What can’t you store in a portable storage container?
You cannot store dangerous, perishable, living or illegal items. That covers fuel, propane, chemicals, aerosols, fireworks, food, plants, pets and anything unlawful. Many providers also ban vehicles and some battery-powered devices.
Each provider sets its own list. The rental agreement is the final word. PODS says its current policy governs, especially for batteries, chemicals and fuel-containing equipment. Read yours before you pack. Ask if an item is not on the list.
Here is a summary of the common categories. The sources are PODS, ContainerTech and 1-800-PACK-RAT, which are all sellers of containers or portable storage.
| Category | Examples | Why it is a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Perishable food | Fresh produce, dairy, meat, frozen goods | Spoils, attracts pests, leaves odors |
| Living things | Plants, pets | Containers lack air flow and temperature control |
| Hazardous chemicals | Bleach, ammonia, pesticides, solvents | Toxic, corrosive or flammable |
| Fuel and fuel equipment | Gasoline, generators, grills with fuel | Fire and safety hazard |
| Compressed gas and explosives | Propane, oxygen, aerosols, fireworks, flares | Fire, explosion, pressure |
| Some lithium-battery items | E-bikes, some power tools | Fire risk |
| Motor vehicles | Cars, motorcycles, golf carts | Not allowed by some providers |
| Illegal items | Contraband | Prohibited by law and policy |
| Irreplaceable items | Papers, heirlooms, jewelry | Strongly discouraged |
Can I store food in a portable storage container?
No, not perishable food. PODS says perishables can spoil and attract pests. ContainerTech says a standard container lacks temperature control and ventilation, so produce, dairy, meat and frozen goods spoil and leave odors that are hard to remove.
Check your boxes twice before you close the door. A forgotten bag of pantry goods can cause a pest problem over weeks or months. PODS also says food and plants can bring moisture, odor and pests.
If you need cold storage for food, such as for an event or a business, look at a refrigerated unit. See refrigerated units and the terms reefer container and temperature-controlled storage. A standard container is not the right tool.
Can I store a car or motorcycle in a portable storage container?
Usually not. PODS lists cars, motorcycles, dirt bikes, motorized scooters and golf carts as items that cannot go in its containers. moveBuddha notes the same about cars and motorcycles for PODS, and says rental trucks can tow a vehicle with a dolly or trailer.
Rules differ by provider. Ask what vehicle options exist near you. If you need space for a larger item, see storage trailers and ask a provider what it offers.
Can I store lithium batteries in a storage container?
Be very careful, and ask your provider first. PODS lists items with non-removable lithium batteries, such as e-bikes, some power tools, toys and electronics, as prohibited. PODS says lithium batteries can pose a fire risk.
NFPA explains why heat and damage matter. It says lithium-ion batteries are more likely to overheat, catch fire or explode when they are damaged or improperly used, charged or stored. NFPA also says not to store batteries in extremely hot or cold locations. A steel container can reach both extremes, says ContainerTech.
What to do:
- Check the battery rule in your agreement.
- Remove batteries from devices where you can. PODS suggests removing batteries from electronics.
- Keep e-bikes, scooters and tools with non-removable batteries at home.
- Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. NFPA says to take them to a recycling or household hazardous waste point.
Ask your local fire department if you need guidance on how to store large batteries.
Can I store propane, fuel or chemicals?
No. These are the core banned items. PODS prohibits propane tanks, oxygen tanks, aerosols, fireworks and flares, along with toxic chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, corrosives and pesticides. It also lists generators, grills, smokers and fire pits that hold fuel or oils.
ContainerTech explains the risk. These substances pose a serious risk in a non-ventilated, enclosed steel structure, because even a small spark or high heat could trigger a fire or explosion. It adds that federal and state rules restrict many of these materials outside approved facilities.
Empty the fuel from tools and equipment before storage, and ask your provider what counts as empty. Use a hazardous waste drop-off or a fire department program for unwanted chemicals. If you handle hazardous materials, ContainerTech suggests talking with your local fire and safety authorities.
Cleaning products deserve a note. PODS says you can pack brooms and mops, but bleach and ammonia stay out.
Are heirlooms and important papers safe in a container?
They are not banned, but you should keep them with you. PODS strongly discourages storing passports, birth certificates, financial records, artwork, jewelry, cash and heirlooms. It says if losing it would be devastating, do not put it in the container.
Why? A container is lockable but not foolproof. ContainerTech says high-value items such as cash, precious metals, fine art or sensitive documents should not be stored without extra security. Heat and damp are also real risks for paper and photos.
If you must store valuables, consider these steps from ContainerTech:
- Use a high-security lock box or lock bars
- Place the container in a fenced or monitored area
- Use climate control for documents, electronics and art
See lock box and hasp for plain definitions. Also read your coverage terms. Check your homeowners or renters policy with your insurance agent, since limits and exclusions vary, says PODS. See contents coverage.
What about items sensitive to heat, cold and damp?
A standard container is not climate-controlled. PODS says its containers are weather-resistant, not completely waterproof, and not climate-controlled. Most household items do not need climate control, but some do.
ContainerTech says steel containers can heat up quickly in summer and get very cold in winter. It lists items at risk:
| Item | Risk |
|---|---|
| Electronics and batteries | Damage from heat or cold |
| Photographs and film | Damage from heat and humidity |
| Wooden furniture | Warping |
| Fabric and leather | Mold |
| Musical instruments | Damage from temperature swings |
| Certain medical supplies | Damage from extreme temperatures |
PODS names rare books, vinyl records, musical instruments and artwork as items that may suit climate-controlled storage. Do not pay for climate control if your items do not need it. Learn the terms climate-controlled storage and insulated container.
Moisture can also come from you. PODS warns not to load in the rain, because wet cardboard can bring in moisture and lead to mildew or warping. 1-800-PACK-RAT also says to pack dry and avoid wet items.
What are the weight limits?
Heavy items can reach the weight limit before the space is full. PODS lists maximum weights of 5,200 pounds for an 8-foot container, 4,700 pounds for 12 feet and 4,200 pounds for 16 feet. Other providers set their own limits.
Appliances, safes, exercise equipment, book collections and tool chests are common causes. If you load a lot of heavy items, ask your provider for the limit. PODS also advises placing heavy boxes on the bottom and spreading them across the floor, not on one side. For sizing help, see what size container you need.
What else should I keep out, or take care with?
Use common sense for anything that smells, leaks or could attract pests. ContainerTech lists strong-smelling items such as fertilizers and chemicals, and loose materials such as soil, sand or liquids, which can leak, cause corrosion or shift the load.
Other tips from the sources:
- Do not use storage as a trash bin. PODS suggests donating, selling or recycling before you load.
- Lift items off the floor. ContainerTech suggests pallets and shelving to cut moisture.
- Lock the container. PODS recommends a disc lock or an appropriately sized padlock.
- Keep an inventory. Label boxes and note what is in each container.
- Check local rules. Placement may need a permit. See permits and HOA rules.
What should I do with items that are not allowed?
Plan for them before packing day. Sell, donate or recycle what you no longer want, as PODS suggests. Take lithium-ion batteries to a recycling or household hazardous waste point, as NFPA advises, and not to the trash.
For fuel, propane and chemicals, ask your local fire department or waste office about disposal or a drop-off day. Carry papers, jewelry and heirlooms with you on moving day. Keep a short list of what you moved yourself, so nothing important ends up in a box you cannot reach.
How do I find my provider’s list?
Look at the rental agreement and the provider’s website, then ask. Each company writes its own prohibited items list. A phone answer is not enough. Ask for the rule in writing, especially for batteries, fuel and vehicles.
If you are still choosing a company, read how to choose a portable storage provider. For container types, see portable storage containers and mobile self-storage. If you are comparing a move by truck, see moving container vs moving truck.
Next step
Not sure what fits? Tell us what you plan to store. An NPSA member company near you will contact you and can explain its rules. Start at Request a quote.