – it’s perfect for all sorts of things.

But some things just aren’t the right fit for a storage unit. Let’s take a look at some self-storage no-no’s here:

STRANGER THINGS

People

It’s not unheard of on TV for a character who’s down on their luck to retreat behind the shutter of their storage unit and set up a temporary home. IRL, however, this isn’t something that’s going to happen. Living in a storage unit would constitute a massive breach of contract with the self-storage provider in the first instance. So-called tenants could face serious consequences by violating their lease agreement terms.  

That said, living in a storage unit is also a Really Bad Idea  – here are just a few reasons why:

• Health risks. There’s potential exposure to toxic chemicals, poor air quality, a threat of accident or fire and a fairly evident absence of sanitation. 
• Feeling claustrophobic? Then you won’t want to read about the danger of accidentally locking yourself in without food, water or ventilation which poses a severe health and safety risk.
• Practical considerations. A self-storage unit cannot be used as a legal address which puts a ‘tenant’ in a position where they can’t register for life’s essential services like GP’s, bank accounts etc. 
• Psychological reasons. Being inside a locked space, no matter the size, can be incredibly detrimental to mental health, making feelings of isolation, confinement and anxiety considerably worse. Overall, the impact on an individual’s mental and emotional wellbeing is extremely damaging.

Animals

Animals should never ever ever be kept in a storage unit. Most of us just roll our eyes at the very idea, thinking of our much-loved cats and dogs. The rules apply to smaller, quieter animals too – fish or reptiles in tanks, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, chinchillas or bunnies in cages. All of these animals need regular feeding, cleaning up after, light and fresh air. Even if it’s a spider or a snake, and just for a few days while you move house or take a weekend away. Seriously. Find a petsitter. 

Explosive Materials

Who am I, Guy Fawkes? 

When we say explosive materials, we’re not literally talking gunpowder (although that too!) – we mean materials that can possibly burn, spark or explode – fuel, gas, chemicals, alcohol, and pesticides, both for reasons of flammability and fume-mixing to create a toxic danger zone.

For example – art or decorating supplies like white spirits, paint thinners and removers etc.

Bulk-bought some materials for the hair salon? Probably best to keep the nail polish remover and cans of hairspray where you can keep a close eye on them.

Garden enthusiasts need to watch out for fertilizer and weedkillers and to always ensure that the lawnmower tank is empty of fuel when storing. 

Fireworks are a no-brainer no-go – from the smallest sparkler to the biggest banger, make sure that they’re not kept in your unit

Watch out for oily rags too – it might seem harmless to toss them to one side when you’ve used them but did you know they can spontaneously combust if kept in enclosed spaces? 

Stolen Property

It goes without saying that anything illegal – stolen goods, ‘dodgy’ items for re-sale or distribution, drugs, drug paraphernalia etc. – is absolutely forbidden and many self-storage providers will work closely with the long arm of the law to deal with these sort of transgressions quickly and thoroughly!

EVERYDAY ITEMS

It’s not just Roman Candles, Ill-Gotten Gains and Shetland Ponies that are on the forbidden list, however. Some things that you might consider perfectly safe day-to-day items aren’t suitable for self-storage either.

Food or perishable goods

Taking advantage of some bulk buying during a sale and keeping it in your unit sounds like a great plan on paper. Similarly, keeping all of those leftovers from last weekend’s party or just popping the turkey in for a couple of days pre-Christmas when temperatures are low. Somewhere to keep that surplus of fruit or veg you grew in the garden? That stash of pet food? 

It’s a ‘hell, nah’ when it comes to food and perishables. Not only is a self-storage unit not an appropriate environment for keeping food fresh, grub is also a big attraction for rodents and insects and those are guests you do not want to invite for dinner!

Plants

Without water and sunlight, it’s obvious that plants are going to die so brightening up your hobby storage space with an aspidistra isn’t going to work very well. Your storage unit won’t serve as a greenhouse and, even with the best will in the world, plants are also potentially attractive for bugs and insects so it’s best to keep those geraniums in the garden and your tomatoes on a sunny windowsill.

Wet Stuff

Ever leave a wet facecloth on the loose in the bathroom and go away for a few days? Do you know that smell? That damp, mouldy, mildewy odour that greets you the second you walk back in the door? Well, that. But potentially times ten if you store something that’s damp in your unit. And, to be honest, the smell is the least of your worries.

Here’s the science bit – moisture attracts micro-organisms and from these potentially grow mould and mildew and even fungi which, as we know, spreads – around your unit first, and then potentially into others. Eww. It’s feeling slightly like ‘The Last of Us’ around here all of a sudden.

All of this can be avoided, of course, by simply ensuring that everything is completely dry before it goes into the unit and making good use of pallets and shelving to keep things off the ground as you store it. Consider using some silica gel around the place – in boxes, drawers, pockets, bags and corners – to absorb any stray moisture that’s hanging around. 

ALWAYS ASK

Your storage lease and agreement will most likely include a comprehensive list of what can and can’t be kept in your Self Storage facilities. And if in doubt, check it out – ask the friendly staff for clarification and tips on anything at all regarding your stored items and their suitability/legality. They’ll have all the info to hand so you can rest easy knowing all’s well with the world and your self-storage unit. 

Unlock the freedom of extra space. Get in touch with Storage World today or get a quote online.