12 Things You Should NOT Keep in Your Storage Unit – And 12 that You Definitely Should!

We like to say that storage units in Ottawa are ideal for just about anything in your home or business that’s causing clutter or otherwise taking up space.

Just about.

But, like everything else in life, there are limits.

What can’t you put into a storage unit?

Well, it turns out, quite a few things. Some of them are for your own good; some are for the greater good of your storage neighbours (and us here at Acceptable Storage in Ottawa, of course). Let’s take a look at the big no-no, absolutely verboten items… and then come back with a few that you’re highly encouraged to bring.

Don’t Store Yourself! Living in Storage Units is Not an Option!!

Ever think about what it would be like to live in a storage unit?

Okay, it’s not exactly everyone’s fantasy housing situation. But it’s climate-controlled (some are, anyhow), generally quiet, inexpensive and secured. What’s not to like?

Aside from the obvious – no windows and no plumbing in the unit! – we must stress that storage units are not a legal abode. Sorry, turtle and hermit wannabes, you cannot live in a storage unit. It is not legal, not is it safe or sanitary. Also, using storage units as office space is not permitted.

We understand that life has its cruel and harsh moments, and there are those who find themselves on hard times. We highly encourage you to make arrangements for temporary stays with friends, family, even homeless shelters.

What measures do storage facilities like Acceptable Storage in Ottawa have in place to deter people from setting up residence? Our property is monitored with cameras in place, as well as staff regularly patrolling the grounds and corridors. We’re looking out for everyone’s safety, and we want you and your possessions to be secure at all times.

No storage for Fido – no dogs, cats, snakes or other pets allowed!

Just as humans can’t live in a storage unit, neither can pets. No animals of any kind are allowed in our storage facilities in Ottawa.

Why not? Even for a night? Even a cute, little hamster in its cage with food and water? Sorry, Sparky, but we can’t accommodate you. Again, friend or family might be the people to turn to if you’re in need of temporary lodging / kenneling for your furry friend.

The reasons are plenty. It’s not hygienic for animals to be in our clean storage facilities. Animals have an odour that can easily spread to other units and the valuables of our clients. And if odour can spread, so can fleas and other pests & germs. Snake and spiders on the loose? We have a strict policy in place for this very reason.

It’s not fair to the animal and it’s not fair to the rest of our esteemed clientele here at Acceptable Storage in Ottawa. So we politely request that you kindly leave any animals away from our storage facilities – neither in the lockers or storage units, nor on the property. Please.

Nothing that’s live, basically – nor ever was

Plants are another prohibited item in our Ottawa storage units. Aside from not wanting contamination and bugs from the soil to spread to other units, there are practical considerations for the plant. Plants need light, after all, and storage units are dark. Plants won’t survive long in this environment.

Now, to be on the positive side, if you have gardening supplies and tools, you’re welcome to bring those into storage. Just nothing that’s alive – or was.

That extends to fruit, vegetables, and all other perishables. We do not allow food of any kind to be stored at Acceptable Storage in Ottawa. Food draws bugs. We take extra precautions around here to keep bugs away, and we want all our clients to have peace of mind in knowing that their storage neighbours are clean and sanitary.

What about boxes that used to contain food?

If you’ve obtained cardboard boxes from a grocery or warehouse store, for example, and those boxes previously contained bananas, oranges, carrots or other produce, we ask that you please not use these boxes in your storage unit. That’s how we keep Acceptable Storage clean – well above & beyond the acceptable standard.

Other Prohibited Items

Here are some other things we ask you not to bring into your storage unit:

• Firearms & ammo. Nope, we don’t allow these in our storage units, either. Nor do we permit fireworks or any type of explosive. As you’ve probably guessed by now, it’s all for the safety of our clientele and our staff.
• Hazardous materials. No hazmat, please… and no waste either. Thank you. What all’s included? Paint, petroleum, gasoline, methane, medical waste, asbestos, toxic products. If you’re in doubt, give us a call!
• Anything illegal. Should go without saying – and yet we say it anyway. If the law doesn’t allow it, neither do we. Stolen goods? Not here please. Anything that’s been used in a crime or will be? No-no-no. We welcome all law-abiding clientele at Acceptable Storage in Ottawa.
• Cash, financial instruments & valuables. Coins and bills aren’t a good thing to keep in storage lockers. Insurance doesn’t cover it… so you’re better off keeping it in a bank (or piggy bank or under the mattress). Anything else of great value (to you or to others), we really recommend you keep at home or in a safety deposit box or vault.

With all that said… What should we keep in storage?

Just about anything else!

Here are some of the most common things put into storage units:

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Files
• Appliances
• Art
• Vehicles
• Seasonal items
• Photos & other mementos
• Books
• Media
• Newspapers, magazines & other printed matter

We’re always happy to talk about storage here at Acceptable Storage in Ottawa. So give us a call today, or fill out this form and we’ll get in touch with you. We’ve been serving Ottawa’s storage needs since 1963. Whether you’re looking for a basic storage unit or one that’s bigger and/or climate-controlled, we can help your Ottawa storage needs.