You can store many everyday household and business items with BEAM Space, including furniture, mains-powered electronics, seasonal belongings, documents and business stock.
Some items are prohibited for safety, legal or insurance reasons. These include food, all liquids, hazardous materials, valuables such as jewellery and currency, and devices containing lithium-ion batteries.
Unlike traditional self storage, you do not need to rent a unit, visit a facility or move anything yourself. BEAM Space is a valet storage service in Singapore and Malaysia: our crew collects your items from your door, stores them securely and delivers them back when you need them.
Already know what you are storing? Book now and our crew will come to you.
Key Takeaways
- Many everyday household and business items can be stored, including furniture, appliances, mains-powered electronics, seasonal items, documents and business stock.
- Fridges and other mains-powered appliances can be stored once cleaned, defrosted and fully dry.
- Electronics without a lithium-ion battery, such as TVs and monitors, are generally accepted.
- Prohibited items include food, all liquids, hazardous materials, valuables such as jewellery and currency, and anything containing a lithium-ion battery.
- BEAM Space’s Storage by Item service suits boxes and single items under 15kg, while Storage by Space suits larger volumes or bulkier items.
What Items Can You Put in a Storage Unit?
Many household, personal and business items can be stored in self storage without any issues. As a rule of thumb, if it is dry, non-hazardous, battery-free and replaceable, it’s most likely allowed.
- Furniture and Homeware: Sofas, beds, tables, wardrobes, mirrors and decor you don’t use daily.
- Appliances: Fridges, washing machines, microwaves and other appliances, once properly cleaned and prepared.
- Powered Electronics: TVs, monitors and other electronics that do not rely on a lithium-ion battery.
- Seasonal and Occasional-Use Items: Festive decorations, luggage, camping gear and out-of-season clothing.
- Documents and Records: Business files, contracts and general paperwork, packed in sealed boxes. Irreplaceable originals such as deeds, bonds and securities are restricted. See below.
- Business Stock and Equipment: Inventory, tools, office equipment and seasonal retail stock that does not fall under a prohibited category.
- Sports and Hobby Equipment: Bicycles, golf clubs, surfboards and other bulky gear that takes up space at home, excluding e-bikes and e-scooters.
What Can’t You Store in a Storage Unit?
BEAM Space’s Terms of Use set out a longer list of prohibited items than many customers expect. These items are restricted for safety, legal and insurance reasons. BEAM Space can refuse any item at its discretion.
- Food and Perishable Items: Anything that can spoil, rot or attract pests.
- Animals, Plants and Other Living Things: Storage facilities are not a suitable environment for anything living.
- Valuables and Precious Items: Jewellery, bullion, currency, furs, precious metals, gems and stones.
- Fine Art and Collectibles: Original artwork and collectable items are not accepted.
- Irreplaceable Items: Heirlooms, bonds, securities and deeds, along with other items that cannot be replaced if lost or damaged.
- Firearms, Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives: Not accepted under any circumstances, regardless of licensing.
- Corrosive, Combustible or Flammable Materials: Paints, oils, gunpowder, kerosene, petrol and cleaning solvents.
- Compressed Gas: Includes gas canisters and cylinders of any kind.
- Liquids: All liquids are restricted, not just open or leaking containers.
- Desiccant Boxes and Moisture Absorbers: Not accepted, even as part of packing your other items.
- Fertiliser: Restricted along with other agricultural chemicals.
- Chemical, Radioactive or Biological Materials: Toxic waste, asbestos and any other hazardous substance.
- Items That Emit Fumes, Odours, Noise or Vibration: Anything audible, felt or noticeable from outside its packaging.
- Illegal Substances and Goods: Drugs, narcotics and any item that was illegally obtained.
- Lithium-ion Batteries and Devices Containing Them: This includes many laptops, phones, power tools and e-bikes. See below for what this means for electronics.
- Any Item Restricted by Law: BEAM Space cannot accept items whose storage is separately controlled by legislation.
Can You Store a Fridge, Other Appliances or Electronics?
Yes, fridges and other mains-powered appliances can usually be stored, once fully cleaned, defrosted and dried, with doors left slightly open to prevent mould and odours. Cordless or battery-powered appliances may fall under the lithium-ion battery restriction below. Please disconnect and drain appliances before your pickup, as our crew does not disconnect or reinstall them.
BEAM Space’s Terms of Use exclude lithium-ion batteries and any product containing one, which rules out most laptops, phones, tablets, cordless tools and e-bikes.
Electronics without a battery, such as TVs and monitors, are generally accepted, and devices with a removable battery may be stored once the battery is taken out, though the battery itself cannot be stored. Standard storage is at ambient temperature, so for sensitive electronics ask about our optional air-conditioned storage (an add-on, subject to availability), and check with BEAM Space if you are unsure about a specific item.
Storage by Item or Storage by Space: Which Suits What You’re Storing?
BEAM Space offers two ways to store your items: Storage by Item for smaller, individually tracked belongings and Storage by Space for larger volumes or bulkier items.
- Storage by Item: Works well for boxes, luggage, documents, seasonal decorations and other items under 15kg.
- Storage by Space: Works well for furniture, appliances, business inventory and anything too bulky or heavy for item-based storage.
Compare costs for both options on our pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Items Are Not Allowed in Self Storage?
BEAM Space prohibits a wide range of items, including food, liquids, valuables such as jewellery and currency, fine art, collectibles, weapons, flammable or hazardous materials and devices containing lithium-ion batteries. See the full list above for every category.
Can I Store a Fridge in a Storage Unit?
Yes, provided it has been cleaned, defrosted and dried out completely before storage. Leave the door slightly open to prevent mould and odours.
Can I Store Electronics in Storage?
It depends on the device. Electronics that rely on a lithium-ion battery, including many phones, laptops and tablets, are prohibited. Mains-powered electronics without a battery are generally accepted. Check with BEAM Space if you are unsure about a specific item.
Can I Store Cash or Valuables in a Storage Unit?
No. Cash, jewellery, currency, bullion, precious metals, gems and other valuables are listed as prohibited items and cannot be accepted for storage.
Can I Store Lithium-ion Batteries or Devices That Contain Them?
No. Lithium-ion batteries and any product containing one, including many laptops, phones, power tools and e-bikes, are prohibited.
What Happens If I Store a Restricted Item?
BEAM Space can refuse a prohibited item at pickup. If one is found later, it may be returned to you, disposed of or reported to the authorities, you are responsible for any resulting costs, and BEAM Space is not liable for loss or damage to it.
Do I Need to Tell BEAM Space What I Am Storing?
Yes, letting the BEAM Space crew know what you are storing helps them check it against the prohibited items list and flag anything unsuitable during collection. You can also check our FAQ page for more detail.
Store With Confidence at BEAM Space
Knowing what you can and cannot store makes the whole process easier, and BEAM Space handles the rest. Our crew collects, catalogues and stores your items securely.
Ready to get started? Get in touch or book now and let BEAM Space take care of your storage from collection to return.