Storage Restrictions

The self-storage industry is incredibly flexible about what you can store and has limited restrictions. As access is so easy, people are increasingly considering storing goods that they'd never have stored before, such as seasonal wardrobes that can be changed throughout the year. Although many self-storage operators use this flexibility as a selling point to market their services, there are certain restrictions on items that cannot legally be placed in self-storage. If you have any doubt about the restrictions on items you wish to store, consult your self-storage manager before you go ahead.

The most common restrictions include:


Inflammable or combustible materials
These types of materials will cause very real damage & danger to the entire facility and personnel, not to mention your own stored items if there is an accident. The list of restrictions includes gas, fuel, fireworks etc. Check with the facility your storing your goods, most likely you will be asked to empty all fuel tanks and make sure they are sealed,  even down to your lawnmower, before placing these items in self-storage.


Animals or animal products
Strange as it may seem, people have in the past attempted to 'store' their pets in self-storage, as they believe they can access them for feeding and care as necessary. This is quite obviously cruel and could result in prosecution. Animal products are also not allowed in self-storage, as they will attract vermin. Check with the facility your storing your goods, for any other restriction in this matter.


Perishable foodstuffs
If you're looking to store the contents of your house in self-storage between moves for example, it would seem to make sense just to box up the contents of your kitchen cupboards and stick them in there too. This might be fine for cans but there are restrictions on perishable foods, as they will attract vermin. Check with the facility your storing your goods, for any other restriction in this matter.


Firearms
Some self-storage providers will allow you to store firearms on site and some will refuse. If they do allow you to place firearms in storage, you will have to follow the facility restrictions about securing the item's.


Jewelers and valuables
Not all self-storage providers will allow you to store items such as valuable jewelers, coins and precious metals etc. Many will but you may have to agree to certain restrictions or need to show proof of specific item insurance. Check with the facility your storing your goods, for any other restriction in this matter.


Aerosols
Many facilities will not allow the storage of aerosols or pressurized materials, as there is the possibility that they could burst and cause accidents.


Hazardous materials
Self-storage facilities will not allow the storage of hazardous, toxic or chemical materials on site as they can cause very real damage if they spill or if there is a fire.


Plants
You can't store your plants, or any other living thing, in self-storage, as they will attract insects and pests.

For any other matters that are not mentioned in this guide we would recommend checking with the facility your storing your goods, they will guide and assist you of there regulations and restriction in there facility. If you have any information to add on this article feel free to e-mail us: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it