Self-storage units are full of weird and wonderful things, but before you get packing, you might want to check what NOT to bring.
So you’re about to put some, or all, of your belongings into a self-storage unit. Whether it’s our Cardiff storage unit or elsewhere — it’s all very straightforward — just a case of moving them from A to B. We just have one little question… Do you have anything illegal, dangerous, messy or absolutely mayhem-causing packed away in those boxes or in the back of your boot?
Sounds major when you ask it like that, doesn’t it? In all honesty, what you can’t store in a self-storage unit is relatively obvious, but it’s always worth checking. Familiarising yourself with what you can and can’t store will avoid any storage slip-ups and make your moving process even smoother.
Most storage companies have their own set of rules, regulations, and guidelines — but generally speaking, these prohibited items apply to us all:
- You or any other humans
- Animals
- Food and perishable items
- Chemicals and flammable substances
- Anything wet
- Firearms, weapons and ammunition
- Plants
- Illegal items
- Money
- Your office
Can you live in a self-storage unit?
You’d be surprised how much this comes up. We’re afraid the answer is no. Needless to say, as handy as self-storage units are, we draw the line at making them your full-time residence.
Despite the actual illegal aspect of it, a few YouTubers have tried it for fun over the years (who are we to judge), and the general consensus is that it’s a no-go on all fronts. No showers, no windows, no electricity…it’s not exactly home-material.
We should probably mention, too, that this applies to any form of ‘body’...not to bring the mood down.
Don’t bring your pets! For the same reasons as our human-restrictions, really. Self-storage units are built for belongings, not living things.
We’re sure it hasn’t, but if this HAS ever crossed your mind (maybe you’re going away for the weekend), please pass your pets onto a trusted friend, family member, or animal sitter.
Self-storage units are not equipped for dogs, cats, hamsters or otherwise.
You know that feeling when you open your fridge, only to find some leftovers you forgot about covered in mould? Or maybe some veg you swore you’d eat but forgot in the bottom drawer?
Leaving food or perishable items in a self-storage unit is even worse. Firstly, temperatures aren’t low enough to keep perishable food fresh. Secondly, there’s not much we can do to deter insects and the like from sniffing out their lunch.
Unless your items are securely packaged and protected, you will need to store them elsewhere.
Side note — if your items AREN’T perishable and ARE securely packaged and protected, you are free to store them.
These items can often get overlooked — but it’s important not to store flammable chemicals in a self-storage unit.
This includes biological agents, aerosols, oil, paint, paint thinner, grease, fertiliser and more (if you require a full list, just get in touch). Even some cleaning supplies come under this no-no.
Toxic, flammable, or combustible substances pose a safety risk to not only your belongings, but the entire self-storage facility and the people working and visiting there.
Leave the explosive substances safely elsewhere.
This might be one you wouldn't have guessed — but storing wet items in your self-storage unit is not a good idea.
You can, of course, bring things that are built to get wet. Your canoes, kayaks, surfboard, towels and flannels. But any items that are wet or damp upon entering the self-storage unit are susceptible to mould, mildew and bacteria, which poses a threat to the dry items surrounding them.
Before you store, make sure all your items are bone dry.
Firearms, weapons and ammunition are not permitted in self-storage units. Not only is it illegal under the Firearms Rules 1998 (a law that prohibits these items to be stored somewhere that people without a certificate to handle them can access), but it causes a lot of liability issues for the self-storage facility, plus the obvious safety issues.
If you’re in possession of these items, please place them somewhere more suitable! Preferably with a lock. Away from people not trained to use them.
This one is simple — your plants will not survive in a self-storage unit. As much as we like them, and as great as they are for your space’s feng shui, we can’t take them out every day for water and sunlight.
Give your plants a chance — gift them to a friend or plant them elsewhere.
Hopefully you don’t have these in abundance, but illegal items are not accepted in a self-storage unit.
We’re not here to tell you where to keep your illegally obtained or stolen goods, but they must be kept well away from self-storage. This goes for everything from counterfeit items and smuggled items like tobacco, medicine, drugs and alcohol, to stolen toys, electricals, cosmetics and more.
Money is a bit of a grey area when it comes to self-storage. A few pounds here or a few banknotes there aren’t prohibited (they may be lost in a jean pocket or down your sofa), but any larger sum of money is discouraged from being stored in a self-storage unit.
Whilst units are safe places (and ours has 24/7 CCTV), we would always recommend specialist storage or a safe for your money — or, there’s always the bank. A higher level of security will give you greater peace of mind that your cash is cared for properly.
We know you can’t live in a self-storage unit, but can you run a business from a self-storage unit?
The answer is actually yes and no.
You can’t legally register a self-storage unit as your business address, or use it as office space for yourself or your team members. Insurance won’t cover it, and besides, it doesn’t have the lighting, plug sockets or wifi you’ll need to do your job.
You can, however, use a self-storage unit to store business stock, stationary, equipment, documents and whatever else you don’t have room for in your own office space or home. Our storage containers at Pink Storage are all 160 sq feet, so there’s plenty of room for your business storage needs.
Self-storage is an especially popular choice for retail and e-commerce sellers (especially those selling on ebay, Vinted, Etsy, Depop etc.), tradesmen, small shop owners, charity shop owners, event organisers, furniture makers, and those who run sports clubs. This storage option is often the most affordable, flexible, and straightforward for businesses.
And there you have it — a whistle-stop tour of the top things you can’t store in a self-storage unit — including yourself.
Before we end, it might be handy to go over what actually can be stored in a self-storage unit…
You can store almost any of your personal belongings, household furniture, decor, furnishings and appliances, equipment, electricals, seasonal decorations and spare business stock in a self-storage unit — as long as they comply with the company’s rules regarding prohibited items. You can even store your car at our self-storage units!
For any item you’re unsure about, you can always get in touch with us at Pink Storage and we’ll be more than happy to clarify.
If you’ve made it this far, we’re assuming you’re interested in renting a self-storage unit. Now you know what you can and can’t store, it’s time to choose your unit. At Pink Storage we have convenient storage units in Cardiff and across South Wales.
Why choose us?
- Firstly, our system is easy. You sign up, you instantly get a pin code, and you’re done!
- All of our units are 160 Sq feet — giving you plenty of space to store.
- We’re one of the most affordable options around (take a look at our prices here)
- There’s no minimum storage period.
- We have a 5-star customer service rating.
- We are equipped with state of the art 24hr CCTV and alarms.
Get a quote and sign up today.
Whilst you’re here, check out some of our other handy self-storage blogs. Moving your ‘big’ belongings into self-storage? Take a look at our tips for storing your furniture long term.
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