What Can't You Put in Storage? A Complete UK Guide

Before you start filling crates or boxes destined for storage, it's important to know what you can and can't put in. These restrictions exist for safety, legal and practical reasons.

What You Cannot Put in Storage

⚠️ Hazardous Chemicals

This includes petrol, solvents, paint thinners, acids, fertilisers, bleach in large quantities, and any other flammable or corrosive chemicals. Partially-used garden chemicals, car fluids and DIY products are the most common offenders.

⚠️ Firearms, Weapons and Ammunition

No firearms, ammunition, explosives or weapons of any kind. This is a legal requirement. Firearms must be stored securely at licensed premises.

⚠️ Living Things — Plants and Animals

No living plants or animals. Plants introduce moisture, pests and bacteria into a sealed storage environment.

⚠️ Perishable Food

Tinned food and dried goods are fine. Fresh food, open packets, anything that can rot or attract pests — absolutely not.

⚠️ Illegal Items

Nothing illegal. Storage companies are required by law to report suspicion of illegal items, and storage units can be searched by authorities with a warrant.

What About Valuables?

Valuables like jewellery, cash, irreplaceable documents and luxury watches can physically be put in storage, but we strongly advise against it. Keep valuables in a home safe or bank safety deposit box instead. Please note: Oakbridge includes goods in transit insurance while your items are being transported to and from our facility. We do not provide insurance for items held at the facility — our warehouse is CCTV-monitored 24/7 and secure, but should you wish to take out storage insurance as a precaution, we can recommend a suitable provider upon request.

What IS Fine to Store

• Furniture (sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables)
• Boxes of clothes, books, kitchenware
• Electronics and appliances (clean and dry)
• Bicycles and sports equipment
• Garden furniture (clean and free of soil/pests)
• Artwork and antiques (with appropriate wrapping)
• Musical instruments
• Tinned and dried food