What Not to Store in a Storage Unit?

Renting a storage unit is often a practical solution for managing extra belongings during major life changes like moving or downsizing. Yet, it is easy to make some common mistakes that can make using these spaces more complicated than it needs to be. In this guide, we will cover these frequent missteps and offer straightforward tips to help you avoid them. We will also discuss what items are not suitable for storage and how to best arrange your storage space.

Common Storage Mistakes

Effective storage involves more than just picking any unit and filling it up. Avoid these typical errors to prevent future complications:

• Choosing the Wrong Location: It is best to choose a storage facility that is conveniently located. If your storage unit is far away or difficult to access, you might find yourself wasting time and fuel. A facility close to home or along a route you often travel can save you a lot of hassle.
• Skipping Insurance: It might be tempting to save a few dollars by not insuring your stored items, but this can be a costly mistake. Storage insurance protects against potential risks like theft or damage, providing peace of mind that your belongings are covered.
• Labeling Lapses: Forgetting to label your boxes clearly can lead to frustration when you need to find specific items. Simple, clear labels help you know exactly where things are, saving you time and trouble.
• Poor Planning: Guessing the amount of space you need can lead to problems. A unit too small will be cramped and disorganized, while a too-large unit is unnecessarily expensive. Carefully assess how much space you need for personal items or business storage.

What Not to Put in a Storage Unit?

• Flammable or Combustible Items: Avoid storing anything that could catch fire, such as paint thinners, gasoline, or fireworks. These items can pose serious risks to not only your belongings but also to others stored nearby.
• Weapons and Ammunition: Storing weapons and ammunition is not only dangerous but also typically violates storage facility policies and local laws. These items should be kept in secure, specialized facilities that comply with all legal requirements.
• Perishable Food Products: Never store perishable goods that can spoil and attract pests. Keeping food in your unit can lead to unpleasant odors and pest infestations.
• Wet Items: Storing items that are damp can cause mold and mildew to develop, potentially damaging everything in your unit. Make sure everything is dry before you store it.
• Unregistered Vehicles or Stolen Goods:It is illegal to store unregistered vehicles and stolen goods in a storage unit. These items can lead to legal complications and potential criminal charges.
• Animals or Plants: Never store living things, such as animals or plants, in a storage unit. It is inhumane for animals and inappropriate for plants, as these environments lack the necessary light, air, and temperature control to sustain life.
• Valuable Items:High-value items like cash, jewelry, or important documents should be kept in more secure locations. Storage units can be secure, but they are generally not as safe as a bank or a personal safe

Best Practices for Efficient Storage

Pack Smart

Maximizing your storage unit’s efficiency starts with selecting sturdy boxes that support a good amount of weight and stack well. This saves space and keeps your things safe. While packing, it is important to balance the weight inside each box by placing heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. This setup not only makes the boxes easier to manage but also prevents damage from excessive weight on lower-stacked items.

Choose the Right Size Unit

The size of your storage unit should match the quantity and type of items you plan to store. Whether you are stashing away boxes of household goods or larger items like furniture during a move, taking stock of everything before you choose a unit can prevent headaches later. An appropriately sized unit avoids the issues of cramped spaces that could damage your items or oversized ones that waste money on unneeded space.

Invest in Quality Packing Materials

A thoughtfully arranged storage unit saves you both time and effort. Organize your space by placing frequently needed items towards the front and less-used items in the back. Make use of shelving units to keep boxes off the ground, which not only prevents moisture-related damage but also makes it easier to access and retrieve items without disrupting the entire setup. This kind of strategic organization makes your storage unit more accessible and user-friendly.

Organize Strategically

Securing your belongings with high-quality packing materials is crucial. Opt for robust moving boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper to ensure the safety of your items. Avoid using newspapers as the ink may stain your possessions, causing damage that is difficult to recover from. Instead, packing paper offers a clean and safe alternative, keeping your items in top condition while stored.

Avoiding Substandard Storage Conditions

Storing Tires

• PROBLEM: Tires can degrade over time if not stored correctly. They require specific environmental conditions to maintain their structure and effectiveness.
• SOLUTION: Avoid storing tires in standard storage units where temperature and humidity cannot be controlled. If you must store tires, consider using climate-controlled units that can prevent the rubber from becoming brittle and cracking.

Using Newspapers as Wrapping Material

• PROBLEM: The ink from newspapers can smear and transfer onto items, causing permanent stains, especially on porous materials like fabric or paper.
• SOLUTION: Use purpose-made packing paper instead of newspapers. Packing paper is clean, ink-free, and provides better protection for your belongings during storage.

Storing Items with Strong Odors

• PROBLEM: Items with strong odors can affect other stored goods, causing smells to permeate and potentially damage other items.
• SOLUTION: Seal items with strong odors in airtight containers before placing them in storage. Alternatively, consider special storage methods like cedar chips or charcoal absorbers within the unit to neutralize odors.

Security Measures for Valuable Possessions

• PROBLEM: Valuable items such as artwork, electronics, and personal documents are at higher risk of theft or damage in standard storage settings.
• SOLUTION: Opt for storage units with enhanced security features like 24-hour surveillance, controlled access, and individual alarms. For extremely valuable items, consider renting a safety deposit box or a specialized facility with higher security standards.

Choosing Lakeside Storage Facility for Your Storage Needs

Lakeside Storage in Leesburg, FL provides customized solutions that cater to a wide range of storage needs. Our facility is equipped with advanced security systems to ensure all your belongings, from personal items to boat storage and car storage, are always protected. We offer flexible leasing options and a variety of unit sizes, which make it easy to find the perfect fit for your storage requirements, whether you are storing a few boxes or an entire household.

FAQs: Safe Storage Practices