A storage unit can be used to store household goods as well as storage space for vehicles, boats, RVs, and motorbikes. You may want to rent an additional storage unit or a larger one if you have large furniture items or appliances that you need to store.

A quick glance

There are strict guidelines that storage companies set about what can be kept in a storage unit. Most items that aren’t on the list of prohibited items can be stored in a storage unit. However, these rules can change from one company to another. Although you can’t store cash stolen or pets that have died, not all prohibited items are equally clear.

You may need storage for long-term reasons like a home loss or temporary storage to finish a renovation.

What can be stored in a storage container?

A storage unit can hold almost any item. It’s okay to store anything as long as it fits within the storage space. Vehicles and valuables are the most popular items that can be stored in storage units.

Here’s a sample list of things you can store in a storage box.

• Artwork
• Books
• Boxes
• Dryers
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Home decor
• Lamps
• Mattresses
• Instruments for music
• Newspapers
• Ovens
• Sports equipment
• Stoves
• Tables
• Washers
• Wine

The storage rules of each company are different. Many storage companies will even allow you to store items that are prohibited by law. If you have any questions regarding prohibited items, ask your local self-storage manager.

What to keep out of a storage unit

Food

Many storage units prohibit perishable items such as meat, poultry, milk, eggs, and raw fruits or vegetables. Containers that were once used for food are sometimes also prohibited. You shouldn’t store belongings that are susceptible to mold, mildew, or other unwanted pests in self-storage units.

Fur clothing

Some self-storage facilities have fur restrictions. It’s not a common rule, but you should verify with your self-storage facility. Some companies say fur clothing isn’t allowed, while others ask you to keep your comfy status symbols in a climate-controlled storage unit (fur is more likely to molt at high temperatures).

Hazardous materials

Every dangerous substance that you can imagine is prohibited by self-storage facilities. You should check the storage unit rules for specific items, but you won’t be able to put these items in storage units.

• Acid
• Compressed gas
• Fertilizer
• Fireworks
• Gasoline
• Grease
• Kerosene
• Narcotics
• Paint
• Propane tanks

Things that are alive (and dead).

Living things are not allowed in storage units according to the rules. It doesn’t matter if the item is a small plant or a zombie, it’s forbidden. It is illegal to keep any of these items inside a storage unit.

• Animals
• Ashes (human and animal)
• Dead organisms
• Flowers
• People
• Plants

Money

Many self-storage facilities won’t allow you to keep cash in your unit. This is enough to put an end to Walter White’s meth kingpin status on Breaking Bad. It’s not realistic for us to hide cash in storage units like TV criminals.

Irreplaceable and priceless items

Although a storage unit may seem like a great place to store old school assignments or high school yearbooks it is not possible for all self-storage facilities to allow you to keep items that are too precious. It could be due to how rare items are to sell at auction (and how upset it would make you to lose valuable mementos), or how difficult it is for you to determine an insurance value to items you consider precious.

Some storage companies encourage you to store valuables, while others take the opposite approach. Although it can seem confusing, there are simple ways to find the answers.

If you need to store these items, iStorage Self Storage recommends that you contact your local storage company.

• Antiques
• Award and trophies
• Baby clothes
• Baby toys
• Baseball cards (and all other sports cards).
• Family heirlooms
• Gifts
• Jewelry
• Documents legal
• Medical bills
• Photo albums
• Assignments for school
• Scrapbooks
• Silverware
• Wedding dresses
• Yearbooks

Also, make sure you choose a storage company that offers strong security. We recommend a secure facility with an exterior gate, interior lighting, video surveillance and a website dedicated to security features.

Tires

Tires are often prohibited. Although you may occasionally find a storage facility that will allow tires, most do not.

1. Charges for disposal. Disposal fees. Most states have a tire disposal fee. It’s not cheap. If the storage facility sells your stuff in a storage unit auction because you can’t pay rent, the costs add up. Blacklisting tires can help you to stop the problem from getting out of hand.
2. Fires. Tire fires can be difficult to extinguish and are very harmful for the environment. Companies shouldn’t allow them to be stored in their storage areas.

Do I need to insure my storage?

We recommend that all items are properly insured before storing them. This will give you security and help to replace items that get lost or damaged while they are in storage. Some storage facilities offer protection against loss or damage – for a nominal fee. Many storage facilities also offer affordable self-storage insurance options. Your belongings might already be covered by homeowner’s or renter insurance. Before purchasing additional insurance, though, be sure to consult with your insurance agent about your existing policy first.