4 Things You Should Never Put In A Storage Unit
Using a self storage facility is one of the best ways to keep your belongings safe when you are moving or going on vacation. While most of the items that you would want to put in a storage unit can be stored with no problem, there are a few unique cases that you should consider. Here are four things that you should never put in a storage unit.
Hazardous Materials
Any materials that are explosive, toxic, or combustible should never be left in a storage unit. Storing these items poses significant health risks to anyone who accesses the unit. Additionally, they can cause serious damage to the storage unit that you would be held liable for.
Oil, gas, and kerosene are the most common materials in this category that people will attempt to store. Any containers that are used to store these materials must be emptied and thoroughly cleaned before they are left in the unit. Items like lawnmowers and kerosene heaters that use gas or oil should also be emptied before they are stored.
Firearms and Ammunition
Stored firearms, ammunition, and even fireworks can pose a safety risk to anyone who accesses the unit. If you are not comfortable taking hunting rifles or other personal firearms with you on your trip, you best option will often be keeping them safely stored at home.
Another option for storing firearms while you are away is visiting a local gun store or shooting range. These facilities are specially equipped to store firearms and ammunition, and some will rent these services out to the public. This guarantees you that your firearms are stored safely and prevents a potentially fatal accident when you are unloading your self storage unit.
Unregistered Vehicles
All vehicles that you put in storage must be in working condition and have a current license and valid registration and insurance. Whether you are storing a car, truck, boat, RV, or motorcycle, storage unit owners do not want to deal with the hassle of removing a broken down vehicle or the possibility that the vehicle was stolen.
Even if your vehicle(s) are insured, there is usually a limit to the number of tires that can be stored in the unit. Storage unit owners impose this limit because tires are expensive to dispose of if the renter does not honor the contract and retrieve their belongings.
Perishable Foods
While food is rarely put in storage, sometimes there is no other option if you need to move in a hurry. Food can only be stored in a storage unit if it is in cans or other non-perishable packaging. This essentially rules out meats, cheeses, and most breads and grains. Pet food also falls into the category of foods that you cannot put in self storage.
Storing perishable foods can result in a serious mold and pest problem that can damage your belongings as well as the storage unit. Food that creates mold and attracts rodents and insects will force the unit owner to pay the expense of cleaning the unit before he can rent it out again. Mold and pests can also ruin clothing and furniture that you have stored in your unit. In the worst case, the infestation may spread to other units within the facility, or cause people who access the unit to get sick.
Storage units are one of the most useful services for people who are moving or traveling, as long as you think carefully about what you are storing first. Keep these tips in mind so that you do not face any legal ramifications or damaged property fines from storing the wrong things in your storage unit.
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