What is not allowed in self storage? The rules

A storage unit is wonderfully straightforward: rent a box, move in, done. Furniture, boxes, files, clothes, sports gear – the vast majority of household goods can be stored without hesitation. But there are exceptions, and they are not a catalogue of petty restrictions: They protect your belongings, your neighbours' boxes, and the entire facility.

To ensure there are no nasty surprises when storing in Zurich or elsewhere in Switzerland, here are the most important rules at a glance. By the way, most of them apply across the entire industry – once you know them, you can store worry-free anywhere in Switzerland.

Hazardous substances: an absolute taboo

First and foremost are all substances that can burn, explode, or leak. These include:

• Fuels and chemicals: Petrol, diesel, heating oil, paints, solvents, thinners, and cleaning chemicals in large quantities
• Gas bottles and pressurised containers: Camping gas, propane bottles, including supposedly empty containers
• Fireworks and ammunition: Anything explosive belongs in no storage box
• Equipment with a full tank: Lawnmowers, chainsaws, or scooters may only be stored with a completely drained tank

The reason is obvious: In a facility with hundreds of units, a single leaking canister endangers the property of all tenants.

Perishables and living things

The second major category concerns anything that is alive or perishes. Fresh and perishable foodstuffs are off-limits – they mould, smell, and attract pests that could spread throughout the facility. The same applies to plants and naturally to animals: No living creature may be kept in a storage box, not even temporarily. And because the question actually comes up time and again: People are not allowed to live or sleep in the storage unit either – self storage is storage space, not living space.

Illegal and sensitive items

Naturally, no illegal goods may be stored – such as stolen items, narcotics or unauthorized weapons. Restraint is also advised with irreplaceable valuables: large amounts of cash belong in a bank safe deposit box, not in a storage unit. For valuable items, also check whether your contents insurance covers items outside your home, and supplement the policy if necessary.

What can be stored without any problems

The good news: almost everything else is welcome. This includes furniture and household items, books and files, clothes and shoes, electrical appliances, sports equipment from skis to SUPs, tyres, tools (without fuel), collections, moving boxes and business goods. A few tips for safe storage:

• Only store dry and clean items – moisture is the most common cause of damage.
• Completely empty, defrost and dry fridges and washing machines, leaving doors slightly ajar.
• Protect upholstered furniture and mattresses with breathable covers instead of wrapping them airtight in plastic.
• Remove batteries from devices before storing them – leaking cells permanently damage electronics.

When in doubt: just ask

Not every item can be categorized right away. Can a petrol lawnmower be stored? Yes – but only with a completely empty tank. The e-bike battery? It's better to store batteries at home at room temperature, while the bike itself is in best hands in the storage unit. The espresso machine? No problem, as long as it is empty and dry. If you are unsure, just ask us before storing – this saves discussions and protects you in case of damage. As a rule of thumb: whatever can stand in a normal living room can usually go into the box, too.

Conclusion: Clear rules, worry-free storage

The list of prohibited items is short and logical: nothing dangerous, nothing perishable, nothing living, nothing illegal. Stick to this, and nothing stands in the way of worry-free storage. At Squarefoot you rent units from 1 to 40 m³ – with a minimum rental period of 30 days, cancel monthly, at prices per month excluding 8,1 % VAT and a one-off registration fee of 40 CHF; currently, the first month is available for 1 CHF with a two-month minimum commitment. You can find all the details on the self storage costs page. Whether a storage unit in Zurich or at one of our over 30 other locations: book your box online – and store what's allowed. Fortunately, that's almost everything.