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Maybe you've stumbled across a 'craziest things found in storage units' article and wondered how things like that ended up in there. But the truth is, many people don't understand why some things are or are not allowed in storage units.
Renting a storage unit is an excellent way to clear clutter and organize your life. But there are strict rules about what can be stored. Storage facility managers prohibit certain items to protect you, your belongings, the property, and the staff. Knowing exactly what not to store in a storage unit saves you time, money, and potential legal trouble.
We've created this guide to explain 5 things you should never store in a storage unit. We will cover safety risks, legal restrictions, and alternative solutions for your prohibited items. Have an item you're not sure about? Keep reading to see what you should do!
Why Are Certain Items Prohibited in Storage Units?
Some items are banned to prevent safety hazards, legal issues, and severe property damage. These rules are in place to protect every renter and ensure our facilities are always safe for everyone.
Safety risks: Once those rolling doors descend, unchecked chemicals or other hazardous materials can become unstable. Many chemicals need to be monitored and kept separate in very stable conditions to prevent dangerous chemical reactions. Incorrect storage can even result in a fire.
Legal restrictions: Storage units are governed by local and federal laws. Storing illegal goods can result in immediate eviction and criminal charges.
Sanitation concerns: Storing food may seem like a good idea, but storage facilities are not the place for it. Pests such as mice and insects actively seek food sources. One infested unit can quickly compromise the entire facility.
Risk to other renters: Consider your neighboring renters. If they were storing something that could damage your belongings, it would be frustrating. Similarly, your belongings do not exist in a vacuum. A leak, fire, or pest problem in your unit will inevitably damage your neighbors’ property.
1. Hazardous Materials
What Are Hazardous Materials and Why Are They Banned?
When considering what not to store in a storage unit, hazardous materials should be at the top of your list. Hazardous materials include flammable liquids and volatile chemicals that pose a severe fire or explosion risk. These substances should never be stored in a storage facility and are strictly forbidden.
What falls into this category: Petrol, diesel, propane tanks, lighter fluid, aerosols, paint thinners, solvents, pool chemicals, fertilizers, etc.
Why it is not allowed: The risk of chemical leaks, toxic fumes in the enclosed environment, or spontaneous combustion all pose a real threat to both the renters and the storage facility. Temperature changes inside a unit make volatile substances incredibly unstable and dangerous.
What to do instead: If you are renting near North Grant Avenue, Loveland, Colorado, take these items to a local hazardous waste drop-off center.
Pro storage tip: You should always empty fuel tanks from lawnmowers or generators before placing them in storage.
2. Food and Perishables
Why Can't You Store Food and Perishables?
You cannot store food or perishables because they quickly rot, create foul odors, and attract destructive pests. Storage units are not suited to food storage.
What falls into this category: Fresh food, tinned goods, dry goods like rice or pasta, and pet food. It is strictly prohibited to store anything with a smell or organic content.
Why it is not allowed: Rodents and insects can easily chew through cardboard and plastic. Once pests enter your unit to eat, they will stay to nest in your furniture and clothing, creating an infestation in your unit and nearby units.
What to do instead: Keep your pantry items at your actual home. If you are clearing out a house and have excess food, donate it to a local food bank.
3. Live Plants and Animals
What Happens If You Store Live Plants and Animals?
Storing live plants or animals is both illegal and inhumane, as they require light, water, and fresh air to survive. It's one of the most fundamental examples of what not to store in a storage unit. A closed storage unit is unsafe for any living organism.
What falls into this category: Houseplants, potted plants, seedlings, cut flowers, and anything else living and growing. This explicitly includes pets or animals of any kind.
Why it is not allowed: Plants will attract insects, create moisture, and eventually die and rot. Putting an animal in a storage unit is animal cruelty and will result in immediate legal action.
What to do instead: Ask a friend or neighbor to look after your houseplants while you move. If you need pet care, hire a professional pet sitter or a boarding facility.
4. Cash and Irreplaceable Documents
Why Should You Avoid Storing Cash and Irreplaceable Documents?
You should never store cash or irreplaceable documents, as they cannot be easily recovered if lost, stolen, or damaged. Storage units are secure, but they are not bank vaults.
What falls into this category: Physical cash, bearer bonds, original passports, birth certificates, property deeds, wills, sentimental photographs, and family heirlooms shouldn't be stored in a storage unit.
Why it is strongly advised against: Natural disasters or unforeseen accidents can destroy paper goods instantly. Most storage insurance policies specifically exclude cash and high-value legal documents from coverage.
What to do instead: Keep these items in a fireproof safe at home or a safe deposit box at a bank.
5. Illegal Items
What Illegal Items Are Banned From Storage Units?
This one might seem obvious, but it’s critical to understand that topping the list of what not to store in a storage unit is anything illegal. Stolen goods, unlicensed firearms, and controlled substances are all strictly banned. If you do not legally own it, or it is illegal to possess, it cannot go into a storage unit.
What falls into this category: Stolen goods, unlicensed firearms, ammunition, controlled substances, counterfeit goods, and anything prohibited under local, state, or federal law.
Why it is not allowed: Facilities work closely with law enforcement to maintain safe communities. If a manager suspects illegal activity at a location, they will contact the police immediately.
What Items Are Safe to Store?
Most everyday household goods, furniture, and seasonal gear are perfectly safe to store. A good rule of thumb is: if the item is clean, dry, and non-hazardous, it can go in your unit.
Here are some examples of what can be safely stored in a storage unit:
Furniture and large household items: Couches, mattresses, and dining tables.
Seasonal items: Holiday decorations, artificial trees, and winter coats.
Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, and small boats (ensure they are registered and properly prepped).
Business stock and equipment: Office supplies, marketing materials, and non-perishable inventory.
Books, clothing, and soft furnishings: Wardrobes, blankets, and personal libraries.
Electronics: TVs, computers, and gaming consoles.
Sporting equipment: Bicycles, skis, golf clubs, and camping gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you store food in a storage unit?
You cannot store food of any kind in a storage unit. Even sealed canned goods or dry pasta can attract pests or burst with temperature fluctuations. Always keep your unit 100% food-free.
What should I do with hazardous materials I can't store?
Never throw dangerous chemicals in a dumpster. Take them to a designated municipal hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.
What happens if you put prohibited items in a storage unit?
If you violate the facility rules, the manager can terminate your lease and evict you immediately. You will also be held financially responsible for any damage caused to the building or other renters' property.
What should you do if you are not sure whether an item is allowed?
When in doubt, always ask the facility manager before moving the item in. If you are renting a Purely Storage unit on North Grant Avenue, Loveland, Colorado, our staff will gladly clarify the rules on any specific items you would like to store.
Perfectly Pack Your Unit With Purely Storage
We hope we've cleared up any questions you might have on what not to store in a storage unit. Just remember: anything hazardous, perishable, or illegal should be properly disposed of—not stored away.
Purely Storage provides secure and convenient storage facilities. Our Loveland location offers a protection plan, lock checks, and moving supplies to help you get started. If you are ready to secure a safe, clean space for your approved items, reach out to our storage experts on North Grant Avenue, Loveland, Colorado. We are ready to help you find the best unit for your needs.
