What Can and Cannot Go Into a Storage Unit?

No matter how big your home is, it never seems to have quite enough room. In New York City that feeling is constant. There is no backyard shed and no spare garage, so when you want to hold on to something you do not use every day, professional storage is usually the answer.

Before you start loading boxes, though, it helps to know the rules. You pay for the space, but the rental agreement, fire codes, and common sense all limit what can go inside. Breaking those rules can put your belongings, your neighbors' belongings, and your lease at risk.

What Are the Items That Shouldn't Go into a Storage Unit?

A storage unit holds things from your home, but it is not an extension of your home. Nobody lives there, nothing breathes there, and nothing should be able to catch fire or spoil there. The list below covers the most common restrictions.

1. Animals

It sounds obvious, but it still happens: pets do not belong in a storage unit, not even for a few hours. There is no fresh air, no light, and no temperature control suitable for an animal.

If you cannot bring a pet to your new place right away, ask a trusted friend or relative to foster it. If that is not possible, the city has several no-kill shelters and rescue groups that can rehome animals responsibly.

2. Houseplants

Plants need light, airflow, and regular water, and a storage unit offers none of those. Even with a grow light plugged into a powered unit, they will struggle. If your new apartment cannot fit them all, give the extras to someone who will look after them.

3. Perishable Items

Food attracts rodents and insects, and once they find one unit they will happily explore the ones next door. As food breaks down it can stain, damage, and leave a lasting smell on everything else you store.

Some facilities have units with power outlets, and a few will allow a chest freezer. Always ask first, and remember that a long power outage could leave you with a very unpleasant cleanup.

4. Combustible or Hazardous Items

Anything flammable, corrosive, or toxic is prohibited. The exact list varies by facility and local regulations, so check before you pack, but it almost always includes:

• Gasoline, oil, kerosene, and other fuels
• Propane tanks and compressed gas cylinders
• Paint, solvents, and harsh cleaning chemicals
• Fertilizers and pesticides
• Medical waste and unused prescription drugs
• Illegal substances of any kind

5. Ammunition and Explosives

Fireworks, ammunition, and anything else that can explode are banned. If you store them anyway and something goes wrong, you are responsible for the damage to the facility and to other renters' property, along with any injuries.

6. Unregistered Vehicles

Many facilities accept cars, motorcycles, and boats as long as they run and are properly registered and insured. A vehicle that does not run or lacks paperwork is a different story and is generally not allowed.

Even when vehicle storage is permitted, you remain liable for leaks or damage to the facility or neighboring units, so drain what you can and follow the facility's guidelines.

7. Stuff You Don't Use

This one is not a rule so much as good advice. Paying every month to store things you never use rarely makes sense. Before a move, donate clothes you no longer wear, pass furniture to friends or family, and recycle or toss what is broken. Even items with some sentimental value may do more good in someone else's hands. Our packing services team can help you sort keep, donate, and discard piles as we pack.

What Can I Put Into a Storage Unit?

Almost everything else is fair game: furniture, boxed household goods, clothing, books, electronics, appliances, artwork, sports gear, and business files. Each facility has its own policies, so read your rental agreement to be sure.

For delicate pieces like wood furniture, leather, instruments, and art, choose a climate-controlled unit. MPs New York offers secure storage in units of several sizes, and we can pack and transport everything for you as part of a local move or a long-distance move.