Do Not Keep These 9 Items in Your Storage Unit
October 21, 2023
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When it comes to storage units, we often treat them like a treasure chest buried away, rarely checking their contents until we really need them. However, this lack of vigilance can sometimes lead to unexpected problems, especially if we’re storing items that don’t belong there. To ensure your belongings remain safe, sound, and untouched, it’s crucial to be cautious about what you choose to store in these units. Here, we’ll discuss nine items you should never keep in your storage unit.
High-Value Items: Storing valuable possessions in a storage unit might seem like a good idea, but it’s a risk you should avoid. These units are not as secure as bank vaults, and your precious jewelry, rare collectibles, or expensive electronics could be at risk.
Food: It’s a no-brainer, but food items should never find their way into your storage unit. Not only can they attract unwanted pests, but they can also spoil and create a mess.
Unregistered Vehicles: Keeping unregistered vehicles in your storage unit can lead to legal troubles. Plus, these units aren’t designed for vehicle storage and can damage your car or motorcycle over time.
Electrical Appliances that Need to Be Plugged In: If it needs to be plugged in to work, it’s best to keep it out of your storage unit. Not only does this save electricity costs, but it also prevents potential fire hazards.
Cash: Storing cash in a storage unit is just asking for trouble. It’s not only unsecured, but if you ever need that money unexpectedly, you might find yourself driving to the unit just to access your own funds.
Scented Items: Surprisingly, scented items, like candles or air fresheners, can attract pests. The sweet smells might be inviting for more than just humans.
Flammable Materials: Common sense says that you shouldn’t store anything flammable in a confined space. This includes propane tanks, gasoline, or anything else that can ignite.
Wet or Damp Furniture or Clothing: Storing damp items can lead to mold and mildew issues in your storage unit, potentially damaging other items as well. Make sure everything is thoroughly dry before packing it away.
Hazardous Materials: This one should be a given, but it’s worth reiterating. Never store hazardous materials in your storage unit. This includes chemicals, explosives, or anything that poses a danger to human health or the environment.
Now that we’ve highlighted the items to steer clear of, let’s talk about how to store your belongings with the utmost care.
Labeling: Proper labeling is key to locating items quickly. Use clear, concise labels to identify the contents of your boxes.
Organization: Organize your unit efficiently, with frequently needed items near the front and less frequently accessed items in the back.
Protection: Invest in quality packing materials to keep your belongings safe from dust, pests, and moisture.
Security: Consider additional security measures like a good padlock and maybe even a security system for added peace of mind.
The key to a successful storage unit experience is caution and care. Avoid storing high-value items, food, unregistered vehicles, electrical appliances that need to be plugged in, cash, scented items, flammable materials, wet or damp items, and hazardous materials in your storage unit. Instead, focus on proper organization and security to ensure your belongings stay safe and sound until you need them again.