Prohibited Items in Self-Storage: What You Can't Store

You pack everything up. Then stop. Something doesn’t feel right. You look at a box and wonder—can I even put this in there?

It’s not a weird question. Most people don’t think about what’s allowed until they’re halfway done. Then it’s either back to Google or awkward small talk with the storage manager. Either way, you’re wasting time.

Some things are obvious. Others, less so. You’d think a few cans of paint wouldn’t cause a problem. But they do. A friend found that out the hard way. Thought he was being responsible. Ended up fined. That’s how it goes.

Facilities like Prime Space Storage have lists. Rules. Terms. They’re not just for show. They’re about keeping things quiet and safe. For everyone.

Why the Rules Exist

Storage units aren’t dumpsters. They’re not bank vaults either. They sit somewhere in the middle. Which means the people running them have to make decisions.

Some of those decisions are legal. Others are about insurance. Most are about common sense.

If something leaks, explodes, rots, or draws rats—it’s a problem. Not just for you. For whoever’s next to you. Maybe above you. Maybe the staff that has to go in after the damage is done.

You’re not supposed to store anything taller than 18 inches from the sprinkler heads. That’s not a suggestion. It’s how you avoid blocking water in a fire.

They also don’t cover your stuff. Not really. You want protection, you get your own policy. Prime Space says if it’s worth more than five grand, you need their permission to keep it there. Which tells you a lot.

Things That Don’t Belong

Some things are just too risky. Gas. Propane. Fireworks. Even if the cans aren’t full. Vapors seep. Pressure builds. It doesn’t take much.

I've heard of places evacuated over a forgotten grill tank. One grill. One tank. It sat in the heat too long. You don’t want to be the person who did that.

Spray cans. Ammo. Paint thinner. Anything that catches, burns, corrodes, or hisses. Some places even ban mothballs. The smell alone.

Pesticides and bleach don’t seem dangerous until they spill. Or mix. Or start corroding the floor under your boxes. If it needs a hazmat label, don’t store it. Just drop it off somewhere that takes waste.

Perishables. Rodents. Mold.

Food seems harmless until you open a unit and see what it’s attracted. Even sealed packages. Even canned goods.

I heard about a guy who tried storing backup food. Thought it would save space at home. Then mice got in. Chewed through the labels. Left a mess that smelled like rust and droppings.

Plants are banned too. Live ones can’t survive in the dark. Dead ones rot. Either way, they draw bugs. Not worth it.

Prime Space says no food. No animals. Nothing that spoils or smells or leaks. It’s not just a rule—it’s how they avoid infestations. Makes sense.

Don’t Store Trouble

Illegal stuff is still illegal. Drugs. Guns. Fake goods. Even marijuana, if the facility says no, it’s no. Doesn’t matter what your state says.

They have the right to report you. And they will. I’ve seen units cut open with police standing by.

Firearms and ammo are banned in most places, even if you’re licensed. That’s what gun safes are for. Or proper vaults. Storage isn’t the place.

Stuff That’s Technically Allowed… But Shouldn’t Be

Jewelry. Cash. Medical records. Family photos.

Technically, you can store them. But if something happens, you’ll regret it. I know someone who lost boxes in a break-in. The unit wasn’t insured. Neither was she.

Some facilities, like Prime Space, won’t even let you store high-value or sentimental stuff without permission. If it’s irreplaceable, maybe don’t leave it in a metal box off a highway.

They also don’t want you storing ID info. No Social Security numbers. No old tax returns. Identity theft is real.

So Then What?

If it’s hazardous, drop it off at a waste site. If it’s food, eat it. Or donate it.

If it’s valuable, get a safe. A real one. If it’s sentimental, back it up. Take photos. Store the rest somewhere with climate control.

Read your contract. Prime Space posts their rules clearly. Don’t guess. Just check.

Sort your stuff: keep, toss, find another place. It’s not fun. But neither is getting a call from the manager saying your unit's been flagged—or worse, emptied.

They also don’t want people dumping things in the hallways or stuffing garbage in the on-site bins. If you're trying to disappear things, this isn’t the place.

None of This Is Complicated

You don’t have to memorize everything. Just use common sense. If it leaks, smells, burns, bites, rots, or carries a price tag you’d cry over—don’t store it.

That’s it.

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Devices do not forgive sloppy handling. Replacing a vintage stereo or a custom gaming tower is expensive, and some pieces are impossible to find again. With a basic plan, even a storage calendar , and a little patience, you can pull everything back out later, plug it in, and feel that quiet relief when the screen lights the way it should. Before we get started on electronic storage, know that climate-controlled storage is a great option to store furniture without damage , as well as for small business who need self storage . Understanding the Risks Storing electronics comes with challenges. Devices face threats in a storage facility that can turn a working unit into a dead weight. Temperature fluctuations make materials expand and contract. Internal components such as solder joints weaken, while sensitive components like circuit boards can fail under stress. Humidity is worse. Moisture creeps into seams, encourages corrosion, and raises humidity levels that damage sensitive electronics. Dust isn’t neutral either—it settles into vents, clogs fans, and coats circuit boards. Even static electricity or electrostatic discharge can destroy a chip instantly. Pests and rodents can chew wires, leading to physical damage. The value here isn’t just monetary. Valuable electronics often hold important data or memories. A computer may contain irreplaceable photos and records. Protecting them with electronics storage practices ensures your valuable devices are stored properly and remain functional. Choosing the Right Storage Unit The room you pick makes a difference. A climate-controlled storage unit protects electronics against harmful effects of extreme temperatures and extreme cold or high temperatures. Climate controlled storage keeps the air conditioning steady, prevents condensation, and maintains safe humidity levels. Most experts recommend you choose climate-controlled storage if you’re storing electronics for more than short term storage. Climate controlled units provide the perfect solution for keeping devices stable. Security also matters. Electronics are easy to resell, so pick a self-storage unit with security cameras, gated entry, and lighting. The right storage unit should also provide extra protection with enough extra space for airflow. Remember: storage units offer peace of mind only when chosen carefully. Preparing Electronics for Storage Preparation is most of the job in packing electronics. Start by cleaning each device—use compressed air to remove dust and a cotton cloth to wipe screens. Always remove dust before boxing items. Back up important data before packing. Losing files is worse than replacing a device. Store backups on the cloud or external drives. Remove batteries from all devices. A leaking cell can damage components permanently. Always store batteries separately in cool, dry places. This applies to laptops, remote controls, and digital cameras. Packing Electronics Properly Whenever possible, use original packaging. If that’s not available, use sturdy boxes and protective packing materials like foam, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Wrap sensitive electronics in anti-static bags to protect them from static electricity. Even loose circuit boards or computer monitors benefit from this. Storing electronics in a sealed box can help protect them from dust and environmental hazards. Add silica gel packets inside boxes to control humidity levels and replace them when they reach saturation. This extra step helps keep electronics safe and prevents moisture from harming sensitive components. Screens should stay upright. Use bubble wrap or blankets to prevent scratches. For desktops, secure heavy internal components separately to avoid rattling inside. Always properly store devices with care to prevent scratches and other damage. Storage Best Practices Placement inside the storage unit matters. Never set devices directly on the floor—use pallets or shelves for extra protection. Keep valuable electronics away from storage unit doors, where temperature fluctuations are worst. Store your electronics in labeled boxes. Keep an inventory list with serial numbers to simplify insurance claims later. This also helps if you need to store items long term or want to test devices periodically. Periodically inspect devices for corrosion, pests, or other issues. Replace silica gel packets when needed. Also, consider testing stored items occasionally to make sure they still work. Insurance for Stored Electronics Even when electronics are stored properly, things happen. Insurance for stored electronics provides coverage if a storage facility is damaged by fire, floods, vandalism, or other extreme conditions. Insuring expensive electronics protects you from unexpected losses. Insurance for stored electronics can often be purchased directly from your storage company. Some providers even offer gadget insurance that covers other electronics excluded under renters or homeowners policies. Keep an inventory list with receipts and photos to simplify any insurance claims. Always review deductibles and exclusions—some policies may not cover theft or mysterious loss. Conclusion Learning how to store electronics in storage unit settings comes down to planning. Clean devices, remove batteries, use anti-static bags, add silica gel packets, and always rely on a climate-controlled unit. Keep an updated inventory list for insurance and store your electronics in a way that allows airflow and avoids extreme conditions. When electronics are stored properly, you prevent scratches, reduce harmful effects from dust and heat, and keep sensitive electronics safe until you need them again. For many, the small cost of climate-controlled storage is the perfect solution—offering both peace of mind and protection for your most valuable devices.