What You Can (and Cannot) Store in a Self-Storage Unit in Alberta
Most people can store most things. But there are real restrictions on what goes inside a storage unit — and breaking them creates safety risks, liability issues, and in some cases, criminal exposure.
Before your next move or storage drop-off, here's a clear breakdown of what's allowed and what isn't.
What You CAN Store
The vast majority of household and commercial items are perfectly fine:
Household goods
- Furniture (sofas, beds, tables, dressers, mattresses)
- Appliances (washer, dryer, fridge — drained and clean)
- Electronics (TVs, computers, speakers)
- Clothing and linens
- Kitchenware and dishware
Personal items
- Seasonal decorations (Christmas trees, lights, outdoor furniture)
- Sporting equipment (bikes, skis, camping gear)
- Tools and hardware
Commercial and business items
- Inventory and merchandise
- Filing cabinets and archived documents
- Office furniture and equipment
- Contractor tools and supplies
Vehicles and recreational equipment
- Cars, trucks, motorcycles
- RVs and campers
- Boats and personal watercraft
- ATVs, snowmobiles, and trailers
If you're unsure, the short answer is: if it's not alive, not flammable, not a weapon, and not perishable — it's almost certainly fine.
What You CANNOT Store
Hazardous Materials
This is the most common category of prohibited items, and it's non-negotiable for safety reasons:
- Flammable liquids — gasoline, diesel, propane, acetone, lighter fluid, paint thinner
- Explosives — ammunition, fireworks, blasting supplies
- Compressed gas tanks — propane cylinders, acetylene tanks, oxygen tanks
- Toxic or corrosive chemicals — pesticides, acids, pool chemicals, fertilizers with oxidizer content
- Paints and solvents — oil-based paints, stains, varnishes
Note on vehicles: Vehicles stored in outdoor units must have their fuel tanks drained or contain only a minimal amount of fuel. Propane tanks on RVs must be turned off and properly sealed. Call us if you're unsure about your specific situation.
Perishable Food
Food attracts pests, develops mold, and creates odours that affect neighbouring units. You cannot store:
- Fresh or frozen food
- Open or unsealed food packages
- Pet food left in open bags
Canned goods are generally fine in short-term storage, but removing them entirely before a long-term storage period is recommended.
Living Things
No plants. No animals. No exceptions. Beyond the obvious ethical reasons, plants introduce moisture and pests, and Alberta's temperature extremes make any storage environment unsuitable for living organisms.
Illegal Items
Stolen property, controlled substances, illegal firearms, and any other items prohibited under Canadian law cannot be stored at any legitimate storage facility.
Irreplaceable Documents (a strong caution, not a prohibition)
Technically, you can store paper documents — but you shouldn't store originals of anything irreplaceable without taking proper precautions:
- Original birth certificates, passports, wills, and property titles should be stored in a fireproof environment
- Consider scanning and backing up important documents before placing them in storage
Railside's indoor storage building uses fireproof construction — which makes it a better choice for documents than standard outdoor units. Still, for the most critical personal documents, a safety deposit box or home safe is the gold standard.
Grey Areas — Items Worth a Phone Call
Some items fall into a grey area and are worth discussing with us directly before storing:
- ATVs with fuel in the tank — generally fine outdoors if the tank isn't full; we recommend draining or topping up completely to minimize vapour space
- Old paint cans (dried) — dried, hardened paint is not hazardous and can typically be stored
- Medical equipment — most medical devices are fine; powered equipment should be assessed case by case
- Wine, beer, and liquor — sealed bottles are generally fine; temperature variation in outdoor units can affect quality
When in doubt, call (403) 878-3390) and describe what you're planning to store. We'll give you a straight answer.
Preparing Items Properly Before Storage
Even for allowed items, proper preparation makes a difference:
- Appliances: Clean and dry before storing. Prop fridge/freezer doors slightly open to prevent mold.
- Upholstered furniture: Cover with furniture blankets or breathable wrap. Avoid plastic wrap directly on fabric — it traps moisture.
- Electronics: Wrap in anti-static packaging where possible. Avoid storing directly on concrete floors.
- Fuel-powered equipment: Drain fuel tanks or stabilize fuel before long-term storage.
Still Have Questions?
Our FAQ page covers the most common storage questions for Medicine Hat residents. Or call us directly at (403) 878-3390 — we're happy to walk through your specific situation before you make the trip.
Ready to rent a unit? View sizes and pricing or contact us today.