What Can and Can’t Be Stored in a Self Storage Unit
22 July 2025
Home / What Can and Can’t Be Stored in a Self Storage Unit
If you’re looking to make space at home, in the office, or during a move, Wigwam Self Storage offers a clean, secure and flexible solution. However, not everything can be stored in a self storage unit. From hazardous materials to perishable food items, some things are simply not allowed. Understanding what you can and can’t keep in storage protects your belongings and ensures you’re using your unit safely and legally.
Here’s a complete breakdown of what can and can’t be stored at Wigwam Self Storage.
What Items Can’t Be Stored in a Self Storage Unit
Not all items are suitable for storage facilities. For health, safety and legal reasons, the following items are strictly prohibited:
Food and Perishable Goods

Perishable food items such as fruit, dairy and meat, as well as pet food or open food containers, can attract pests, spoil over time, and emit unpleasant odours. Even sealed, long-life foods may be restricted in storage units, so if you need to store food, it’s best to speak to our team about safe options.
Living or Once-Living Things
Live animals, plants, animal remains, or taxidermy are not allowed in storage units, as these spaces are not suitable environments for life. Storing any living or once-living things is both unethical and unsafe.
Combustible or Flammable Materials
Combustible or flammable materials such as petrol, diesel, other fuels, paint thinners, solvents, gas canisters, firelighters, fireworks, and explosives are strictly prohibited, as they pose a serious fire risk and endanger the safety of others. Even small quantities of these items are not allowed in storage units.
Hazardous, Toxic or Radioactive Materials
Items such as chemicals, biological agents, radioactive materials, wet items that may develop mould or asbestos, fertilisers, and cleaning products are not allowed in storage units, as they can leak, cause contamination or emit harmful fumes.
If your item is toxic, corrosive, or flammable, it likely belongs on the prohibited items list.
Illegal Goods
Illegal goods, including drugs, drug paraphernalia, stolen goods, counterfeit items, unlicensed products, or anything obtained illegally, are strictly prohibited in storage units.
Any items that are illegal to possess in the UK are not allowed, and we reserve the right to inspect and remove any suspicious or restricted items.
For the complete list, visit our FAQs page.
What Items Can Be Stored in a Self Storage Unit

Luckily, most everyday belongings are perfectly fine to store in your unit – provided they’re clean, dry and properly packed.
Seasonal Household Items
Seasonal household items like garden furniture, Christmas decorations, summer or winter clothing, and sports equipment such as skis or camping gear are perfect for self storage, as they don’t spoil or attract insects. Rotating these items throughout the year helps you maximise space at home.
Read our top winter storage tips now!
Home Contents
Home contents such as furniture (sofas, beds, tables), clothes, books, ornaments, bicycles, hobby items, and boxes of personal belongings are well suited to self storage.
Whether you’re decluttering or in the middle of a move, storage units offer a practical solution for both temporary and long-term needs.
Our personal storage units are perfect for home moves, renovations or just reclaiming your garage.
Business Stock and Office Items
Business stock and office items like retail inventory, packaging, office supplies, archived files, marketing materials, tools, and light machinery are ideal for self storage. It’s a great way to keep your workspace organised and clutter-free, especially for small businesses or tradespeople.
Appliances and Electronics
Appliances and electronics, such as cleaned and defrosted fridges, laptops, printers, monitors, speakers, and other household electronics, can be safely stored if prepared correctly.
To protect them, ensure all items are dry and stored off the ground to prevent moisture damage.
Need packing materials? Visit your nearest Wigwam store for boxes, bubble wrap and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Store Wet or Damp Items?
No. Wet items can lead to mould and damage your other belongings. Always dry everything thoroughly before storage.
Can I Keep Cleaning Supplies or Paint?
Most cleaning agents and paints are prohibited due to their chemical content. Contact your local Wigwam team if unsure.
Can I Store My Business Stock in a Unit?
Absolutely. Our business units are popular with e-commerce sellers, tradespeople and freelancers. Just avoid storing these items if they’re perishable or high-risk.
Why Choose Wigwam Self Storage

We offer secure, flexible storage across the UK, from short-term personal use to long-term business storage. Our units are monitored by CCTV, and access is controlled via PIN code for your peace of mind.
- Modern, secure storage facilities
- Convenient access times
- Online booking and instant quotes
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
If you’re unsure about what you can store in self storage, speak to our team or browse our FAQs for more guidance.
Ready to make more space? Get a free quote now.
In Summary: Know What You Can and Can’t Store
Understanding what you can and can’t store in self storage keeps your belongings safe and ensures your unit complies with UK regulations.
Stick to furniture, electronics, clothing and stock and avoid hazardous materials, perishable food items, and anything that could attract pests or endanger others.
Wigwam self storage is here to help you store smarter. Whether you’re decluttering your home, running a business, or managing a life transition, we’ve got the right unit for you.
Customer Reviews

location. Good access in opening hours using the App. (Be prepared to check mail filter if the initial email giving access to the App and hence to your store does not seem to come through.) Clean, well lit. Kasey gave a very helpful introduction and registration process.

I've never used self storage before so it was all new to me but Wigwam have made it so intuitive and simple to use. You download the app which gives you easy Bluetooth access to the entire building. I've only used the facility out of office hours and it was all so easy. There are flat bed trolleys, a pump truck and a sack truck to make moving your items hassle free. Safe, secure storage, easy to use, accessible until 10pm and reasonable prices. Top marks all round.
I'd recommended Wigwam to anyone wanting self storage.
Lenny called as soon as I emailed and was extremely helpful on making this process quick and easy so i could get into the unit the next day.
there was an issue with the app when i went to use the unit but i emailed Lenny and he rang back within 5 mins and managed to resolve the issue very quickly.
would recommend and thanks to Lenny for making the process smooth.
Units are clean and well maintained with easy access.
Many thanks!! 😊
Peter & Heather
Set up went well and app appears to work well and is easy to use.
Cheers
Containers are amazing excellent lighting and very clean.
Thank you Lenny 👍xx

Wigwam are highly recommended by me!
I can’t recommend Wigwam Storage in Lincoln highly enough. From start to finish, the whole experience was fantastic. Every member of the team was incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional — nothing was too much trouble, and they genuinely went out of their way to make the process easy and stress-free.
The facility itself is excellent: clean, secure, well-maintained, and clearly run with a lot of care. It’s obvious they take real pride in what they do, and that gives you total peace of mind when storing your belongings.
If you’re looking for a reliable storage facility in Lincoln with an amazing team and top-quality facilities, Wigwam Storage is the place to go. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again and will happily recommend them to anyone.
Would recommend to everyone.
The signing up process was easy, and the service from the staff was speedy, friendly, helpful and professional.
The app used to access the premises was easy to use and gave added assurance of the security of my items.
Once inside the premises were modern, clean, well lit, and directions to the storage unit were clear and easy to follow…. Even the lift had step by step instructions!
All in all a fantastic company and storage facility.
Thank you!


The customer service is second to none, and facilities utterly perfect.
11 out of 10.

I was very impressed everything is via the app and that side of things is very responsive and I have had no issues so far.
They even play the radio in there.
Holly was an absolute star, we were panicking as we were in the middle of our house moving and needed a quick storage area. Less then an hour after our first call we were already putting boxes to our Storage.
The site is nice and clean, the entry system is truly clever and makes the storage Access easy and quick.
Customer service is top notch 👌
They talked me through the entering and exiting the facility. Jess was outstanding dealing with all the paperwork quickly and me being forgetful and dim.
Thank you very much, hopefully I won't set any alarms off again




My one suggestion is to extend the timers on the doors when entering the storage unit as sometimes it enough time to unload big deliveries onto a trolley and get back to the unit building before the doors close!
All in all, AMAZING company! Couldn’t recommend more :)


All the staff are very helpful and friendly highly recommended
Access is available 6am to 10pm

System 4 Stars
Sarah 5 Stars

The whole experience was excellent.
TheWigwam staff saw the shipment into the storage unit for us and made it all as simple as is possible when moving home and countries at the same time.
The storage building is well organised, clean, tidy, secure and access was available everyday for a significant number of hours.
Most of all ,the staff were kind, concerned, helpful and friendly. as anyone using the storage facility will learn.
Mary Welstead

Staff were very helpful on the phone setting everything up and compared to other units in Alton Wigwam are very reasonably priced.
Would definitely recommend them
Highly recommend this storage facility to anyone looking for safe, affordable, and hassle-free storage in Bath!



Much Appreciated ☺️
I’d highly recommend them to anyone!

Great service for a great price. Highly recommend.










Very happy client so far, thanks to Lenny and team 🙏😃


The units are easy to access, they are spacious and clean. I have a lot of camping equipment plus all my Xmas decorations (I have a lot) in the winter we will also be storing our hot tub. We also have lots of stuff that was the children’s when they were growing up. It has given us the spare room back at the house.
Staff are always polite friendly and very helpful.





The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Thank you Lenny for dealing with our emergency fast and supportive,

For full disclosure, we've only just rented the unit and filled it up, but the experience so far has been great. Response times to emails and helpfulness of staff has been excellent.
Thankyou
I would highly recommend .

Would highly recommend.
Beautifully clean facilities, fully automated access. Ample parking and menouvering space for cars and vans.
So easy to use the storage unit.
Thank you to Wigwam self storage Lincoln.
5*****
My wife and I moved back and forth between Cheltenham and other European countries during our two months long trip, Mr.Harrison( Kasey) supported us friendly and professionally.
We will definitely use it again next time.
See you !
We needed sudden storage after selling our parents’ house. I stopped in at the Bromsgrove branch and found it unmanned, (which I now know is normal).
I rang the number and spoke to an extremely helpful employee who offered me immediate, remote access to the building and let me see inside two different sized units.
After that, the set up was extremely quick!
I applied in the morning and was able to drop stuff off the same day. Everything is activated by an app on your phone but staff can be contacted by phone if needed.
On my second visit (after lots of rain) I did notice a pool of water not far from my unit. I rang up and by next day it had been sorted. No recurrence.
I am really happy with the unit and the excellent service.
Lift so you don’t have to struggle in and out with your things lots of parking too
The best thing that made me hire space is the ladies in reception they were so accommodating and helpful so thank you
I hired storage for my daughter to store all her Uni belongings while she was away for the summer.
Sasha provided excellent friendly service. Always at hand to help with any questions from the beginning to the end of our contract.
Great value for money.
Thank you Sascha.
Helen was efficient, proactive, enthusiastic, engaging and more importantly had a great sense of humour.
You could not ask more of a person or company.
Thank you.
Highly recommend this company
Would definitely recommend.

