Last updated Jun 20, 2026
Finding the right place to keep your belongings during a move, renovation, downsizing project, or home cleanout can feel overwhelming. Lanham residents may be packing up household goods, clearing garage space, storing seasonal items, or moving business supplies into a more organized setup.
Before loading everything into boxes, it helps to know which items are generally allowed in self storage and which items should stay out. Storage rules are designed to reduce fire risks, pest issues, odors, damage, and safety problems for everyone using the facility.
This guide explains common prohibited items, how to think about vehicle parking, what to do with hazardous household materials, and which belongings may benefit from climate-controlled storage in Lanham, MD.
Storage facilities enforce rules to protect customers, staff, property, and the surrounding community. Many restrictions come from rental agreements, safety standards, fire-risk concerns, sanitation rules, and state or local regulations.
Because storage units are not homes, workshops, food pantries, garages, or waste-disposal sites, customers should not use them for living, cooking, mechanical work, hazardous materials, or anything that could create unsafe conditions. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, ask the facility before move-in.
It is also important to review the lease terms carefully. Facility rules may restrict hazardous items, food, plants, vehicles, fuel, chemicals, weapons, stolen goods, illegal materials, and other prohibited property.
When preparing for a move, separate ordinary household goods from restricted or potentially unsafe items. The categories below cover many of the items that storage facilities commonly prohibit or limit.
No. Flammable, combustible, toxic, explosive, corrosive, or hazardous materials should not be stored in a self storage unit. These items can create fire, environmental, and safety risks.
Common examples include:
Gasoline and diesel fuel
Propane tanks
Paint thinner and certain oil-based paints
Motor oil and other automotive fluids
Fireworks and explosives
Corrosive acids or harsh chemical cleaners
Fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural chemicals
If you are storing motorized equipment such as a lawnmower, snow blower, or trimmer, ask the facility what preparation is required. In many cases, fuel and hazardous fluids must be removed or handled according to facility rules and local disposal guidance.
Food can attract pests, create odors, and lead to sanitation concerns. Most storage facilities prohibit perishable food, bulk food, pet food, and items that may attract rodents or insects.
However, the Maryland Department of Health enforces rigorous sanitation codes regarding food storage to prevent vermin and bacterial growth. Commercial self storage units are not designed to operate as food-storage facilities, so it is best to keep pantry goods, pet food, produce, meat, and open food containers out of storage.
If you need to store kitchen items, clean them thoroughly and make sure no crumbs, residue, or food packaging remain inside boxes.
No. People, animals, and plants should never be kept inside a storage unit. Storage units are not residential spaces and are not designed for sleeping, sheltering pets, housing plants, or sustaining living things.
Plants can introduce moisture, soil, insects, and organic material into a unit. Pets and animals should never be left in storage under any circumstances. If you are moving with plants or pets, make separate arrangements that are safe, legal, and appropriate.
At SecureSpace Self Storage Lanham, vehicles cannot be stored inside drive-up units. This location does offer outdoor parking, but vehicle type, size, documentation, availability, and facility rules should be confirmed before renting.
If you need parking for a car, boat, RV, trailer, or work vehicle, ask the facility what is allowed and what paperwork is required. Vehicles may need to be operable, insured, registered, and free of leaks, depending on facility policy and local requirements.
Moving industry experts note that tires present a significant disposal burden and fire hazard. Avoid using a storage unit as a place to stockpile spare tires, fuel containers, automotive fluids, or dismantled vehicle parts unless the facility specifically allows the items.
Illegal goods, stolen property, firearms, ammunition, and other weapons-related materials are commonly prohibited at storage facilities. These items can create serious safety and liability issues.
Do not store anything illegal, dangerous, or restricted by the rental agreement. If you have questions about a specific item, ask the facility before bringing it to the property.
After sorting your belongings, you may have items that should not go into storage. Paint, fuel, chemicals, pesticides, automotive fluids, electronics, batteries, and other restricted items often require special disposal.
Disposal rules and drop-off locations can change, so check Prince George's County's current waste and recycling guidance before making a trip. Look for current instructions for household hazardous waste, used motor oil, antifreeze, e-waste, batteries, and paint products.
If you are preparing equipment for storage, do not pour fluids onto the ground, into storm drains, or into regular trash unless local rules specifically allow the disposal method. Use the appropriate county program or disposal event for the material.
Once prohibited items are removed, you can focus on storing belongings that are appropriate for a storage unit. In Maryland, climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for items that can react to heat, cold, or moisture.
Climate-controlled storage can help reduce exposure to seasonal temperature swings compared with non-climate-controlled spaces. It may be useful for belongings such as:
Wooden furniture
Electronics
Documents, books, and paper records
Clothing, fabrics, and leather goods
Photographs and household keepsakes
Musical instruments and other moisture-sensitive household items
Climate control does not guarantee perfect preservation, and careful packing still matters. Use clean, dry containers, avoid trapping moisture, keep sensitive items off the floor when appropriate, and follow manufacturer guidance for electronics, appliances, or specialty belongings.
SecureSpace Self Storage Lanham offers climate-controlled storage, along with drive-up units, outdoor parking, elevator access, carts and dollies, a covered loading area, a loading dock, semi-truck accessibility, online payments, ACH and credit card payment plans, and month-to-month leases.
SecureSpace Self Storage Lanham is located at 10108 Greenbelt Road and offers storage options for household items, business belongings, seasonal goods, and eligible outdoor parking needs.
Security-related features at the Lanham facility include digital video recording, an access gate, logged access, touchless computer-controlled access, and overnight surveillance. Customers also have daily gate access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Before renting, review the facility rules for prohibited items, vehicle parking, documentation, access, payments, and move-in requirements. If you are unsure whether an item can be stored, ask before bringing it to the facility.
Vehicles cannot be stored inside drive-up units at SecureSpace Self Storage Lanham. Outdoor parking is available, subject to current availability, vehicle size, documentation, and facility rules. For lawnmowers or other motorized equipment, ask the facility what fuel or fluid preparation is required before storage.
Storage units are not designed for food storage, and most facilities prohibit perishable food, bulk food, pet food, and items that attract pests. For safety and cleanliness, keep food out of storage and clean kitchen items before packing them.
Eligible business records, office materials, equipment, and household goods may be stored if they comply with facility rules and applicable requirements. Do not store hazardous materials, classified materials, regulated items, or anything that requires specialized handling or security beyond standard self storage.
Check Prince George's County's current household hazardous waste and recycling guidance before disposing of paint, chemicals, automotive fluids, electronics, or batteries. Disposal locations, construction impacts, and mobile event schedules can change.
Climate-controlled storage may be useful for wooden furniture, electronics, paper records, books, clothing, leather goods, photographs, and other belongings that may react to Maryland's seasonal weather changes. Pack carefully and follow item-specific guidance for best results.
For a safer move-in day and fewer surprises at the unit door, review current options for self storage in Lanham, MD with SecureSpace.
Everything you need to store your belongings securely, on your schedule.
Visit us online
