While you may feel that anything goes as far as what you may and may not store, there are certain do’s and don’ts to consider when you decide to store your goods in a self storage unit. While you may decide that once you have paid for your storage unit you are free to store anything in it, you need to be aware that there are some items that are a definite no-no. So whether you are decluttering your home, storing stock and inventory for your business, or moving to a new home there are certain items that are prohibited from being stored in a self storage unit and have no place in any storage facility.
Never Store These Items in a Self Storage Unit
- Animals
No animals or pets may be kept in a self storage unit. It seems unbelievable that anyone would defy this rule, as it is both illegal and unethical to put any live animal in a self storage unit, but there have been cases recorded of these being found in storage units, so don’t attempt to keep your goldfish in a unit for even a day. - Humans
It is illegal to live in a storage unit, so no one may squat or overnight in a self storage unit. It shouldn’t even be contemplated considering the lack of ablution facilities. - Plants
If you place plants in your storage unit, they will just shrivel up and die as they need light, air, and water to survive, like any other living organism. Plants may also attract insects which could infest the other items that are in storage. - Flammable or Combustible Materials
These include items such as paint thinners, old tins of paint, gasoline, fireworks, lighter fluid, and any other flammable liquids. Storing these items will not only put your unit at risk but could cause the entire facility to burn down. - Fresh Produce
Any perishable food items such as fresh meat or even dried foods such as rice, pet food, and boxed dried foods cannot be stored in a self storage unit. Besides for attracting rodents and bugs, the smell of rotting food will cause an outbreak of bacteria that is highly dangerous. Even the dried items will attract unwanted rodents and bugs, and they can gnaw their way through even thick plastic containers to get to the food. - Illegal Items
Any stolen goods may not be hidden in a storage unit. The same applies to illegal substances such as drugs. Weapons and explosives also belong to this list.
This list may not be exhaustive, but if adhered to by all people who use self storage, will ensure that our customers are content because their stored belongings are kept in a clean environment safely and securely. Check with us at Stop & Store Lowestoft if you are unsure about any items you may wish to store.
Items You Can Legitimately Store in Your Self Storage Unit
- Household Items
These are the items most often stored in a storage unit and include furniture, kitchen goods, clothes, books, toys and even antiques and your collections. The key to successful storage of any of these goods is to pack them properly and securely so as to avoid breakages and damage.
Ensure that clothing and bedding is laundered and dried properly to prevent the formation of mould and mildew which can cause major damage to all your goods.
All kitchen appliances must be drained and leave the doors of the fridge ajar to stop mould from forming and to avoid those musty smells.
- Seasonal Items
These would include Christmas decorations, camping equipment, and any sporting gear that you only need to access at certain times of the year.
Your seasonal wardrobe items stored in a storage unit will free up wardrobe space at home. Seasonal storage is one of the most effective ways of using a storage unit to your advantage.
- Business Items
More businesses are relying on hiring a self storage unit for the safekeeping of any extra inventory or stock, as well as documents. It is a cost effective way of gaining extra square footage of storage space without needing to hire expensive warehouse space or additional office space.
With more online startup businesses coming onstream, using a storage unit as a place to receive stock, pack and then courier goods out to customers is gaining in popularity. It is preferable to running a business from home where your inventory and stock could fall victim to theft as the security measures we have at home are seldom even comparable to the highly sophisticated security systems at a facility such as Stop & Store Lowestoft.
Items such as tools and equipment used by small business owners such as tradespeople, estate agents, and landscapers can safely be stored in a self storage unit for a much lower rate than they would pay for a formal warehouse setup.
It is apparent that self storage is a boon to both householders and businesses. When self storage is needed, hiring a unit at our facility will solve most of your storage headaches.
Stop & Store Lowestoft Solves Many of Your Business and Household Storage Problems
- Our storage facility is fully secured with monitored CCTV and intruder alarms. When you need a secure storage space you can be assured that our facility is that place.
- Our booking system is simple. Book and pay online from your mobile or laptop, we email you your individual PIN and you are good to go. Our units are easily accessible for convenient loading and off-loading.
- Our units range in size from 12 sq. ft. to 200 sq. ft. They are modern, steel partitioned rooms which are clean and dry, and will keep your goods moisture free and safe from pests.
- Whether you need your unit for less than a month or a lot longer, we are flexible and can assist you.
- Our units are affordable. Please check our website for any specials we may be running.
- Our location in Lowestoft near the railway station makes us perfectly located to service Oulton on Sea, Kessingland and the surrounding areas.
- Check our website for real reviews from our clients.
- Please contact us on 01502 580005 We look forward to hearing from you!