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Self storage units can accommodate so many items. But while some items are absolutely prohibited, others are often rejected by many self storage units. Some of the items that are rejected in one self storage unit might be accepted in another.
However, some items are generally unacceptable regardless of the self-storage unit you choose. So, how can you tell the difference? We’ve compiled a list of such items that are unacceptable in self-storage units to help you plan your storage options ahead.
10 Items That Are Often Rejected Or Prohibited In Self Storage Units
1. Firearms and Guns
Many self storage units do not accept any firearm including revolvers, pistols, rifles, shotguns etc. However, some self storage units specialize in storing firearms.
If you find a self storage unit that agrees to store firearms, ask for their license. Check if they are rated by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and go online to read reviews about their services.
2. Pressure vessels and Aerosols
Before storing any item in self storage units, ask the operators if the item is allowed. Pressure vessels and aerosols are some of the items that are prohibited in self storage units.
Aerosol and pressure vessels such as gas cylinders may explode due to extreme increase in temperature causing fire and damaging several other items in a self storage unit. As a result of this, many self storage units do not accept pressure vessels and aerosols.
3. Pets and Plants
Self storage units do not store pets regardless of the pet’s species or size. Also, many self storage units do not store plants as they can wither and die while in storage. So, pets and plants are some of the items not allowed in self storage units.
4. Explosives
Explosives are generally prohibited in self storage units. Explosives include kerosene, fireworks and gasoline. The key is if the item or material can cause or trigger a fire, odds are self storage units will turn it down.
This is done to keep all the items in the entire self storage units safer. A fire outbreak can cause untold damage in self storage units.
5. Medical items
Medical items are generally not permitted in self storage units. Items such as X-ray machines, prescriptions, heart monitors etc. The key is to ask the unit operators for what is allowed and what is not.
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6. Items with a strong odor
Many self storage units do not store items with a strong odor. Items with a strong odor such as colognes and perfumes can cause a negative reaction on other stored items.
Whether the odor is considered good or bad, once it is strong enough to have an effect on other items, chances are it could be turned down. You should ask the self storage company you’re considering about this before making up your mind.
7. Tires
Many self storage units do not store tires because they are difficult to get rid of. While a self storage unit can allow you to store a car, chances are they wouldn’t allow you to include any more than the four tires already on it.
This is so because many storage facility users disappear and leave their items to the self storage unit to dispose of.
8. Hazardous Materials
To avoid damages to other people’s items, hazardous materials such as acids, disinfectants, toxic substances, radioactive materials, fungicides and chemicals are not allowed in self storage units. Chances are you’d get turned down any time you try to store any of these items in a self storage unit.
9. Any illegal item
If you store any illegal item without the consent of the self storage unit operators, that item is still illegal. The facility operators wouldn’t cover up for you once they discover you have an illegal item in your rented space.
10. Jewelry or extremely valuable items
Some self storage units specialize in storing jewelries and other valuables. But some will turn down any jewelry or valuable for safety and security reasons or inability to provide necessary insurance to cover such items.
If you intend to store jewelries or any valuable item, ask the unit operators about their insurance options and the safety of stored items.
Enquire before storing items
If you intend to store items in any self storage unit, ask the unit operators for a list of prohibited items. That way, you wouldn’t end up with a pile of items without a place to store them. Learn how to choose the right self storage units for your items.
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