Which items are not suitable for storage? A must-read checklist before moving in

1. Dangerous goods and high-risk items

Flammable liquids, fuels, gas cylinders, explosives, and illegal items should not be sent for general storage. You must also declare spray cans, chemicals, or special batteries to confirm receipt restrictions.

Do not assume that items can be mixed into general sundries just because they are small. If you are unclear about the composition or properties of an item, keep the original labels, check with customer service, and never hide them.

• Do not hide dangerous goods in regular storage boxes
• Items with special properties must be declared in advance
• Actual prohibited and accepted item lists are subject to terms of service

2. Food, live animals, and items that may cause pest infestations

Perishable food, improperly processed foodstuffs, live plants or animals, and items with pest infestations are not suitable for storage as general household goods.

Kitchenware and small appliances must also have food residue, oil stains, and water cleared. Containers that previously held food should be cleaned and thoroughly dried.

3. Cash, documents, and high-value collectibles

Cash, jewellery, important documents, and irreplaceable items should be kept safely by yourself. High-value art, collectibles, or particularly fragile items require a separate assessment of professional storage needs.

Do not interpret 'security facilities' as meaning all values and losses are covered. Insurance coverage, declared value, exclusions, and compensation limits should be confirmed in writing before storage.

4. Items with specific temperature or hygiene requirements

Medicines, medical supplies, alcohol, and other items with strict temperature or humidity requirements cannot be assumed to meet preservation conditions just because a facility is air-conditioned.

Provide a complete description of item types and preservation requirements when booking. Do not seal boxes or send items to the warehouse before confirming that they can be accepted.

5. Check for easily missed items before boxing.

Drawers, toolboxes, camping bags, and cleaning supply boxes may contain fuel, sprays, ignition sources, or chemical cleaning agents. Check every compartment before sealing; don't assume marking a box as 'sundries' counts as a declaration.

Clarify content and proper handling methods for unidentifiable liquids or containers without original labels. Do not mix, pour, or dismantle potentially risky items; general storage service does not replace dangerous goods handling.

6. Don't disassemble battery-powered items indiscriminately.

If cameras or remote controls have safely removable batteries, handle them per manufacturer instructions; do not attempt to pry open phones, laptops, or other built-in battery devices. Enquire with customer service about model and status before storage.

If batteries or devices show swelling, leakage, abnormal heating, water damage, or failure, stop packing them as general cargo and seek professional handling. Do not try to mask risks by adding an extra layer of plastic wrap, and never charge devices inside sealed storage boxes.

7. Clean food containers, pet supplies, and kitchen appliances.

Even if food is finished, crumbs, oil stains, and odours may attract pests. Clean lunchboxes, coffee machines, oven accessories, and pet supplies per material instructions, remove residue, and ensure they are completely dry; do not seal damp items.

If items show pests, eggs, mould spots, or strong odours, stop mixing them with others and enquire about storage after cleaning. Pest control, mould removal, or professional restoration are not included in general storage services.

8. Collectibles, medicine, and special materials require their own suitable storage conditions.

Artworks, negatives, antiques, alcohol, or medical supplies may have specific requirements for temperature, humidity, light, ventilation, and hygiene. Standard air-conditioning is not proof of a professional preservation standard, and pricing or security facilities cannot replace a suitability assessment.

Provide the nature of the items, preservation requirements, and declared value during your enquiry, then verify the receipt and coverage scope. If our service is not suitable, choose a solution with the appropriate professional capabilities rather than omitting the item types to gain entry into the warehouse.