Renting a storage unit is one of the more useful things you can do to create extra space around the house. However, one of the mistakes people often make is thinking you can put anything you want in a storage unit. Keep in mind that some of your belongings are more secure in your home, while some are not even allowed in a storage unit. Here is the list of items you mustn't keep in your storage unit to clear the mist around this subject!
Foods
and perishable items
Pets
or any other living things
People rent storage for a variety of
reasons. However, one thing you should
definitely keep out of a storage unit is anything living. Humans, pets, or
plants need sunlight, air, and food to survive.
Therefore, do not store any
plants inside, and don't use it as a pet house.
Anything
with a strong odor
Another thing you should keep
off of your inventory list for storage is anything that has a strong smell. Not only will
your other items start to smell, but strong scents can attract pests or rodents.
Radioactive
equipment or dangerous materials
Weapons
and ammunition
Some companies allow for weapons and
ammunition to be stored in their storage units. However, the majority will not
let you keep these items inside. If you plan to store weapons, speak with the
company and see if their contract allows this. Even if they do, it would be
better to keep firearms and ammunition either inside a gun store or a shooting
range.
Electronic
devices
There is no reason to keep
electronic devices in a storage unit for a longer period of time. If you don't
need them, sell them. If they are broken, fix them or throw them away.
If you keep electronics stored in a
unit long-term, they could become damaged. The humidity levels are different,
and it can often be too hot or too cold. There is no reason to risk the safety
of your gadgets since they are expensive.
Malfunctioning
vehicles
You can keep a car or a bicycle
inside a storage unit, but only as long as it's registered and fully
operational. If you need to repair your vehicle, you cannot keep it inside a
storage unit.
Valuables
Illegal
items
It goes without saying that illegal
items should not be kept anywhere, not only in a storage unit. If you own
something illegal and store it in a storage unit, the owner of the facility has
the full right to report you to the police. These rules exist to keep everyone
safe, and they also protect you against other people that might keep illegal items
in a storage unit next to yours.
Some
clothing items
Expensive clothing items like furs
are definitely best kept inside your closet. After all, the layers of dust and
temperature variations might ruin the delicate pieces and cause irreparable
damage. The same applies to leather items.
How
to prepare your items for a storage unit
Besides the items you should
never keep inside a storage unit, we must cover one more mistake people make.
Not knowing how to prepare your belongings before storing them might cause more
problems down the road.
To prepare your items properly, first create a list of everything you want to store.
Before packing for storage, clean everything thoroughly. Also, check if you
have enough space to store all of your containers. Renting a small storage
unit and trying to store more than it can take is not recommended.
Furthermore, keep in mind
that some items, like paintings, documents, or wines, require
temperature-controlled storage units. Speak with the company and see if they
have what you need.
The same applies to items
that need protection from water or humidity.
Another good piece of advice
is to install shelves and keep all of your belongings off the floor. This is
just another layer of protection.
In
conclusion
Let's do a quick summary of everything you should never put in a storage unit: