Storage9 Items You Can't Put in a Storage Unit
Sometimes we are amazed at the things that people, who do not know better, put in a rented storage unit. Even if you ask our employees nicely, here is a checklist of things that you CANNOT put in a rented self-storage unit:
9 Items Not Allowed in a Storage Unit
- Flammable or Combustible Items
- Toxic Materials
- Non-Operating, Unregistered, and Uninsured Vehicles
- Stolen Goods and Illegal Drugs
- Weapons, Ammunition, and Bombs
- Perishables
- Live Plants
- Wet Items
- You! People and Animals
1. Flammable or Combustible Items
Anything that can catch fire or explode is not allowed. This includes gasoline, propane, oil, grease, chemicals, cleaners, and paint. And, of course, fireworks or explosives are prohibited. There is no storing of moonshine or the chemicals needed to become your very own Walter White from Breaking Bad.
Don't even think about putting that stuff in storage because if it explodes you will be the one held responsible. If we find anything that is suspicious or smell something we will call the bomb squad and you will be BUSTED! It is a felony to store some of these things.
2. Toxic Materials
Do not store chemicals, fertilizers and even some everyday cleaning products in a self-storage unit where fumes can mix and cause issues. That means no chlorine bleach, no ammonia, and no solvents like acetone (nail polish remover), turpentine, paint thinner, or kerosene. Nothing that is poisonous or contagious either.
3. Non-Operating, Unregistered, and Uninsured Vehicles
The only vehicles that can be stored are those that are fully registered, insured, and in operable condition. This includes boats, RVs, trailers, motorcycles, cars, and trucks. You will be required to show proof of vehicle registration and a valid driver's license when you move into a storage facility.
4. Stolen Goods and Illegal Drugs
Our security staff is very aware that some criminals try to store illegal things in rented storage units. We like to get the reward for turning them in to the police as well.
If you plan on putting your stolen goods in a rented storage unit, also plan on going to jail because we will have video evidence of your crimes. If you are a suspected criminal, it is very easy for a law enforcement officer to get a search warrant for a storage unit. We have seen many people get busted for being this stupid.
5. Weapons, Ammunition, and Bombs
In most cases, firearms and ammunition are not permissible in storage rentals. No flame throwers, hand grenades, land mines, mortar shells, bazookas, nuclear bombs, or anything that will make the FBI or ATF think you are a terrorist. And don't worry your bomb mix tape isn't considered a weapon of mass destruction.
6. Perishables
Perishable items are prohibited. This includes food items that need refrigeration and those that are not in properly-sealed containers and even dry pet food in bags. These items can attract bugs and rodents or encourage bacteria and mold problems to develop.
Canned food is also not allowed in storage units, especially those which are not climate-controlled because heat can make the cans explode. If in doubt about storing canned food, ask the staff.
7. Live Plants
Plants need sunlight to live and can attract bugs and pests. They need to stay in the light where they belong and not be killed by putting them away in the dark. If you cannot take care of your plants, don't put them in storage, give them away or plant them outside.
8. Wet Items
Things that are put away in storage while they are still wet can cause mold and mildew to grow. It is OK to store things that you used in the water like a raft, kayak, canoe, surfboard, and scuba gear (but not the air tanks), just make sure you dry off everything properly before putting it away in storage. This is a better way to care for your gear as well, so it does not get ruined by moisture.
9. You! People and Animals
If you are featured on America's Most Wanted television program, then do not even think about hiding out in a rented storage unit. We have cameras all over the place! A storage unit is not a place for any animal or homeless people to live either.
Use good common sense and ask the staff before you try to store something that might be prohibited. We would be happy to help!
Other Items People Stored that Made National News
Luckily these items were not found is any of our storage facilities. Be warned as some of these items are a bit creepy and not for the squeamish. Prohibited items that have been found in storage include:
- Leg: It wasn't someone else's but his own. One guy was storing his leg than was amputated after an accident, so he could eventually be buried with it. He could not pay the rent on the storage unit and lost its contents in an auction sale. The leg was discovered in a box by the buyer. That is super gross!
- Brains in Jars: As if a leg is not bad enough, one doctor stored brains in jars after he removed them from cadavers during autopsies. Leave those in the medical school, fool!
- Stolen Comic Book: A copy of the 1938 first edition Action Comics featuring Superman was stolen from actor Nicholas Cage's home and was later recovered as part of the contents of an abandoned storage unit.
- Deceased Grandmother: One man just could not part with his grandma and recovered her body from the nursing home where she lived. Instead of burying her, he put her in a coffin in the storage unit, which was discovered after he died.
- Fish: One guy decided it would be a good idea to put a fish aquarium in storage with the fish still in it. Without good ventilation and power to run the tank, all the fish unfortunately perished. Staff soon discovered this from the smell the tank gave off after a couple of days.
We're Your Storage Solution!
Storage Rentals of America is your convenient self-storage solution. So come into our office or give our storage experts a call at 1-800-457-5678. Our call center is available 7 days a week and can help determine which storage unit size best fits your storage needs.
