Updated August 8, 2026
You’re excited about loading up the storage unit you reserved with all your things. They’re great for keeping your belongings while you move, organize your home, create extra space, or run a business. Tossing everything in, shutting the door, and walking away is tempting, but it’s also how most storage regrets start.
Self-storage has real advantages, but only when you store items properly. Like most things, moving, packing, and storing need a bit of planning. Being unprepared is a rookie error. To make the most of your space, here are the common self-storage mistakes to avoid, along with some organization tips that actually make a difference.
What Can and Cannot Be Stored in Your Self-Storage Unit?
Before anything else, it helps to know what belongs in storage and what doesn’t. Proper storage practices keep you safe and make organization far easier.
What You Can Store
Appliances
Freezers, washers, dryers, microwaves, stoves, and refrigerators are all fine. Appliances can be kept in storage as long as they’re cleaned and dried out beforehand, and never left plugged in. Smaller appliances like toasters, vacuums, and coffee makers are fine too, as long as they’re free of dried-on drips or crumbs.
Business Files
Businesses increasingly use self-storage for offsite storage and relocation, at a fraction of the cost per square foot of an office or warehouse. For small business owners, realtors, caterers, house stagers, organizers, self-storage is often a genuinely good option.
Electronics
Electronics like computers, printers, TVs, and audio systems occasionally need storage, and given what they typically cost, a secure spot for them matters. Remove batteries, ink cartridges, and any CDs or DVDs before storing, these are the parts most likely to corrode or get stuck over time.
Household Goods
Furniture, toys, books, clothing, antiques, collectibles, and keepsakes are the most common things people put into storage. Climate-controlled storage is the best choice for items like these, since it manages humidity and temperature swings that would otherwise degrade them over time.
Seasonal Items
Seasonal items and self-storage go hand in hand, camping gear, holiday decorations, and winter clothing all fall into this category. A storage unit is a natural place to keep them out of the way until the season actually calls for them.
What You Cannot Store
Hazardous Materials
Anything combustible or explosive is off-limits: paint, aerosols, chemicals, propane, oil, and gasoline included.
- Leave paint thinner or mineral spirits out of any art supplies you store.
- Remove aerosol sprays like hairspray or cooking spray, plus nail polish remover, from bathroom or kitchen items.
- Remove fertilizer and weed killer from gardening supplies.
- Drain gasoline and oil from lawn equipment before storing it.
Non-hazardous substances, like non-toxic paint or beauty products, should still be sealed in airtight containers to prevent spills. For anything genuinely hazardous, contact your local waste management provider about proper disposal.
Living Things
People, plants, and animals don’t belong in a storage unit, full stop. Storage units aren’t fit for human habitation, and numerous local and federal housing laws prohibit it, with real legal consequences for trying. Plants fare just as poorly: beyond the plant itself dying, the soil retains moisture and invites bugs, mold, and mildew.
Perishable Goods
If it needs refrigeration, it’s perishable, and produce, dairy, and meat should never go into a storage unit. Non-perishable items are usually fine in sealed containers, but a few exceptions still cause problems: pet food, rice, other grains, boxed goods, powdered milk, and flour, even freeze-dried or dehydrated versions, can go rancid, smell bad, and attract pests over time. Check expiration dates on canned goods and inspect for any broken seals that could let in moisture or bacteria.
Wet or Scented Items
Damp items or anything with a strong scent should stay out. Moisture invites mold and mildew, so make sure everything is fully dry before it goes in. Bring extra towels if you’re moving on a rainy day rather than tossing damp items straight into the unit. Scented candles, potpourri, and other fragrances also attract rodents and pests, which can go on to damage furniture, wiring, and anything else in the unit once they’re inside.
11 Self-Storage Mistakes You Should Avoid
Take the time to avoid these mistakes when renting a Scottsdale self-storage unit, they’re the difference between a smooth experience and a frustrating one.
1. Using the Wrong Box Size
One of the most common mistakes people make is packing with a mismatched assortment of box sizes. Recycling old fruit or liquor boxes is a fine instinct, but it makes stacking and organizing genuinely harder. Uniform moving boxes in small, medium, and large sizes save time and stack far more reliably.
2. Using Newspaper as a Wrapper
Newspaper ink smears and bleeds onto whatever it touches, especially without climate control to keep things stable. Unpacking stained or tarnished belongings later is nobody’s idea of fun. Bubble wrap or plain, ink-free paper works better, even inexpensive butcher paper is a real improvement.
3. Using Cardboard Boxes or Plastic Bags
Plastic bags offer almost no real protection, and cardboard boxes attract pests and moisture over time. Plastic bins hold up far better on both counts, sturdy and much less prone to water damage.
4. Not Packing Correctly
There’s no single right way to set up a unit, but a bit of planning goes a long way. Wrap plates, platters, fine china, and picture frames in bubble wrap, nested between thin cardboard for extra padding. Pack food in individually sealed containers. Disassemble furniture where you can. Use packing peanuts or cushioning for bigger, heavier items.
When filling the unit, leave yourself room to actually reach everything. Heaviest and most durable items go on the bottom, and anything you’ll need regularly should stay up front.
5. Moving Excessively Heavy Boxes
Overloading a single box with bulky items puts its stability at risk and makes it harder to carry. Split heavy items across multiple boxes instead, keeping each one under 40 pounds, both your back and your belongings will thank you.
6. Not Giving Yourself Enough Time
Leaving everything until the last minute is one of the worst things you can do when moving. Rushing means dropped boxes, broken items, and a higher chance of getting hurt. Give yourself real time to pack properly, and bring in professional movers for the heavy lifting if you can.
7. Not Labeling Your Boxes
Digging through unlabeled boxes in a storage unit is its own kind of frustration. Make a list of what’s going into storage, and label boxes accordingly, it helps you find things later and gives you a clear record for insurance purposes too.
8. Choosing the Wrong Unit Size
Choosing the right unit size matters more than most first-time renters expect. A smaller unit might save money upfront, but cramming too much into too little space risks long-term damage to your belongings. If you’re not sure what size fits, our space estimator can help you visualize what actually fits in each unit size before you commit.
9. Neglecting to Clean Before Storing
Storing dirty items invites decomposition, pests, mold, and bacteria, and it doesn’t take much for a problem with one item to spread to everything around it. A quick dusting and wipe-down before storing solves most of this.
10. Failing to Inspect Storage Security Features
Choosing a storage facility is a bigger decision than most people treat it as. It’s easy to assume everything’s fine just because the unit door is closed, but security is worth a closer look. Check the actual security features a facility offers, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if something’s unclear, it’s your belongings on the line.
11. Storing Prohibited Items
Self-storage is great for organizing your life, but not everything belongs in a unit: flammable items, food, pets, and plants all fall outside what’s allowed. If you’re unsure whether something qualifies, ask the facility manager before you pack it.
Conclusion
Keep these tips in mind and self-storage stays easy and stress-free. If you’ve already made one of these mistakes with a unit in Scottsdale, now’s a good time to fix it, your things, and your sanity, will thank you.
Looking for self storage units in Scottsdale? McDowell Mountain Community Storage offers safe, well-maintained units in a range of sizes. Call (602) 899-5484 to find the right fit and reserve yours today.
FAQs: Common Self-Storage Mistakes to Avoid
What items should be kept in climate-controlled storage?
Electronics, antiques, and sensitive documents all benefit from climate-controlled storage, which protects against temperature swings and humidity that standard units don’t manage.
How can I ensure my storage unit is secure?
Check for gated access, surveillance cameras, and individual locks, and don’t hesitate to ask the facility directly about its security protocols.
What should I do if I need to access my storage unit frequently?
Choose an easily accessible unit, label boxes clearly, and keep frequently used items near the front so you’re not digging through everything each visit.
How can I prevent pests in my storage unit?
Store items in sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard, keep the unit clean and clutter-free, and check in periodically for any early signs of pests.
Is it advisable to store electronics in a self-storage unit?
Yes, as long as they’re in a climate-controlled unit with batteries removed beforehand to prevent corrosion.
How do I choose the right size storage unit?
Take stock of what you’re storing and use a space estimator, or talk to the facility directly, to land on the right size rather than guessing.
What should I do with items that have strong odors?
Avoid storing them altogether where possible, strong odors attract pests. Make sure everything is clean and fully dry before it goes into the unit.
Can I store my car in a self-storage unit?
Many facilities offer vehicle storage, but policies and requirements vary, check with the facility directly for specifics.
What are the best packing materials for fragile items?
Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and sturdy boxes protect fragile items well. Skip newspaper, the ink can smudge onto whatever it touches.
What should I do if I accidentally stored prohibited items?
Contact facility management right away for guidance on removing them safely.