When looking into self-storage, one of the most common questions is, “What items can I actually keep in a storage unit?” Simply, allowed storage items are anything you can legally and safely put in a storage unit according to the specific storage facility’s rules. If something fits, is not dangerous or illegal, and the company hasn’t listed it as off-limits, it’s usually okay. But policies change from company to company, so it’s not just about size-it’s about safety, what the law says, and how well your things will hold up. Knowing these rules is important so you avoid problems later on and have a smooth storage experience.
Self-storage comes in many forms, with companies offering space for everything from household items to vehicles. For example, Extra Space Storage Inc. in Salt Lake City, Utah, is one of the biggest names, running over 4,000 properties in 43 states plus Washington, D.C. They offer around 2.5 million storage units and over 280 million square feet to rent. Their services cover personal use, boats, RVs, and business needs. With so many choices, understanding what you’re allowed to store before you sign up makes a big difference.
What Are Allowed Storage Items?
In simple terms, allowed storage items are things the storage business says you can keep in their units. Usually, the list is made broad on purpose-there are only a few strict bans. If something isn’t dangerous, perishable, illegal, or something alive or dead in a way that could cause trouble, it’s probably allowed. Companies have these guidelines to keep everyone’s things safe and make sure nothing puts people or property at risk.
While many storage places agree on what’s banned, there are still differences. One company may have tighter rules or might suggest you use a certain type of storage unit (like climate-controlled) for things that another company simply won’t allow in regular units. Since every place is a little different, always talk directly with your storage provider to get their specific list of what’s allowed or not.
Who Decides What You Can Store?
Each storage company sets their own policies about what you can and can’t store. These rules are put in place to protect the company’s property and staff, and most of all, everyone’s belongings. Laws, insurance requirements, and common-sense safety concerns all help shape these rules. Anything that could attract pests, start a fire, or damage other people’s belongings is almost always banned.
Big companies like CubeSmart, Public Storage, and Extra Space Storage each make their own policies. That’s why it’s always best to check in with your chosen provider directly and get written details about current rules. Most facilities offer booklets or handouts explaining their guidelines so you know what you’re agreeing to before you rent space. This way, you avoid packing up things you’ll later find out can’t be stored after all.
What Can You Store in a Storage Unit?
The positive news is that the list of what you can store is far longer than what you can’t. Storage units are very flexible and work for a huge range of belongings, whether you’re organizing your home, moving, or just need more room. From family keepsakes to sports gear, you’ll probably find your items are welcome.
Packaging your things well and knowing the best way to store different types of items helps keep them in good shape. While basic household stuff is fine in a regular unit, delicate things might need climate control. It’s a good idea to pack securely and label boxes for easier sorting later on.
Furniture and Household Goods
Furniture and household items are some of the top things stored. This includes couches, tables, beds, chairs, lamps, decorations, and boxes of personal stuff. Whether you’re moving, renovating, or freeing up house space, storage units work well for these goods.
Wood, leather, antique, or fabric-covered items do best in climate-controlled units to avoid warping, mold, or other damage from heat and humidity. To keep them safer, lift furniture off the ground on blocks or slats and cover with blankets or pads instead of plastic, which can trap moisture and lead to mold.
Electronics and Appliances
Electronics and household appliances like washers, dryers, TVs, fridges, and computers are also allowed. They’re handy to put in storage while moving or remodeling. But to keep them working, it’s best to choose a climate-controlled unit, especially for sensitive electronics that can break down with moisture or temperature changes.
Clean all appliances, make sure they’re dry to prevent mold or smells, and keep fridge or oven doors open a little for air flow. For electronics that use batteries, remove the batteries first to avoid leaks or corrosion.
Clothing, Linens, and Textiles
Things like clothes, bedding, curtains, and seasonal outfits are fine for storage. People often put away clothing or linens to clear space at home. The main challenge here is keeping mold, mildew, and bugs away.
Always pack clothes and fabric items when they’re clean and dry. Use boxes that let air in, or fabric storage bags. Plastic bins block out dust but should have some ventilation. Expensive or fragile clothing might need climate control, especially things like fur, which can get ruined by heat and humidity.
Books, Documents, and Paper
Storage units are a great place for books, files, and paper records. Whether it’s novels, office paperwork, or tax files, you can store them safely-just be careful with moisture, which ruins paper.
Climate-controlled storage can save your papers from dampness or temperature swings. Use strong, sealed boxes or cabinets for extra protection. But important documents (like passports, deeds, or social security cards) are better off kept in a fireproof box at home or in a safety deposit box.
Toys, Musical Instruments, and Decorations
Toys, holiday items, collectibles, and musical instruments are all fine to store. These often take up too much space at home but aren’t used all the time. Storage keeps them safe until you need them again.
Musical instruments made from wood (like guitars or violins) really need climate control, since temperature and moisture swings can ruin them. Always clean instruments before storing, keep them in their cases, and set them up for safety inside the unit. Toys and decorations can just go into sturdy, labeled boxes.
Tools, Equipment, and Recreational Gear
Tools, lawn gear, and sports equipment are popular in units. This can include lawnmowers, hammers, bikes, camping gear, skis, and surfboards. Storage is especially convenient if you have no garage or only use these things in certain seasons.
Wipe tools clean, let them dry, and use rust-prevention sprays if they’re metal. Empty out any fuel or oil from equipment since flammable liquids are almost always banned. Sports gear, like kayaks, should be dry to prevent mold. Most of these can go in a regular unit, but for things with delicate features or that rust easily, climate control is a good idea.
Vehicles: Cars, Motorcycles, and Bicycles
You can store cars, motorcycles, and bikes if the space is big enough and your storage place offers it. This is great for classic cars or during moves. Some spots even specialize in vehicle storage.
Your vehicle usually must be registered and insured. Check first, though-some places don’t allow vehicles. It’s a good idea to get an oil change, fill the tires, and use a weather-resistant cover for outdoor storage. For cars left for a long time, start and drive them once in a while. Bicycles are easy-many people hang them to save space.
Valuables, Antiques, and Collectibles
Storing valuables like art, old coins, or rare collectibles depends on the facility. Some places are careful and recommend you keep these at home, while others offer improved security and climate control so you can store them safely.
For items like artwork, family treasures, or jewelry, choose a place with great security-clean grounds, fencing, lights, personal alarms, cameras, and 24/7 monitoring. Climate control is especially important for preserving their value. Some items-like furs or fine wines-might even require special types of storage with extra protection from temperature swings.
Medicine and Medical Supplies
Medical supplies and regular over-the-counter medicine can usually be stored, but nothing dangerous or radioactive. Some medicine can suffer in hot or damp conditions, so climate-controlled units are best to protect effectiveness. Large medical equipment should be clean, dry, and packed well. If you’re storing anything delicate or needing special care, always ask the facility for advice first.
Frequently Asked Questions about Allowed Storage Items
Understanding what you can store and what’s banned can be confusing because rules are different from one storage company to the next. Here are answers to common questions to help guide your choices.
Can I Store Medication and Medical Equipment?
Most of the time, you can keep medicine and medical equipment in storage unless they’re dangerous or contain radioactive parts. For medication, temperature and humidity are the biggest concerns. Many products spoil or become less effective if they’re too hot, cold, or humid. That’s why climate-controlled storage is recommended to keep your medicine safe. For equipment, make sure it’s clean, dry, packed up safely, and remove batteries to prevent leaks. Always check with your storage company for any unique rules about medical supplies.
Are Musical Instruments or Antiques Safe in Storage?
Musical instruments and antiques can be kept safely in storage if you prepare them right. They’re often sensitive to heat and moisture, which can cause things like warping, breaking, or even mold. A climate-controlled unit is highly recommended for both. Clean, pack, and secure these items well. For especially valuable antiques, consider units with extra security like alarms and cameras. Some storage firms offer special services for collections and valuable items.
Should Important Documents Be Stored in a Unit?
Regular paperwork, books, and files do well in storage, especially with climate control. But you should keep original, important documents (passports, birth certificates, deeds) somewhere you can access quickly and that’s as safe as possible, like a home safe or bank box. Storage units are secure but not best for one-of-a-kind papers that can’t be replaced. For regular records you don’t need often, storage is fine-just use sealed boxes or containers.
Does Storage Come with Insurance?
This is a common concern, and the short answer is usually “no”-facilities don’t automatically cover your things. You are responsible for insuring what you keep there. Many storage places ask you to show proof of insurance, or they’ll offer you a chance to buy a plan. Your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance may cover stored items, but often with some limits. Check with your insurer to find out what’s covered. If it’s not enough, buy extra storage insurance either through the facility or a separate provider. This adds peace of mind in case your allowed items are ever damaged, lost, or stolen.