What Not to Store in a Self-Storage Unit: 7 Items to Leave at Home

A storage unit is a convenient way to create extra space, but not everything belongs in storage.

Before moving your belongings into a unit, it’s important to know which items should stay at home. Following storage guidelines can help protect your belongings, the facility, and other customers.

Here are some common items you should leave out of your storage unit.

1. Food and Perishable Items

Food can attract insects and rodents, create unpleasant odors, and spoil over time.

It’s best to keep food and other perishable items out of your storage unit.

2. Plants and Animals

Storage units aren’t designed to provide the environment that living things need. Plants, pets, and other animals should never be kept inside a storage unit.

3. Flammable or Combustible Materials

Gasoline, propane, oil, paint, and other flammable materials can create serious safety hazards.

Never store these items unless the facility specifically allows them.

4. Hazardous Chemicals

Cleaning chemicals, pesticides, and other hazardous materials can leak or create dangerous conditions.

If you’re unsure whether a particular substance is allowed, check with your storage facility before bringing it in.

5. Illegal Items

This may seem obvious, but storage units should never be used to store illegal items or materials.

6. Firearms and Other Restricted Items

Storage facilities may have specific rules regarding firearms and other restricted items. Always check the facility’s policies before storing anything that falls into a restricted category.

7. Anything You Can’t Safely Store

If an item could leak, catch fire, attract pests, damage another customer’s belongings, or create a safety concern, it probably doesn’t belong in your storage unit.

When in doubt, ask the storage facility before moving it in.

Store With Confidence at Southside Storage

Knowing what you can and can’t store is an important part of being a responsible storage renter.

Southside Storage in Columbia, MO offers convenient storage options for household belongings, business items, furniture, equipment, and more.

Before moving in, review your rental agreement and facility guidelines to make sure everything you’re storing is permitted.

Have questions about what you can store? Contact Southside Storage at 3100 Chinaberry Dr in Columbia, MO.