Wednesday 30 October 2013

What you Can and Can't Put in Storage

Storage units are a great way of cleaning out your home and practically anything can be stored in them, whether it’s books and kitchen utensils or antique furniture and clothes and garden equipment. 

However, this doesn’t mean that everything can be stored; there are some items that can be dangerous if left enclosed for long periods so here is a quick rundown on what kind of things you shouldn’t put into a storage unit.

What not to put in storage:

  • Any organic or living materials – although this may sound obvious there have been cases where people actually kept their pets in a storage unit, or even slept there themselves!  Plants need sunlight and water to thrive and will simply die if left in a dark storage space, and people simply shouldn’t be there!
  • Any food that can go off – decomposing food will start to smell and attract insects and flies.
  • Anything of very high value, or personal documents.
  • Substances that are toxic, poisonous and flammable – this includes things like paint, gas bottles, chemicals, medical waste and methane gas as the fumes can build up and be very dangerous within a confined space
  • Firearms, ammunition or explosives. There are specialised places for these kinds of items.
  • Anything wet as this can cause mould to grow which will affect everything in the unit and could ultimately destroy it.
  • Photographs can be put into storage but could get damaged. If you have to, then place them between 2 pieces of cardboards and wrap tape around it as this will stop the corners from curling up and ruining them.
  • Illegal items can’t be kept in a storage unit; this means drugs and stolen goods and anything else the law prohibits.

What you can put in storage:

  • Furniture items that are properly packed or wrapped
  • Kitchen items and silverware that are boxed safely
  • Electrical appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers
  • Collectable items without a large monetary value
  • Books and documents
  • Clothes and materials
  • Promotional materials and displays
  • Patio and garden furniture
  • Large items such as canoes, bicycles or surfboards

It is always best to check with the storage company before putting anything you are unsure about in a unit. A good rule of thumb is that if it is in any way perishable, illegal, or potentially dangerous then it should not be placed in a storage unit.

Keep everything in your unit packed well to avoid any damage and make it easier to sort through when you need access later on. There are lots of tips online that help you organize packing your unit so it’s neat and tidy and the things you might want to access at certain times can be reached easily when needed.


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