Self-storage units have become increasingly popular as more and more people look for practical ways to manage their belongings. Storage units offer a secure location away from home where you can keep your belongings, to keep your home from becoming too cluttered.
Whether you’re using a self-storage unit for short-term needs or looking for a long-term solution, understanding what you can store—and what’s off-limits—is important.
Storage companies give you the freedom to store a wide range of items, but there are certain rules you’ll need to follow. They can accommodate a lot, but there are restrictions on things like perishable food items, hazardous materials, and live plants.
You'll also need to consider what kind of storage unit you'll need. Find the right self-storage facility with special options, like a climate-controlled storage unit for sensitive items like electronics and wood furniture that extreme temperatures could damage.
In this guide, we’ll break down what you can store in a storage unit, offer helpful packing tips, and highlight the prohibited items that a storage company won't allow.
Choosing a self-storage facility
The right facility might not be the first one you see. You need to consider what you'll be storing, and what that will need.
A good starting point is to see what storage units they have available, including sizes and types. Do you want outdoor or indoor storage? How much will you be storing? Do I need a climate-controlled storage unit?
If you're storing any sensitive items, then indoor storage with climate control is a good bet. Indoor storage units are less likely to get damp and be affected by the elements.
Certain items also last longer if stored at certain temperatures, and a climate-controlled unit is perfect for that.
Household items
One of the most common uses for self-storage units is to house everyday household items. Items like furniture, appliances and kitchenware are common items for storage. Whenever you get a new couch or piece of furniture to replace something at home, you need somewhere to store the old one.
Packing household items isn't too complicated, but depending on where you live, you might want some extra protection.
Wrapping up furniture in plastic could stop any pests that manage to make their way in. Likewise, storing household items in airtight, plastic containers is usually better than using cardboard.
If you live somewhere with fluctuating temperatures, a climate-controlled storage unit is ideal as it will keep your storage unit cool.
Items you can store
- Furniture – Beds, sofas, wardrobes, and extra furniture that’s cluttering your home.
- Appliances – Fridges, washing machines, and other large household appliances.
- Kitchenware – From pots and pans to seasonal dinner sets, these can be safely packed into sturdy boxes.
- Books – Paperbacks and hardbacks are ideally stored in a plastic container, and stored upright. If you can't store them upright, store the heavier books towards the bottom.
- Seasonal decorations – Christmas trees, Halloween decorations, and even garden furniture can be stored until you need them again.
- Miscellaneous items – Ornaments, stationary and small electronics can be placed in a storage unit. You might want separate storage for any electronics, but otherwise they usually just want a secure box to be put in.
Clothing and personal belongings
Got more clothes than wardrobe space? A storage unit is ideal for storing seasonal clothing, shoes, and personal items that you don’t need daily access to.
By storing items like bulky winter coats during the summer, you can free up valuable space in your home. There are many ways to pack clothes away for storage, but if you want to keep them looking perfect, then some extra precautions should be taken.
Vacuum packing clothes will make sure they are kept in as good condition as when you stored them. Place your shoes in shoe boxes if you can, and try and keep those boxes in an airtight, plastic container.
Plastic containers are good as they can't get damp, and they can be fully sealed to prevent any pests from reaching what's inside.
Items you can store
- Clothing and shoes – Shirts, dresses, trousers, pants, skirts, and any other piece of clothing can go into storage.
- Personal items – Accessories, handbags, and jewellery (for anything particularly valuable, a safe deposit box would be better than a plastic container).
Make sure to keep items clean and dry before storing them to avoid attracting pests.
Business and office items
Self-storage facilities are not just for personal belongings. Many businesses take advantage of storage units to securely store office furniture, important documents, and even stock.
This extra space can be a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to reduce clutter in their offices.
Items you can store
- Documents and archives – Secure storage for files, contracts, and business records.
- Office furniture – Desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and office supplies.
- Stock – For online businesses or brick-and-mortar stores, storage units offer enough space for inventory, keeping it safe and easily accessible.
If you're storing important documents or stock, opt for climate control. Furniture should be covered safely if you're storing for a long period.
If business stock is involved, take whatever additional precautions you think you might need to keep your stock in perfect condition.
Vehicles
Certain storage units provide specialised spaces for this purpose if you need somewhere to store your vehicle.
Whether it’s a car, motorbike, or even a bicycle, you can keep your vehicle safe in a secure location without cluttering your garage. Research what kind of storage size your vehicle will need to comfortably fit inside first.
Items you can store
- Cars and vans – Provided the unit is big enough and the facility allows it.
- Motorbikes and bicycles – Particularly useful if you’re lacking garage space at home.
Collectibles and antiques
For those who need to store valuable collections or antiques, climate-controlled units should be the only option. These units maintain consistent temperatures, protecting sensitive items from extreme temperatures and humidity.
Any delicate items should be wrapped up appropriately so that they will remain in the same condition you left them in. Furniture should be covered and collectables should be stored in airtight containers. Paintings should be covered and placed upright.
You should also avoid placing items directly on the floor. A palette can help you keep items off the ground.
Items you can store
- Antique furniture – Preserve your wood furniture from warping in fluctuating conditions.
- Collectables and art – Paintings, sculptures, and other valuable collections can be stored safely in climate-controlled storage units to prevent damage.
Outdoor and sporting equipment
If you love the outdoors but don’t want your home overrun by sporting gear, a self-storage unit is the ideal solution.
Storing equipment like camping gear, bikes, or skiing gear allows you to free up space in your garage or shed. Self-storage units can comfortably fit most outdoor equipment in their storage space, especially if you opt for a larger size.
Items you can store
- Camping equipment – Tents, sleeping bags, and other gear.
- Gardening tools – Rakes, spades, hoes, trowels, and pretty much any gardening tool you can think of can go into a storage unit.
- Sports gear – Items like skis, surfboards, and bicycles.
- Seasonal gear – Lawnmowers, garden furniture, and BBQs that you don’t need in winter.
It's important to note that hazardous materials like oil and petrol aren't allowed to be in a storage unit, so if it's a petrol-powered lawnmower, you will have to empty it first.
What not to put in a storage unit
It's probably easier to list what you can't put into a storage unit, than what you can. Some storage unit facilities have rules on what can't be stored, and there are certain restricted items you should never store.
Here are some key items you’ll need to leave off your storage list:
Prohibited items
- Hazardous materials – Toxic materials, flammable substances, propane tanks, and compressed gases.
- Perishable food items – Anything that could spoil or attract pests like pet food, fresh food, or canned foods.
- Illegal items – Store firearms or stolen goods and you’re asking for trouble!
- Live plants and animals – These cannot be stored due to lack of ventilation and water.
- Wet items – Any damp items that could grow mould or attract insects.
- Scented items – Some units won't allow heavily scented items, as the scent can affect other items in other units, and could also attract pests.
- Money – Large amounts of cash can be a security risk and create liability issues depending on the storage facility.
Most facilities will provide a list of prohibited items to ensure your belongings (and the unit) remain safe. When in doubt. check the facility's terms and conditions, or ask the staff. They will tell you what is, and isn't, allowed.
Tips for storing your items safely
To get the most out of your storage space, it’s important to pack carefully and follow a few best practices:
- Use sturdy, plastic boxes – Avoid using random boxes that might collapse under the weight of stored items.
- Label everything – This makes it easier to find stored items later.
- Climate control for sensitive items – Electronics, valuable collections, and wood furniture are best kept in climate-controlled units to avoid damage from extreme temperatures.
- Pack smartly – Keep heavier items at the bottom and fragile items at the top to avoid damage.
Conclusion
There's such a large range of things you can put into a storage unit, that it's actually simpler to list out what you can't store. From household items to vehicles, the list is almost endless.
But putting items into storage isn't always as simple as just transporting them there and putting them inside. Some items require extra care and planning, while others have vital preparation before they can go into storage.
Climate-controlled units are a good rule of thumb if you've got sensitive items, but you should always research what kind of preparation a sensitive item might need before being put into storage.
Store your items with HOLD Self Storage
Looking to store your valuables in a secure self-storage facility in London? Look no further!
Whether it’s household items, business stock, or seasonal decorations, HOLD Self Storage facilities provide a safe, secure location for all your belongings.
If you need something extra, like climate control for your sensitive items, our Kings Cross facility has you sorted. From competitive pricing to exceptional customer service, HOLD is your perfect storage solution.
Contact us today for a free quote and to learn more about our flexible storage options.
Frequently asked questions
What cannot be stored in a storage unit?
Hazardous materials, perishable food, illegal items, living things, wet items, scented items and money shouldn't be put into storage.
If you're unsure if your belongings can be stored, check the facilities rules before proceeding.
Is it OK to put clothes in a storage unit?
Yes, clothes are perfectly OK for storage. Anything from clothing, to accessories and shoes can be put into a storage unit.
Just make sure they are securely packed and vacuum sealed so that they will remain intact and safe whilst in storage.
What do people usually put in storage?
Furniture, boxes of household items, documents, seasonal items and collectables are some of the usual things you'd expect to see in storage. As long as it's not prohibited, you can put it into storage.
Is storing my belongings with HOLD secure?
We have 24/7 CCTV, access control, smoke detectors, and fireproofing.. Only you will have access to your unit and the building in access by pin only and monitored 24/7 by CCTV. Upon registration, you'll receive a unique PIN code granting you access to the site.
Additionally, you'll secure your unit with your own padlock. If you need others to access your unit, they can do so with your permission and using your code.
How does storage work at HOLD?
Self-storage works by renting a storage unit or space for a specified period. You can store your belongings in the unit and access them whenever you need to.
It's like having your own personal storage space away from home.