If you're like many people with a move in their future, you may have decided to get a storage unit to help alleviate the stress of the transition, provide a safe place for your belongings during the move, and allow for a more organized and efficient unpacking process once you settle into your new home. Although these units are excellent for freeing up space at home, not every item is suitable or legal to be stored. Following is a list of essential items to keep out of your storage unit:
Hazardous Materials
Anything classified as a hazardous material should not find its way into your storage unit. These materials can pose severe risks, including fire, explosion, or chemical burns. Items such as gasoline, propane tanks, paint thinners, cleaners, pesticides, and any other toxic or flammable substances fall under this category. Safety always comes first, so keep hazardous materials out of your storage unit.
Perishable Goods
Perishable goods are another category of items that aren't suitable for a storage unit. Storing food can lead to unwanted pests and cause foul odors. Not only does this affect your unit, but it can also impact nearby units.
Plants and Animals
Never consider your storage unit as a place for living things. Plants need sunlight, water, and fresh air—conditions that a storage unit does not provide. Similarly, a storage unit is not a suitable place for pets or any other animals. Besides being unethical, it's illegal in many areas to keep animals in such environments.
Irreplaceable Items
While storage units are generally secure, it's wise not to store items of immense sentimental or irreplaceable value. Family heirlooms, important documents, expensive jewelry, or valuable collectibles should be kept at home or in a safe deposit box. If loss or damage would be devastating, it's better to keep the item out of the storage unit. However, there are some storage facilities that offer added security as well as climate-controlled units for the purpose of storing art and antiques.
Firearms and Ammunition
Storing firearms in a storage unit is subject to local laws and the policies of the storage facility. In general, it's advisable to keep firearms and ammunition out of your unit. If you need to store these items, specialized gun storage or a locked gun safe at home is a safer choice.
Uninsured Items
Your home insurance policy may not cover belongings stored off-site. Therefore, if an item isn't covered by insurance, think twice about storing it. Fortunately, most storage facilities offer insurance options, and it's worth considering for the peace of mind it provides.
Contact a local company to learn more about their storage solutions.
