What NOT to put into Self Storage
Storing your belongings safely is our priority. To keep all customers, staff and sites secure, there are certain items that cannot be placed in a self storage unit. Some are common sense, others are less obvious, but all of them exist for clear safety or legal reasons.
Below is an up to date overview of what must not be stored in any Safestore unit.
For a full breakdown of our storage rules, you can also check our self storage FAQs.
Items You Cannot Store
1. Animals (alive or deceased)
Self storage units are not designed for the care or housing of animals. They lack ventilation, temperature control and essential welfare conditions. No pets, livestock or animal remains are permitted.
2. People
Units cannot be used for accommodation or as a place to stay overnight. Even at locations with 24 hour access, living or sleeping in a unit is strictly prohibited for health, safety and legal reasons.
3. Tyres
Most storage providers do not accept tyres because disposal costs are high and abandoned tyres can create environmental hazards. We do not permit the storage of loose or bulk tyres for this reason.
4. Combustible, flammable, hazardous or toxic materials
Any item that could leak, ignite or cause harm is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Petrol, diesel and kerosene
- Propane cylinders or butane canisters
- Paints, cleaners and solvents
- Oils, grease and corrosive substances
- Fertilisers and chemicals
- Fireworks or explosives
- Narcotics, biological waste and anything containing asbestos
If an item could cause damage, contamination or a fire, it cannot be stored.
For advice on packing valuable or fragile belongings safely, see our guide on moving with high value items.
5. Radioactive materials
Only specialist, licensed facilities can store radioactive substances. These are strictly prohibited in self storage environments.
6. Stolen or illegal goods
If you do not legally own the item, or if possession is unlawful, it cannot be stored in any Safestore facility. This includes counterfeit goods, prohibited imports and any item linked to criminal activity.
7. Firearms and ammunition
Safestore does not offer the specialist, climate controlled secure storage required for guns, ammunition or related components. These items must be stored using licensed firearms storage providers.
8. Perishable food and drink
Fresh, frozen or open food items can spoil, leak and attract pests. Only sealed, canned goods are permitted. All other foodstuffs, including pet food, are not allowed.
For tips on packing safely before placing items into storage, try our storage unit packing tips.
9. Live plants
Plants cannot survive inside a storage unit. Lack of sunlight, airflow and water will cause damage, and live plants can attract insects or vermin. For these reasons, they are not permitted.
10. Operating a business that involves onsite customers
You are welcome to run a business that uses a storage unit for stock, equipment or archiving. However, you cannot operate a retail shop from a unit or allow customers to visit your unit to purchase goods. Many stores offer dedicated office space if you need a working environment onsite.
If you’re running a business, explore our business storage solutions for secure stock and equipment storage.
11. Cash and high value securities
Cash, bonds and certain valuables require specialist safe deposit storage. A standard self storage unit is not designed to offer the level of security these items need.
| Item Type | Allowed? | Why Not / Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Animals (alive or deceased) | No | Units are not suitable for animal welfare. Lack of ventilation, temperature control and humane conditions. |
| People | No | Living or sleeping in a unit is unsafe and unlawful. Units cannot be used as accommodation. |
| Tyres | No | Costly to dispose of and often abandoned. Creates environmental and fire hazards. |
| Flammable, combustible or hazardous materials | No | High risk of fire, leakage, contamination or explosion. Includes fuels, oils, chemicals and solvents. |
| Explosives (including fireworks) | No | Severe safety risk. Storage of explosive materials is prohibited by law in non specialist facilities. |
| Radioactive substances | No | Requires licensed, specialist storage. Not permitted in self storage environments. |
| Stolen or illegal goods | No | Unlawful to possess or store. Includes counterfeit items and goods linked to criminal activity. |
| Firearms and ammunition | No | Requires secure, climate controlled firearms storage. Not supported within standard units. |
| Perishable food or drink | No (except sealed canned food) | Can spoil or leak and may attract vermin. Only canned goods are permitted. |
| Live plants | No | Cannot survive without light or water and can attract insects or pests. |
| Retail trading from a unit | No | Units cannot be used as a shop or to receive onsite customers. Stock storage only. |
| Cash and high value securities | No | Requires specialist secure storage such as a safe deposit box. |
If you are unsure, we are here to help
These restrictions are in place to keep everyone safe and to ensure that all items stored remain in good condition. If you are ever unsure whether something is permitted, speak to the store team. They will be happy to advise.
Explore related guides
- Choosing the right size storage unit
- How to prepare items for long term storage
- Storage insurance - What you need to know
Frequently asked questions about prohibited items
What items are not allowed in a Safestore unit?
Items that are unsafe, illegal, or could cause damage are not permitted in storage units. This includes anything that could catch fire, leak, explode, spoil, attract pests, or break the law. If you are unsure about a specific item, it is best to check before storing.
Why are some items not allowed in self storage?
Certain items are restricted to keep everyone safe and to protect the building, your belongings, and the Safestore team. Items that pose a fire risk, hygiene issue, environmental risk, or legal concern are not permitted in our units.
Can I store food or drinks in a storage unit?
Fresh, frozen, or open food and drink cannot be stored, as they can spoil, leak, or attract vermin. Sealed canned goods are usually acceptable, but if you are unsure about a particular item, speak to the team at your chosen store.
Are plants or animals allowed in a storage unit?
No. Storage units do not have the light, ventilation, or conditions needed for plants or animals. For welfare and hygiene reasons, live plants and animals are not permitted.
Can I run a retail business from my Safestore unit?
You can use a storage unit to store business stock, equipment, or documents. However, storage units cannot be used as retail premises, and customers are not permitted to visit units to purchase goods.
What should I do if I am not sure an item is permitted?
If you are unsure, the best thing to do is ask. Contact your local Safestore team and they will be happy to advise. You can also check the full list of restricted items in our main self storage FAQs.
