3 key takeaways
- Most everyday items are safe to store, but hazardous, illegal or perishable goods can create
serious risks and are not permitted in self storage rooms. - Lithium batteries, flammable materials and vehicles are restricted due to fire, safety and
insurance concerns. - If you are unsure about an item, checking first with your storage provider helps avoid
problems and keeps everything safe and compliant.
Why knowing what not to store matters
Storage rooms are designed to make life easier, especially when you choose flexible business or personal storage solutions. Whether you are moving house, freeing up space or running a business, they offer a simple and secure way to store your belongings. But not everything belongs in a storage room. Some items create safety risks, with Health and Safety Executive guidance on hazardous substances outlining how improper storage can lead to serious harm.
Other items can cause damage, attract pests or break legal and storage protection/insurance rules. Storing the wrong things doesn’t just affect a customers’ own belongings, it can impact other storage room users and the wider facility too. This is why clear restrictions exist.
The good news is that most everyday items are absolutely fine. Furniture, business stock and boxes of clothes, kitchenware, books, etc. can all be stored safely. The key is knowing where the boundaries are.
If you are ever unsure, it is always best to check first. A quick conversation can save you time, stress and potential problems later on, and our team are always happy to answer any questions you have.
Hazardous materials and flammable items to keep out of storage rooms
Safety is the main reason certain items are not allowed in storage rooms. Anything that could catch fire, corrode or cause harm needs to be kept out of the facility.
Even small amounts of the wrong substance can create serious risks, especially in shared spaces.
Fuels, gas, solvents and paints
Flammable and combustible materials are strictly prohibited. This includes fuels, gas canisters, solvents and many types of paint. These items can ignite, leak fumes or chemically react to temperature changes. Even when stored in sealed containers, they are not safe for enclosed storage environments.
Water-based paint is acceptable, but check with our team if you are unsure about the suitability of any paint you are looking to store.
Chemicals, toxic substances and radioactive materials
Hazardous chemicals, toxic substances and radioactive materials are also not allowed. These materials can be dangerous to handle and may cause long-term harm if spilled or exposed, posing a risk to customers and facility staff.
If an item could be considered hazardous in any way, please keep it out of storage until you seek advice from us.
Battery-powered items and lithium batteries
Battery-powered items are becoming more common, but they also bring new safety concerns. In particular, lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire risk if damaged, overheated or stored incorrectly, as highlighted by UK government battery safety guidance (I’m sure you’ve seen the horror stories on the news!) Because of this, responsible storage room providers have clear restrictions around these items.
Power banks and portable battery chargers
Portable battery chargers and power banks may be allowed, but it depends on their size and capacity. While smaller everyday devices are often fine, larger battery packs can present a higher risk. If you are planning to store multiple chargers or high-capacity devices, please check with us first.
E-scooters, e-bikes, laptops and tablets
Battery-powered vehicles such as e-scooters and e-bikes are not permitted unless the batteries are removed because these larger batteries carry a significant risk, particularly in enclosed spaces. Devices with built-in batteries, such as laptops and tablets, are usually allowed in limited quantities. However, they should be stored carefully and not stacked in a way that could cause damage.
If you are unsure about any battery-powered item, a quick check with the storage team will clarify things and help you avoid the inconvenience of having your items refused or re-packed.
Vehicles, engines and tyres
Due to safety risks and facility limitations, cars, motorbikes and engines are not permitted in storage rooms. These items may contain fuel or residual fluids which can be flammable or leak over time. Even when drained, they still present a risk in enclosed environments.
Vehicle tyres are also not accepted because they can intensify and spread flames quickly in the event of a fire, making them a significant hazard.
Illegal goods, weapons and explosives
Storage rooms must follow strict legal guidelines. This means certain items are not allowed under any circumstances, regardless of how they are stored. These rules are in place to protect customers, staff and the wider public.
Illegal or counterfeit goods
It shouldn’t surprise you that customers are not allowed to store any items that are illegal, or that have been obtained illegally, at Indoor Self Storage. This includes counterfeit goods, illicit substances (e.g., street drugs) and unsafe or banned products. Even if these items are sealed or hidden, they are not permitted in our storage rooms.
If there is any doubt about the legality of an item, it is best to avoid storing it and seek advice first.
Firearms, ammunition and explosives
Firearms, ammunition, explosives and weapons are strictly prohibited. These items present a serious safety risk and are not permitted under any circumstances, regardless of licensing or ownership status.
Storage rooms are designed for safe, everyday belongings. Dangerous items like these fall outside of that scope and must never be brought into the facility.
Food, living things and other everyday items that can cause problems
Some items may seem harmless at first, but can quickly create issues when left in storage rooms over time. The main risks here are contamination, odours and pests, which can affect not just the owner’s belongings but those of other customers.
Perishable food and pest risks
Food and other perishable goods should not be stored unless they are securely packed and suitable for long-term storage. Items that can spoil, leak or break down over time may attract pests or create unpleasant smells. Once this happens, the problem can spread quickly and become difficult to manage.
To avoid these issues, it is best to keep food out of storage rooms altogether unless you have checked with us first that it is safe to store.
Plants and animals
Storage environments are not designed to support life, so you won’t be able to keep plants, animals or other living things in our storage rooms.
Everyday items that are usually safe to store
The good news is that most everyday items are completely suitable for storage rooms. Furniture, business stock and equipment and boxes of everyday household items (kitchenware, clothes, books, toys, etc.) can all be stored safely when packed properly.
For higher value items, it is worth checking with the team before storing because some valuables may not be covered under standard storage protection. It is always better to be clear in advance, so if you are ever unsure, please just ask us. Getting the right advice upfront will help keep your items safe and your experience stress-free.
Need help with what not to store in a storage room?
Storage should feel simple and stress-free. Knowing what not to store is part of the process.
If you are ever unsure about an item, the best thing to do is to ask us before you store it. A quick check can help you avoid safety risks and ensure your items are covered by storage protection/insurance. We are always happy to help.
Whether you are moving house, attending university or looking for business storage solutions, our team can guide you on what is suitable and how to store it properly. For other commonly asked questions, please visit our FAQs page or contact us.
