Whether you’re moving home, having a major clearout or simply don’t have the room for all your belongings, self storage is the perfect solution for anyone needing more space for their stuff — from businesses with excess inventory to people travelling around the world.
But before you start packing, it’s important to check that everything you want to put in storage, can be kept in storage. From flammable materials to items that attract pests, self storage facilities have strict rules about what can and can’t be stored — and for good reason. Breaking these rules doesn’t just put your belongings at risk, it can endanger others and even land you in legal trouble.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what not to put in a storage unit and explain why some items are restricted. Whether you’re wondering if you can store food, firearms or even old tins of paint, our comprehensive guide will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Ready to find out what not to store in a storage unit? Use the links below to jump straight to the items you’re curious about or keep reading for the full breakdown.
- Perishable & Organic Materials
- Hazardous & Explosive Materials
- Financial & Legal Risks
- Miscellaneous Prohibited Items
Reasons for Restrictions
So why are some items prohibited? Generally speaking, it’s a matter of protecting your (and other people’s) belongings, the storage facility itself and even people’s lives. Professional storage facilities have strict standards to uphold, not only to ensure the safety of both their staff and customers but to make sure they’re providing clean units that are fit for purpose.
In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons why items are prohibited in storage units.
Why Are Some Items Prohibited?
- Legal Compliance: Storage facilities must adhere to laws and regulations. Storing illegal items, hazardous materials and explosives is a serious breach that could have legal consequences for you and the facility.
- Safety: Prohibited items often pose significant risks, such as fires, explosions and contamination, which could endanger your belongings, the storage facility and people’s health.
- Pest Prevention: Certain items, including food and plants, are likely to attract pests such as rodents and insects, all of which can cause widespread damage.
The Golden Rule
If it’s flammable, illegal, perishable or likely to attract pests, it’s best left out of your storage unit. However, if you’re ever unsure about an item, always ask your storage provider — they’ll be able to tell you whether something is allowed in your unit, and suggest safe alternatives for anything that isn’t.
What Not to Put in a Storage Unit
Now that you know why certain items can’t be kept in storage, let’s look at some of the most commonly prohibited items. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, as different storage providers may have slightly different rules, most storage facilities generally have the same restrictions.
It’s also worth remembering that if you’re found to have any of the following items in this list, not only will your storage insurance be void, but you’ll likely be liable for any damage to your unit, the facility and other people’s belongings.
Perishable & Organic Materials
Storage units are designed to keep your items safe and secure — not to house things that can spoil, grow mould or attract unwanted guests. Here’s what falls under this category:
Food & Drink
Storing perishable items is a recipe for disaster (literally). Not only can food and drink lead to mould and unpleasant odours, but they’re also a magnet for pests like mice, rats and insects. Once pests move in, the damage isn’t limited to your unit — they can quickly spread to others, causing chaos for the entire facility.
Plants
While your indoor jungle might thrive at home, plants won’t last long in a storage unit. Without access to light, water and fresh air, they’re bound to wither and die. Worse still, plants can bring in pests or soil-borne diseases that could spread to other stored items.
Animals
It may seem obvious, but just to be clear: pets and live animals of any kind are strictly prohibited in storage units. Beyond being against the rules, it’s incredibly cruel and irresponsible. Storage units are dark, cold and isolated, making them entirely unsuitable for animals (though they may attract a few unwelcome pests if you’re not careful with food storage).
Human & Animal Remains
This one might seem unusual, but human and animal remains — including cremation ashes — are often prohibited. Handling these items requires specific storage conditions and legal protocols that self storage units can’t provide. It’s best to keep these precious items in a secure and respectful environment elsewhere.
Hazardous & Explosive Materials
Considering that a harmless plant isn’t allowed in most storage units, it should come as no surprise that the same rules apply to hazardous and flammable items. These materials pose serious dangers to your belongings, the facility and the safety of others.
Fireworks
Fireworks are highly explosive and storing them in a confined space like a storage unit is a disaster waiting to happen. Extreme temperatures and accidental sparks could lead to catastrophe.
Firearms & Ammunition
Though you might assume a storage unit is a secure place for firearms or ammunition, most facilities prohibit them. This is largely due to safety concerns, legal restrictions and the potential liability associated with theft or misuse.
Fuel
Anything flammable, such as petrol or diesel, is an obvious no-go. These substances not only pose a significant fire hazard but can leak, creating a dangerous environment for anyone accessing the unit.
Hazardous Chemicals
Storing chemicals like acids, fertilisers and certain cleaning agents might seem harmless, but they can leak, corrode and react with other substances stored nearby. These risks make hazardous chemicals one of the most restricted items in self storage units.
Compressed Gas Canisters
Compressed gas canisters, such as propane or butane, are highly pressurised and dangerous if mishandled. A sudden puncture or exposure to heat can cause them to explode, making them unsuitable for storage.
Financial and Legal Risks
Self storage units might feel like a safe, out-of-the-way spot for your valuables, but when it comes to certain items — especially those with financial or legal implications — it’s best to steer clear. Here’s what to avoid:
Cash
Unless you’re Walter White, keeping cash in a storage unit isn’t a good idea. Not only is it unlikely to be covered by your insurance policy, but it’s also at risk of theft. Plus, storage units aren’t designed to safeguard highly valuable items like money, and there are far safer alternatives, such as a bank.
Illegal Substances
This one should go without saying, but it’s worth stating clearly: illegal substances of any kind are strictly prohibited in storage units. Facilities must comply with laws (as do you!), and storing these items can lead to serious legal consequences.
Miscellaneous Prohibited Items
Not everything that’s prohibited fits neatly into a single category, but these items are just as important to keep out of your storage unit. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more unusual restricted items:
Tyres
Tyres may seem like a harmless hunk of rubber, but many facilities prohibit them due to disposal regulations. If left unused for long periods, tyres can degrade and become a fire hazard. Plus, their low value and high disposal costs make them an unwanted burden for storage providers.
Paint & Other Liquids
There’s a common misconception that if something can be stored safely in your home, shed or garage, then it’s fine to be kept in a storage unit, and liquids like paint, varnish and white spirit are no exception.
Not only can such liquids spill, causing damage to your belongings and unit, but they are extremely flammable, making them a serious fire hazard. Furthermore, these substances can release noxious fumes, which can create health risks in poorly ventilated spaces and contaminate nearby items.
Electronics & Batteries
While not universally banned, certain electronics and batteries can pose risks if not stored properly. Car batteries are particularly problematic, as they can leak corrosive substances and even spark fires.
Valuables & Jewelry
Although not explicitly prohibited, high-value items such as jewellery or family heirlooms are best kept out of storage units.
While all good storage facilities will have a number of stringent security measures in place to protect your belongings from theft, determined criminals can be very capable. However, this is more of a question of insurance than it is of security, as most insurance policies have a modest cap on the maximum value that can be claimed against a single item.
It’s a reminder that as well as checking your belongings can be stored, you also need to make sure everything is insured against any potential risks during its time in storage.
Matt Wallace
Matt is a Director of Pay Less for Storage. He blogs tips for storage customers and helps them navigate self storage.
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