If you have a self-storage unit, the company providing the unit probably gave you a list of items that you're not allowed to store. Hazardous items are generally not allowed at all. These would include gasoline, fireworks, cleaners and items containing asbestos. While you might not consider batteries to be hazardous (and they are probably not on your list of disallowed items), remember that they can leak and cause damage or even injury under certain circumstances. Check out this list of things to keep in mind before storing batteries in your storage unit.

Choose a Storage Unit That Has Climate Control

Although storing batteries in a cool environment is recommended, this actually means that they should be stored at room temperature and not in a hot garage or outdoors in the summer. Keeping batteries in the refrigerator is an old wives' tale; in fact, the cold temperature and condensation can decrease battery life, not increase it. High temperatures are also dangerous, as they can cause the battery to leak.

Make sure your storage unit is climate-controlled, especially if you live in area that gets very hot in the summer or very cold in the winter. As long as the batteries are protected from extreme heat and extreme cold, they will have the correct lifespan once they're being used.

Take Batteries Out of Your Items

Unless you're using your storage unit for only a month or two, it's best to take the batteries out of anything that is being stored. Sitting without being used is likely to drain batteries. Also, if a leak should occur, the acid could damage the equipment that it's placed in. It's best to remove batteries when you put items in storage and to replace them once you're ready to use the item again.

Keep Like With Like

If your batteries are out of their packaging, it's a good idea to keep them stored so all of the positive ends are together. Don't leave them loose in a box or bag, because that could cause the positive and negative ends to rub against one another, which could drain the batteries or, worse, cause a leak or even an explosion.

Similarly, don't store old and new batteries together. If you were to use one old and one new one in a battery-operated appliance, it could cause one or both of the batteries to leak. Instead of storing batteries of different ages together, properly dispose of the old ones or store older ones in one container and newer ones in another.

One more consideration is to avoid storing rechargeable batteries with alkaline. This is because mixing them in one appliance can cause leakage or an explosion. If you do store them together, be sure to look at them carefully before using them to be sure that you have all the same type for the appliance.

Keep Batteries Away From Valuables

Even if you take all of the proper precautions, you might end up with battery leakage. If you are storing your batteries in a cardboard box that's perched on top of your grandmother's antique armoire or another box containing your wedding gown, this is asking for potentially irreparable damage. Consider where your valuables are being stored, and take the precautions necessary to keep all batteries away from them.

Batteries are small and you might not think much about them when they're quietly nestled in your equipment, but they can cause hazards and damage if ignored. Take care to follow the tips above to reduce your chances of having a battery leak or explode while in your self-storage unit.

Contact a facility like North Star Mini Storage if you have specific questions about the things you are and are not allowed to store in a unit.

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