Before you load that truck, you need to know what’s actually allowed in a self storage unit. Some items are banned for safety reasons, others for legal ones, and a few might surprise you. Getting caught with prohibited items can mean losing your deposit, terminating your lease, or worse.
Here’s the complete list of what you cannot store, why these rules exist, and what to do with the stuff that doesn’t make the cut.
Items Banned From All Storage Units
These items are prohibited at every legitimate storage facility in Texas, including all A-American Self Storage locations:
Flammable and Hazardous Materials
- Gasoline, propane tanks, kerosene, lighter fluid
- Paint thinner, acetone, chemicals, industrial solvents
- Fireworks, explosives, ammunition in bulk
- Compressed gases (oxygen tanks, helium, acetylene)
- Asbestos, radioactive materials
Perishable Food and Organic Matter
- Fresh, frozen, or refrigerated food of any kind
- Plants, seeds that attract pests
- Wet or damp items that will mold
Living Things
- Pets, animals, livestock
- People (yes, this has to be stated)
Illegal Items
- Stolen property
- Controlled substances
- Unlicensed firearms or weapons
- Counterfeit goods
Items That Create Odor or Attract Pests
- Garbage, waste, scrap food
- Fertilizer, manure
- Anything decomposing
Why These Rules Exist
After 55 years in this business, I’ve seen what happens when people ignore these rules. It’s not about being strict for the sake of it.
Flammable materials can ignite from Texas heat alone. A single propane tank left in a unit can endanger an entire building. Perishables attract rodents, roaches, and create smells that seep into neighboring units. We’ve had to dispose of entire units because someone stored food that rotted.
These bans protect your belongings, your neighbors’ belongings, and our staff. They’re also required by our insurance and state fire codes. No facility can waive them, no matter how much you ask.
What You Can Store
Almost everything else is fair game. We regularly store furniture, appliances, boxes of household goods, seasonal decorations, business inventory, archived records, vehicles, tools, and sporting equipment at our storage units across Texas.
Firearms are allowed if they’re legally owned and unloaded. Small amounts of ammunition in factory packaging are fine. Lawn mowers are okay if you drain the gas tank first. Propane grills work if you remove the tank.
The rule of thumb: if it’s legal, non-perishable, non-flammable, and won’t damage other people’s property, you can store it.
What to Do With Items You Can’t Store
If you’ve got hazardous materials, take them to a household hazardous waste facility. Most Texas cities have free drop-off days. Paint, chemicals, old batteries, electronics — they all have proper disposal channels.
For perishables, donate unopened non-perishables to a food bank before your move. Toss anything opened or expired. Don’t try to store it “just for a few days.” It never ends well.
Guns and valuable items you’re worried about? A safe deposit box or a climate-controlled unit with your homeowner’s insurance updated is smarter than hiding them in storage and hoping.
When Self Storage Isn’t the Right Call
If most of what you need to store is on the prohibited list, we’re not the solution. A storage unit won’t work for active chemical businesses, farms with livestock feed that spoils, or restaurants clearing out freezers. You need specialized commercial storage or disposal services, not a self storage facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store a car with gas in the tank?
Yes. Vehicles are allowed with normal fuel levels in the tank. It’s loose containers of gasoline that are prohibited.
What happens if prohibited items are found in my unit?
We’ll contact you to remove them immediately. If you don’t respond or refuse, we can terminate your lease, dispose of the items, and you’ll lose your security deposit. In extreme cases involving illegal materials, we’re required to contact authorities.
Can I store canned food or dry goods?
Unopened, shelf-stable items in sealed containers are generally okay short-term, but we don’t recommend it. Texas heat can cause cans to bulge or burst. If you’re storing food for more than a month, it’s a risk.
Are space heaters or window AC units allowed?
Yes, as long as they’re unplugged and stored as household items. You cannot run them inside the unit. Storage units don’t have electrical outlets for customer use for exactly this reason.
Can I store medical supplies or prescription medications?
Non-controlled prescription meds are fine. Needles, syringes, and biohazard materials are not. If it requires special disposal, it doesn’t belong in storage.
Ready to Store the Right Way in Dallas?
We’ll walk you through what’s allowed before you sign a lease. No surprises, no gotchas. Our on-site managers at each location know the rules and can answer questions specific to your situation.
Call (214) 341-8823 or visit A-American Self Storage to reserve your unit and get the full prohibited items checklist for your location.
