What can and cannot be stored in storage units

Storage unit restrictions depend on safety regulations, insurance requirements, and facility policies that protect all customers from hazards. Most household items, business inventory, and recreational equipment can be safely stored, while hazardous materials, perishables, and illegal substances are prohibited. U•STORE•IT’s residential storage solutions in Edmonton provide secure facilities with clear guidelines to help customers store their belongings safely and legally across Alberta’s climate conditions.

Key Takeaways About Storage Unit Restrictions

• Storage facilities prohibit dangerous materials to protect all customers and comply with fire safety codes.
• Most household items like furniture, clothing, and appliances can be stored without restrictions.
• Commercial storage units accommodate business inventory, documents, and equipment with specific guidelines.
• Temperature-sensitive items require climate-controlled storage units to prevent damage from Alberta’s extreme weather.
• Vehicle storage has size requirements that vary by facility location and unit dimensions.
• Storage insurance protects belongings but coverage depends on what items you store.
• Proper preparation and packing extend the life of stored items and prevent costly damage.

Items You Can Safely Store in Self Storage Units

Storage facilities welcome most household belongings including furniture, clothing, appliances, seasonal decorations, and personal items that don’t pose safety risks. Business inventory such as office supplies, equipment, and non-hazardous materials also qualify for commercial storage spaces. Recreational equipment like sports gear, camping supplies, and outdoor tools store well in standard units with proper preparation and protection.

How to Prepare Furniture and Large Items for Storage

Furniture preparation involves disassembling large pieces, wrapping surfaces with moving blankets, and protecting against moisture damage during storage. Moving blankets and bubble wrap prevent scratches and dents on valuable furniture pieces during transport and storage periods. Furniture covers made from breathable materials allow air circulation while protecting against dust accumulation and temperature fluctuations in storage units.

Essential Preparation Steps for Large Items

• Disassemble beds, tables, and shelving units to maximize storage space efficiency.
• Wrap wooden furniture in moving blankets to prevent scratches and moisture damage.
• Use bubble wrap for glass surfaces, mirrors, and delicate decorative elements.
• Apply furniture polish before storage to maintain wood condition for up to 12 months.
• Store mattresses vertically against walls to save floor space in storage units.
• Keep hardware and screws in labeled bags taped to furniture pieces.

Prohibited Items That Cannot Be Stored in Storage Units

Hazardous materials including flammable liquids, toxic chemicals, explosives, and illegal substances are strictly banned from all storage facilities across Canada. Perishable food items attract pests and create health hazards, while live plants and animals cannot survive in storage environments. Facility security measures help enforce these restrictions to maintain safe conditions for all customers and their belongings.

Why Certain Items Are Restricted for Safety Reasons

Fire safety regulations require storage facilities to ban flammable materials, combustible chemicals, and explosive devices that could endanger entire buildings. Insurance requirements and liability issues prevent facilities from accepting items that could cause property damage or personal injury to staff and customers. Storage policies protect customers by maintaining controlled environments where temperature, humidity, and air quality remain stable for stored belongings.

Climate Controlled Storage Requirements for Sensitive Items

Climate-controlled storage maintains temperature between 10-25°C and humidity levels below 60% to protect sensitive materials from Alberta’s extreme weather conditions. Wood furniture, electronics, artwork, documents, and musical instruments require stable environments to prevent warping, corrosion, and deterioration over time. Climate control benefits justify the additional cost for valuable items that cannot tolerate temperature fluctuations.

Which Electronics and Technology Need Special Storage Care

Computer equipment, televisions, gaming systems, and audio devices need climate-controlled environments to prevent condensation damage and circuit board corrosion. Electronic preparation involves removing batteries, cleaning dust from components, and wrapping devices in anti-static materials before storage. Temperature control between 15-20°C prevents expansion and contraction that can crack screens, damage hard drives, and destroy electronic components permanently.

Vehicle and Recreational Equipment Storage Guidelines

Vehicle storage accommodates cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and recreational equipment in units ranging from 150-300 square feet depending on size requirements. Specialized vehicle storage facilities provide drive-up access, higher ceiling heights, and sometimes climate control for classic cars and sensitive equipment. Recreational vehicles like ATVs, snowmobiles, and watercraft need preparation including fuel removal, battery maintenance, and protective covers before long-term storage.

What Size Storage Unit Do Different Vehicles Require

Motorcycle storage typically requires 100-150 square feet of floor space with 8-foot ceiling height for standard models and touring bikes. Boat storage space depends on vessel length and trailer width, with small boats needing 200 square feet and larger vessels requiring 300+ square feet. RV storage unit requirements range from 250 square feet for travel trailers to 400+ square feet for Class A motorhomes with slide-outs extended.

Business Storage Rules and Commercial Item Restrictions

Commercial storage accepts business inventory, office equipment, tools, and business documents while maintaining the same safety restrictions as residential storage. Business storage solutions in Edmonton accommodate varying needs from small office supplies to large contractor equipment with flexible access hours. Inventory management becomes easier with organized storage systems that allow businesses to track products and access items during regular business hours.

How Business Storage Insurance Affects What You Can Store

Storage insurance for commercial items requires detailed inventory lists, accurate value assessments, and coverage limits that match your business needs. Commercial coverage differs from personal insurance by including business interruption protection and higher liability limits for stored inventory and equipment. Insurance requirements in Alberta help business owners understand policy restrictions and ensure adequate protection for stored commercial assets.

U•STORE•IT provides comprehensive storage solutions across Edmonton, St. Albert, and Red Deer with facilities designed to accommodate both permitted and restricted items safely. Our experienced staff helps customers understand storage policies, prepare items properly, and choose appropriate moving supplies and packing materials for long-term storage success in Alberta’s challenging climate conditions.