When renting a storage unit to store personal items, one might think that anything can be stored. As a renter, it’s important to read the contract with the self-storage business and know exactly what is permitted in storage and what is not. There are important reasons that these rules exist about what is not permitted to be stored. Factors such as safety, environmental, and security concerns determine whether an item is permitted for storage.
Self-storage owners and operators are wise to review with tenants the complete list of prohibited items to ensure tenants understand what can and cannot be stored. In today’s contactless contracting environment, this can be challenging, but a simple phone call can cover any questions a renter may have and give you the opportunity to discuss each prohibited item.
In Florida, these are the items you cannot store in a self-storage unit.
- Perishable food
- Consumable food
- Produce
- Flammable items
- Combustible items
- Hazardous materials
- Living things – plants
- Living things – pets
- Cash
- Jewelry
- Important documents
- Weapons
- Ammunition
- Wet or damp items
- Unregistered vehicles
- Car tires
- Scented or open toiletries
- Electronics outside of climate control
- Anything illegal
- Anything irreplaceable
One might wonder why self-storage units don’t allow these items. After all, individuals may need a place to store these things. There are very good reasons why these particular items are prohibited in storage.
Perishable, consumable food
Food of any kind, no matter how concealed or sealed, attracts pests. Self-storage units already lend themselves to be a haven for pests. Pests’ ability to smell far exceeds human ability. If there is food, one can be sure that pests will find it. Food is strictly prohibited from all self-storage units.
Flammable, combustible, hazardous items
This one should be obvious, but generally, anything flammable, combustible, or hazardous puts every unit at risk. Flammable items can catch fire, combustible items can combust, and hazardous items don’t belong in storage where your neighbor just wants to store their antique China cabinet and their collection of vintage salt shakers.
Living Things
Plants and pets both attract other pests and unwelcome guests, but on top of that, both plants and pets are living things that need sunlight, exercise, water, and food. Live animals require proper care on a regular basis. Storing live animals in self-storage is prohibited.
Cash, Jewelry, Important Documents
While many self-storage facilities provide excellent security for tenants, these types of businesses can be a target for criminals. It’s important to never store anything in self-storage that is irreplaceable. Self-storage is often quite secure, but not secure enough to store cash, jewelry, or your birth certificate.
Weapons & Ammunition
Storing weapons in a self-storage unit is a liability for both the tenant and the business owner. Weapons should always be stored securely on your person or in your home. Ammunition can be volatile in heat, which is why it can never be stored in a self-storage facility. It puts everyone at risk.
Everything that one stores should be clean, dry, and in good condition prior to storage. Storage and climate conditions tend to cause quicker deterioration of stored items, and as such, it’s important to ensure that stored items are in good condition at the start. Anything wet or damp will grow mold and create other issues in your storage. Excessive heat and cold can cause damage to items in storage.
This article is especially helpful in explaining safe storage practices.
A self-storage contract will specify all that can be stored legally in a storage unit. It’s important to read every item carefully to know what you can store and what you cannot. A smart owner/operator will require initials at each line of items that can be legally stored, and on those items that are not permitted, to ensure that tenants know what is allowed when they sign the contract.
At Coastal Storage, we strive to educate both customers and owners on best practices for self-storage. We not only work to connect owners with the best new properties, but we also work to equip them to be the best owners and operators. Call us today at 904-591-0140 to work with our team of experienced self-storage brokers.
Think before you store it!