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What You Should Never Store in a Storage Unit

Rachel Wyselaskie, June 4, 2025

Storage units can be a lifesaver when you’re in need of extra space. Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or just need a place to store seasonal items, a storage unit can offer the solution. However, not everything is suited for these units. There are some items you should never store in a storage unit, whether due to safety concerns, damage risks, or legal issues self storage london.

Here’s a rundown of what to avoid storing in a storage unit:

1. Flammable Materials

Flammable materials are a major fire hazard and should never be stored in a storage unit. Substances like gasoline, propane tanks, cleaning agents, paint thinners, and aerosol cans can ignite, leading to disastrous consequences.

Why You Should Avoid It:
Storage facilities often have strict regulations on flammable items due to the high risk of fire. Even if you think an item is safe, temperature fluctuations or accidents could turn it into a fire hazard. Many storage facilities will even require you to sign a waiver confirming that you won’t store flammable items.

2. Perishable Food

While it might seem logical to store extra food in a storage unit, perishable items should be avoided. These types of food attract pests and will spoil in a matter of days, leading to unpleasant odors and potential damage to your belongings.

Why You Should Avoid It:
Most storage units aren’t temperature-controlled, which means that food will spoil or rot. Even if you think you’re storing non-perishable foods like canned goods, they can still attract rodents or insects. Also, some storage facilities may not allow food items due to the risk of pests.

3. Important Documents and Personal Identifiable Information

While it might seem like a safe place, a storage unit is not the best spot for critical documents such as birth certificates, passports, legal papers, or financial records.

Why You Should Avoid It:
Storage units are vulnerable to theft, water damage, and natural disasters, and there’s no guarantee your documents will remain in good condition. Instead, opt for a fireproof safe at home or a secure cloud storage service for any digital records.

4. Valuables and Expensive Jewelry

You may think it’s a safe place to store your valuable jewelry or heirlooms, but in reality, storage units aren’t designed to protect high-value items.

Why You Should Avoid It:
While most storage units are secure, they’re not entirely theft-proof. Even with surveillance cameras and locks, burglaries can happen. In addition, most storage facilities don’t insure personal items, so if something goes missing or is damaged, you may not be able to recover its full value. For items like jewelry, art, or collectibles, consider a safe deposit box or specialized storage solutions instead.

5. Appliances and Electronics (Without Proper Preparation)

Storing large appliances or electronics may seem like a good idea, but it requires careful preparation. If not properly packed or prepared, appliances can suffer long-term damage, especially if they’re not cleaned or dried properly before storage.

Why You Should Avoid It:
Moisture can cause rust and mold in electronics, while lack of proper wrapping can lead to scratches, broken parts, or irreversible damage. Refrigerators and freezers, in particular, should be cleaned and dried to prevent mildew buildup. Electronics like TVs and computers may require climate-controlled environments to prevent damage due to temperature fluctuations.

6. Live Plants

While you may think that storing plants temporarily in a storage unit is a good solution, live plants don’t do well in storage environments, especially if the unit isn’t temperature-controlled.

Why You Should Avoid It:
Without sunlight and proper care, plants will wilt, die, and could even attract pests or mold. In some cases, the moisture from dying plants could seep into nearby items, causing further damage. If you must store plants, ensure that the unit has the right conditions (such as a climate-controlled facility) or find another way to transport them.

7. Hazardous Materials

Items such as asbestos, chemicals, pesticides, and certain cleaning products are hazardous and should never be stored in a storage unit.

Why You Should Avoid It:
Hazardous materials pose serious health and safety risks to you, the facility workers, and anyone who comes into contact with them. Storage facilities are often legally required to report such items, and many will refuse to allow them on the premises due to strict laws regarding disposal and storage.

8. Guns and Firearms (Without Proper Authorization)

While some storage units may allow you to store firearms, others will have specific regulations or outright bans on guns and ammunition. Storing firearms in a storage unit without proper authorization could lead to legal complications.

Why You Should Avoid It:
If you decide to store firearms in a storage unit, make sure you are aware of the laws in your area. Many states require firearms to be stored in a locked, secure case, and some facilities may not permit firearms at all. Additionally, improper storage can lead to rust, corrosion, or other damage.

9. Cash and Precious Metals

You might think that your money or precious metals are safe in a storage unit, but these items are better off in a bank or safe deposit box.

Why You Should Avoid It:
Even though most storage units have locks and security features, they aren’t as secure as a bank vault. Cash can be stolen or destroyed by fire, and precious metals, like gold or silver, are high-value targets for thieves. For safety and peace of mind, it’s best to store these items in a more secure, insured location.

10. Items with High Emotional Value

Sentimental items like family heirlooms, photographs, or letters might feel safe in a storage unit, but they can be easily damaged or lost.

Why You Should Avoid It:
While it’s tempting to store things you’re emotionally attached to, storage units are not ideal for long-term safekeeping. Temperature fluctuations, humidity, or even improper packing could lead to irreversible damage. For fragile or irreplaceable items, it’s better to store them in a safe or at a specialized storage facility designed for delicate items.


Final Thoughts

Before you rent a storage unit, take a moment to consider what you’re storing and whether it’s suitable for the environment. While storage units can offer excellent solutions for many items, certain belongings should be kept elsewhere for safety, legal, or preservation reasons.

Make sure you check with the storage facility for their specific regulations and requirements. And always make sure that the items you’re storing are properly packed and safe for long-term storage.

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