Choosing what to store can be confusing. This comprehensive guide covers everything you can safely store in a self storage unit, what's prohibited, and best practices for different item types.
What You CAN Store
Household Items & Furniture
Almost all household furniture and belongings are perfectly safe for storage:
- Furniture: Sofas, beds, tables, chairs, wardrobes, bookshelves
- Appliances: Refrigerators (cleaned and dried), washing machines, microwaves, TVs
- Electronics: Computers, gaming consoles, stereo equipment
- Clothing & Textiles: Clothes, bedding, curtains (in sealed containers)
- Books & Documents: Books, photo albums, important papers (in waterproof boxes)
- Decorations: Artwork, mirrors, seasonal decorations
Business Inventory & Equipment
Storage units are excellent for business use:
- Inventory: Product stock, merchandise, retail goods
- Documents: Business records, archives, files (in fireproof containers)
- Equipment: Office furniture, computers, tools, machinery
- Marketing Materials: Brochures, signage, promotional items
- Seasonal Stock: Holiday inventory, seasonal products
Recreational Items
- Sports equipment (bikes, golf clubs, camping gear)
- Hobby supplies and collections
- Musical instruments (in climate-controlled units)
- Garden equipment and tools
What You CANNOT Store
Prohibited Items for Safety & Legal Reasons
- Hazardous Materials: Chemicals, paint, solvents, pesticides, fertilizers
- Flammable Items: Gasoline, propane, oil, fireworks
- Explosives: Ammunition, firearms (without proper permits)
- Perishables: Food, plants, anything that can rot or attract pests
- Living Things: No plants, animals, or people (obviously!)
- Illegal Items: Stolen goods, drugs, or anything unlawful
- Unregistered Vehicles: Vehicles without valid registration
- Strong Odors: Items with persistent smells that could affect other units
Best Practices by Item Type
Furniture Storage Tips
- Clean everything thoroughly before storing
- Disassemble large pieces to save space
- Cover with breathable materials (not plastic wrap)
- Elevate items off the floor with pallets or blocks
- Store mattresses flat or on their side, never bent
Electronics Storage
- Use original packaging if possible
- Remove batteries from all devices
- Wrap in bubble wrap or anti-static materials
- Consider climate-controlled units for valuable electronics
- Keep in sealed plastic containers to prevent dust
Clothing & Textiles
- Wash and dry everything completely
- Use vacuum-sealed bags to save space
- Add silica gel packets to prevent moisture
- Never store in trash bags (attracts pests)
- Consider cedar blocks to deter moths
Documents & Paper
- Use waterproof, fireproof document boxes
- Never store originals of vital documents (use a safe deposit box)
- Make digital backups of everything
- Clearly label all boxes with contents
Special Considerations for Vereeniging Storage
Climate Control
Gauteng's climate can be harsh. Consider climate-controlled storage for:
- Wooden furniture (prevents warping)
- Electronics and appliances
- Musical instruments
- Artwork and antiques
- Important documents
- Leather and fabric items
Load Shedding Concerns
With load shedding being a regular occurrence, choose a facility with backup power if you need guaranteed access. At Vereeniging Secure Storage, our triple backup system (solar + battery + generator) ensures:
- 24/7 access even during power outages
- Continuous climate control
- Active security systems at all times
- No interruption to your access needs
How Much Storage Do You Need?
Small Units (4-9m²)
Perfect for:
- Studio apartment contents
- Seasonal decorations
- Sports equipment
- Small business documents
- 20-30 boxes
Standard Units (15m²)
Ideal for:
- 1-2 bedroom apartment
- Small business inventory
- Furniture during renovation
- 50-75 boxes plus furniture
Large Units (18-30m²)
Great for:
- 3-4 bedroom house
- Business stock and equipment
- Vehicle storage
- 100+ boxes plus large furniture
Insurance Considerations
Always consider storage insurance, especially for valuable items. Basic homeowner's insurance typically doesn't cover items in storage. Storage insurance usually costs R50-150 per month and provides peace of mind.
Conclusion
Most household and business items are perfectly suitable for self storage. The key is proper preparation, appropriate unit size, and choosing the right facility features (like climate control and security) for your specific needs.
At Vereeniging Secure Storage, we offer:
- Climate-controlled units for sensitive items
- Load-shedding-proof access 24/7
- Bank-grade security for your peace of mind
- Flexible unit sizes from 4m² to 30m²
Opening December 1, 2025. Join our waitlist today and get your first month FREE as one of our first 50 customers.