If you're storing items in a space that children might access — whether it's a room in your own home, a host's garage, or a shared space — safety matters. Children are curious, and stored items can present hazards if not properly secured. Here's how to make your storage space safe.
Common Hazards in Storage Spaces
- Heavy items that could fall: Stacked boxes, tools, equipment
- Sharp objects: Tools, garden equipment, broken furniture
- Chemicals: Cleaning products, paint, solvents, pesticides
- Small parts: Choking hazards in loose boxes
- Electrical items: Power tools, devices with exposed cords
Childproofing Your Stored Items
- Place heavy boxes on the bottom, never stacked unstably at height
- Store sharp tools in locked toolboxes or high up out of reach
- Keep chemicals in sealed containers in a locked section or high shelf
- Ensure furniture and shelving are stable and won't topple
- Seal all boxes securely — no open containers children could reach into
- Cover any sharp corners or protruding parts with foam or padding
If Children Live at the Property
If you're renting storage in a home where children live (common with peer-to-peer), discuss with your host:
- Is the space lockable?
- Can children access the area unsupervised?
- Are there any items you should particularly secure?
Keeping Everyone Safe
Good communication with your host and sensible packing practices keep everyone safe. If storing anything potentially hazardous, always mention it in your booking and ensure it's properly secured. Both Packhood hosts and renters have a responsibility to keep stored items safe. For a full list of items that should never go into storage, see our guide on what not to store.
Find a secure storage space on Packhood where your items — and everyone else — stays safe.