What You Can’t Store (Or Do) In a Self Storage Container

Our self storage containers are brilliantly versatile – we’ve seen customers store everything from furniture and bikes to stock, tools, and even film props. But like every storage provider, The Space Program has a few sensible rules in place about what can’t go into a container and what can’t be done inside one.

These restrictions aren’t there to be awkward – they’re about keeping the site safe, legal, and pleasant for everyone who stores with us. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know before you move in.

Are There Items I Can’t Store In My Self Storage Container?

While you can store most household, business, and personal items in your container, certain things are not allowed – This is mainly due to fire risk, hygiene issues, safety regulations, or legal reasons.

Here are the key restricted items and why they’re off-limits:

• Food or anything perishable (unless securely packed so it can’t attract vermin)
  Perishables can spoil and draw pests, which puts everyone’s stored items at risk.
• Living creatures of any kind
  Self storage containers aren’t suitable for animals – they need ventilation, warmth, care, and supervision that a storage site can’t provide.
• Flammable or combustible items
  This includes gas canisters, compressed gases, petrol, oil, solvent-based paints, and strong cleaning solvents. These are a serious fire and explosion risk.
• Vehicles with petrol in the tank
  Fuel presents a fire hazard, so any vehicle stored will need a completely empty tank. If you want to store a vehicle, speak to the team first about what’s possible.
• Firearms, ammunition, or explosives
  For obvious legal and safety reasons, these can’t be stored on-site.
• Fireworks
  Even small fireworks are unstable, flammable, and unsafe to store in a container environment.
• Radioactive materials, biological agents, or certain chemicals
  Anything that could pose a health or environmental risk is strictly prohibited.
• Toxic waste or asbestos
  Storage units aren’t designed to safely contain hazardous waste.
• Anything that emits fumes, strong smells, or odours
  This is to keep the site safe and pleasant for everyone, and to avoid contamination of nearby units.
• Illegal or illegally obtained goods
  Only lawful items are allowed in self storage – this keeps the site secure and compliant.

This list covers the main restrictions, but it isn’t exhaustive. If you’re ever unsure about a specific item, just ask us – we’d always rather you check first.

Is There Anything I Can’t Do In My Self Storage Container?

Yes – containers are for storage, not for activities that could cause damage, risk, or disruption. Like other self-storage providers, we don’t allow customers to use containers for things such as:

• Anything that could cause nuisance or disturbance
  That includes behaviour that affects staff, visitors, or other customers.
• Using the container as an office or living space
  Storage units aren’t insured, designed, or licensed for working from or living in. But we do offer shared office space through our Business Clubs for business storage customers.
• Using the container as a home or business address
  You can’t register it as an address or use it for post unless you’re part of a Business Club service that includes mail receiving.
• Spray painting
  Fumes and overspray are hazardous and can affect nearby units.
• Mechanical, heat, or welding work of any kind
  These activities are fire risks and can cause noise or vibration.
• Anything that allows liquids, smells, or substances to escape
  If it leaks, smells, or spreads, it doesn’t belong in a storage environment.
• Any noisy activity or vibration
  If someone else can hear or feel it, it’s not allowed.

Put simply: if an activity could create fire risk, fumes, leaks, loud noise, or disruption, it isn’t permitted in a Space Program container.

Are There Any Other Rules I Should Be Aware Of?

A few final good-to-knows:

• Don’t attach or fix anything to the container (inside or out).
  These are hired units and must be left as they are.
• Don’t alter the container in any way.
  No structural changes, fittings, or modifications.
• Any damage must be repaired or paid for.
  Fair and simple – it keeps everything in good condition for every customer.

If you’ve got something unusual to store – or you’re not sure whether an item or use is allowed – just speak to The Space Program team. We’re always happy to advise and help you store safely and smoothly.