Can You Store That? Answering Common Questions About Things You Can and Can’t Store

Knowing exactly what you can and cannot place in a self-storage unit is one of the most common concerns we hear at StoreEase. We understand that you’re entrusting us with your belongings, and you want to ensure everything is handled correctly. That’s why we believe in providing clear, straightforward information. This guide is designed to answer your frequently asked questions about storing specific items and to explain the important reasons behind our storage guidelines, ensuring a safe and positive experience for our entire storage community.

Why Clear Storage Guidelines Help Us All

At StoreEase, our storage guidelines are important measures put in place for the collective benefit and safety of all our customers and their possessions. Understanding these helps everyone contribute to a secure and well-maintained environment.

● Safety First: Our primary concern is preventing hazardous situations. Certain items, such as flammables or corrosives, can pose risks of fire or hazardous chemical reactions. Prohibiting these items protects everyone on-site and the facility itself.

● Protecting Your Valuables (and Your Neighbor’s): Some items, even if they don't seem dangerous, can cause significant problems. For example, improperly stored food can attract pests, which can then spread to other units, while damp items can lead to mold and mildew growth, potentially damaging nearby belongings.

● Meeting Legal & Insurance Requirements: We adhere to specific legal regulations and insurance obligations. These often dictate what can and cannot be stored in a commercial facility like ours, ensuring we operate responsibly and maintain a compliant environment.

● Our Commitment at StoreEase: Ultimately, these policies allow us to provide the clean, secure, and well-maintained storage spaces you expect from us. Adherence means peace of mind for everyone.

Storing Your Vehicles: Cars, Motorcycles, and Boats

Many of our customers find that self-storage is an excellent solution for vehicles when driveway or garage space is limited. At StoreEase, we offer vehicle storage options at select locations.

Cars

We're happy to confirm that yes, you can store a car in a storage unit at StoreEase. To do so, we require that your vehicle has proof of ownership, current registration, and active insurance. The vehicle should also be in running condition or, if not, stored on a trailer.

● Begin by thoroughly cleaning your vehicle, both inside and out, to deter pests and prevent grime buildup.

● For long-term storage, fill the gas tank and add a quality fuel stabilizer.

● We recommend disconnecting the battery or using a battery trickle charger to maintain its charge.

● Ensure tires are inflated to the proper pressure; for very long-term storage, consider using jack stands to prevent flat spots.

● A breathable car cover will protect your vehicle from dust and moisture.

● Our secure parking units are available in sizes ranging from 5x10 to 14x60 feet, and we offer both covered and uncovered parking options.

Motorcycles

For motorcycle enthusiasts wanting to protect their bike, you can store a motorcycle in a storage unit. It's an ideal way to keep your bike safe from the elements and secure when not in use. Our requirements are similar to those for cars: proof of ownership, current registration, and insurance.

● Clean and thoroughly dry your motorcycle before storing.

● Consult your owner's manual or our facility staff regarding fuel; options include adding a fuel stabilizer or, in some cases, draining the tank.

● Connect the battery to a tender to keep it charged.

● Use a quality, breathable motorcycle cover.

● We offer 5x10 parking units, which are excellent for motorcycles and offer access at many StoreEase locations.

Boats

When the boating season ends and you need boat storage in the fall and winter, know that, yes, you can store a boat in a storage unit. Many StoreEase locations also offer designated outdoor or covered parking spaces for larger vessels. As with other vehicles, we'll need to see proof of ownership, current registration, and insurance.

● Thoroughly clean the hull, deck, and all interior compartments.

● Ensure all water systems, including the engine, tanks, and bilge, are completely drained and dry.

● If storing in a region with freezing temperatures, properly winterize the engine.

● A secure, well-fitted boat cover is essential to protect against weather and pests.

● Our larger drive-up units can accommodate many trailerable boats, and our outdoor parking offers a secure alternative as well.

Safely Storing TVs and Other Electronics

A common question we receive is about storing televisions; rest assured, you can store a TV in a storage unit. We strongly advise taking a few careful steps to ensure that it and your other electronics remain in excellent working condition.

● Whenever possible, use the original box and custom-fit packaging materials to ensure a secure fit.

● If the original packaging isn't available, invest in a dedicated TV moving box. These are designed to provide proper support. Fill any empty spaces with plenty of protective padding, such as bubble wrap, packing paper, or soft cloths.

● Gently clean screens with a microfiber cloth before packing.

● Label all cables and consider packing them with their respective devices in sealed bags to avoid loss or confusion later.

● Always store TVs, monitors, and other flat-screen devices in their upright position – never lay them flat, as this can damage the screen.

For all sensitive electronics, including TVs, computers, audio equipment, and cameras, we highly recommend our climate-controlled storage units. These units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity range, providing optimal protection against the damaging effects of extreme heat, cold, or moisture.

Rules for Sensitive and Regulated Items

Some items require special attention due to their nature, or they are not permitted in storage for important safety and regulatory reasons. We believe in being transparent about these to help you plan.

Guns

For the safety and security of all our customers and staff, and due to strict legal and liability constraints, you can't store guns in a storage unit at any StoreEase facility. This important policy also extends to all other firearms, ammunition, gunpowder, and fireworks of any kind. This is a standard practice across the self-storage industry, one we uphold rigorously to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

Alcohol

When it comes to storing alcohol in a storage unit, our policy allows for the storage of unopened alcoholic beverages in their original sealed containers at some StoreEase locations. However, there are significant factors to consider, and you must confirm with your specific facility manager first.

Wine, for example, is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations and light, which can spoil its quality. If storage is permitted by your local StoreEase facility manager, we insist on the use of our climate-controlled units, especially for wine (which should be stored on its side to keep corks moist).

High-proof spirits, if not properly contained or if stored in very large quantities, could pose a flammability risk. Breakage and leaks are also concerns. All alcohol must be securely packed in sturdy, leak-proof containers. Always discuss your plans with our local StoreEase team before storing any alcohol.

Cleaning Supplies

As a general rule, you can’t store cleaning supplies in a storage unit if they are flammable, combustible, corrosive, toxic, or are in pressurized aerosol cans that use flammable propellants. This includes items like oven cleaners, drain cleaners, ammonia, many solvents, undiluted bleach, and certain pesticides.

We may permit small, reasonable quantities of standard, sealed, non-hazardous household cleaners (such as dish soap or laundry detergent) in their original retail packaging. When in any doubt, it is always best to leave them out or find an alternative storage solution.

Food

At StoreEase, to maintain a pest-free, odor-free, and hygienic environment for all our valued customers, you can't store food in a storage unit. This strict prohibition includes fresh produce, meats, dairy products, opened containers, and any items that can spoil, rot, or attract pests such as rodents and insects. Such infestations can quickly spread and cause significant damage to your belongings and those of your neighbors.

Our facilities maintain a strict "no food of any kind" policy across all StoreEase locations to strongly discourage the storage of any food items. This helps us uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and pest control.

Other Items That Are Not Allowed at StoreEase

To further ensure a safe and secure environment, here’s a concise list of other items that we generally cannot accept in our storage units:

● Hazardous, Flammable, or Toxic Materials: Beyond what has been detailed, this broadly includes items such as paints, oils, propane tanks (even if believed to be empty), fireworks, fertilizers, poisons, and radioactive materials.

● Living Things: This includes plants (which can attract pests and die) and animals. Storing animals is inhumane and strictly prohibited. (And it should go without saying, humans are not permitted to live or stay in storage units.)

● Illegal Goods & Stolen Property: StoreEase cooperates fully with all law enforcement agencies. Any items obtained illegally or used for illegal purposes are strictly forbidden.

● Strongly Scented or Wet Items: Items that emit strong odors can have those scents absorbed by other stored goods. Any items that are damp, wet, or not thoroughly dried can not be stored, as they will inevitably lead to mold and mildew growth.

● Tires (in bulk): While a spare tire stored with a vehicle is typically fine, we generally do not allow the storage of loose tires in bulk. This is due to fire safety regulations and the significant disposal fees associated with abandoned tires.

● Ashes/Cremated Remains: Due to their irreplaceable and deeply personal nature, we believe cremated remains are better kept in a more appropriate and secure personal location.

● Currency and Irreplaceable Valuables: We prohibit storing large amounts of cash, negotiable securities, or highly valuable, irreplaceable items, such as critical personal documents (e.g., passports, original birth certificates). A bank safe deposit box or a specialized secure home safe is better suited for these items.

Partner with StoreEase for a Smooth Storage Journey

At StoreEase, we're dedicated to providing you with a secure, clean, and convenient storage solution. With our wide range of unit sizes, state-of-the-art climate-controlled options for your sensitive items, and robust security features, including 24/7 video surveillance, electronic gated access, and well-lit premises, we're here to help you find the perfect space for your belongings.

If you have more questions about what you can store or if you’re ready to find the perfect storage unit, we invite you to contact your local StoreEase facility. Our storage experts are available to provide personalized advice and help you select the ideal space to meet your specific needs. Find a StoreEase location near you and see how easy and secure storage can be!