What Can and Can’t Be Stored in a Self-Storage Unit?
Malvern Avenue Storage
March 17th, 2025
When renting a self-storage unit in Hot Springs, AR, it’s important to know what you can and can’t store. Storage units are a great solution for decluttering, moving, storing business inventory, or seasonal items, but there are some restrictions on what can be kept inside for safety, security, and legal reasons.
At Malvern Avenue Storage, we offer secure, 24/7 accessible storage solutions, and we want to make sure our customers store their items safely. In this guide, we’ll walk through what is allowed and what is prohibited in a storage unit.
✅ What Can Be Stored in a Self-Storage Unit?
If you're wondering what you can store, here’s a list of common items that are perfectly safe for storage:
✔ Household Items & Furniture
✅ Sofas, chairs, tables, and dressers
✅ Mattresses and bed frames
✅ Lamps, shelves, and home décor 💡 Tip: Wrap furniture in blankets or plastic to protect against dust and scratches.
✔ Appliances & Electronics
✅ Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and microwaves
✅ TVs, computers, and gaming systems
✅ Stereo equipment and small kitchen appliances 💡 Tip: Store electronics in their original boxes or use padded protection to prevent damage.
✔ Business & Office Storage
✅ Excess inventory and stock
✅ Office furniture and equipment
✅ Important documents and file storage 💡 Tip: If storing paperwork, consider climate-controlled storage to prevent humidity damage.
✔ Seasonal & Recreational Items
✅ Holiday decorations and seasonal home goods
✅ Lawn equipment and patio furniture
✅ Fishing, camping, and hunting gear 💡 Tip: Store bicycles, kayaks, and sporting equipment in an upright position to save space.
✔ Vehicles, Boats & RVs (In Designated Spaces Only)
✅ Cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and jet skis
✅ Boats and trailers (in outdoor parking spaces)
✅ Classic cars or seasonal vehicles 💡 Tip: For vehicle storage, remove perishables, disconnect batteries, and use a cover for protection.
❌ What CAN’T Be Stored in a Self-Storage Unit?
While storage units offer a secure place for most belongings, there are certain items that are prohibited for safety, legal, and environmental reasons.
🚫 Perishable Food & Living Items
❌ Fresh food, meat, or dairy products
❌ Plants, flowers, or perishable goods
❌ Animals or any living creatures 💡 Why? Storing food can attract pests, and plants need light and air to survive.
🔥 Hazardous or Flammable Materials
❌ Gasoline, propane, or kerosene
❌ Paint, chemicals, and pesticides
❌ Fireworks, explosives, and ammunition 💡 Why? These materials pose a serious fire hazard and are not allowed in storage facilities.
💣 Illegal or Stolen Goods
❌ Weapons, illegal substances, or stolen items
❌ Unregistered vehicles
❌ Counterfeit money or fraudulent documents 💡 Why? Storing illegal goods violates the law and can result in legal consequences.
💧 Items Prone to Mold or Mildew
❌ Wet or damp clothing
❌ Open containers of liquid
❌ Items with excessive moisture 💡 Why? Moisture leads to mold and mildew, which can damage other stored items.
⚠️ Items with Strong Odors
❌ Scented candles, oils, or perfumes
❌ Open food containers or anything that spoils
❌ Chemicals that emit fumes 💡 Why? Strong-smelling items can affect other tenants and attract pests.
💼 Why Knowing These Rules is Important
✔ Protects Your Belongings – Storing the wrong items could cause damage to your property.
✔ Ensures Safety – Prohibited items pose serious risks, including fire hazards and health concerns.
✔ Keeps Your Storage Unit Secure – Following guidelines helps maintain a clean, pest-free, and damage-free storage environment.
Need Safe & Secure Storage in Hot Springs? Call Us Today!
At Malvern Avenue Storage, we provide secure, 24/7 accessible self-storage with flexible rental options. Whether you need short-term storage while moving or long-term storage for business inventory, we have the right unit for you.
📞 Call Now: (501) 430-4246
📍 Visit Us: 3868 Malvern Rd, Hot Springs, AR