SAFE STORAGE TIPS: WHAT YOU CAN & CANNOT STORE
Extra Space Storage strives to provide convenient self storage solutions for residential and commercial customers across the nation, but there are some items that we don’t allow customers to store. If you’re not sure whether you can store certain items in your unit, check out our safe storage tips below!
SAFE TO STORE
Before moving your items into self storage, be sure to double-check that everything you have is safe to store. Here’s a quick rundown of the items that we allow to be stored:
Medical & Pharmaceutical Supplies
If you’re a sales representative for a medical or pharmaceutical supply company, self storage can be a convenient solution for keeping your products organized and easily accessible without cluttering up your office or filling your car trunk. Most medical supplies are allowed (as long as they aren’t radioactive), but check with your Extra Space Storage facility manager just in case.
Construction, Landscaping, & Other Service Tools
Do you operate a construction, landscaping, or other home service business? You can store your tools and equipment at Extra Space Storage. Trailers, mowers, plumbing supplies, building materials, and more are acceptable to store at our facilities. If there’s something you’re not sure is on the “safe list,” ask a manager!
Vehicles
Vehicles of all sizes can be stored with Extra Space Storage! We offer indoor, covered, and outdoor vehicle storage options throughout the country for motorcycles, cars, business vans, small trucks, boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, trailers, campers, and RVs. The only stipulations are that your vehicle must be registered, insured, and in operational condition.
NOT SAFE TO STORE
Some items may seem as though they’re safe to store at home or at your business, but we don’t allow them at Extra Space Storage. Here’s a quick rundown of the items that we do NOT allow to be stored:
Combustible, Flammable, Hazardous, or Toxic Materials
If you’re wondering what liquids or materials you shouldn’t keep in your storage unit, it’s anything that is considered inherently dangerous. That includes, but is not limited to:
gasoline
compressed gas
propane tanks
kerosene
lamp & motor oil
acid
grease
corrosives
fertilizers
paint
cleaners
narcotics
fireworks
products containing asbestos
radioactive equipment or supplies
hazardous, toxic, or biological waste
Perishable Food
Perishable food and even pet food is not allowed to be kept at Extra Space Storage. The storage of produce, meat, and any item that may spoil can attract unwanted pests and will result in the termination of your lease agreement.
Plants
When it comes to plants, you cannot store any (living or dead) inside an Extra Space Storage unit. Plants can attract pests and cause an infestation that does irreparable damage to both your unit and the stored belongings of other customers at our facility.
Tires
In the event that you have extra tires—meaning more than the four attached to your vehicle—you may not use a storage unit to keep these items. The cost to dispose of tires puts a strain on facility owners, and the difficulty in putting out a tire fire (should they catch fire) can create a larger problem.
Yourself or Your Animals
No matter what, you or any animal you own is prohibited from living in your storage unit at Extra Space Storage. It’s illegal, and it puts you and other storage customers at risk. So don’t do it!
TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR SELF STORAGE
Invest in Plastic Containers
For items that are highly sensitive to moisture like clothes, photos, books, and more, cardboard boxes might not be the best storage solution since cardboard can absorb moisture over time. Airtight plastic containers will keep moisture out and provide you with a lasting storage solution for practically any use.
Clean Your Belongings
If you want to keep your belongings in great condition while in self storage, make sure you put them into storage in great condition. Wood, leather, and upholstered furniture—as well as clothes and appliances—shouldn’t be put into storage without a thorough cleaning first.
Take Extra Care with Fragile Items
Make sure that you take the proper precautions with fragile items. Use bubble wrap and label boxes containing fragile items to make sure they’re handled and stored appropriately in the storage unit.
Think About Storage Insurance
When you move your belongings into storage, they’ll need to be covered by insurance. This can be through your homeowners or renters insurance or through self storage insurance offered at the storage facility.
TIPS & RESOURCES FOR SAFE STORAGE
How to Choose a Storage Unit
Find out which factors you need to consider when choosing a storage unit!
What You Need to Reserve a Storage Unit
Renting a storage unit is easy! Double check what you need before you reserve self storage!
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need
Sign up for storage insurance to protect the value of your belongings from the unexpected!
How to Pack and Organize Your Storage Unit
Learn how to maximize space in your storage unit plus tips for keeping it organized.
Storage 101
Check out our personal self storage guide for help finding a storage solution that fits any need.
Vehicle Storage
Whether you need personal or commercial vehicle storage, we offer enclosed units and outdoor parking spaces for vehicles of all sizes.
Climate-Controlled Storage Units
Learn about the benefits of using temperature-controlled storage to keep your sensitive items protected from extreme heat or cold.