Self storage is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to create extra space at home or in the office. Whether you’re moving house, renovating, or running a business, storage units give you a secure place to keep your belongings.
But before you start packing, it’s important to know what you can and can’t store in a storage unit. Understanding the rules helps keep your items safe and protects everyone else who uses the facility as well.
What You Can Store in a Storage Unit
Most everyday household and business items are perfectly fine to store. Here are some of the most common examples:
🪑 Household Items
You can safely store:
- Furniture such as sofas, tables, wardrobes, and beds
- Home décor, including mirrors, lamps, and artwork
- Kitchen appliances (toasters, microwaves, kettles)
- Seasonal items like Christmas decorations or garden furniture
- Boxes of clothing, shoes, and accessories
Make sure everything is clean and dry before you pack it away to prevent mould or odours.
💼 Business and Office Equipment
Storage units are ideal for:
- Office furniture and filing cabinets
- Paperwork and archived documents
- Tools, machinery, and equipment
- Extra stock for online shops and retailers
- Marketing materials or event supplies
Many businesses use storage units as an affordable alternative to warehouse space — especially in busy areas like Manchester, where commercial rents can be high.
📦 Personal and Hobby Items
Other items you can store include:
- Sports equipment like bikes, golf clubs, or camping gear
- Musical instruments
- Hobby materials and craft supplies
- Books, CDs, and vinyl records
- Luggage and travel gear
Tip: Use sturdy plastic boxes instead of cardboard when storing items for long-term use. They’ll protect better against moisture and dust.
What You Can’t Store in a Storage Unit
While self storage offers plenty of flexibility, there are some clear rules on what isn’t allowed. These restrictions are in place for safety, security, and legal reasons.
🔥 Flammable or Hazardous Materials
You can’t store anything that could cause a fire or explosion, including:
- Petrol, diesel, or oil
- Gas bottles or cylinders
- Paints, solvents, and cleaning chemicals
- Fireworks or explosives
- Aerosols and pressurised containers
If an item is flammable or has a warning label, it’s best to leave it out of your storage unit.
🧫 Perishable or Living Items
You can’t store:
- Food or drink (fresh, frozen, or tinned)
- Plants or soil
- Animals or any living creature
These items can attract pests, create unpleasant smells, or damage other people’s belongings.
⚖️ Illegal or Restricted Goods
Any item that breaks the law is strictly forbidden, including:
- Stolen goods
- Firearms, ammunition, or weapons
- Drugs or illegal substances
- Counterfeit goods
- Unlicensed or untaxed items for resale
All storage facilities must comply with UK law, and any illegal goods will be reported to the relevant authorities.
💰 Valuable or Irreplaceable Items
While storage units are secure and many have 24-hour surveillance, it’s still not advised to store:
- Cash or jewellery
- Personal documents like passports or wills
- Collectables or artwork of high value
If an item is extremely valuable or sentimental, it’s safer to keep it at home or in a safe deposit box.
Tips for Safe and Organised Storage
Once you’ve sorted what’s going in, use these simple tips to make the most of your unit:
- Label every box so you can find items easily later
- Stack heavier boxes at the bottom to prevent crushing
- Use pallets or shelves to keep boxes off the ground
- Cover furniture with dust sheets or stretch wrap
- Leave an aisle so you can access items at the back
A little organisation at the start will save you a lot of time when you need to retrieve something later.
Conclusion
Knowing what you can and can’t store helps you make the most of your storage space while keeping everything safe and compliant.
At Storage Stockport, our team is always happy to advise on what’s suitable for your unit and how to store it properly.
Looking for secure, affordable storage in Manchester?
Contact us today to discover the ideal space for your home or business needs.
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