Self Storage DO's and DON'Ts
Plus a list of prohibited items by law
Storage DO's

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.
Storage DON'Ts

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