What You Should Never Store in a Storage Unit? (2026)

Okay, real talk. I’ve been in the storage business for a while, and you wouldn’t believe the things people try to stash. Look, I get it — when you’re staring at a pile of stuff and a 10×10 empty space, it’s tempting to just… move the pile. But trust me on this: some things will ruin your whole storage experience (and maybe your neighbor’s too).

Let’s walk through this like you’re standing there with me, scratching your head, holding some questionable item. Here’s my straight-up, human-to-human advice.

First up: The “Obviously Dangerous” Stuff

I mean, come on. But you’d be shocked.

• Anything that can catch fire or blow up. Please. No gasoline, propane tanks, fireworks, ammo, or paint thinner. I had a guy once try to store his lawnmower with a full tank. In summer. In Texas. We had to have a very calm, very serious chat. Not only is it against every rule we have — it puts everyone’s belongings at risk. Just don’t.
• Chemicals and cleaners. That half-full jug of pool chlorine? The old cans of spray paint? Nope. They can leak, eat through other containers, or release fumes that build up. Your unit shouldn’t smell like a high school chemistry lab.

The “Living, Breathing, or Once Was” Category

Here’s where it gets weird.

• No people. I can’t believe I have to type that, but I do. A storage unit is not a spare room, an office, or a place to nap. It’s not safe. There’s no ventilation for long periods, no bathroom, no way out if the door swings shut. It’s a hard, immediate “no” from us every single time.
• No pets. Same logic. It’s cruel, illegal, and will get your lease ended on the spot. I don’t care if it’s a hamster or a python — it doesn’t belong in a dark, climate-shifting box.
• No food. At all. Not even a little. Listen, that giant bag of dog food or those Costco-sized snacks seem fine, right? Wrong. They are a dinner bell for every pest you can imagine. Mice, rats, roaches, ants — they’ll find it. They’ll get in, have a feast, nest in your sofa, and then go visit your neighbor’s Christmas ornaments. We see it happen. Just… eat the snacks before you move. Please.

The “You’ll Open a Can of Regret” Items

These won’t cause a disaster, but they’ll ruin your stuff and make you sad.

• Anything damp. I mean anything. Did you just pressure-wash your patio set? Dry it completely. Is your tent from last weekend’s camping trip still a bit dewy? Hang it in your garage first. Moisture in a sealed space is mold’s best friend. You’ll come back in three months to a science experiment growing on your grandmother’s quilt.
• Really, truly irreplaceable stuff. This one’s personal. If it’s the only existing photo of your great-grandparents, your original birth certificate, your signed first edition book… think twice. A standard storage unit is secure, but it’s not Fort Knox or a museum archive. For those heart-stoppingly precious items, consider a fireproof home safe or a safety deposit box. We offer climate-controlled units at Storage One Hubert which are way better for sensitive things, but even then — if you’d be devastated to lose it forever, maybe keep it closer to you.

The “It Seems Fine But Actually Isn’t” Stuff

• Perfumes, scented candles, strong soaps. Heat can melt candles. Strong scents can seep into everything else. Your winter coats will end up smelling like “Lavender Dreams” forever.
• Batteries, especially loose ones. Old car batteries leak acid. Lithium batteries can swell and are a fire risk. If it powers something, be mindful.
• Unregistered or uninsured vehicles. Some facilities allow cars or boats, but there are always conditions. Call and ask! At our place, we need to see registration and proof of insurance, and the vehicle has to be in drivable condition. We’re not a junkyard.

So… what CAN you store?

Pretty much everything else! Furniture, seasonal decorations (that are bone-dry!), sporting equipment, boxes of books and clothes (in plastic bins, off the floor — you’re welcome), business inventory, that collection of vintage vinyl you swear you’ll catalog someday.

The whole point of getting a unit is peace of mind. You want to know your stuff is safe, dry, and exactly as you left it. Storing the wrong things completely defeats that purpose.

That’s why at Storage One Hubert, we’re always happy to talk it out. Seriously, if you’re looking at something and thinking, “Hmm, I wonder…” — just pick up the phone and ask me. I’d much rather spend five minutes answering your question than have to call you later because something went wrong. My goal is to help you store smart, so when you unlock that door down the road, you’re happy you did it.

Think of your storage unit like a trusted attic or basement. You wouldn’t store gasoline in your basement. You wouldn’t put your wedding album in a leaky shed. Be kind to your future self, be considerate of your storage neighbors, and when in doubt — leave it out, or give us a shout. We’re here to help.