Items you shouldn’t store long-term

Self storage is a great option for those who are relocating. They can be long-term or short-term storage units and can hold many items. They will protect your belongings until you decide to collect them again. Even though they are awesome for most items, there are some things you shouldn’t store long-term. If you are not sure what things you can store, experts on moving and storage Columbus Ohio will help you figure it out in no time!

Which items shouldn’t you store long-term?

If you plan to relocate, you might consider renting cheap storage units Columbus Ohio or in your nearest vicinity. You should not store some items long-term, for more or less obvious reasons. Some items shouldn’t be stored in the long-term storage due to their ingredients, some due to their importance, some since they can be dangerous, etc. The list goes on. Even though some reasons are quite obvious, we will still mention and explain them a bit. Therefore, the items you should not store long-term are:

1. Living beings
2. Dangerous items
3. Valuable items and personal documents
4. Electronic devices and cars
5. Food

You mustn’t store living beings

You should not store any living beings. That goes for pets and plants as well. Even though no one will store their pets, they usually tend to forget plants. Especially if the plants are low maintenance such as cactuses or aloe veras. Even though they are low-maintenance, they still need sunlight and occasional water. If you are transporting your pets or domestic animals, you should not store their belongings. Beds, food, toys, cages, cleaning equipment, and other equipment will be necessary and crucial for their transport and everyday living. It’s especially bad to store pet food since it will turn bad. It will start smelling bad and attract unwanted guests such as ants. Therefore, you should not be storing long-term plants, pets and anything pet-related since closing them in a dark box with no sunlight will 100% kill them.

Dangerous items

Many things can be “dangerous items”. These items can be potentially dangerous for both storage units and storage workers. Examples- many dangerous tools and liquids for car repair, gardening, fire extinguishers, etc. Cleaning supplies, acetone, paint, and similar liquids are highly explosive and should not be in long-term storage. Some of these belongings can either get corrosive (which can be considered damaged) or can explode if they are under heat or pressure. Since weapons are illegal in some states, you should ask your residential movers Columbus Ohio whether they will accept your weapons or not. There is a difference between storing one weapon and storing a collection of various weapons and ammunition. 

Do not store valuable items and personal documents long-term

Even though storage is highly secure, it’s best to have your valuables in your nearest vicinity. That goes for valuable items and personal documents. Personal documents should be close to you, especially during the move. They can be necessary for the process of traveling, changing your address, changing your healthcare information, when applying for bank loans, etc. Personal documents are your ID, passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, bank documents, etc. Valuable items are those which have either emotional or economic value. That can be memories from your college, school, family, or friends. That can be photo albums, jewelry, letters, gifts, etc. Fine arts such as jewelry, pictures, statues, rare and expensive collections, and vases should also be stored outside of long term storage, mostly due to their financial value. You will feel much more secure knowing that your valuables are within your reach.

Electronic devices and cars

Some items need constant maintenance. These items can break down due to dust and negligence. For example – those items are cars and some electronic devices. Cars need maintenance, and if you do not take care of them for a month or two, they can easily break down. And repairing a car costs a lot. The only time you should consider storing a car is if you have multiple of them and do not have time to transport them all. However, even then it is advisable to not store it long-term.

Items such as computers, keyboards, and laptops are also items you should not store long term. They also need dusting and cleaning to work. If you leave them for a long time, they might start working slower or stop working completely. They are also highly expensive and valuable items, which is why it’s best to have them in your closest vicinity or store them at your friends/family members’ homes.

Food should not be put in storage

It is not the best idea to put food in storage, both human and animal food. Food can easily go bad, which can cause it to rot. Rotting food smells, and if you are storing any clothes or couches, they will most likely take the odor of rotting food. Rotting food can also attract insects and rodents, which is another potential health hazard. Pet food is usually different from human food and rots slower. However, it still smells, which can attract unwanted guests. Therefore, before storing any kitchen supplies or electrical devices, check if there is any food left in them. Not storing any type of food will make your moving process easier, both for you and your movers.

To sum it up, many things shouldn’t be stored long-term. Some of these items are valuable items, weapons, and valuable electronic devices. You should not store any type of food and living creatures as well. Dangerous liquids must not be in storage due to their dangerous potential. If you are not sure whether you can store something long-term, it’s best to ask your moving and storage company. They will be more than glad to help you out.