What You Should Not Store in a Storage Unit (and Why It Can Cost You)

When you rent a storage unit, it’s easy to think of it as an extra closet. However, not everything belongs there. This guide helps you understand what’s safe and legal to store and what could cause problems later. Whether you’re downsizing, moving, or clearing out seasonal clutter, knowing the limits helps you avoid penalties, damage, and safety hazards. It also helps you avoid insurance claim issues and unexpected losses that are preventable.

You’ll learn which items storage facilities prohibit and why those rules exist. Examples range from perishable goods that attract pests to chemicals that can ignite in heat, showing how simple choices protect your belongings and others’ property. You’ll also see how facility policies differ, what state regulations require, and how to prepare items the right way before storage. By the end, you’ll know exactly what belongs in your unit and what should stay out to keep everything secure, compliant, and in good condition.

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Storage Restrictions

Ignoring a facility’s restricted list can cost far more than the rules on paper suggest. A single spark from stored fuel or paint thinner can start a fire that destroys nearby units. FEMA reports show about 1,400 fires occur in U.S. self-storage facilities each year, most caused by prohibited or mishandled materials. Even harmless-looking items like cleaning products or aerosol cans can expand in high heat, leak, and damage nearby belongings.

Food and organic materials attract insects and rodents, which can cause infestations that close entire sections of a facility for treatment. Once pests spread, facilities often remove tenants and charge cleanup fees that may exceed several hundred dollars per incident.

The risks go beyond physical damage. Violating storage rules can void your insurance, and many companies refuse to cover losses linked to banned items. Storing fuel, perishables, or hazardous waste can result in eviction with no refund of prepaid rent. Many facility contracts include “immediate termination” clauses that allow managers to cut your lock and remove everything inside. Some states classify illegal storage, such as ammunition, chemicals, or stolen goods, as a public safety violation that can lead to fines or police involvement. Spending a few minutes reading your lease or checking the facility’s prohibited list can save you thousands in penalties, cleanup bills, or denied claims later.

Various violations lead to different penalties, ranging from fines to eviction. The table lists the most common types, when they occur, and how much renters may need to pay.

Lithium-ion battery packs are one of the fastest-growing fire risks in storage facilities. Many renters assume that a powered device is just another household item, but national safety data shows otherwise. Federal fire agencies link micromobility batteries, such as those in e-bikes and scooters, to deadly fires. The CPSC recorded at least 19 deaths in the United States from these battery fires between 2021 and 2022.

The USFA and NFPA advise storing lithium batteries at room temperature and keeping them out of hot or enclosed spaces. OSHA also recommends limiting how many you store and following all manufacturer instructions.

Do not store loose battery packs, e-bike batteries, hoverboards, or power tool batteries in storage units. Keep them at home at 50–77°F, partially charged, and away from anything that can burn.

How Facility Rules and U.S. Regulations Shape What You Cannot Store

Every storage facility operates under a mix of state laws, fire codes, and insurance standards that dictate what you can and cannot keep inside a unit. These rules aren’t arbitrary. They’re designed to prevent accidents, contamination, and property loss. Most states follow NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) codes, which prohibit storing anything that can catch fire, release fumes, or explode when exposed to heat. That’s why items such as propane tanks, gasoline, and paint thinner are considered restricted. Fire marshals inspect facilities regularly. Violations can result in heavy fines or forced cleanouts, which the renter must pay for.

Storage contracts outline these restrictions in detail. When you sign a lease, you agree to comply with both the facility’s rules and local safety ordinances. Contracts often reference state statutes or municipal codes that classify certain materials, such as fireworks, ammunition, and chemical waste, as hazardous. These items create liability risks for both the renter and the property owner. Insurance companies use those same codes to define what they cover in the event of fire, flood, or theft. If a banned item causes damage, your claim may be denied. Facilities use surveillance and inspections to enforce these rules. Ignoring them can lead to eviction or legal action if stored materials violate state or federal safety laws.

Each state has its own set of regulations. In California, the Fire Code limits how many gallons of flammable liquid you can store. In Florida, environmental laws regulate how you store paints, batteries, and pesticides. Even climate differences, such as extreme heat in Arizona, can lead facilities to adopt stricter policies than in other states. Knowing how local and federal rules overlap helps you stay compliant. Before moving your items in, ask the manager for the list of prohibited items and check it against what you plan to store. Following these rules protects your belongings, reduces legal risk, and keeps your storage unit a safe and lawful part of your home.

How Storage Facility Rules Work

Once you understand how facility rules work, the next step is putting that knowledge into action. The rest of the guide explains in more detail which items are allowed or not allowed in your unit and why.

Reading Your Rental Agreement: The “Prohibited Items” Clause

Most storage problems start when renters skip the fine print. Every rental agreement includes a list of “prohibited items,” which is your first defense against avoidable losses. Look for terms such as flammables, hazardous materials, illegal goods, or living creatures. These terms appear in nearly all U.S. storage contracts because they follow state and federal safety standards.

Some facilities include less obvious restrictions, like bans on medical waste, lithium batteries, or compressed gas cylinders. Reading this clause carefully helps you recognize these limits before moving in. If anything is unclear, ask the manager for an explanation. It’s easier to clear things up before signing than to face a lock cut or eviction notice later.

What Renters Think Is Safe vs. What Storage Rules Say

Some items may seem safe at first, but storage contracts and safety rules often disagree. Here’s a comparison between common misconceptions and what the lease actually prohibits.

Insurance and Liability: What Coverage Really Protects

Storage insurance offers a safety net, but it doesn’t cover all situations. Most policies exclude losses caused by items that break storage rules. For example, if a fire starts because of stored gasoline or paint thinner, the insurance won’t pay for the damage, even if your other belongings are destroyed. Facilities ban such items to reduce this risk.

Standard insurance covers theft, fire, and natural disasters, assuming all stored property complies with regulations. Before storing anything, check both your facility’s coverage and your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Ask your insurer about coverage limits, exclusions, and if you need extra protection for valuables or electronics.

Storage insurance often has gaps renters don’t see coming. Use this table to find common exclusions and learn how to prevent coverage surprises.

Renters should know how to confirm what kind of coverage they are being offered at the counter. This matters because they need to quickly tell whether they are purchasing a regulated insurance policy or a facility protection plan and who to contact if a dispute arises.

Before signing up, ask whether the coverage is a state-regulated insurance policy or a facility protection plan. If it is insurance, request the insurer’s name, the policy form, and the state producer license number. If it is a protection plan, ask for the contract form and the name of any insurer backing the facility. Always keep copies of the documents with your lease.

Tenant Protection Plans vs. Insurance
Some operators sell protection plans run by third-party administrators. These plans differ from regulated insurance policies because their rules, exclusions, and claims processes vary. Ask for the complete plan document, details on who reviews claims, what proof of value is required, and how long payments usually take.

Facility Types: Standard, Climate-Controlled, and Vehicle Storage

Storage rules differ depending on the type of unit. Standard units are simple spaces without temperature control and work best for sturdy, non-sensitive items. Climate-controlled units manage both temperature and humidity, making them better for furniture, artwork, or electronics, but they still prohibit flammable and perishable items.

Vehicle and RV storage have extra requirements. Facilities usually ask you to lower fuel levels, disconnect batteries, and show proof of registration or insurance. These steps help prevent leaks, corrosion, and fire hazards. Always choose a storage unit that fits your items instead of trying to fit them into the wrong space.

State and Municipal Regulations: How Fire Codes Shape Restrictions

Storage facilities don’t create rules in isolation. Local fire departments and environmental agencies play a big role in defining what can stay inside a unit. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets nationwide standards that most states adopt, limiting the storage of flammable liquids, aerosols, and explosive materials.

States like California and Florida also enforce environmental codes that regulate chemicals, batteries, and paints to prevent contamination. Even local climate can shape policies. Hotter regions may ban wax-based goods or pressurized cans that expand in heat. Check your state’s fire and safety regulations before signing a lease to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Core Prohibited Categories

You’ve seen the main rules. Here’s a simple list of common move-in issues. Skim what applies to you, then follow the “Do instead” notes to stay compliant and avoid fees or claim denials.

1. Hazardous materials, flammable liquids, and explosives

Common restricted items • Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, lamp oil
• Propane tanks, camping fuel, butane lighters
• Paint thinner, acetone, mineral spirits, MEK
• Aerosols under pressure, including bug spray
• Batteries that off-gas or spill acid
• Fireworks, black powder, blasting caps

Why facilities reject them
• Heat turns vapors into fuel for flash fires.
• Leaks corrode metal doors and spread fumes to neighbors.
• Cylinders can rupture as temperatures swing.

Do instead • Empty fuel from tools, then air them out for 24 hours.
• Exchange or recycle tanks at a gas supplier.
• Take solvents and aerosols to a household hazardous waste event.
• Store only water-based, fully cured paint at home, not in a unit.

Why “Sealed” or “Empty” Doesn’t Mean Safe
• Fumes move through air. Even closed containers can release vapors. Bleach and ammonia fumes can spread through hallways and mix, forming toxic gas.
• Residual vapor can catch fire. “Empty” fuel cans, grills, and propane cylinders still hold flammable gas. Changes in heat and pressure during storage make them dangerous.
• Aerosol cans can burst in heat. Pressurized cans, such as bug spray or paint, may leak or explode and damage nearby areas.

2. Weapons, ammunition, and unlicensed firearms

How policies usually read
• No ammo, primers, or powder in any form.
• Many sites ban firearms outright, loaded or unloaded.
• “Locked case” does not override a posted prohibition.

Less obvious risk
• If your unit ever goes to lien sale, guns or ammo trigger police involvement and legal exposure for you and the operator.

Do instead
• Keep firearms with a licensed dealer or at home in a rated safe.
• Remove all ammunition from the property, no exceptions.
• If a facility advertises “firearm storage,” expect strict documentation and separate, purpose-built lockers.

3. Perishable food items and contaminated containers

• Pet food, bird seed, meal kits, produce, bakery goods
• Open condiments and half-used pantry items
• Boxes that once held snacks or takeout

Safer edge cases
• Factory-sealed cans in small quantities may be allowed at some sites, but only short term and in pest-proof bins.

Do instead
• Donate shelf-stable food you won’t use within 30 days.
• Rinse, de-label, and dry any bin that touched food.
• Skip cardboard for food-adjacent items. Use gasketed plastic totes.

Why Even Sealed Food Causes Problems
All food, including sealed cans, dry goods, and pet food, can still attract pests or release odors over time. Rodents can chew through packaging, and once they infest an area, the problem spreads quickly to nearby units.

4. Living, dead, or biological materials

Covers more than you think
• Houseplants, seeds started in soil, and cut flowers
• Pets, feeder insects, bait, aquarium life
• Animal remains, cremated ashes without paperwork

Why managers pull the plug
• No ventilation for respiration or decomposition.
• Health codes and ethical concerns during inspections.

Do instead
• Board pets or rehome plants before move day.
• Keep ashes with a funeral home or a bank safe deposit box if you need secure, climate-stable storage.

What to Do with Plants and Alcohol During a Move
• Plants: Most storage facilities do not allow live plants. You can gift or sell them locally, ask a neighbor or nursery to care for them temporarily, or hire a licensed plant mover for interstate transport.
• Alcohol/Wine: Many facilities restrict alcohol because of flammability and spill risks. Wine also requires consistent temperature and humidity. Use dedicated wine storage with reliable climate control.
• Important: Avoid “DIY grow setups” or plug-in lights inside a unit, since power use and heat sources break most lease rules.

5. Moisture-prone items and equipment

High-risk culprits
• Recently washed clothes, gym gear, tents, waders
• Fridges, washers, dehumidifiers with residual water
• Fresh-cut lumber, unsealed firewood, snow-covered items

Simple dryness tests
• Paper towel test: press for 10 seconds. Any transfer means “too wet.”
• Odor check: if it smells musty, it’s emitting moisture.

Do instead
• Air-dry textiles for 24 to 48 hours. Bag with desiccant only after they feel crisp-dry.
• Drain appliances, pull filters, and keep doors cracked open with spacers.
• Use moisture absorbers inside sealed totes, not loose in the unit.

6. Fragrant and odor-producing items

Hidden issues
• Fragrance migrates and clings to nearby furniture.
• Sweet scents attract pests even when sealed.
• Candles soften in summer heat and wick into boxes.

Do instead
• If allowed, double-bag candles and incense in airtight bins with charcoal odor absorbers.
• Keep essential oils and diffusers at home. Spills stain concrete and void cleanout refunds.

7. Vehicle and tire restrictions

What trips renters
• Loose tires are almost always banned due to disposal costs and fire load.
• Vehicles typically must be drivable, show registration and insurance, and sit on intact tires.

Fluid rules you’ll face
• Fuel at minimal level per site policy.
• No active leaks. Expect drip trays or absorbent pads.

Do instead
• Return scrap tires to a tire retailer or municipal program.
• Bring title, current registration, and proof of insurance on move-in day.
• Disconnect batteries if the contract requires it.

Why Vehicles Must Be Drivable and Registered
This rule isn’t about driving the car. It covers what happens if you stop making payments. To sell or remove a vehicle at auction, operators must have a clear title and current registration. Non-running or undocumented project cars are difficult to transfer and may violate lien laws.

Hobbyist tips: Bring your title and registration, proof of insurance, and repair any visible leaks. Ask if the site allows vehicles on drip trays and whether a non-operational registration, if available, meets their policy.

8. Stolen, illegal, or contraband items and property without clear title

Red flags
• Anything you cannot prove you own
• Counterfeit goods, stolen tools, or undocumented “found” items
• Controlled substances and drug paraphernalia

Why this matters
• Operators cooperate with law enforcement. Seizures happen fast and without reimbursement.

Do instead
• Keep bills of sale for high-value items in the same file as your lease.
• If provenance is unclear, don’t store it.

9. High-value or sentimental items

Think twice about
• Jewelry, original art, rare collections, family archives
• One-of-a-kind keepsakes you cannot replace with money

Risks you control • Payout limits, sublimits, and exclusions cap recovery far below sentimental worth.

Do instead
• Use a bank safe deposit box or a specialty vault service.
• If you must store, catalog items, add appraisals, and buy a rider that names each piece.

Two Types of Restrictions: Safety vs. Insurance
• Banned for safety: items that can burn, explode, leak, or attract pests, such as gasoline, solvents, food, or live plants.
• Discouraged for insurance: items that are legal to store but not well covered, including cash, jewelry, and unique heirlooms.
• If you need to store valuable items, make a list, take photos, get them appraised, and ask your insurer about adding a scheduled rider that lists each piece.

10. Medical and biohazard restrictions

Commonly misunderstood
• Prescription drugs, especially controlled meds
• Oxygen cylinders and medical gas
• Sharps containers, used dressings, or anything biohazard labeled

Do instead
• Return unused meds at a pharmacy take-back kiosk.
• Keep oxygen with a medical supplier, not in a unit.
• Dispose of sharps through approved mail-back or county programs.

11. Business inventory, hazardous business materials, and unsuitable workplace gear

Where people cross the line
• Storing chemicals, coatings, or fuels for a trade
• Running fulfillment with daily foot traffic
• Using the unit as a workshop with tools that spark

What’s usually allowed
• Clean, boxed merchandise and documents with low fire load.
• Occasional access, not regular on-site operations.

Do instead
• Ask about “commercial storage” options or warehouse-grade spaces with proper fire ratings.
• Carry a separate business policy that covers stock in storage.

12. Fireworks, pool chemicals, fertilizers, and garden chemicals

High-risk list
• Trichlor pool tablets, liquid chlorine, muriatic acid
• Nitrates and urea fertilizers
• Epoxy kits, resin hardeners, and peroxide-based supplies

Failure modes • Acids corrode metal doors and attack concrete.
• Chlorine reacts with oils and some plastics.

Do instead
• Use up chemicals before the move or hand them to a neighbor with a pool.
• Take leftovers to a hazardous waste drop-off. Do not mix containers.

13. Improper unit use and prohibited activities

Actions that convert “allowed” into “prohibited”
• Sleeping or staying overnight inside a unit
• Operating a business with customers on site
• Repairing vehicles, fueling, or battery charging inside
• Plugging in appliances or daisy-chaining extension cords

Why facilities shut this down
• Zoning, life-safety codes, and the site’s insurance forbid occupancy and active work.

Do instead
• Use the unit as passive storage only.
• For tinkering or charging, rent a permitted shop bay or makerspace.

Many renters assume sealed containers are always acceptable. Under FIFRA, the EPA requires consumers to follow pesticide label storage instructions. Storing pesticides in ways that differ from the label is a violation.

The EPA’s storage guidance explains that even small containers must meet label instructions, while larger amounts may require containment measures. Do not store pesticides, herbicides, or pool chemicals unless the label clearly allows those conditions. If not, take them to a municipal hazardous-waste program.

How to Check & Prepare for Storage

You’ve seen what not to store. Now take control with clear checklists and simple steps that help you avoid fees, damage, and claim issues.

Ask the Right Questions When Comparing Facilities

Rules and Permissions
• Ask for a written “prohibited items” list, either printed or emailed, before renting. Some operators, such as Public Storage and Extra Space Storage, maintain extra bans on compressed gases, solvents, and lithium batteries, even when local codes permit them.
• Request clarification on vehicle storage policies.
• Confirm fuel level limits, usually under one-quarter tank, battery disconnect rules, and any tarp or tire-block requirements for long-term storage.
• Make sure all of this is in writing to avoid eviction or fines.

Unit Environment
• Check if the unit provides true climate control, with temperatures between 55 and 80°F and humidity below 60 percent, or if it only offers cooled air.
• Ask whether the facility uses digital humidity monitors or smart thermostats, such as Honeywell or Nest systems.
• For pest control, ask for the service provider’s name, such as Orkin Commercial or Terminix.
• Confirm how often inspections take place and if the facility covers cleanup costs when an infestation affects your unit.

Access and Security
• Ask about the video retention policy, including how long footage is stored, and find out if cameras are monitored in real time or reviewed after an incident.
• Verify lighting coverage and lock type requirements, such as cylinder or disc locks certified by ABUS or Master Lock ProSeries.
• If the facility includes elevators or loading docks, measure door width and platform height. Check whether carts require a deposit or ID hold.

Insurance and Liability
• Request the actual policy or protection plan document. Many storage companies sell tenant protection plans from providers such as SBOA Tenant Insurance or MiniCo Insurance Agency, which are not regulated insurance policies.
• Ask which perils are excluded since mold, vermin, and surface water are often not covered. Check for sublimits, such as electronics capped at $500.
• Clarify the claim process, including who manages it, what documentation is required, and how long payouts typically take.

Contract and Fees
• Confirm when introductory rates expire. Many reset after one to three months.
• Ask about admin fees, rate-change notice periods, and overlock timing. Some states allow locks after only five days past due.
• Request written termination terms, including how much notice is needed, whether partial-month refunds apply, and what qualifies as a “clean unit.”
• If you risk default, note the auction process timeline and the contact path to redeem before the sale, including the manager or lien department email.

Get Proof
Before signing, take photos of posted policies and ask for copies of all documents, including the rental agreement, rules sheet, and insurance terms. Keep them together in one folder to protect yourself in case of a dispute.

Prep checklist that prevents most problems

Many losses begin with damp, dirty, or poorly packed items. Use the following steps for each category.

Furniture
1. Wipe surfaces with a mild cleaner and let them dry for 24 hours.
2. Wax wood or use a conditioner to reduce moisture changes.
3. Disassemble large furniture. Bag hardware and tape it to the frame.
4. Use breathable covers. Avoid tight plastic that traps moisture.
5. Store sofas and mattresses flat on pallets instead of directly on concrete.

Appliances
1. Defrost, drain, and towel-dry refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dehumidifiers.
2. Wipe the inside with a baking soda solution to control odor.
3. Keep doors open with spacers and place a tray under hoses for drips.
4. Tape power cords to the side to prevent pinching.

Electronics
1. Photograph serial numbers. Keep manuals and receipts together.
2. Remove batteries and store them elsewhere if the facility does not allow them.
3. Use original boxes when possible. If not, pack in double-wall cartons with foam padding.
4. Place silica gel packs inside bags and mark boxes as fragile on all sides.

Sports and Outdoor Gear
1. Clean and dry tents, waders, pads, and coolers completely.
2. Open helmet vents and pad liners to air out before boxing.
3. Apply a light oil to metal surfaces to prevent corrosion.
4. Loosen ski and board bindings. Store boards flat in padded sleeves.

Vehicles and Small Engines
1. Photograph the odometer, VIN, and tire condition when moving in.
2. Follow all site fuel and battery policies exactly.
3. Top off coolant and oil to reduce condensation. Put absorbent pads under the engine.
4. Inflate tires to the recommended pressure and cover them with breathable covers.

Universal Packing Rules
1. Use pallets or shelving to keep boxes off the floor.
2. Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter or fragile ones at the top.
3. Keep a clear path to the back. Label all sides with room names and contents.
4. Place desiccant inside sealed totes, not loose in the unit.

What to do with items you cannot store

Not storing is step one. Step two is safe handling.

Hazardous and chemical items
• Use your county’s Household Hazardous Waste program. Search by ZIP code on Earth911 or your county’s website.
• Paint: If it’s still usable, donate it to a neighbor or local theater group. If it’s latex and almost empty, let it air-dry before disposal according to local rules.
• Propane and fuel cylinders: Exchange them at hardware stores or gas suppliers.
• Automotive fluids and batteries: Most auto parts stores accept used oil and batteries.

Donations and reuse
• Clean, working appliances and furniture: Donate to Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
• Clothing and housewares: Donate to local shelters or community thrift stores.
• Computers and phones: Recycle them at e-waste events or through manufacturer take-back programs.

Recycling and scrap
• Metals: Scrap yards pay by weight. Remove any non-metal parts to get better rates.
• Tires: Return them to tire retailers or city tire roundups. A small fee is common.

Sell or special storage
• List valuable items with clear photos and serial numbers on trusted platforms.
• For firearms or regulated items, work with licensed dealers who offer secure storage options.

What to Do with The Stuff Movers Won’t Take and You Can’t Store

On move day you’re left with paint, bleach, propane, plants, pet food, and half-used chemicals. Movers won’t load them. Facilities won’t allow them. Here’s how to clear them fast and legally.

A 48-Hour Plan That Works
1. Sort into four bins: Chemicals, Food or Pet Food, Plants, and Everything Else.
2. Same-day outlets
• Chemicals: Check your city’s Household Hazardous Waste page for drop-off hours or special events. Many hardware stores also exchange propane cylinders.
• Food or Pet Food: Donate sealed goods to a local pantry or shelter. Many pet rescues accept unopened food.
• Plants: Post for local pickup in neighborhood groups or online marketplaces. You can also ask a nursery about short-term boarding.
3. Document disposal: Take photos of labels and drop-off receipts. Keep them with your lease in case of disputes.
4. Ask the facility before move-in: Find out if any small, short-term exceptions exist, such as 24–48 hours with written manager approval. Some sites allow no exceptions, so get all answers in writing.
5. Future-proof: Keep a small “Do Not Store or Move” tub at home for next time. When it fills, schedule a waste drop-off.

Proven Tricks You Won’t Find on Standard Checklists

1. The “Neighbor Swap, Zero Waste” Method (same day)
• Put all safe, unopened items (cleaning supplies, pet food, pantry extras) on a clearly labeled folding table near the curb with a sign that says, “Free Today: Moving.”
• Post to your neighborhood group with a pickup time and add “no holds.”
• Anything left at the end goes to donation or disposal.
• Why it works: Clears 70 to 90 percent of leftover items within hours and avoids multiple trips across town.

2. The “Friend’s Driveway Staging” Hack (48–72 hours)
• Ask a local friend for driveway space. Bring one folding table and three bins labeled Donate, Dispose, and Keep.
• Finish your move, then make one consolidated disposal trip the next day.
• Why it works: Separates moving day from cleanup day so you avoid storing banned items in a hurry.

3. The “Battery Safe Zone” Protocol
• For any device with lithium-ion batteries, remove the packs at home, store them in their original cases or fire-resistant pouches, do not charge them, and label them “No Storage Unit.”
• Ask the storage facility in writing what’s allowed. If not permitted, keep the batteries at home or with a repair shop that provides a hold-and-test service.
• Why it works: Reduces the biggest fire risk by removing uncertainty.

4. The “Title-Ready Project Car” Checklist
• Before visiting storage units, gather the title, registration (or non-operational permit where allowed), and insurance card. Fix visible leaks and bring drip trays.
• Email copies to the manager before moving in.
• Why it works: Turns a likely “no” into a quick “yes” for hobbyists and prevents last-minute surprises.

5. The “Vital Docs, Fast Access” Kit (for crisis moves)
• Place passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and one backup payment card in a fire-resistant document pouch.
• Store the pouch outside the storage unit. Use a bank safe deposit box or a trusted contact, and keep digital copies on secure cloud storage.
• Why it works: Keeps irreplaceable items separate from regular belongings and avoids insurance gaps.

6. The “Climate Reality Check” in 5 Minutes
• Bring a hygrometer when you sign the agreement. Record the temperature and humidity, then repeat after the doors are closed for 10 minutes.
• If the humidity stays high, around or above 60 percent, ask for a different unit or plan for more desiccant and better airflow.
• Why it works: Prevents mold problems by checking the space in advance.

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