What Not to Store in a Storage Unit When Moving

Why «what doesn't go into storage» matters»

When moving, storage can be a lifesaver (e.g., during renovations, or when the handover and move-in dates don’t align), but it isn’t suitable for everyone. Certain items can cause fire hazard, others are altered from moisture/heat, while valuable or personal items increase the risk of loss or legal or insurance claims.

Before loading your belongings, plan your move and storage together. If you need a full-service move to a home or business, check out our services Movers from Prime Transport, so that times, access, and the loading order can be properly scheduled.

List: What Not to Store in a Storage Unit When Moving

Use the list below as a «red flag.» Even if a warehouse accepts any of these, assess whether it’s in your best interest from both a practical and insurance standpoint.

1) Perishable foods and products that spoil

• Food (dry goods, canned goods, oils) that may attract insects or rodents.
• Fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy products.
• Anything with a strong odor or that gets dirty easily.

Best solution: Consume or donate the items before the move, or transport a small quantity on the same day.

2) Flammable, explosive, and hazardous materials

• Gasoline, diesel, propane (cans), alcohol, solvents, paints, varnishes.
• Aerosols (sprays), lighters, and lithium batteries in poor condition.
• Pesticides, strong cleaning agents, laboratory chemicals.

Why not: increased risk of ignition/leakage and, typically, restrictions in storage regulations.

3) Medications, medical products, and items subject to special conditions

• Medications that require temperature control or have an expiration date.
• Medical devices affected by moisture or dust.

Best solution: Keep them with you in your carry-on bag or first-aid kit, and make a note of them so you can access them immediately.

4) Valuable items and irreplaceable personal belongings

• Cash, jewelry, watches, and small-volume, high-value collections.
• Contracts, securities, original certificates, identification documents.
• Items of great sentimental value (family heirlooms).

Why not: Even if it’s well-organized, a storage facility means less control over day-to-day access. Opt for secure storage at a relative’s home or a bank safe deposit box when appropriate.

5) Electronics, data storage media, and sensitive equipment

• Computers, game consoles, cameras, amplifiers, speakers.
• External hard drives, NAS, business files, and backups.

Risks: humidity, dust, thermal shock, theft. If they need to be stored, the following are required: vibration-damping materials, desiccant packets, and sealed packaging.

6) Living organisms and plants

• Pets (obviously) and indoor/outdoor plants.

Best solution: Same-day transport, shading/ventilation, and securing the load on the vehicle.

7) Items that are «prone to» moisture, mold, or heat

• Leather, musical instruments, books/archives, works of art, paintings.
• Clothing stored in closets or boxes without ventilation for a long period of time.

What to do: Choose breathable fabric covers (where appropriate), keep items off the floor, avoid contact with walls, and use moisture-resistant materials.

A Quick Checklist Before Renting a Storage Unit

A brief plan minimizes damage, delays, and «unnecessary trips.».

1. Write down What will be stored, for how long, and who needs access.
2. Photograph bulky/fragile items, and keep a list of numbered boxes.
3. Submit your question in writing regarding hours of access, item limits, ventilation/humidity, cleanliness, and emergency procedures.
4. Set the loading order so that «essentials» are kept in plain sight and easily accessible.
5. Control access at the loading/unloading point (parking, narrow passages, floors, elevators).

If access is difficult (a floor without a large elevator, a narrow stairwell, or a challenging building facade), consider a solution involving lifting equipment for safer and faster transportation.

Packaging and organization for whatever ends up in storage

• Do not lean on Boxes and furniture placed directly on the floor or against a wall: leave a gap for air circulation.
• Create a pathway access so you can find things without having to «turn the whole warehouse upside down.».
• Heavy on the bottom, fragile items on top, and secure with straps where necessary.
• Forensics by room/category (e.g., KITCHEN, OFFICE) and separately «IMMEDIATE RECOVERY.».

If you need disassembly/reassembly to reduce bulk and minimize damage, check out this service furniture assembly and organize it before the day of loading.