9 Things to Keep Out of Your Erie Storage Unit
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August 25th, 2025
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 ensure everything is bone-dry before it goes into storage.
4. Living Things (Plants, Pets, or People)
It might seem obvious, but it has to be said. Storage units are not homes. They lack ventilation, climate control, and sanitation, making them unsafe and illegal for any living creature. Find a proper home or pet-sitter for your furry friends and ask a neighbor to watch your plants.
5. High-Value and Irreplaceable Items
A self-storage unit is secure, but it’s not a bank vault. Cash, fine jewelry, important documents (passports, birth certificates), and irreplaceable family heirlooms (like photos or antiques passed down through generations) belong in a safe deposit box or a fireproof safe at home. Check the storage facility's insurance policy; it will have limits.
6. Firearms and Ammunition
Nearly every storage facility, including those in Erie, strictly prohibits the storage of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. It's a massive safety and liability risk. These items are a target for theft and can be incredibly dangerous in the event of a fire.
7. Stolen Goods and Illegal Substances
Using a storage unit to hide illegal items is a fast track to losing your unit and facing criminal charges. Law enforcement can obtain warrants to search units if they suspect illegal activity.
8. Scented Items That Attract Pests
Just like food, strongly scented items like candles, soaps, or potpourri can attract unwanted pests. Furthermore, those powerful scents can permeate your other belongings, leaving your couch or clothing smelling like "Ocean Breeze" for years to come.
9. Tires
Many facilities limit the number of tires you can store, and for good reason. They are a fire hazard and can attract pests. If you have seasonal tires, it's better to store them in your garage or ask your mechanic if they offer a storage service.
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