5 Important Questions to Ask When Hiring a Moving Company

Hiring a moving company is a key decision when it comes to relocating your home or office. Entrusting your belongings to professionals can alleviate the stress and physical strain associated with moving. However, choosing the right moving company requires careful consideration. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free moving experience, we’ve compiled a list of five important questions to ask before hiring a moving company. By asking these questions and obtaining the necessary information, you can make an informed decision and ensure your belongings are in good hands.

Are They Licensed and Insured?

The first question to ask a moving company is whether they are properly licensed and insured. A reputable moving company should hold the necessary licenses and comply with local regulations. Additionally, they should have liability coverage to protect your belongings in case of damage or loss during the move. Request proof of their licensing and insurance to ensure they are adequately prepared to handle your move.

What Services Do You Provide?

Understanding the range of services offered by a moving company is essential. Some companies may only provide transportation, while others offer additional services such as packing, unpacking, and self storage. Determine your specific needs and inquire about the services they offer. This will help you assess whether the company can meet your requirements and simplify the moving process.

How Do You Determine Pricing?

Pricing is a critical factor when choosing a moving company. Ask for a detailed breakdown of their pricing structure. Do they charge by the hour, by weight, or by distance? Are there any additional fees for specialized items or services? Obtain a written estimate that includes all costs involved to avoid any surprises on moving day. It’s also beneficial to compare quotes from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting a fair price.

Can You Provide References or Testimonials?

A reputable moving company should have no qualms about providing references or testimonials from previous clients. Ask for contact information of customers who have recently used their services. Reach out to these references and inquire about their experiences with the company. This will give you insights into their professionalism, reliability, and the quality of their service.

What is Your Complaint Resolution Process?

Even the most reputable moving companies may occasionally encounter issues or customer complaints. Inquire about their complaint resolution process and how they handle any concerns that may arise during the move. A reliable company should have a clear protocol for addressing customer feedback and resolving issues in a timely and satisfactory manner. This demonstrates their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Hiring a reputable moving company is crucial to ensure a successful and stress-free move. By asking these five important questions, you can gather essential information to make an informed decision. Confirm their licensing and insurance, understand the services provided, clarify the pricing structure, seek references or testimonials, and inquire about their complaint resolution process. Taking the time to ask these questions will give you peace of mind and help you select a reliable moving company that will handle your belongings with care.

5 Kitchen Organization Tips to Make the Most of a Small Space

A small kitchen can be a challenge to organize, but with the right tools and mindset, you can make the most of the space you have. Here are 5 kitchen organization tips that will help you maximize your small kitchen space while keeping it tidy and functional.

Use Vertical Space

When it comes to small kitchen organization, utilizing vertical space is key. Invest in shelves or racks that you can attach to the walls or hang from the ceiling. This will give you more storage space for items like pots, pans, and utensils.

Another way to use vertical space is to install a pegboard. This is a great option for storing items like cutting boards, colanders, and measuring cups. Plus, it adds a decorative touch to your kitchen.

Maximize Cabinet Space

Cabinet space is precious in a small kitchen, so it’s important to make the most of it. One way to do this is by using risers inside your cabinets. This allows you to stack items like plates and bowls without taking up too much space.

Another option is to install pull-out shelves. This makes it easier to access items that are stored in the back of the cabinet without having to take everything out first.

Use Drawer Dividers

Drawers can quickly become a mess in a small kitchen. That’s why it’s important to use drawer dividers to keep everything in its place. This is especially useful for storing utensils, as it prevents them from getting tangled up.

You can also use drawer dividers to store other items like baking sheets, cutting boards, and even Tupperware lids. This will make it easier to find what you need and prevent clutter from accumulating.

Get Creative with Storage Units

If you still need more storage space in your small kitchen, consider renting a storage unit. This is a great option for storing items that you don’t use on a regular basis, like holiday dishes or small appliances.

At U-Lock Mini Storage, we offer a variety of storage unit sizes to fit your needs. Our facilities include storage units in Victoria, storage units in Parksville, storage units in Nanaimo, storage units in Burnaby, storage units in White Rock and Surrey, and storage units in Chilliwack.

In addition to renting a storage unit, you can also get creative with other types of storage units. For example, you can use a bookshelf to store dishes or a wine rack to store bottles and glasses. The possibilities are endless!

Use Multi-Purpose Items

When you’re working with a small kitchen, it’s important to make every item count. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in multi-purpose items. For example, you can get a cutting board that also doubles as a serving tray.

You can also use a utensil holder as a vase for flowers or a Mason jar as a drinking glass. This not only saves space, but it also adds a personal touch to your kitchen.

In conclusion, a small kitchen doesn’t have to be a source of frustration. By using vertical space, maximizing cabinet space, using drawer dividers, getting creative with storage units, and using multi-purpose items, you can make the most of the space you have while keeping your kitchen organized and functional. And if you still need more storage space, consider renting a storage unit from U-Lock Mini Storage.

Questions You Should Ask When Renting a Storage Unit

  1. What are the requirements to rent a storage unit?

You just need a valid, government-issued form of ID to rent your storage unit. Options include a driver’s license, passport, state ID or military ID. When reserving the storage unit, you’ll need to sign a binding storage unit agreement or contract. Needless to say, make sure to read it thoroughly first.

  1. What size storage unit should I rent?

The storage unit you pick depends on the number and size of items you want to store.

Good news: at U-Lock Mini Storage, we offer a wide selection of storage unit sizes such as 5’x5’, 5’x10’, 10’x10’, 10’x15’ and 10’x20’ storage units. To see which storage unit size best serves your needs, feel free to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Our facilities include storage units Victoria, storage units Parksville, storage units Nanaimo, storage units Burnaby, storage units White Rock and Surrey and storage units Chilliwack.

  1. For how long can I rent a storage unit?

Typically, you can rent a storage unit for as long as you like. Some people even rent storage units indefinitely as an extra space for personal or work-related items. At U-Lock Mini Storage, we offer month-to-month rental so our clients only need to rent storage units according to their needs.

  1. How is the cost of a storage room for rent determined?

The cost of a storage unit is typically based on the size of the storage unit and the floor level on which the storage unit is. For example, a larger storage unit on the ground level, which is more easily accessed, will have a higher storage price.

  1. How does the payment work?

You’ll be paying once a month on or before the date specified in your rental agreement.

If you default on your payment (anywhere between 5 to 30 days after the due date), the storage facility can deny you entry. The point of default should be specified in your lease. You can regain access to your unit after you pay the past-due amount. If you don’t pay your bill, per self-storage state lien laws, a storage facility has a right to hold and auction off your belongings to make up for lost rent money. This is the last resort, and you can prevent it by learning the terms of your contract, paying your monthly bill on time, and communicating with the rental facility manager as soon as possible if you’re having any issues.

  1. How do I get my belongings to the storage unit?

A full-service storage company will take care of that for you. But if you DIY, there are several options. If you don’t have many things to store, you can pack your own car and make one or a few trips to the storage facility. To transport more items than your car will hold, consider asking for a favor from a friend or a family member with a truck. Alternatively, you have the option to rent a truck. Finally, you can take advantage of free truck rentals offered by some storage companies. Storage companies like Life Storage and CubeSmart (in partnership with Penske) offer rental trucks at select locations. At U-Haul’s participating locations, all one-way truck or trailer reservations come with one-month free storage.

  1. What’s in a rental agreement?

Your rental agreement (also referred to as a rental contract, self-storage contract or 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)

How to Add Storage Space to Your Garage – Part 1

Adding storage space to a garage is a great way to organize and free up some room in your garage.

Adding storage space to a garage is a great way to organize and free up some room in your garage. 

Before you begin adding anything new to your garage, you will first need to organize it by sorting your things and drafting a floor plan. Once your garage is organized, you can build some shelving and install other vertical organization systems. You can also clear some space by hanging things from the ceiling or placing them in cabinets and plastic bins.

1. Sort Your Things

Go through the things in your garage and organize them according to function or utility. As you sort, you should also create three other piles for things that you want to recycle, throw away or donate. Once you have sorted everything and removed the things you want to get rid of, you should have a better idea of what your needs are going to be. If there are some items you want to keep but you do not have enough space at home to keep them, rent a storage unit to keep your items safe and sound.

Be sure to responsibly dispose of any chemicals or other hazardous materials in your garage. Do not simply throw them in the trash or pour them into the drain. Contact your local hazardous waste site about disposing of these substances.

2. Group Similar Things Together

When sorting the things in your garage, determine what items will be stored together. Keeping similar things in groups will make it easier for you to find them later. It will also help you determine what kind of storage system to invest in.

For example, put all of your gardening supplies in one group and your sports gear in another.

3. Draft a Floor Plan

Once you sort everything, make a floor plan of your garage. With a tape measure, register the measurements of the garage, paying particular attention to the windows, doors and any utilities. You should also figure out how much space you will need for your car. After you have all your measurements, plot out the dimensions of your garage on grid paper and highlight the areas where you can store things.

4. Determine Where You Want to Place Things

Using your floor plan, consider the types of storage space you will want to add and the space requirements of each item. Some shelving and vertical storage space systems will allow you to maximize your wall space without giving up too much floor room. Things like plastic bins and cabinets will take up more space, but they are useful for storing things in the long term.

  • Remember to keep garden tools, bikes, and other frequently used outdoor gear near the garage door.
  • Make sure that the trash and recycling bins are easily accessible from the door to the house.
  • Keep your seasonal items in the hardest-to-reach places, like the top of a shelf.

How To Declutter Your Home with A Storage Unit in the New Year!

Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season safely with your loved ones, with scrumptious food and lovely gifts! 

Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season safely with your loved ones, with scrumptious food and lovely gifts! 

While the holiday season is a terrific, festive time, it is also a period that can easily make your home messy. To help you kickstart your year with a clean slate, we have put together four tips you can use to declutter your home. Check them out!

Get Organized

When you are taking down holiday decorations and tidying up your home, you can also consider storing or getting rid of items that are simply laying around the house. For example, seasonal clothes you do not wear often, CDs you do not listen to anymore, or other similar items can be organized together and stored somewhere else outside your home. You can also donate items such as electronics and clothes that others may find useful.

When gathering all the items that you want to donate, get rid of, or store, categorize the items and create a spreadsheet listing all of them. For example, you can create  a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and create a category called “sweaters”. Once the list has been created, add descriptions of the sweaters in the list so you know which items will go in which box when you start packing the items down the road.

Buy Storage Supplies

After you have created categories and placed each belonging in their respective category, you can buy storage supplies, including:

  • Cardboard boxes
  • Storage file boxes
  • Packaging tape
  • Scissors

At U-Lock Mini Storage, we sell quality and economical cardboard boxes. If you are looking to buy cardboard boxes, please contact one of our storage unit facilities near you and we will be delighted to help!

Our locations are:

Box Your Belongings

Once you have purchased all the necessary supplies, it is time to box your belongings according to the categories you created. 

When boxing your belongings, it is recommended to place boxes that have the same category in the same area. For example, if you have several boxes labeled “old sweaters”, you can gather these boxes in the same area in your home so when you pick the boxes up and move them to a storage unit or a donation centre, you can find these boxes more easily.

Book a Storage Unit

Now that you have boxed all your items and identified the ones you want to donate, get rid of, or store, you can book a storage unit

You can choose a storage unit size according to the size and number of boxes you have. To start, you can book a 5 x 5 feet storage unit. This storage unit size is equivalent to a regular closet where you can store personal items, clothes, boxes, skis, children’s toys, small furniture items, or business records and supplies etc.. If you want something a bit bigger, we recommend upgrading to a 5 x 7 feet storage unit.

If you have any questions about storage units, please feel free to contact us!

Find Resources or an Extra Hand for the Move

The final step in decluttering your home with a storage unit is seeking resources to help you store your items. Whether it is booking an appointment with a moving company, finding friends for extra muscle, or renting a moving truck, make sure you have found all the necessary resources you need to store your belongings in a storage unit seamlessly!

Questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online, 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:

4 Signs Your Business Should Rent a Storage Unit

Renting a storage unit is a terrific solution to declutter your business space. Whether you are looking to free up office or retail space, a storage unit will help you achieve optimal workplace organization and hygiene.

Here are the top four signs your business should rent a storage unit:

1. You are running out of space

With social distancing policies in full effect in the public spaces and within offices, some companies are running out of room in their workplace. Areas that were once used to store documents are now needed to provide space for staff. This is when a storage unit comes in handy.

By renting a storage unit that meets your needs, you will gain space to store documents, office supplies, and equipment. At U-Lock Mini Storage, you can choose from a variety of unit sizes we offer. For starters, we have the 5×5 feet unit which is equivalent to a regular closet. If you only have a few items or documents to store, the 5×5 feet storage unit will surely suffice! If you have more items to store and need a bigger space, we have the 5×10 feet storage unit available. This storage unit size is equivalent to a walk-in closet and it is ideal for those who want store documents and possibly some office equipment or supplies.

If you have even more office items to store, you can rent a 5×15 feet storage unit.This storage unit size is approximately the same as a large closet and it has the capacity to store business supplies, a few pieces of furniture, sofas, chairs, chest of drawers, as well as some small items and boxes.

2. Security Concerns 

If you have security concerns for your office and don’t want to store important documents on-site, rent a storage unit. 

All of our storage units are secured in a gated facility with perimeter fencing and a main gate. The perimeter fencing keeps out people who are not staff or storage users at the facility. The main gate with electronic access can only be opened or closed when a code is entered on an electronic keypad. This enhanced security protocol ensures that only customers and staff can enter the perimeter while keeping track of who enters or exits the building.

Moreover, some of our storage units are individually alarmed. Renters are given a unique access code to disable the alarm to enter, and enable it on their way out. An attempt to break into an alarmed unit will trigger the alarm system and security or law enforcement will be called to remedy the problem.

The whole perimeter is also monitored 24 hours a day using digital video surveillance with multiple cameras, which are placed strategically in different locations to capture footage from all angles. Any potential thieves, trespassers, or malicious activities will be recorded.

3. You are Moving to a New Office

If you are moving to a new office or facility and have documents or office supplies or equipment that you do not want to bring into your new space just yet, rent a storage unit.

As mentioned before, we have a variety of storage unit sizes to choose from. You can start with the 5×5 feet storage unit if you only have a few office supplies or equipment to store. If the 5×5 feet storage unit does not suffice, you are welcome to upgrade to 5×10 feet, 5×15 feet, or bigger storage units!

4. You Have Inventory Surplus

If you are a retailer operating a brick and mortar store, you can significantly benefit from the perks of self storage. Oftentimes, it becomes difficult to keep your inventory under control with seasonal changes. Using the additional storage space a storage unit provides can help you better manage your day-to-day operation. The temporary storage can be used to store items that do not fit on your shelves or need to wait to be displayed later.

Additionally, businesses can better prepare for seasonal sales by acquiring merchandise in advance. For instance, summer clearances which normally occur in late July and August, can be managed much earlier by buying stock in advance and keeping it in storage and then sold during the clearance period. Businesses can purchase clearance stock at competitive prices in advance and sell later at higher prices. Businesses can also rent storage units to store out-of-season products; for example, a retailer can store their summer items when autumn comes to make room for seasonal items in the retail store.

You can also rent heat-controlled units to help protect your merchandise. heat-controlled storage is a special type of storage that allows you to regulate and maintain a certain temperature inside your self-storage unit.

Heat controlled storage is a great way to protect your belongings such as furniture, works of art, and other delicate items from harsh conditions, like humidity and extremely hot or cold temperatures.

Although you may not realize it, many items are prone to damage if stored in these irregular conditions, so heat-controlled storage is the ideal solution to preserve your items.

Here are examples of items that will benefit from a heat-controlled storage unit:

  • Antiques
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries
  • Art & Collectibles
  • Goods and Furniture made of wood, leather, or wicker
  • Electronics (e.g. TVs, Stereos, and Computers)
  • Media (e.g. CD’s, DVD’s, and Cassette Tapes)
  • Candles
  • Photographs and Film
  • Medications / Medical Supplies
  • Bicycles
  • Musical Instruments

For specialty businesses such as carpet retailers, it is worth your while to keep a few samples on the premises of your store, while the bulk of your merchandise can safely sit inside a storage unit ready to ship as needed. Similarly, utility stores can take advantage of container storage to keep some of their stock outside the store. As sledges, gloves and snow shovels will sell at a higher markup during winter, it is sensible to put them into storage as opposed to selling them for a reduced price in the summer.

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

6 Myths About Storage Units Debunked!

While more customers are choosing to use storage units to safely store their valued belongings, many do not have all the right information about storage units. Some people might be unsure about the security of storage units, while others are concerned about the potential hidden costs.

We are here today to debunk six major myths roaming around – check it out!

  1. Storage units are not safe

All of our storage units are secured in a gated facility with perimeter fencing and a main gate. The perimeter fencing keeps out people who are not staff, or storage users at the facility. The main gate with electronic access can only be opened or closed when a code is entered on an electronic keypad. This enhanced security protocol ensures that only customers and staff can enter the perimeter while keeping track of who enters or exits the building.

Moreover, each storage unit is individually alarmed. Renters are given a unique access code to disable the alarm to enter, and enable it on their way out. An attempt to break into an alarmed unit will trigger the alarm system and security or law enforcement will be called to remedy the problem.

The whole perimeter is also monitored 24 hours a day using digital video surveillance with multiple cameras, which are placed strategically in different locations to capture footage from all angles. Any potential thieves, trespassers, or malicious activities will be recorded.

  1. Storage units do not have temperature control

We have a wide selection of temperature control storage units to ensure your belongings are perfectly stored with the ideal temperature.

Climate-controlled storage is a special type of storage that allows you to maintain a temperature inside your self-storage unit.

Climate controlled storage is a terrific way to protect your belongings such as furniture or painting from harsh conditions, like extremely hot or cold temperatures, or humidity.

Although you may not realize it, many items are prone to damage if stored in these conditions, so climate-controlled storage is the ideal solution to preserve your items.

Here are examples of items that will benefit from a climate-controlled storage unit:

  • Antiques
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries
  • Art & Collectibles
  • Goods and Furniture made of wood, leather, or wicker
  • Electronics (e.g. TVs, Stereos, and Computers)
  • Media (e.g. CD’s, DVD’s, and Cassette Tapes)
  • Candles
  • Photographs and Film
  • Medications / Medical Supplies
  • Bicycles
  • Musical Instruments
  1. Storage units are expensive

The price varies on the unit size and you can select the best unit size and price based on your needs.

For example, our storage units start at 5 x 5 feet units for only $147/month. This size is equivalent to a regular closet, and it is perfect for personal items, clothes, boxes, skis, children’s toys, small furniture, business records, and sales rep materials, for example.

If you are looking for a slightly bigger unit, we have a 5 feet by 10 feet unit, which is equivalent to a walk-in closet for only $190/month. This unit size can hold items like furniture, sofas, chairs, chest of drawers, box springs and mattresses, business supplies and records.

We also have larger units such as 10 feet by 15 feet units which are equivalent to two-thirds of a one-car garage. This unit size starts at $402/month and it can hold belongings from an average two-bedroom apartment or house, including appliances, boxes, and miscellaneous items, as well as commercial storage inventory.

Needless to say, our storage unit prices are competitive and vary to adapt to your needs. 

  1. Storage units require long-term contracts

We offer month-to-month contracts with no commitment. This means that you can book a storage for one or a few months, or for however long you need the additional storage space. You can stop using the storage when you find space for your items at your home or elsewhere.

  1. Storage companies do not offer moving trucks

We also have moving trucks available for rent. If you need a moving truck to transport your items, you can most definitely contact us to reserve one!

  1. Storage companies require security deposits

Not at all! We do not require a security deposit for storage rentals. Our customers only need to pay for the rental period. This minimizes the amount of paperwork and reduces the cost of reserving a unit.

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

6 Reasons Why Vancouver Businesses Are Using Storage Units

Our storage units provide additional storage space alongside a wide range of benefits that Vancouver businesses need at competitive rates. Here are top six reasons why Vancouver businesses are using our storage units:

Store inventory

If a business has recently acquired more inventory, downsized to a smaller space, seized operation, or wanted to store items from the previous season to create more room for in-season fashion items, they can most definitely use our storage units to securely store their products or office items! We offer month-to-month no-commitment contracts which mean that businesses can store their items for a couple of months when they need the extra storage space and stop using storage units once they have enough space in their offices or stores.

Store vehicles

Businesses use our car storage facility at our U-Lock Self Storage Burnaby and Vancouver location to store their vehicle during their off-season. For example, a home improvement company may experience slow periods during certain months in a year and can pause insurance of a few of their company vehicles and store the vehicles at our Vancouver facility. Doing this helps the company save tremendously on auto insurance and protects the vehicles from external damages if the vehicles were parked out on the street or a parking lot where there’s minimal security. Our car storage unit is located in our storage facility which is protected by gates and fences and monitored 24 hours a day with an HD surveillance system. Each storage unit is installed with individual alarms so when a burglar attempts to break in a storage unit, the alarm would sound and security and police enforcement would escalate to the storage facility to remedy the issue.

Store Home Decorators, Home Staging Props or Real Estate Signs

Realtors, home decors, or professionals who are associated with the real estate industry need a place to store their home decors, home staging props, or for sale signs. Using a storage unit offers you the right solution to temporarily store the items adjacent to their business, such as various types of furniture needed to stage a house for sale in order to make it more appealing. In storage, the items will stay clean and undamaged, especially in a climate-controlled unit.

Store Office Supplies During a Renovation

Renovating or relocating are also times when businesses can enjoy the benefits of storage units as they can temporarily store their stock and a range of other items during the process. Select a storage facility that offers moving truck services for convenience. With various businesses come various needs, so you might want to store diverse items such as desktop computers, file cabinets and documents, cubicle dividers and break room appliances. In the unfortunate event of a fire or storm, you can safely store your business-related items in a storage unit until you can begin carrying out your business as usual again.

Store Documents

More businesses have gone digital nowadays by using cloud services such as Google Drive or Microsoft Azure Cloud to store company documents and these businesses no longer need cabinets to store future company documents. That said, some companies may still want to retain physical copies or certain documents or don’t want to replicate digital companies of certain important or confidential documents and upload the documents onto the cloud. These companies would turn to storage units to store old company documents so these documents aren’t laying around in the office and the companies can use the additional office space for other purposes.

Maintain eCommerce Inventory

Many retail businesses today are strictly digital, meaning that they’re strictly an eCommerce company and they don’t have a brick-and-mortar store, and they need space to hold their inventory. These businesses have turned to storage units to store their inventory. These businesses are using storage units as their “warehouse”. We have a wide variety of storage unit sizes, from 7.5 sq.ft. to 273 sq.ft; businesses can select the right unit size at the right price based on their business needs!

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

Want to reserve a unit at a storage unit rental facility near you? Check out our self storage facilities:

  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 Ways to Organize Your Digital Clutter

Imagine a world in which your computer desktop has a minimalist, pristine background, your files are perfectly named and easy to find, and you have useful file folders that actually have the files you were looking for! In honor of Clean Out Your Computer Day, here are a few tips to help you organize your digital world and get your computer running more smoothly!

1. Declutter Your Desktop

Our desktops are always the most cluttered area of our computers. They are a catch-all for files that don’t yet have a home, like screenshots, duplicate files, or digital sticky notes. First things first, go through all these files and drag those that serve no purpose (aside from taking up memory) and move them into the trash. To make sure your desktop stays tidy and organized, here’s a few tips:

  • Don’t use the Desktop as your default save location. Instead, save all your new files to your “Downloads” folder.
  • Use your desktop as a temporary working area and only save files to your Desktop for as long as you need them. For instance, your Desktop is a convenient place to save files while you’re working on them, but once you’ve completed the task or project, move those files to the folder they belong to. 
  • Backup your computer. It makes it much easier deciding which files or documents to delete if you know you’ve backed-up your computer’s data to a physical hard drive. 

2. Empty Your Downloads Folder

When was the last time you looked through your Downloads Folder? If it’s been a while, chances are it’s packed full of unnecessary files, like images, memes, screenshots, media files, and documents. Over time, these files can accumulate and take up a lot of memory on your computer. Drag files you no longer need into the trash and delete them. If there are files in there you can’t make a decision on right now, make a “To Be Sorted” folder and move those items into there for a later day.

3. Delete Useless Apps

Do you have apps on your computer that you downloaded and never opened? Or gave up on years ago but it’s still installed on your computer? If there’s an app on your computer that doesn’t bring joy or value to your life, delete it. You’ll be amazed at how much storage you can clear up.

4. Organize Your Files & Folders

Now that you’ve sorted through your digital clutter, it’s time to organize the files you are keeping into folders. You have documents for work, school, personal, as well as videos and photos, but these files should be kept separate. The system of organization you choose is totally up to you, but the best way to start is to create large, main folders and organize them by category, like “Personal,” “Work,” ”School,” or “Finances.” Once you have all your files in the appropriate main folder(s), you can now take your organizing a step further and create sub-folders within each main folder. For example, organize your videos based on dates taken or school work by class or subject. Once you’ve done organizing your files into the proper homes, create a universal naming system and stay consistent so you can always find what you need quickly and conveniently. 

Things to Get Rid of Right Now!

Are you a little bit of a pack rat? Not to be confused with hoarding, we’re referring to those who rarely throws things away out of the idea that “one day” they may need it. For example, is your kitchen drawers full of old take out menus? Closet stuffed with clothes you haven’t worn in over a year? Is there a stack of old DVD’s piled around your TV that you know you’re not going to watch again? If so, then it might be time to put a day aside to take the time to look around your home and determine if you have things you don’t need and thin out those non-essentials for good. Trust us, you’re going to find it exhilarating when you do! All that purging and organizing will eventually lead to a more organized and functional home for you to enjoy.

How do I start?

When we begin the journey to declutter, organize, and tidy our home, we always think the same thing: “I have too much, I don’t know where to start!” The key is to not try to declutter your whole house in one day. We like the ambition, but you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed quickly. Instead, start small. Start your journey by organizing a small area first, like your desk or junk drawer. Approach it one day at a time, one drawer at a time. Once you’re in the decluttering flow of things, transition into tidying and organizing one room at a time.

Declutter Rules

According to 31 Days to Declutter Your Home, there are 8 purging and declutter rules to keep in mind that will help you get the most out of your purge.

  1. One-year rule
    If you haven’t worn it/used it/looked at it in a year, get it out of your house.
     
  2. Broken beyond repair
    It’s broken, it’s busted, it’s a goner. Get it gone.
     
  3. Not even yours
    This is the worst type of clutter – you don’t even own it! Give it back to the person who does.
     
  4. Guilt
    Life gets busy, and you shouldn’t put more pressure on yourself by feeling responsible for things. They are just things, and don’t get you any closer to your goals.
     
  5. “Just in case”
    Think about your items you keep for this reason. Have any of those events come up when you actually needed them? Maybe, but it doesn’t matter right now.
     
  6. Publications
    Magazines and newspapers are old; the information contained in them is likely outdated. All of this information is easily found on the web.
     
  7. Done
    There are items we are just done with, but haven’t gotten around to getting rid of them. Now is that time!
     
  8. Simply the best
    Only put back into your closets and cupboards the best of what you own or things that you simply cannot part with.

How do I decide what stays and what goes?

How many times have you thought to yourself, “I’ll use it one day” or “it is worth something”? Before you know it, every room becomes storage for something. That mentality will keep you from purging things that really should go. If you won’t use it in the near future or can’t sell it, then it’s most likely not worth keeping. Rather, consider donating or just calling it what it is, trash. To determine what stays and what needs to go, here are three questions you can ask yourself:

  1. Does this compliment my life?
  2. When was the last time I used this?
  3.  Do I truly need this?

The answers to these questions can help your clutter impulses and allow you to clear out the space and move on.

Recycle Used Electronics

You may return your used electronics for recycling to the following retailers:

  • Best Buy stores accept items such as electronics and batteries for recycling.
  • Staples office supply stores take electronics, batteries and printer ink/toner cartridges for recycling.
  • London Drugs stores collect small electronics and other items for recycling.

You may also recycle your old phones to telecommunication providers such as Bell or Telus. Apple Canada and Sony Canada also take back their own products for recycling. For more information on electronics recycling near you, you may visit https://www.recyclemyelectronics.ca/

Need some inspiration? Here’s 30 things you can get rid of right now!

  1. Expired coupons
  2. Broken, old, unused electronics
  3. Take-out menus, utensils, sauce packets
  4. DVDs you know you will never watch
  5. Expired medications
  6. Expired spices and pantry items
  7. Power cords for devices you no longer use
  8. Extra wrapping paper, ribbons and bows
  9. Perfumes and colognes you no longer wear
  10. Expired makeup
  11. Greeting cards
  12. Socks without a match
  13. Books you never read and/or have not referenced in 3+ years
  14. Old receipts for items you can no longer return or exchange
  15. Chipped plates, mugs or cups
  16. Clothes you haven’t worn in over a year, have outgrown, or are torn and/or stained
  17. Memorabilia
  18. Tupperware containers without the lids
  19. CDs
  20. Board games with missing pieces
  21. Furniture manuals
  22. Broken holiday decorations
  23. Duplicate cooking utensils
  24. Old calendars
  25. Old prescription glasses or sunglasses
  26. Old wallets
  27. Touristy knick knacks
  28. Gifts you don’t like but are still holding onto
  29. Worn out or dirty shoes you no longer wear
  30. Things that don’t even belong to you! (return back to the owner)

Let the decluttering begin!