Quick Guide: What Not to Store in a Storage Unit
Renting a self-storage unit is one of the most effective ways to create more space in your home or business. Whether you’re moving, downsizing, renovating, or simply organizing your life, Prestige Storage offers clean, secure, and flexible storage options to meet your needs.
However, not everything is suitable for self-storage. To protect your belongings, comply with storage laws, and maintain the quality of our facilities, it’s important to know what items should never be placed in your storage unit.
This guide will help you avoid common mistakes and get the most value from your storage experience with Prestige Storage.
1. Perishable Food and Plants
Food and live plants may seem harmless, but they are two of the most common items prohibited in storage units. Perishable items can spoil quickly, attract insects or rodents, and create unpleasant odors. Plants will not survive in a storage environment and can encourage mold growth or pest activity.
What to do instead: Before moving into your unit at Prestige Storage, donate unopened food to a local food bank or share it with friends. Consider giving plants to neighbors or family members, or wait to purchase new ones until after your transition is complete. Not sure where to donate? Contact our local office for recommendations on local organizations we support.
2. Hazardous or Flammable Materials
Flammable or hazardous items such as gasoline, propane tanks, paint, motor oil, fireworks, and cleaning chemicals pose serious safety risks. These items are not allowed in any Prestige Storage facility due to fire hazards and potential damage to neighboring units.
What to do instead: Take hazardous materials to a local disposal center that handles chemical waste. Most municipalities offer scheduled drop-off days. If you’re unsure, our team at Prestige Storage can help guide you to the proper resources.
3. Illegal or Stolen Property
Seems obvious, right? You’d be surprised! Storage units cannot be used to conceal illegal goods. This includes unregistered firearms, stolen merchandise, counterfeit products, and any items that violate federal, state, or local law. Storing illegal items is a criminal offense and can result in legal action.
What to do instead: Only store items you legally own. Prestige Storage is committed to maintaining safe, trustworthy storage environments for all customers.
4. Living Beings
Self storage units are not designed for habitation. Storing people or pets is not only illegal, it is extremely dangerous. Units are not intended to support any form of life.
What to do instead: If you are facing housing insecurity or need temporary arrangements for a pet, consider reaching out to local shelters or community organizations. Prestige Storage staff can also offer referrals to local resources if needed.
5. Valuable or Irreplaceable Items
While Prestige Storage offers secure storage units with 24/7 video recording at many locations, it is still not the best place for irreplaceable items. This includes cash, jewelry, family heirlooms, rare collectibles, and essential documents like birth certificates or passports.
What to do instead: Store high-value items in a home safe or a bank safety deposit box. Digital backups for documents are also a smart precaution.
Trust Prestige Storage for Safe, Compliant Storage
Choosing the right self storage provider means trusting a company that protects your items, follows safety standards, and supports your unique needs. At Prestige Storage, we are committed to delivering a worry-free storage experience from start to finish.
If you are ever unsure about what you can or cannot store, our knowledgeable team is always here to help. We believe in transparency, security, and value for every customer.
Contact your nearest Prestige Storage location today to reserve a unit or learn more about what makes our self storage services stand out. Visit https://prestigestorage.com/ to find a storage solution near you.
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