Life in Erie County is a beautiful cycle of seasons. One moment we’re soaking up the sun at Presque Isle State Park, enjoying a thrilling day at Waldameer, or watching the U.S. Brig Niagara sail past the Bicentennial Tower. The next, we’re bracing for that famous lake-effect snow, hunkering down and watching it pile up. This constant shift from warm summers to windy, snowy winters means many of us rely on self-storage to keep our homes clutter-free. For many in the Erie area, a unit at a convenient spot like Store 'N Lock on 2315 W Grandview Blvd is the perfect solution for stashing seasonal gear. But before you pack up that kayak or snowblower, it’s crucial to know that not everything is safe—or legal—to put behind that roll-up door. Storing the wrong items can lead to damaged goods, pest infestations, and even serious safety hazards. To protect your belongings and be a good neighbor, here are 9 things you should never put in your self-storage unit.
1. Food of Any Kind
This is the number one rule. Canned goods, dry pet food, pantry items—none of it is safe. Food attracts pests like rodents and insects, which can chew through your boxes, ruin your furniture, and infest the entire facility. The last thing you want is your treasured possessions becoming a nest.
2. Hazardous and Flammable Materials
Think of anything that could catch fire or explode. This includes gasoline, propane tanks (even "empty" ones), paint, oil, fertilizer, fireworks, and cleaning chemicals. Erie’s summer heat can turn a storage unit into an oven, creating a dangerous environment for these volatile substances.
3. Wet or Damp Items
With Erie’s abundant year-round precipitation and humidity coming off Lake Erie, this one is critical. Storing anything with even a little moisture—like a damp tent from a rainy weekend at a state park or a boat cover that wasn't fully dried—is asking for mold and mildew. This fungus can ruin fabrics, wood, and electronics and spread to your other belongings. Always ...
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August 25th, 2025
