Do's and Don'ts of Self-Storage

Definitely Not for Storage

Well, you have finally decided to tackle your war with clutter, good for you! The list of items that you can store in your nice, shiny and totally empty self-storage unit is endless but there is another side of that list. As you are packing up your treasures you need to be aware of what NOT to store in your unit. Yes, there is a list of items that definitely should not be stored. We here at Green Storage, 1-(844)-50-GREEN have assembled, for you, a list of items that fall under the do NOT store category.

Food

Of course, this is probably the most obvious item that does not belong in a storage unit but unfortunately, not everyone seems to agree. Food in storage units attract rodents and insects and once they find their way in and find an accommodating food supply, they tend to set up housekeeping in your unit. This creates problems not just for you when you go to retrieve your slightly chewed, instead of a slightly used couch, but also creates a huge problem for the facility. Food is not always, intentionally, stored but can hitch a ride in the most unsuspecting ways. Always make sure to clean furniture thoroughly as even crumbs can become a banquet. Dressers and desks can have a stashed bag of chips or candy or even that winter jacket might have some gum or lozenges. Take a little time to inspect everything carefully to ensure it is clear of any food items as this will help to ensure it comes out of storage in the same condition that it went in.

Animals

Another obvious one but, you would be surprised! Animals are not something (or someone) that you can put into a storage unit, but their accoutrements are! That adorable puppy that has grown out of his kennel, or the box of toys for the yard that you don’t need in the winter. The cat’s climbing tree that needs to be stored during your home renovations can be safely tucked away until needed again. One of their accessories that is not to be stored would be, of course, their food!

Plants

Like all living things, plants are not a good fit for a storage unit. Plants need light and water and they will get neither of these in a storage unit. They can also harbour insects that turn into an unwanted pest situation. Now, you can store almost everything else related to plants, like clean potting containers, tools, lawnmowers and pruning shears. A great place to house all those items needed to take care of your plants in the summer.

Firearms, Fireworks and Hazardous Materials

This is a no-brainer! You are not allowed to store any firearms or ammunition in a storage locker. That also includes fireworks. This is also true for any type of hazardous or waste material. This list can include chemical, corrosive, toxic or noxious substances. Lead paint, asbestos, gasoline, oil and medical waste are a definite no-no as well.

Currency

Although cold hard cash is not considered a hazard it is something that really does not belong in a storage unit. Storage facilities do not have the insurance coverage for cash and most other policies will not cover the loss of currency. The extra dough that you may have laying around would be better off in the bank, nice and safe.

You!

Self-storage doesn’t really mean YOU storage. You are NOT permitted, by law, to actually live in any storage unit. It may be tempting to forego rent and utility bills for a nice cozy, environmentally friendly and secure storage unit but, unfortunately, it is not legal. That being said, you can find more space and possibly downsize your actual living accommodations by storing all that clutter in a self-storage unit.

Now that we have given you some guidelines for what NOT to store in your unit, it is time to select a self-storage facility. Green Storage has 20+ different sized units, to facilitate your every need. Our friendly and qualified staff will work with

you to provide expert advice and help you go over what can and cannot be stored. We even offer truck rentals and moving supplies to help you move your treasured, or maybe not so treasured, items. Our premises have 24/7 recorded video surveillance as well as a full site security system. Our facilities are equipped with sprinkler systems and each aisle is equipped with adequate fire extinguishers. Green Storage facilities are also a climate-controlled environment. Make an informed choice for your self-storage needs. Call us at Green Storage at 1 (844)-50-GREEN or visit one of our Ontario self-storage locations today! We are your dependable full-service, self-storage provider in Ontario, and we look forward to assisting you!