Within self storage there are many different things in which you can store within a unit but there are also some things that you cannot store. It is very important that you know what cannot be stored within a unit as it will keep you, your fellow customers and the self storage team safe. Many things that are prohibited self storage items are on the list due to it not being safe to store them within a storage unit.

Within this article we will talk you through nine prohibited items and why these cannot be stored within one of our storage units. 

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials which are considered dangerous are items which are not allowed to be stored with self storage. This includes flammable liquids, toxic chemicals, kerosene, lamp and motor oil, acid, grease, corrosives, fertilisers, or hazardous, toxic or biological waste.  Asbestos or products which may contain asbestos are also not permitted – nor are fireworks or any other form of explosive.

The reason these types of items are prohibited is due to the immense safety risk. If anything was to go wrong with these types of items or if there was a fire it could lead to devastating repercussions.

Perishable Food Items

Perishable foods are a prohibited self storage item. Items such as fresh produce, dairy products and meats are not allowed.

The reason these types of items are prohibited is due to the fact that, unless the items are canned, it could attract pests or create odour issues if items were to go mouldy. This will create a horrible storage environment for you and anyone whose unit is near to yours. 

Illegal Substances or Stolen Goods

It probably comes as no surprise that illegal items, such as illicit drugs, and stolen goods are prohibited self storage items. 

This is due to the legal implications and it could cause liability issues for the self storage company. 

Weapons & Ammunition

Weapons and ammunition are all prohibited self storage items. Firearms, knives, bullets etc. cannot be stored within a storage unit. 

Storing these items could again have legal implications and create liability issues for the self storage company as storing these types of items would cause major safety concerns. 

Living Things

Living things such as animals and plants are all prohibited self storage items. Plants will very likely die due to the lack of windows and could also attract insects and vermin. And animals of any kind are not allowed because it is cruel and unethical. 

We probably don’t have to say it, but humans are also not allowed to be stored/live within one of our storage units. 

Scented or Wet Items

Items such as candles or anything which has a strong odour is not allowed to be stored within a storage unit. Wet items such as damp clothing is also prohibited. 

This is due to the risk of mould and the possible damage they could cause to other items. 

Medical Supplies

Used medical equipment and any medication which requires refrigeration are all prohibited self storage items. 

The reason for the prohibition is due to these types of items needing to be stored in a way that meets specific storage requirements. If they are not stored in the correct way, it could create serious health risks. 

High-Value Items Without Proper Insurance

High value items such as fine art, expensive jewellery, antiques or large quantities of cash cannot be stored within a storage unit without first acquiring the proper insurance. 

Storing these types of items without proper insurance could create serious liability concerns for the self storage company. It also creates a large security risk which could affect other customers and put the self storage team at risk. 

Combustible or Pressurised Items

Combustible or pressurised items such as gasoline, propane tanks and aerosol cans are all prohibited self storage items. 

They are all prohibited because, just like hazardous material, if something goes wrong, they all run the risk of creating a devastating accident. They create a high risk of explosion or fire which would have catastrophic effects on your fellow customers and on the self storage facility as a whole. 

Prohibited Self Storage Items

The key items that are prohibited in self storage are:

• Hazardous materials, including combustible or pressurised items
• Perishable food items
• Living things, including people!
• Weapon and ammunition
• Medical supplies
• High value items without proper insurance 

Each storage company is different so please check with each storage company for their specific policy on prohibited items. 

And once you know what is prohibited, please do not store these items in your unit! These rules are in place to keep you, your belongings, your fellow customers and all our team members safe. 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. If you have any questions about our prohibited self storage items, please get in touch with us via our website.