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

  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.