Mini storage units are an excellent solution for the extra stuff you could probably store in your garage but would rather not store there. They can be reasonably priced too, even if you have to pay first and last month's rent and a security deposit up front. If you plan on getting your security deposit back at any time, you should plan ahead by storing only those things that will not create a mess or damage the storage unit. Here are three things that are best stored in a garage rather than in your mini storage unit if you want your security deposit back.

Quarts and Gallons of Auto Fluids

The problem with storing anything oily, alkaline or acidic is that it eventually will leak, even if only in very small amounts. If you store these items in a storage unit that has a pristine cement floor, it will be very obvious when you move everything out of the unit again. When your storage proprietor sees the stains on the floor, you will be docked the cost of blasting the stains away. Just avoid storing any auto fluids in your storage unit altogether and you can avoid being docked for the damage they do.

Dry Pantry Goods

You may think that a mini storage unit is the perfect place to stash dry pantry goods for emergencies, but you may want to rethink that. Most self-storage facilities are out in the open, and mice and rats do find their way into the buildings. If they locate your stash of pantry goods (and they will!), they can chew through the packaging and create a horrible mess. Not only that, they will begin to nest in whatever they can find in neighboring storage units, thereby destroying other renters' belongings and costing the proprietor a lot of money to replace tenants' lost and destroyed property. Keep the food in a cellar in your home instead.

Loaded Weapons

Even with the safeties all on, loaded weapons in a mini storage unit are a bad idea. The safeties could fail and blow holes in the walls or roof, or your unit could get robbed and then you have criminals running around with loaded weapons and committing crimes with your guns. Either way, damage is done to the storage unit, and you will be the one held liable and responsible. If you want to store a couple of hunting rifles with no shells and store them locked in rifle cases, check with your proprietor first to make sure it is not only legal, but also acceptable to him or her. (Just do not store an arsenal for doomsday.)

For more information about what you should and should not store, speak to a unit provider such as Simonson's Mini Storage.