What Can Be Put Into Self Storage? Self storage lets your store those items you rarely use or need to keep secure without taking up precious space at home or work. Just about anything can be stored and because you generally do not have to provide an inventory, you can add or remove from your storage as you require.

Storage terms may vary between individual self storage companies but usually contracts are flexible and you can store as much or as little as you want on a short or long term basis.

The most common type of self storage is the domestic market. Frequently people require storage during a house move, particularly if they are in a chain and cannot move into their new property straight away. People also make use of self storage when downsizing so their smaller homes are not cluttered with items they do not use frequently. Often these items will have sentimental value and their owners want to keep them in a purpose built storage unit that will be more suitable and securer than a loft or shed.

Businesses can make use of self storage to improve their office environments. It is usually cheaper to rent a self storage unit than pay more for larger office space. Marketing materials, excess stock and display materials are often stored at self storage facilties. Many companies in the construction and engineering trade make use of business storage to store equipment, tools and building materials too.

Archive storage is used for storing legal documents and customer records. Domestic storage customers can also take advantage of archive storage for wills, deeds and old photographs. It pays to shop around though because professional archive storage will have many features that standard storage will not. Purpose built document archive stores will have controlled temperatures, air conditioning and humidity sensors to protect the documents within them and may also have digital archive records to ensure documents cannot go missing.

Boats, caravans, classic cars and motor-homes are valuable vehicles that are vulnerable to the weather, vandalism and theft when stored on driveways at home. They also take up a lot of space and are example of how self storage can be used for seasonal goods. Many people only make use of their boats and caravans during the summer so secure vehicle storage is a way of ensuring they are kept safe over the winter months. Self storage can also be cheaper than the cost of boat mooring and you don’t have to be worried about tides and extreme sea conditions.

Furniture can be valuable but very bulky. You may choose to put furniture into self storage because it doesn’t match the look and feel of your home but you cannot bear to part with it. Warehouse storage is often quite good for this and furniture can be packed away in crates for long periods.

There would normally be some restrictions on what can be stored for legal and insurance purposes. You will be prevented from storing anything perishable or flammable. This would restrict you from storing gas, fireworks, foods and chemicals. Anything illegal or that could be perceived as dangerous such as weapons would also be restricted. Storing animals and live stock would also be prevented.

Although there would not normally be any restrictions on the value of goods stored, if you are storing expensive items such as antiques or jewellery then it would be a sensible idea to enquire about insurance. Some self storage companies insist customers take out their insurance policies, where as others leave the choice of insurance up to the customer. A reputable storage facility should store your goods safely but with high value items it is always better to be safe than sorry. Insurance policies may not cover all eventualities though. Common exceptions are floods, fire and pest damage, which may be the very scenarios you want to protect against.