Relying on an external storage facility is an excellent way to reclaim space in your home, manage a complicated move, or keep a commercial inventory secure. The challenge is that many people assume they can place absolutely anything in a storage unit, only to discover later that they have broken safety regulations or placed their valuable assets at risk.
As an established family-run business with years of experience serving Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, we have seen this happen time and time again—and we would like to save you from the trouble. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about storage units, what you can and can’t store in them, and some practical tips to make the overall process easier.
What You Can Store in a Storage Unit
- Household Furniture: Sofas, dining tables, bed frames, wardrobes
- Seasonal Items: Winter coats, holiday decorations, garden furniture, sports gear
- Commercial Inventory: Online stock, promotional displays, and spare shop fittings for local businesses and retailers
- Office Archives: Old tax records, client files, administrative paperwork
- Electrical Goods: Televisions, computer monitors, sound systems, refrigerators, consoles
- Books and Media: Vinyl records, books, comics, toys, figurines, antique items
- Tools and Equipment: Domestic lawnmowers, power tools, other DIY gear
The vast majority of household furniture and commercial assets are perfectly suited for long-term and short-term safekeeping in storage units. Given that these items are clean, dry, and non-hazardous, a modern storage facility can offer a secure environment that keeps your property protected from theft, dust, and damage.
The General Rule: If an item is non-perishable, completely inert, legally owned, and carries zero risk of combustion, leakage, or chemical reaction, it is well-suited for a storage unit. However, it is always recommended to check with your chosen provider for total peace of mind.
What You Can’t Store in a Storage Unit
- Combustible and Flammable Liquids: Petrol, diesel, gas canisters, paint thinners, and lighter fluid
- Perishable Food and Produce: Fresh food, unsealed dry goods, and pet food
- Living or Dead Organisms: Plants, animals, and any biological specimens that cannot survive and will decay in a sealed room
- Hazardous and Toxic Chemicals: Strong acids, industrial solvents, fertilisers, and radioactive materials
- Illegal or Stolen Goods: Unlicensed firearms, counterfeit items, and illicit drugs
- Unregistered or Uninsured Vehicles: Cars, motorbikes, and trailers; these must be fully registered, drained of fuel, and cleared with the provider if allowed at a specific facility
While storage units are incredibly versatile, strict regulations are in place to protect the safety of the building, the staff, and the belongings of other users. Placing prohibited items inside a storage unit can invalidate your insurance coverage, cause significant property damage, or violate UK environmental and safety laws.
And though we did state that you cannot put plants in a standard storage unit, the case is different with Three Counties Moves. Unlike many storage facilities, we welcome the storage of garden pots and plants. As an added bonus, we provide a dedicated outdoor area where your plants can continue to receive natural sunlight and rainfall, helping them thrive while in storage.
The General Rule: If an item poses a direct threat to human health, is highly susceptible to decay, carries an explosion risk, or is illegal to possess, it should not enter a storage unit. If you are ever unsure whether you can store a specific item, please reach out to our team for expert guidance before you pack.
Five Practical Tips About Putting Things into Storage
Try to look further than simply fitting everything into the space. Be strategic. Below are five tips on how you can keep your belongings in pristine condition while keeping your room functional throughout its duration.
Tip #1: Drain Mechanical Equipment
Before placing any lawnmowers, strimmers, or other tools into a storage unit, drain their fuel tanks and oil reservoirs first. Cleaning these items preserves their condition and prevents residues from transferring onto nearby furniture or fabrics.
Tip #2: Use Your Heavy Items as Foundation
Always place your heaviest, most durable items on the floor. They provide a stable foundation for your lighter cardboard boxes and fragile items on top. This approach will also allow you to maximise your storage space without risking a collapse.
Tip #3: Use Breathable Covers
Use furniture bags to protect sofas, armchairs, and mattresses from dust. Try to also avoid sealing damp fabrics into tight plastic wrap, since trapped humidity can lead to mildew growth.
Ensuring everything is perfectly dry before wrapping helps your textiles stay fresh and ready for use when unpacked.
Tip #4: Create a Central Access Aisle
Never pack your room completely solid from back to front. Leave at least a narrow aisle straight down the middle of your layout so you can easily reach the items you stored at the very back without having to unload the entire space. Putting labels on boxes and ensuring they face outwards will make retrieving items easier, too.
Tip #5: Keep Frequently Needed Items Near the Door
Think carefully about which belongings you might need to retrieve on short notice, particularly seasonal clothes, active business inventory, or even your most important documents. Try to place these boxes at the very front of your storage unit; this will save you significant time when you do need to pick them up later.
How to Choose the Right Type of Storage for Your Needs
Selecting the correct space depends entirely on the duration of your project or how frequently you intend to access your belongings.
Different scenarios require different setups to remain cost-effective and practical. So to start, try to think about why you need the extra storage space in the first place. Based on that, you can select a plan that works budget-wise while keeping your assets safe and accessible.
Short-term Storage: This option is perfect for projects or transitions lasting from a few weeks to a couple of months. It is an ideal solution for bridging gaps between house sale completions, keeping furniture safe during major home repairs, or holding seasonal retail stock.
Long-term Storage: This is designed for periods stretching over several months to years, catering to families moving abroad, inherited estates undergoing extended probate, or businesses wanting a secure place to store the bulk of their administrative files.
If you are planning a transition across the Three Counties or are in need of long-term storage solutions truly catered to your needs, feel free to reach out to our team and discover how we can streamline your next project.
Choose Three Counties Moves
Finding a secure storage unit can be a challenge, but not if you’re working with the right team. With years of experience serving both private and commercial clients across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, Three Counties Moves provides a partnership you can rely on to ensure your items are kept safe, clean, and accessible when you need them most.
- A Versatile, Modern Fleet: We manage a diverse range of vehicles, allowing us to safely transport any volume of belongings in and out of your storage facility
- Legal Compliance: We ensure that all items entering our care are handled and organised to the highest standards
- Fully Insured: We provide robust protection for you, your items, and our staff every step of the journey
- Real-Time Tracking: We can provide real-time tracking updates upon request, giving you total visibility as your possessions are transitioned into storage
- Transparent and Reliable Service: We provide clear, honest pricing for our transport and storage options with no hidden fees
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is really the difference between short-term and long-term storage?
Short-term options offer more flexibility and are often a better fit for home renovations or bridging the gap during a house move. Long-term options last for several months to years, which is ideal for families moving abroad or businesses storing their items over a long duration.
Can a removal team load my items directly into storage for me?
Yes, and we highly recommend this option. You can let our team handle the heavy lifting and transport your belongings safely and directly into your storage unit.
How should I pack my storage unit to keep items accessible?
We recommend placing your heavy items and furniture on the floor and against the back and sides of the unit to create a solid foundation for your lighter items. Try to leave a narrow walking aisle down the centre so you can easily access the space if needed. Lastly, keep the items you believe you will need sooner right at the front, near the door.
Is it safe to store clothes and mattresses long-term?
Of course, provided they are completely dry before they go into the storage unit. We recommend packing clothing into sealed plastic vacuum bags or sturdy cardboard boxes. Mattresses and sofas, on the other hand, should be enclosed in breathable furniture covers.
Can I store food or pet supplies in a unit?
Generally, no. Fresh food, unsealed dry ingredients, and pet food can rot and release strong odours that attract rodents and other types of pests, which could cause severe damage to your furniture and clothes, as well as neighbouring units.
Keep Your Items Safe With Three Counties Moves
Finding the right storage unit means investing in a space you’re sure will keep your items clean, safe, and free from damage. If you are seeking a team to make your next project stress-free, our family here at Three Counties Moves is ready to help.
Reach us directly through our contact page, email us at info@threecountiesmoves.co.uk, or give us a call at 01462 337 011 for more information.
