Storage Unit Safety: What Not to Store Inside? (2025)
John Miller
July 9, 2025
Storage Unit Safety Not to Store Inside

Let me tell you a quick story before we dive in. Last summer, a guy at our storage facility thought it would be fine to store his collection of vintage fireworks. You can probably guess how that turned out. (Spoiler: the fire department was involved.) That’s why I’m writing this – because some things just don’t belong in storage, no matter how much space you need at home.

At County Line Storage, we’ve been helping people store their stuff for years, and we’ve seen all the crazy mistakes people make. So here’s the real, no-BS guide to what should never end up in your unit.

Living Things (This Should Be Obvious, But…)

I can’t believe I have to say this, but:

  • Pets (no, your bearded dragon can’t “just stay here for the weekend”).
  • Plants (they’ll be dead before you come back).
  • People (yes, someone actually tried to live in their unit last winter).

Pro tip: If it breathes, keep it out of storage. Simple as that.

Things That Could Kill You (Or At Least Make a Big Boom)

We once had to evacuate half our facility because someone stored:

  • Old gasoline cans (rusty and leaking).
  • Propane tanks (the kind you use for grills).
  • Aerosol cans (lots of them, in direct sunlight).

Here’s why this is stupid:

  • Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes.
  • Leaks can happen even if you think the container is sealed.
  • One spark = goodbye storage unit (and possibly your deposit).

Food – Even Non-Perishable Stuff

You might think “Oh, it’s just some canned goods,” but here’s what actually happens:

  1. Cans get tiny dents you don’t notice.
  2. Temperature changes cause condensation.
  3. Suddenly you’ve got rust, leaks, and…
  4. Congratulations, your unit now smells like rotten tuna.

And don’t even get me started on people who store pet food. You might as well hang a “Free Buffet for Rats” sign.

Your Most Important Stuff

Look, I get it – you want to keep things safe. But storage units (even ours) aren’t perfect for:

  • Family photo albums (what if there’s a leak?)
  • Your great-grandma’s wedding dress (mold loves fabric).
  • That signed baseball collection (temperature changes warp leather).

If you’d be devastated to lose it, don’t store it. Period.

Wet Stuff (Or Even Damp Stuff)

Here’s a fun fact: mold spreads faster than gossip in a small town. We once had a customer store a slightly damp rug, and three months later? The whole unit looked like a science experiment gone wrong.

This includes:

  • Clothes that weren’t completely dry.
  • Furniture that got rained on during the move.
  • Anything in containers that might leak.

Illegal Stuff (Duh)

You’d think this goes without saying, but:

  • No, you can’t store your “special” plants.
  • Stolen goods tend to get noticed eventually.
  • That “totally legal” fireworks collection? Probably not.

Most facilities (including ours) do random checks. Don’t be that guy.

What You CAN Store? (Because This Isn’t All Bad News)

At County Line Storage, we’re happy to store:

  • Furniture (dry and clean, please).
  • Seasonal decorations.
  • Business inventory.
  • Basically anything that won’t explode, rot, or get you arrested.

We’ve got [describe your units – climate controlled, 24/7 security, whatever makes you special] to keep your stuff safe. Just… use common sense about what you bring in.

Final Thought: When in Doubt, Ask!

Not sure about something? Just give us a call. We’d rather answer a dumb question than deal with another “fireworks incident.” Trust me on that.

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John Miller

John Miller

Hey, I’m John Miller, and I’ve been helping folks find secure, affordable storage units for over 10 years now. Whether you’re moving, decluttering, or just need a little extra room, I’ve got clean, climate-controlled options ready to go.

Have Questions? Reach us today!

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