Introduction

If you’re searching for moving companies Ottawa or typing “moving companies near me” because you need moving and storage help, this guide is for you. Storage units are a lifesaver during renovations, moves, or downsizing — but not everything belongs behind a roll-up door. Certain items create fire hazards, legal issues, or irreversible damage. In this Ottawa-specific guide we cover 10 things you should never store in a storage unit, why they’re risky, practical disposal alternatives, and how to work safely with local movers and storage facilities.

Foosun Moving helps Ottawa residents and local businesses move and store belongings safely. Read on to avoid costly mistakes, protect your items, and pick the right local movers and storage partner for your needs.

Why these rules matter — safety, legality, and peace of mind

Storage facilities are designed for household goods, not hazardous materials or perishable items. A single volatile container, rodent infestation, or damp box can endanger other units, damage inventory, void insurance, and lead to fines or criminal involvement. Ottawa facilities follow local safety rules and many have strict lists of prohibited items in their rental agreements — and the City of Ottawa runs hazardous waste drop-off events to help residents dispose of dangerous materials properly. When in doubt, check the facility’s rules and municipal disposal guidelines before you pack.

1. Gasoline, propane tanks & other flammable fuels

Gas cans, propane cylinders, kerosene heaters, and other fuels are among the most dangerous items people try to store. Flammable liquids and pressurized tanks can leak, corrode, or explode under heat or impact — and storage units are not ventilated like a safe, dedicated space. Most facilities expressly forbid fuels for liability and fire-safety reasons.

Example: a homeowner storing a lawnmower with fuel left in the tank risks a leaking can that emits fumes and raises the risk of ignition. Retail paint containers and propane cylinders should be emptied and returned to appropriate hazardous-waste collection points instead of being stored. Use municipal hazardous-waste events or approved disposal sites in Ottawa to remove old fuel and tanks safely.

2. Paints, solvents and bulk aerosol collections

Solvents, paint thinners, aerosol cans and similar household chemicals are commonly prohibited. Paint and solvent fumes are toxic and flammable; aerosol cans can explode under pressure or when punctured. Even seemingly harmless items like leftover spray paint or cans of varnish can become a fire risk when stored in bulk.

If you have leftover paint, consider donating it to community programs or drop it off at a household hazardous waste depot in Ottawa. For specialized advice on storing small, inert items, ask your mover or the storage facility — but never stash containers you’re not sure about inside a unit.

3. Car batteries, power tool batteries & loose lithium batteries

Batteries — especially lead-acid car batteries and lithium-ion packs from e-bikes, laptops, or power tools — are a major fire risk. When damaged, lithium batteries can short-circuit and ignite; lead-acid batteries can leak corrosive acid that ruins surrounding items. Storage companies usually prohibit loose batteries and insist you dispose of them at designated recycling locations.

Ottawa provides battery drop-off and e-waste programs for safe disposal: returning old batteries to retailers or municipal collection points helps prevent fires and environmental contamination. Never leave batteries loose in boxes or near flammable materials.

4. Perishable food, plants and live animals

Perishable food spoils, produces odors, and attracts pests. Plants and live animals cannot survive in dark, temperature-unregulated units and many facilities explicitly ban them. In addition to the health hazard, pests (mice, insects) can spread to neighbouring units and cause costly remediation.

For long-distance moves, donate or consume food before packing. Never attempt to keep animals or fish in a storage unit — it’s unsafe and typically illegal under facility rules. If you must store food-like items (e.g., commercial sealed canned goods), check the storage policy — most facilities still discourage food altogether.

5. Firearms, ammunition and fireworks

Weapons and ammunition raise both safety and legal concerns. A storage unit auctioned for non-payment could put firearms or ammunition into the wrong hands, creating grave liabilities. Many facilities prohibit firearms and ammunition for these reasons, and local firearm-storage regulations often require specialized safes and documented custody.

If you legally own firearms, consult RCMP guidelines and keep them secured at home in an approved safe or in licensed storage designed for firearms — not a standard self-storage unit. Fireworks are explosive and banned from storage units as well.

6. Hazardous chemicals, pesticides & pool chemicals

Pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals and other corrosive or reactive substances create both a health and environmental threat if they leak. They can also corrode boxes and create dangerous fumes in enclosed spaces. Facilities often treat these materials as hazardous waste and will dispose of them under municipal regulations if found.

Safer alternative: use municipal hazardous-waste disposal programs or return items to supplier take-back programs where available in Ottawa. Never store unlabelled or unknown chemical containers.

7. Irreplaceable valuables, cash and original documents

Passports, wills, birth certificates, original family photos, and jewellery should not be stored in a standard self-storage unit. While most facilities offer locks and cameras, they cannot match the security and climate control of a bank safe deposit box or a professionally monitored vault. Many insurance policies limit payouts for valuables stored outside the home, and recovery after theft or fire can be limited.

Recommendation: keep irreplaceable documents in a bank safe deposit box, a monitored home safe, or a specialist vaulting service. For photo preservation, digitize originals and keep encrypted cloud backups.

8. Wet, damp or mold-prone items (and cardboard-only packing)

Moisture is the most common long-term enemy in storage units. Wood warps, fabrics mildew, paper disintegrates and rust attacks metal. Storing damp items or packing everything in bare cardboard invites mold and pest intrusion — especially if your unit is not climate-controlled.

Best practice: thoroughly dry and clean all items before packing; use sealed plastic bins or wardrobe boxes for textiles; consider climate-controlled storage for leather, antiques, or electronics. Placing pallets or a raised platform beneath boxes helps airflow and reduces contact with cold concrete floors.

9. Vehicles, trailers or unlicensed/uninsured machines

Many facilities have strict rules about vehicle storage. If allowed, vehicles typically must be operable, registered, insured and have authorized access; otherwise they risk being towed, impounded, or declared abandoned. Storing unregistered or non-operable vehicles is generally discouraged and often prohibited.

For businesses or seasonal vehicle storage, get a written agreement from the facility and confirm requirements (insurance, battery maintenance, periodic starts). If in doubt, ask your mover about secure vehicle storage options.

10. Illegal, stolen or contraband goods

This seems obvious, but it’s worth saying: storing stolen items, illegal goods, or contraband can result in criminal charges. Facilities cooperate with law enforcement and can provide access records and surveillance footage when crimes occur. If your unit is suspected of housing illegal materials, it can be seized under warrant.

How to choose the right moving and storage partner in Ottawa

When searching for a moving company Ottawa or typing “moving company near me”, look for movers that understand storage nuances. Good movers will:

• Provide written packing and storage guidance.
• Offer climate-controlled storage options and clear pricing for storage time and access.
• Guide you on prohibited items and municipal disposal options in Ottawa.
• Offer combined moving + storage packages to reduce handling and damage risk.

Local movers who offer storage services save you time and reduce the number of times items are handled, which lowers the chance of damage. Use terms like professional movers Ottawa and ottawa furniture movers when searching to find teams experienced with furniture protection and storage best practices.

Insurance, liability and storage claims

Always confirm who is responsible if damage occurs. Facility protection plans vary widely: some offer minimal coverage, others recommend tenants carry supplemental contents-in-storage insurance. Check your homeowner or renter insurance policy to see whether it covers off-site storage — many policies exclude or limit coverage for stored items unless you add a rider. Ask for a written explanation before you sign a storage lease.

Safe alternatives & disposal options in Ottawa

If you have prohibited items, Ottawa runs special hazardous-waste drop-off events and retail take-back programs for paints, batteries and e-waste. For valuables, use bank safe deposit boxes. For antiques and artwork, consider professional vaulting or specialty storage with climate control and monitoring. When clearing out dangerous items, contact your local municipal waste program or a licensed hazardous-waste handler for safe removal.

Quick Takeaways

• Never store flammable liquids, propane, or gas cans in a storage unit — use municipal hazardous-waste disposal instead.
• Avoid batteries, large aerosol collections, paints and solvents — they can ignite or leak.
• Don’t keep food, plants or animals in units — they attract pests and create health issues.
• Keep irreplaceable documents and valuables out of standard units — use bank vaults or specialized services.
• Consider climate-controlled units for antiques, electronics and textiles to prevent moisture damage.

Conclusion — Pack smart, store safe

Using a storage unit in Ottawa is convenient, but it comes with responsibility. Avoid storing flammable, hazardous, perishable, or irreplaceable items in standard units. Work with a trusted ottawa moving company or storage partner that provides clear guidance, packing help and climate-controlled options when necessary. If you’re searching for reliable ottawa movers who understand storage rules and can help you pack and move safely, contact Foosun Moving for a free consultation and tailored storage plan.

FAQs

Q1: Can I store lithium batteries in my storage unit?

A: No — lithium-ion batteries are a fire hazard. Dispose of them through approved battery drop-off points in Ottawa instead.

Q2: Are climate-controlled units worth the cost?

A: For textiles, leather, antiques, wooden furniture and electronics, climate-controlled storage can prevent warping, mould and corrosion. If your items are sensitive, yes — it’s worth considering.

Q3: How can movers help with storage?

A: Professional movers offer packing, inventory, and bundled move+store services to reduce handling and protect items during the transfer and storage period.

Q4: What if I discover a prohibited item in my unit later?

A: Contact the facility immediately. You may be required to remove the item, and the facility may charge cleanup or fines. For hazardous materials, use municipal hazardous-waste disposal procedures.

Q5: Will storage facilities insure my items?

A: Many facilities offer optional protection plans, but coverage is variable. Check your home or renter’s policy first and consider supplemental storage insurance if needed.

Tell us — and share this post

Got a storage question or a tricky item you’re unsure about? Contact Foosun Moving or leave a comment below. If this helped you, please share with someone searching for moving companies near me — and tell us: what’s the oldest thing you ever found in a storage unit?