When renting a storage unit, it’s essential to be up-to-date on the rules of what not to store in your storage unit. Most storage facilities in Perth allow you to store anything that isn’t on their list of prohibited items, but these lists can vary between companies. Whether you need long-term storage due to moving home or short-term storage during a remodel, it’s crucial to double-check that you don’t plan on storing any prohibited items such as:
- Perishables
- Dangerous materials
- Illegal goods
- Anything living or deceased
- Cash
- Irreplaceable items
But before you start packing your boxes and loading up your car, let’s dive deeper into what items don’t belong in your storage unit. Some items are just not a great idea to store for various reasons like… pests, mould and odours – OH MY! To help you avoid any trouble or disappointment, we’ve put together this handy guide on what not to store in your storage unit. Read on to find out what items are off-limits in storage and why.
Dangerous or Illegal Goods
Starting off strong and slightly obvious, you can’t store anything dangerous, illegal, or that could cause harm to people, animals, or the environment. This includes:
- Explosives
- Flammable liquids and gases
- Corrosive substances
- Toxic chemicals
- Radioactive materials
- Firearms and ammunition (unless you have a valid licence)
- Stolen goods
- Drugs and drug paraphernalia
- Counterfeit goods
- Weapons and ammunition (unless you have a valid licence)
Storing any hazardous or flammable items is a huge no-no. If you store these types of items in your unit, you could face serious consequences such as fines, penalties, or even criminal charges – not to mention the risk of causing a fire, explosion, or contamination that could damage your belongings and other units. So it’s best to find an alternative storage solution for these items; trust us, it’s not worth it!
Perishables
Another no-brainer is anything that can spoil, rot, or attract pests. The last thing anyone wants is a storage unit overrun with rodents or creepy crawlies. This includes:
- Food
- Beverages
- Plants
- Animal products
- Organic materials
Most storage facilities, including Guardsman Self Storage, do not allow these items because they can create unpleasant odours, mould, rodent infestation, and damage to your unit and other units. They can also pose a health hazard to you and others (not to mention the smell as you open your roller door). If you have any perishable items that you don’t need or want anymore, you’re better off disposing of them responsibly, donating them, or giving them to someone who can use them.
Anything Alive (or deceased)
While it may be tempting to store that pesky house plant that doesn’t suit your vibe at home, you can’t store anything that is alive or needs air, water, or food to survive in storage units. After all, they’re called storage facilities, not living facilities! This includes:
- People
- Animals
- Plants
These items are not only forbidden by our policies but also by common sense and ethics. Storing them in a storage unit is a terrible idea that could lead to legal action against you for animal cruelty or unlawful imprisonment. If you have any living things you can’t keep at home for some reason, we recommend finding a suitable alternative, such as a friend, relative, pet sitter, boarding facility, or shelter.
Valuables
This one is not a hard rule but more of a recommendation. Before storing anything with a high monetary or sentimental value, weighing up the potential risks of storing these items without insurance is essential. This includes things such as:
- Jewellery
- Cash
- Irreplacable documents
- Antiques
- Artworks
- Collectibles
- Heirlooms
Although these items are not prohibited or banned, storage facilities do not provide compensation in the event of an incident. This means if something happens to them while they are in storage, such as theft, fire, flood, or other disasters, you won’t be compensated for your loss. Although incidents are rare, we just want the best for your belongings! If you decide to store these items in your storage unit, you should ensure that you have a solid insurance policy covering your high-value items. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry! We also recommend taking that extra step to protect your precious things, such as wrapping them with bubble wrap or foam padding, storing them in sturdy boxes or containers with locks, and placing them in the most secure part of your unit.
Your Local Storage Experts
Do you have an item not listed above and are wondering if you can safely store it? Please get in touch with our friendly team, and we’ll help you find the best solution to store it. Our team is available six days a week to answer your questions or provide you with a free, no-obligation quote. With 700 tailored storage units, our selection offers something for everyone from tradies to small business owners, individuals and wine collectors! Request your quote today, or call us to learn more about our self-storage services in Perth.