What Kinds Of Items Should Not Be Stored in Long-Term Storage?

There may come a time in your life when you need to keep your possessions safe and secure in a location that isn't your home or living space. Whether it's due to not having enough room in your current space, being between homes, or if you will be without a home for an extended period while you are living in a temporary short-term space, i.e., traveling, you can always count on a long-term storage facility Like the ones at Armbruster Moving & Storage to be a good solution.

If you plan on utilizing a long-term storage space, you should know the items that cannot be stored there. We've compiled a helpful list here in this blog, but also download our list of non-allowable items for packing and moving for more helpful hints.

1. 1. Plants—not only are plants unable to live without consistent watering, sunlight, and fresh air, but when they inevitably die, they will decay. Decaying plant matter attracts pests and bugs, the last thing you want around your belongings.
3. 2. Perishable food—it's pretty obvious why you shouldn't keep these items in long-term storage: When they spoil, they cause mold growth, unpleasant smells, and pests.
5. 3. Damp Items–You do not want mold or mildew to ruin your belongings, so ensure all items you add to a long-term storage facility are completely dry.
7. 4. Animals/Pets–They lack proper ventilation, light, and the care necessary to house any kind of pet, including insects, reptiles, and fish. Always make alternative pet accommodations, and never leave them in your storage unit!
9. 5. Sensitive Electronics–This can include computers, televisions, appliances, etc. It's always best practice to pack these items in climate-controlled packaging that is completely sealed, but also ensure your storage facility has climate-control features, like the facilities at Armbruster Moving & Storage.
11. 6. Cash–You are generally liable for anything stolen from your long-term storage unit, so keeping things like cash and other high-value items is usually discouraged. Use a bank and a safety deposit box instead of a storage unit.
13. 7. Flammable Materials/Hazardous Materials–Chemicals, Propane attached to a grill, Paint, and Fireworks are all considered hazardous or flammable materials. Never keep these things in a unit in case of fire or the potential for anything mixing.
15. 8. Important Personal Documents–Wills, birth certificates, passports, deeds to houses or vehicles, and medical records should never be kept anywhere but in your direct vicinity. Do not store these things in long-term storage for easy access and to prevent loss.

Most items in the list above seem like a no-brainer: You wouldn't keep your cat or dog in long-term storage, and the plants would die without access to sunlight. Some other items may have surprised some readers: It might seem like a good idea to keep some things safe in a secure environment, like a locked storage unit!

At Armbruster Moving and Storage, we are always looking out for you. Our full-service storage facilities have top-rated security, climate and environmental controls, and pricing options. Make sure to contact one of our storage experts on our website or give us a call during business hours to speak to a member of our team.