Self-storage can take an enormous amount of pressure off a home or business, but it is not a place to put absolutely anything with a padlock on it.
Most ordinary household goods, furniture, tools and business stock are straightforward. The grey area begins with food, chemicals, machinery, valuables and anything that can leak, ignite, spoil or attract pests.
At Michael’s Robertsbridge site on the A21, storage means one large 20ft steel container. The guidance below is about what belongs in that full-size container, and what should never be loaded in the first place.
Household items commonly kept in storage
- Furniture, beds and mattresses
- Boxes of books, clothes, ornaments and kitchenware
- Clean, dry appliances
- Bicycles, sports equipment and camping gear
- Garden furniture and tools
- Christmas decorations and seasonal belongings
- Contents of a home during a move or renovation
Everything should be clean and dry before it goes in. Pack soft furnishings properly and avoid leaving anything damp after cleaning.
Business items commonly kept in storage
- Retail and e-commerce stock
- Tools, equipment and non-hazardous materials
- Event equipment, display stands and signage
- Office furniture during a move or fit-out
- Archive boxes and marketing materials
- Seasonal stock or packaging
For regular access, organise stock by category and leave a central aisle. Read our guide to stock overflow storage before loading.
Items that normally do not belong in self-storage
Rules vary between providers, so always check the rental terms. As a general rule, expect restrictions on the following:
Perishable food and open food products
Fresh, frozen or poorly sealed food can spoil and attract pests. Even dry food should only be stored if the provider allows it and it is sealed appropriately.
Fuel, gas cylinders and flammable materials
Petrol, diesel, bottled gas, fireworks, solvents, certain paints and other flammable products create an obvious safety risk. Machinery should normally be drained of fuel before storage.
Chemicals and hazardous materials
Do not assume that a familiar household or trade product is safe to store. Pesticides, corrosive products, pressurised containers and industrial chemicals may be prohibited.
Illegal goods, weapons and stolen property
Nothing unlawful belongs in a storage unit. The same applies to goods you do not have the right to store.
Living things
People, animals and plants should not be kept in a storage container. It is storage space, not accommodation, a workshop or a greenhouse.
Waste, rubbish or anything likely to leak
A storage container is not a substitute for proper waste disposal. Avoid anything that can rot, leak, create fumes or contaminate other belongings.
Think carefully before storing irreplaceable valuables
Cash, jewellery, original legal documents, family photographs and unique sentimental items may be physically small but emotionally or financially impossible to replace. Consider whether a bank, solicitor, specialist archive service or secure home solution is more appropriate.
What about electrical appliances?
Most clean household appliances can be stored, but prepare them properly. Defrost and dry fridges and freezers, drain washing machines and dishwashers, secure loose parts and leave appliance doors slightly open where safe to prevent stale smells.
What about tools and machinery?
Tools and equipment are common storage items. Clean them first, remove batteries where appropriate and make sure machinery is not carrying fuel or hazardous fluids. Ask before storing anything unusually heavy, powered or trade-specific.
Three checks before you load the van
- Read the storage agreement. Provider rules take priority over a general online guide.
- Check your insurance. Confirm what cover applies while belongings are in storage.
- Ask about anything unusual. A two-minute call is easier than unloading an item that cannot be accepted.
Ask Michael before guessing
Michael Horley provides one large 20ft container at Johns Cross, Robertsbridge, TN32 5JH, directly off the A21. The price is £180 per month, you fit your own lock and you hold the only key.
For availability or a quick answer about a particular item, call or WhatsApp 07747 607543. You can also view the Robertsbridge location details.