Ten Things Not to Put into a Storage Unit

Here it is. The easyStorage list of things not to put into a storage unit:

1. Chemicals

Chemical fumes can mix and cause problems, even explosions. But there are some things we often don’t think of as chemicals that should be included on the ‘don’t store’ list:

• fertilizers

• cleaning products including bleach, ammonia and car cleaning liquids

• solvents like nail polish remover (acetone)

• turpentine, paint stripper and paint thinner

• paint

2. Flammable gases and liquids

Often kept as fuel or for cars, these include:

• kerosene

• butane

• gasoline

• diesel (including red diesel)

• propane

• oil or petrol

Their fumes and high flammability put your things, and those of other people, at risk.

3. Explosive things

These include:

• Fireworks

• Gunpowder

• Explosives (with or without detonators)

• Bombs

• Flamethrowers

• Mortars

• Bazookas

• Air tanks (divers’ tanks, oxygen support tanks)

We think it’s obvious why, but just to spell it out, we’re keeping people’s belongings safe.

4. Stolen Goods

Hiding them in storage is a little obvious, perhaps?

5. Vehicles

We regret being unable to store cars, engines, boats etc. But our franchisees are well connected, so it never hurst to ask them if they know somewhere suitable.  Many of them have strong contacts within the building and property development industries and may be able to make recommendations.

6. Perishables

Food stuffs and even dry pet food in bags can attract rodents or insects, and encourage bacteria and mould problems.

Even canned food can create problems.

If you are unsure, ask the easyStorage staff.

7. Wet things and liquids

Things put into storage should be clean and dry.

Anything damp or wet can attract mould and mildew, and can get really smelly.

Make sure everything’s dry, including any watersports equipment and clothing.

Liquids present different problems. Leaks can destroy things around them, and encourage mould - even if the water’s clean.

8. Living things

Plants need sunlight to survive and may die in storage. They can also attract bugs and pests. If they need to take their chances, putting them outside is a better option than storage.

Similarly animals need oxygen, light, space to move, etc. Storage isn’t even a great place for hibernating animals. No-one can monitor them, and if they die they’ll attract vermin and insects, to say nothing of the stench they’ll create which will spread through all of your belongings.

Fish tanks need good ventilation and power, fish need food and the water in they’re in needs cleaning and topping up.

Storage units aren’t great for homeless people or refugees to live either. There are no facilities and a lack of oxygen.

9. Dead Things

Maybe you can’t bear parting with the coffin that your nearest and dearest is in, but a storage unit is not the place for them. As we mentioned above, dead things attract vermin and insects, to say nothing of the stench they create.

But it’s not just bodies.  Anything that’s deteriorating is going to create issues in a storage unit.

And it’s not limited to ‘whole’ dead things. Amputated limbs, medical tissue samples etc, meats, . untreated animal pelts are similarly unwelcome.

10. Hooch

Maybe you feel that a storage unit is the perfect place to leave your home brew, moonshine or hooch to ferment. Sorry, wrong again!

First up, storage units are rarely sterile, but more importantly, the fermentation can cause explosions.

Then consider the issues with water.

No, however appealing it may seem, storage is genuinely not the place to be brewing or distilling.

At easyStorage there are rules around what can and can’t be stored for everyone’s benefit. If you’re unsure about something, contact your easyStorage staff. And if you don’t yet have storage but want some *and aren’t planning on storing any of the above) easyStorage is here to give you a (surprisingly good value) quote: https://book.easystorage.com/

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