Category: Storage Unit

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

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:

• Self storage Burnaby or Vancouver
• Self storage Chilliwack
• Self storage South Surrey or White Rock
• Self storage Parksville
• Self storage Nanaimo
• Self storage Victoria

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.

2. 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
  

3. 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.

4. 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!

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

Renting a storage unit is an excellent way to declutter your office or home, or to protect your valued belongings. While there are a myriad of benefits for renting a mini storage, some customers are still on the fence about whether they should rent a storage unit.

If you are having some hard time determining whether you should rent a self storage, you can use the following questions as guides to evaluate whether a storage unit is suitable for you.

1. Are You Moving or Selling Your Home?

If you are moving or selling your home, we highly recommend that you rent a storage unit to declutter your home, protect your belongings, or store items that you do not plan to move to your new home.

If you are staging your home, like many other homeowners do to beautify their homes and make them more appealing to potential buyers, you can rent a storage unit to ensure that there is enough space for home staging decor to be placed in your home. Additionally, renting a storage unit allows you to store unwanted items such as old furniture or hockey sticks, and keep them out of sight while staging your home for an open house or a photoshoot.

If you plan to move to a new property shortly after selling your home, you can store items that you will not be moving to the new place. For example, if you are downsizing to an apartment from a detached home and do not have enough space in your new home to store items such as a bicycle, hockey net, or other belongings, you can store them at a self storage unit during the open house period so you can get a head start on packing for your move.

If you are planning to keep these items in the storage unit for a long period of time, you can reserve a climate-controlled storage unit so more delicate belongings are not exposed to damage from extreme heat, cold, or humidity.

Items that should be stored in a climate-controlled storage unit include:

• Antiques
• Cosmetics & Toiletries
• Art & Collectibles
• Goods and Furniture made of leather
• Paperwork/documents
• Electronics
• Media (e.g. CDs, DVDs, and cassette tapes)
• Photographs and Film
• Bicycles
• Musical Instruments
  

2. Are You Renovating Your Home?

Similar to moving or selling your home, renovating your home would also be a good time to rent a storage unit to make your home more spacious or protect your belongings. Renting a storage unit can help keep items out of the way for home renovators to work more freely. Renting a storage unit can also help prevent your belongings from being damaged during the renovation process.

Home renovations typically last anywhere between one to three months and you can reserve a storage unit for the duration of the home renovation – however long it may be. This makes renting a storage unit incredibly cost-effective. At U-Lock Self Storage, we offer month-to-month no commitment contracts to provide you with the financial flexibility you need for renting a storage unit.

3. Do You Need to Store Important Documents at a Secure Location?

Storage units are an excellent place to store important documents because storage facilities are highly secure and gated. All of our storage facilities are monitored 24 hours a day using digital surveillance. Each storage has an individual alarm installed; any trespasser who attempts to break in a storage will trigger the alarm and security or law enforcement will promptly remedy the problem.

Moreover, each renter is given a unique access code that they must use to enter the perimeter and unlock their storage unit. Each renter is also required to enter their access code when they exit the building and lock their storage unit. This protocol allows the storage facility to track who comes in and out of the building, and prevent trespassers from entering the perimeter, making the storage facility tremendously secure.

4. Do You Need Extra Space At Your Home, Office, or Store?

We know – it is terribly easy to create a stack load of paperwork, inventory, or equipment at your office, retail store, or warehouse. This is where a storage unit can help; you can store products, equipment, or inventory that you do not want laying around your working area.

For example, if you have summer fashion items that you have not cleared this year, you can store them at a storage unit and bring them out next summer if they are still in style.

5. Do You Have a Secure Place to Store Your Vehicle?

It is not easy to find a safe location in Greater Vancouver or on Vancouver Island to securely store a vehicle. With the number of auto break-ins on the rise, car owners are looking for new places to store their cars when they are out of town. A car or auto storage is the perfect solution for this problem. By renting a car storage at our Vancouver / Burnaby self storage location, you can store your vehicle at a gated, alarmed, access-controlled facility that is monitored via random patrol services as well as by our 24/7 digital video recording system. This robust security system will keep your vehicle safe and sound while you are away!

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

4 Items You Should Store In Heated Storage Units

Have you been searching for “storage rooms near me,” but can’t decide between renting an unheated storage unit or a heated storage unit? A self-storage unit can come in handy when you’re renovating your home, getting ready for a big move, or just need some extra space in your home or office. If you’re looking for local storage units to store your belongings during the BC winter months, a storage unit that keeps your items warm and dry may be the storage solution you need. While some low-maintenance items or boxes may not be affected by temperature, there are a few items in your home that may be susceptible to damage from the extreme cold, wet and heavy precipitation of the winters we experience here in British Columbia. To help you decide which of your items would be ideal for heated storage, we’ve compiled a list below of a few items that you should always store in a heated storage unit:

What is Heated Storage?

When you live in a climate that experiences drastic temperature changes, you want to make sure your items will be protected from the damaging effects of extreme cold and moisture. When it’s cold outside, heated storage units maintain a warm, dry and safe environment for your belongings. If you need to store goods for several months, a year, or longer, heated storage will provide a safe environment that will maintain an ideal temperature throughout the winter months, preventing your sensitive items from freezing and becoming damaged.

Items That Require Heated Storage:

Furniture 

If you want to ensure your valuable or antique wood furniture pieces stay safe from moisture or extremely cold temperatures, opt for heated storage. When moisture gets into the wood, it can cause the wood to permanently warp, crack, or even rot. If you need to store your wood furniture while you’re waiting to move into your new house or clearing out that spare bedroom for a new home office, a heated storage unit will provide a stable environment that will prevent the wood in your dressers, bed frames, and tables and chairs from expanding or contracting as the temperatures rise and fall during the winter months.

The same goes for leather furniture. Leather is extremely sensitive to fluctuations in humidity and moisture, which can cause the leather to shrink, thin out, become discoloured, and be susceptible to mould and mildew. Keep your leather recliners, couches, and furniture pieces preserved by storing them in an indoor or outdoor heated storage unit that maintains a stable temperature and has circulated air.

Clothing

It’s official, summer is almost over, which means it’s time to put your summer wardrobe away and make room in your closet and drawers for winter jackets, sweaters, and scarves. If you want your summer clothing to look, feel and fit the same when you pull them out of storage, then consider a heated storage unit so your clothes are kept clean, dry, and protected from the outside elements. Don’t use plastic bags to store your clothing as plastic can trap moisture, which can lead to mould and mildew. Instead, hang your clothing in a wardrobe box, use plastic totes, and don’t forget to rotate and refold your clothing once a year to prevent permanent creasing.

Important Paperwork & Business Documents

Paper, including photographs, can disintegrate, degrade, and become illegible. If you have sensitive or important business documents you need to store for long periods, it’s important to search for storage facilities that have the heated storage amenities that will protect and preserve your paperwork. By keeping your documents in a stable and controlled environment, you can have peace of mind that your business papers won’t get damaged over time. For added peace of mind, search for local indoor storage rooms that have individually alarmed doors, video surveillance, and storage facilities with passcode protected entry. 

Electronics & Household Appliances

Whether you’re storing computers or video game consoles, flat-screen TVs, audio equipment, or household appliances, we all know that water and electronics do not mix. In the winter, cold temperatures can wreak havoc on electronics such as laptops and tablets, gaming devices or home appliances by damaging the batteries inside, exposing electronic components and mechanical parts to moisture buildup, and causing your electronics to crack or rust, rendering them useless. Instead, keep your electronics preserved inside a heated storage unit. Add another layer of protection around large electronics by wrapping computer monitors and flat-screen TVs with moving blankets or blankets from your home. 

Looking for heated storage units on Vancouver Island or the Lower Mainland?

Still not sure exactly what type of storage unit you need? Instead of trying to search for “storage rooms near me,” talk to a storage specialist at your nearest U-Lock storage facility location. 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. With a range of affordable self-storage options available, including exterior and interior heated storage units, there’s always a space for you at U-Lock Mini Storage.

As businesses are re-opening and consumers are more actively shopping or searching for products or services to purchase, the real estate market is also picking up. More homeowners are selling their homes and more home shoppers are looking for a new home!

Homeowners should definitely consider renting storage units when they are trying to sell their homes, since storage units can help declutter and organize your belongings, making it easier to move, and even providing extra storage after you have sold your home. Here are top five reasons why you should rent a storage unit when you are selling your home: 

1. Declutter your home for real estate photography or videography

Producing exceptional photos or videos to sell homes is a necessity in today’s digital age. Sellers or realtors need to showcase their homes’ exteriors and interiors in photos or 360° walkaround videos for real estate listings so buyers can get a good view of the homes they are interested in. To get the best photos or videos of sellers’ homes, it is recommended that the sellers declutter and organize their homes by moving non-essential belongings to storage units. If you are using home decor, or staging your home, you can also store items that you do not want to showcase in photos or videos. This way, you can improve the presentability and increase the saleability of your home.

2. Declutter your home for an open house

In addition to making your home more presentable for real estate photos or videos, you can also rent a storage unit to make your home more presentable for an open house. If you are staging your home or using special home decor, you can store items such as old bicycles or furniture at a storage unit to make space for staging items. Even if you are not staging your home, you can still store your belongings at a storage unit and make your home look more presentable, open, and spacious, and thus increase its saleability as well.

3. Keep your backyard or garage organized

If you have a backyard or garage full of kids’ hockey sticks, toys, sports equipment, yard equipment, tools, grills, patio furniture and everything else in between, you can rent a storage unit to store these items and to keep your backyard or garage tidy. After all, you want to make your home as tidy and presentable as possible to help your potential buyer visualize the space, comfort, and opportunities your property has to offer.

4. Protect your valuable belongings

To protect your belongings during an open house, we  recommend renting a storage unit to store your valuables temporarily. A 5 x 5 feet storage unit will suffice for most of your needs.

5. Make it easier when you move

After you sell your home, you will likely move to a new place. If there are some items you do not want to bring to your new home right away, you can store them during the open house period or when you are getting real estate photos or videos, and you can keep the items in the storage unit indefinitely until you need to bring them into your new home. This will make moving into your new home much easier because there will be fewer items to move!

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

Storage units are useful for homeowners to store valued possessions at a secure location while creating more space in their homes. Here are the top nine scenarios where homeowners should use storage units:

1.   Downsizing

If you are moving to a smaller home and not everything[RM2]  from your current home fits in your new place, you can store your belongings in a storage unit. Once you have settled in your new home, you can visit your storage unit to retrieve your belongings as needed.

2.   Staging a home for sale

You may have a lot of things in your home that don’t necessarily look ready for a real estate showing. To enhance the look of your home interior, you might hire a stager to decorate your home. Meanwhile, you can rent a small storage unit to keep some of your house items off-site during the selling or showing process.

3.   Closing date is pushed back

If you need to be out of your apartment by September 25th, but your closing date will not happen until October 7th, you need a storage unit. It is inconvenient to have to move twice, but at least you know your belongings will be kept safe and sound in the meantime.

4.   Moving Back Home Temporarily During School Break

If you are going for a business trip for some time, or going abroad for studying or training, storing certain valued items at a storage unit is a great idea. You can safely keep belongings and items that you cannot take on your trip at a secure location and easily retrieve them when you are back!

5.   Consolidating homes

This process can happen when a couple first moves in together or when an elderly parent moves in with family. In either situation, there is likely to be an excess of belongings. A storage unit can give you and your family time to get through the transition.

6.   Creating more space at home

Even before the dawn of the Marie Kondo era, people have had a strong desire to declutter. However, sometimes we are not in a position to get rid of belongings. They might have a sentimental value, or they might belong to another family member who is out of town.

Many people will temporarily rent a storage unit so they can slowly go through the decluttering process and keep their home tidy. People who have a knack for interior decorating also may utilize storage units for house decor items they can switch out from time to time.

7.   Keeping vehicles safe in the offseason

Customers can store their vehicles at our Burnaby/Vancouver Self Storage facility! If you are going to be out of town for several weeks or months and don’t have access to a secure parking spot, our car storage unit is a great solution. We have storage units in a variety of sizes. Our car storage is located in a gated, alarmed, access controlled facility that is monitored via random patrol  services as well as our 24/7 digital video recording system. This robust security system will keep your vehicle safe and sound while you are away.

8.   Helping organize a home renovation

Summer is here and you are ready to renovate your home. The first thing to do after selecting the home renovation company you want to work with, is finding a storage unit near you. You can store valued possessions or furniture to avoid accidental damage, while creating more space for home renovators to work freely.

9.   Organizing Home Office Inventory

As more business owners are setting up home offices to work from home 100% of the time, their homes become cluttered with office supplies or documents. Yikes! This is where storage units can help. By storing documents or office supplies at a storage unit, a business owner can declutter and clear his home or working area and keep his home office organized. Additionally, keeping your office supplies at a self storage unit will prevent them from being inadvertently damaged at home by pets, kids, or every-day activities.

Some common businesses that find value in storage units include:

●       Carpenters and contractors

●       Landscapers

●       Online shop owners

●       Sales and marketing service professionals

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

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

Security Features To Look For When Renting A Storage Unit

Security is one of the most important features to look for when choosing a self-storage facility. When you are putting your items into self-storage, you want to have peace of mind that your items will be safe and protected by choosing a storage facility that utilizes the latest in security features. Regardless of what you are storing, here are some of the security features to look for in a self-storage facility:

Perimeter Fencing & Main Gate

Does the storage facility have a strong initial layer of security? Make sure the storage facility has perimeter fencing around the property to keep out anyone who isn’t working or storing at the property. How do people enter/exit the property? Look for a property that has a main gate with electronic gate access that can only be opened or closed when a code is entered on an electronic keypad. This ensures that the storage provider is aware of who is coming and going from the facility at all times.

Digital Video Surveillance

You want to afford yourself with peace of mind knowing that your items will be safe in storage. Look for storage facilities that have multiple cameras strategically placed throughout the property, ensuring nothing goes unseen. Digital video surveillance that is run 24/7 ensures that whether or not the staff is on-site, the facility and property can still be monitored at any time. Research also shows that just the mere presence of security cameras is enough to ward off potential thieves or trespassers.

Individually-Alarmed Storage Units

Controlled access to your storage unit is a must. Make sure that your indoor storage unit or outdoor storage unit is fitted with an alarm system that prompts an alarm if someone attempts to break into your unit. With individually-alarmed units, each renter is given a unique access code to the property, which they enter at the main gate and/or facility entrance doors to disable the alarm on their unit. When exiting, the renter will enter their access code again, thus, re-arming the unit alarm and ensuring their items are safe and protected.

Locks

As the renter, you are required to use your own lock. Ensuring the storage units are secured with a high-quality storage lock should be the priority of any storage facility and self-storage renter. Many storage facilities of a selection of self-storage locks available for purchase, but which type do you buy? When choosing a lock to protect your storage unit and valuable items, consider the following self-storage locks:

Disc Locks: A popular lock in the self-storage industry, these thickly built locks are extremely tamper-proof and are drill-proof, pick-proof, resilient against impacts. Made of heavy-duty stainless steel, these locks have a disc-like shape and built-in shackle that fits tightly around your storage unit door latch, making them very difficult for anyone to cut with bolt-cutters or grind off. Removing these locks requires electrical equipment, as well as a lot of time and effort.

Cylinder Locks: Becoming the new industry standard, like disc locks, these tamper-proof self-storage locks are drill-proof, resilient against impacts, and virtually impossible to pick. These locks have a cylinder shape, which means they have no locking bar and are inserted internally inside the storage unit latching system with no part of the lock extending out from the door, making them impossible to be cut off. Not all self-storage facilities have this configuration, so it’s always best to call your storage provider before you arrive and inquire if their roll-up doors support cylinder locks or not.

Lighting

Lighting is an effective crime deterrent and a must for on-site safety. Make sure the property of your storage provider is well-light both inside and out. If you have an outdoor storage unit, you want to make sure the property has excellent exterior lighting and is well-light at night to avoid accidents and ensure you feel safe. When inside your storage unit, you want to make sure you’re not having to hold a flashlight at all times when sorting through your items, so look for self-storage facilities with good interior lighting with well-lit hallways and aisles.

Looking for secure self-storage?

If you’re getting ready to move your items into storage and need a safe and secure storage unit for your belongings, contact your nearest U-Lock location and speak to our storage specialists. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have, tell you all about our security features, and set you up with the right storage unit to fit your needs. 

Are you getting ready to move your belongings into storage? To help you save time and stress, and ensure you get the most out of your storage unit, here are a few common self storage moving mistakes to avoid:

Not labelling your boxes

Amidst the rushing around and chaos that is moving, many people often skip labelling their boxes to save time. Fast forward a month later when you need to grab something from your storage unit, but you have completely forgotten where you packed it. There is nothing more frustrating and time-consuming than having to rifle through every box to find what you came for. Save yourself a lot of time and stress in the future and label your boxes. We recommend labelling boxes by room with a number and keeping a detailed record of all the items that are in each box. That way, you can reference your inventory list and quickly find what you need when you need it.

Trying to reserve a moving truck the day of your move

The most common days people move are the first and last day of any month, which means reservations on moving trucks fill up fast. More often than not, people wait until the last minute to book a moving truck only to be told that there are none available in their city. Don’t wait until moving day to start finding a moving truck. To get the time slot and moving truck you want, start your search 1-2 months before your moving date. 

Not giving yourself enough time

Not giving yourself enough time to organize and properly stack your items in your storage unit will make it a nightmare to access. You want to be able to access your storage unit without having to rearrange it every time. If you leave everything to the last minute on moving day, you’ll likely find yourself tossing boxes and furniture into your unit in a rush – potentially damaging your belongings, hurting yourself, and creating a cluttered disaster. Do yourself a favour and plan your moving day well in advance. Check the hours of the storage office and storage facility and make sure you plan to give yourself and/or movers enough time to get your storage unit properly organized and accessible.

Not getting the right boxes

Whether you’re storing your items short-term or long-term, it’s important to pack your belongings in the right boxes. Using weak boxes that aren’t designed for absorbing weight won’t up stand up well during the move or in storage as they can bulge, tear or collapse. Instead, invest in moving boxes designed for moving and storage. Try to stick to 1-2 different sizes of boxes so you can efficiently stack your boxes and utilize your storage space to the fullest. Use larger moving boxes for lighter items and smaller moving boxes for heavier items. When stacking, be sure to place heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter boxes at the top. 

Avoiding Self Storage Mistakes

Need a few more storage tips? If you’re getting ready to move your items into storage and need some expert advice, contact your nearest U-Lock location and our storage specialists would be happy to answer your questions and set you up with the right storage unit that best fits your needs.

Let’s make 2020 our least cluttered year yet! Get more organized and reduce clutter around your home with these new year resolutions:

#1 Tackle Your Worst Clutter Zones

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Almost every room in the home has at least one clutter zone – the nightstand full of odds and ends; the desk drawer packed with unopened mail; the mountain of shoes stacked in the entryway; the infamous junk drawer piled with all those knick knacks you have no idea what to do. Often just casualties of daily life, these areas are clutter magnets for anything and everything. With the new year upon us, it’s time to put a few minutes aside and transform these out-of-control clutter zones into clean-and-tidy spaces! 

• Completely empty out the spaces and organize everything into piles.
• Throw out anything that belongs in the trash or recycle.
• Put anything that belongs elsewhere back in its proper spot.
• Try out a few different arrangements for your contents to find the one that’s right for you and stick with it.

#2 Wardrobe Update: Declutter Closet and Dresser Drawers

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It’s super easy to accumulate clothing that you don’t wear anymore. As the years go by, our styles change, we outgrow things and we keep a lot of “just in case” or “back-up” options. Whatever the case may be, if you have clothing that’s uncomfortable to wear, haven’t touched in the past year, or hate the way it looks on you, donate it. If it’s stained, unusable or just falling apart, throw it away. To figure out what stays and what goes, try asking yourself:

• Have I worn it in the past year?
• Does it fit me?
• Do I like the way I look in it?

If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, then you have some clothes to get rid of!

#3 Kitchen Clutter Hotspot: Organize Your Pantry

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The kitchen pantry often becomes of hotspot of clutter. There’s a lot of things in there you don’t need –  half eaten chip bags, numerous canned vegetables, opened boxes of cereal, snack bars and suspiciously old spices, to name a few.  We often see these things on the shelf so often that we stop thinking about them, accumulating more and more. Not anymore! The new year is the perfect time to give your pantry a much needed makeover. Throw out stale or expired items, donate anything you’re not going to eat to your local food bank and if there’s anything in there you don’t remember buying, probably safe to say that can go too.

Here’s a few pantry items to start with:

• Suspiciously old spices 
• Breakfast Cereals
• Canned vegetables
• Cooking Oils
• Nuts
• Crackers
• Brown sugar

#4 Cut Down On Paper Clutter

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Paper accumulates in our homes fast. Our drawers and cupboards are full of receipts, unopened mail, take-out menus, instruction manuals and flyers. If you’re sick and tired of dealing with piles of paper in your home, here’s a few ways you can cut down on paper clutter:

• Go digital. Change receiving your bank and utility statements and notifications from mail to email. Most banks and major utility companies will offer this.
• Cut down subscriptions. Recycle your stacks of magazines and newspapers and switch to digital.
• Buy a shredder. We often hold onto paperwork we don’t need because we’re worried about privacy. A small shredder is a simple solution for getting rid of that sensitive paperwork you don’t need.
• Scan everything. Notes with information you want to keep, old photographs or artwork from your children are a few of the paper items you can get rid of but still keep forever. Scan everything you can and save them on your computer, external hard drive or cloud storage. A scanner is a relatively low-cost option that will help you cut down on a lot of paper.

Wanting to clear up more space in your home? U-Lock Mini Storage has convenient storage locations across British Columbia and can provide the storage unit and services you need to enjoy a clutter-free lifestyle.