For many of us moving to a new home can be an overwhelming task that brings a lot of stress. To circumvent this, many people will often put their items into storage units, as it can be helpful for before and after your move.
It’s understandable to see why. The use of a storage unit can have many added benefits to your move. It can help you to be organized before your moving day. It can help relieve some of the clutter in your home, while you’re in the selling process. And it can also hold items that you’re planning to get rid of, but can’t find a home for just yet.
Although storage units can have many benefits, there are some things that you should keep in mind. While your lease should be the first thing you reference for the details of what exactly is and isn’t allowed, here’s our list of what not to store in a storage unit:
Perishable items
These items should not be stored in a storage unit for a variety of reasons. Canned food is safe, but all other perishable food items shouldn’t be left inside; as they run the risk of rotting, smelling and spoiling in a unit. Common items that are mistakenly left in storage units include meat in freezers; pet food and supplements. If you have perishables during your move, simply bring it with you, donate it, or get rid of it.
Hazardous materials
No matter the circumstance, storage facilities will not store any flammable, explosive or corrosive items for you. Although you may think some items will be fine, such as a gas lawn mower; these items can ignite quickly and easily in an enclosed space. If you do want to store an item(s) that uses gas (or another hazardous material), drain the item before you store it.
Antiques & high-value items
This one should be obvious, but many of us fall victim to trying to find a place for an item in the midst of a move. Irreplaceable items such as photo albums, old furniture or antiques, can be warped or destroyed by extreme temperatures (both hot and cold). If you’re without another option to store these items, make sure to invest in a storage unit that is temperature controlled.
Electronics
The lack of air circulation in storage units means that temperatures can get either incredibly hot or incredibly cold; either of which can seriously damage your electronic items ( computers, televisions and game consoles).
Also keep in mind that before you plan to store large appliances like a freezer or a fridge, know that most facilities will not let you keep them plugged in. Doing so could create a short circuit or a malfunction within the facility.
Items that attract pests
Storing food and other perishables in a storage unit is strongly discouraged, but there are many other items that you should avoid storing as they also have the potential of attracting animals.
Items to avoid:
- Corkboards
- Taxidermy
- Scented candles
- Plants, seeds and soil
- Water jugs
- Birdseed
- Plastic grocery bags
- Foam, including bed covers, pillows, etc.
If you’re in need of storage, all TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® locations offer onsite storage or can refer you to an offsite facility that they regularly work with.
