Storage Living – What’s Legal?

Main WP • December 8, 2021
  • If you are renting a storage unit or looking to rent one soon, there are some things that you need to know about what is – and isn’t – legal to store.

  • Home Away from Home?
  • You signed a lease and paid your rent, so does that mean you can treat the storage unit like a tiny apartment? The answer is: no. Not only is it illegal to live in a storage unit, but facilities also are not designed nor equipped to house living beings. Do not leave animals, plants, or children within a storage unit even if it is only “for a minute.” So for everyone’s safety, only store non-hazardous belongings in your unit.

  • Hazardous Materials
  • The definition for hazardous materials is any item that can cause death, injury, or damage to the environment. This includes:

  • Poisonous materials
  • Tires
  • Batteries
  • Fertilizers
  • Gasoline
  • Propane
  • Propane bottles
  • Taxidermy materials
  • Paints
  • Ammunition
  • Explosives
  • Compressed air
  • Compressors with tanks
  • Asbestos
  • Corrosives
  • Pollutants
  • Unlawful or stolen items
  • Drugs (illegal and prescription)
  • Flammable materials


Perishables and Scents

One of the best ways to attract rodents into your unit is to store food, beverages, and other perishable items. As mentioned in a previous post, rodents have more smell receptors in their brains making their sense of smell stronger than a human’s. Even though your food might be stored in an airtight canister, rodents will smell it anyway, and their teeth are strong enough to chew through metal. Avoid storing scented candles, which will also attract rodents into your unit.


Wet/Damp Items

While it’s okay to store your sports equipment when out of season, it’s important to make certain that none of your items are stored wet. Dampness can breed mold, particularly in a storage unit. So after your hose down your tents and scrub your gear clean, make sure to let them have plenty of time to dry.


Unsure if something is okay to store? Feel free to contact us at 1-877-701-3388. One of our friendly managers will be happy to answer your questions.


Find your nearest Towne Storage facility at www.townestorage.com



The post Storage Living – What’s Legal? appeared first on Towne Storage.


By Alicia Aguirre June 12, 2026
A crowded room or messy workspace can create stress even when the items themselves seem harmless. Let’s talk about the mental toll clutter takes on you.
By Towne Storage May 30, 2026
Running a small business often means wearing multiple hats, managing tight budgets, and finding creative ways to make the most of limited space. But as companies grow, one challenge that tends to surface quickly and often is where to keep everything. From extra inventory and equipment to marketing materials and seasonal supplies, many business owners find themselves running out of room long before they're ready to invest in larger commercial space. That's one reason more and more entrepreneurs are turning to self-storage as a practical, affordable solution. Here are seven reasons self-storage has become an increasingly popular tool for small business owners. 1. It Costs Less Than Expanding Commercial Space Leasing additional office, warehouse, or retail space can be expensive. But many businesses don't actually need a larger storefront or office—they simply need somewhere to store items that aren't used every day. A self-storage unit provides this extra room, and at a fraction of the cost of expanding into a larger commercial property —thereby helping businesses control overhead while still accommodating growth. 2. It Helps Keep Workspaces Organized Cluttered offices , garages, and work vehicles can slow down productivity and create frustration. Self-storage allows business owners to move nonessential items off-site while still keeping them accessible when needed. So whether it's archived documents, trade show displays, excess inventory, or equipment, having a dedicated storage space helps create a cleaner, more efficient work environment. 3. It Provides Room for Growing Inventory Many businesses experience growth before they have the resources to move into larger facilities. Online sellers, retailers, and service-based businesses often need additional room for products, supplies, and inventory long before they need a bigger office. Self-storage offers a flexible way to accommodate growth without committing to expensive long-term commercial leases. 4. It Protects Valuable Equipment Landscapers, contractors, photographers, event planners, and countless other professionals rely on specialized equipment that can be costly to replace. Keeping tools, machinery, and business assets safe and secure in a self-storage unit can help protect them from theft, damage, weather exposure, and unnecessary wear while freeing up valuable space at home or in work vehicles. 5. It Helps Manage Seasonal Business Needs Many businesses experience seasonal fluctuations. For instance, landscapers may need extra room for winter equipment, retailers may need to stock up before the holidays, and event companies often rotate supplies based on the time of year. Self-storage provides a convenient place to help entrepreneurs like these keep seasonal items organized and out of the way until they're needed again. 6. It Creates Flexibility for Home-Based Businesses More entrepreneurs than ever are running successful businesses from home. While working from home offers plenty of advantages, spare bedrooms, garages, and basements can quickly become overwhelmed with inventory, supplies, documentation, and equipment. A storage unit helps home-based business owners maintain a professional operation without sacrificing living space. 7. It Allows Businesses to Grow at Their Own Pace Another of the biggest advantages of self-storage is flexibility. Businesses can rent the amount of space they need today and adjust as their needs change tomorrow. Rather than making a major financial commitment to larger facilities, entrepreneurs can scale gradually, preserving cash flow while still supporting growth. A Simple Solution for a Common Business Challenge So whether you're a contractor using self-storage for tools and materials, a landscaper storing equipment and seasonal gear, a realtor keeping signs, staging items, and marketing materials organized or an online seller using units as affordable mini warehouses for inventory and shipping supplies, self-storage can provide a number of practical ways to reduce clutter, stay organized, protect valuable equipment, and create room for growth. At Towne Storage, we’re proud to make all that and more possible with clean, secure, affordable, and conveniently located storage units, along with our signature 12-month rate-lock guarantee that helps business owners plan ahead with confidence.