What You Should Never Store in a Storage Unit (and What to Do Instead)

Renting a self-storage unit here at Stor-All is a practical way to create space at home, manage a move, or store seasonal items. To protect your belongings and help maintain a clean and safe facility, it is important to understand what should never be stored in a storage unit. Below is a clear guide to items that are typically prohibited or strongly discouraged in self storage, along with safer alternatives.

Why it matters: safety, damage prevention, and policy compliance

Most storage facilities prohibit certain items because they can:

Attract pests and create odors
Cause mold and mildew that spreads to nearby items
Create fire or health hazards
Violate your rental agreement and local regulations

When in doubt, review your rental agreement and ask your storage office/resident managers before moving an item in.

1) Food and scented goods

Food is one of the fastest ways to attract pests in a storage unit. Even sealed packages can be chewed through, and strong scents can travel.

Avoid storing:

Pantry items, snacks, and beverages
Pet food and treats
Bird seed, livestock feed, and bulk grains
Spices, scented candles, and strongly scented household goods

Better option: Keep food and scented goods at home, or store them only in spaces designed for pest control and regular monitoring (NOT self-storage units).

2) Living things (including plants)

Storage units are not designed for living things. Temperature swings, lack of light, and limited airflow can quickly cause harm.

Never store:

Animals or pets
Houseplants
Soil, compost, or organic material that can host insects

Better option: Keep plants in a cared-for environment, or temporarily re-home them with a friend or family member.

3) Flammable, combustible, or explosive materials

Flammable items can create serious safety risks and are commonly prohibited in self storage.

Do not store:

Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, or fuel mixtures
Propane tanks and other compressed gas cylinders
Fireworks, explosives, or similar materials
Solvents, paint thinner, and certain aerosols

Better option: Use approved hazardous-material storage options in your area, or follow the product label and local guidelines for safe at-home storage.

4) Hazardous chemicals and corrosives

Chemicals that release fumes or can corrode surfaces can damage your belongings and impact nearby units.

Avoid storing:

Bleach, ammonia, acids, and industrial cleaners
Pool chemicals
Pesticides and herbicides
Automotive fluids such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid

Better option: Follow local disposal guidelines or store only in an approved, ventilated area intended for chemical storage.

5) Perishable or temperature-sensitive items

Many items degrade quickly when exposed to heat, cold, or humidity. This is especially

important in regions with seasonal temperature swings.

Avoid storing:

Cosmetics, toiletries, and candles that can melt or separate
Vinyl records and delicate plastics
Fine art, photographs, paper archives, and sensitive media
Certain electronics that are vulnerable to moisture and condensation

Better option: If you must store these items, choose a temperature-controlled storage unit and

use sealed containers with moisture absorbers.

6) Irreplaceable documents and high-value personal items

A storage unit is not the best place for items that are difficult or impossible to replace.

Do not store:

Passports, birth certificates, and social security cards
Wills, deeds, titles, and legal documents
Cash and high-value jewelry
One-of-a-kind heirlooms

Better option: Use a home safe, a safe deposit box, or a secure document storage service.

7) High-value items without an inventory or coverage plan

Storage can be a great solution for tools, collectibles, and equipment, but it is wise to document what you store.

Be cautious with:

Collectibles and specialty items
Expensive tools
Musical instruments and rare equipment

Better option: Create a simple inventory (photos plus a list) and confirm your coverage. Pack items for long-term storage using protective materials.

TIP: Did you know that Stor-All provides all self-storage customers with $2000 of Property Protection coverage at no cost to our customers? Customers also have the option to upgrade their coverage for a small fee that is added onto their rent payment ensuring customers have adequate coverage in one easy payment.

8) Wet items or anything that can trap moisture

Moisture is a leading cause of storage damage. Damp items can create mold and odors that spread.

Avoid storing:

Damp furniture, rugs, or clothing
Recently cleaned upholstery that has not fully dried
Coolers that were not aired out
Firewood

Better option: Dry everything completely before storing. Use breathable covers for furniture and consider storing items off the floor. Most storage units have concrete floors and concrete draws moisture up from the ground. If you have cardboard boxes stored directly on the concrete for an extended period of time, the bottom of the boxes will eventually get soggy.

9) Appliances that still contain water

Appliances can hold residual water, which leads to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors.

Do not store without proper preparation:

Refrigerators and freezers
Washers
Dishwashers

Better option: Drain and dry thoroughly. If allowed, leave doors slightly open to improve airflow.

10) Illegal items or anything prohibited by your rental agreement

Storage facilities have clear rules to protect customers, staff, and property.

Never store:

Stolen goods
Illegal drugs or paraphernalia
Improperly stored weapons
Any item prohibited by your facility’s policies
- Lithium batteries are a huge no-no here at Stor-All. There have been reports over the past few years of lithium batteries causing fires at self-storage facilities, and they are incredibly difficult to extinguish. The primary risk is something called “thermal runaway,” a self-sustaining chemical reaction in which one overheating cell quickly transfers heat to nearby cells, triggering a cascading failure. Because the reaction produces its own heat and releases the elements needed to continue, it does not rely on outside air. As a result, suppression methods that work by limiting oxygen, such as CO2 or inert gas, are often ineffective. Water can be effective but is required in huge quantities.

Better option: If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, ask before you move it in.

Quick storage tips to protect your belongings

Label boxes on at least two sides for easy access
Use durable bins for long-term storage
Keep items off the floor when possible
Leave a small walkway so you can reach the back of the unit
Keep frequently accessed items in the front of the unit
Use moisture absorbers during humid seasons
Check your unit periodically, especially during extreme weather

Need help choosing the right storage unit?

The right unit type matters, especially for temperature-sensitive items. If you are storing electronics, photos, paper records, or furniture, ask about temperature-controlled storage and best practices for packing. We have helpful resources and visual guides here on our website. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, Storage Tips, and our Size Guide for more help. Still have questions? Visit this page: Locations to find your local Stor-All Facility and reach out to that facility’s helpful Resident Managers for further guidance.