Blog Post

Never Store These: Top Items to Keep Out of Storage Units

Bubba Gillis • July 10, 2024

Self-serve storage on Hilton Head is an amazing option for storing items when they’re not in use or during a renovation project, but there are some self-storage rules about what not to put in a storage unit. At Bubba's Hilton Head Shipping and Storage, we want to protect every customer's property and prevent potential hazards so we’ve created this to walk you through the common categories of items that should never be placed in personal self-storage units.


Here is what we will cover:

Why Certain Items Are Prohibited in Storage Units

A man and a woman are standing in a warehouse holding storage items.

While some self-storage rules are seemingly universal, some rules vary state by state about what not to put in a storage unit in order to maintain safety and security. There are usually 3 main categories of items not allowed to be kept in temporary self-storage such as perishable items, hazardous materials, and specialty items such as irreplaceable valuables. Other categories of items not allowed to be stored are illegal items, contraband, stolen property etc. 

Food and Perishables

Perishable items, food, and other organic materials should not be kept in your personal self-storage for many reasons. Food items draw pests such as rodents and insects that can also damage items in other storage units or the storage facility itself. Perishable items also can spoil, on top of drawing in pests, leading to mold, unpleasant smells, and potential health hazards and a costly cleanup. Organic materials, such as fresh produce, meats, or dairy products, should not be stored in your self-serve storage unit.

Hazardous and Illegal Items

Items such as flammable materials, chemicals, explosives, and more are prohibited for safety reasons. Solvents and cleaning chemicals can react to changes in temperature or other factors, leading to leaks that can damage your items and the items of others in nearby self-serve storage units. Flammable chemicals and other similar items can combust, causing significant damage, which is why most self-storage rules ban cleaning chemicals, paints, and other solvents from being stored. While gun ownership may be legal, storing ammunition, explosives etc. is prohibited for safety reasons. 


Storage of illegal items, stolen goods, contraband, etc., is also prohibited at Bubba’s Hilton Head Self-Storage. Failure to follow these rules can not only damage your items but also have severe legal and financial consequences. 

Specialty Items and Valuables

Question: Can you put cars in storage units? Answer? It might be complicated.


Storing vehicles can have specific rules, depending on your state and the individual public storage facility. Some facilities offer designated vehicle storage units, some have requirements about vehicles being able to be operational, proof of ownership, and special insurance, so be sure to check with your facility regarding their public storage rules regarding vehicles. We do not recommend storing unique, high-value, or delicate items. Those items would benefit from a higher security climate-controlled self-storage unit to protect and maintain their value. 

What You Need to Know Before Using Personal Self-Storage

Before renting, check your facility's self-storage rules so you know what not to put in a storage unit before you start loading up. The more typical items, furniture, clothing, household items, tools, seasonal wardrobes, decorations, sports equipment etc. are allowed. Still, there are some items we do want to note that may need special attention: 


Electronics: Ensure they are properly packed to prevent damage. Use anti-static materials where warranted.

Documents: Keep them in waterproof containers to protect against moisture. Keep a detailed list on the top or taped inside the lid to allow you to easily locate documents when you need them. 

Seasonal Items: For seasonal clothing storage, we recommend covering clothing with garment bags or similar protective measures to reduce the risk of moths, dust damage, etc.

Ensuring Safe and Compliant Storage

Self-storage facilities put these rules in place to protect everyone involved: customers, storage items, and themselves from damage, financial ramifications, and legal complications. Checking your facility's self-storage rules will ensure a successful transfer of your storage items into your personal unit. 


Here are some final tips for protecting you and your items. maintaining a safe storage unit:


  • Check Facility Policies: Always ask about any specific public storage rules and restrictions your facility might have.
  • Use Appropriate Packing Materials: Package storage items in appropriate materials like plastic bins with lids that snap on, garment bags that can zip close, sturdy cardboard boxes, and other protective storage solutions to protect your property and make moving your items later much easier. 
  • Label Everything: Tags, labels, packing lists, whatever method you choose, and clear labeling when you start your temporary self-storage journey make finding things easy later. Handy for frequent visitors, seasonal residents visiting HHI and local businesses
  • Insurance: Your personal self-storage unit contract will have liability limits. To protect your property investment, consider getting additional insurance to cover your loss if there are any unfortunate incidents, such as tropical storms.


Whether you are a new arrival to the Hilton Head Island area, a seasonal resident, or an outdoor sports enthusiast, personal self-storage offers many benefits to help keep your property safe and easily accessible. Following the public storage rules of your Facility not only makes you a good neighbor for other customers but also protects your items. 


Visit Bubba's Hilton Head Shipping and Storage to get more information and see our fantastic facility for yourself. Conveniently located in Hilton Head, we offer a range of storage solutions to meet your needs.


Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with personal self-storage options.


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