So you’ve got a 迷你倉 unit on your radar and a car full of “maybe I’ll need this someday” stuff. Easy, right? Almost. The trick with packing supplies is knowing what’s strictly off-limits. Some things spell trouble, damage, or liability faster than you can say, “is that smoke?”

Let’s get one thing clear, living things don’t belong in storage. No pets, plants, or last-gasp goldfish bowls. Even that cactus you think “doesn’t need much care” won’t survive in a dark, airless unit. Anything alive deserves sunlight, water, and more attention than your storage gets.

Perishable goods land next on the blacklist. That means food, even sealed snacks or canned goods, is a no-go. You’d be surprised how quickly a forgotten box of crackers attracts pests mice consider your storage unit one big all-you-can-eat buffet. The result? Chewed boxes and neighbors who are less than friendly.

Flammable, explosive, or toxic items are a hard “no.” Paint thinners, gas cans, fireworks, and propane tanks are more than risky; they’re illegal in virtually every storage facility. One spark, and even the best security system won’t save the day. Hazardous chemicals like cleaners, pesticides, or fertilizer belong in proper storage lockers never tucked behind your moving boxes.

Valuables like cash, jewelry, or important documents also shouldn’t hit the storage shelves unless your facility boasts bank-vault security and climate control. Insurance rarely covers lost heirlooms or priceless paperwork. Even wedding albums can get wrecked by humidity or the occasional water leak. Irreplaceable items? Keep them close to home.

Bottom line: When in doubt, ask before you stash. Always read the fine print in your storage agreement. And if you’re ever tempted to get creative one customer famously tried storing a beehive think twice. Your belongings deserve a safe spot, but so does everyone else’s. Stick to the rules, and keep your ministorage “for stuff, not trouble.”