12 Items You Shouldn’t Keep in a Storage Unit
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: You shouldn’t store hazardous materials, flammable liquids, perishable items, living creatures, weapons, or ammunition in a storage unit. Illegal items, stolen goods, and items that could damage the storage unit or your other belongings shouldn’t be stored, either.
At moveBuddha, we help thousands of people find movers and storage companies, and we know exactly which items are off-limits, which are risky, and how to keep your belongings safe.
Use this guide to confidently pack your storage unit, avoid costly errors, and protect your stuff.
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Quick reference: What can and can’t go in a storage unit
Here’s a straightforward look at what’s typically allowed (and what’s not) in most self-storage facilities. Always confirm your facility’s specific rules before you load your unit.
| Allowed in storage | Prohibited in storage |
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Jump to our on-page storage checklist to prep faster.
What not to put in a storage unit: List of prohibited items
Here’s a closer look at the most common storage unit restrictions, plus the reasons these rules exist. If you’re ever unsure about a specific item, ask your facility manager before moving your stuff in.
Food (perishable and non‑perishable)
All food, including canned goods and sealed snacks, can attract pests, mold, and unpleasant smells. Even “non‑perishable” food can spoil in storage conditions.
Hazardous materials
Anything flammable, corrosive, or toxic is off‑limits. This includes gasoline, oil, paint, lighter fluid, cleaning supplies, pesticides, acids, and compressed gases. These items are dangerous to both your belongings and the entire storage facility.
- Common examples: Propane tanks, paint thinner, fireworks, fertilizers, bleach, butane, kerosene, pool chemicals, large aerosol cans, automotive fluids.
Weapons and ammunition
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives are prohibited for safety and legal reasons. Storing these can put both you and the facility at risk of serious consequences.
Living or dead plants, animals, or insects
No living things or preserved specimens should go into a storage unit. They can cause odors, attract pests, and create health hazards. This ban often includes ashes, dried flowers, and taxidermy items.
Related: Check out our guide to safely moving plants.
Stolen or illegal goods
If it’s not legal to own, it’s not legal to store. Storage facilities are required to report suspicious or illegal items.
Cash, valuables, and irreplaceable items
Keep cash, jewelry, rare collectibles, and important documents in a safer location. Storage insurance rarely covers these in case of theft, fire, or missed payments leading to auction. Consider a bank box or UL‑rated home safe instead.
Unregistered or nonoperational vehicles and tires
Vehicles must be registered, insured, and drivable. Storing loose tires is usually banned due to fire risk and disposal costs. Bring current registration and insurance paperwork if you plan to store a vehicle.
Need to move your vehicle? Explore our top picks for car shipping companies.
Wet or damp items
Moisture leads to mold, mildew, and ruined belongings. Dry everything thoroughly before storage, including furniture, clothing, and gear.
Strongly scented or flammable items
Perfumes, candles, essential oils, and anything with a strong odor can leak, attract pests, or pose a fire hazard.
Radioactive materials
Anything radioactive, even in small amounts, is strictly forbidden for obvious safety and liability reasons.
Fur clothing, wine/alcohol, and poorly protected artwork
Furs and wine need specialty climate controls to prevent damage. Standard storage will ruin them. Artwork should be wrapped and stored with care to avoid loss from moisture or temperature swings.
Paper, cardboard, and textiles at risk of mold or pests
Poorly packed books, documents, cardboard, and textiles are magnets for pests and mold. Store these in sealed bins and use climate control when possible.
Pesticides and cleaning chemicals
These can leak, combust, or create toxic fumes, which are hazardous to your belongings and others’ units.
Edge cases: Alcohol and cleaning supplies
Most storage facilities ban alcohol and open containers of cleaning products due to fire hazards and the risk of spills. Always check your facility’s list of prohibited items for clarification. For more guidance on facility differences, see our comparison of temporary storage options.
Why are these items prohibited from storage units?
Banning certain items in storage units protects you, your belongings, and the facility. Here’s why these restrictions exist.
- Pest attraction: Food and organic materials attract rodents, insects, and mold.
- Fire and explosion risk: Flammable and chemical items increase the risk of fires and leaks.
- Legal issues: Illegal goods, weapons, and hazardous materials can lead to fines or criminal charges.
- Theft and loss risk: Cash and irreplaceable items aren’t insured like they would be in a bank or safe deposit box.
- Facility rules and liability: Laws and insurance policies require most facilities to restrict risky items.
- Environmental hazards: Leaks or fires can harm the local environment and neighboring units.
Items that require special care (but aren’t banned)
Some belongings aren’t prohibited, but they do need extra attention to prevent damage during storage. If you’re storing anything sensitive, a climate‑controlled storage unit is often worth it.
- Electronics: Use climate control when possible. Wrap electronics with anti‑static materials and avoid cardboard in humid areas.
- Artwork: Wrap it in acid‑free paper, store upright, and use climate control to prevent warping or fading.
- Furniture: Clean and dry furniture before storing, and disassemble it when possible. Use breathable covers, never plastic, on wood or leather.
- Appliances: Defrost, drain, and clean your appliances thoroughly. Leave doors slightly open to prevent mold.
- Textiles and clothing: Wash, dry, and store in sealed bins with moisture absorbers.
- Paper and cardboard: Place in airtight containers; paper is highly susceptible to moisture and pests.
- Metal objects: Apply rust inhibitor and avoid direct contact with concrete floors.
“I stored my antique record player and guitars in a PODS unit. I made sure they were in cases, padded, and elevated — no issues on arrival. If you care about it, protect it like you’re shipping it across the country.”
Climate and storage type: What’s safe where?
Not all storage units are created equal. Picking the right type can make a big difference in how your items hold up over time.
Indoor vs. outdoor storage
Indoor units offer better protection from temperature swings, pests, and the elements. Outdoor units work well for sturdy items like tools or vehicles but don’t provide the same level of protection.
Climate‑controlled vs. standard units
Climate‑controlled storage keeps your unit at a safe temperature and humidity level that’s ideal for electronics, wood furniture, artwork, and musical instruments. Standard units are fine for items that aren’t sensitive to moisture or heat, like some plastics and metal tools.
Regional climate impact
Your local climate should influence your storage choices. If you’re on the fence, compare storage unit prices and upgrade to climate control for anything delicate.
- High humidity (e.g., Florida, the South): Higher risk of mold, rust, and pests. Seal and elevate your items and avoid cardboard.
- Cold or wet climates: Moisture causes warping and mildew. Use desiccants and breathable covers to help.
- Hot/dry climates: Heat can melt, warp, or dry out certain items. Keep any electronics and wood out of non‑climate units to avoid damage.
How to prepare and pack items for storage: Step‑by‑step
Protect your belongings and minimize headaches by following these packing strategies. For packing specialty items, check out our guides on packing electronics and breakables.
- Clean everything. Dirt, crumbs, and moisture attract pests and mold. Wipe down all your items before packing.
- Dry completely. Let textiles, mattresses, and gear air out before boxing them up.
- Use the right packing materials. Think plastic bins for clothes, papers, and electronics (with silica gel packs); breathable furniture covers, and bubble or anti‑static wrap for breakables.
- Disassemble large furniture. Wrap furniture parts separately and keep hardware in labeled bags.
- Elevate items off the floor. Use pallets or shelves to guard against water damage.
- Organize with hooks and shelves. Hang bikes, tools, and sports gear to save space and prevent damage.
- Label everything. Use waterproof markers and keep an inventory list for insurance and easy access.
Storage unit rules and regulations
Always double‑check your storage contract and ask questions before move‑in. Rules can vary by facility and location.
- Facility rules: Most provide a clear list of prohibited items. When in doubt, ask before loading up your unit.
- Local and state laws: Some states have stricter bans (e.g., no alcohol, stricter chemical restrictions). If you’re storing during a move, see our guide to moving company storage.
- Insurance coverage: Standard storage insurance often excludes cash, jewelry, and some natural disasters. Consider third‑party coverage for high‑value items and review our moving insurance guide.
- Not sure? Snap a photo and email your facility manager for clarification. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
“I stored several glass tables and family heirlooms short‑term while house‑hunting. The facility walked me through what I could and couldn’t store — and suggested insurance for the valuables. No regrets.”
Alternative storage solutions for prohibited items
If you need to store items that aren’t allowed in traditional storage units, here are safer alternatives:
- Cash, jewelry, important documents: Use a bank safe deposit box for maximum security.
- Wine and alcohol: Store in a wine cellar or specialty climate‑controlled wine storage facility.
- Artwork, furs: Use an art or fur storage service with climate and security controls.
- Hazardous materials: Contact your city’s hazardous waste disposal program for safe handling.
- Vehicles: Choose a licensed auto storage provider with security and insurance.
- Sensitive electronics: Consider a UL‑rated home safe or secure off‑site vault with climate control.
Frequently asked questions: Storage unit prohibited items
Can I store alcohol in a storage unit?
Can I store cleaning supplies?
Can I put my bike in storage?
Is it safe to keep electronics in a storage unit?
How do I safely store furniture?
What security and insurance should I look for in a storage unit?
On‑page storage unit checklist
Use this checklist as a final sweep before you lock the unit. (Pro tip: snap a photo of the packed unit for your records.)
- Pre‑packing: Everything is clean, dry, and labeled; valuables and documents are stored elsewhere.
- Containers: Sensitive items go in sealed plastic bins; cardboard is minimized in humid climates.
- Protection: Furniture is covered with breathable materials; electronics are padded with anti‑static wrap.
- Layout: Heavy items on the bottom; aisles left for access; items elevated on pallets or shelves.
- Prohibited items: No food, fuel, chemicals, ammo, plants/animals, cash/jewelry, loose tires, or wet items.
- Paper trail: Insurance reviewed, autopay set up, and photos taken of contents and lock.
Final tips: Move with confidence
Keep these final pointers in mind to protect your belongings and avoid headaches down the road.
- Check your facility’s rules before packing. Regulations can change, so confirm your unit’s allowed items.
- Opt for climate control for sensitive belongings. Electronics, artwork, and wood furniture last longer in stable conditions.
- Prep and dry everything; use proper packing materials. The right prep now prevents big problems later.
- Don’t risk storing prohibited items. Find safe, legal alternatives for valuables and hazardous goods.
- Still unsure? Use our moving cost calculator to plan your move and compare moving and storage company options.
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