Dos and don’ts of Self Storage: What you should and shouldn’t store in a self-storage unit

Dos and don’ts of Self Storage: What you should and shouldn’t store in a self-storage unit

Self-storage is an excellent solution for decluttering your home, storing business stock, keeping seasonal items safe, or organising your life during a move or renovation. But not everything belongs in a storage unit.

Whether you’re new to using self-storage or looking to brush up on best practices, understanding what you can and cannot store is crucial to keeping your unit safe, secure, and in line with storage policies.

At Easy Access Self Storage, we’ve put together this guide to help you make informed decisions when packing your unit. From everyday items to restricted materials, here are the key dos and don’ts of self-storage.

✅ DO: Store Household Items

Self-storage is ideal for a wide range of everyday household belongings, especially if you’re downsizing, renovating, or just need some extra room at home.

Examples of acceptable household items:

• Furniture (sofas, chairs, beds, tables)
• Appliances (fridges, microwaves, washing machines—defrosted and drained)
• Clothing and shoes (properly packed and protected)
• Books, toys, and media collections
• Kitchenware and crockery
• Bicycles, sports gear, and gym equipment

Tip: Wrap fragile items carefully, use sturdy boxes, and label everything clearly to make unpacking easier later.

❌ DON’T: Store Perishables or Food

It might seem convenient to stash away extra groceries or tinned food, but storage units are not suitable for storing any kind of food or perishable item.

Items not allowed:

• Fresh produce (fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy)
• Baked goods or confectionery
• Pet food
• Canned food (unless in small quantities and sealed airtight check with the facility first)
• electric bikes (of any sort)
• vapes
• rechargeable items in high quantity
• Multiple Laptops in high quantity (due to battery)

Why not?
Food attracts pests and can spoil or rot over time, leading to odours, contamination, and infestation that can damage not just your items, but others’ too. Most of the items mentioned above use lithium-ion batteries, specifically the lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-ion polymer (Li-poly) types, because they offer a higher energy density, longer lifespan, and lighter weight compared to older technologies. While these are the dominant types, some older laptops may have used nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.

✅ DO: Store Business Inventory and Equipment

Many business owners use self-storage to house excess stock, promotional materials, office furniture, or tools.

Suitable business items:

• Non-perishable stock
• Trade supplies (paint, tools, plumbing materials)
• Display stands and signage
• Paper records and archives
• Ecommerce fulfilment materials

Tip: Create an inventory list and use shelving to keep everything accessible and well organised. Drive-up units are ideal for regular stock turnover.

❌ DON’T: Store Flammable, Explosive or Hazardous Materials

For your safety and that of the entire storage facility, hazardous and combustible items are strictly prohibited in all units.

Items you can’t store:

• Petrol, diesel, and gas canisters
• Fireworks or explosives
• Paint thinners, turpentine, and solvents
• Fertilisers, pesticides, and other chemicals
• Aerosols and compressed gases

Why not?
These items pose a serious fire and safety risk. Even a small spark could lead to major damage. Always check with your facility if you’re unsure about a specific substance.

✅ DO: Store Hobby Gear and Collections

Storage units are great for keeping hobby materials out of your home while keeping them safe and accessible.

Examples include:

• Art and craft supplies
• Collectibles (comic books, vinyl records, memorabilia)
• Musical instruments
• Gardening tools
• Camping gear

Tip: Consider moisture-resistant containers for long-term storage and use shelving for smaller items.

❌ DON’T: Store Living Things

It may go without saying, but it’s worth repeating nothing living should be kept in a storage unit.

Prohibited living things:

• Pets or animals (even temporarily)
• Plants (they’ll wilt without sunlight and attract insects)
• Humans (storage units are not legal dwellings or workspaces without special permissions)

Why not?
Storage units aren’t climate-controlled for living conditions and lack ventilation, making them unsafe for animals and people alike.

✅ DO: Store Seasonal Items

One of the most popular uses of self-storage is to rotate seasonal items in and out of your home based on the time of year.

Items to store:

• Holiday decorations
• Garden furniture and tools (during winter)
• Skis, snowboards, sledges (during summer)
• Summer sports gear and beach accessories (during winter)
• Winter clothing and coats

Tip: Store in labelled boxes or colour-coded bins for easy switching as seasons change.

❌ DON’T: Store Valuable Items Without Insurance

While modern self-storage units (like ours) offer excellent security, including CCTV, gated access, and alarmed units, it’s still smart to insure high-value items.

Items to consider insuring:

• Jewellery
• Rare collections (coins, stamps)
• Expensive electronics
• Family heirlooms or antiques

Tip: Some home insurance policies cover off-site storage, but always check with your provider, or speak to us about optional storage insurance for added protection.

✅ DO: Use Storage During House Moves

Moving house is stressful enough—self storage can be your best friend during the process. It provides a place to keep furniture, boxes, and belongings between moves or while staging your home for sale.

Perfect items to store when moving:

• Non-essential furniture
• Packed boxes
• Seasonal decor or clutter
• Tools and renovation supplies

Tip: Book a local removals company alongside your storage to streamline the entire process.

Additional Tips for Safe and Effective Storage

• Check the unit’s climate conditions if storing wooden furniture, instruments, or paper documents long-term.
• Elevate items off the floor using pallets or shelving in case of condensation or minor spills.
• Don’t block ventilation — allow airflow between stacked items to prevent mould.
• Label everything — a simple label system saves hours of searching later.
• Make an inventory so you always know what’s in your unit, especially useful for businesses.

Why Choose Easy Access Self Storage?

At Easy Access Self Storage, we make it simple to store what you need—safely, affordably, and conveniently. Our facilities feature:

• Clean, modern units in multiple sizes
• 24/7 CCTV and gated access for peace of mind
• Drive-up and indoor units available
• Short-term and long-term rental options
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to help
• Coffee breakout areas to ease your day

Need help figuring out what size unit is right for your needs? Our team is always happy to assist and ensure you’re following storage best practices.

Knowing what you can and can’t store in your self-storage unit is key to making the most of your space, and keeping everything safe, legal, and protected. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more efficient experience.

Whether you’re decluttering, moving, managing stock, or just need a little extra space, Easy Access Self Storage is here to help.

Ready to book your unit or have questions about what’s allowed?
Contact our team today or visit your nearest facility.