Storage Tips: What NOT to store

You may be having a clear out, and looking to make some space in your home. Maybe you want to be a little more organised with your stuff, and there just isn’t the need for some of your prized possessions, in and around the house. You may be moving abroad, going on holiday, or want to store away your vehicle.

Either way, there are some things you need to know, a list of things that are not, suitable for storage.

Some may seem obvious, and perhaps absurd – but people do bring these in for storage and unfortunately have to get declined.

Lets start with the strangest one first.

• Pets and plants: Any kinds of pets living (or dead) cannot be put into storage. Plants, unless artificial of course, will also die and will not be looked after – so it’s best not to store them. Seems like an obvious one doesn’t it? Why would you want to store a living animal? It just isn’t the place for it.

• Chemicals and substances: Any chemicals that are flammable and high risk/explosive should not be kept in storage. This includes: Paint, motor oil, propane tanks, bottled gas, kerosene, nail polish remover, fireworks, alcohol, cleaning products and other such fluids.

• Medical equipment: These include x-ray machines and imaging devices, due to the fact they use radioactive materials to function, placing them in storage units with varying temperatures can cause a reaction.

• Drugs and weapons: Needless to say, firearms, explosives, weapons or ammunition are not permitted to be stored in storage units. Any illegal substances, illegal items or goods illegally obtained are also prohibited. These include counterfeit goods, illicit (smuggled/counterfeit) tobacco, illicit alcohol, unlicensed medicines and unsafe goods (including toys, electrical items, cosmetics, fireworks).

• Food: Storing food for a long period of time can result in it going off and leaving a foul odour. This can also lead to infestation and mould. Canned food can however be stored as they have a far longer shelf life.

• Family heirlooms and important documents: Any personal belongings and family possessions that are irreplaceable and hold great sentimental value, should not be kept in a storage unit. They could get damaged from extreme temperatures. Cash, jewellery, passports and other important documents are more suitably kept in a safe deposit box. 

• Electronics: Storage units are prone to extreme temperatures and so any electronics like television and computers can become damaged under these, hot or cold conditions.

Contact Storage Giant for further advice and storage services.