Storage units can be a godsend, giving us the much-needed extra space to stow away things we don’t need immediately or frequently. Yet, there are times when we mistakenly put items in storage that we later regret.
Whether it’s because they’re not meant to be kept in such conditions or we realize we need them more often than we thought, there are certain things better left out of the storage unit. This post will delve into eleven such items, in the hope that you can avoid the same pitfalls.
1. Important Documents
I’ve always been a stickler for organization and thought it would be a good idea to store my important documents in a storage unit. I was wrong. I needed these documents more often than I thought and having to go back and forth to the storage unit was more trouble than it was worth.
Moreover, storage units can be susceptible to damage from elements such as water or pests which could potentially destroy these critical documents. An alternative to storing these physically could be to digitize them and keep them safely stored in a secure cloud storage system.
2. Family Heirlooms
Sorting through which items to put in storage, I ended up boxing up some of my family heirlooms. This was a decision I came to regret. Not only did I miss having these items close by, but there was always a risk of them getting damaged in storage.
Family heirlooms, especially those that are old and delicate, need to be handled with utmost care. They should ideally be kept at home where you can monitor their condition regularly and ensure they are stored properly.
3. Artwork
Artwork was another item I wish I hadn’t put in storage. While it seemed like a good idea at the time, I soon realized that the fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels in a storage unit can be detrimental to artwork.
Art, especially those made from delicate materials like oil paint, can warp, crack or fade when exposed to such conditions. If you have artwork that you need to stow away, consider investing in a climate-controlled storage unit or keep it safely at home.
4. Electronics
Electronics don’t fare well in storage units, something I learned the hard way. The changing temperatures can damage the internal components and render them useless.
The best place for your electronics is a dry, stable environment. If you need to store them, make sure they’re properly packed and stored in a climate-controlled unit.
5. Wine
One of the things I regret storing is wine. I thought it would be a smart move to use my storage unit as a makeshift wine cellar. Boy, was I wrong.
Wine needs to be stored at a consistent temperature with the right level of humidity. A standard storage unit does not provide these conditions. If you need to store your wine, invest in a wine cooler or a professional wine storage facility.
6. Leather Furniture
Another regret I have is storing leather furniture. I learned the hard way that the fluctuating conditions in a storage unit can cause leather to crack and fade.
Leather furniture should ideally be stored in a climate-controlled environment. If that’s not possible, make sure it’s properly conditioned and covered to protect it from dust and pests.
7. Musical Instruments
I regret storing my guitar in a storage unit. The changing temperatures and humidity levels caused the wood to warp, damaging the instrument.
Musical instruments, particularly stringed ones, are sensitive to environmental changes. They should be stored in a climate-controlled environment or kept at home where the conditions can be better managed.
8. Plants
In a bid to free up some space in my home, I thought storing my plants in a storage unit would be a good idea. It wasn’t.
Plants need sunlight, water, and fresh air to thrive. A storage unit does not provide any of these, making it a poor choice for plant storage. If you need to move your plants, consider giving them to a friend or family member to care for until you can take them back.
9. Food Items
Storing food items in a storage unit was a mistake I won’t repeat. Not only did it attract pests, but the food also got spoiled due to lack of proper refrigeration.
Food items, whether canned or fresh, should never be stored in a storage unit. Store them in your kitchen or pantry where they can be easily accessed and are less likely to attract pests.
10. Medicines
Putting medicines in storage was another bad decision. Medicines need to be kept in a cool, dry place and a storage unit does not meet these conditions.
Medicines should ideally be stored in a medicine cabinet at home. If you must store them, make sure they’re in a climate-controlled environment and are not past their expiration date.
11. Pets
Yes, you read that right. In a moment of absolute desperation, I thought of keeping my pet turtle in my storage unit for a few days. Needless to say, it was a terrible idea.
Pets, regardless of their species, should never be kept in a storage unit. They need proper care, attention, and a suitable environment to live in. If you’re unable to care for your pet for a while, consider a pet boarding facility or entrust them to a trusted friend or family member.