Items you may not or should not put into storage
It is normal for storage companies to impose restrictions on the items they will permit you to store in their warehousing. However, the restrictions vary from company to company and when you make initial contact with the storage facility, it is important that they clarify for you the items prohibited for storage with them. It is usual for them to supply a published list and you can take this home to read at leisure and you will find that the prohibited items are usually similar to those which a moving company will refuse to transport. These restrictions are imposed to protect the storage company as well as the items being stored, e.g. if the warehouse does not have suitable facilities it will not permit you to store expensive jewelry.
You should familiarize yourself with the items which you may not store in your chosen warehouse before you begin the process of packing and loading. This will avoid the problem of finding out that not all the contents of your packages can be accepted. You should have a clear understanding of the types of items which are not acceptable for storage. You should also consider getting professional packers for certain items which need expert packing, for example exercise equipment .
Contact your storage facility directly for specific questions regarding your items, and just treat the following list as a guide:
Hazardous Materials / Combustible Materials / Aerosols
It is obvious that the storage facility will restrict items that have the potential to combust or explode the contents of the warehouse.
Flammable, corrosive or explosive items including:
Acid / Gasoline Poisons / Charcoal / Lighter Fluid
Fertilizer / Paints / Car Batteries / Matches
Nail Polish & Remover / Ammunition / Liquid Bleach / Stern
Aerosols / Kerosene / Pool Chemicals / Chemistry Sets
Fireworks / Pesticides / Motor Oil / Paint Thinner
Batteries / Loaded Weapons / Weed Killer / Ammonia
Lamp Oil / Propane Tanks / Cleaning Fluid
Perishables such as Food and Plants:
It is possible to store perishable food items for short periods in specially conditioned storage warehouses. Foods may attract vermin, rodents, pests and bugs and if infestation occurs enormous damage can ensue. Insurance companies will generally refuse to insure warehouse goods that are stored along with food items and therefore facilities which store personal belongings will not accept perishable food products.
It is well known that plants which are moved from one location to another do not thrive and frequently die in transit. They are not suitable for storage. In addition plants may attract pests such as insects and most storage facilities will not accept them. If you wish to move plants across state lines, you must acquaint yourself with the rules and regulations concerning the entry of plants, and are advised to contact the department of agriculture. The regulations are designed to minimize the risk of bringing new pests into the state as their numbers can get out of control quickly and possibly destroy cash crops.
You should be aware that even items which do not create a physical threat may be included in the items restricted by your storage facility and often by the mover as well. The van line agent as well as the storage facility will not accept responsibility for these items if they have come into their possession without their knowledge. In the event of your shipment being delayed or items lost in transit to the warehouse serious problems can be created if they contain restricted items. You should note that specialized storage exists designed for the safe and secure storage of items not suitable for regular storage, such as computer disks.
The following are examples of goods which you may not want to put in regular storage:
Address Books / Files / Personal Video Tapes
Air Line Tickets / Financial Statements / Photos and Albums
Car Keys /Furs /Research Projects
Bond /Deeds/Tax Records / School Records
Check Books / Jewelry / Sterling Silver
Coins / Letters / Stocks / Stamp Collection
Computer Software/Disks / Medicine
High Value Items
Examples include:
Antiques / Crystal / Precious Stones or Gems
Art Collections / Currency / Silver and Silverware
Cameras / Figurines / Video Cameras
Computer Software / Furs
Coin Collection / Oriental Rugs
Items which are worth more than $100.00 per pound are usually classified as high value or extraordinary value articles. As storage companies vary in their definition of high value, you need to check your specific company’s policy in this respect. You are advised to put your high value items in specialized storing; for example have your furs stored in cold dark fur vaults during the hot summer and your jewelry should be deposited in banks or safety deposit boxes.
Firearms
Most storage companies do not allow guns or ammunition to be stored. The facilities that do permit the storage of firearms will require you to follow strict security guidelines.
Stolen goods – Illegal or stolen goods may in no circumstances be placed in storage facilities.<