What Is Illegal To Store In A Storage Unit?

Self-storage is a major trend that can provide benefits for those who are moving, wanting to declutter, or looking to downsize their home. Storage units do have rules, though, including what is illegal to store inside them. There are some strong chemicals, stolen goods, or random objects that can be banned from a storage facility. These guidelines are put in place to protect your items, other renters’ belongings, and the structure of the storage facility. 

Counterfeit Items

Counterfeit items or money are illegal in any sense and can not be hidden inside your storage unit. Keeping or creating counterfeit items inside a self-storage unit will lead to intense legal action and severe consequences. While it is possible for storage units to be used as a business hub, any illegal activity or operations are prohibited. Not only could you face criminal consequences, but the storage facility could also face legal trouble after a scam or crime is committed on its property. 

Corrosive Substances, Fertilizers, Or Poisons

Corrosive substances and hazardous materials are not allowed to be stored inside your storage unit due to obvious safety concerns. A storage facility wants to minimize the risk of fire or toxic fumes, so items like ammonia, kerosene, bleach, antifreeze, paint thinner, and matches are all prohibited. You can check if an item is hazardous by looking at the label and looking for warnings that tell you to keep it away from flames or that it could burn your eyes, skin, or throat. 

Fireworks And Explosives

Similar to hazardous materials, fireworks are another fire danger that could damage your items, the facility, or the belongings of others. Keeping fireworks out of your storage unit prevents them from going off accidentally and setting multiple units on fire. High temperatures or friction could set off fireworks quickly, leading to severe destruction. Even if the fireworks are legal in your state, they can purposely or accidentally injure someone. Before storing New Year’s Eve decor or 4th of July bins, make sure fireworks or sparklers are removed. 

Animals Or Plants

This might seem like common sense, but living things (including people) can not be kept in a storage unit. Dead animals, people, and plants are also illegal to store in a storage unit. Anything that is living, like house plants or a small pet, will not be able to thrive in a storage unit and can lead to a large criminal suit for their owners. While many of us can’t envision keeping a dog or cat inside a storage unit, animals in cages or aquariums are also prohibited because of the lack of fresh air and light. 

Plants and soil can attract unwanted pests and foster moisture and mold. Even old pots that are cleaned and emptied can still pose a risk of bacterial growth. Avoid bugs, mice, or other pests from attacking your storage unit, and keep all living or previously living items out of storage.

Tires

A seemingly random object that is illegal to store in a storage unit is tires. There are two good reasons that storage units ban the storage of rubber tires: tire fires and steep disposal fees. If someone leaves tires inside a storage unit and the facility is forced to clear it out, disposing of tires is often very expensive. Recycling rubber so it doesn’t end up in a landfill can cost several dollars per tire. 

Burning rubber can cause extensive heat and toxic smoke to fill the air. These fires are difficult to extinguish and can expand quickly before a fire team can get them under control. Tire smoke is extremely toxic and poses significant health risks. Instead of risking these damaging fires, storage facilities will ban them altogether.

Weapons And Ammunition

Firearms, ammunition, hand grenades, and flame throwers are some of the most dangerous things to keep in storage. Weapons of any kind are illegal to store because of the high risk of going off accidentally. It is also a large liability for the facility if another renter is injured or their property is damaged because of weapons in your unit. If the unit goes up for auction, it can also pose a number of issues for the facility or buyers to navigate.

Properly Using Your Self-Storage Unit

Using this as a guide before storing your belongings can help you use your storage unit properly. If something is illegal to store, it should be kept in your home or a backyard storage shed. For other decor items, seasonal recreational items, and old furniture, a climate-controlled storage unit can be a great solution. 700 Block Storage offers multiple-sized storage units that can keep your items safe, mold-free, and clean. If you are ready to reserve your unit, reach out to us to schedule your rental.