A storage container is a great asset for a business owner, whether you own a construction company, restaurant, retail store, or anything in between. Not only can they be used for storage, but containers can even be converted into office space or pop-up restaurants, creating versatility and flexibility for your business. This can help save you time and money and make running your business easier.

While storage containers can be used for a variety of things, there are some things you should never keep in one to protect both your belongings and the storage container, as well as others who have access to the container and the surrounding property.

Here are the top five things to avoid storing in a storage container.

1. Hazardous or Toxic Materials

This seems obvious, but there are likely items you don’t even know are hazardous. Anything that contains petrol or gas, including empty gas bottles, shouldn’t be in storage. Never store cleaning materials containing alcohol, cleaning solvent, corrosives, and paint in your unit.

Other items to avoid storing in a storage container include toxic waste, kerosene, fertilizers, paint thinners, solvents, medical supplies, acids, and anything else flammable.

2. Explosives or Weapons

Any item that can explode when it makes contact with a spark or fire should not be kept in a storge container. Storing fireworks, weapons, or ammunition are all bad ideas. This is because these containers are typically not climate controlled, so they can get hot. Lack of sun and wind can quickly cause problems for items that can ignite or explode.

3. Perishable Goods

Unless your storage container is designed specifically for holding perishable goods, such as installing proper refrigeration, avoid storing anything like this. Doing so will lead to mold, bugs, and other nasty things that you’d probably rather avoid. It will also most likely cause your perishable goods to become unusable quickly. This includes fresh and packaged food, animal food, and even flowers.

If the container is designed for perishable items, be sure they are securely packaged and stored appropriately. If you want to buy a storage container for use with perishable goods, contact your local storage container company.

4. Anything Alive

Again, while seemingly obvious, do not keep living things in a storage container. This includes pets and houseplants. Not only can doing so cause serious injury, illness, or even death, but it can also attract vermin, cause unpleasant odors, and lead to other problems. Living things should not be kept in storage containers even for a short amount of time.

 5. Expensive or Priceless Items

If an item is irreplaceable, don’t store it in a storage container. These containers are not climate controlled. This factor increases the chances of damage from humidity, mold, or extreme temperatures. Delicate items, like antiques, also don’t do well in extreme temperatures. This includes paperwork, leather goods, fabrics, and artwork. Be sure to invest in some comprehensive safety features to make sure your container remains locked at all times when not in use. This is the best way to protect items in your container. Otherwise, avoid storing things that have extremely high value, whether financial or sentimental.

Contact Your Local Storage Container Company

Storage On-Site, LLC is your local provider of portable, on-site storage containers and trailers. Whether you need to rent or buy a container in Indianapolis or the surrounding areas, our experts can help you choose the best one for your needs, and have it quickly delivered directly to your site.

Contact us today at 317-358-0358 or fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch soon.