FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your questions about container storage answered

Got a question about Safe & Dry, our containers or about storage in general? These are the answers to some of the most common questions we're asked...

A wide shot image showing storage containers lined up at the Safe & Dry site

Container storage is a simple and secure way to store your belongings inside a dedicated storage container. You rent a container for as long as you need, load your items into it, lock it securely, and keep them stored at a storage facility like Safe & Dry. Containers like ours are commonly used for house moves, renovations, business stock, furniture, tools, seasonal items, and long-term storage.

Yes, container storage is ideal for household furniture and personal belongings. Sofas, beds, wardrobes, boxes, appliances, garden furniture, and general home contents can all be stored safely, provided they are packed properly. For best results, use protective covers and sturdy boxes.

Container storage is designed to be secure. Safe & Dry uses strong steel containers, gated access, CCTV and secure locks to help protect your belongings. You will have your own lock and key access, meaning only you can access your container unless you choose otherwise.

Access depends on the storage facility, but many container storage sites offer regular access during opening hours, and some, like Safe & Dry, provide 24-hour access. It is always worth checking access times before booking, especially if you need to visit your container regularly.

The right size depends on what you plan to store. A smaller container may suit boxes, tools, or seasonal items, while a larger container is better for furniture, house moves, or business stock. For a guide on our container sizes and what they hold, take a look at our size guide.

You can usually store household furniture, boxes, business stock, tools, sports equipment, documents, garden items, and seasonal belongings. Container storage is flexible and suitable for both personal and business use. Items should be clean, dry, and safely packed before going into storage.

Yes. Most UK storage facilities do not allow hazardous, illegal, flammable, explosive, perishable, or living items to be stored. This usually includes gas bottles, petrol, chemicals, food, plants, animals, firearms, and stolen goods. Here at Safe & Dry, we don't permit the following in our storage containers: You must not store (or allow any other person to store) any of the following in the unit:

(a) food or perishable goods unless securely packed so they are protected from and do not attract vermin;

(b) any living creatures;

(c) combustible or flammable substances such as gas, paint, petrol, oil, cleaning solvents or compressed gases;

(d) firearms, explosives, weapons or ammunition;

(e) chemicals, radioactive materials, biological agents; toxic waste, asbestos or other potentially hazardous substances;

(f) any item that emits fumes, or odours;

(g) any illegal item or substances or goods illegally obtained such as illicit (counterfeit/smuggled) tobacco or alcohol and unlicensed or unsafe goods (such as toys, electrical goods, medicines, aerosols, cosmetics, fireworks);

(h) goods which are environmentally harmful or that are a risk to the property of any person;

(i) items which are irreplaceable, which may include, currency, jewellery, furs, deeds, paintings, curios, works of art and items of personal sentimental value.

Many storage companies require stored items to be insured, either through your own suitable policy or a policy arranged through the storage provider. Insurance helps protect your belongings against risks such as theft, fire, or damage. Always check what is covered and make sure the value of your goods is accurate. Here at Safe & Dry, insurance is required, with a minimum cover of £1,000. If you have your own policy, just provide a copy showing our address as the storage location before moving in.

Booking container storage should always be straightforward. Choose the size of container you need, check availability, confirm the price and access arrangements, then complete your booking with the storage provider. In most cases, you'll need to provide ID, agree to the storage terms, and arrange insurance before moving your items in. Here at Safe & Dry, simply request a quote and we'll be in touch right away to arrange everything for you and answer any questions you might have.