What You Can (and Can’t) Store at ExtraStore Storage - Belfast

When you’re planning to rent a self storage unit, it’s natural to think of it as a safe extra room where you can tuck away almost anything. At ExtraStore Storage in Belfast, we give you the convenience of booking online or through our self-service kiosk and accessing your unit within minutes. But like all responsible storage providers, we follow the Self Storage Association UK’s guidelines to keep your belongings – and everyone else’s – safe, secure, and in good condition.

Not everything can go into storage, and a little preparation can go a long way to ensuring your items stay protected. Here’s a practical guide to what you can and cannot store at ExtraStore Storage.

Items you CAN store

Our storage units are designed to keep your belongings dry, secure, and easily accessible. Perfect for:

  • Furniture & Household Goods From beds and wardrobes to kitchenware, storage is ideal if you’re moving house, redecorating, or just need extra space.
  • Electronics & Appliances TVs, computers, fridges, washing machines, and more are all welcome, provided they’re cleaned and dried before storage.
  • Personal & Seasonal Items Bicycles, camping gear, suitcases, holiday decorations, sporting equipment, or those boxes of university notes you can’t quite part with.
  • Business Stock & Equipment Many local traders, online sellers, and small businesses use ExtraStore Storage to house tools, stock, or archived paperwork.

As long as your items are safe, clean, and non-hazardous, they’re good to go.

Items CANNOT Store

For safety, security, and hygiene reasons, there are certain categories of items we cannot accept in our storage units. These are not just ExtraStore rules – they’re industry standards across the UK.

Flammable, Combustible, or Hazardous Materials

  • Petrol, diesel, gas canisters, lighter fluid, fireworks, or any kind of explosive material.
  • Paints, solvents, oils, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Lithium batteries and similar high-risk items.

These materials pose a fire or explosion risk and are strictly prohibited.

Food & Perishable Goods

Storing food or drinks might seem harmless, but they can quickly attract pests and create unpleasant odours. That includes:

  • Fresh produce
  • Tins or packets of food
  • Animal feed

If it’s edible, it can’t be stored.

Animals & Plants

Live animals, pets, or plants are absolutely not permitted. Storage units are not suitable living environments and can cause harm to living things.

Vapes, Tobacco & Illegal Substances

  • E-cigarettes, vapes and related products are not allowed due to lithium battery and fire risks.
  • Illegal items or substances of any kind are prohibited.

Cash & High-Value Items

While our facility is highly secure, it’s not a replacement for a bank or safe deposit box. We recommend against storing:

  • Cash
  • Jewellery

Special Consideration: Soft Furnishings

If you’re storing soft furnishings such as rugs, carpets, sofas, woollens, or natural fibres, we ask that you cover them in plastic sheeting or protective wrapping. This helps prevent the spread of moths, damp, and pests – keeping your belongings and everyone else’s safe.

Top tip: Invest in breathable plastic covers or specialist storage bags. This gives extra protection while still allowing airflow.

Preparing Your Items for Storage

To get the most out of your storage unit at ExtraStore Belfast, here are some quick preparation tips:

  1. Clean and Dry Everything – Appliances and furniture should be free from dirt and moisture.
  2. Use Proper Packaging – Cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and strong tape go a long way.
  3. Label Clearly – Saves you digging through everything later.
  4. Cover and Protect – Especially for fabrics and mattresses.
  5. Stack Smartly – Heavier items at the bottom, lighter at the top.

Why These Rules Matter

It might feel restrictive, but these rules are there for good reason:

  • Safety – Hazardous or flammable materials could put lives and property at risk.
  • Cleanliness – Food and unwrapped fabrics could cause infestations that affect every customer.
  • Fairness – Everyone deserves a safe, clean, and secure storage experience.

At ExtraStore Storage, we pride ourselves on being one of the first fully automated self storage facilities in Belfast. By following these simple guidelines, you’re helping us maintain the highest standards of security and convenience for all our customers.

Final Word

Think of your ExtraStore unit as a secure extension of your home or business – but with clear boundaries on what’s safe to keep inside. If you’re ever unsure about an item, just reach out and we’ll be happy to advise.

That way, you’ll know your belongings are stored safely, securely, and ready whenever you need them.