6 Storage Unit Tips For Vancouver Homeowners Who are Downsizing

To help you maximize the space you have, we have come up with six storage tips you can use, including renting a storage unit, leveraging vertical storage, and more. Check them out!

With many homeowners downsizing and choosing more compact and cozier homes, finding additional storage space around the house to put items away can be challenging. To help you maximize the space you have, we have come up with six storage tips you can use, including renting a storage unit, leveraging vertical storage, and more. Check them out!

Rent a Storage Unit

Renting a storage unit in Vancouver or Burnaby is the best solution for your storage needs. By renting a storage unit that is approximately the size of a closet or slightly bigger than a storage unit, you will gain enough space to fit items that you have laying around your home.

To start, you can rent a 5 x 5 feet unit, which is equivalent to a regular closet. If you only have a few items around your home to store, the 5 x 5 feet storage unit will surely meet your needs! If you have more items to store and need a bigger space, you can rent a 5 x 7 feet storage unit.

Additionally, we have a 5 x 10 feet storage unit available. This storage unit size is equivalent to a walk-in closet and it is ideal for those who want to store documents, clothes, spare pillows, or other home items.

Renting a storage unit at U-Lock Mini Storage Burnaby is a top solution for your storage needs because you can choose a storage unit size that fits your demand, select a rental period based on your needs since we offer month-to-month contracts, and you will be storing your belongings in a secured, gated facility, which is monitored 24/7 with a digital surveillance system.

Shelving Above Toilets

Nothing is worse than a tiny bathroom overrun with towels on the floor and toiletries stuffed under the vanity. To keep your bathroom and powder rooms clutter-free, we suggest adding shelving above the toilet. If you are renting and unable to install free-floating shelves on the walls, you can try using a stand-alone shelf unit that fits over the toilet. 

This extra storage frees up floor space in the bathroom, as well as shelf space inside your vanity.

Storage Beds

Do not waste precious bedroom space with armoires and dressers. Instead, opt for a storage bed when downsizing to smaller rooms. Storage beds typically come with four or more drawers underneath, attached to the bed frame. This provides more space to store clothes and necessities under the bed instead of inside a bulky, space-hogging chest of drawers.

Hooks

Need to get organized? One word: hooks! Hooks are inexpensive and easy to install – they are one of the best storage solutions for small spaces. We recommend installing them in your entryway, laundry room, mudroom, bathroom, garage, closets and pantries. You can use hooks to hang belongings such as clothes, towels, brooms, umbrellas, hats, and dog leashes – among many others.

Bins and Baskets

Storing belongings inside bins and baskets is one of the most affordable and most aesthetically pleasing ways to save space when downsizing. They can be placed almost anywhere, including entryways, kitchens, closets, bedrooms, bathrooms, and pantries. Decorative bins and baskets are easy to come by and they help make the home both stylish and organized. When using bins or baskets, we recommend adding labels to them as well.

Drawer Organizers

One easy way to help eliminate the mess in your various drawers is to simply add drawer organizers. These will save you space by allowing you to more easily and efficiently store everything from makeup and toiletries to office supplies and kitchen utensils inside your drawers. These organizational trays can be used in kitchens, pantries, bathroom vanities, and desks.

While downsizing to a more compact place means that you will have less space in your new place compared to your previous property, there are quite a few ways for you to maximize your space. By renting a storage unit or using bins or hooks, you can make the best out of the space in your home! If you have any questions about storage units, please contact us and we will be more than delighted to help!

Storage Unit Tips: How to Organize Your Storage Unit

To help you organize your storage unit, we have prepared five tips you can use. Enjoy!

Need a place to store your belongings? Consider renting a self storage unit from a storage facility near you. At U-Lock Mini Storage, we offer storage units to those who seek temporary or long-term storage.

Renting a storage unit helps you gain the additional space you need to store items that you do not want laying around your home, or office documents and supplies.

To help you organize your storage unit, we have prepared five tips you can use. Enjoy!

1. Create a List of All Your Inventory

When placing a lot of items in storage, it is difficult (if not impossible!) to remember each and every item you need to store. While large furniture pieces, such as a bed or sofa, are easy to remember, smaller items such as artwork, pictures, electronics, and clothes, are oftentimes forgotten. To keep track of everything you need to store, create and maintain a list of all items you want to store. You can create a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to keep track of the items and their descriptions. Creating such a list will help you organize your storage inventory much more easily.

2. Disassemble Furniture and Store Items Upright

To maximize space and organize your belongings more efficiently, disassemble large furniture items prior to placing them in the storage unit. This includes taking apart headboards, bed frames and mattresses, as well as disassembling table legs – among other items. We recommend storing individual items in a vertical position towards the back of a storage unit (except for mattresses, which should be stored laying flat). By storing furniture such as headboards upright and on the side, you will save on floor space for other items. Tip: if your dining table doesn’t come apart, try using it as extra shelving inside the storage unit for stacked boxes. 

4. Store Large, Heavy Items on the Bottom and Towards the Back

As you begin packing items inside the storage unit, start with large, heavy belongings such as furniture and heavy boxes. Place them towards the back of the storage unit at the bottom. Remember that unless you want to crush smaller and/or lighter boxes, heavy items should always be stored at the bottom of the storage unit. Doing this creates a stable base for lighter items.

5. Place Items You Need More Frequently Towards the Front

Chances are, there are some items you plan on using more frequently than others. For instance, that extra bed for which you no longer have room, likely won’t see the light of day for a while, whereas your baby’s pack ‘n play will. Other items that you are sure to need more often include seasonal clothing such as heavy coats, boots, hats, flip-flops, and swimsuits. While you will not need these items every day, you will be making trips to the storage unit to retrieve them at least once a year. These types of belongings should be placed towards the front of your storage unit in well-labeled boxes or bins. Placing them in an easy-to-reach spot near the door will save you the trouble of having to dig through mountains of boxes every time you go to the storage unit.

6. Remember to Go Vertical

When packing and organizing your storage unit, remember to go vertical with your belongings. Boxes should be stacked high and furniture should be stored upright. If you happen to be storing bookcases or anything with shelving, take advantage of the extra storage space. To make room for smaller boxes and belongings, consider adding wire shelving or hanging shelves to the storage unit as well. If the storage unit is particularly high, you may want to consider keeping a foldable ladder or step stool inside the unit with your belongings.

7. Write Labels

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to label every box and bin inside a storage unit. You may think you will remember where you put those family photo albums but, trust us, you won’t – especially if they have been sitting in storage for a long period of time. Label every box clearly with either a permanent marker or printed sticky labels. Make sure the labeled part of the box is facing the front of the storage unit, so you can easily see it upon entering.

5 Storage Solutions When Moving to a Small Apartment in Vancouver

If you are moving into a studio, a one-bedroom apartment, or even a two-bedroom apartment in Vancouver, you may not have enough space to fit everything you have.

If you are moving into a studio, a one-bedroom apartment, or even a two-bedroom apartment in Vancouver, you may not have enough space to fit everything you have.

To help you make the best out of your apartment, here are five storage solutions that you can use!

Rent a Storage Unit

Renting a storage unit in Vancouver or Burnaby is the ideal solution for your storage needs. By renting a storage unit that is approximately the size of a closet or slightly larger,  you gain enough space to fit items that you have laying around your home that won’t necessarily fit in your new apartment.

To start, you can rent a 5 x 5 feet unit, which is equivalent to a regular closet. If you only have a few items or documents to store, the 5 x 5 feet storage unit will surely meet your needs! If you have more items to store and need a bigger space, you can rent a 5 x 7 feet storage unit.

We also have a 5 x 10 feet storage unit available. This storage unit size is equivalent to a walk-in closet and it is ideal for those who want to store documents, clothes, spare pillows, or other home items.

Renting a storage unit at U-Lock Mini Storage Burnaby is a top solution for your storage requirements because you can choose a storage unit size and select a rental period based on your needs. We offer month-to-month contracts, and you can store your belongings in a secured facility. Our storage unit facility is gated and monitored 24/7 with a digital surveillance system.

Purchase a Storage Bed or Sofa Bed

When an apartment size is minimal, it is important to make sure all items in your space serve a purpose, or several. When choosing a bed, we recommend opting for either a storage bed or a sofa bed. Storage beds are helpful because they act both as a bed, and as storage  with drawers typically located underneath the bed where you can keep clothes. Sofa beds in turn, can be used as both a couch and a bed. These are particularly helpful for those moving into a studio apartment where space is tight.

Implement Wall-mounted Shelves

Adding wall-mounted shelving is an easy storage hack for a studio or a smaller apartment. Wall-mounted shelves can be used in a kitchen to hold dinnerware, in a bathroom to hold toiletries, or in a living room or den to hold books and movies. This vertical storage solution helps free up space on the floor, while also keeping items in an easy-to-access location. Open shelving provides stylish and functional decor to your home as well.

Remove Unnecessary Belongings on a Regular Basis

The best way to maximize space in a smaller apartment is by avoiding clutter. That means purging any and all unnecessary items. From clothes that no longer fit to outdated furniture from your college days, it may  be time to finally cut the dead weight. Fortunately, it is easy to do, thanks to donation organizations and online consignment marketplaces. Consider donating furniture and clothes to your local charity!

Install Floating Furniture on the Walls

In addition to freeing up floor space, floating furniture makes a room appear bigger than it actually is –  that teeny tiny apartment will not seem so tiny after all. Examples of popular floating furniture include TV consoles, office desks, bathroom vanities, and dressers. These items will help maximize the space inside the apartment, while also serving a functional purpose.
Want to book a storage unit? Check out our wide selection of storage unit sizes at U-Lock Mini Storage Burnaby, or contact us via phone at 604.438.8909 or contact form. We will be delighted to answer any questions you have!

5 Reasons Why Vancouver Businesses Should Rent Storage Units This Holiday Season!

As we enter the holiday season,  also  known as the shopping season, retailers need to ensure that their logistics are prepared for the surge in shopping.

As we enter the holiday season,  also  known as the shopping season, retailers need to ensure that their logistics are prepared for the surge in shopping. One major component of ensuring that the logistics process is seamless is making sure that you have sufficient storage space to hold the surplus amount of inventory you have ordered for the holiday season. One easy and economical way to gain access to additional storage is by renting a storage unit. Here are six reasons why Vancouver businesses should rent storage units this holiday season.

Make Room For Promotional Items

If you have ordered more stock for items you want to promote this holiday season or you want to make more room for holiday-specific promotional products or services, you can rent a storage unit and place items that you do not need to showcase during the holiday season. This will help clear the space needed for your holiday products and services. 

If you do not have a tremendous amount of inventory that you want to store, you can rent a smaller unit such as the 5×5 feet storage unit which is equivalent to a regular closet. If you have more items to store and need a bigger space, there is also a 5×10 feet storage unit available. This storage unit size is equivalent to a walk-in closet.

Secure Your Inventory

While you can store some items at the back of your store, it may not be ideal if your store is not particularly secure. Having your store broken into and inventory stolen during the busy holiday sales season is definitely something you want to avoid. By storing your inventory in a storage unit, you are guaranteeing that your inventory is safely stored in a highly secured storage facility.

At U-Lock Mini Storage Burnaby location, our storage facility is monitored 24 hours a day using digital surveillance. Additionally, we offer storage units that have individual alarms installed, which means that an alarm will be triggered when a trespasser attempts to break into a storage unit.

To further enhance the security of the perimeter, we give each renter a unique access code that they must dial to enter the storage facility and unlock their self-storage unit. Each renter also must enter their unique access code to lock their storage unit and exit the building. This mandatory procedure lets the storage facility keep track of who goes in and out, thus preventing trespassers from entering the storage facility. Compared to storing inventory in a shed, in a backyard or in a garage, storing your inventory in a storage unit is exponentially safer and more secure.

More Affordable Than A Warehouse

We have a variety of storage unit sizes for you to select from and you can select a size that fits your inventory needs. We offer storage unit sizes from anywhere between 5×5 feet to 10×30 feet and our rates start at only $73 per month.

Renting a storage unit to hold your inventory is a more cost-effective solution than using a warehouse because you can rent a storage unit based on your inventory size and budget, and because you always have the flexibility to switch to a smaller or bigger unit. If you have a lot of inventory at the beginning of the holiday season and your inventory is slowly depleting as you approach January or February, you can start with a larger unit size such as 10×10 feet and move down to 5×10 feet.

Month-to-Month Contract With No Long-Term Commitment

As mentioned above, you always have the flexibility to switch to a bigger or smaller storage unit according to your needs because storage facilities, such as U-Lock Mini Storage, do not require monthly contracts. This autonomy lets you switch between different unit sizes from one month to the next. For example, if your inventory is running low towards the beginning of the year and you do not plan on ordering a large number of products to replenish your inventory, you can downsize to a smaller unit.

Convenient Accessibility

To accommodate our customers’ schedules, we offer increased operating hours. You can have access from 6 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week, all year long. Please check your local U-Lock Mini Storage facility for extended hours!

How to Clean Out a Storage Unit

Do you need to declutter your storage unit to make room for additional items? These steps will show you how to declutter a storage unit and filter through unwanted belongings quickly and easily!

Do you need to declutter your storage unit to make room for additional items? These steps will show you how to declutter a storage unit and filter through unwanted belongings quickly and easily!

1. Take an inventory rundown of your storage unit items

The first thing you should do is scan the unit and take an immediate inventory of what is inside. Jot down all the items so you can gain a good idea of which items you should keep and which to get rid of.

2. Sort items into categories: keep, sell/donate, store, or toss

The Four-Box Declutter Method is an effective approach to sort through and declutter spaces. The concept behind this technique is sorting all your items into four empty boxes: keep, toss, donate/sell, and store.

  • The keep box includes items you can remove from your storage unit and bring home.
  • The store box contains things that will stay in storage.
  • The sell or donate box is for items you plan to sell or donate.
  • The last box is a toss box, which will include anything that is broken beyond repair.

3. Seek Resources

Once you have sorted and categorized all the items, count the number of boxes you will roughly need. Then, determine if you need extra help with the move. Defining the amount of resources you need helps you plan ahead to ensure that you have everything you need for a successful decluttering session! 

4. Estimate the time for the decluttering

To lessen the chances of being overwhelmed, it is essential to prepare yourself for what is to come. Pick a time to do the actual clean out and come equipped with moving supplies, garbage bags, labels, and sorting totes.

Things to consider when decluttering:

  • How much time do you need? Overestimate here. You may need more than one day to declutter your storage unit thoroughly. Plan accordingly so you have all the time you need and more to dedicate to the job.
  • How many people do I realistically need? It may be helpful to have more than one person on hand. Ask for help in advance and be sure to have all the support and extra muscle you need.
  • Do I have an emotional attachment to any of the items? Remember that cleaning out sentimental items can be an overwhelming process. This response is natural, so do not beat yourself up if you become emotional if you are dealing with an inherited storage unit, or a unit used to store items from a loved one.

5. Set up the order for moving the items

To help you move your items efficiently, consider using the following steps:

  • First, remove all the trash from the unit. If you have way too much waste for the dumpster on-site, proceed to step seven.
  • For donation items, contact a local thrift store to schedule a free pickup. A dumpster should be your last option for things that can still be used or repurposed. If there are only a few donation items, load those into your car and drop them off at a donation site.
  • Next, load your vehicle. Pack all the items that are going back home with you, including things you’re keeping or putting into storage.
  • Lastly, move all the ‘sell’ items to a location for further processing. You could keep them in the storage unit if you have time left in your rental or move them somewhere offsite. You can sell each item individually through popular online websites such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

7. Hire a junk removal company if necessary

Numerous companies can help you get rid of storage unit contents without you needing to lift a finger. Hiring someone is especially useful if you do not have anyone else to help you or if you cannot declutter your storage unit yourself.

How to Select the Best Storage Unit Size for Your Needs

What storage unit size should I rent? The answer to this question depends heavily on your needs, since storage units come in various sizes and features. Factors such as the intended use, the number and types of items you want to store, and availability of units also influence your decision of finding a storage unit that is best suited for you.

Here are 4 useful tips to select the best storage unit for you!

1. Determine the storage unit’s primary function

To select a storage unit that best suits you, the first step is defining the main function of the storage unit. For example, are you renting a storage unit so you can declutter your home for staging? Are you moving abroad for 12 months and are looking for a long-term rental? These are fantastic questions to ask yourself to get yourself started on finding a suitable storage unit.

Other relevant questions you can ask yourself are:

  • Am I looking to store business inventory for the next three to six months?
  • Is it likely that I’ll need extra space six months down the road?
  • Do I need temporary storage for a move or home staging?
  • Do I need to store some items indefinitely?
  • Will I be rotating items in and out of the unit?

By clearly answering some of these questions, you will have a better idea of the storage unit size you should seek. For example, if you plan to store business inventory for the long-run and are expecting to store more items in the future, you can rent a larger unit with some room to grow. 

On the other hand, if you only need to store items during a temporary move, you can pick a unit that is suitable for your belongings. Since  the amount of items in your storage unit is unlikely to change, you will not need to rent a storage unit that has excess room.

2. Create an inventory list

You may have a general idea of which items you want to store in the storage unit, but walking through your house and developing a list is the ideal way to clearly identify items you want to store. 

Sometimes you may not even realize how many items you need to store until you list them all.

When making your inventory list, remember to also do the following:

  • Count the number of items that will go into storage.
  • Get approximate measurements of your items to calculate the amount of space you need.
  • Place all the items you want to store in one location at your home to visualize and measure the amount of space you need.

3. Measure the Amount of Storage Space You Need

If you have a hard time conceptualizing space, you can try this trick: in your driveway or another open area, use masking tape to mark off the space of an approximate size of a storage unit you need. For example, you can mark off 5 feet by 5 feet or 5 feet by 7 feet. Then, place items you want to store inside to see if all the items fit in the marked area.

4. When in Doubt, Rent a Large Unit Size 

Being more economically conservative by selecting a storage unit that is smaller than you need is not always a good idea for safety reasons. For example, you should avoid packing boxes more than four feet high. Also, you should avoid stacking more than two pieces of furniture. Doing so could result in damage to your belongings or become a hazard when unpacking.

Additionally, take note that sometimes a larger-sized unit is only a couple more dollars a month. In some cases, a larger unit might be less expensive if there is more availability. You could also save money on a larger storage unit if the rental is not climate controlled. Do not let the larger size deter you before you have a chance to run the numbers.

Questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online at https://www.selfstorage.ca/contact-us and our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Looking to reserve a storage unit? Find a self storage facility near you:

  1. Self storage Burnaby or Vancouver
  2. Self storage Chilliwack
  3. Self storage South Surrey or White Rock
  4. Self storage Parksville
  5. Self storage Nanaimo
  6. Self storage Victoria

Small Business Inventory Management: Tools and Tips for This Holiday Season

Managing business inventory for your small business requires a tremendous amount of detail. Business owners have to keep track of incoming inventory, current inventory, and processed inventory. If the inventory is not tracked diligently, the unorganized inventory will become a bookkeeping and inventory management disaster.

To help you better manage your business inventory, here are four tips you can use.

1. Store Old Inventory In a Heat-Controlled Storage Unit

Once the new season arrives, it is time to store your old inventory and make room in your store to display the new inventory!

If you are running out of space in your store or if you do not have a secure perimeter, rent a heat-controlled storage unit.

By renting a climate-controlled storage unit, you will be able to:

  1. Protect items from extreme heat, cold, or humidity. A heat-controlled storage unit continuously circulates the air which keeps the air in the storage unit clean. This efficient circulation of air prevents your stored items from being exposed to harmful levels of humidity and dryness, which could potentially cause damage.
  2. Manage humidity control level. This control is critical in preserving your items in good condition because your items may warp or decay if there is too much humidity in the air. By storing your items in a heat-controlled storage unit, you will keep your belongings in a space with approximately 55% base humidity.
  3. Protect items from pests. Dissimilar to outdoor storage units that are not completely sealed, indoor climate-controlled storage units are fully sealed, which  prevents unwanted guests, such as bugs, rodents, or moths, from invading your storage and damaging your items. 
  4. Protect items from debris. Heat-controlled storage units are located deep within a storage facility and have sealed and insulated roofs, walls, and floors. This robust sealing helps prevent dust and debris from entering your climate-controlled unit.

2. Keep Track of Your Low-Turn Stock

Low-turn stock is a product that has not sold in the last 6 to 12 months. It is a good business strategy to store a low-turn product and make space for your top sellers. For example, if you have some winter coats that are not selling well, you can store the coats in a storage unit to make space for other items. To promote the winter coats, you can use digital marketing approaches such as sending out email campaigns or promoting them through social media or your eCommerce website so your customers can purchase them online.

In addition, you can store these coats for the next short while in a storage unit and bring them out again when it is autumn or winter season and you can promote the coat actively through heavy discounts or promotions.

Using this approach helps your business greatly reduce the amount of wasted space in your store.

3. Use Inventory Management Apps

There are a number of inventory management apps you can use to better manage the flow of your inventory.

Inventory management software is one of the best ways to improve how you manage your small business inventory. There are many software options that can help small businesses digitize their inventory in a way that helps them keep track of it, forecast demand, and analyze inventory from various devices like your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Some management apps for you to choose from include:

Zoho

TopShelf Inventory Management Software

Inventory Now

4. Audit Your Inventory Regularly For Quality Control

Finally, you never, ever, want to forget about quality control. No matter what you sell, you want to make sure that your product looks good, works right, and does what it is supposed to do. Some businesses have a person in charge of quality control, while others have a team that does quick checks during stock audits or when the stock is coming in, to check for damages and other issues.

When your product is of the highest quality, it shows your customers that you care about what your business produces. This also helps with inventory management by filtering products to ensure that your shelves are stocked with only the best products at all times. 

When you find products that have minor flaws, you can store them in a storage unit and sell them online at a discount rate, letting your customers know about the flaws. That way, broken, faulty, or aesthetically displeasing products will not clutter your storeroom, giving your best products the spotlight they deserve.  Taking this approach lets you create space for higher value products in your store and sell products of the best quality.

Questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online at https://www.selfstorage.ca/contact-us and our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Looking to reserve a storage unit? Find a self storage facility near you:

  1. Self storage Burnaby or Vancouver
  2. Self storage Chilliwack
  3. Self storage South Surrey or White Rock
  4. Self storage Parksville
  5. Self storage Nanaimo
  6. Self storage Victoria

How Mini Storage Helps eCommerce Businesses Succeed

As more retail stores and small or home-based businesses are using eCommerce to sell their products, finding a suitable and sizable storage space to store inventory is a priority. An easy and cost-efficient approach to store your inventory is by using a storage unit. By renting a storage unit, you can select a unit size based on your inventory needs, budget, and take advantage of many key benefits. Here are the top five reasons why eCommerce businesses should rent a self storage unit.

  1. More cost-effective than warehouses

If you have recently launched your own eCommerce business and do not have a lot of products in your inventory yet, starting off with a smaller-sized storage unit will be a fantastic way to get your eCommerce going! We have a wide variety of storage unit sizes for you to choose from. We recommend starting with a 10×10 feet storage unit; it is equivalent to half of a one-car garage which gives you sufficient space for a smaller amount of products.

If you need more space, you can rent a 10×15 feet storage unit, which is equivalent to roughly two-thirds of a one-car garage. We also have bigger storage units available – as large as 13×23 feet.

Renting a storage unit to hold your inventory is a more cost-effective way than using a warehouse because you can rent a storage based on your inventory size and budget, and you always have the flexibility to switch to a smaller or bigger unit. If you are selling at a high volume and your inventory is depleting, you can change your storage unit to a smaller unit to adapt to your new needs.

  1. No Monthly Contract = More Flexibility

As mentioned above, you always have the flexibility to switch to a bigger or smaller storage unit according to your needs because storage facilities, such as U-Lock Mini Storage, do not require monthly contracts. This autonomy lets you switch between different unit sizes from one month to the next. For example, if your inventory is running low towards the beginning of the year and you do not plan on ordering a large number of products to replenish your inventory, you can downsize to a smaller unit.

  1. Heat-controlled storage units available

Storing items in a heat-controlled storage unit prevents your belongings from being damaged from humidity or extreme heat.

Humidity control is vital in preserving stored items in optimal conditions. When there is excessive humidity in the air, some products may warp or decay. Heat-controlled storage units ensure that the humidity level in a storage unit is around 55% base humidity. Excess moisture is removed using air conditioning.

In addition to ensuring a healthy humidity level, a heat controlled-storage unit also makes sure that the stored items are not in an extremely hot and dry condition. Some items can suffer from warping, splitting, or cracking in extreme heat. To prevent this, a heat controlled-storage unit uses air conditioning to pump and circulate fresh air into the storage.

A heat-controlled storage unit is also ideal to deter debris, dust, and pest infestation. Heat-controlled storage units are completely sealed and secured, and are located deep in a storage facility which prevents debris, dust, rodents, and other unwanted guests from entering the storage units and damaging your products.

  1. Enhanced Security

Storage units are an excellent place to store valuable items due to their incredible security measures. 

Our storage facilities are monitored 24 hours a day using digital surveillance. Additionally, we offer storage units that have individual alarms installed, which means that an alarm will be triggered when a trespasser attempts to break into a storage unit.

To further enhance the security of the perimeter, we give each renter a unique access code that they must dial to enter the storage facility and unlock their self-storage unit. Each renter also must enter their unique access code to lock their storage unit and exit the building. This mandatory procedure lets the storage facility keep track of who goes in and out, thus preventing trespassers from entering the storage facility. Compared to storing inventory in a shed in a backyard or in a garage, storing your inventory in a storage unit is exponentially safer and more secure.

  1. Convenient accessibility

To accommodate our customers’ schedules, we offer increased operating hours. You can have access from 6 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week, all year long. Please check your location U-Lock Mini Storage facility for extended hours!

Questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online at https://www.selfstorage.ca/contact-us and our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Looking to reserve a storage unit? Find a self storage facility near you:

  1. Self storage Burnaby or Vancouver
  2. Self storage Chilliwack
  3. Self storage South Surrey or White Rock
  4. Self storage Parksville
  5. Self storage Nanaimo
  6. Self storage Victoria

5 Tips for Maximizing Space In Your Storage Unit

Need to rent a storage unit for your belongings? A storage unit is an excellent solution to keep your items safe between moves, store your excess business inventory, or to free up more space in your home or office. If you’re renting a storage unit for the first time, you may be asking yourself, “what size storage unit do I need?” or “how can I best pack my storage unit to save the most money?” To help you utilize your space to the fullest, here are a few essential tips to help you organize your storage unit like a pro:

1. Create an aisle

If you intend to access your items in storage frequently, create a path down the center of your storage unit so that you will have easy access to all your belongings. Leave enough space for you to comfortably take out a box and sift through its contents when you need to. Organize your space by placing items along the walls. Not only will this help maximize space, but it will help save you a lot of time in the future when you’re looking for items inside your unit as it will allow you to move more easily without having to move items around.

2. Store larger items at the back of your storage unit

As you begin packing your storage unit, place your larger, heavier items towards the back of your storage unit. This includes items such as furniture, dressers, and household appliances. Get creative and utilize hollow space by storing small or fragile items inside drawers or wardrobe pieces. Items that you will need access regularly should be placed near the front of your unit to provide you with easy access anytime.

3. Utilize shelves and boxes

Are you using your storage unit as a long-term storage solution? Consider placing free-standing utility shelves at the back or sides of your storage unit. Shelving will help save you a lot of space as it will allow you to store small to medium boxes vertically rather than just storing your items on the ground. Shelving is great for storing and organizing items such as tools, holiday decorations, business documents, and electronics.

Don’t need your storage unit short-term? Consider storing your belongings inside moving boxes or clear plastic totes and stacking them vertically inside your storage unit. Stack larger, heavier boxes down first, and then place your lighter boxes at the top.

4. Disassemble your furniture

Large furniture items can take up a lot of space and leave you with awkward, open gaps in your storage unit, which can be a challenge to fill. While taking apart your furniture sounds like a lot of work, it can help you maximize your space by allowing you to organize and fill your storage unit more efficiently. Disassembling large furniture items such as dining sets, desks, or beds before placing them in storage is a great way to free up more space inside your storage unit. Vertically store disassembled bed frames, headboards, furniture, and table legs upright and on the sides so you can open up more floor space for your other belongings.

5. Purge or donate what you don’t need

Regularly decluttering your storage unit is one of the best ways you can maximize your space and savings. The easiest way to free up space is to get rid of items you don’t need or are unlikely to ever use again. While it can be tempting to hold onto keepsakes or “just in case” items, you’re wasting valuable time, space, and money by storing them inside your storage unit. If you have items in storage you are unlikely to ever take out and put into your home, then consider selling or donating them instead.

Storage units on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland

Have questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online and our storage specialists would be happy to answer any storage questions you may have! Let us know what you’re looking to store and how long for, and we’d be happy to guide you towards the right storage solution to fit your personal and business needs. 

Need to reserve a storage unit?

Find a U-Lock self storage facility near you:

Key Benefits of Heat-Controlled Storage Unit Explained in 8 Questions

What is a heat-controlled storage unit? What does it do? What are its benefits? These are common questions customers have about heat-controlled storage units. We are here to ready them today by answering the following seven questions!

  1. What are the key benefits of using a heat-controlled storage unit?

Heat-controlled storage units protect more delicate belongings from damage from extreme heat, cold, or humidity by keeping the temperature in the storage between 11 to 13 degrees. Moreover, a heat-controlled storage unit is not sealed the same way a normal indoor storage unit is. A heat-controlled storage facility continuously circulates the air which keeps the air in the storage unit clean. This means you will not need to open your unit just to get some fresh air inside. The efficient circulation of air prevents items stored in a heat-controlled storage from being exposed to unhealthy levels of humidity and dryness which could potentially damage the items.

  1. What kind of items would benefit from being stored in a heat-controlled storage?

Essentially, any item that is delicate and is prone to damage from humidity or extreme heat. The items include:

  • Wood furniture, upholstered furniture – especially antiques
  • Fine art
  • Mattresses
  • Musical instruments
  • Books, notebooks, and magazines
  • Business records and important documents
  • Electronics
  • Vinyl records
  1. How Does a Heat-Controlled Storage Unit Control Humidity?

Humidity control is critical in preserving the conditions of stored items. If there is too much humidity in the air, items may warp or decay. By storing your items in a heat-controlled storage unit, you will keep your belongings in a space with approximately 55% base humidity.

Removing excess moisture in the air is not the only key benefit of using a heat-controlled storage unit; you can also ensure that your stored items are not exposed to extremely dry conditions. Some items such as musical instruments craze, dry out, or splinter in dry conditions. A heat-controlled storage unit ensures there is fresh air circulating, which keeps the stored items in good condition all year round.

  1. Does a Heat-Controlled Storage Unit Prevent Pests?

They sure do! Unlike outdoor storage units that are not sealed well enough to keep out unwanted guests such as bugs, rodents, gnats, or moths, indoor heat-controlled storage units are completely sealed. This prevents unwanted guests from invading your storage unit and damaging your items, since rodent or insect infestations may cause your belongings to become contaminated by feces or dander. Yikes!

  1. How Does a Heat-Controlled Unit Protect Electronics?

The high humidity from weather conditions can create moisture on the electrical wiring of electronics and appliances. This moisture can cause severe damage to the wires in refrigerators, televisions, or stereos, to name a few, rendering the devices unusable.

  1. Does a Heat-Controlled Storage Unit Protect Belongings From Weather-Induced Incidents?

Heat-controlled storage units are located deep in a protected storage facility, which makes the storage units less susceptible to weather-induced incidents, such as flooding or leaks. Outdoor storage units on the other hand are more prone to such incidents that might cause damage to your belongings.

  1. Does a Heat-Controlled Storage Unit Prevent Mold?

In extreme and unregulated temperatures and humidity levels, both delicate and not-so-delicate items in a storage unit may become damp, leading to mold growth. Once mold begins to grow on fibres, such as fabric and paper, it is very difficult to remove it. The mold leaves a stain on the material and creates an odd smell and might be harmful to breathe. Fortunately, with proper heat control in your storage, you can avoid mold growth on your possessions.

Questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online at https://www.selfstorage.ca/contact-us and our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Looking to reserve a storage unit? Find a self storage facility near you:

  1. Self storage Burnaby or Vancouver
  2. Self storage Chilliwack
  3. Self storage South Surrey or White Rock
  4. Self storage Parksville
  5. Self storage Nanaimo
  6. Self storage Victoria