Some Different Items Prohibited To Keep In A Self-Storage Unit
Over the last decade or so, there has been a rise in the number of self-storage units available, with people increasingly needing more space to store things. No matter where you live in the country, there will be a storage facility not too far away to keep items in for the short or long term. Small, growing businesses often need extra space, and storage units can significantly help them as the company grows and becomes more successful. However, there are rules you must follow when hiring a storage unit, and many items are prohibited from being stored. Below, you can see a selection of the various objects and materials you cannot keep in a self-storage unit, so you know what you can and cannot store when you rent one.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are one of the most important categories of prohibited items, and this is down to safety. Hazardous materials can pose a significant health and safety risk for employees and other storage unit users, which is why these substances are banned. Hazardous materials can typically include:
- Flammable Or Highly Combustible Materials: Materials such as gasoline, fireworks, propane tanks and oil-based products are restricted and prohibited in storage units.
- Toxic Chemicals – You are also prohibited from keeping toxic chemicals and materials in a storage unit, such as fertilisers, asbestos, or pesticides, which could threaten life.
- Explosives – Another item prohibited from being kept in a storage unit is anything explosive, such as ammunition, dynamite, or gunpowder.
Keeping these items in a storage unit can lead to accidents, fires, or contamination and put people’s lives at risk. There are places where you can store items like this, but these are specialist facilities that can deal with the threat and will cost more than the average storage unit in the UK.
Perishable Goods
Perishable goods are something else that you are not allowed to store in your storage unit. You should never keep perishable foods or animals in a storage unit, as these can attract pests and insect infestations, affecting everyone using the storage facility. When goods start to rot, they can also smell bad, and nobody wants to visit a storage facility that stinks of something rotten.
Stolen Items
Not only is keeping stolen items in a storage unit prohibited, but you can also get in trouble with the law for handling and storing stolen goods in your unit. Most storage facilities are covered with CCTV cameras, so if you are handling stolen goods, there is a high chance of getting caught, and the police will use the footage to help prosecute you.
Illegal Items
You are also prohibited from keeping anything illegal in your storage unit, which can cover many different things. You are not allowed to store stolen property, illicit drugs, counterfeit goods, and anything illegal to own or be in possession of you cannot keep in your average storage unit.
Firearms & Ammunition
When you use self-storage in Cirencester or anywhere else, keeping firearms and ammunition in a storage unit is illegal. Ammunition and firearms should always be kept separately and in locked gun cabinets, and the chances of accidents or fatalities significantly increase when you keep these items together. Armed police may visit you if they suspect you of keeping these items in your storage unit, so it is something you want to avoid.
Valuable Or Irreplaceable Items
Self-storage units are secure but not impervious to theft or damage. You should store valuable and irreplaceable items such as priceless artwork, jewellery, family heirlooms, and important documents in a more secure and controlled environment. An excellent choice is a bank vault or safety deposit box, with plenty of specialised storage facilities offering this service for a reasonable rate.
Pets & Animals
Pets and animals are also not allowed to be kept in a storage unit, covering all types of animals. Any living creatures, whether they are domesticated or wild, are banned from being kept in storage, which is inhumane and illegal in most places. You must find specialist facilities that can accommodate animals to keep them in storage, and defying the laws could see you prosecuted for animal cruelty if you are caught.
Unregistered Vehicles
Most self-storage facilities are designed to keep small items of a personal nature, and they are not made to keep vehicles. As such, keeping unregistered vehicles in your storage unit is not allowed. The facility will not have the correct insurance to cover the items in the event of an accident, and it covers all vehicles, including:
- Cars
- Motorbikes
- Quad Bikes
- Boats
- RVs
- Trailers
- Vans
If you have a vehicle you need to store, you will need to find an alternative to your local storage facility. Look for farms or places that store caravans and other vehicles; there are usually options to keep these items in your local area.
Heavy Machinery & Equipment
You are also prohibited from keeping heavy machinery and equipment in your storage unit, and you must find an alternative location to store these items. Heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and power tools contain fuel and potentially hazardous substances, so they are banned from being kept in commercial storage units. There are options to store these items, and you must also ensure they are fully insured.
Noxious Or Offensive Items
Any items that produce noxious fumes or a bad smell are banned from being kept in your storage unit. Anything that can rot like garbage and have a foul odour should be correctly disposed of rather than kept in a storage unit.
A Business
Some people rent a storage unit and then try to run a commercial business from it, which you are not allowed to do. Running a business from a storage unit will often break the facility’s rules, and you could find what you are doing is illegal and get in trouble with the law.
Self-storage units are a fantastic solution for various storage needs, but it’s crucial to understand what you can and cannot keep in them. Prohibited items are generally restricted for the safety and security of the storage facility, its staff, and other customers. Before renting a self-storage unit, it’s essential to review the facility’s guidelines and policies to ensure a smooth and problem-free storage experience.
