Self storage units offer an incredibly versatile and convenient solution for keeping your belongings safe and accessible whenever you need them. Whether you’re downsizing, moving or just need that bit of extra space in your home, a storage unit can be a lifesaver.

However, there are some restrictions on what you can keep in your self storage unit. Although many of these sound obvious, we need to cover all of our bases.

So, if you’ve ever wondered, “what can you not store in a storage unit?” we’ve got some answers for you. In this article, we will help you understand what items to avoid when using your storage unit and how we can keep your storage unit legal and safe.

We’ll also share why Apex Self Storage is the perfect solution for families, students and business owners.

Why do we have self storage restrictions?

While self storage units have a plethora of possibilities, not everything is allowed inside. These restrictions on what is and isn’t allowed are essential for three main reasons:

• Safety: Some items and materials pose fire risks and therefore can endanger both people and the facility, such as flammable chemicals or combustible materials. Other items can cause contamination, explosions or health hazards to nearby people and staff. This should be absolutely avoided at all costs.
• Environmental regulations: Environmental impact is top of mind for everyone, especially at regulation level. Therefore, storing hazardous or biologically sensitive materials may incur fines or legal action.
• Security: Our top priority is to protect everyone using our facility. As a result, weapons, live animals or keeping human beings in a storage unit is prohibited. This reduces the risk of theft and accidents.

Here at Apex Self Storage, we want to maintain a secure, clean and legally compliant environment for our customers. With these guidelines and regulations in place, we can ensure our facilities stay this way.

So, let’s look at the seven things you should never store in a unit and why:

1. Anything Living (or Dead)

It may sound obvious, but please don’t leave your beloved plants or pets in one of our storage units. Any living creatures are strictly prohibited from being stored in a storage unit as they are sealed, lack natural light and simply aren’t designed for living things to exist in.

Like leaving your furry friend in the car, any animals left in a storage unit will face dehydration, heatstroke or hypothermia, depending on the season, if left unattended.

The same applies for dead items too. Although they’re not living or breathing, animal or human remains can pose risks as well. By producing strong odours that will attract pests like rodents or insects, these items can create concerns around sanitation and cleanliness. We also advise against storing the ashes of deceased loved ones in this space.

2. Yourself (or Any Other Human)

Although this is rare, it’s been known that some individuals have attempted to use a self storage unit as their temporary living space. This is illegal, and incredibly dangerous.

Similar to the above with keeping pets in a storage unit, these places aren’t designed to be inhabited. Not only is ventilation limited, there are also no basic requirements for a living person, including plumbing or heating.

With Apex Self Storage, your safety always comes first. That’s why our storage units are only for your belongings, not to be used as your living space!

3. Firearms, Weapons, and Ammunition

As a result of the risks involved, the vast majority of self storage facilities, including Apex Self Storage won’t allow the storage of firearms, explosives or any other weapons. Again, it might seem obvious, but you never know!

Risks, including fire and safety hazards, as well as theft or unauthorised access to weapons, all compromise safety and security of the facility and the people nearby.

We want our storage facility to be as safe as possible, without the increased possibility of thievery or dangerous activity. Our customers’ safety is always top of mind, which is why we have 24/7 CCTV surveillance and gated access, giving you peace of mind that your personal and precious belongings are secure with us.

4. Hazardous materials

Hazardous materials can exist in the most unlikely of places. Including some paints, paint thinner, cleaning solvents, gasoline and even pesticides, these harmful substances are strictly forbidden in self storage facilities.

Due to the risk of chemical spills, fire, toxic fumes and environmental contamination, these materials can endanger people and therefore are unsafe to store in a self storage unit.

5. Vehicles and Machinery

Everything from lawnmowers, generators and jetskis to treadmills, photocopiers and motorbikes can be kept in our self storage units! Unsure what size you’ll need? Use our storage planner feature to check what size unit you can rent based on the items you want to keep in it and unlock a free instant quote.

However, we do have some restrictions on larger vehicles, such as cars and boats. These vehicles mustn’t leak oil, fuel or other fluids and must be properly insured.

Other machinery that could be a fire hazard or cause other potential damage to the facility aren’t allowed.

6. Your retail space

Although we encourage the use of our self storage units to support your business and provide a home for inventory and other equipment you might need, these units simply can’t serve as a storefront or shop. Most of our units wouldn’t be insured appropriately to allow customer access and aren’t zoned for commercial activities.

However, we have some good news! Our Cheadle site has dedicated retail units, so please get in touch with us today to learn more about how you can use this space for your business.

7. Your business office

Similarly, using your storage unit as a functioning office space isn’t allowed in most self storage facilities. Many of our units can’t support the electrical power needed for computers and other gadgets, or appropriate lighting. Additionally, they often lack ventilation, heating and air conditioning, as well as internet access.

With Apex Self Storage, you have options. Some of our sites do have offices available for those who need a little extra focus in space outside of their home. Please contact us today for more information and how you can get started with an office space.

Alternatively, why not use your storage unit for storing important documents, extra furniture and other equipment that you don’t need cluttering your home office? This way, you can work from a more tranquil space in the comfort of your own space, without the extra stuff getting in the way.

Keep your belongings secure with Apex Self Storage

Self storage is the perfect solution for (almost!) everything. We can house a wide variety of belongings, from lawnmowers and vacuum cleaners to dining tables and cots.

However, please bear in mind any restrictions, as these rules are there for a reason! It’s all for the health and safety of everyone attending our facilities, including customers and staff.

This is not an exhaustive list, so if you’re unsure about anything else you can or cannot store with Apex Self Storage, please get in touch with a member of our team to discuss your options.

We’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect fit for you, and keeping your storage experience safe and hassle-free. Our contracts are flexible; you only need to pay for the space you need, when you need it! Contact us to find out more and get started today.