Storage units are a great option for homeowners who need extra space for their belongings or want a temporary place to keep things during a move. But not everything you own is safe to leave in long-term storage. Some items can be too risky, too valuable or too delicate. To help protect your belongings, here is a short list of items you should never place in long-term storage.

Corrosive or Flammable Materials

Storage companies work hard to reduce the risk of fire, which is why they don’t allow any combustible materials in their units. This includes kerosene, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, cooking oils, paint thinner, matches and fireworks.

Corrosive items such as bleach, drain cleaner, antifreeze and batteries are also unsafe. Even a small leak can damage your belongings. On top of that, since temperatures in storage units aren’t tightly controlled, unexpected reactions can happen and cause serious issues, including fires or toxic fumes. (Most storage facilities keep their units between 65–85°F which is fine for most household items but not suitable for many chemicals.)

What’s more, if something goes wrong, keeping flammable or corrosive items in storage gives insurance companies a reason to deny your claim. On top of that, knowingly putting dangerous items in a storage unit can lead to criminal charges. And besides damaging your own belongings, fires and corrosive liquids can easily spread to nearby units, making you responsible for additional damages.

If you’re unsure whether an item is hazardous, read the label. If it tells you to keep the substance away from open flames or warns that it can harm your eyes, skin or throat, then it’s not safe to place in storage.

Personal Documents

Passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, bank statements and anything else that contains personal information should always stay with you. If, for any reason, it’s not safe to keep them at home, a safe-deposit box at a federally insured bank or credit union is the best choice. Even though storage facilities offer good security, anything that could lead to identity theft needs the highest level of protection.

Food

Whether it’s perishable or non-perishable, placing food in a storage unit is never a good idea. It can spoil, grow mold or create strong odors. Even worse, it attracts insects and rodents that can damage your belongings and spread into nearby storage units.

Wine

Storage units may have air conditioning but they don’t offer the cool, steady conditions needed to store wine properly. Wine can spoil unless it stays at temperatures around 55°F, which you won’t find in most storage facilities.

Artwork

Like wine, paintings need to be stored in carefully controlled conditions. Paints are more delicate than many people realize. If they aren’t kept between 70–75°F, they can crack or start to peel. Humidity also causes damage. Depending on your climate, your artwork may grow mold or develop a whitish haze. In some cases, damaged paintings have even turned into breeding spots for insects!

Scented Items

Soap, perfume, potpourri, candles, incense, air fresheners, essential oils — anything that produces a smell can attract rodents. Keep scented items at home or dispose of them. Storing them puts your belongings at risk.

Motorized Vehicles

Cars, boats, RVs and ATVs all need regular maintenance. Even bicycles have to be oiled and used from time to time. So unless you plan to take them out and service them throughout the year, vehicles will break down if kept in long-term storage. If you do want to store a vehicle for the off-season, make sure it gets a full tune-up beforehand and is kept in the unit for no longer than six months.

Plants

Houseplants need water, fresh air and sunlight to stay healthy. Unfortunately, long-term storage offers none of these. Even leaving plants in a storage unit for just a couple of days can harm them. They should stay in your garden or at a nursery.

Money & Jewelry

Long-term storage facilities offer plenty of security but they still aren’t as secure as a bank vault. Cash, jewelry and other valuable items should be kept in a safe or at a financial institution, where they are better protected from theft.

Family Heirlooms

Although there’s no rule against keeping antiques or sentimental items in long-term storage, anything that can’t be replaced is usually better kept at home. Cherished belongings like photo albums, childhood drawings and old toys are often more fragile than they seem. Keep them somewhere you can look after them, not in a storage unit.

Weapons and Ammunition

Bullets, shells and firearms are banned by most storage companies because they create an unnecessary and unacceptable risk. Bullets contain combustible material and keeping weapons in storage can make the unit a target for criminals who cannot legally buy firearms.

Illegal Items

Though it may seem obvious, it’s worth repeating: all storage companies forbid illegal items or unlawful substances. This includes stolen goods, illegal drugs, unregistered vehicles and unlicensed medicines. Storage companies are required to report any illegal activity to the police. Anyone caught storing unlawful items will not only face criminal charges but may also be sued by the storage company.

STI Storage Services

Whether you need short-term or long-term storage, STI can pack, transport and store your belongings for as long as you require. Our facilities are climate-controlled and monitored around the clock, making them a safe place to keep your items until you’re ready to move them into your home. Contact us today for a free quote!