The Things we Store in Self Storage

Self storage has long been known as the go-to solution for decluttering homes, safeguarding valuables, or keeping business inventory secure. But beyond the boxes, furniture and old sporting gear, there’s a whole world of unusual — and sometimes quirky — items that people stash away in storage units. From hobby collections to unexpected personal treasures, self storage can be a surprisingly creative space. Here are some of the most interesting and unexpected things you can store in self storage (as long as they meet safety rules!) and the stories behind why people do it.

1. Unusual Collections — From the Odd to the Impressive

Collectors love self storage. It offers space, privacy and controlled conditions — the perfect trio for safeguarding treasures. But some treasures are more unusual than others.

Think:

  • Vintage pinball machines

  • Arcade cabinets

  • Comic book mountains

  • Life-size movie props (stormtrooper army, anyone?)

  • Rare musical instruments, from antique harps to 1970s synthesisers

Self storage gives collectors the freedom to expand their passion without overtaking the family dining room. For many, it’s the only place where a growing collection can live safely without life turning into an episode of Hoarders.

2. Seasonal and Themed Decorations

Some people take seasonal decorating seriously. Very seriously.

Entire storage units have housed:

  • 12-foot skeletons

  • Life-sized animatronic Santas

  • Halloween graveyards

  • Dozens of themed Christmas trees

  • Boxes upon boxes of fairy lights

If your home can’t accommodate a sprawling winter wonderland or a world-class haunted-house setup year-round, self storage becomes the perfect off-season home for your festive alter-ego. And let's be honest — it’s much easier than wrestling bulky decorations into the garage rafters.

3. Hobby Gear Too Big for Home

Some hobbies naturally spill over into needing more space than most homes allow. That’s where self storage shines.

Common oversized hobby items include:

  • Kayaks, canoes and paddle boards

  • Surf skis and diving gear

  • Motorbikes and project cars

  • Camping setups that could outfit a small expedition

  • Home brewing equipment

Instead of cluttering your garage or spare room, hobbyists can store bulky items in a safe, secure space. And because many facilities offer drive-up access, grabbing that mountain bike for a weekend ride is fuss-free.

4. Business Oddities

Small businesses rely heavily on self storage — and some of the items businesses store are wonderfully unexpected.

Examples include:

  • Event companies storing giant illuminated letters

  • Wedding hire businesses with floral arches and dozens of chairs

  • Photographers keeping backdrops, props and entire themed sets

  • Food trucks storing equipment off-season

Storage units act like mini-warehouses without the overheads, making them ideal for businesses with fluctuating or bulky inventory.

5. Furniture With Stories

Self storage units often become temporary homes for sentimental items that don’t quite suit the current living arrangement. These might include:

  • A grand piano inherited from a grandparent

  • An antique dresser waiting for a renovation

  • Family heirlooms too precious to donate but not currently in use

Many people treat their storage unit like a time capsule — a place where meaningful items rest until life circumstances change.

6. Strange but Allowed — As Long as It’s Safe

Most people are surprised by how much they are allowed to store. As long as it’s non-hazardous, non-perishable and legally owned, it’s usually fine.

This often includes:

  • Costumes and cosplay armour

  • Board game collections

  • Large art installations

  • Old vinyl records and jukeboxes

There are limits, of course: no food, animals, firearms, explosives or flammables. But within those boundaries, you might be amazed at what people dream up.

Using Self Storage for How You Want to Use it

Self storage isn’t just a dumping ground for old boxes — it’s a flexible extension of your home, hobbies and life. Whether you’re a collector, a creator, a business owner or simply someone with an oversized Christmas display, a storage unit gives you the freedom to keep your unusual treasures safe, secure and out of the way until you need them.

Store the Weird, the Wonderful — and the Everyday at Stop Storage

At Stop Storage, we’ve seen it all — from the quirky and creative to the completely ordinary. Whether you’re storing a rare collection, seasonal decorations, oversized hobby gear or just the usual household items, our clean, secure and accessible units in Port Kennedy are ready for whatever you need to tuck away. Big, small, strange or standard — if it’s safe and allowed under storage guidelines, we’ll help you store it with confidence.