Prohibited Storage Items
1. High-value items need specialist facilities.
Some storage units specialise in items like stamps, antiques, fine wines and fine art and can offer the right conditions for these precious items. But any bullion, jewellery, deeds, bonds and securities are best kept in a bank vault rather than a self-storage unit as they merit extra security. Although The Royal Mint has some guidance if you want to store your bullion at home.
2. You can’t keep food in a storage unit.
Food is another restricted item. Because food can attract pests, many storage companies restrict goods to bags or boxes. They are more likely to allow sealed tins.
3. You can’t house living creatures in a storage unit
To ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all customers, we kindly request that you refrain from storing any living creatures, including plants, birds, fish, animals, or insects in our self-storage units.
This is because the facilities are not designed to accommodate such inhabitants. Additionally, keeping plants and animals can attract pests and create unpleasant odours and messes that might affect the experience of other customers. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our storage units clean and secure for all.
4. Combustible items can’t be put in storage.
Flammable, explosive or combustible items are too dangerous for a storage unit. This is because they could cause a fire or make it more dangerous. Some examples of flammable items that can’t be kept in a self-storage unit include:
- cellulose nitrate film
- cleaning solvents
- fireworks
- gas cylinders
- oil
- paint
Firearms, weapons, explosives and ammunition can’t be stored in your units either.
Likely, a storage company’s terms and conditions will also forbid chemicals, biological agents, toxic materials and radioactive materials.
As always, if you’re not sure about a specific item, contact us
5. You can’t keep illegal items in storage
Contrary to what you’ve seen in thrillers and crime dramas, a storage lock-up is no place to stash ill-gotten gains, whether stolen, counterfeited or smuggled.
Illicit alcohol and tobacco, unlicensed meds and unsafe goods come under this heading, too and are all best kept out of a storage unit.
6. You can’t store waste.
It’s crucial to understand that self-storage facilities are not suitable for storing certain items.
These include tyres, which can be a fire hazard; asbestos, which poses serious health risks; used vehicle parts, which can cause damage to the storage unit; and waste electricals, which can be dangerous and require special disposal methods.
It’s important to be aware of these restrictions and find alternative storage solutions for these items.