What Not to store in shiping containers
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When you’re storing your belongings in a shipping container storage, it’s easy to get carried away and pack in everything but the kitchen sink. After all, a shipping container storage is supposed to be useful for storing things. But there are some things that shouldn’t be stored in a shipping container—and if they are, the environment should be made suitable first.
Wondering what not to store in shipping containers for storage? Keep reading to find out.
items to avoid storing in shipping containers
1. Pets, live animals, or plants
Shipping containers are not designed to provide adequate ventilation or temperature control for living beings. While they are built to withstand harsh conditions during transport, they do not have the necessary features to ensure the safety and comfort of pets, plants, or live animals.
Storing living beings in shipping containers can be harmful to their health. The lack of proper ventilation and temperature control can lead to the buildup of harmful gases, excessive heat or cold, and humidity levels that are unsuitable for many species. This can result in health problems or even death in extreme cases.
Plants, too, require specific light and humidity levels to thrive, which cannot be guaranteed in a shipping container.
2. Alcohol or Perishable Food Items
Alcohol and food are not recommended to be stored in shipping containers. Alcohol is flammable, while food attracts bugs and pests. The ideal solution to make your shipping container suitable for food or alcohol storage is to install environment control system.
Food can attract insects and may rot quickly if left outside for long periods of time or if exposed to humidity.
- Foods that are not sealed or packaged well.
- Foods that aren’t airtight (such as freezer-burned frozen fruits). Don’t put these types of foods into your container without first placing them into an airtight bag or container first.
- Foods that are going cold rapidly upon arrival at the destination—this includes items like ice cream, milk, and other dairy products; meats; fresh fish; vegetables; etc.
3. Toxic Waste, Hazardous Material, and Flammable Items
Hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids, explosives, and toxic chemicals, should not be stored in shipping containers. This is because these materials are highly dangerous and require special handling and storage procedures to prevent accidents or contamination.
4. Family Photo Albums, Family Heritage, and Important Jewelry
Your family photos are precious, so don’t put them in a container that’s susceptible to moisture damage. The best way to protect your photos is by hanging them on the wall or storing them in a non-porous box where they can breathe. If you’re worried about humidity and condensation building up on your walls, consider building an insulated box around your pictures and filling it with rice. This will absorb any moisture that would otherwise cause damage over time.
Jewelry can also be damaged by moisture if stored incorrectly. Make sure you keep jewelry away from water sources like sinks or showers as well as areas of high humidity (like closets). Store rings separately from other pieces because they tend not to chip or crack as much under extreme temperatures like those found inside shipping containers
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FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
There are several items that should not be stored in shipping containers, including hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, and gases. Other items that should not be stored include perishable food items, plants, and animals. Additionally, it is important to avoid storing valuable items, such as fine art or antiques, in shipping containers, as they may not be adequately protected from theft or damage.
Storing hazardous materials or perishable items in shipping containers can pose a significant safety risk, both for those handling the containers and for the environment. Additionally, storing valuable items in shipping containers may not provide adequate protection against theft or damage. It is important to carefully consider the contents of shipping containers in order to ensure that they are being used safely and effectively.
If you need to store items that cannot be safely stored in shipping containers, there are several alternatives available. For hazardous materials, it may be necessary to use specialized storage facilities that are designed to safely contain these types of items. For valuable items, such as fine art or antiques, it may be more appropriate to store them in climate-controlled storage facilities or in a secure, monitored location. For perishable items, such as food or plants, it may be necessary to use refrigerated storage facilities or to transport them using specialized shipping methods.
