Storage containers are becoming more and more popular each year for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and portability. They’re also highly versatile and can be used to store seasonal gear, belongings during a move, business inventory, and more. However, there are a few types of items that should never be stored inside a storage unit.

Perishable Food

Storing perishable items like food in a storage unit can attract pests and lead to unpleasant odors, mold, and health hazards. When food items spoil, not only do they become inedible, but they can also leak and cause damage to surrounding items, costing you even more in cleanup and potential damages. It’s also against the rules at many storage locations, potentially resulting in fines or eviction.

Hazardous Materials

Flammable, toxic, or explosive materials are strictly prohibited in storage units due to safety and environmental concerns. Storing them can lead to serious legal consequences and endanger both your items and others' stored belongings, posing a significant safety risk to everyone involved. If you have these items, take care to dispose of them properly and responsibly rather than placing them in a storage unit.

Firearms and Ammunition

Many storage facilities have strict rules against storing firearms and ammunition, which can pose a security risk. Failure to comply may result in immediate lease termination and legal repercussions. Improperly stored firearms can also lead to theft, accidental discharges, or misuse, putting lives at risk.

Valuables

High-value items like jewelry, cash, and important documents are better kept in a secure location at home or in a bank-safe deposit box. Storage units are not designed for such items and may lack the necessary security measures, putting your most valuable possessions at risk of theft or damage. Losing these items could result in substantial financial losses and emotional distress.

Electronics

Extreme temperatures and humidity fluctuations in storage units can damage electronics. If you have to store them, choose a climate-controlled unit and take precautions to protect them from dust and moisture, or else it will be costly to replace them.

Personal Hygiene Products

Storing personal hygiene items like toiletries, cosmetics, and skincare products in a storage unit can lead to temperature-related degradation, making them less effective or even harmful for use. Extreme temperatures can cause these items to spoil, separate, or lose their potency, potentially leading to skin issues or other health concerns.

Important Legal Documents

Storing essential legal documents such as wills, deeds, passports, or birth certificates in a storage unit increases the risk of loss or damage. If you ever need to access these documents in a hurry or in an emergency, the inconvenience and potential loss of irreplaceable paperwork can lead to significant legal and personal complications. It's advisable to keep these documents in a secure, easily accessible place.

Wet Items

It’s a good idea to clean your belongings before placing them in storage– but make sure they’re thoroughly dried! Storing wet items, such as clothing or waterlogged furniture, can quickly lead to mold and mildew. In addition to the resulting foul odors and potential damage to other items nearby, moisture can also attract pests and cause rust or corrosion on metal items. If you live in a more humid location, you may want to consider using moisture-absorbing products to maintain a dry environment within the unit.

Mobile Storage Solutions in Southern Utah

Based in Cedar City, Utah, AAA Mobile Storage provides shipping container sourcing, rentals, sales, and modifications to customers throughout Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.

We can help you find and modify the perfect shipping container for your needs and budget in order to make your life easier, whether you’re using the storage container for moving, storing seasonal gear, business purposes, or any other reason. We carry durable, steel-walled shipping containers in a variety of sizes that can protect your belongings from water, dust, and pests. Contact us today to learn more.