When it comes to finding reliable self storage in Dorset, having a secure, flexible space can make life significantly easier – whether you’re moving house, decluttering, or storing business stock. At Hogleaze Storage, we pride ourselves on offering clean, highly secure units you can trust with your belongings.
That said, knowing what not to store is just as important as knowing what you can. Following a few simple guidelines helps protect your items, maintain a safe environment, and ensure you get the very best out of your storage unit.
Here’s our expert guide to 10 items you should avoid putting into storage and what to do instead.
1. Perishable Food
While it might seem convenient, food items can spoil over time and attract unwanted pests. Even sealed products can degrade, especially during longer storage periods.
Top tip: Stick to storing durable household goods, furniture, and boxed items to keep your unit clean and fresh.
2. Items That Need Care or Regular Attention
Items like plants or anything requiring ongoing maintenance aren’t suited to storage units. They need light, airflow, and regular care to stay in good condition.
Better alternative: Keep these items at home or with someone who can care for them properly.
3. Flammable or Combustible Materials
Safety is a top priority in any professional Dorset storage facility. Items such as petrol, gas cylinders, or fireworks can pose serious risks and are not suitable for storage.
Why it matters: Avoiding these items helps ensure a safe environment for all customers and protects your belongings.
4. Hazardous Chemicals
Strong cleaning agents, solvents, and other chemicals can leak or produce fumes over time. These can damage your items or affect neighbouring units.
Helpful guidance: If you’re unsure about a particular product, our team is always happy to advise.
5. Items That Require Special Storage or Permissions
Some belongings need specialist conditions or fall outside standard storage guidelines. This doesn’t mean they can’t be stored – it just means they may need a tailored solution.
Our approach: We’re always here to help. Feel free to get in touch with our friendly team for guidance on the best storage option for your needs.
6. Wet or Damp Items
Packing away items that aren’t completely dry can lead to mould or mildew over time.
Best practice: Make sure everything is clean and fully dry before storing. This is especially important for furniture self-storage, where fabrics, wood and leather can be affected by moisture.
7. Very High-Value or Irreplaceable Items
At Hogleaze Storage, we offer highly secure units, giving our customers real peace of mind. However, for extremely valuable or sentimental items, some customers prefer to keep them close to hand or ensure they’re fully insured.
Good to know: We’re always happy to talk you through our security features so you can make the best decision for your belongings.
8. Important Documents
While your storage unit is safe and secure, items like passports, wills, or legal paperwork are often needed at short notice.
Recommendation: Keep essential documents somewhere easily accessible at home for convenience.
9. Electronics (Without Proper Preparation)
Electronics can be stored successfully, but they do need a little extra care.
Storage tips:
- Use original packaging where possible
- Wrap items securely
- Avoid leaving batteries inside devices
If you’re unsure, we can advise on the best way to protect your electronics during storage.
10. Strongly Scented or Pest-Attracting Items
Items with strong odours or residue can attract pests or affect the freshness of your unit.
Simple solution: Keep your storage space neutral by avoiding heavily scented products or anything that may leave a residue.
Bonus Safety Tip: Take Extra Care with Lithium Batteries
One of the most important things to be aware of when using self storage is the safe handling of lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries are commonly found in items such as:
- E-scooters
- Power tools
- E-bikes
- Laptops and electronics
- Rechargeable household devices
While these items are perfectly common in everyday life, damaged or low-quality lithium batteries can become a fire risk if stored incorrectly. In rare cases, they can overheat or self-combust — particularly if:
- The battery is damaged
- It’s a cheap or non-original replacement battery
- It has been poorly manufactured
- Large quantities are stored together
This is especially important with aftermarket batteries sometimes used in e-scooters or e-bikes, where lower-quality replacements may not meet proper safety standards.
At Hogleaze Storage, customer safety and the protection of your belongings are always our priority. If you’re planning to store any item containing lithium batteries and you’re unsure whether it’s suitable, we strongly recommend speaking with our team first.
We’re always happy to provide honest, practical advice to help you store your belongings safely and responsibly.
Making the Most of Your Self Storage in Dorset
The good news is that the vast majority of everyday items (furniture, household goods, business stock, and more) are perfectly suited to storage. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your belongings remain safe, clean, and in excellent condition for as long as you need.
At Hogleaze Storage, we go above and beyond to provide:
- Modern, well-maintained storage units
- Advanced security for total peace of mind
- Flexible options to suit both personal and business needs
- A friendly, knowledgeable local team ready to help
Whether you’re looking for short-term space during a move or long-term self storage in Dorset, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.
Need Advice? We’re Here to Help
If you’re unsure about what you can store, or want help choosing the right unit, our teams in Dorchester and Weymouth are always happy to guide you.
👉 Visit our website: https://hogleazestorage.co.uk/
👉 Or give us a call to speak directly with our friendly team
We’ll help you find the perfect storage solution with confidence and peace of mind.