What Items Should Never Go Into Storage

Storage is one of the most useful services available during a move. Whether you're downsizing, renovating, relocating across the country, or waiting for your new home to be ready, a storage unit or professional moving storage can provide a safe place to keep your belongings until you need them again.

However, not everything belongs in storage. Certain items can spoil, leak, attract pests, create safety hazards, or become damaged if left unused for extended periods. Some items are also prohibited by storage facilities due to legal, health, or insurance reasons.

Knowing what items should never go into storage can help you avoid unnecessary damage, additional expenses, and potential safety issues. In this guide, we'll explain which belongings you should keep with you, dispose of properly, donate, or transport using alternative methods.

Why Some Items Shouldn't Be Stored

Many people assume that anything can be placed into storage as long as it's packed in a box.

Unfortunately, that's not the case.

Some items are vulnerable to:

• Extreme temperatures

• Moisture

• Mold and mildew

• Pest infestations

• Leakage

• Fire hazards

• Theft

• Spoilage

Others may violate the rules established by your storage provider.

Before packing your storage unit, it's important to understand these restrictions.

1. Food

Food is one of the biggest items that should never be placed into storage.

This includes:

• Canned goods

• Flour

• Rice

• Pasta

• Sugar

• Coffee

• Snacks

• Pet food

• Spices

Even sealed food can attract:

• Rodents

• Ants

• Cockroaches

• Other pests

Spoiled food can also create unpleasant odours that affect your other belongings.

Always remove every food item before placing household goods into storage.

2. Perishable Items

Perishable products spoil quickly and should never remain in storage.

Examples include:

• Fresh fruit

• Vegetables

• Meat

• Dairy products

• Frozen foods

• Bread

These items can create mold, bacteria, and unpleasant smells within days.

3. Plants

Live plants should not be placed into storage.

Without:

• Sunlight

• Water

• Proper ventilation

plants will quickly die.

Dead plants may also attract insects or produce mold.

If you're moving, transport plants separately whenever possible.

4. Hazardous Chemicals

Most storage facilities prohibit hazardous materials.

Examples include:

• Gasoline

• Propane tanks

• Paint thinner

• Kerosene

• Solvents

• Pool chemicals

• Pesticides

• Fertilizers

Many of these materials are:

• Flammable

• Toxic

• Corrosive

Improper storage creates unnecessary safety risks.

Always dispose of hazardous chemicals according to your local regulations.

5. Fireworks and Explosives

Fireworks should never be placed into storage.

This includes:

• Fireworks

• Flares

• Ammunition

• Explosive materials

These products pose obvious fire and safety hazards.

Most storage companies strictly prohibit them.

6. Fuel-Powered Equipment with Fuel Inside

Before storing equipment such as:

• Lawn mowers

• Snow blowers

• Generators

• Chainsaws

drain any fuel according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Leaving gasoline or fuel inside engines can increase fire risk and may lead to fuel degradation, leaks, or strong odours during extended storage.

7. Batteries

Loose batteries or batteries left inside unused electronics can leak over time.

Battery leakage can damage:

• Electronics

• Toys

• Flashlights

• Tools

Remove batteries before long-term storage whenever practical.

Store them separately in accordance with manufacturer guidance.

8. Important Documents

Although documents can technically be stored, many important papers should remain with you.

Examples include:

• Passports

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Property deeds

• Insurance policies

• Wills

• Tax documents

• Banking records

These documents may be needed unexpectedly.

Keeping them accessible also reduces the risk of loss.

9. Cash

Never leave cash inside a storage unit.

Even secure facilities cannot eliminate every security risk.

Deposit cash into your bank rather than placing it in storage.

10. Jewelry

High-value jewelry should stay with you whenever possible.

Examples include:

• Wedding rings

• Watches

• Necklaces

• Family heirlooms

These valuables are generally better protected in a home safe or safety deposit box rather than a storage unit.

11. Prescription Medications

Prescription medications should never remain in long-term storage.

Many medications require:

• Stable temperatures

• Dry conditions

• Easy accessibility

Always keep medications with you during your move.

12. Medical Equipment You Use Regularly

Items such as:

• CPAP machines

• Mobility aids

• Hearing aid accessories

• Medical supplies

should remain easily accessible.

Unexpected delays can make retrieving them difficult.

13. Family Photographs and Irreplaceable Keepsakes

Old family photographs and sentimental items often cannot be replaced.

Consider keeping with you:

• Photo albums

• Personal journals

• Family videos

• Handwritten letters

• Small heirlooms

If they must be stored, pack them carefully using archival-quality materials and ensure the storage environment is appropriate for preserving delicate items.

14. Valuable Collectibles

Items such as:

• Rare coins

• Stamp collections

• Sports memorabilia

• Valuable artwork

deserve special consideration.

If you decide to store collectibles, use proper protective materials and confirm that your insurance coverage meets your needs.

15. Wet or Damp Items

Never pack damp belongings.

Examples include:

• Wet towels

• Damp clothing

• Recently cleaned rugs

• Moist furniture

Moisture trapped inside storage can quickly lead to:

• Mold

• Mildew

• Unpleasant odours

Always allow items to dry completely before packing.

16. Unclean Appliances

Appliances should always be cleaned before storage.

This includes:

• Refrigerators

• Freezers

• Dishwashers

• Washing machines

Food residue and trapped moisture can produce mold and unpleasant smells.

Allow appliances to dry thoroughly before storing them.

17. Garbage

It may sound obvious, but garbage sometimes gets packed accidentally during a rushed move.

Never place into storage:

• Food wrappers

• Cardboard with food residue

• Used cleaning supplies

• Household waste

Garbage attracts pests and creates unpleasant odours.

18. Highly Flammable Materials

Avoid storing:

• Charcoal lighter fluid

• Paints that contain flammable solvents

• Certain cleaning chemicals

• Aerosol cans, if prohibited by the facility

Always check your storage provider's list of prohibited items before packing.

19. Pets

Animals should never be left in storage under any circumstances.

Storage facilities are not designed for living creatures.

If you're moving with pets:

• Arrange safe transportation.

• Keep food and water available.

• Prepare a travel kit.

Their health and safety should remain your priority throughout the move.

20. Frequently Used Daily Essentials

Many people accidentally pack items they'll need before moving into their new home.

Avoid placing these into storage:

• Chargers

• Laptops

• Toiletries

• Daily clothing

• Children's supplies

• Pet supplies

• Kitchen essentials

• Phone chargers

Prepare a separate overnight or essentials bag instead.

Check Your Storage Facility's Rules

Every storage provider has its own policies regarding prohibited items.

Restrictions often include:

• Hazardous materials

• Firearms or ammunition (where applicable)

• Illegal substances

• Perishable food

• Live animals

• Combustible materials

Always review your storage agreement before moving day.

What Items Are Safe to Store?

Fortunately, most household belongings can be stored safely when properly packed.

Examples include:

• Furniture

• Clothing

• Books

• Kitchenware

• Seasonal decorations

• Sporting equipment

• Toys

• Home décor

• Office furniture

• Household linens

Using quality packing materials and preparing items correctly helps protect them during storage.

Tips for Packing Storage Safely

To maximize protection:

• Clean every item before storage.

• Dry everything completely.

• Label boxes clearly.

• Use sturdy moving boxes.

• Protect fragile items with padding.

• Keep heavy boxes on the bottom.

• Avoid overpacking boxes.

• Create an inventory of stored belongings.

• Leave walkways inside your storage unit if possible.

Proper packing helps preserve your belongings and makes unpacking much easier later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store canned food?

Although canned food is shelf-stable, it's generally not recommended for long-term storage units because food products may attract pests if packaging is damaged, and many facilities discourage or prohibit storing food altogether.

Can I leave gasoline in my lawn mower before storage?

It's best to prepare fuel-powered equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions before long-term storage. Fuel left in engines may degrade over time and increase the risk of leaks or odours.

Should I keep important documents in storage?

Important documents such as passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and financial records are usually better kept with you so they're readily available when needed.

Are electronics safe to store?

Yes, provided they're clean, dry, and properly packed. Remove batteries where appropriate, protect screens with padding, and pack cables separately in labeled bags.

Can I store family heirlooms?

Yes, but because they're often irreplaceable, take extra care. Use protective packing materials, consider archival-quality storage supplies for delicate items, and make sure your insurance coverage reflects their value if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Storage can be an excellent solution during a move, but not every item belongs there. Food, hazardous materials, important documents, valuables, medications, and anything that could spoil, leak, or create a safety risk should stay out of storage whenever possible.

Taking the time to separate prohibited and high-priority items before packing helps protect your belongings, keeps your storage unit organized, and reduces the chance of costly damage or unpleasant surprises when it's time to unpack.

By understanding your storage provider's policies, cleaning and preparing your belongings properly, and keeping essential items with you, you'll enjoy a safer, smoother, and more organized storage experience throughout your move.