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

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Flexible Business Storage Options for Growing Companies

By Towne Storage • March 1, 2026
At Towne Storage, we know how exciting business growth can be—until you realize you’re running out of room. One day it’s a few extra boxes of inventory; the next it’s stacks of supplies in the hallway, equipment in the breakroom, and no clear space left to work. If this sounds like you and your business... The post Flexible Business Storage Options for Growing Companies appeared first on Towne Storage.

How to Store Furniture in a Storage Unit the Right Way

By marineth.ordinal • January 30, 2026
Furniture is one of the most expensive categories of household items to replace, and it is also one of the easiest to damage in storage when rushed. Scratches, warped wood, crushed cushions, and moisture damage usually come down to poor preparation and tight packing. Storing furniture correctly is less about how much you can fit... The post How to Store Furniture in a Storage Unit the Right Way appeared first on Towne Storage.