6 Things Your Storage Unit CANNOT Be Used For
We get it. Climate controlled storage is a steal compared to residential or commercial rent. Which is why it is a great option for your stuff when you run out of room. While you can use your storage unit for a lot more than you might think, there are several activities that are NOT allowed in the majority storage facilities. While most of this should go without saying, let’s review.
1. “STEALING” ELECTRICITY
Electricity in terms of climate control and overhead facility lighting is, of course, included in your rental fee at indoor facilities. However, adding an adapter to your unit’s light socket or running extension cords from the outlets to your unit is not. Not only is it a tripping hazard, the storage facility cannot vouch for the safety of the cords and adapters. Can you imagine if every unit had cords running to and from them? Do you trust that your unit neighbor’s cord wasn’t chewed by their dog? Us either. However, you can use battery powered lighting, and rechargeable electric generators.
2. RUN A BUSINESS
Like we said, we get it; real estate is expensive. And we’ve all tried working from home with a house full of kids (and a spouse who you have to keep reminding that you are, in fact, working). No blame for wanting to work in some peace and quiet. You just can’t do it from your storage unit. It isn’t safe to close yourself inside your storage unit, and it isn’t properly fitted or insured for office use. You can, however, store your business inventory in your unit, and even meet customers there, which actually is safer than meeting them at your home.
3. SELL YOUR CODE
You can’t sell access to your storage unit. You wouldn’t want your neighbors to give access to your storage facility to anyone who isn’t on the lease, would you? Why would anyone do that anyway, you might ask. During the pandemic there were stories of people who set up a home gym in their unit and sold the code to others to access the unit to work out. Genius, we agree. Legal? Not so much.
4. MAN-CAVE (OR SHE-SHED)
We’re afraid we might be giving you ideas here. While we can all certainly understand why someone would want to set up a space to watch the game in peace and quiet, or take a quick nap, it’s a big no-no in a storage unit. Again – electricity is an issue, as well as safety, but also sleeping in a storage unit is illegal. Let’s be honest, we both know that you won’t make it 15 minutes without falling asleep once you kick back in your recliner, so just don’t do it.
5. MESSY HOBBIES
Not all hobbies are crossed off the list, but there are several that you can’t conduct in an indoor climate controlled storage facility. Any type of auto mechanics is obviously out simply because of fumes and hazardous materials. Carpentry that uses power tools or makes sawdust mess is off the table. And no art studios. Again, chemicals and potential mess. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t store supplies and parts as long as the items aren’t on the “no-go” list.
6. RUN AN ANIMAL SHELTER
Yes, you read that right. You would think that people would know that you can’t store live animals in a storage unit. But some people will try anything. Especially if they also are attempting to live in the unit. Look, we all love our pets like family, without a doubt, and definitely don’t want them to be outside in extreme weather, but it isn’t safe or sanitary for them or for the other tenants to put any live animals inside a storage unit. Not even your hamsters, fish, or iguanas in their tanks. You can, however store non-food items for your proper animal shelter in your unit.
We do realize there is a fine line between what you can and can’t do in your storage unit. You might even be surprised at what creative ideas you can use your unit for. So, stop by Sixty5 Self Storage and brainstorm with us, or give us a call at (417)879-6565. We can’t wait to hear your ideas.