Things You Shouldn’t Store in Self-Storage Units

Heading off to college comes with packing up your belongings and figuring out how to fit them into a new environment. Whether you’re moving into a dorm room or an apartment for the semester, you’re likely to run out of space quickly.

Self-storage facilities are convenient if you plan to bring extra clothes, furniture, or other belongings with you. However, there are some things you shouldn’t store in self-storage units. Placing certain items in a unit could lead to damage, safety risks, or even violations of facility rules. If you’re thinking about storing away some of your belongings, avoid packing these items in the unit.

Perishable Food

Never store perishable food items in storage facilities, whether they’re fresh produce, leftovers, or refrigerated goods. These items will rot quickly, attract pests like rats or insects, and create foul odors that permeate inside the unit.

Food is something you’ll want to have handy in your dorm or apartment. Get creative and find a storage solution at your place, so you can keep the self-storage unit free from rotting food.

Hazardous Materials

Avoid storing anything combustible, flammable, or toxic inside the facility. Items like gas canisters, paint, fireworks, and cleaning chemicals can pose a serious fire hazard. Most self-storage units explicitly ban these materials, so check the terms of your rental for specifics to avoid extra charges.

Wet or Damp Items

Moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Make sure every item is completely dry before placing it in storage, especially fabric-based items like shoes, raincoats, and hats.

Sensitive Documents

While a storage unit may seem safe, keep documents like your birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card close by. You never know when an emergency will arise and you’ll need these valuable documents. To prevent loss or theft, leave the documents with close family members or in a personal safe.

Heat-Sensitive Furniture

Furniture made from wood, leather, and delicate upholstery is likely to experience wear and tear when exposed to fluctuating temperatures or humidity. Therefore, it’s best to avoid placing leather couches or chairs in non-climate-controlled units to prevent the leather upholstery from cracking. Similarly, wooden furniture can warp or split in extreme heat. It’s best to either bring these furniture pieces with you to your dorm or leave them at home.

Electronics

Electronics such as laptops, gaming consoles, TVs, and speakers are some things you shouldn’t store in self-storage facilities. Extreme heat or cold can ruin internal components, and humidity can lead to short-circuiting. Store these items under regulated temperature conditions to prevent any damage when you retrieve them.

Family Heirlooms and Valuables

Expensive jewelry, family heirlooms, and other high-value items should never go into a storage unit. Although most facilities have security measures, there’s no guarantee your valuables won’t be a target for theft. Keep them in a protected location, like a safe in your room, for added security. This way, your valuables are safe and easily accessible.

Self-storage units are helpful when you use them correctly. If you’re unable to store certain items in your self-storage unit, consider alternatives to keep them safe and accessible. The goal is to keep your valuables in great condition throughout your college years.

Image Credentials: By Seventyfour, 381223509