Self-storage units are popular because they offer a secure place to keep belongings. When it comes to food storage, however, it can be tricky to know what is safe to keep in your unit and what is better left elsewhere. Clifton Rt. 46 Storage has a spacious storage facility near you in Clifton, New Jersey. Here, we discuss how storage units should be used when it comes to food items and what you can safely store.
Key Takeaways
- Food items that aren’t stored properly can lead to bacteria, pests, and odors, creating an unsanitary and potentially hazardous environment.
- Some facilities allow you to store canned foods, pasta, spices, and other non-perishable items.
- You’ll want to make sure meat, eggs, and other perishable items are stored in a refrigerated environment.
- Clifton Rt. 46 Storage provides secure self-storage units near you in Clifton, New Jersey.
What Makes Food Storage So Tricky?
While self-storage facilities are often rented for access to seasonal items, overstocked products, and items that need to be stored temporarily, you may occasionally need to keep food items safely stored, as well. However, these items are more complicated when it comes to storage for a few reasons.
First, nearly all food items can spoil or degrade over time. This means that when they’re not kept in the proper environment, they could lose freshness, deteriorate, and emit foul odors. This also means they would be unsafe for consumption.
Another potential complication is that food items can lead to the buildup of mold, mildew, and bacteria. This can create a hazardous and harmful environment that may even affect other units or areas of the facility. Items that require temperature control or refrigeration, therefore, need to be kept in specially designated areas.
Lastly, aside from bacteria, storing food items improperly also invites pests. They can attract rodents, insects, or other curious critters, so you need to do your research when deciding on the best storage solution.
What Foods Can Be Stored Safely in Storage Units?
Food storage can be complicated, but certain foods are better than others when it comes to their shelf life. As long as they are properly packed away, non-perishable goods are suitable for keeping in self-storage units as they can withstand room temperature conditions for long periods without decaying or spoiling. These foods include:
- Canned goods
- Uncooked rice and pasta
- Spices
- Oils
- Sugar
- Flour
Other items that may be kept in a storage unit include processed foods that are in fully sealed packaging. It’s important to check the storage facility’s policies and ensure that the items you’re attempting to store are allowed to prevent any issues.
What Foods Should You Avoid?
Any items that can create an unsafe environment should be avoided when preparing your storage unit. This includes perishable items, such as:
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Cheese, milk, and other dairy products
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
You’ll also want to keep leftovers and foods that have already been cooked out of your unit, as they will need refrigeration. While you may be able to find climate-controlled storage solutions, the items above require refrigeration to prolong spoilage and prevent the growth of bacteria and other health hazards. If a power outage occurs, your products will be exposed to moisture and humidity.
What Makes the Units at Clifton Rt. 46 Storage an Easy Choice?
As a family-owned business, Clifton Rt. 46 Storage knows that storage is as much about reliability as it is about innovative features. Fortunately for residents in and around Clifton, NJ, we are proud to offer both. Our dedicated storage units come in a wide range of sizes to give you plenty of options for food storage and other storage needs, and our facility’s large size means more drive-up units are available, allowing for convenient access.
Our customers will also benefit from the QuikStor app, which allows them to gain entry through our gates, make payments, and more. We work hard to keep our rates affordable, giving you one more thing to get excited about. Contact us today to learn more or to speak to a member of our team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Storage
What foods are safe to keep in my storage unit?
Some non-perishable items can be stored inside storage units, such as canned goods, dried fruits, spices, and uncooked pasta.
Can I store perishable goods?
No. Perishable goods like meat, poultry, fish, raw fruits and vegetables, and dairy products should not be kept in a self-storage unit.
What can happen if you store food improperly?
Improper food storage can lead to a variety of problems, including mold and mildew growth, spoilage, unpleasant odors, and unwanted pests.
Do you offer climate-controlled units?
No, we do not have climate-controlled units available.
