One of the best options for businesses and individuals looking to store some excess items is self-storage. Units of this nature can hold a wide range of items, including seasonal items, family heirlooms, furniture, business documents and inventory, appliances, and pharmaceutical supplies.
Storage facilities are excellent for short- or long-term putting away of items to clear up room in your home or office. The wide range of storage unit sizes on the market allows not just for items to be stored, but even the likes of construction equipment, RVs, and even boats.
Wondering whether a self-storage unit will serve your purpose? Here are a few questions you may be asking:
Does this mean a self-storage unit can hold everything?
The short answer is: no. All storage facilities, from cheap storage units to the more upscale ones, have items that are essentially considered banned. That list has no wiggle room or exceptions, and the items there are usually on it with good reason. It’s key to triple-check this list and the overall contract before any outright rental occurs. If even a single piece of something that’s on the banned list ends up in the storage unit, there will either be a hefty fine or worse: a full-on arrest.
What things absolutely do not belong in a self-storage unit?
Illegal or Toxic Substances – The likes of everyday cleaning products, fertilizers, and chemicals will not survive extreme temperatures. Having them in a unit nearly guarantees some type of chemical accident or fire down the line. Certain storage units also don’t take ammunition or firearms, whether or not they’re functional or antique. Illegal or stolen items, of course, are not allowed either; self-storage facilities can typically be searched if need be.
Pets, Plants, Other Living Items – The pets part, in particular, should be pretty obvious, but again, it’s worth noting nonetheless. Their life will be endangered, as well as that of any plants that end up in there. This is due to the lack of light and oxygen inside. This prohibition is incredibly strict for a number of reasons. It can also end up attracting vermin and bugs, which will lead to a major infestation and big issues with the other stored items. There have been certain cases wherein people have attempted to live in their unit, especially if it’s climate-controlled storage. That is beyond unacceptable and will not be allowed.
Valuable Items – Think about any collectible and historical coins, precious metals, and jewelry you own. Those do not belong in a self-storage unit whatsoever. Instead, those belong in a safety deposit box at your bank, where they will be far safer. There are a number of storage facilities that will let those items get through, but not without individual insurance documentation. Needless to say, cash should not be kept in a self-storage unit either. Much like the other valuables, the bank is the best place for it, either in a safety deposit box or vault. Crucial documents involving taxes, social security, and any passports best belong in a fire-safe box.
Conclusion
Self-storage units are a great solution, especially for long-term needs. While there are a lot of items that can fit, including the likes of boats, some things are just not allowed. This includes toxic or illegal items, living items like pets or animals, and valuables like cash.
Searching for cheap storage units in Birmingham? Contact Jefferson Storage today! We’re a climate-controlled self-storage in downtown Birmingham for personal and commercial use.
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