Fans of Storage Hunters or Storage Wars will testify that you can store plenty of weird and wonderful things in a container. From breast augmentation machines to an actual human skeleton, these “reality” shows have led many people to believe anything and everything can be stored.
Unfortunately, Townsville and Cairns storage solutions must be a little more stringent due to our North Queensland climate. We must also adhere to a few more rules and regulations in Australia.
So, if you’ve been binge-watching these shows and think storage may be the perfect place to “hide” your weaponry or anything that “fell off the back of a van”, maybe read on. Some of the following items we absolutely can’t keep in storage, may surprise you.
Flammable materials
We’re a bit protective of our storage facilities and unfortunately, we’re not fans of the charred effect. Due to their volatile nature and ability to burst into flames, (un)surprisingly, we cannot accept flammable materials. This includes kerosene, ammonia, cooking oils, paint thinners, gas, matches and fireworks.
Corrosive liquids and items
Corrosive liquids such as bleach, antifreeze, and other chemicals are also off the menu. Along with corrosive items that may leak or explode, such as batteries, these are considered to be ‘dangerous goods’ and, therefore, require specialist storage.
In our humid climate, the tendency for leaks increases, which can damage other possessions held in storage and, if they contact your skin, can also burn.
Personal documents
While it might seem like a good idea to stash your important paperwork away in storage, personal documents such as passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, and bank statements are best kept close-by. The risk of needing these vital documents and not having immediate access to them could cause delays in receiving treatment or simply being unable to verify your identity.
If you’re looking for a safe place to store them, we recommend a safety deposit box that you can securely install at your place of residence.
Food
You might think it’s convenient to store some non-perishable food items, but storing any type of food, whether perishable or non-perishable, is a big no-no. Food can attract pests and create unpleasant odours, which is something neither we nor our neighbours appreciate.
Living things
This one should be a no-brainer, but just in case, we must insist that you don’t store anything living in our storage units. Pets, plants, or even your kids (yes, we’ve heard it all) do not belong in storage.
Wine collections
Wine enthusiasts might be tempted to store their precious collection, but without climate control, storage units are not suitable for long-term wine storage. Fluctuating temperatures and the FNQ humidity can ruin the taste and quality of your wine. For optimal storage, consider specialised wine storage facilities.
Art collections
Similar to wine, art collections require a climate-controlled environment to prevent damage. If stored improperly, artwork’s value can be significantly diminished, leading to issues like mould growth, warping, and fading.
If you are looking for a specialised solution, our team may be able to help point you in the right direction.
Weapons or ammunition
Whether you are a doomsday prepper who has run out of space or an enthusiast with a gun license, unfortunately, we cannot store your weaponry.
There are strict regulations governing the storage of weapons and ammunition. If you need to store firearms or ammunition, seek licensed facilities that will have safe, secure options for your armoury.
Stolen goods
Looking for somewhere to hide your loot until the heat cools down? It’s a hard pass from us, I’m afraid. Our storage facilities are intended for legitimate purposes, so please keep it legal.
While the list of items we CANNOT store is pretty long, there are actually many, many thousands of everyday items that we can. By being strict about what we can safely store, we help ensure the protection of your furniture and other possessions.
To learn more about our storage solutions, click here.
