Food
Food may not be stored in a storage unit for several reasons. The first, and most important reason, is that food attracts mice and other pests. Mice will cause all kinds of problems in your storage unit and all the other storage units in the building. Mice (and rats) chew through all kinds of materials to make nests, they urinate and defecate all over everything creating an odor that cannot be cleaned out and creating health problems by transmitting disease.
Second; food will spoil if not properly stored. Most foods require consistent temperature and stable humidity to be kept from spoiling. These two key things are not met within most storage units.
Finally – most storage buildings are not designed to offer electrical service inside the units. This means a refrigerator or freezer cannot be installed and used inside the storage unit. This does not mean you cannot store a refrigerator or other appliances in a storage unit – it just means you cannot power one inside most storage units!
Gasoline or other flammable liquids
This should go without saying but we are saying it anyway. Storing gasoline, diesel, kerosene, E-85, propane tanks or any other flammable liquid is not allowed in storage units.
The vapors from these items can build up inside the buildings and create a fire or explosion hazard. Flammable liquids also create additional hazards in a fire even if they are not the cause of the fire. They can make fires more destructive and more difficult, or even impossible, to extinguish.
Explosives
Similar to flammable liquids, explosive items are not permitted in storage units for similar reasons. These items pose a significant risk to people and property and are not allowed in storage units.
Think fireworks, gunpowder, blackpowder, oxygen tanks and other oxidizers, welding gases (such as acetylene), safety fuse and other similar, explosive items and compounds.
Hazardous waste, radioactive waste or other hazardous materials
It may seem obvious but it is important! Even if you, as the owner of these materials, are aware of the danger and know how to protect yourself; other renters around you may not even be aware of the presence of hazardous or radioactive materials, putting them in significant danger.
The dangers associated with radioactive and hazardous wastes extends far beyond their physical location.
Some common and less-obvious hazardous materials include, but are not limited to:
- aerosol cans
- car batteries
- heavy metals (ie: lead)
- paint or paint thinners
- motor oil (new and used)
- commercial fertilizers
- pesticides (except those actively being used to control pests in the unit)
- herbicides and cleaning chemicals
- acids and other corrosive chemicals
Just don’t do it!
Household waste or anything which may attract pests
Storage units may not be used to keep trash or other household waste. Storage units must be kept clean and free of trash. All trash must be properly disposed of!
We’ve talked about pests once already. Household trash is a big attractant of mice and pests.
May not occupy or live in a storage unit – including animals!
A storage unit may not be lived in or occupied by a person or animal for any reason! The only reason to be inside a storage unit is to bring items to, remove items from or to take inventory of items in your storage unit.
Storage units are not designed to be housing. They are not built to the standards required for housing. They do not have utilities to run necessary appliances and most are not climate controlled and are very cold in winter and very hot in summer.
Local zoning and your lease both forbid anyone from occupying a storage unit.
Stolen or Illegal goods
Why are you stealing things in the first place? Don’t bring that stuff to a storage unit. You should give it back to the person you stole it from and let them store it somewhere instead.
If we catch wind that you may be keeping stolen or illegal goods at Whiskey Run Storage we will call the police to investigate.
Summary
This is not a full list of all items which may not be allowed in a storage unit
The items discussed here all have harmful consequences. They can result in personal injury or death or they can result in significant property damage or property loss. Restrictions are placed on these items to keep the people and buildings safe from harm.
If you have a question about any item you may want to keep in your storage unit you should check your lease first. If you are still unsure you should ask the owner of the building.
Use common sense when storing items in your storage unit!
Whiskey Run Storage LLC 
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