From your grandmother’s china to seasonal décor, the possibilities for what you can put in a storage unit are virtually endless. However, due to the way self-storage units are constructed, there are certain items you should never keep in them. Units are designed to keep contents cool, dry, and safe from exposure to the elements. By nature, some items are either inherently volatile or are simply not meant to be kept in such a state for prolonged periods of time.

Below are some of the items you should never stow away in your storage unit:

• Explosives: Fireworks, ammunition, and guns should never go in a self-storage unit. If, for some reason, any of your explosives were to ignite, your entire unit (and potentially even your neighbors’) could be destroyed.
• Live Plants: The lack of moisture and sunlight in storage units don’t create ideal living spaces for plant life. In fact, you can almost guarantee any live plants you place in your unit will perish. Living things of any kind should never go into storage.
• Food: Perishables are known to attract insects and animals. Even in the best-sealed units, stubborn critters could find a way in if they detect the presence of food. As such, all food items should be kept out of self-storage. The same goes for sweet-smelling candles and similar fragrant objects.
• Wet Items: From damp rugs to pool toys, objects with even small amounts of moisture could create issues when they are placed directly in self-storage units. Always give objects ample time to dry before packing them away, as the cool, dark air in your unit could create the perfect environment for mold to thrive.
• Hazardous Materials: Potentially dangerous chemicals, cleaners, and fuel sources should never go into storage. Paint, fertilizers, noxious gasses, and corrosive materials are all prohibited, as they could cause significant damage if they spill or are left open. Of course, you can always store items using fuel, such as lawn equipment and ATVs—just drain the tank completely before putting them away.

The rules enforced by self-storage centers are used to protect customers and their belongings. Therefore, taking a few extra moments to ensure you’re not mistakenly storing any of the objects listed above will help to preserve the quality of your objects while they’re in storage.

If you’re seeking low-cost, convenient storage units in Texarkana, AR, look no further than Affordable Lock Box. With 19 different storage options, security features, and plenty of moving supplies on-hand, their storage facility makes it easy to keep your belongings safe and out of sight. Call (870) 773-7606 to speak with one of their team members, and visit their website for additional information on their services.