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Top 8 Things You Should Never Store in a Storage Unit Near Me | Lockaway

Admin | March 24, 2026 @ 12:00 AM

Searching storage units near me is great, but they're not always suitable for every item and while some might assume they can store almost anything, there are many things that could potentially damage other items, pose a safety hazard, or simply go against what is allowed by storage companies.

Lockaway Storage serves our customers across the cities of San Antonio, Texarkana, Converse, Texas and Colorado, providing information on how to choose a smarter storage option when looking for 'storage units near me'. Here's what to look out for when renting a storage unit near by, the below are the items you cannot store in self storage facilities and our expert suggestions.

1. Perishable food items

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Perishable food products will attract pests, increase mold development, and lead to unpleasant odors. Sealed packages can also become problematic after extended periods due to moisture accumulation inside the package.

Instead

  • Store non-perishable food products safely at home
  • Consider purchasing climate controlled storage options for pantries

2. Hazardous materials

Examples of hazardous materials include gasolines, propane tanks, paints, solvents, and other harmful chemicals. The potential risks associated with storing such hazardous materials in an enclosed area include fires and toxic exposures from leaks.

Why it matters?

The primary reason for not storing hazardous materials is because they present an inherent risk of causing a fire and or poisoning people who are around the materials. A closed storage unit presents a high risk environment for both hazards.

3. Living things

Never place pets or plants into a storage unit, this is considered improper storage.

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Alternative

If you have pets that require constant attention or plants that need regular watering, research pet sitting or plant sitting services as opposed to utilizing your storage unit as a pet or plant facility.

4. Important documents

You would want to safeguard valuable documents such as birth certificates, passports, etc. from potential harm. These types of documentation should never be placed within storage units.

Instead

  • Use a safe with a fire rating to protect your important documents
  • Digitize copies of your important documents and save digital files online

When you are looking for storage units near me for document purposes, ensure that you are only considering non document related storage options.

5. Wet or Damp items

Wet or damp items have the potential to develop mold or mildew and ultimately result in long term damage to your possessions. It is a particular concern in areas like Colorado that experience extreme temperature swings throughout the year.

Tips

  • Always thoroughly dry wet items prior to placing them into storage units.

6. Unregistered or Unused vehicles

Some storage companies will not permit unregistered vehicles to be stored in their facilities. Not all storage facilities allow the storage of vehicles that are not registered.

Alternatives

  • If you are seeking to store a vehicle, you will need to search for RV storage near me or car storage near me. Some of these units are designed specifically for vehicle storage. Our San Antonio and Texarkana locations specialize in vehicle storage. Ensure to store registered vehicles only or check with the facility about their rules on vehicle storage.

7. Valuables without protection

You should not store valuables without first taking the necessary precautions and investing in the appropriate protection. This includes jewelry, cash, and collectible items.

Why?

  • No matter how inexpensive the storage units near me may appear, securing your irreplaceable items requires more than just security measures alone

8. Illegal or stolen goods

As a general rule, no reputable storage company permits illegal goods to be stored in their facilities. Storing stolen property in a storage facility is also prohibited by law

So, What works well in storage units near me?

Now that you have been informed of what not to store in your storage units near me, here is what can successfully be stored

  • Household furniture
  • Seasonal decorative items
  • Commercial merchandise
  • Boxes for moving
  • Equipment and tools

We have seen multiple customers utilize storage units near me for the above uses when researching storage units near me

Lockaway Storage solutions across our locations

Regardless of whether you are searching for storage units in San Antonio or anywhere else across our locations including San Antonio, Converse, Texarkana, and Colorado, Lockaway Storage has the flexibility to meet your needs

Texas locations

Texas based residents and businesses frequently search for

  • Storage units San Antonio
  • Storage units New Braunfels
  • Storage units Conroe TX

Each location provides easy accessibility and drive-up units along with secure storage options

Colorado locations

Additionally, Colorado residents located in cities such as Loveland, Aurora, and Johnstown continue to seek climate controlled storage near me as a result of seasonal weather changes affecting the longevity of their stored items


Lockaway Storage always have some kind of promo or offers for their customers; so please ensure to contact your nearest facility or check the website for updated information.

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