So you have decided to use a storage facility. Perhaps you are renovating your property, or simply trying to make the best use of space. Whatever the reason, deciding to place items in storage can be extremely valuable. It is worth noting, however, that there are certain items you cannot store. Some people may believe that once they have rented out a unit, it belongs to them and they can do as they please. Whilst it is true that storage facilities have a lot of flexibility, there are still rules and guidelines that all prospective renters must follow. In this post we are going to outline all the self-storage prohibited items that you are best to avoid.
Self Storage Prohibited Items: Why Are There Restrictions?
If you are in the process of placing items in a unit inside a storage facility, you may be aware that there are some items that are prohibited. You may, therefore, be asking yourself why these restrictions exist? Additionally, storage facilities tend to be secluded and isolated, so why does it matter what is stored inside a personal unit?
There are a number of items (see below) that are often forbidden from being stored, and each item poses a different risk or complication. Above all, the management staff at your storage facility have a responsibility to maintain order on their site. The restrictions put in place by your chosen storage facility are far from pedantic, and exist to maintain the safety of the staff, the facility and yourself. Continue below where we examine some common storage unit prohibited items.
Self Storage Prohibited Items: What Should I Avoid?
Listed below are some of the items that most storage facilities will advise against storing. Whilst some of these storage unit prohibited items are fairly obvious, others are less so. It is important to follow this guide if you are considering placing items inside a storage unit at a secure facility. If you are unsure about whether an item is suitable for storage, we encourage you to reach out to your chosen facility. Each facility will have their own set of rules and guidelines, so it is best to gain clarity in order to avoid dismissal. If you have purposefully ignored the rules of your storage facility, you may be liable if there are any incidents or damages that occur as a result of an item in your unit.
- Food
It goes without saying, but food should not be stored inside a storage unit for any length of time. We would place food in the category of fairly obvious items that you should not store, but we believe it is still worth mentioning. Pet food is also no exception to this rule, and, along with human food, is a storage unit no-no.
Firstly, food that has begun to rot will facilitate the growth of mold and bacteria. This not only poses a hygiene problem, but will likely spoil other items in your unit. Additionally, food, whether open or sealed, could attract the attention of pests and rodents. Not only will this negatively impact your unit, but it will create a site wide problem. Modern storage facilities house numerous units, and these belong to different clients. You do not want to be responsible for a rodent infestation that causes complications across the entire facility.
- Plants
Plants need three things to thrive: water, sunlight and fresh air. These three things facilitate growth, and prevent plants from dying. At a storage facility, water, sunlight and fresh air are not usually found. Resultantly, if you keep any plants in your unit (faux plants being the exception) it is highly likely that they will perish. It is usually advised that you avoid storing plants entirely, as to not attract pests or insects.
- Illegal/ Stolen Items
Storage units, for the most part, are quite secluded, and you may be the only person with access to your unit. This does not mean however, that you are granted permission to store items that are stolen or illegal. Such items cannot be stored legally at a secure facility, or even in your home. The storage facility management team will not hesitate to contact the police if they suspect someone is taking advantage of the facility, and using their unit for illicit purposes.
- Valuable Items
It may be tempting to store valuable items in your unit, but we encourage you not to do this. If an item has little monetary value but has sentimental value, then this may be ok. Items that are worth a lot of money should never be stored however. Although modern storage facilities are secure, they can be accessed, at any time of day, by a large number of people. As a general rule, any item that has great value to you or your family should be kept close.
- Hazardous Materials
Any item that is likely to cause damage if opened or spilled should not be placed inside a storage facility. The same goes for corrosive, flammable or explosive items. Some examples include: compressed gas, propane tanks, motor oil, chemicals, paints, cleaners and toxic or biological waste. Similarly, items like firearms and ammunition should not be kept in your unit. These items should instead be stored in a designated facility. A storage facility sees its fair share of visitors, and staff work on site to maintain the facility. Do not store harmful, toxic or dangerous materials and put the public, as well as yourself, at risk.
Storage Unit Prohibited Items By Atrium Self Storage
We hope the following article provided a useful insight into some self storage prohibited items that you are best to avoid. It is worth noting that not all of the items prohibited by storage facilities were included in this post. If you are having any doubts, it is always best to contact the storage facility. If you have a unit with us, you can contact a member of our team to discuss any restricted items. We will be happy to help, and strive to arrive at a conclusion that suits everyone.