Self-storage units are excellent tools for decluttering your life. Whether you need a temporary place for your belongings or extra space for items lying your house, off-site storage can be an invaluable resource. However, not everything belongs in a storage unit.

According to the professionals at Stayton Mini Storage in Marion County, OR, the following items are better kept at home or in another secure location:

• Valuables or Sentimental Items: Since you’re liable for all the items you leave in a storage unit, it’s best to limit your risk. Storage units are generally safe and secure, but they are still public places. Keep expensive, rare, and irreplaceable items in another location so you don’t have to worry.
• Perishable Items: If it is edible, it probably doesn’t belong in a storage unit. Snacks, drinks, and pet food will degrade over time and start to rot. This can lead to foul smells, pest infestations, and mold formation. Don’t risk walking into a science experiment the next time you visit your unit—keep perishables at home or donate them to a charity.
• Hazardous Items: Storage units are no place for hazardous items. If they spill or explode, they may cause extensive damage. Hazardous items include things like aerosol cans, propane tanks, cleaning solutions, and other toxic or combustible items. While you might think a storage unit is the ideal spot for some of these rarely used items, it’s best to keep them in your garage or storage shed, or have them disposed of by a professional.

If you want to free up some space in your home or office, consider the benefits a self-storage unit can offer. Stayton Mini Storage provides a number of affordable storage rentals in different sizes to suit all your needs. Call them at (503) 769-6464 or visit them online for more information about available facilities.