Safe Storage: A Guide for Hosts and Storers
Practical tips to protect belongings and build trust with every booking.
Allowing someone to store belongings in your home, or trusting a stranger to look after your possessions, requires a small leap of faith. The good news is that a few straightforward habits can reduce risk dramatically for both hosts and storers. Whether you are listing your first space or booking your tenth, these practical guidelines will help you protect belongings and build lasting trust.
Tips for hosts
Documentation is your best friend. Before accepting items, take a quick photo or video showing the condition of your space. Note any existing marks or wear so there is no confusion later. Make sure your space is secure, well-lit, and free from damp. If you have home insurance, check whether hosting storage affects your cover and consider informing your insurer.
Set clear expectations from the start. Communicate your access hours, any items you do not want stored in your space, and how you prefer to handle drop-offs and collections. A brief welcome message with this information saves both parties from awkward misunderstandings later. The more transparent you are upfront, the smoother every booking will run.
Tips for storers
Storers can build trust by communicating clearly. Let the host know exactly what you plan to store and how long you expect to need the space. If something changes — whether it is a delayed collection or a need for more room — reach out immediately rather than hoping the host will not notice. Honest communication almost always leads to a better outcome than silence.
Pack your belongings carefully before storing them. Use sturdy boxes, wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or blankets, and label everything clearly. If you are storing electronics, remove batteries to prevent corrosion. Taking the time to pack properly not only protects your possessions but also shows the host that you respect their space.
Insurance and liability
Insurance is an area that both hosts and storers should take seriously. As a host, review your home insurance policy to understand whether it covers third-party belongings stored on your property. Many standard policies do not, so you may need to add specific cover or take out a separate policy. The cost is usually modest and well worth the peace of mind.
Storers should consider maintaining their own contents insurance that covers items stored away from home. Some renters' and homeowners' policies extend cover to belongings in off-site storage, but this varies by provider. Check your policy wording carefully, and if you are storing anything of significant value, confirm the cover in writing with your insurer before proceeding.
What to avoid storing
Not everything belongs in a peer-to-peer storage space, and being clear about restrictions protects everyone. Hosts should specify in their listing that they do not accept hazardous materials, flammable liquids, perishable food, or anything illegal. These are common-sense exclusions, but stating them explicitly avoids uncomfortable conversations later.
Storers should avoid leaving items that are extremely valuable or irreplaceable — such as important legal documents, jewellery, or sentimental one-of-a-kind items — in any storage setting without appropriate insurance. While peer-to-peer storage is safe and reliable, no environment is entirely risk-free, and certain possessions are better kept in a bank safe-deposit box or a specialist facility.
Use the platform
Both parties benefit from using the in-app messaging and booking system rather than side channels. The platform keeps a record of agreements, payments, and communications that protects everyone if a disagreement arises. Verified profiles, ratings, and reviews add another layer of accountability that makes the entire community safer over time.
Avoid the temptation to arrange payments outside the app, even if it seems simpler. Cash transactions leave no paper trail and offer no protection if something goes wrong. The small platform fee is a worthwhile investment in security and dispute resolution.
Resolving disputes
Even with the best preparation, occasional disagreements can arise. If you notice damage to stored items or to the storage space itself, document it immediately with photos and a written description. Contact the other party through the platform's messaging system to discuss the issue calmly and factually.
Most disputes are resolved quickly when both parties approach the conversation in good faith. If you cannot reach an agreement directly, StoreShare's support team can review the evidence — photos, messages, and booking details — and help mediate a fair resolution. The key is to act promptly, stay polite, and keep everything on the record. Prevention is always better than cure, but knowing that a clear resolution process exists gives both hosts and storers the confidence to participate with peace of mind.