Top 5 Items That Should Not Be Stored for More Than A Year?
The Issue With Long-Term Storage
Although storage units provide an excellent solution for storing your belongings, not everything is meant to sit inside a unit for a year or more. There are some items that, over time, go bad or cause issues inside a non-climate-controlled storage unit. In this blog, you'll learn which items to avoid placing in long-term storage vs what can be stored in long-term storage. At StorPlace Self Storage in Mt. Juliet, we're here to help you store smart and protect what matters most.
1. Food and Perishables
It might seem obvious, but food should never be stored in a storage unit. Even non-refrigerated foods, like canned foods, can spoil over time and attract pests. Rodents and insects thrive in environments where food or organic materials are present. Over a year, in hot climates, sealed foods can cause odors, burst, or leak. If you're transitioning and need temporary food storage, using coolers or proper home pantry spaces is better than a storage unit.
2. Electronics Without Climate Control
Electronics such as laptops, cameras, speakers, and gaming consoles should not be stored for long in non-climate-controlled units. Over time, in a storage unit without climate controls can develop humidity and temperature fluctuations. This can corrode connections and make plastic or rubber break down. Batteries may leak or expand if not removed. This shift can damage the device. If you need to store electronics, choose a climate-controlled storage unit at StorPlace Mt. Juliet and remove batteries beforehand.
3. Important Documents and Photos
Paper documents like birth certificates, social security numbers, passports, family photos, and tax records are vulnerable to discoloration in a storage unit. Additionally, mold can grow in just a few weeks in high humidity conditions or if you store something that was previously wet. Instead of storing these irreplaceable items in a storage unit, consider using a fireproof safe at home or a climate-controlled storage unit with sealed containers and silica packets to absorb moisture.
4. Clothing
Clothing made from cotton, wool, silk, or linen may not hold up well in long-term storage if not correctly prepared. Over time, improperly stored clothing may become discolored or damaged beyond repair.
If storing clothing long-term, wash it first, and use vacuum-sealed bags or storage bins. Climate-controlled storage Units for a temperature-controlled space for best results.
5. Candles and Toiletries
Candle wax can melt in the heat. Over months or seasons, candles can melt or warp, especially in a non-climate-controlled storage unit. Toiletries like lotions, shampoos, or perfumes can expire, separate, or leak, leaving a mess behind. If you're keeping these items for a future move or event, store them in a cool, dry place with stable temperatures and double-bag them for safety.
How to Store These Items Properly (If You Must)
If you need to store sensitive items for several months or more:
- Use climate-controlled storage
- Use labeled bins
- Remove all batteries and perishables
- Inspect your unit every few months
At StorPlace Mt. Juliet, we offer storage solutions that adapt to your needs—short-term, long-term, and everything in between.
Why Choose StorPlace in Mt. Juliet for Safe Storage
Located at 155 Old Pleasant Grove Rd, Mt. Juliet, TN, StorPlace Self Storage offers clean, secure, and professionally managed storage options just minutes from local neighborhoods and commercial areas. Whether you're clearing out space at home or preparing for a long-term relocation, we have a unit that fits your needs. Not everything belongs in storage for a year or more, but with the right planning and facility, you can keep your important belongings safe and in great condition. At StorPlace Self Storage in Mt. Juliet, we have onsite management to get you into your next storage facility.
