You just rented a storage unit so you can clear out some of the stuff piled up at home. Now you need to know what you can put into storage. Beyond the general rule of thumb – if it’s illegal to own, it’s illegal to put into storage – there are other things you should never put into storage lockers.

Hazardous Materials Need Proper Disposal

Hazardous materials are not allowed in storage lockers. Even if you pay for a climate controlled unit, these materials are not allowed. Understanding what might be considered hazardous can be challenging. Most storage facilities don’t allow corrosives, flammable materials, and chemical waste. This can include chemical cleaning agents, propane tanks or even a spare lawnmower if you forgot to drain the gas tank. If something happens and your property or someone else’s property is damaged by your hazardous materials, you can be held liable.

Keep Perishables At Home

Perishable items are not allowed in storage units due to the simple fact that they can draw vermin. If you wind up with thirty boxes of cereal, think about donating some to your local food bank or figuring out a way to store them at home. Putting them in a storage locker can draw ants, rodents and other vermin that may destroy your property as they nest in your locker, chowing down on the dinner you graciously provided.

Storage Lockers Aren’t Gun Lockers

If you need a safe place to store a firearm, check with your local gun range or shop. They often have facilities available for gun storage. Munitions left in a storage unit can explode, possibly injuring someone and definitely destroying property. Guns and ammunition need to be stored off premises.

What Can You Store in a Storage Locker?

While there are many things that should never go in a storage locker, the extra space can come in handy. If you have a lot of seasonal decorations, storage units make a lot of sense. If you swap out your knick knacks or change your wardrobe with the seasons, off-site storage can help combat small closet syndrome. Extra furniture can go into a storage locker or extra product if you run a business. If you find a great sale on office supplies, pop the extra boxes in your unit. Storage lockers can give you much needed extra closet space for things you don’t need to get to on a daily basis.