​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.

Safestore-specific rules on certain items

In addition to the prohibited items above, we have specific limits on the following:

• No more than five e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards or similar battery-powered vehicles in any one unit, unless the battery has been removed and is not being stored in the unit.
• No more than ten laptops, tablets, children's toys or other similar items containing built-in batteries in any one unit, unless agreed by us in writing.
• Lithium batteries under 160Wh are permitted, as are lithium batteries that are built into otherwise permitted items and cannot be removed. Standalone battery packs and power banks are not allowed.
• Petrol lawnmowers and similar equipment can be stored, but only if fully drained of fuel before being brought into the unit.

If you have any questions about a specific item or quantity, please get in touch and our team will be happy to advise.

Common self storage misconceptions

"I can store anything if the unit is mine"

Although you are the only person with access to your unit, you are renting a unit within a shared facility. We must follow strict safety and insurance guidelines that would override that right to sole access.

"It'll dry out"

If your items are damp before you store them, they won't magically dry out in storage. This includes the inside of kitchen appliances — if you are storing a fridge or freezer, you must ensure that it is fully defrosted, clean and dry before storing it, or any remnants of food or dirt can turn into hazardous mould very quickly.

"It's all insured"

We always recommend that customers insure the contents of their unit, in the same way you would insure the contents of your home. However, if you store anything that is prohibited by law or the terms of our contract, your insurance is unlikely to pay out. If your items damage our store or other units, your insurance will only cover this if you have adhered to our terms and conditions, otherwise civil action might be taken.

Quick checklist before you store

Before bringing items into your unit, just check that they are:

• Clean and dry
• Properly packaged and boxed
• Non-flammable, non-hazardous and non-combustible
• Free from food or organic material
• Legal

If you have any doubts about a particular item, it is always best to check with our team before storing. You can also find further guidance in our storage unit packing tips.

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.