What You Cannot Put in a Self Storage Unit

What Can You Put in a Self Storage Unit?

Self storage facilities are a popular option for people who need extra space to store their belongings. They provide a convenient, secure, and flexible storage solution for storing items that you no longer have room for in your home or office. But what can you store in a self storage unit? The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the size and type of unit, local laws and regulations, and the policies of the self storage facility you choose. In this blog, we'll explore the various items that can be stored in a self storage facility and some items that are typically restricted or prohibited.

Self Storage Facility Unit Types

Before we discuss what, you can store in a self storage unit, it's important to understand the different types of units available and the relative cost of self storage. The self storage options come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small lockers to large units that can hold the contents of a multi-bedroom house. The right storage unit option you choose will depend on the amount of space you need and the items you plan to store. Some common types of self storage space include:

Climate-controlled units: These units are kept at a consistent temperature and humidity level to protect sensitive items, such as electronics, furniture, and artwork. Self storage prices for these units are probably the highest.

Drive-up container storage units: These units are located outside and can be accessed by driving your vehicle directly up to the unit. They are typically larger than indoor units and are a good option for storing larger items or vehicles. Self Storage prices for these are primly the lowest.

Indoor self storage units: These units are located inside a building and can be accessed through a hallway or elevator. They offer additional protection from the elements and are a good option for storing smaller items. Usually at an affordable self storage price but higher than the container storage costs.

Remember, costs for self storage differ according to the size and location of the unit size and location More detailed information is available on our article about the self storage costs involved.

What Can You Store in a Self Storage Unit?

Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of self storage space, let's take a look at what you can store in them.

Furniture storage

One of the most common items stored in a self-storage unit is furniture. Whether you're moving into a smaller home, renovating, or simply looking to declutter your living space, a self-storage unit can provide the extra space for your house and garden furniture storage. Sofas, armchairs, tables, and bookcases are just a few of the many types of furniture that can be stored in a self-storage unit. Most storage facilities offer excellent to store furniture and tips on this can be found HERE

Electronics

Another common item that people store in self-storage units is electronics. This includes TVs, DVD players, computers, and gaming systems. These items can take up a lot of space in your home, and if you're not using them on a regular basis, it can make sense to store them in a self-storage unit. Just make sure to pack them properly to protect them from damage.

If you have a large wardrobe, you might find that you don't have enough space to store all your clothes in your home. A self-storage unit can provide the extra space you need to store your off-season clothes or clothes that you don't wear often. This can be a great option for people who live in small apartments or who are looking to downsize. Many storage providers will allow you to purchase packaging supplies for box storage to protect your clothing.

Document Storage

If you have important documents that you need to keep safe, a self-storage unit can be a good option. This includes documents like birth certificates, passports, and legal documents. Just make sure to store them in a secure and weatherproof container to protect them from damage. Storage prices differ between for this type of box storage, you can deep dive the details HERE

Household items and appliances

Large household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers can take up a lot of space in your home. If you're not using these appliances on a regular basis, you might consider storing them in a self-storage unit. This can be a good option if you're moving or renovating and need to temporarily store your appliances. It is worth noting that if you are moving house then all the costs of storage should be factored into your total moving costs.

Recreational vehicles

If you have a recreational vehicle like an RV, boat, or jet ski, you might consider storing it in a self-storage unit when you're not using it. This can be a good option if you don't have space to store your recreational vehicle at home, or if you want to protect it from the elements. Many self-storage providers offer outdoor storage for recreational vehicles, while others offer indoor storage for added protection. Its important to think about how much space your vehicle will need as the storage cost will vary considerably.

If you are thinking about storing a boat then you can find more advice in the article 

You can find our more about car storage by reading this article

Business inventory

Self-storage space can also be a good option for businesses that need extra space to store inventory or equipment. This can include everything from retail inventory to office equipment. Self-storage units can be a cost-effective alternative to renting a commercial space, and they can provide added security for your inventory at an affordable storage cost. There's a business storage blog HERE

Artwork, Musical instruments and collectibles

If you have valuable artwork, musical instruments or collectibles that you want to protect, a self-storage unit can provide a secure and climate-controlled environment. This can be a good option if you're moving, downsizing, or if you simply don't have enough space to store your artwork or collectibles at home. Sometimes a self storage provider will offer packing materials for these sorts of personal belongings.

Sports equipment

For sports enthusiasts, having the right equipment is essential. However, it can be a challenge to store all your gear at home, especially if you're an avid sportsman with a variety of equipment for different activities. Self storage units offer flexible and competitive storage prices for your sports equipment storage needs. If you are storing sports equipment then it might be worth reading our article ‘Creative Sporting Equipment Storage’

It's important that whatever you are storing, you take out a contents policy at the time of your storage unit booking. You will need to calculate the replacement value for your unit size and belongings, select the amount you would like to cover and confirm the reservation. Read more about how our StoreProtect terms and conditions protect your belongings. 

What Can't You Store in a Self Storage Unit

Self storage units are a popular solution for people who need extra space to store their belongings but it's not all about the self storage costs. While a storage unit can seem like a haven for anything you don’t have space for, storing certain items can be unwise, and sometimes even dangerous! Most reputable storage companies will not allow certain items to be stored in a storage facility due to safety and legal reasons.

Read on to find out what you shouldn’t be storing in a storage unit.

Hazardous Materials

Clearly the safety of everyone who uses self storage facilities and their belongings is paramount. All storage companies will not allow the storage of any flammable, toxic, combustible, hazardous, or radioactive materials. Some of the restricted items are compressed gas, paint, cleaners, chemicals, any dangerous waste, narcotics, asbestos, any form of explosive, including fireworks. These are examples of some of the hazardous items you cannot store in a self-storage unit.

Firearms, explosives, weapons or ammunition

These items, as outlined by Firearms Rules 1998, need to be stored in a secure location where unauthorised people – people without firearms certificates – cannot access them. They are recommended to be stored in a secure gun cabinet or container, as designated by police assessment.Your unit will not be appropriate for firearms and other explosive devices, especially since the items represent a hazard.

Illegal Items

Storing illegal items in a storage facility is prohibited. This includes items such as stolen property, drugs, and weapons. The facility is required to report any illegal items found in a unit to the authorities, and the tenant could face legal consequences.

Perishable Items

Perishable items, such as food and plants, are not allowed to be stored in by a storage company. These items can attract pests and rodents, causing damage to the unit and other tenants' belongings. Additionally, perishable items can rot and produce odors, which can be unpleasant and cause health concerns.

Living Things

Living things, such as pets and humans, are not allowed to be stored in a self storage unit. This includes using the unit as a temporary living space, as it is not designed for human habitation. Additionally, keeping animals in a self storage unit can be considered animal cruelty and is a violation of local and state laws.

Additionally, we are also not supporters of people running businesses or working from their storage units, meaning that customers visiting your unit to purchase goods is not permitted. If you’re looking for a good place to work, why not take a look at our meeting rooms and managed offices instead?

Items with Emotional Value

While there are no specific rules against storing items with emotional value, it is not recommended to store these items in a self storage unit. These items may be irreplaceable, and the risk of damage, theft, or loss can be too high. It is better to keep these items with you, or find a secure and trustworthy alternative storage solution.

Money and securities

For items of this nature, we would suggest specialist storage, such as a safe deposit box. These can be kept either at home or in a designated location. While most self storage facilities are safe and secure, we would recommend storing these items somewhere with a higher level of security.

If you are still unsure whether you can store a specific item then take at look at section 18 of your terms and conditions for a more detailed explanation.

In conclusion, while self storage units offer a convenient and secure storage option for many types of belongings, there are restrictions on what can and cannot be stored in these units. It is important to be aware of these limitations to avoid any legal issues, protect the safety of the facility and its tenants, and ensure that your belongings are properly stored and protected.

To find out more about the sizes we have go over and read ‘A Detailed Guide to Self Storage Unit Sizes

You will also need to consider whether indoor or outdoor self storage is most appropriate for what you are looking to store - have a read HERE for an in depth comparison. Longer term storage has its own things to consider which you can read about in our article Long Term Storage Explained

If you need to find out how much does self storage cost, no matter what your reason for storing, Corby Self Storage can help. If you are looking for the cheapest self storage unit cost in Corby, then contact our friendly team on 01536 402116 to see what self storage prices offer or email info@corbyselfstorage.co.uk

Any other questions we can help with then click here