A container is one of the safest and most flexible storage spaces you can rent. But not everything is suitable for storage: some items risk being ruined, while others can put your entire load at risk. Before you load up, it’s worth knowing clearly what you can store in a container and what you can’t. This guide sorts it all out.

What you can safely store

The vast majority of household and business items store with no problem at all:

  • Furniture of all kinds: sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables, chairs.
  • Appliances: fridges, washing machines, TVs (dry and drained of water).
  • Boxes of clothes, books, kitchenware and personal belongings.
  • Business equipment: stock, shop fittings, archives, tools.
  • Seasonal equipment: sun loungers, umbrellas, garden gear, sports items.
  • Bicycles, motorcycles (with an empty tank) and watersports equipment.

What you should NEVER store

Certain categories of items are dangerous, illegal or simply unsuitable for container storage. Avoid them:

Flammable and explosive materials

  • Petrol, diesel, LPG, propane cylinders.
  • Solvents, paints, chemicals and pressurised aerosols.
  • Fireworks and any flammable gas or liquid.

The high temperatures that build up inside a closed metal container in summer can turn these materials into a serious fire or explosion hazard.

Food and perishables

  • Fresh or frozen food.
  • Open or unsealed dry food.
  • Pet food in opened packaging.

Food rots, grows mould and — worst of all — attracts rodents and insects that will ruin the rest of your belongings too. Hermetically sealed cans for a short period are the only exception.

Batteries and anything containing them

  • Car and lead-acid batteries.
  • Devices with lithium batteries in prolonged storage.

With temperature swings, batteries can leak, corrode or, in the case of lithium, overheat. If you’re storing electronics, remove the batteries where possible.

Other unsuitable items

  • Living plants and animals (obvious, but worth stating).
  • Anything wet or damp — it causes mould throughout the space.
  • Illegal items or undeclared goods.
  • High-value valuables without proper insurance (jewellery, cash, important documents — better kept with you).

Special cases: caution, not prohibition

  • Sensitive electronics: storable, but with silica gel and humidity protection.
  • Musical instruments and valuable wooden furniture: need stable conditions and dehumidification.
  • Documents and photographs: in watertight boxes, off the floor.

The golden rule of safe storage

If something is flammable, perishable, living or illegal, it doesn’t go in the container. For everything else, with proper packing, dehumidification and a quality, watertight container, storage is perfectly safe for months or even years.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, as long as they are completely dry and drained of water. Leave fridge and washing machine doors slightly open to prevent mould.

Yes, with an empty fuel tank and, ideally, a disconnected battery.

Chemicals, solvents and pressurised aerosols must not be stored — they are flammable and dangerous in the high summer temperatures.

Unsure about something specific?

If you’re not certain whether an item can be stored, just ask us. Call +30 697 192 4580 or request a quote online and we’ll guide you towards safe storage in Chania.