What you can store — and what you can’t
Household goods, business stock, seasonal gear: what belongs in a unit, and what South African law keeps out.
Self storage is a fantastic solution for freeing up space at home or at work. Whether you’re moving, renovating, or just tired of a cluttered garage, a storage unit can keep your belongings safe, secure, and out of the way.
But before you start loading boxes into a unit, it’s important to know the rules about what you can store and what you can’t. This isn’t just about our facility’s policies — it’s also about safety, protecting your items, and complying with South African laws.
At Handi Store Bloemfontein, we want you to get the best out of your storage unit, so here’s a clear, local guide.
Items You Can Store
Household Goods
Most household items are welcome in your storage unit:
- Furniture: Sofas, tables, beds, wardrobes
- Appliances: Fridges, washing machines, microwaves (make sure they’re cleaned and dry)
- Homewares: Clothing, kitchenware, books, children’s toys
Tip: Wrap furniture in blankets or bubble wrap to protect it from scratches while in storage.
Seasonal Items
Bloemfontein’s changing seasons mean some things are only used part of the year:
- Winter coats and blankets
- Summer sports gear like surfboards or fishing rods
- Christmas trees and decorations
- Gardening tools and outdoor furniture
Rotating these through your storage unit keeps your home clutter-free year-round.
Business Stock & Equipment
Many Bloemfontein small businesses use storage units as an affordable alternative to renting extra office or retail space.You can store:
- Extra inventory or promotional stock
- Office furniture and filing cabinets
- Tools and small machinery
Vehicles & Trailers
With the right unit size, we can store:
- Cars, motorbikes, boats, and caravans
- Trailers and small work vehicles
- Bicycles and quad bikes
Requirements: The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in working order.
Sports & Hobby Equipment
Instead of letting hobbies take over your living space, store:
- Golf clubs and fishing gear
- Kayaks, canoes, or camping kits
- DIY tools and craft materials
Items You Can’t Store
Perishable Food or Drinks
Anything that can spoil, mould, or attract pests is off-limits. This includes:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Meat and frozen goods
- Open packets of dry food like flour or pasta
Flammable or Hazardous Materials
Safety is our top priority. You can’t store anything that could cause a fire or explosion, including:
- Petrol or diesel
- Gas bottles or cylinders
- Fireworks
- Paint thinners, solvents, or strong cleaning chemicals
Illegal Goods
It should go without saying, but:
- No stolen property
- No counterfeit items
- Nothing prohibited under South African law
Living Things
This should be obvious, but a storage unit is not a suitable environment for anything alive:
- No pets or animals
- No plants or flowers (they can attract pests and mould)
Why These Rules Exist
The rules protect:
- Your belongings – from pests, mould, or damage caused by hazardous goods
- Other customers’ belongings – one person’s unsafe item can affect everyone
- Our facility – keeping it safe, secure, and compliant with regulations
Quick Checklist Before Storing
Before bringing something to your unit, ask:
- Is it clean and dry?
- Could it spoil, leak, or attract pests?
- Is it safe to store in an enclosed space?
- Is it allowed under South African law?
If you’re unsure, just ask — our team will gladly advise.
Final Word
Self storage should make life easier, not risk your belongings or safety. At Handi Store Bloemfontein, we offer clean, secure, and affordable units with clear guidelines so you can store with confidence.