Like most homeowners, are you one of them considering investing in self-storage, especially when moving houses or decluttering homes? Whenever we don’t have enough space at home, self-storage units are invaluable, providing a convenient and secure place to store our belongings. However, for safety or legal reasons, certain items are not allowed in self-storage units by the Self-Storage Association UK (SSA). Here are five items you can’t store in self-storage units.
1. Perishable Food
Foods that require refrigeration or have a short shelf life, such as milk, meat, fruits, and vegetables, are not allowed in self-storage units. Not only can these items attract pests, but they can also create an unpleasant smell. Leaving food in an enclosed space will cause it to rot, and its smell will attract insects and rodents. One big mistake most people make is storing food in coolers for short periods. However, a self-storage unit cannot accommodate non-perishable foods. It’s better to store food or perishable items elsewhere.
2. Hazardous Materials
Any items that pose a danger, such as gasoline, propane tanks, paint, chemicals, and fertiliser, should not be stored in self-storage units. These items can be a fire or health hazard, so it’s best to keep them elsewhere.
Ensure all your lawn equipment has been thoroughly drained of any remaining gasoline or oil before storing it. If you don’t do that, your safety, others’ safety, and the storage centre’s safety are at risk. Things that aren’t allowed include:
- Paint
- Paint thinner
- Fertiliser
- Fireworks
- Oil
- Chlorine bleach
- Acid
- Propane tanks
- Compressed gas
- Kerosene
- Gasoline
- Radioactive material
3. Weapons, explosives, or ammunition
In self-storage units, you can’t store firearms, ammunition, and other weaponry, such as hand grenades and flame throwers. It is because there are a lot of liability issues involved on the facility’s part, as well as obvious safety concerns. Under the Firearms Rules 1998, these items must be securely stored away from the reach of unauthorized people, like those without firearms certificates. You should store them in a secure gun cabinet or container, according to police advice.
4. Things (both living and dead)
Living things cannot be stored in storage units. It doesn’t matter if it is a tiny plant or an animal; it is not permitted if it is alive – or used to be alive. It is cruel to keep animals in these airless spaces. It is illegal to store a live animal in a self-storage unit, not only because it is against public storage rules but also because it is prohibited by law.
Read More: Why You Need Storage Units While Traveling
It is illegal to store any of these items in a storage unit.
- Animals
- Dead organisms
- Flowers
- Plants
5. Illegal Goods
A self-storage facility should not store illegally obtained items such as illegally imported items, tobacco, alcohol, or unlicensed or unsafe items. It is not legal to store anything that does not belong to you – on our premises or yours. It is also important to note that self-storage facilities are very well monitored, and their employees are also responsible for calling the police if anything seems suspicious in their facility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, self-storage units are an excellent resource for storing items that are not in use. Some items can’t be stored in self-storage units and are prohibited from being stored there. These items include hazardous materials, animals, food, plants, and anything considered illegal. It is also important to remember that many self-storage facilities have specific rules and regulations, so it is essential to read through them before renting a unit. By following these guidelines and understanding what items should and should not be stored in a self-storage unit, you can ensure that your belongings are kept safe and secure. Store your belongings in a safe, secure Self Storage Unit in Stoke on Trent Super Storage. Book Now
