Not everything belongs in a storage unit — whether commercial or peer-to-peer. Some items are banned for safety or legal reasons, others will deteriorate beyond repair, and some are simply not worth the monthly cost of storing them. Here's what you should never put in storage in Ireland.
Legally Prohibited Items
- Flammable materials: Petrol, diesel, gas canisters, lighter fluid, aerosols in bulk
- Explosives/fireworks: Illegal to store outside licensed premises
- Firearms: Must be stored according to Garda licensing requirements
- Illegal substances: Obviously
- Hazardous waste: Asbestos, chemical waste, contaminated materials
Items That Will Be Ruined
- Food and perishables: Will rot, attract pests, and contaminate other items
- Plants: Need light and water — they'll die
- Wet or damp items: Anything not fully dry will develop mould
- Candles/wax items: Melt in summer heat (garages and containers get hot)
- Opened paint tins: Dry out, leak, or release fumes
Items Not Worth Storing
Ask yourself: does it cost more to store for 6 months than to replace? If yes, sell or donate it:
- Cheap IKEA furniture (costs €100 to store for a year, costs €100 to replace)
- Old magazines and newspapers (unless genuinely valuable)
- Broken items you'll "fix someday"
- Clothes that don't fit (be honest with yourself)
- Duplicate kitchen items
Items That Need Special Consideration
- Valuables over €5,000: Consider specialist storage with appropriate insurance
- Important documents: Store copies, keep originals in a fireproof safe or with a solicitor
- Medications: Most need temperature control — don't store in garages
Want to make sure your stored items are in a safe, reliable space? Read our guide on whether peer-to-peer storage is safe. Know what you're storing and choose your space accordingly. Browse spaces on Packhood and pick the right conditions for your items.