Are you thinking about what you should steer clear of putting into your storage unit?
Over the years, I’ve guided countless customers through choosing the perfect storage solution for their needs in Bunbury. A frequent question people throw my way is, “what items shouldn’t I store?” If you’re planning on renting a storage unit, it’s smart to know exactly what doesn’t belong inside.
Food and Perishable Items Can Invite Trouble
First things first, you should never store food or perishables. Sure, tins and packaged goods might seem harmless, but trust me when I say even the smallest snacks can create a big headache. Food attracts pests—rats, cockroaches, ants—you name it. Before you realise it, your belongings could get damaged, or your neighbours’ storage units might end up infested too. It’s just not worth it.
If you’re still unsure on how to properly organise your storage, you might want to browse my self-storage tips to avoid mistakes.
Flammable and Hazardous Materials Are a Massive Risk
This is huge. Keeping flammable substances, like petrol, gas cylinders, paint thinners or fireworks in storage units is both unsafe and illegal. Even those half-empty gas bottles you’ve forgotten about in the garage? They’re a definite no-go. Just imagine the potential damage or danger involved—it doesn’t bear thinking about. The Fire and Rescue NSW have provided a fantastic guide on properly storing hazardous materials; you can find it here.
Plants Need Light and Air, Not Storage Units
Plants might seem harmless, but they’re alive and they need fresh air and sunlight to thrive. Putting a fern or succulent away hoping they’ll magically survive isn’t realistic. In some storage units, moisture from plants can also lead to mould and damage your stuff. Not ideal, right?
Don’t Risk Losing Your Irreplaceable Valuables
If there’s one thing that I’ve picked up from personal experience—and from talking to other storage facility owners online—it’s that storing irreplaceable valuables like jewellery, heirlooms, or family photos in a storage unit can leave you full of regret. The physical security at traditional storage facilities is generally strong, but they’re still not suited for more sentimental, priceless items. Better safe than sorry; secure those valuables in a safer place like at home or a bank safety deposit box.
What Else Goes Without Saying—and Yet, Should Be Said?
Definitely don’t store cash and currency. It might seem obvious, but I’ve seen customers stash cash in their units. While the units here at All Star Storage Solutions in Bunbury are secure, storing large sums of money isn’t practical or responsible. Consider safer alternatives, always.
Avoid Storing Sensitive Documents and Records
I’ve learned from talking with people online, who have dealt with storage unit headaches firsthand, that storing sensitive documents—like passports, IDs, medical files, or important financial statements—isn’t a smart idea. Not only do you risk theft, but paper deteriorates over time if it’s not stored properly. Consider digitalising these documents instead and backing them up safely.
For businesses out there, you can explore better storage solutions tailored specifically for sensitive items through my business storage solutions.
Temperature Sensitive Electronics Aren’t Storage Friendly
Think about expensive electronics like laptops, tablets, or musical instruments. Extreme temperatures—like the heat we sometimes face in Australia—or humidity changes in Bunbury can cause irreparable damage. Protect your investment by keeping electronics in a temperature-controlled environment rather than risk damaging them for good.
Unsure if the unit you’ve chosen is right? You can get helpful sizing and storage advice by checking out my ultimate storage size guide.
Medications Don’t Belong in a Storage Unit
Medication loses effectiveness in hot or fluctuating temperatures. Given Australia’s hot summers, it’s easy to picture how extreme temps could easily ruin medicine. Rather keep them at home or dispose of them responsibly if they’re no longer required. The Australian Government’s chemical safety recommendations give clear advice about safely handling and storing medications and chemical products.
Wet and Damp Items Lead to Mould
You wouldn’t pack away wet camping gear or furniture just like that at home—and storage units are no different. Damp goods can sprout mould and mildew, contaminating your own unit and possibly spreading into others. Always ensure items are thoroughly clean, dry and aired out before they’re packed away.
Why I’m Sharing All This
I’ve interacted with many fellow Aussies online who’ve faced unhappy surprises when returning to their storage spaces—ruined heirlooms, infestations, even damage from improperly stored goods. My responsibility—as both someone who cares deeply about our community here in Bunbury and as a storage facility owner—is to keep you informed, protected, and ready to use your storage unit safely and effectively.
If you have questions or need guidance choosing the right storage options, don’t hesitate to get in touch. After all, the goal is simple: Helping you take exceptional care of the things that matter to you the most.