Storage guide
What not to store
in a storage unit, and why
Most things are fine in storage. A few are banned outright, some are only allowed with written agreement, and others are allowed but a bad idea. Knowing which is which keeps you, your belongings and everyone else in the building safe.
Why there are rules at all
A storage building is shared. Your unit sits next to someone else's furniture, a small business's stock and another person's family photos. One unsafe item can put all of it at risk, through fire, leaks, fumes or pests.
Rules also come from the buildings insurance. Insurers set conditions about what a building can hold and what activities can happen in it. If those conditions are broken, cover can be affected for everyone. That is why some of our rules may seem strict for the item in question. They protect the whole building.
Not permitted at The Rock Factory
- Cars. Car storage is not permitted because of the buildings insurance.
- Bulk flammable liquids and gases, such as fuel, solvent-based paints and chemicals, and gas cylinders, unless we have agreed it in writing.
- Melting or heating combustible materials, such as waxes, plastics, resins and oils. That rules out activities like candle and soap making, resin casting and 3D print farms.
- Cooking and hot food.
Low-risk materials such as wood, paper, card, fabric and dry goods are fine. All business use needs our prior approval, so tell us what you plan to store and do before you move in.
Things no storage unit should hold
Beyond our own rules, some things should never go into any storage unit:
- Anything illegal, stolen or that you are not entitled to possess.
- Explosives, fireworks, ammunition and firearms.
- Toxic, corrosive or hazardous substances and waste, including asbestos.
- Anything living: people, pets, plants.
- Anything that smells strongly, leaks or gives off fumes.
Storage units are also not designed for anyone to live or sleep in, so do not plan to use one that way, even for a night.
Food and perishables
Food is the most common mistake. It does not have to be fresh to cause a problem. Dried pasta, cereal, pet food and biscuits all attract mice and insects, and once pests arrive, they move between units and chew through cardboard, fabric and wiring.
So leave all food out, including unopened packets and tins. Wash kitchen equipment before packing it so crumbs and grease do not linger. Clear out the cupboards of any furniture you are storing, such as dressers and sideboards.
Businesses storing food stock are a separate case and would need to talk to us first. The Food Standards Agency has guidance for food businesses on safe storage, and cooking or hot food is not permitted at our units.
Garden machinery, bikes and tools
Lawnmowers, strimmers, generators and pressure washers are fine as long as they are empty of fuel. Run them dry or drain the tank, and let them air before storing. Keep spare fuel cans at home or dispose of the fuel properly. Bulk fuel is not allowed unless agreed in writing.
Barbecues and patio heaters should go in without their gas cylinders. E-bikes and electric scooters are allowed as normal items, but it is good practice to store them with the battery at a moderate charge, not charging, and to remove the battery if the maker suggests it.
Tradespeople storing tools and materials will find our trades storage ideas useful.
Cleaning products, aerosols and batteries
Most homes have a cupboard of bleach, polish, aerosols, weedkiller and old tins of this and that. These are easy to sweep into a box on moving day without thinking. Try not to.
- Keep household chemicals at home where you can, or use them up or dispose of them properly before you move.
- Never pack chemicals in the same box as fabric, paper or food-related items.
- Check old tins and bottles for leaks or bulging. Damaged containers should go to a household waste recycling centre, not into storage.
- Take loose batteries out of toys, torches and decorations, as they can leak over time.
- Store power-tool batteries separately from the tools, away from metal objects that could short the terminals.
Remember that solvent-based paints and chemicals in bulk are not allowed unless agreed in writing. If your list includes anything you are unsure about, check with us first.
Allowed, but think twice
Some things are permitted but are better kept elsewhere.
- Cash, jewellery and small valuables. These are easy to carry and hard to replace. Keep them at home in a safe or at a bank.
- Passports and key personal documents. You may need them at short notice.
- The only copy of anything. Photos, hard drives and family papers should have a copy somewhere else.
- Medicines. They can degrade, and you may need them.
- Delicate instruments and artwork. Possible with care, but think about temperature and humidity in any closed space, and talk to a specialist about very valuable pieces.
Our units have no climate control, so anything sensitive to cold or damp needs extra thought. Lidded crates, breathable covers and keeping things off the floor all help, as the packing guide explains.
Business activities as well as items
Our rules cover what you do in a unit as well as what you keep there. Making candles, soap or resin pieces involves heating combustible materials, which is not allowed. Running banks of 3D printers is not allowed either. Equipment that needs three-phase power will not work, as units have standard single-phase electricity only.
Many crafts and trades are fine, and our ideas for makers and studios page has examples. Our health and safety guide for small units covers the basics of working safely. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, message us on WhatsApp before you sign.
A quick check before you load
Before the van leaves, run through five questions for anything you are unsure about. Could it catch fire, leak or give off fumes? Could it attract pests? Is it alive? Is it something you might need urgently? Is it irreplaceable?
A yes to any of the first three means it stays out. A yes to either of the last two means it is probably better kept at home. Everything else can go in, packed properly. It takes a couple of minutes and saves real problems later.
Questions
Can I store a motorbike?
Car storage is not permitted. For motorbikes and other vehicles, ask us before booking, and make sure any vehicle has no fuel in it if it is agreed.
Can I store tins of paint?
Bulk solvent-based paints are not allowed unless agreed in writing. Ask us about small domestic quantities of other paints before bringing them in.
Can I store a camping gas stove?
The stove is fine. Gas cylinders and canisters in bulk are not, unless agreed in writing. Remove them and keep them elsewhere.
Can I store wood and timber?
Yes. Wood, paper, card, fabric and dry goods are classed as low-risk materials and are fine.
Can I store a fridge or freezer?
Yes, once it is defrosted, cleaned and fully dry. Leave the door slightly open to stop mould and smells.
What happens if someone stores something banned?
It puts the building, other tenants and the insurance at risk. If you are unsure about any item, ask before you bring it in rather than after.
Sources and official guidance
Prices are subject to availability. Minimum rental term: one month, then one month’s notice to leave. Electricity usage is charged separately at the supplier rate, with no markup. Business use needs prior approval. Car storage is not permitted.
