If you have recently found a shipping container to use as a storage unit or are looking into purchasing or renting one for such use, you are likely considering what you intend to store in it and how that will work.
However, before you decide on this matter, you should understand the restrictions pertaining to what can and cannot be kept in a shipping container to ensure your plans start on the right foot.
After all, while there are many different things that a shipping container is perfect for storing, from old furniture and holiday decorations to tools and seasonal clothing items, there are also certain items that should never be kept in such a unit.
There are various reasons why storing specific types of items in a shipping container is a big no-no. In some cases, such storage could pose hazards and should be avoided for your safety and that of others. In other cases, storing these items could lead to problems that affect the preservation of your other belongings.
Regardless, it is good to know what can and cannot be stored in your shipping container ahead of time to avoid facing any issues and ensure a smooth storage experience.
Items You Should Never Store in a Shipping Container
The list of items you can store in your shipping container is much longer than the list of things you cannot keep in it. Still, it is important to learn the distinction between these lists early on.
While avoiding the storage of some of these items in your shipping container is more important than that of others, they all should be kept out of it if possible. The following are some things you should never keep in a shipping container:
1. Hazardous materials
Although this one may seem obvious, it is still worth noting: you should never store hazardous materials in a shipping container, as doing so could be incredibly dangerous. If you are unsure whether something qualifies as a hazardous material or not, ask yourself whether it could potentially catch fire or explode. If the answer is “yes,” you should definitely keep it out of your shipping container.
Not only could such materials be a huge risk to your safety and that of others if they ever lead to a fire or an explosion, but in such circumstances, they will also almost certainly destroy everything you have stored in your container once they combust.
Some of the most common hazardous materials to avoid storing in your shipping container include propane, oil, grease, gasoline, chemicals, cleaners, fireworks, aerosols, and paint.
It is common to store equipment, such as snowblowers or lawnmowers, in a shipping container when you do not need it. However, before doing so, make sure such machines have been thoroughly drained of all oil or gasoline.
2. Plants or animals
Another category of things that should never be kept in a shipping container is plants and animals. So, think twice before you start planning to set up an elaborate cat playground or a dog house, as these units are designed to store inanimate objects rather than living things.
Since plants will not get any sunlight or fresh air while in a shipping container, they will surely die. Plus, plants’ soil will attract moisture, which could lead to the growth of mould and mildew or attract pests that wreak havoc on your other belongings. Thus, a shipping container is not a suitable place to keep any kind of living things.
3. Perishable items
If you were thinking of storing any kind of perishable items in your shipping container, think again. This is yet another category of things that should never be kept in a shipping container.
This does not only apply to items that are obviously not suited for shipping container storage (due to their reliance on refrigeration), such as meat, dairy products, eggs, and produce. It also applies to anything else that could potentially expire, including rice, other grains, boxed foods, powdered milk, flour, and pet food, just to name a few.
When perishable items expire, they can turn rancid and attract pests like insects and rodents, leading to an infestation that will take considerable time, effort, and money to eliminate.
4. Scented items
Another type of item to keep out of your shipping container is scented things, such as soaps, lotions, oils, incense, candles, and spices. While keeping such items in your shipping container may make it smell nice, you are not the only one who will be intrigued by these smells.
Pests like insects and rodents may also be attracted to these smells, drawing them into the shipping container, where they can destroy your belongings.
5. Extremely valuable items
While shipping containers are often secure, they are not immune to theft. Thus, it is better to keep valuables and irreplaceable items, such as cash, jewelry, important documents, and family heirlooms, in more controlled environments, such as safe deposit boxes or high-security safes at your home. Losing such things to theft could mean serious financial or sentimental loss.
If you decide to store things of value in your shipping container, it is crucial to upgrade the security of the container by installing additional locks and even video surveillance or other security measures to sufficiently protect your things.
How Secure Container Solutions Can Help You Find the Perfect Shipping Container for Rent
Now that you have a solid idea of what can or cannot be stored in a shipping container, all that is left is to find a unit you can rely on. If you are looking for shipping container for rent, Secure Container Solutions has you covered.
We have an impressive inventory of shipping containers that are available for both purchase and rent. We carry every type and size of shipping container you could possibly need. So, no matter how many things you have to store or how large and bulky these items are, we can accommodate them.
We provide competitive pricing for all of our shipping containers. We will also price match if you find a better deal somewhere else for the same type and size of container.
Plus, we offer next-day delivery to ensure you get your shipping container in no time! In addition, we provide a 3-year warranty on all new one-trip containers and a 1-year warranty on all used containers to give our valued customers more peace of mind.
For more information about our shipping containers in Sudbury, or to learn more about the different types and sizes of units we have to offer, including containers for rent, call Secure Container Solutions at 647-560-2745 or contact us here.
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