A Guide for St. Catharines’ Indoor Heated Storage
When renting a storage unit, especially in an indoor heated facility like Classic Car Wash & Storage in St. Catharines, it’s important to understand what items cannot be stored. While self-storage provides a secure and convenient solution for many belongings, safety regulations and facility policies prohibit certain items from being stored due to potential risks such as fire hazards, contamination, and health concerns.
If you’re considering renting a unit at 42 Wright St., St. Catharines, here’s a breakdown of what you should not store and why.
1. Hazardous & Flammable Materials
Storage facilities strictly prohibit any materials that pose a fire or explosion risk, including:
- Gasoline, propane tanks, or diesel fuel
- Oil, grease, or other petroleum-based products
- Paint, paint thinner, or varnish
- Fertilizers or pesticides
- Fireworks, explosives, or ammunition
These materials can ignite or explode in certain conditions, posing serious risks to the entire facility. Even though our St. Catharines indoor storage is climate-controlled, temperature regulation does not eliminate the potential dangers of flammable substances.
2. Perishable Foods & Living Organisms
While storage units are great for seasonal items and business inventory, food and anything perishable is not allowed. This includes:
- Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat)
- Pet food (unless sealed in airtight, pest-proof containers)
- Plants and flowers
- Live animals (never store pets in a storage unit!)
Storing food attracts pests, which can damage other stored belongings and create an unsanitary environment. Even in a heated indoor facility, spoiled food leads to unpleasant odors and mold growth.
3. Illegal or Stolen Items
It might seem obvious, but any illegal items or stolen property are strictly forbidden in all storage units. This includes:
- Weapons, drugs, or controlled substances
- Counterfeit money, fraudulent documents
- Anything obtained illegally
Storage units are not a safe house for illicit activities, and all renters must comply with Canadian laws regarding stored goods.
4. Scented & Odor-Producing Items
Strong-smelling items can affect neighboring units, making storage unpleasant for others. Avoid storing:
- Strong perfumes, essential oils
- Open containers of soap, candles, or incense
- Decomposing or organic waste
- Uncleaned gym gear, damp clothing, or used mattresses
Even though our St. Catharines storage units are heated and well-ventilated, trapped odors can seep into other units and cause contamination issues.
5. Wet or Damp Items
Moisture is a storage unit’s worst enemy, leading to mold, mildew, and property damage. Never store:
- Wet or damp clothing
- Recently washed furniture with moisture
- Unsealed water tanks or fish tanks
- Items left outside in rain or snow before storing
To prevent mold growth, always fully dry items before storing them, even in a climate-controlled unit.
6. Vehicles That Are Not Drained of Fluids
While vehicles, motorcycles, and small boats can be stored, they must be properly prepared. This means:
- No storing vehicles with a full gas tank
- Batteries should be disconnected
- Tires should be inflated
Gasoline and motor fluids are highly flammable, and improper vehicle storage can lead to fire hazards.
7. Cash, Jewelry & Valuable Documents
Storage units are secure, but they aren’t a substitute for a bank or safety deposit box. Avoid storing:
- Cash, coins, or high-value jewelry
- Passports, birth certificates, or legal documents
- Collectible items like rare stamps or antiques
For valuable items, it’s always best to store them in a secure safe at home or in a bank safety deposit box.
Know the Rules Before You Store
At Classic Car Wash & Storage in St. Catharines, our indoor heated units provide a safe and secure environment for personal and business storage. However, following storage restrictions is key to keeping all renters’ belongings protected.
If you’re unsure whether an item is allowed in storage, give us a call at 905-734-7988 and arrange to see the units at 42 Wright St., St. Catharines. Our team is happy to help ensure your items are stored safely and properly!
Need a secure, climate-controlled storage unit? Contact us for our availability today!