Never store hazardous materials, perishable foods, living things or illegal items in a self-storage unit. These rules protect your stored belongings, the facility, its staff and other customers.
Most facilities also restrict weapons and damp or wet items to prevent fire, mould and pest problems.
A storage unit is a convenient solution for extra space, but it does not work like a spare room at home.
Hazardous Materials and Flammable Liquids
Hazardous items top every prohibited list. Petrol, kerosene, paint thinners, solvents and other flammable materials can ignite easily, posing a serious fire hazard to the entire facility.
Also strictly prohibited:
- Gas bottles and propane tanks, which are severe combustion safety risks.
- Fireworks, ammunition and explosives.
- Pesticides, fertilisers, acids and other toxic chemicals, which must be disposed of through proper waste management instead.
- Biological materials and anything classed as toxic waste.
One modern addition to the list: loose lithium batteries pose a fire hazard if stored improperly, so remove them from tools and electronics first.
Perishable Food and Plants
Any food, open or sealed, draws rodents and insects that will destroy your valuables. Even canned goods are banned at many self-storage facilities, since labels and residues still attract pests.
Plants, living or dead, are equally unsuitable. They cannot survive without light and water, and decaying organic materials invite mould and bugs.
Keeping food and greenery out is the easiest way to prevent infestations.
Living Things
This one should go without saying, but when it comes to living things, storage units are strictly off limits.
No pets, no livestock, no live animals of any kind, ever. Units lack the light, proper ventilation, and care that any creature needs.
Damp or Wet Items
Storing damp furniture, wet surfboards or wet tents creates the perfect breeding ground for mould, and mildew growth spreads quickly from one box to the next.
Even a beach towel packed away slightly wet can ruin a whole container of clothes over a few months.
Dry and clean everything thoroughly before it is properly packed, and slip moisture absorbers into your containers as insurance.
Your future self will thank you when nothing comes out with musty odours.
Illegal or Prohibited Goods
Stolen property, illegal substances and counterfeit products are strictly forbidden, and storing stolen items can mean police involvement and immediate loss of your unit.
Unregistered weapons and firearms are also banned at most facilities. If you are ever unsure whether something is allowed, check the facility policies before you store it.
Vehicles in Poor Condition
Vehicle storage is widely available, but there are conditions. Vehicles with leaks are not acceptable, as escaping fluids damage the unit and neighbouring spaces.
Most facilities require vehicles to be registered and operational, and many ask that fluids be drained for long stays.
Disconnect the battery too, since connected batteries can corrode over time. Some providers even offer protected, enclosed options for prized cars.
Valuables and Irreplaceable Items
Certain items are not banned, just unwise to store. Storage spaces are secure, but cash, jewellery, rare coins and sensitive documents like passports and wills belong in a safe deposit box or a secure location at home.
The same logic applies to family heirlooms and one-of-a-kind artworks. Insurance may not cover sentimental losses, and no payout replaces an irreplaceable item.
Things to Consider Before You Move In
Avoiding prohibited items is half the job. A few more checks before you move in will protect everything else:
Notice the climate: A standard self-storage unit is not climate-controlled, so think about items sensitive to temperature fluctuations, like wood furniture, leather and electronics.
Perth rarely sees freezing temperatures, but summer heat is another story, so choose an indoor unit for delicate pieces.
Pack for airflow: Use breathable covers rather than plastic sheeting on furniture, and keep items off the floor on pallets for better airflow.
Choose sturdy storage containers: Sealed plastic tubs outperform cardboard boxes for moisture and pest resistance. Label everything, stack heavier boxes at the bottom and leave an aisle for access to seasonal items.
Read your storage agreement carefully: The rental agreement lists exactly what is restricted at your facility, and skipping the fine print is one of the most common mistakes new renters make.
Check your insurance: Standard home policies may not cover stored belongings, so confirm your cover before storage day.
Need Help Knowing What to Put in Your Unit? Contact Billabong Self Storage Today!
Choosing the right items for storage is not complicated; it just takes a little planning. Keep hazardous, perishable, illegal and irreplaceable items out, and your unit stays safe for you and everyone around you.
If you are unsure about what is suitable, our friendly team at Billabong Self Storage is here to guide you, with secure storage options across Jandakot and Gnangara.
Contact us today to get a quote for expert advice and storage solutions that give you peace of mind.