Using a self-storage unit is a convenient way to keep belongings you don’t need everyday but not everything is safe or permitted to be stored. Below are key categories of items you should not store in a typical self-storage unit, and why. 1. Hazardous MaterialsStorage facilities generally prohibit items that are toxic, flammable, combustible or corrosive. These include gasoline, propane tanks, paint thinner, motor oil, bleach, acid, explosives, compressed gas, and similar materials. The reason: these items pose serious safety risks to your property, neighbouring units, and the facility itself.2. Perishable Food Items & Items That Attract PestsFood, especially fresh or perishable items, are usually banned because they can spoil, leak, attract rodents or insects, produce odours, and damage surrounding items. Even sealed shelf-stable foods may pose issues. 3. Living Beings and PlantsLive animals or plants are not appropriate for storage units. Animals require care, ventilation, light and often temperature/light control which units don’t provide. Plants can die quickly, invite pests, or create moisture issues. 4. Irreplaceable or Extremely Valuable ItemsWhile many items can safely go into storage, if something is truly irreplaceable - family heirlooms, original artwork, critical documents, sentimental collections, you may want to keep them closer or in climate-controlled, secure circumstances. Storage units carry some risk and often standard insurance doesn’t cover high-value losses fully.5. Weapons, Ammunition Weapons and ammunition are typically banned because of liability, safety and legal concerns. 6. Wet, Damp or Odorous ItemsItems that are damp, wet or strongly scented can cause mould, mildew, damage to adjacent items, and attract pests. Things like wet clothing, damp equipment, unused oil pans or un-emptied fuel containers should not be stored unless fully cleaned, dried and safe.7. Using the Unit as Living Space or WorkspaceMost storage facilities explicitly ban living in the unit or using it as a workspace (sleeping, cooking, plumbing). Storage units lack ventilation, plumbing, proper lighting or zoning approval for habitation/work operations and doing so violates lease terms and local codes.Why These Rules MatterSafety: Fire, explosion, chemical leaks or infestation risk pose danger to the facility, your items and other renters.Preservation: Even items allowed for storage may degrade if exposed to moisture, pests, extreme temperature swings or other adverse conditions.Neighbor impact: One person’s prohibited item (e.g., rotting food or propane tank) can affect many adjacent storage units via odour, pests or hazards.How to Use This List EffectivelyCheck your facility’s lease and “prohibited items” list - Policies vary between facilities.Declutter carefully before you pack - Remove anything that might spoil, leak, attract pests or be risky.Ensure items are clean, dry and safe - Especially if storing seasonal gear, engines, kayaks.Use climate-controlled units for sensitive items - If you must store items prone to moisture or heat damage, consider a unit with humidity/temperature control.Keep documentation or valuables elsewhere - Important documents, heirlooms or items with emotional value may be safer in your home, a bank safe deposit box or similar secure environment.Label and organize - Avoid cluttering your unit with mixed items, which can hide problems (mould, leaks, pests) and make retrieval harder.A storage unit can be an excellent tool when used properly whether you’re downsizing, traveling, moving, or simply freeing up space at home. But storing the wrong stuff can lead to unexpected costs, loss of items, or worse. If you follow the guidelines above, and confirm the rules with your storage facility, you’ll minimize risk and maximize the benefit of your storage unit.When you’re ready to store, Sparks Storage offers clean, secure units with friendly support so you can store with confidence in the Sparks and Spanish Springs area.
