Most people picture self storage as a graveyard of cardboard boxes and tired sofas. But a modern storage unit can be a genuinely useful “extra room” for life events such as house moves, renovations, new babies, downsizing, business growth… you name it.
The surprise is what you can store (when it’s packed properly)… and what you absolutely can’t, even if it seems harmless.
If you’re looking for a storage facility Chesterfield residents can use for everyday life and business needs, this guide will help you avoid the classic “turn up with the wrong stuff” mistake, while getting the most out of indoor self storage Chesterfield options.
The golden rule: storage is about safety, pests, and moisture
Most “can/can’t store” rules aren’t random. They usually come down to:
- Safety: fire risk, fumes, pressure (gas/aerosols), chemicals, lithium batteries
- Legality: stolen goods, counterfeit items, controlled items
- Pests: food (even “sealed” snacks can attract rodents and insects)
- Moisture & mould: damp fabrics, wet furniture, condensation inside appliances
Different providers have different terms, so always check your facility’s rules. But these are the most common surprises people run into when using secure storage Chesterfield customers rely on.
1) You can store a fridge/freezer… but you can’t store it “as-is”
You can store: Fridges, freezers, wine coolers, dehumidifiers, small appliances
Common “can’t” problem: Anything with moisture trapped inside (and anything containing food)
Little-known tip: Fridges stored closed can become mould factories. The smell can get so embedded that it never fully goes away.
Do this instead:
- Fully defrost and dry it (including the drip tray)
- Wipe with a mild cleaner, then dry again
- Store with the door slightly ajar (a towel or wedge helps)
- Coil and tape the power cable neatly so it doesn’t snag
This is a brilliant use of indoor self storage Chesterfield units during kitchen renovations or house moves. Just make sure you prep it properly.
2) You can store books, photos, and paperwork… but you can’t store them in bin bags
You can store: Documents, books, vinyl records, photo albums, family keepsakes
Common “can’t” problem: Soft plastic bags + temperature swings = trapped humidity
Little-known fact: Paper “drinks” moisture from the air. Once it warps, it rarely goes back perfectly flat.
Better storage method:
- Use sturdy archive boxes (or clean lidded plastic tubs)
- Add a few silica gel packs (cheap and effective)
- Store books upright, not stacked like bricks (stacking can permanently bend spines)
- Keep items off the floor (even a small pallet or shelf helps)
If you’re choosing a secure storage Chesterfield unit for personal items with sentimental value, this is where packing matters more than unit size.
3) You can store a mattress… but you can’t store it without protection
You can store: Mattresses, bed frames, spare duvets, prams, cots
Common “can’t” problem: Storing soft furnishings “naked” = dust, odours, and moisture
Little-known tip: Mattresses can trap humidity inside their layers, especially memory foam, leading to musty smells and even mould spots.
Do this:
- Use a mattress bag (not cling film. Breathability matters)
- Clean and fully dry first
- Store flat if possible; if upright, avoid bending or crushing corners
- Keep fabrics away from anything that could transfer odour (paint, petrol tools, etc.)
For anyone moving home and using a storage facility Chesterfield to bridge completion dates, this one saves a lot of money (and regret).
4) You can store gym gear and bicycles… but you can’t store fuel, gas, or flammables
You can store: Bikes, e-bikes (with care), home gym equipment, scooters (non-fuel), tools
Common “can’t” problem: Petrol cans, gas canisters, solvents, fireworks, and anything flammable
Little-known fact: Some “everyday” items are classed as flammable or pressurised, such as camping gas, certain cleaners, aerosol sprays, and some paints.
Safer approach:
- Clean equipment before storage (sweat + dust = corrosion)
- Wipe metal parts and lightly oil where appropriate
- For bikes: lower tyre pressure slightly and avoid leaving them resting on one tyre for months
If you’re using indoor self storage Chesterfield for DIY or fitness gear, keep it strictly “dry goods”and leave fuels/pressurised items out of the unit.
5) You can store electronics… but you can’t store them plugged-in, dusty, or “last used yesterday”
You can store: TVs, monitors, PCs, printers, speakers, gaming consoles
Common “can’t” problem: Condensation and dust damage from poor packing
Little-known tip: Electronics hate rapid temperature changes. Moving them from a warm car into a cooler unit can cause condensation inside the device, even if the outside looks dry.
Do this:
- Let devices reach room temperature before sealing them up
- Use original boxes if you have them (or double-wall boxes)
- Wrap with soft fabric and bubble wrap (avoid direct bubble wrap on glossy screens)
- Label cords and bag them separately
- Add silica packs inside the box
This is especially relevant if you’re decluttering and relying on secure storage Chesterfield to keep valuable items safe until you need them again.
6) You can store business stock and marketing materials… but you can’t store “restricted” or risky inventory
You can store: Ecommerce stock, pop-up shop equipment, signage, printed leaflets, uniforms, spare chairs/tables
Common “can’t” problem: Stock that’s hazardous, perishable, illegal, or likely to attract pests
Little-known tip: Even “sealed” food packaging can attract pests because of scent, especially anything sugary or strongly aromatic.
Business-friendly storage ideas:
- Use racking/shelving to create a mini-warehouse layout
- Keep an inventory list (even a quick spreadsheet) taped inside the unit door
- Store bestsellers at the front for quick access
- Use uniform container sizes so stacking is safer and faster
For local businesses, a storage facility Chesterfield can be a genuine growth lever, especially when home space (or office rent) is tight.
7) You can store Christmas decorations and seasonal items… but you can’t store them with candles, aerosols, or anything that melts/leaks
You can store: Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, holiday décor, camping gear, seasonal clothing
Common “can’t” problem: Heat-sensitive and leak-prone items (candles, certain cosmetics, aerosols, some adhesives/paints)
Little-known fact: Scented candles and some toiletries can soften, sweat oils, or leak in storage conditions, ruining fabrics and absorbing into cardboard.
Do this:
- Store décor in lidded tubs, not open boxes
- Wrap fragile ornaments individually (paper works better than plastic for long storage)
- Keep lights in labelled bags to stop tangles becoming a February nightmare
- Avoid storing anything that could leak onto textiles
Seasonal storage is one of the best reasons to use indoor self storage Chesterfield, because it gives you back cupboard and loft space instantly.
Quick “No-Go” list: items most storage units won’t allow
While rules vary, these are commonly prohibited almost everywhere:
- Food and perishables (including anything likely to attract pests)
- Living things (plants, animals)
- Flammables & fuels (petrol/diesel, solvents, many paints, fireworks)
- Gas/pressurised items (gas canisters, some aerosols)
- Hazardous/toxic chemicals (strong cleaning chemicals, pesticides, biohazards)
- Illegal goods (stolen items, counterfeit products, controlled items)
If in doubt, ask first, especially if you’re aiming for secure storage Chesterfield that you can rely on long-term.
A smarter way to pack your unit (so items come out as good as they went in)
A few simple moves make a massive difference:
- Go plastic for long-term: Cardboard is fine short-term; plastic tubs win for months+
- Label two sides: You’ll always stack one side against a wall
- Create an aisle: Even a small walkway saves hours later
- Keep “heavy low, light high” to prevent crushed boxes
- Don’t seal moisture in: Make sure items are dry before boxing
Need indoor self storage in Chesterfield?
If you’re clearing space at home, moving house, renovating, or growing a business, choosing a reputable storage facility in Chesterfield can make life simpler fast, especially when you want secure storage Chesterfield customers use for peace of mind.
Go Store’s indoor self storage options are ideal for keeping your belongings organised, protected, and out of the way, without having to throw anything out “just to make space”.