What Items are Commonly Prohibited in Boston Public Storage Units?

Storage units in Boston are a very convenient choice for a great number of items, including furniture, bikes, vehicles, wine, and business documents. However, some things are not allowed to be stored in rented self-storage units. Learn more about what items are commonly prohibited from public storage units in Boston.

What Are Some Storage Unit Restrictions in Boston?

Fireworks and Explosives

No Fourth of July celebration is complete without fireworks, right?

Not only are fireworks prohibited in public storage units in Boston, but they are also illegal to possess in Massachusetts. According to an article by WWLP-22 News, the MA Department of Fire Services, there have been 941 major fire and explosion incidents in the past decade which resulted in injuries and damages of over two million dollars.

Did you know it is illegal to transport fireworks throughout the state? It’s best to sit back and enjoy a grand fireworks display put on by the pros.

Ammunition is also prohibited in our storage units due to safety concerns related to fires. Most storage facilities also prohibit firearm storage, which can create problems during an auction process and are unsafe if they are stored while loaded. Firearms have Federal and State restrictions and are best kept in a locked cabinet in your home, under your direct control.

Did you know it is illegal to transport fireworks throughout the state? It’s best to sit back and enjoy a grand fireworks display put on by the pros.

Ammunition is also prohibited in our storage units due to safety concerns related to fires. Most public storage facilities also prohibit items like firearms, which can create problems during an auction process and are unsafe if they are stored while loaded. Firearms have Federal and State restrictions and are best kept in a locked cabinet in your home, under your direct control.

Highly Flammable Items

Storage units are great for seasonal items like grills and lawn equipment. However, storing propane tanks, motor oil, and gasoline is prohibited.

To protect the safety of you, other tenants, employees, and the public in general, highly flammable items fall under storage facility restrictions in Boston, and with good reason. 

These items can explode or catch fire easily and are therefore extremely dangerous items to be stored. Some items considered highly flammable include:

• Propane tanks
• Gas
• Motor oil
• Acids and aerosols
• Paint, stain, varnish, thinning agents
• Fertilizers
• Fireworks, explosives, and ammunition

Live Animals and People

Storing your 100-gallon saltwater fish tank in-between homes is a great use for storage. Storing it with live fish is a no-no. It may sound strange to you, but we make a point to tell tenants that storing live animals in a storage unit is not only prohibited but cruel.

Also, in case you were hoping to save on rent, living or sleeping in your storage unit is prohibited for your safety and the safety of others.

Live Plants

Plants are delicate organisms and don’t always do well during a move. They are sensitive to temperature and environmental changes and do their best sitting by a sunny window in your home.

Live plants can’t live without watering or sunlight, so storage units are not a suitable option. They also attract insects, which storage centers want to avoid to provide the best experience for tenants.

Food Items

Whether you like to be prepared with extra stocks of canned food or sell nutrition drinks and bars on the side, storing food items of any sort is prohibited in public storage. This includes all food in all forms, fresh, frozen, packaged, dry, and dehydrated.

Food items attract pests such as insects and rodents which can ruin other items in storage and cause a problem throughout the facility. Plus, rotting food develops mold and mildew, which is a common allergen for many people.

Illegal Drugs and Stolen Items

It should go without saying, but illegal drugs and stolen items are not allowed to be stored in a public storage facility. Ever.

Can You Get in Trouble for Storing Illegal Items?

If you get caught storing illegal prohibited items in a public storage unit such as guns, drugs, stolen items or people, the police would be called. Not only will you be banned from the storage facility, but you could also face jail time and other repercussions.

Other Guidelines and Boston Storing Unit Restrictions:

• Electrical appliances (heaters, refrigerators, lights, etc.) may not be connected to any service outlets.
• If you are storing wine or water, choose a climate-controlled storage unit to protect from temperature changes and place it in a plastic bin.
• Don’t store items while they are wet, like clothing, water sports equipment, etc. A closed storage unit door restricts airflow and you run the risk of moisture and mold accumulating in your storage unit’s contents.
• Climate controlled storage is best for storing appliances, wood furniture, collectibles, photos, wine, and electronics.
• Ensure all of your contents are covered by an insurance policy, which is required by most self-storage centers in Boston.
• Keep an inventory list of the contents in your storage unit.
• Use a strong lock with a combination or key access and don’t give out your combo or facility access code to anyone who is not sharing your unit.
• Always double-check that your lock is securely engaged when leaving your unit.
• Choose a self storage center that restricts entry to tenants only, has onsite management and security features such as cameras and good lighting.

Want to Know More About Boston Storage Unit Restrictions?

Get more tips on how to make the best use of your storage unit on our Storage Tips page, or contact us today!