What can I not put in a self storage unit?

What can I not put in a self storage unit?  For the safety of your belongings and the facility, you should never store hazardous or flammable materials (fuel, chemicals, or explosives), perishable food (which attracts pests), living things (plants or animals), or wet items that could lead to mold. Additionally, highly valuable or irreplaceable documents and currency are better suited for a bank safe deposit box than a standard storage unit. Always ensure mechanical equipment is drained of fuel before it enters your unit.

What can I not put in a self storage unit?

When you are packing up your life or clearing out the office, it is easy to assume that a self-storage unit is a “catch-all” for anything that doesn’t fit in your current space. However, for the safety of your belongings, the facility, and the staff, there are strict regulations regarding what can and cannot be stored.

At NE Self Storage, we want to ensure your storage experience is seamless. Understanding these restrictions isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about preventing fire hazards, pest infestations, and legal complications.

Here is the definitive guide to what you should never put in a self-storage unit.

1. Hazardous and Flammable Materials

This is the most critical category. Storage units are enclosed spaces, often without specialized ventilation for chemical fumes. If a leak or combustion occurs, the damage to your unit and the entire facility can be catastrophic.  Items to avoid:

• Fuels: Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and propane tanks (even if they are “empty,” residual vapors are highly explosive).
• Chemicals: Fertilizer, weed killers, pesticides, and pool chemicals.
• Combustibles: Paint thinner, solvents, motor oil, and aerosol cans.
• Explosives: Fireworks, ammunition, and black powder.

Pro-Tip: if you are storing a lawnmower or a motorcycle, you must drain the fuel tank and disconnect the battery before moving it into the unit.

2. Perishable Food and Animal Feed

It might seem convenient to store extra pantry supplies, but a self-storage unit is not a kitchen cupboard. Food is the number one beacon for pests. Even “sealed” cardboard boxes can be chewed through by rodents in search of a meal.  Items to avoid:

• Fresh Food: Fruit, vegetables, meat, or dairy.
• Dry Goods: Bags of rice, flour, or cereal.
• Pet Food: Large bags of kibble or birdseed are particularly attractive to vermin.
• Canned Goods: While they are sealed, extreme temperature fluctuations in non-climate-controlled units can cause cans to swell, leak, or explode.

The Risk: Once a rodent or insect infestation starts in one unit, it can quickly spread to others. To protect your furniture and your neighbor’s belongings, keep all food out.

3. Living (or Once Living) Things

This should go without saying, but storage units are strictly for inanimate objects.

• Plants: Plants require sunlight, water, and airflow to survive. In a storage unit, they will die quickly, leading to mould, rot, and the attraction of bugs.
• Animals: It is illegal and inhumane to keep any pet or livestock in a storage unit, even for a short period.
• Humans: Storage units are not zoned for residential use. Living in a storage unit is a violation of local laws and facility insurance policies.

4. Wet or Damp Items

Moisture is the enemy of self-storage. If you move items into your unit that are even slightly damp, you are creating a “greenhouse” for mould and mildew.  Common culprits:

• Water Sports Gear: Surfboards, wetsuits, or kayaks that haven’t been thoroughly dried.
• Appliances: Washing machines or dishwashers that still have water in the hoses.
• Garden Furniture: Tables and chairs tucked away immediately after a rainstorm.

The Risk: Mould spores can travel. If you store a damp sofa, the mould can eventually find its way onto your clothes, documents, and wooden furniture.

5. High-Value or Irreplaceable Items

While modern facilities like NE Self Storage offer excellent security, a storage unit is generally not the place for items of extreme financial or sentimental value.

• Currency and Stocks: Cash, bonds, and gold bullion should be kept in a bank safe deposit box.
• Exquisite Jewellery: High-value gems and watches.
• Irreplaceable Documents: Passports, birth certificates, and original deeds.

Pro-Tip: If you are storing valuable collectibles (like vintage comics or fine art), ensure you have a specific insurance rider that covers off-site storage.

6. Scented or “Pungent” Items

Items with strong odours can attract pests or leach smells into surrounding units.

• Strongly Scented Candles: In the heat, these can melt and the oils can stain.
• Soaps and Perfumes: These can attract insects or leave a lingering scent on fabrics.
• Unwashed Gym Gear: Always wash clothes and equipment before storing them to prevent permanent odours.

Summary Checklist: Before You Store

Before you lock the door on your unit, ask yourself:

• Is it combustible? (If yes, take it out).
• Can it rot? (If yes, take it out).
• Is it bone-dry? (If no, dry it first).
• Is it legal? (If no, don’t store it).