What NOT to Store in Your Storage Unit

A self-storage unit is great for storing all sorts of items that you need to get out of your home or workplace. Whether you need your things temporarily relocated, you’re downsizing, or you have a completely different reason, your storage unit can help you accomplish your plans by storing your items in a safe environment.

To ensure that your storage unit safely protects your and everyone else’s stored items, you do need to be mindful about what you choose to keep stored in your unit. Certain items can cause a threat to all of the units in the facility.

Here are four items that should never be stored in your storage unit:

 

1. Perishable Items  

Perishable items should be put at the top of the list of things to not store inside of your storage unit. Items like this can spoil and rot, which creates a concern for everyone inside the facility. Fungi and mold won’t be too far behind your decision to store perishable items, generating a quick infestation across your other stored items.

Examples of Perishable items include pet food, fruit, vegetables, boxed food and flour. These items can lure rodents and insects into your storage unit that could potentially damage your other valuables. Unwelcome visitors can make your storage unit a nightmare!

2. Liquids 

The most obvious reason to keep liquids out of your storage unit is the possibility of leakage. At first glance, it may seem harmless to store liquids, but a leak could ruin your other items. In addition to leaks, some liquids have dangerous chemicals in them that could damage your storage unit itself.

Some might argue that they would like to store bottles of water in their unit. Clearly, water doesn't have dangerous chemicals in it. However, once stored in a warm environment for an extended period of time, plastic bottles have been found to release Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA makes water unsafe to drink.

The most common liquids to never store in your self-storage unit are water bottles, perfume and nail polish remover.

3. Hazardous and Toxic Materials  

Hazardous materials can cause explosions and fires, as well as release toxic chemicals into the air. Biological waste, asbestos and acids are all materials that should not be kept in your storage unit. Although this may sound obvious, certain materials aren’t evidently as hazardous as others. Items such as fertilizers, paint thinner, aerosol cans and cleaning supplies are considered hazardous materials.

4. Explosives 

Explosives are prohibited in most of all storage facilities. Combustion and igniting a fire is a possibility that makes storing gasoline, fireworks, and kerosene too risky. Everyone that enters a storage facility with explosives is exposed to danger. If you have concerns over items that you intend to store, contact your storage facility staff before moving your items inside of your unit.

While storing these items short-term may seem convenient, the long-term risks are too high to chance. At Beltline and Security Stor-Alls, we take great effort in making sure our customers’ items are protected. If you have questions about what you can or can’t store in your unit, contact our team of storage specialists any day of the week at (251) 278-2968 or (251) 660-0366.

At Beltline Security and Storalls, we have a wide variety of sizing options that will allow you the ability to choose the unit perfect for your belongings. Contact our team today for more information!