Self Storage DO's and DON'Ts

We recommend you do these things:

• Place Frequently Needed Items in Front: Position items you will need most often near the front of your unit.
• Raise Items Off the Floor: Use pallets to elevate items, allowing for airflow and preventing moisture damage.
• Create a Center Aisle: Leave a central pathway for easy access to all items and space around the perimeter for ventilation.
• Cover Mattresses: Use a plastic mattress bag to protect your mattresses.
• Store Furniture Efficiently: Place dressers and tables top-to-top and disassemble large furniture, removing legs to save space.
• Label Boxes: Clearly label every box with its contents and the room it came from. Use wardrobe boxes to hang clothes, drapes, and blankets.
• Store Long-Handled Items in Trash Cans: Place items like rakes, shovels, and brooms in trash cans for organized storage.
• Wrap Furniture in Plastic: Protect furniture from condensation damage by wrapping it in plastic.
• Use Climate-Controlled Units for Sensitive Items: Store antiques, electronics, photos, art (like canvas paintings), and leather furniture in climate-controlled units where available.

Don't do these things:

• Do Not Place Items Directly on the Floor or Against Walls: Use pallets or shelving to keep boxes and other items off the floor to prevent damage from moisture and to allow for proper ventilation.
• Do Not Store Perishable Items: Avoid storing food or other items that could spoil, attract pests, or cause unpleasant odors.
• Do Not Attempt to Live in the Storage Unit: Storage units are not designed for habitation and living in one is both unsafe and illegal.
• Drain Gasoline and Oil from Small Engines: Ensure that lawnmowers, generators, and other small engines are free of gasoline and oil before storing.

1. Hazardous Materials: This includes flammable, explosive, or toxic materials such as:
   • Gasoline
   • Propane tanks
   • Chemicals
   • Fireworks
   • Asbestos
   • Other hazardous waste
2. Perishable Goods: Food and other items that could spoil, attract pests, or cause odors are not allowed.
3. Living Animals: Animals, whether alive or dead, are strictly prohibited.
4. Stolen or Illegal Items: Any items that are illegal to possess or have been stolen cannot be stored.
5. Firearms and Ammunition: Many storage facilities, including Brazos Oaks Storage, prohibit the storage of firearms, ammunition, gunpowder, and other weapons.
6. Fuel and Explosives: Storage of fuel, explosives, and other toxic materials is prohibited by state laws.