Month: November 2025

If you’re new to using self storage, you’ve probably wondered at some point: “What can’t I put in self storage?” It’s one of the most common questions first-time customers ask, and for good reason. While self storage is perfect for furniture, household items, business stock, archives and more, there are certain things that can’t be stored for safety, legal and hygiene reasons.

To help you get started with confidence, here’s a simple, beginner-friendly guide to the items you should avoid placing in your storage unit.

1. Perishable Foods and Drinks

It may be tempting to store tins, packets or leftover groceries during a move, but any type of perishable food is a firm no. Items such as:

  • Fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Meat, dairy or frozen food
  • Opened dry goods
  • Drinks that can ferment or spoil

These attract pests and mould, and can quickly cause damage to other belongings in your unit.

2. Plants and Living Organisms

Another common query when people ask “What can’t I put in self storage?” is whether plants are allowed. Unfortunately, the answer is no.

Plants need light, air and water — none of which a storage unit can provide. Storing them will only lead to wilting, rot and potential pest problems. This rule also applies to any living organism (yes, even insects or aquariums).

3. Hazardous or Flammable Materials

For health and safety reasons, anything dangerous, combustible or toxic is strictly prohibited. This includes:

  • Petrol, diesel or oil
  • Paint thinners and cleaning solvents
  • Fireworks
  • Gas canisters or propane tanks
  • Fertilisers, pesticides and chemicals

Even small amounts of these materials can pose a serious risk to the entire storage facility.

4. Illegal Goods

This one might sound obvious, but it still needs stating: anything illegal cannot be stored under any circumstances. Examples include:

  • Stolen goods
  • Counterfeit items
  • Unauthorized or unlicensed firearms
  • Drugs or banned substances

Storage facilities work closely with local authorities and follow strict compliance rules.

5. Cash and High Value Jewellery

While self storage units are extremely secure, they’re not designed to act as a replacement for a safe or bank. If you need to store cash, jewellery or other valuable items, you’re better off using a safety deposit box where your items are insured and protected under tighter conditions.

6. Strong Smelling Items

Anything with a potent smell, such as certain cleaning fluids, pet food, or scented chemicals, can seep into other belongings or attract unwanted pests. Best to avoid these entirely.

7. Unregistered or Untaxed Vehicles

Some (but not all) storage facilities allow the storage of cars, motorbikes and vans, but only if they meet specific requirements. As a general rule:

  • The vehicle must be roadworthy
  • It must be insured
  • It must be fully taxed and legally owned

Non-operational or abandoned vehicles are not allowed.

8. Damp or Mouldy Items

It’s not just about what you can’t store legally, it’s also about what you shouldn’t store for your own benefit. Items already affected by moisture or mould can spread damage to everything else in your unit. Always clean and dry items thoroughly before storing them.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “What can’t I put in self storage?”, the key things to remember are simple:

  • Nothing dangerous
  • Nothing illegal
  • Nothing alive
  • Nothing that can spoil
  • Nothing overly valuable or irreplaceable

When in doubt, always check with the Cookes Storage team – they’ll be happy to guide you before you move anything in.

Launching your first product feels electric – that moment when an idea becomes tangible. But between the first batch of prototypes and a growing inventory, every entrepreneur faces the same critical question: where on earth do I put all this stuff?

The truth is, product storage isn’t just about having space. It’s about control, scalability, and professionalism. The right storage strategy can make or break your early operations – especially when customer orders start rolling in faster than expected.

Here’s how to store business inventory the smart way, especially when you’re just getting started.

1. Think Beyond the Spare Room

Your home might have worked for the first few samples, but it’s not sustainable. Storing business inventory in personal spaces blurs the line between work and life, risks product damage, and limits your ability to scale.

A dedicated self storage unit gives you operational breathing room. It’s not just a place to stack boxes; it’s an extension of your business infrastructure – secure, organised, and ready for growth.

2. Choose the Right Storage Conditions

Prototypes and early products often need more care than mature inventory. Temperature-sensitive materials, electronics, or packaging can easily degrade if not stored correctly.

Look for indoor self storage that keeps your products in showroom condition. Consistency in temperature and humidity protects your stock, ensuring that what you deliver to your first customers reflects your brand’s quality promise.

3. Organise Like a Pro from Day One

Future you will thank you for setting up a proper system early. Label every box, create a digital inventory list, and track product movement even in small quantities.

Use shelving to maximise vertical space and keep the most frequently accessed items at eye level. With good organisation, you’ll cut down picking time, reduce stress, and maintain a clear picture of your stock levels – the kind of operational discipline investors and customers respect.

4. Keep Flexibility Front and Centre

Your storage needs today won’t be the same six months from now. That’s why flexible self storage is invaluable. You can upsize, downsize, or adapt your unit space as your business evolves – without long leases or unnecessary overheads.

It’s agile infrastructure for agile businesses.

5. Protect Your Assets

Security matters, even for early-stage ventures. Look for a facility that offers 24/7 CCTV, individual unit alarms, and secure access controls. Insurance is also non-negotiable. You’ve invested too much to let risk management be an afterthought, and all UK storage facilities require insurance to store your items.

Remember, your prototypes aren’t just items – they’re intellectual property in physical form. Protect them accordingly.

6. Treat Your Storage Like an Extension of Your Brand

When you walk into your storage unit, it should feel like part of your business ecosystem, not an afterthought. Use it to store marketing materials, exhibition stock, or even to stage product photos. Self storage isn’t simply about keeping things safe, it’s about creating space for innovation, growth, and the next big leap.

Knowing how to store business inventory effectively isn’t just a logistical exercise; it’s a strategic advantage. As your brand grows, efficient storage ensures you stay responsive, professional, and customer-ready – no matter how unpredictable early business life gets.

With the storage solution, you’re able to keep your business history safe. Speak to our team today to find out how we can support your business.