U-Lock Mini Storage – Page 11 – Self Storage Tips and News

8 Do’s and Don’ts for Renovating Your Home

This is the perfect season for renovating your home. As the weather gets better and there is less rain, it is the ideal time to renovate your kitchen, living room, or any interior space that you want to modernize or improve. To help you successfully and seamlessly renovate your home, we have gathered eight do’s and don’ts you should follow when you are beautifying or improving your home! Check out the tips:

Create a Detailed Blueprint

From the tiles that will go on the walls to the appliances that will be installed, anyone who has completed a home renovation before knows that it is better to have just about everything picked out before you begin the work. This is because you will need to make numerous decisions once the renovation starts, and the more of those you have made beforehand, the better off — and the better educated — you will be. Online tools like Pinterest, showroom visits, and/or material samples can help, and do not be afraid to start purchasing items to get the ball rolling.

Rent a Storage Unit

Renting a storage unit lets you protect your belongings and prevent them from getting damaged during the renovation process. Accidental incidents such as paint spilling on your sofa or debris getting on your clothes in the closet are all common and almost inevitable incidents that will occur if you do not store your belongings elsewhere outside your home. By renting a self-storage unit, you can make sure that your belongings are stored in a highly clean and secured place. If you have only a few items to store, you can rent a 5 x 5 feet storage unit, which is roughly the same size as a regular closet. This storage unit size is ideal for storing personal items, clothes, boxes, skis, children’s toys, small furniture items, and some documents. If you have a few more items to store, you can go with a 5 x 10 feet storage unit. This storage unit is approximately the same size as a walk-in closet. This storage unit size is perfect for holding a few pieces of furniture, sofas, chairs, a chest of drawers, boxspring and mattress, business supplies and records, plus other small items and boxes.

Do Not Do It Yourself

Sure, you could tile your own backsplash, and lay your own hardwood floors, and rewire your sound system, but should you? Honestly? While the desire to save money on what is bound to be an expensive renovation is always a draw, when it comes to the bones of your home, and renovations with major ROI potential, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Buyers will be able to spot less than perfect work on your home, and while it may be a point of pride for you, it will be a point of contention for them. You might also be interested in watching and learning.

Make a Realistic Budget

While it goes without saying that any project needs a budget to keep costs in check, it is not always an easy task to find the balance between your dream designs and the amount you have allotted for a project. This is why it is essential to get a true understanding of pricing, on both materials and labor, so you can gauge expectations accordingly.

Unfortunately, home improvement and renovation television shows can sometimes be misleading in terms of costs, which can vary greatly based on location and timing. Therefore, be sure to have a contractor look over your budget and confirm that it is realistic.

Hire a Good Team

Whether you decide to hire a general contractor or individual subcontractors for the job, it is important to find the right team to complete your home renovation. While word-of-mouth recommendations from friends might be enough for some, you may also consider doing a full-blown check on your contractor—looking into their license, certificate of insurance, lien history, bond number, and certification—to ensure you are dealing with a professional who is in good financial standing. Equally important is finding a contractor you get along with and who understands your vision, so it can be helpful to have an interview or preliminary discussion before the formal engagement of services.

Do Not Believe Everything You See on TV Shows

While we are fans of home improvement shows just as much as the next person, oftentimes, many series can make certain projects, such as throwing up a stud wall or installing a new bathroom vanity, seem extremely simple—and they might be for a professional or advanced DIY-er.

However, if you are considering a home renovation, think practically about what you can and cannot do; painting the walls of a small bathroom on your own may be totally feasible, but painting all of the walls of a 4,000-square-foot house is likely less so. While you may think you would be saving a lot of money by doing the work yourself, if it is something unfamiliar, it might cost even more to have a professional undo your work and then properly complete the project.

Do Not Follow Bold Trends

Avoid browsing high-end design magazines and websites for inspiration and look to homes on real estate sites for ideas. You will get a better sense of what’s standard on the market, and be less tempted by up-to-the-minute trends whichwill be long-forgotten before you even place the “For Sale” sign on your lawn.

Prepare to Live Uncomfortably During the Renovation Process

Living through a home renovation can be a trying experience—one that is often filled with dust, exhaustion, and plenty of take-out. Even the most meticulous of contractors cannot keep dust and dirt from flying everywhere, so know that your house will not be as clean as you would typically keep it. Try not to let that bother you, but if you think it will be too much for you to handle, it is not out of the ordinary to rent a place to stay, go on vacation, or live with friends or family for a few critical weeks until your home is a bit more “liveable.”

15 Items That You Should Store In Heated Storage

Heated storage units, often referred to as temperature controlled storage, are a type of storage unit that is specially designed to maintain steady temperatures and humidity levels.

Heated storage units, often referred to as temperature controlled storage, are a type of storage unit that is specially designed to maintain steady temperatures and humidity levels. Generally, the temperature will remain consistently between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius. Heated storage is most often found at storage facilities with indoor storage units, such as U-Lock Mini Storage.

Temperature and humidity are important components when it comes to optimizing the climate in a space because temperature and humidity affect moisture levels: more heat and more humidity equal more moisture. Keeping both temperature and humidity controlled and steady prevents the formation of moisture, keeps your items protected and prevents damage from mold or warping due to moisture.

Items that Require a Heated Storage Unit

All items in storage will benefit from a heated storage unit, but some items will benefit more significantly than others. Items that benefit or require a climate-controlled storage unit include:

Media (DVDs, videos, vinyl records, etc.)
Artwork
Clothing, particularly with lace or leather
Important documents
Photographs
Furniture (anything made of or containing wood, metal, wicker, leather, or upholstery)
Electronics
Antiques
Collectibles (stamps, coins, comic books, etc.)
Medical supplies and medications
Makeup and toiletries
Household appliances
Musical instruments
Sports equipment
Bicycles with leather seats

The reason why these items require heated storage is their damaging reaction to moisture. For example:

Wood can become warped, cracked or rotten from moisture exposure.
Leather can become warped or discoloured, and is susceptible to mold and mildew.
Electronics can become cracked or rusted, rendering them unusable or dangerous to use later on.
Paper items such as photographs can actually disintegrate or become otherwise indistinct.

If you are not sure if an item needs to be stored in a heated storage unit, ask yourself the following questions:

Can it get mold or mildew?
Can it warp, crack, deteriorate or become discolored from interactions with moisture?
Would high heat cause it to expand or contract?
Is it designed to be stored at a certain temperature (for example, wine or artwork)?
Is it sensitive to extreme heat or cold?
Is it rare, sentimentally-important, and/or valuable?

If your answer to any of the above questions is yes, you should rent a heated storage unit.

Other Reasons to Rent a Heated Storage Unit

Sometimes the need for a heated storage unit is less about the items that will be stored and more about other factors. Here are some other reasons why you should consider renting a heated storage unit.

If you are going to be storing your things in the unit for a long time. If you plan to store your belongings for several months, a year, or longer, then chances are that the temperature outside is going to vary quite widely in that time. Just because it is 50 degrees and dry outside right now, it does not mean it will be like that later on. Take into consideration what temperature and humidity shifts might occur and, if they might be extreme, go for the heated storage unit.

If you are storing collectibles, valuables, antiques or irreplaceable items. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your most precious belongings. Things of monetary or sentimental value, as well as items that are antique, irreplaceable, or part of a collection, are all best stored in heated storage units.

How Much Does A Heated Storage Unit Cost?

You can contact one of our mini storage facilities and our staff will be delighted to provide a quote for a climate-controlled storage unit!

Find a Heated Storage Unit Near You

Use our storage unit locations listing to find a storage unit near you. We have three self-storage facilities in Greater Vancouver and three mini storage locations on Vancouver Island. The facilities are:

7 Top Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment

Renting an apartment is a major decision and requires thorough research before making a commitment to rent an apartment.

Renting an apartment is a major decision and requires thorough research before making a commitment to rent an apartment. To help you assess whether you want to rent a specific apartment, we have come up with seven top questions you should find answers to when planning to rent an apartment.

1. When is the rent due and how do I pay it?

Usually, this is the first question to ask when renting an apartment. You might assume the answer is the first of the month and by cheque. Some landlords require an EFT direct deposit. Others might accept credit cards, but with a fee attached. Some might collect rent on the day you move in or on the 5th day of the month. Whichever one it is, it is best to find out for sure.

Also, make sure you ask about these potential extra costs:

Is there a grace period before a late fee is applied?
Are there any application fees?
Is there an annual rent increase? If there is, how much is it?

2. What is included in the rental cost?

Some apartments include amenities that can offset your overall cost of living. Ask if any of the following are included in your rental.

Garbage fees
Water
Electricity
Gas bill
Wifi or TV cable
Laundry
Parking

3. Do I need to rent a storage unit?

If your apartment needs more space for you to store your belongings, rent a storage unit. A 5 x 5 feet or 5 x 7 feet storage unit should be enough for your needs. These storage unit sizes are similar to a regular closet and can hold personal items, clothes, boxes, skis, children’s toys, small furniture items, and some work documents. If you want something bigger, you can rent a 5 x 10 storage unit. This storage unit size is equivalent to a walk-in closet and holds small amounts of furniture, sofas, chairs, chest of drawers, boxspring and mattress, business supplies, and records. It can also hold other small items and boxes.

4. Do I need to have renters insurance?

Some landlords will require you to have renters insurance, which will factor into your overall rent cost.

5. How do I give notice when I want to move out?

When you ask this question,consider the following:

What is the timeframe to give notice?
What is the security deposit return process? How long until I get it back?
Will there be a final walkthrough?
Access and tenant responsibilities

6. Will the locks be changed before I move in?

This item is one of the most overlooked, but it is an essential question to ask when renting an apartment. If the landlord says no, demand that they are changed. Also, find out who has master keys to your residence.

7. Is there ongoing or upcoming construction happening at the building?

More construction might mean more noise and less security. Now is also the time to inquire about the security of the property. Are there cameras? Are there lights in the parking lot?

8. Is subletting the apartment allowed?

When you find out about subletting, also ask if you are able to use services like Airbnb in your apartment. Finding out this information helps you estimate the additional income you may generate from subletting the apartment.

9. Who do I contact with issues regarding rent?

Find out if there is a leasing or building manager that you can contact when you have a request, or want to file a noise complaint.

10. Who do I contact for basic repairs?

Who you contact in an emergency, such as a pipe break, might be different than to whom you reach out for a minor maintenance issue, like a chipped floor tile. Find out how you submit maintenance requests.

11. Is there any existing damage to the apartment?

This question is crucial to getting back an honest security deposit. Make sure you insist on a final walkthrough with the landlord or someone on staff. During the walkthrough, make a note with the person accompanying you of any existing damage. Make sure pictures are taken and that there is written documentation of any findings of your walkthrough. Make sure this is filed with you and the landlord. This step will help ensure you do not get dinged on your security deposit return, or get surprise charges for any damage that was already present when you moved in.

12. Where are the fire extinguishers and smoke detectors located?

Safety first! Find out where these items are before you move in. If they are not present, insist that the landlord get them installed before you move in. If the apartment does not look to be up to code, make sure you report it to the city through the proper channels. Once you move in, check out this apartment move-in checklist again for additional guidance.

How to Select a Reputable Moving Company in Greater Vancouver

Choosing the right moving company is an essential step to ensure that your moving process is easy and seamless.

Choosing the right moving company is an essential step to ensure that your moving process is easy and seamless. Picking the wrong movers can potentially delay your moving date, causing you to lose items or incur financial damages. Yikes!

To make sure that you select the right reputable moving company, you can use the checklist we are providing below. It will save you a ton of energy and money, and it will help your moving process go as planned.

1. Identify The Type Of Movers You Need

Every moving company has a specialty. Some specialize in inter-province moves, while others may only provide their services locally; some might focus on moving delicate objects such as pianos or artwork pieces. Therefore, before selecting a moving company, it is important to first identify your scope of work and the type of moving company you need.

Some questions you can ask yourself to determine your scope of work and the type of moving company you need include:

Is my move local, or am I moving across the country? Will I require an inter-province moving company? Would a local company be able to complete the job?
Are there any items that require special equipment or skill to move? Some examples include pool tables, pianos, hot tubs, etc.
Do I require any other services like packing, trash removal, or a cleanout?

2. Find Potential Movers and Evaluate Their Credentials

While you can find a list of moving companies near you, contact them individually, and see which one fits your needs, you can take a more systematic approach to find quality moving companies and compare them. For example, you can create a blank spreadsheet to list all the moving companies near you and determine each mover’s qualifications and whether they fit the requirements you have set.

For each moving company, create a column for each of the following:

Google review rating. See what customers are saying about the business. If a moving company’s Google review rating is low (below 3 stars), or a majority of the comments are negative, you may not want to hire this mover.
Years in business. New companies might be less expensive, but companies that have been in business for a long time are less likely to be flight risks.
Areas of service. Can this company accommodate both where you live now and where you are moving?
License and insurance. Find out if the company has licensing and insurance information on their website. Interstate movers should have the Department of Transportation (DOT) licensing and insurance information listed.
Accreditations. Are there any specialized accreditations or certificates on their website that are worth mentioning?

3. Read the Moving Companies’ Online Reviews

In addition to reading Google Reviews and ratings, look at the moving companies’ reviews on other review websites such as The Better Business Bureau, Facebook, Yelp, and other popular review sites.

4. Request a Virtual Quote

Once you have generated a list of moving companies and narrowed the list down to the top five or ten moving companies, the next step is getting their phone number and getting in touch with them. Many moving companies are offering virtual quotes given the current health situation, making it easy for you to get quotes through their websites. Some information the moving companies may ask you to provide include the number of items you are moving, the items’ weight and the dimensions. You might also need to share a video with the representative of the moving company so they can see the items you want to move and thus be able to give you a more accurate quote.

5. Avoid These Red Flags

Being aware of some red flags during the estimate process can help safeguard you from unreliable movers.

Watch out for the following signs:

Low bids. While low costs might be appealing, it can be a sign that the movers do not understand the scope of the project and will cut corners.
Large deposits. Generally, a mover should not request more than 20% of the estimate upfront. We recommend never paying more than 20% down, and it is better if the company does not require payment until after the move. If you must make a large deposit for a more complicated relocation, make sure you put it on a credit card – never pay with cash. If something goes wrong, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company.
Rented moving vans. Some smaller companies might need to rent moving vans to build up their business. However, these rentals are more common for small moves that include only about one or two pieces of furniture, for example; they are less common for whole-house movers. Reliable companies will have their own moving vans and equipment.
Unprofessionalism. Other unacceptable behavior includes showing up for the estimate late, unprofessional demeanor, and any condescending attitudes. You can also check the company’s address to see if it is listed under a residential or commercial address. Commercial addresses are more legitimate because the companies are generally more formally established.

5. Have Everything in Writing

Before engaging in the move, document the terms of your contract in writing. Also, go over the insurance policy the moving company offers. What does the policy cover? How much does it cover? Learn about the difference between full replacement value and other no-cost options that may not include replacement value. Pick the insurance that you feel comfortable with and pay more for extra protection for your more valuable items.

We hope these tips help! Moving is a tiresome task with many potential problems but it can go incredibly smoothly if you follow the advice above. If you have any questions about moving, please feel free to contact us and let us know.

Questions about mini storage? 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:

What Not To Store In A Storage Unit When Moving to a New Home

wing what kind of items you can put in storage will help you come up with a storage solution that works best for you when you are moving to another home.

Knowing what kind of items you can put in storage will help you come up with a storage solution that works best for you when you are moving to another home. You should also be aware of which kind of items you are not allowed to store in a storage unit. For example, you cannot store food or dangerous items such as guns or ammunition.

Items you should never put into a storage unit for hygiene and safety reasons include, but are not limited to, the items in the list below. You will be responsible for any potential damages to the items and the storage unit if you are not following the storage safety rules.

Food Items

You are not allowed to store any type of food in the storage unit, so do not overlook this safety rule.

First of all, food items left for a prolonged period of time can attract insects or rodents, leading to a much-unwanted infestation problem. The pesky invaders can chew on all sorts of items, nest in them, and destroy your and other people’s belongings in the process.

Secondly, some foods will rot and start emitting bad odours, thus providing favorable conditions for bacteria and mold to grow. In fact, rotting food items can be the main reason for pest infestation.

Plants

Plants are another example of what not to store in a storage unit during a move. If you stored a plant in a storage unit, you would deprive your plants of the three basic things they need to live: natural light (sunshine), water, and fresh air. Depriving your plants from these three elements would essentially end the plants’ lives!

Additionally, plants can attract pests, thus potentially creating significant problems during the renting period. If you want to find a place to keep your plants while you are moving to a new home, we would recommend reaching out to friends or family who can take care of the plants in the meantime.

Dangerous Items, Including Guns

Hazardous materials are another important example of what not to put in a storage unit. Any materials that have the potential to corrode, burn, or explode are strictly forbidden by law to be stored at public storage facilities. The reason is more than clear – they pose a serious risk to human health. Dangerous items can lead to costly property damage as well.

Items that are commonly not allowed in storage units include chemicals, acids, gases, fuel, oils, paints and paint thinners, pesticides, liquor, fireworks, and so on. Request the full list of forbidden items for storage from the storage company you have selected.

You may be allowed to store a variety of yard equipment – your lawnmower, for instance – only after you have removed all the fuel and oil from their tanks.

Furthermore, you cannot store any type of guns and ammunition in a public storage facility. Contact a local gun shop to learn more about where and how you can store firearms safely.

Wet or Scented Products

Never store wet or damp items in a storage unit. The initial moisture in the items will foster the right conditions for mold and mildew to grow, and when this happens, all of your stored items will be in serious risk of getting damaged forever. Hence, make sure all your items are 100% dry before you store them in a storage unit. This tip is particularly important for clothes and shoes.

Scented items such as candles and soaps may attract unwelcome guests, such as insects or rodents. To deter unwanted guests from entering your storage unit, avoid putting in storage anything that gives off strong odors.

High-value or Expensive Items

As a rule of thumb, do not store items that have a high monetary value. Items such as expensive watches, artwork pieces, or jewelry, should not be stored in a storage unit. While our storage units are incredibly secure with 24/7 surveillance, we still recommend storing expensive items in a high-quality personal safe.

If you do not have other options for storing high-value possessions, please inform us about your intention, and we can discuss the need to purchase additional insurance for your prized possessions.

Cannabis

Even though cannabis has been legalized, you are still forbidden to store or grow cannabis in a storage unit.

Unregistered Vehicles

Only vehicles that are registered, fully operational, and have storage insurance are allowed to be stored at a storage facility. This includes cars, vans, SUVs, and motorcycles.

Animals

You should never leave any live animals in your storage unit. It is not only morally wrong, but it is also against the law to do so. Do not ever leave pets or other animals in a storage unit!

5 Tips for Seasonal and Long-Term Classic Car Storage

s by investing in seasonal or long-term car storage (visit our Burnaby and Vancouver car storage and White Rock car storage pages for our car storage solutions).

Classic cars are beloved investments that should be kept in mint condition through the year. One of the best ways to keep your classic car in top condition is by investing in seasonal or long-term car storage (visit our Burnaby and Vancouver car storage and White Rock car storage pages for our car storage solutions). Using car storage assures that your classic car is stored in a safe and secure location and the temperature in the facility is suited for keeping a car in top condition.

Before storing your classic car in a car storage unit, you have to prep your car to assure that it is ready for long-term storage. Here are five tips to prep your car for long-term storage.

1. Fill the Tank & Change the Oil

Fill the tank with premium gasoline and add a fuel stabilizer per the manufacturer’s instructions. The fuller the tank, the less chance excess moisture will build up in open spaces, which can cause the tank to rust.

The fuel stabilizer will prevent the fuel from hardening and gunking up. Make sure you drive the car around for a few miles after adding the stabilizer so it can work itself throughout the system. Then top the tank off before leaving in storage.

Along with fresh gasoline, make sure the oil has been changed and the oil filter has been replaced. Leaving dirty, old oil in your classic car can lead to premature rusting within the engine. Remember to drive the car a few miles immediately following the oil change.

In addition to an oil change and refueling, remove the spark plugs and lubricate the cylinders before long-term storage. You can replace the spark plugs after lubricating the cylinders or keep them in a safe place if you don’t want anyone taking your car for a spin while it is in storage.

2. Get the Car Detailed & Prepped

This step may seem unnecessary and counter-intuitive, but it is important to store a clean and waxed car. Any dust or debris left on the car in storage can scratch or damage the exterior paint, while dirt and crumbs in the interior can attract unwanted pests and create undesirable odors. Before storing your classic car, give it a good, thorough cleaning and apply a protective wax finish on the exterior.

After the car wash, prep your classic car even further by doing the following:

Add a box of baking soda to the interior of the car to absorb unwanted smells.
Block off the exhaust using steel wool or aluminum foil to deter pests.
Lubricate door and hood hinges to keep them from jamming up.
Don’t forget the wheels! Make sure they are cleaned and dressed before storage.
Use a breathable cloth car cover instead of plastic. Plastic covers can trap condensation that can lead to rust.

3. Fill Tires with Air & Put the Car on Jacks

It is important to properly maintain your tires in storage because they can be very expensive to replace. First, fill up your tires to the maximum suggested PSI. Then, if you don’t plan on driving the car for a while, jack the car up using jack stands. This relieves the weight from the tires and suspension. The added support will also prevent tires from flat spotting.

Quick Tip: If you are storing your car on a dirt or stone surface, be sure to add plywood or another hard surface below the tires. This will protect the tires from ground rot.

4. Address the Car Battery & Fluids

If you plan on storing your classic car long-term, remove the car battery entirely. If the battery terminal is corroded, carefully clean it with a mixture of baking soda, petroleum jelly, and distilled water. Store the battery off the ground in a climate-controlled environment above freezing temperatures.

If you will be starting your car every now and then, consider a battery tender (or trickle charger) to keep the battery functioning over long periods of time. However, this option will only work if you have a power source in your storage area.

Do a quick inspection right before storage and make sure all the fluids are topped off, including antifreeze, brake fluid and transmission fluid.

5. Choose the Right Storage Location

Under ideal circumstances, a classic car should be stored in a clean, dark, and dry space. While it may be tempting to keep your car stored in an inexpensive old barn, the dirt floor and light exposure can be damaging. A garage attached to your home is not ideal either because the constant access exposes your car to the elements.

Over $101,000 Raised in the 2020 Festival of Trees

The Victoria Festival of Trees is a cherished community tradition that transforms the Bay Centre into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees in an effort to raise funds for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Donations to the event help provide the best care imaginable for sick and injured kids from across the province, including the 3,300 kids from Vancouver Island who visit BC Children’s Hospital each year for specialized care they often can’t get anywhere else.

Despite the unprecedented challenges due the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanks to the generous support of local sponsors and volunteers from the community, the 2020 Festival of Trees raised more than $101,046 for the BC Children’s Hospital! These funds will help fund the research, technologies, and kid-focused care needed to conquer childhood illnesses and create a better future for children across British Columbia.

Congratulations to all the sponsors and participants for helping the Festival of Trees raise over $101,000 in funds to continue supporting children’s health in British Columbia!

To learn more, visit the Festival of Trees website.

6 Ways to Organize Your Storage Unit for Easy Access

Organizing your belongings into different categories helps you find items more efficiently in your storage unit. To improve the organization of your storage unit, use these six tips!

1. Pick one box size for most, if not all, of your items

Same-size boxes help with stacking and accessibility.Small or medium boxes will be perfect for most of your belongings. Keep in mind that large boxes are excellent for items that aren’t very heavy, but they may not hold up well at the bottom of large stacks. Large boxes are more difficult to remove if you need something out of them – especially if they are at the bottom of a stack. Need boxes? U-Lock has boxes of various sizes available for purchase at any of our six convenient locations.

2. Identify the items you may need to access while in storage

Things you do not use regularly when you are packing may be needed later on. Carefully consider the items you may need while they are in storage, giving extra thought to seasonal items.

Here are a few things you may need to retrieve from your storage unit:

Winter or summer clothing
Trip supplies (tents, sleeping bags, snorkeling gear, sleds, cookout utensils)
Holiday items (decorations, costumes, bakeware)
Kids’ toys (kids may enjoy a “new” box of toys when they get bored of the toys they held onto when packing)
Tools and hobby supplies
Office documents

3. Label each box you pack

Label each box on the top and on at least one side with a unique box number, the room it came from, and the contents of the box. Place a special mark on boxes you may need to access at some point while in storage and remember to put them in your storage unit last.

4. Create a master contents list

Make a list with all the box numbers and write down all of the contents of each box. This might seem like a cumbersome step, but a master list becomes very handy when you need to find a specific item – especially if some of your boxes will be completely out of view.

If you prefer to keep things digital, there are speech-to-text tools you can use to dictate text so you don’t have to type as you go. Additionally, if you want to take organization one step further (or don’t trust your handwriting), you can print each line from your inventory list to create custom labels for your boxes!

5. Plan an organized layout for your storage unit

If you are going to access your unit frequently, you will need to put some thought into how you arrange your storage unit. Ideally, you want to put furniture items against the wall opposite your boxes to leave a path in the middle of the unit. This way, you can access boxes and furniture without any hassle. If you need to use the space in the middle, place items that can be easily moved, to avoid difficulties.

6. Consider upgrading to a larger unit

Storing your items in a storage unit like a Tetris game makes retrieving them very difficult. A little extra space can give you room for shelving units and a path through the middle of your unit for easy access to most of your belongings.

Hence, it is good to rent a larger storage unit – just slightly bigger than your needs to give yourself some wiggle room. A slightly larger storage unit also gives a bit more leverage if you want to store more items in the near future.
If you have any questions about renting a storage unit, please contact us and we will be more than delighted to help!

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!

Motorcycle Storage in Vancouver and Burnaby: 5 Motorcycle Storage Tips You Can Use

Using motorcycle storage to properly store your bike is critical in extending it’s useful life. Doing so will help prevent damage from rust due to rain or snow, or from other vehicles passing by and scratching your motorcycle.

To help you properly store your motorcycle, here are some tips you can use :

1. Remove all dirt and debris from exterior surfaces

First, thoroughly clean and dry all surfaces of the bike. This step seems like an obvious one, but its importance cannot be emphasized enough. Cleaning a bike that won’t be on the road sounds like a thankless job, but it is one that will save you time and headaches in the long run. Any dried-on bugs, dust, or spotting will only become harder to clean off once it has been sitting for a long season.

2. Lubricate all moving motorcycle parts

If you plan to store your motorcycle for more than a few months, make sure you lubricate all essential internal components with a light coat of oil to prevent unwanted moisture buildup.

One way to do this is to remove the spark plugs, then put about a tablespoon of oil into the holes. Turn the engine over and coat the cylinder walls by spinning the rear tire while the bike is in gear. Make sure to add back spark plugs when you are done.

Everything that is usually lubricated in a motorcycle should be checked shortly before storage. Check the chain, cables, and controls to be sure everything is freshly lubed up to withstand the cold and dry winter air.

3. Fill up the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer

Stop by a gas station that is closest to your storage location and top off the fuel tank. Once you do, add a touch more. A full tank is essential for keeping moisture down on the tank walls.

After the tank is full, add a fuel stabilizer and then take the motorcycle for a short drive to the storage destination. Do not add the fuel stabilizer at the storage location or it will not have a proper chance to mix into the fuel system.

Another option worth mentioning for long-term motorcycle storage is to drain the tank of fuel completely. If you do this, you will need to line the tank with a fogging oil to prevent rust. We recommend this method if you plan on storing your motorcycle for six months or more.

4. Change the oil and replace the filter

Old oil that sits in storage can quickly corrode engine components. This is not ideal for any motorcycle that will be stored for longer than a month. After you took the motorcycle for one last ride and topped off the fuel, change the oil and replace the filter.

Purchase an oil that is primarily for winter use and follow the instructions. Remember to add the appropriate amount of antifreeze to your coolant system, which is an especially important step for winter motorcycle storage.

5. Remove the battery and hook it up to a trickle charger

You can either remove the battery entirely, or, for shorter-term winter storage, keep it on the bike. If you decide to keep the battery on, make sure you turn the bike on every month or so to charge the battery. The best way to go is to remove the battery and store it in an entirely different location that will not have fluctuations in temperature.

Once the battery is disconnected, and the electrodes are cleaned, hook it up to a trickle charger all winter long.

6. Take the weight off the tires to avoid flat spots

The best way to store a motorcycle is with all the weight off the tires. This can be accomplished by using motorcycle stands; the weight relief will prevent uneven tire wear or flat-spotting.

If a stand is not an option, try to hoist the bike up on the front tire and alleviate the weight from the back tire. Make sure to rotate the front tire every few weeks.

If your only option is to leave the bike on the ground, fill the tires to the maximum PSI. Next, line the floor with carpet or plywood to act as a barrier from moisture. Lastly, make sure to rotate the tires by rolling the motorcycle every so often.