Getting a storage unit when you are trying to downsize your living situation is very convenient. A storage unit will provide a home away from home for all of your clutter and old belongings that you can't seem to part ways with. There are, however, several things that you are prohibited from storing away in a unit. For example, did you know that you are not allowed to store plants or scented candles and soaps? Before you start to store all of your unwanted belongings, here is a list of some of the items that you will not be able to put inside your unit.

Family Heirlooms

Family heirlooms are often items that take up space in someone's home. Because you are not using at the present time, it may be tempting to store them away in a storage unit. However, doing so will expose your personal effects to severe weather conditions. Though storage units do offer an upgrade to temperature controlled units, this will not provide protection against theft. Owners of storage units cannot guarantee that your unit won't be broken into, so they will prohibit you from storing any precious or valuable effects.

Some of the valuable effects that you need to refrain against storing are:

• Important documents

• Cash or checks

• Old family photos

• Precious jewelry

Hazardous or Toxic Materials

When you think of hazardous or toxic materials, you immediately think of explosives or poisons. However, storage units say that any material that has the potential of damaging their units is considered to be hazardous or toxic material. For example, paint might not seem hazardous, especially if it is sealed and has never been opened. During the hot summer months, however, pressure can build up in the paint can and cause it to combust. Other things that are considered to be hazardous or toxic are:

• Gas cans

• Propane tanks

• Kerosene lamps

 

Food And Perishable Items

Food storage has become increasing popular over the last few decades with people buying non-perishable foods in case of a great natural disaster. Storing this food inside of a storage unit will cause a disaster in itself. You can store canned food items inside of your storage unit because critters can't break into them. However, you are not allowed to store any other food items because the packaging can easily be broken.

Among the foods that you cannot store inside of a storage unit include:

• Perishable food items

• Grains

You are not allowed to use coolers in your unit, so the foods will just rot or attract bugs that could spread and infest other units.

Storage units are very convenient when you are looking for a place to store items that are not used on a daily basis. However, you should know what you can and cannot store before you rent one. Contact a business, such as North Star Mini Storage for more information. 

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