Author: Sandra Birne

overlooked is managing your belongings. Dorm rooms and apartments are notorious for their limited space, and as a result, many college students find themselves in need of extra storage space. Self-storage facilities such as self storage Burnaby and self storage Mission can be a game-changer for students, offering a convenient and secure solution for managing their belongings. In this article, we’ll explore six ways college students can make the most of self-storage during their academic journey.

Storing Seasonal Clothing

College students often need a variety of clothing for different seasons. Instead of overcrowding your already cramped closet, consider using self-storage for storing seasonal clothing like winter coats, boots, and summer swimwear. This way, you can easily access the appropriate attire when needed without cluttering your living space.

Furniture Storage

Many college students move into furnished dorms or apartments, and these spaces may not allow for personal furniture. If you have furniture items you’d like to keep but don’t have room for, self-storage is an excellent option. It ensures your furniture remains in good condition and is ready to use when you move to a more permanent location.

Study Abroad Semester

Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity for college students, but it often involves a temporary move to another country. Instead of lugging all your belongings with you, you can store your items in a self-storage unit. This provides peace of mind, knowing your possessions are safe and secure while you explore the world.

Home for the Summer

When the academic year ends, many students head back to their family homes for the summer. Self-storage is a perfect solution for keeping your belongings secure during this time. It saves you from transporting everything back and forth and ensures your items are ready when you return for the next semester.

Decluttering Living Spaces

College students living in small spaces can quickly become overwhelmed by clutter. Self-storage allows you to declutter your living area by safely storing items you don’t need daily. This can create a more comfortable and organized living environment, conducive to studying and relaxation.

Keeping Valuables Safe

Valuable items like electronics, musical instruments, and sentimental possessions need a secure place. Self-storage facilities offer enhanced security, such as surveillance cameras, keypad access, and climate control, which can protect your belongings from theft and environmental damage.

College life can be a lot to juggle, and managing your belongings shouldn’t be a source of stress. Self-storage provides college students with a practical and flexible solution to store their items securely. Whether it’s for seasonal clothing, furniture, study abroad adventures, summer breaks, decluttering, or protecting valuables, self-storage can be a valuable resource for students. By taking advantage of these storage solutions, you can make your college experience more organized, enjoyable, and hassle-free.

Running a small business often means dealing with limited space. Whether you’re an online retailer, a service provider, or a creative entrepreneur, finding adequate storage solutions such as self storage Burnaby, self storage Mission, or self storage Victoria for your business needs can be a challenge. This is where self-storage facilities come to the rescue. In this blog post, we’ll explore five types of small businesses that can benefit from using self-storage.

1. eCommerce Retailers

With the rise of e-commerce, many small businesses are selling products online. While this eliminates the need for physical storefronts, it also presents challenges in terms of storing inventory. Self-storage units provide an economical storage solution for e-commerce businesses to store excess stock, packing materials, and seasonal items. This way, you can maintain a streamlined and organized workspace.

2. Contractors and Tradespeople

Contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople often accumulate a substantial amount of tools, equipment, and materials. Storing these items at home or in a crowded work van can be impractical. A self storage unit can serve as a secure and convenient hub for storing tools and materials, making them easily accessible when needed for projects.

3. Creative Professionals

Artists, photographers, and designers often require a dedicated space for their work. Self-storage units can be transformed into creative studios or workspaces. Not only does this provide a private and quiet environment, but it also protects your equipment and artwork from the elements.

4. Service-Based Businesses

Service-oriented businesses such as cleaning services, event planners, and home staging often require a stockpile of equipment, furniture, and supplies. Instead of cluttering your home or office, consider using self-storage to keep these items organized and easily accessible when you need them for various jobs.

5. Seasonal Businesses

Some businesses operate seasonally, such as holiday decor companies or snow removal services. During the off-season, storage needs may decrease significantly. A self-storage unit can be a flexible solution to store equipment, inventory, and decorations during the off-season, allowing you to keep your business assets safe and well-preserved.

Benefits of Self Storage for Small Businesses

• Economical: Self storage is often more economical than renting additional office or warehouse space, saving you money.
• Security: Most self-storage facilities provide security features like surveillance cameras, gated access, and individual locks, ensuring your business assets are safe.
• Flexibility: Self-storage leases are typically month-to-month, providing flexibility to adjust your storage space based on your business’s changing needs.
• Accessibility: You can access your stored items whenever you need them, making self-storage an excellent solution for businesses that require frequent access to inventory, tools, or equipment.
• Organization: Self-storage can help keep your workspace and home clutter-free, making it easier to focus on your business operations.

Small businesses in various industries can reap the benefits of self-storage. Whether you need to store inventory, equipment, supplies, or create a dedicated workspace, self-storage facilities offer flexibility, security, and convenience, helping you streamline your business operations and maximize your available space. Consider self-storage as a valuable asset in growing and managing your small business effectively.

Moving day is one of those events that seem distant on the calendar until it creeps up on you suddenly. The stress, the hustle, and the feeling that something important might slip through the cracks can be overwhelming. To make your move a smooth and organized experience, here are some valuable pointers to help you prepare for the big day.

Rent a Storage Unit Ahead of Time

If your move involves storing some of your belongings, consider renting a storage unit ahead of time. Companies like Public Storage offer this service, allowing you to set up your storage unit well in advance. Here’s why this can be a game-changer:

• Your lease agreement is already signed.
• Your storage account is set up and ready.
• The first month’s rent on your storage unit is already paid.
• The unit is move-in ready, requiring only your lock and access code.

By a storage unit ahead of time, you eliminate last-minute hassles and ensure a seamless transition for your items.

Take Advantage of Checklists

Keeping track of details during a move is essential. Use a checklist to centralize important tasks, whether it’s through a handy app or good old-fashioned pen and paper. Your checklist can help you:

• Keep a record of the number of boxes, their contents, and which room they belong to.
• List all the places where you need to update your change of address.
• Compare the location and quotes from local movers or truck rental services.
• A checklist keeps everything in one place, making it easier to manage.

Buy All Your Moving Supplies in Advance

Using garbage bags as a substitute for proper moving boxes is not ideal. Stock up on essential packing supplies such as:

• Sturdy boxes and bins.
• Protective materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and shrink-wrap.
• Furniture covers for mattresses and upholstered furniture.
• Box cutters, labels, and tape.

Having these supplies ready in advance will make the packing process more efficient and your items better protected.

Organize Your Move Ahead of Time

For a DIY move, ensuring your team of helpers is well-prepared is crucial. Here’s how to get organized before the big day:

• Declutter your possessions to reduce the items you need to move. Consider storing the things you’re uncertain about.
• Provide friends and family with ample notice so they can plan to assist you on moving day.
• Have everything packed and ready to go, so your team only needs to carry items to the vehicle.
• Preparation is key to a successful move, and having a well-organized team can make the process smoother.

Safety Tips for Moving and Storage

Safety should always be a top priority during a move. Consider these safety tips to protect yourself and your belongings:

Avoid overloading boxes and bend at the knees, not the waist, when lifting heavy objects.

• Protect your hands with hand sanitizer and a pair of work gloves.
• Wear closed-toe or safety shoes to keep your feet safe.
• Ensure box labels are brightly colored and have large print for easy visibility.
• Taking these precautions will help prevent accidents and ensure a safe and efficient move.

With these valuable tips, moving day doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By pre-renting your storage unit, using checklists, having the right supplies, getting organized in advance, and prioritizing safety, you can ensure a smooth and successful move. When moving day arrives, you’ll be well-prepared and ready to tackle the challenges with confidence.

If you’re downsizing and moving to an apartment or moving to another city for school work and have some items you arne’t planning to take with you, renting a storage unit to store these belongings is a great idea. At U-Lock Mini Storage, we offer storage units across Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island. We offer storage units Victoria, storage units Parksville, storage units Nanaimo, storage units Burnaby, storage units White Rock and Surrey and storage units Chilliwack. Contact us if you have any questions!

Before renting a storage unit, there are some key questions you should ask yourself. Here are top four questions you should ask before renting a storage unit.

What’s in a rental agreement?

Your rental agreement (also referred to as a rental contract, self-storage contract and lease agreement) will specify all the terms of your lease. It’s a binding document so you should read it carefully before you sign (online or in person) and abide by what’s in the document. Generally, your rental agreement will have:

• The description of the unit
• Length of the lease
• The amount of your rent
• Your payment due date
• The amount of your security deposit
• How payments are accepted (credit card, check, online)
• Non-payment terms (when a payment is considered late, what the late fee is, and what happens if you stop paying rent)
• Any additional fees (lock-cut fee, auction fee)
• Tenant rights and responsibilities
• Landlord rights and responsibilities
• Cancellation terms
• What you can and can’t store
• The value limit if there’s one ($5,000 is common)
• The move-out process (when to give notice, what condition to leave the unit in)

Should I insure my storage items?

Before storing your items, we do recommend that they are all properly insured. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will also help replace any items that are impacted while in storage.

Insurance is up to the individual and that most storage facilities do not have insurance to cover their goods

Besides household goods, what else can I store?

In addition to storing household goods, those using a storage unit can rent storage for specific items, such as boats, cars, RVs and motorcycles. We offer car storage Burnaby and Vancouver, car storage White Rock and South Surrey, and car storage Parksville.

How do I prepare my items for storage?

Don’t just throw your items in a storage unit, especially if you will be using storage for the long term. Properly preparing items for storage is the best way to keep them in top condition. Here are several tips for how to properly prepare belongings for storage.

• Read about the rules and restrictions – make sure to read up on what is and what isn’t allowed before putting items in storage. Items such as guns, fireworks, chemicals and other hazardous items are not allowed inside a storage unit. Anything flammable is a big no-no, as is perishable food.
• Create a list of inventory of your belongings – If you plan to leave items in a storage unit for a while, you’re going to need to create a detailed inventory list of all belongings. Otherwise, you might simply forget what you’ve left in storage. We recommend writing everything down and taking pictures for insurance purposes as well. Save all photos and an inventory list in one place so you don’t lose track of your belongings.
• Clean items – Before putting items in storage, it’s best to wipe them down and/or clean them, if needed. Wash and dry-clean clothes, vacuum pillows and upholstery and disinfect boxes. Make sure nothing is wet – otherwise, you could end up with mildewed belongings.
• Disassemble furniture – When storing furniture, make sure to disassemble it first. You may even want to wrap certain furniture items (i.e. headboards, table legs and mirrors) in protective wrap before placing them inside the unit. By disassembling furniture, you’ll also open up more floor space for boxes and belongings. If a table or large piece of furniture doesn’t come apart, think about how you can use it to hold belongings. For instance, a dining table can be used as a shelf for boxes.
• Pack everything very carefully – We recommend packing all smaller items in sturdy cardboard boxes and/or clear plastic bins. Plastic bins make it easier to see what’s inside, but cardboard boxes are less expensive (or even free) – so the choice is up to you. Pack everything just as you would for a real move. This means using everything from bubble cushioning and plastic wrap to packing paper and packing tape. Make sure to pack mirrors, TVs and artwork in appropriate boxes as well. This should prevent items from breaking while in transit and while in your storage unit.
• Label everything – Unless you want to lose track of what’s where, it’s extremely important that you label every box with exactly what’s inside. Use a permanent marker or printed labels and make sure the labeled part of the box is facing the front of the storage unit. A labeling strategy that works for many is to number each box and write the corresponding contents on a separate sheet of paper. For instance, Box 1: 10 everyday dishes; Box 2: A dozen wine glasses; Box 3: Wedding photo albums; Box 4: Books (list out specific names); Box 5: Christmas tree ornaments, etc. Make sure to save the inventory list in an easy-to-access location.
• Be strategic about where you place items – Finally, when placing items inside the storage unit, be strategic about how exactly you place belongings. For instance, mirrors and artwork should be placed in an upward position – not lying down flat. Boxes that contain fragile items should be placed higher up so that they aren’t crushed by heavy items. If there’s room in your storage unit, we recommend lying your mattress flat on top of boxes, so its condition isn’t damaged over time. Make sure to also place items you need more frequently towards the front of the storage unit, so you can access them more easily. Items that you use less should go in the back. Consider placing a step stool inside your storage unit to make obtaining boxes and items that are placed up high easier.

Cleaning the garage is one of the most daunting tasks for many people. The garage tends to be a space where items are dumped without much thought, and it can quickly become cluttered and disorganized. However, with a bit of effort and a systematic approach, cleaning the garage can be a manageable task. In this blog post, we will share some tips for cleaning the garage.

Set aside enough time

Cleaning the garage is not a task that can be completed in an hour or two. It requires a significant amount of time, especially if the garage has been neglected for a while. Set aside a full day or a weekend to focus on cleaning the garage.

Sort and categorize

One of the keys to successfully cleaning the garage is sorting and categorizing the items. Start by taking everything out of the garage and placing them in the driveway. Then, categorize them into groups such as tools, sports equipment, gardening supplies, and so on.

Declutter

Once you have categorized the items, it’s time to declutter. This means getting rid of the items that you no longer need or use. Be ruthless when decluttering and avoid hoarding items that you think you might need in the future. Consider donating, selling or throwing away items that you haven’t used in the past year or rent a storage unit and keep these items for the long-term.

Create a storage plan

Before putting the items back into the garage, it’s essential to create a storage plan. This means identifying the most suitable storage solutions for each category of items. For example, you might need shelves for tools, hooks for bicycles, and bins for gardening supplies or a storage unit for larger items that you want to store for a long-term.

Clean the garage

Once you have decluttered and created a storage plan, it’s time to clean the garage. Start by sweeping the floors and removing any cobwebs. Then, use a pressure washer or a hose to clean the garage walls and floors thoroughly.

Invest in storage solutions

To keep the garage organized, it’s important to invest in quality storage solutions. This includes shelving, cabinets, hooks, or a storage unit. Choose storage solutions that are sturdy and can withstand the weight of the items you will be storing.

Label everything

Labeling the storage solutions can make it easier to find items when you need them. Use labels or a labeling machine to mark the bins, shelves, and cabinets. This will save you time and effort when you’re looking for something.

Keep it clean

Once you have organized the garage, make an effort to keep it clean. This means sweeping the floors regularly and putting items back in their designated storage space. Make it a habit to put things away after using them, and encourage other members of the household to do the same.

Regularly review

Finally, it’s important to regularly review and update the garage’s organization. This means going through the items and making sure that everything is still in its designated storage space. If you find that something is not working, adjust your storage plan accordingly.

Cleaning the garage is a task that requires time, effort, and a systematic approach. By sorting and categorizing the items, decluttering, creating a storage plan, investing in storage solutions, labeling everything, and keeping it clean, you can successfully organize your garage. Regularly reviewing and updating your organization plan can help you maintain a clutter-free and organized garage. With a little effort, you can turn your garage into a functional and enjoyable space.