Storing your belongings safely is our priority. To keep all customers, staff and sites secure, there are certain items that cannot be placed in a self storage unit. Some are common sense, others are less obvious, but all of them exist for clear safety or legal reasons.
Below is an up to date overview of what must not be stored in any Safestore unit.
For a full breakdown of our storage rules, you can also check our self storage FAQs .
Self storage units are not designed for the care or housing of animals. They lack ventilation, temperature control and essential welfare conditions. No pets, livestock or animal remains are permitted.
Units cannot be used for accommodation or as a place to stay overnight. Even at locations with 24 hour access, living or sleeping in a unit is strictly prohibited for health, safety and legal reasons.
Most storage providers do not accept tyres because disposal costs are high and abandoned tyres can create environmental hazards. We do not permit the storage of loose or bulk tyres for this reason.
Any item that could leak, ignite or cause harm is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to:
If an item could cause damage, contamination or a fire, it cannot be stored.
For advice on packing valuable or fragile belongings safely, see our guide on moving with high value items .
Only specialist, licensed facilities can store radioactive substances. These are strictly prohibited in self storage environments.
If you do not legally own the item, or if possession is unlawful, it cannot be stored in any Safestore facility. This includes counterfeit goods, prohibited imports and any item linked to criminal activity.
Safestore does not offer the specialist, climate controlled secure storage required for guns, ammunition or related components. These items must be stored using licensed firearms storage providers.
Fresh, frozen or open food items can spoil, leak and attract pests. Only sealed, canned goods are permitted. All other foodstuffs, including pet food, are not allowed.
For tips on packing safely before placing items into storage, try our storage unit packing tips .
Plants cannot survive inside a storage unit. Lack of sunlight, airflow and water will cause damage, and live plants can attract insects or vermin. For these reasons, they are not permitted.
You are welcome to run a business that uses a storage unit for stock, equipment or archiving. However, you cannot operate a retail shop from a unit or allow customers to visit your unit to purchase goods. Many stores offer dedicated office space if you need a working environment onsite.
If you’re running a business, explore our business storage solutions for secure stock and equipment storage.
Cash, bonds and certain valuables require specialist safe deposit storage. A standard self storage unit is not designed to offer the level of security these items need.
In addition to the prohibited items above, we have specific limits on the following:
If you have any questions about a specific item or quantity, please get in touch and our team will be happy to advise.
Although you are the only person with access to your unit, you are renting a unit within a shared facility. We must follow strict safety and insurance guidelines that would override that right to sole access.
If your items are damp before you store them, they won't magically dry out in storage. This includes the inside of kitchen appliances — if you are storing a fridge or freezer, you must ensure that it is fully defrosted, clean and dry before storing it, or any remnants of food or dirt can turn into hazardous mould very quickly.
We always recommend that customers insure the contents of their unit , in the same way you would insure the contents of your home. However, if you store anything that is prohibited by law or the terms of our contract, your insurance is unlikely to pay out. If your items damage our store or other units, your insurance will only cover this if you have adhered to our terms and conditions, otherwise civil action might be taken.
Before bringing items into your unit, just check that they are:
If you have any doubts about a particular item, it is always best to check with our team before storing. You can also find further guidance in our storage unit packing tips .
These restrictions are in place to keep everyone safe and to ensure that all items stored remain in good condition. If you are ever unsure whether something is permitted, speak to the store team. They will be happy to advise.
Items that are unsafe, illegal, or could cause damage are not permitted in storage units. This includes anything that could catch fire, leak, explode, spoil, attract pests, or break the law. If you are unsure about a specific item, it is best to check before storing.
Certain items are restricted to keep everyone safe and to protect the building, your belongings, and the Safestore team. Items that pose a fire risk, hygiene issue, environmental risk, or legal concern are not permitted in our units.
Fresh, frozen, or open food and drink cannot be stored, as they can spoil, leak, or attract vermin. Sealed canned goods are usually acceptable, but if you are unsure about a particular item, speak to the team at your chosen store.
No. Storage units do not have the light, ventilation, or conditions needed for plants or animals. For welfare and hygiene reasons, live plants and animals are not permitted.
You can use a storage unit to store business stock, equipment, or documents. However, storage units cannot be used as retail premises, and customers are not permitted to visit units to purchase goods.
If you are unsure, the best thing to do is ask. Contact your local Safestore team and they will be happy to advise. You can also check the full list of restricted items in our main self storage FAQs.