Can I Live in a Storage Container?
From grand designs to social media, it’s easy to see why people get curious about living in containers, with the trend of people converting old shipping containers into fabulous tiny homes – but that’s a very different thing from a self-storage container on a storage site.
So if you’re wondering whether you can live in a self storage container at The Space Program, here’s the clear, practical answer.
Can You Live In A Self Storage Container?
No – you can’t live in one of our self-storage containers.
Even though some people convert shipping containers into homes, those containers are specially modified for domestic use, meet planning and building regulations, and are usually placed in residential locations – Our self-storage containers aren’t built or licensed for living in, and they’re hired out strictly for storage.
Our units are designed to keep your belongings safe and dry – not to function as accommodation. They don’t have running water, drainage, windows, or the ventilation you’d need to live safely, and they’re insured as storage units only. So you can store personal items and furniture in your storage unit, but you can not use your unit as a home.
Can You Sleep In a Self Storage Container?
No – sleeping in a self-storage container isn’t allowed.
No reputable self-storage operator will allow customers to sleep in their self storage containers and doing so would break the terms of hire you have with the operator, resulting in termination of your contract.
Beyond the simple legality, a storage unit is not a safe or suitable place for someone to sleep in, even for a short period – As storage containers simply don’t have the facilities required for basic living standards.
Can You Stay In a Self Storage Container Overnight?
No – you can’t stay overnight in a self-storage container.
Even if it feels like a convenient option in a pinch, containers are not classed as overnight accommodation – They’re storage spaces only, and staying overnight would be unsafe and against site rules. If you need access late at night, that’s absolutely fine – you have 24/7 access – but that access is for collecting or dropping off stored items, not for staying in the unit.
Are There Any Other Rules About How You Use Your Self Storage Container?
Yes – but they’re all common-sense rules designed to keep you, your belongings, and other customers safe. When you hire a Space Program container, you can store almost anything you’d normally keep at home, in the office, or for business use.
Popular items people store include:
- Furniture and soft furnishings
- Clothes and household items
- Books and paperwork
- Household electricals
- Garage or shed equipment
- Bicycles, canoes, and kayaks
- Office equipment (but no flammable liquids)
- Trades tools and electricals
There are a few things you can’t store, mainly for legal, safety, or hygiene reasons. These include:
- Food or perishables (unless securely packed so they can’t attract vermin)
- Any living creatures (pets, fish, birds, etc.)
- Flammable or combustible items (gas canisters, fuel, solvent-based paints, etc.)
- Vehicles with petrol in the tank
- Firearms, ammunition, or explosives
- Radioactive materials or biological agents
- Toxic waste, asbestos, or hazardous chemicals
- Anything emitting fumes or strong odours
You can always check the full details in our Terms & Conditions – and if you’re unsure about whether or not you can store something, get in touch and ask a member of the team. We’re happy to help you store safely and confidently.
