Quick answer: You can't store anything dangerous, inflammable, explosive, illegal, stolen, perishable or environmentally harmful in a self storage unit. You also shouldn't store irreplaceable valuables like cash, jewellery, property deeds, artwork or sentimental items. Everything else — furniture, appliances, boxes, documents and business stock — is welcome.
Why storage facilities restrict certain items
A storage facility holds goods belonging to dozens of families and businesses under one roof. One leaking chemical can, one forgotten gas cylinder or one bag of rotting food can damage everyone's belongings, attract pests or create a fire risk.
That's why our Terms and Conditions clearly list what can and cannot go into a storage unit. These rules protect your goods as much as anyone else's.
Items you cannot store
Under our storage agreement, you must not store goods that are:
- Dangerous or hazardous: gas cylinders, acids, strong chemicals, pesticides and similar items.
- Inflammable or explosive: petrol, diesel, kerosene, paint thinners, firecrackers, and anything that can catch fire easily.
- Perishable: food items, grains, fruits, vegetables and plants. These rot, smell and attract rodents and insects.
- Environmentally harmful: anything that can leak, contaminate or pollute.
- Illegal or stolen: any goods you aren't legally allowed to own or deal with.
- A risk to other people's property: anything that could damage neighbouring units or the facility.
If you're unsure whether an item is allowed, ask our team before you pack it. It's much easier to sort out on the phone than on moving day.
Items you shouldn't store: irreplaceable valuables
Some items aren't dangerous, but we still ask you not to store them because they can't be replaced if anything goes wrong. These include:
- Cash and currency
- Jewellery
- Furs
- Property deeds and original title documents
- Paintings, curios and works of art
- Items of personal sentimental value
For these, a bank locker or keeping them with you at home is the safer choice.
Your unit is for storage only
A storage unit is a place to keep goods, not to work or live in. Our terms say the space must be used only for storage. You can't run a business, operate a workshop or carry out any other activity inside the unit.
That said, businesses are very welcome to store stock, inventory, equipment and files with us. You just can't run the business from inside the unit.
You must own what you store
When you sign your storage agreement, you confirm that you own the goods (or are legally entitled to deal with them) and that you know what's inside your unit. You're also responsible for following any laws that apply to the items you store. If something stored breaks the law, the liability — including any costs — rests with the customer.
If illegal or environmentally harmful activity is found, the facility can end the agreement without notice.
What you can store
Most of what's in a typical home or office is perfectly fine, including:
- Furniture: sofas, beds, wardrobes, dining sets
- Appliances: fridges, washing machines, TVs (cleaned and dry)
- Boxes of clothes, books, kitchenware and household items
- Office files and business documents
- Business stock, inventory and equipment
- Seasonal items, sports gear and luggage
A quick checklist before you pack
- Remove any gas cylinders, fuel, paints and chemicals.
- Clear out all food, including packed snacks in kitchen boxes.
- Take out cash, jewellery and original documents.
- Make sure appliances are clean and fully dry to avoid smells and mould.
- Make a simple list of what's going into storage and keep a copy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I store an LPG gas cylinder?
No. Gas cylinders are inflammable and hazardous, so they can't be stored.
Can I store sealed or packaged food?
We recommend not storing any food. Food is perishable and attracts pests, which puts every customer's goods at risk.
Can I store important papers?
Yes, business files and records are fine — we offer dedicated document storage. But keep original property deeds and similar irreplaceable documents in a bank locker.
Can I work from my storage unit?
No. The unit is for storage only. You can store business goods, but you can't run the business from inside the unit.
What if I'm not sure about an item?
Call or WhatsApp our team before you pack. We'll tell you whether it can go in.
Store with confidence
Urban Self Storage offers secure, flexible storage for homes and businesses across Bengaluru. Not sure what to bring or how much space you need? Talk to us.
📞 +91 99000 56394 · ✉️ info@urbanselfstorage.in · Get a free quote
This article is a simple summary of our storage terms. Your signed storage agreement and our Terms and Conditions always apply.
