Top 10 Worst Things To Put In Self Storage

Over the years staff at Stor-Age have seen a number of crazy things in self storage units and had a number of requests to store mother-in-laws! In no specific order here is a list of ten worst things to store in your self storage unit.

1. Food
Whether in a fridge or not, food is perishable and as such will rot, stink and generally attract pests. Not only will this ruin other furniture in your self storage unit but it will attract rodents that defecate and chew on your other stored items. Even food in a refrigerator is not a good idea. Left unplugged it will smell awful when opened and even if plugged in can be prone to a power trip.

2. Illegal goods (guns, drugs, etc.)
Many self storage facilities have a close relationship with the local law enforcement and allow sniffer dogs on site. Storing of illegal goods is... well... illegal. If caught the police will have all of the contact details provided at time of move-in and more than likely CCTV video footage of your visit to the self storage unit.

3. A brothel, wait... what?!
There is a story of a taxi driver renting a number of units and dropping off clients with late night access at a self storage unit in America. Despite a roaring trade this is off course not allowed and the tenant was soon evicted. Check before you put it in... self storage!

4. Yourself
All though it is called 'self' storage this does not mean you can store yourself. Living in a self storage unit is certainly not allowed at Stor-Age, no matter how much space there is. Undoubtedly it is one of the cheapest homes you will ever rent, however the lack of proper amenities and electrical outlets will probably offset this. Need space? Call Stor-Age. Need a home? Call a friend.

5. Mother-in-law (dead body)
You would be shocked to find the number of times this request is heard in store. It is a virtual daily occurrence that someone will ask to store their mother-in-law or a dead body. Sometimes the difference between the two is a little blurred but we have yet to allow the storage of either in our self storage units.

6. Pets
We have heard of a number of stories where someone has gone on holiday and locked their pets in a self storage unit with enough food and water to last a few weeks. Invariably the pet eats all the food and then attempts to escape, making a noise and alerting the self storage manager. Storing of pets or any live animal is strictly prohibited.


7. Magazines and newspapers
Though one of the more boring 'worst things in a self storage unit' it is one of the most puzzling. These items have little to no value, will probably never be read again, took time and effort to pack, cost money to box and takes up space in a self storage where a smaller unit could have been used and thus money saved. Advice, throw them away and with the money you save you can buy new ones... remember to throw these away too.

8. Plants
Many people moving home believe that they will remove all of their stored items within a month and so often this is not the case. Plants attract rodents and rodents destroy furniture, which is expensive. In addition a plant will not survive long in a self storage unit with no sunlight or water. It is better to ask a friend to look after them for you and collect them when you are ready to move into your new home.

9. Important documents
Your ID or passport is not the most ideal place for self storage. Trying to find a small book in a well packed self storage unit is often very difficult and requires unpacking and re-packing all of your items. If you default on payments the contents may be sold and you could lose these items. In addition having this re-issued is costly and time consuming. Something like a passport should be kept with you at all times, you never know when you will need it in an emergency.

10. Flammable goods
Ever seen a self storage unit burning? Neither have we and that's because we don't allow the storage of flammable items. This can include, paint, turpentine, cleaning materials and petrol (gas). Check with your self storage manager as even approved gas canisters may be prohibited. Not only will this endanger your goods but other self storage units and people at the store can be put at unneccesary risk.

Generally you can put anything into a self storage unit and common sense will tell you if you should not. If you are unsure, ask the manager at the store and we are sure they will give you some great guidelines.