Storage unit restrictions

The self-storage industry is incredibly flexible about what you can store and has limited restrictions. As access is so easy, people are increasingly considering storing goods that they'd never have stored before, such as seasonal wardrobes that can be changed throughout the year. Although many self-storage operators use this flexibility as a selling point to market their services, there are certain restrictions on items that cannot legally be placed in self-storage. If you have any doubt about the restrictions on items you wish to store, consult your self-storage manager before you go ahead.

The most common restrictions include the following:

The reason for this is obvious - these types of materials will cause very real danger to the entire facility and personnel, not to mention your own stored items if there is an accident. The list of restrictions includes gas, fuel, fireworks etc. You'll generally find, therefore, that you'll be asked to empty all fuel tanks, even down to your lawnmower, before placing these items in self-storage.

Strange as it may seem, people have in the past attempted to 'store' their pets in self-storage, as they believe they can access them for feeding and care as necessary. This is quite obviously cruel and could result in prosecution.

Animal products are also not allowed in self-storage, as they will attract vermin.

If you're looking to store the contents of your house in self-storage between moves for example, it would seem to make sense just to box up the contents of your kitchen cupboards and stick them in there too. This might be fine for cans but there are restrictions on perishable foods, as they will attract vermin.

As you might expect no reputable self-storage provider will allow you to store illegal or stolen goods on their premises.

Some self-storage providers will allow you to store firearms on site and some will refuse. If they do allow you to place firearms in storage, you will have to follow the facility restrictions about securing the item(s).

Not all self-storage providers will allow you to store items such as valuable jewelry, coins, and precious metals etc. Many will but you may have to agree to certain restrictions or need to show proof of specific item insurance.

You may choose to purchase the mini-storage insurance but a lot of times that insurance will not cover these items.

Some self-storage providers will veto the storage of fragrant items or anything that will cause a significant odors on site.

Many facilities will not allow the storage of aerosols or pressurized materials, as there is the possibility that they could burst and cause accidents.

Self-storage facilities will not allow the storage of hazardous, toxic or chemical materials on site as they can cause very real damage if they spill or if there is a fire. 

You can't store your plants, or any other living thing, in self-storage, as they will attract insects and pests.