What Not to Put in a Storage Unit
Self storage is a handy way to create a little extra room, whether you’re moving house, renovating, decluttering or simply running out of space at home. But while storage units are suitable for a huge range of household and business belongings, there are some things that should never make it through the door.
Knowing what not to put in a storage unit helps keep your belongings safe, protects other customers and prevents problems such as fire risks, unwanted pests or damaged possessions.
So, before you finish packing those boxes, here’s what you need to leave out.
What not to put in a storage unit: the essential checklist
Most storage restrictions are there for a good reason. Certain items can be dangerous, deteriorate over time or cause damage to other belongings within the facility.
If you’re wondering what you should not put in a storage unit, start with the following.
Flammable and combustible materials
Anything that could easily catch fire should be kept well away from your storage unit.
This includes items such as:
- Petrol
- Gas
- Oil
- Paint
- Cleaning solvents
- Compressed gases
Even small quantities of combustible materials can create an unnecessary safety risk, particularly when they’re being stored for long periods.
If you’re clearing out a garage, shed or workshop before moving items into storage, take a little extra time to check containers before packing them away.
Hazardous chemicals and waste
Hazardous substances aren’t suitable for normal self storage either.
This could include toxic chemicals, asbestos, radioactive materials and other potentially harmful waste products. These types of materials often need specialist handling, transportation or disposal, so they shouldn’t simply be boxed up with your household belongings.
If you’re unsure whether a product counts as hazardous, it’s always best to check before bringing it to the facility.
Weapons, explosives and ammunition
Weapons, firearms, ammunition and explosives are also prohibited from storage units.
These items create clear safety and security concerns and should only ever be handled and stored in accordance with the appropriate UK regulations.
Perishable food and items that could attract pests
Food is another important consideration when deciding what not to put in a storage unit.
Perishable products such as fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy can quickly spoil when they aren’t refrigerated. That can lead to unpleasant smells, mould and unwanted visitors such as insects or rodents. Open packets of food are also best kept out of storage!
Some properly sealed, non-perishable items may be suitable depending on the storage facility’s rules, but anything you do store should be securely packaged so there’s no risk of attracting pests.
Animals and other living things
It probably goes without saying, but live animals should never be kept inside a storage unit.
Storage units simply aren’t designed as environments for animals, regardless of how short the intended stay might be.
Plants are also generally best kept elsewhere. Without suitable light, water, ventilation and temperature conditions, they’re unlikely to stay healthy for long.
Illegal, stolen or unsafe goods
Another straightforward answer to what you should not put in a storage unit is anything illegal, stolen or otherwise prohibited by law.
That can also include counterfeit goods and certain unlicensed or unsafe products.
Self storage is designed to give you extra room for legitimate household and business possessions, not to provide somewhere to keep restricted goods.
Lithium-ion batteries and battery-powered items
Lithium-ion batteries are found in everything from smartphones and laptops to power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters.
When batteries are damaged, defective or stored incorrectly, they can create a fire risk. That means some battery-powered items may be restricted or subject to specific storage requirements. Power banks, portable chargers, and larger batteries, in particular, may not be suitable.
If you’re planning to store an e-bike, e-scooter, power tool or several electronic devices, speak to the Extra Space team first. We can help you understand what can safely be stored before you move everything in.
Cash, important documents and irreplaceable belongings
There are also certain belongings that simply aren’t a good fit for self storage, even when safety isn’t the main concern.
That includes things such as:
- Cash and currency
- Deeds
- Securities
- Extremely valuable or irreplaceable possessions
Our facilities at Extra Space are designed with security in mind, including features such as CCTV, controlled access and individual alarms. However, some possessions are better kept somewhere specifically intended for high-value or irreplaceable items.
What should you not put in a storage unit if it’s wet or dirty?
Not everything on this list is prohibited. Some belongings are perfectly suitable for storage once they’ve been properly prepared. One of the biggest mistakes is putting items into storage while they’re still wet, damp or dirty.
Avoid packing away:
- Damp clothing or bedding
- Wet furniture
- Appliances that haven’t been cleaned or dried
- Muddy garden equipment
- Items already showing signs of mould
Moisture can lead to mould, mildew and unpleasant smells, particularly when something is packed away for several months.
Make sure furniture, fabrics and appliances are completely clean and dry before storage. With washing machines, fridges and other large appliances, leaving doors slightly open can also help prevent trapped moisture and odours.
Check before you store
Still unsure what not to put in a storage unit? A quick check before moving in can save a lot of hassle later.
Ask yourself:
- Is the item flammable, hazardous or potentially dangerous?
- Could it leak, spoil or attract pests?
- Does it contain a lithium-ion battery?
- Is it illegal, restricted or extremely valuable?
- Is it completely clean and dry?
If you answer yes to any of the first four, or you simply aren’t sure, check with our storage team before bringing the item in.
Store your belongings with confidence
Understanding what you should not put in a storage unit makes packing easier and helps protect everything you decide to store. Once you’ve separated out unsuitable or prohibited items, self storage can be a simple way to create extra room without getting rid of the things you still want to keep.
Have any questions? Take a look at our FAQ’s to see where we can help you.
Need some extra advice? Our friendly Extra Space team can help you choose the right-sized unit, answer questions about your belongings and make your move into storage as straightforward as possible!
Get in touch with the team or get a price today to find the right storage space for you.