Things You Can’t Store In A Self Storage Unit

Certain items should never be placed in a self storage unit due to safety, legal, and climate related risks, and it’s not always clear exactly what those items are! At Olympic Self Storage here in Sioux City, Iowa, we are dedicated to providing the safest self-storage experience possible, and one way to do that is by prohibiting certain items, which we’ll outline in this blog post.

The most commonly-known prohibited items in storage units include (but are not limited to):

• Hazardous Materials: Gasoline, kerosene, car batteries, compressed gas, ammunition, propane tanks, paint, drugs, paint thinner, fertilizer, and grease
• Living Things: Plants, animals, people
• Perishable Items: Food of any kind — boxed, refrigerated, or frozen
• Prohibited Vehicles: Vehicles that are nonworking, unregistered, or uninsured

Why Storage Restrictions Exist

Storage restrictions exist to not only protect your and your fellow tenants’ belongings, but also to comply with local, state, environmental, and federal laws. Complying with these laws allows us to maintain insurance, and to keep our facilities as safe as possible. The goal of Olympic Self Storage is to provide a secure, convenient self-storage experience to all of our customers, regardless of their storage needs.

Prohibited items in storage units are often those that pose a danger to the unit and neighboring units. These items are typically fire hazards or mold risks, or can attract pests that can damage belongings and are extremely hard to remove.

Electronics & Temperature Sensitive Items

While these are not necessarily banned items in storage units, we do not recommend storing electronics and certain temperate sensitive items in a storage unit that is not climate controlled.

Items that require climate control include:

• Electronics
• Vinyl records
• Documents
• Antiques
• Artwork
• Antique furniture

Olympic Self Storage offers state-of-the-art climate controlled storage units, designed to protect the quality of your precious belongings.

Explore climate controlled self storage in Sioux City Iowa.

Iowa Weather & Storage Risks

Self-storage in Iowa is particularly challenging when it comes to temperature-sensitive items, making climate controlled storage units especially important. With the Siouxland area’s bouts of high humidity and moisture buildup, dramatic heat fluctuation, and winters with freezing temperatures, following the item restriction guidelines is imperative to protect your belongings and neighboring units.

Commonly Forgotten Restricted Items

Some items you can’t store in self-storage are commonly overlooked, and cause great damage later on. If you’re ever unsure of an item, please contact us to speak with a friendly staff member who will be able to give you guidance. Some commonly forgotten restricted self storage items include:

• Propane tanks
• Tires
• Fireworks
• Paint thinner
• Ammunition
• Cleaning chemicals
• Batteries
• Fuel-powered equipment

What SHOULD Be Stored In Climate Controlled Storage

If you know you have items that require extra care, we encourage you to look into our climate controlled storage options here at Olympic Self Storage. These items include anything with sentimental value (although we don’t recommend storing anything of significantly high financial value), or items that require certain temperatures or humidity to maintain quality.

These items can include:

• Antique or wooden furniture
• Electronics
• Photographs
• Paperwork
• Collectibles
• Musical instruments

FAQ

How much does storage cost in Sioux City?

A self-storage unit at Olympic Self Storage in Sioux City can cost anywhere from $55/month to $165/month.

What size storage unit do I need?

Choosing a self-storage unit depends on your needs. Browse our storage unit size guide to learn about each size and choose what’s right for you.

Do I need climate controlled storage in Iowa?

Yes, if you have temperature-sensitive items it is important to choose climate controlled storage in Iowa’s fickle climate.

Are the storage units secure?

Yes, Olympic Storage uses state-of-the-art security technology to protect your belongings.

Can I store a car, RV, or boat?

Yes, you can store vehicles so long as they are registered, working, and insured.

Can you store gasoline in a storage unit?

No, gasoline is a prohibited material in a storage unit.

Can food be stored in a storage unit?

No, food or any perishable items cannot be stored in a self-storage unit.

Are paint cans allowed in storage units?

No, paint cans present both a hazardous fume and fire hazard and are not permitted in a storage unit.

Can electronics be damaged in storage units?

Electronics can be damaged if they are not stored in climate controlled storage.

What items require climate controlled storage?

Temperature-sensitive items like electronics, vinyl records, documents, antiques, artwork, and antique furniture.

Why are hazardous materials prohibited in storage units?

Hazardous items in storage units present the risk of significant damage to not only your belongings, but the belongings in neighboring units and even the entire storage facility itself, due to fume, pest, and fire hazards.

Can fireworks be stored in a storage unit?

No, fireworks present a significant fire hazard and are not permitted in a storage unit.

What happens if prohibited items are found in a storage unit?

If prohibited items are found in your storage unit, you will be given a notice to remove these items. If they are not removed you may face eviction from the facility or legal action.