Apols if this has been asked before.

Bought house in Whiterun and using chest to store items. I'm pretty certain I read somewhere that you can't store "quest items" so perhaps someone might confirm that. My other point is when you try and smith or tan something, will the game recognize that some of the items (might be stored away?

Thanks

Yes you're right. Quest items cannot be stored until said quest is complete. Even then, some items will remain permanently in your inventory. The good news is they weigh nothing so don't contribute to your carry weight. The bad news, if you're like me and have OCD, then that can get pretty irritating.

Quest items cannot be removed from you inventory, and therefore cannot be stored.

If you're smithing/smelting/tanning/grinding/enchanting/alchemy-ing you need to have all of your materials/supplies you intend to use on your person. If you've got them stored away, they cannot be used.