What Not to Store in a Storage Unit 

Storage units are great for decluttering, organizing, and putting things away for a rainy day, but not everything makes the cut. In fact, there’s a list of items that are straight-up not allowed in storage units, for good reason. Let’s break them down, so you know the right way to get organized.

Flammable, Explosive, or Toxic Items

Let’s start with the obvious (but easily overlooked): anything that could go boom or release toxic fumes is a big no. That includes:

• Gasoline or propane tanks
• Paint thinners, acetone, bleach, and turpentine
• Fertilizers and pesticides
• Cleaning chemicals with strong fumes
• Fireworks
• Ammunition

These aren’t just risky—they’re often illegal to store due to fire hazards and health concerns. Even sealed containers can leak or ignite under heat. And since most storage units don’t have climate control for chemical safety, you’ll want to keep these items out of storage.

Food and Perishables

Even if you’re just tempted to temporarily stash some snacks or pantry items, don’t do it.

Why? Because food (even dry goods) attract insects, rodents, and mold.

This includes:

• Pet food
• Canned goods
• Frozen foods
• Vacuum sealed foods

Once critters move in, they don’t stop at your chips. They’ll chew through boxes, wires, fabric—you name it. Plus, spoiled food = serious odor issues. So go ahead and clean out that kitchen cupboard before packing.

Plants, Animals, or Anything Formerly Living

This one might sound silly, but you’d be surprised. Storage units are not greenhouses, pet hotels, or places to keep anything alive (or not quite alive).

Avoid storing:

• Houseplants (they need light and water)
• Pets or animals of any kind (no exceptions)
• Decomposing materials (including taxidermy or organic waste)

Illegal or Unregistered Items Just because it fits doesn’t mean it belongs. That includes:

• Stolen items
• Unregistered or uninsured vehicles
• Illegal drugs, or anything illegal for that matter

Storage companies reserve the right to report suspicious activity. If something’s shady or not legally yours, it shouldn’t be there.

Wet, Moldy, or Funky-Smelling Stuff

If it smells now, it’s only going to get worse. Items with moisture (or odors) can lead to mildew and mold, which spread fast and ruin everything nearby.

Examples include:

• Wet camping gear
• Musty clothing
• Recently washed items that aren’t fully dry

Dry everything thoroughly before packing away, and skip anything you wouldn’t want to sit next to for weeks in a closed space.

High-Value and Irreplaceable Items

While they might not be items you use every day, storage units are not the place for your most important keepsakes. Even with sturdy locks and solid doors, storage units aren’t designed to hold items that are sentimental, rare, or hard (or impossible) to replace.

Those items might include:

• Important documents (like birth certificates or social security cards)
• Valuable books (limited edition, autographed, early editions, high-dollar value)
• Collectibles
• One-of-a-kind items
• Cremains
• Anything worth over $5,000
• Highly valuable collectibles, jewelry, clothing, purses, and shoes
• Money

Stick to clean, dry, legal, non-living items, and you’ll be on the right track. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the staff at your facility for some expert advice on what items to pack in, and what is better suited for a different location.