#1: Perishable Goods
Storage units are designed to safeguard belongings, not to preserve food. Yet some renters mistakenly use them as overflow pantries, stowing everything from canned goods to dry staples. This is an error. Even non-perishable foods can degrade in fluctuating temperatures, while perishables—whether fresh, frozen, or packaged—risk attracting pests. Rodents, insects, and mold thrive in dark, undisturbed environments, quickly turning a storage unit into a breeding ground for infestation.
Beyond the nuisance of contamination, food storage in rental units often breaches facility policies. Many operators explicitly prohibit perishables, not only to protect individual units but also to prevent infestations from spreading throughout the premises.
A better approach: Food belongs in controlled environments. If extra storage is required, climate-regulated pantries or additional refrigeration are preferable to the unventilated confines of a storage unit.
#2: Flammable or Hazardous Materials
Storage units are not designed to house volatile substances. Gasoline, propane, paint, solvents, and fireworks—anything prone to combustion or chemical degradation—pose a significant risk in confined spaces. Even a small leak or spark can trigger catastrophic consequences, endangering not only one’s own possessions but also those of neighboring renters.
Most storage facilities explicitly prohibit hazardous materials, and for good reason. Temperature fluctuations, poor ventilation, and extended storage times increase the likelihood of leaks, fumes, and accidental ignition. In some cases, storing such materials is not only against facility policy but also a violation of local fire codes, inviting legal and financial liability.
A better approach: Dispose of hazardous substances through proper waste management channels, or store them in designated, regulated facilities designed to handle combustible and toxic materials safely.
#3: Living Things
Storage units are no place for life. Plants, deprived of sunlight, fresh air, and proper care, quickly wither. More alarmingly, some renters have attempted to house pets in storage spaces—a practice that is not only reckless but also illegal.
Confined in a storage unit, animals suffer from lack of ventilation, extreme temperatures, and an absence of food and water. The consequences are dire, often leading to neglect charges and permanent bans from storage facilities. Even for plants, the lack of natural light and airflow accelerates decay, inviting pests and mold.
A better approach: Plants thrive in well-lit environments, whether in a home, greenhouse, or garden. As for animals, the only appropriate place is a proper home, with attentive care and humane conditions. A storage unit is never an option.
#4: High Value Items
A storage unit may offer convenience, but it is not a vault. Items of high monetary or sentimental value—jewellery, cash, family heirlooms, and essential documents such as passports or property deeds—are ill-suited for such spaces. Even in a climate-controlled facility, the risk of theft, fire, or water damage remains ever-present.
While most storage providers implement security measures, they are no substitute for a properly fortified safe. Locks can be picked, surveillance can be circumvented, and environmental hazards—whether flooding, fire, or humidity—can compromise even the most well-guarded belongings. Insurance may cover some losses, but irreplaceable items, once lost, are gone forever.
A better approach: High-value possessions belong in a secure location. A bank’s safe deposit box provides the highest level of protection for small valuables and documents, while a fireproof home safe offers a practical alternative for larger items. When security is paramount, a storage unit is the wrong choice.
#5: Damp or Wet Items
Moisture is the silent destroyer of stored belongings. Wet clothing, recently washed furniture, and waterlogged equipment create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to spread. Left unchecked, these fungi can rot wood, weaken fabrics, and emit musty odors that are nearly impossible to eliminate.
Storage units, particularly those without climate control, are poorly ventilated. Any lingering moisture can accelerate deterioration, not just of the affected item but of everything stored nearby. Cardboard boxes disintegrate, upholstery becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, and even metal surfaces can succumb to rust.
A better approach: Prevention is key. Before placing anything in storage, ensure it is completely dry. Using moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers in the unit can further reduce the risk of mold and prolong the lifespan of stored belongings.
#6: Unregistered or Inoperable Vehicles
Storage units may seem like a convenient solution for an unused car, motorcycle, or boat, but they come with conditions. Most facilities permit vehicle storage only if the vehicle is operational, properly registered, and insured. Those that fail to meet these requirements quickly become liabilities rather than assets.
Abandoned or inoperable vehicles pose multiple risks. Over time, they can leak oil, coolant, or other hazardous fluids, damaging both the storage unit and adjacent spaces. Facilities also keep a close eye on non-compliant vehicles, as unregistered or derelict assets may raise concerns about legal ownership. In many cases, failure to meet the terms of a rental agreement can result in eviction or even impoundment.
A better approach: Vehicles that are not roadworthy belong in specialized storage facilities designed for long-term parking and maintenance. For those planning extended storage, routine servicing and fluid checks can prevent deterioration and ensure a smooth return to operation.