8 Things You Should Never Put in a Storage Unit

When moving out of one home to another, a self storage unit is a perfect storage solution for many things, but there are a few items that for safety and legal reasons, cannot be stored. Like any other rental space, there are limitations in your lease on what you can store, and if you fail to comply with these policies and regulations, you could be responsible for any potential damage that may occur. To save you time and stress when you are in the middle of your next move, here’s a list of things you should never put inside your storage unit.

1. Food & Perishables

Storage units cannot be used as a pantry. Food and perishable items left for a prolonged period of time can attract unwelcome critters like rodents and insects that can not only destroy the items in your unit, but in neighboring units as well. Secondly, expired foods will rot and start emitting unwanted odors, creating favorable conditions for bacteria and mold to grow and spread inside your unit. To avoid these issues, simply keep perishable food items out of your storage unit.

2. Animals

Goes without saying, right? Never leave a pet or any animal inside a storage unit! Storage units cannot serve as kennels for your pets, or a holding space for exotic animals. If for whatever reason you can no longer care for a pet after a move, leave your pet with a family member, trusted friend, or adopt them to another person that will provide the loving home the animal deserves.

3. Plants

Storage units cannot provide the three essentials plants need to survive: sunshine, water and fresh air. Furthermore, plants can attract pests and insects, potentially creating more problems. If you cannot find the space for your plants in your current residence, consider storing your leafy friends with family, friends, or giving them away to interested people who want to take care of them.

4. Wet Items

Before you put your items in a storage unit, whether it be heated storage or non-heated storage, make sure they are 100% dry. Moisture will create the right conditions for mold, mildew and bacteria to spread in your self storage unit, causing serious damage to your possessions.

5. Dangerous Materials

Any items that burn, explode or corrode can pose serious risk to human health, lead to costly property damage, and are forbidden by law. Strongly prohibited hazardous and combustible materials that cannot be stored inside a storage unit include: fuels, chemicals, acids, gases, pesticides, liquor, fireworks, and medical waste. If you are unsure about the items you are storing, always inquire with your storage company first.

6. Cannabis

With the legalization of cannabis, you may be wondering if you can store it inside a storage unit. The simple answer, no. You cannot store or grow cannabis inside a storage unit.

7. Unregistered Vehicles

Only vehicles that are registered, fully operational, and have storage insurance may be stored at a storage facility. This includes cars, trucks, boats, trailers, RVs and motorcycles.

8. Irreplaceable Items

While storage companies take many precautions to keep their sites safe and secure, a storage unit is not an ideal place to store valuable, one-of-a-kind items such as money, jewelry or important documents like passports, birth certificates, or family photos. It is recommended you keep such items in a safety deposit box in your bank or invest in a high-quality safe for your residence.

Insure your belongings

Now that you know what can and cannot be stored in your storage unit, it’s time to look into the proper insurance you need for your belongings. Storage companies are responsible for maintaining the safety of the site, but are not responsible for your personal belongings. Getting proper coverage for your items will ensure your belongings are protected in storage and give you peace of mind.

How to Store Books in a Storage Unit

With an array of sizes available, a storage unit is a great option to keep your book collection safe when you are in-between moves or trying to make more room in your home.

With an array of sizes available, a storage unit is a great option to keep your book collection safe when you are in-between moves or trying to make more room in your home. It’s easy to simply throw your books into a box and toss it into storage, but if you don’t want your books to be potentially damaged from things like mildew, warping or staining, here are a few precautions you can take to protect your paper and hardcover books.

Clean

Packing your books away covered in residue dirt and dust can lead to soiling or staining.

Clean the cover using a soft chemical-free or magnetic cloth by holding the book tightly shut and wiping from the spine outwards towards the edges of the pages.
Take your cleaning a step further by turning your book upside down and vacuuming the book’s edges with a dusting brush attached to your vacuum. Make sure to remove the book’s dust jacket before vacuuming.

Cleaning and dusting your books before putting them into storage will ensure they stay in good shape.

Air out

Books that have been shelved or stored for a long time can start to smell musty. Make sure your storage unit doesn’t end up smelling like an old bookstore by airing out any musty or damp feeling books in a dry room for at least 24hrs. Damp books are very likely to mildew if packed away still damp, even in a heated storage unit, so make sure to thoroughly air out your books before packing them away.

Protect

Dust jackets. You know those outer covers on books that you find ever so annoying? Those are dust jackets and they’re actually very useful in maintaining a book’s value! Dust jackets are a book’s first line of defense and protect against scratches, tears, scuffing, dirt and dust. It’s always recommended that you store your books with the jacket on.

Wrap your books

Wrapping rare or limited edition books is an easy way to provide extra padding and protection. When wrapping your books, consider the following:

Do not use plastic bags. Plastic traps moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew that can damage the book terribly.
Do not use newspaper. The paper is acidic and the ink that can cause damage to the book.
Remove any bookmarks or pressed objects from the pages in the book to prevent wrinkles, stains, and other forms of damage.

Instead, use acid-free archival paper to wrap your books. This material is durable, prevents yellowing, and can be safely used for long-term storage and preservation.

Store

Cardboard moving boxes are great for short-term storage. Choose boxes designed to protect paper products, like acid-free archival quality boxes, for long-term storage.

Pack your books into several small to medium boxes so they won’t be too heavy to move.
To avoid warping of the spines or cracking of the hinge, don’t pack your books with the binding or spine pointing up. Instead, lay the books flat inside the box and stack large to small.
Pack your books tight enough inside the box so they don’t shift and damage in transit, but at the same time, don’t pack your books really tight together as this may lead to bending or warping.

Always keep your boxes off the ground so they are not vulnerable to flooding or moisture from the concrete. Once in storage, try to check on your book collection at least once a month.

Putting into Self-Storage

When choosing a storage unit for your book collection, seek a heated or climate controlled storage unit. These units will provide a clean and dry space that can protect your books against extreme temperature fluctuations and humid conditions that can lead to yellowing, wilting and other damage to sensitive print materials.

Businesses That Can Benefit From a Storage Unit

If you run a business, you know how quickly space can fill up and how expensive commercial space can be. Not all equipment, materials, and inventory are needed for every job, so where do you keep it all? A storage unit may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Businesses That Can Benefit From a Storage Unit

Storage units cost significantly less than commercial space.
Commit to a month-to-month agreement instead of being locked into a long-term lease.
Month-to-month payments allow you to grow or shrink your business on your own terms.
Storage facilities often accept package deliveries on your behalf so you can keep all your correspondence and deliveries conveniently in one place.

E-commerce

Buying and selling items through an e-commerce website like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay requires a lot of space and storage. Handcrafted, vintage, or merchandise items can accumulate fast. A storage unit can provide a dedicated space for your entire inventory to free up space in your home so you can focus on the day-to-day operations. Look for storage providers that offer monthly lease agreements so you can upgrade or downsize your unit based on the needs of your business.

Sales Representatives

Keeping stock samples and promotional materials in your car, garage, or home is not ideal for any sales rep. Storage units offer an off-site location where you can easily access your products and supplies on-the-go. Take advantage of the extra space and store large display items for events like signs, tables, and tents. Eliminate the hassle of having to be present for your packages by finding a storage facility that will accept and receive deliveries on your behalf.

Contractors

House, landscaping, and construction contractors manage expensive tools, materials, and equipment that require a lot of storage that trucks and trailers can’t adequately provide. Store items like this in a secure storage facility that has passcode entry, video surveillance, alarmed and monitored units, and high-security cylinder locks.

Cleaning Services

Expand your cleaning business while keeping costs down by storing your cleaning supplies in a storage unit. Find a storage provider that offers flexible hours of access so your employees may access the unit anytime they need to during your business hours.

Realtors

If you’re a realtor, you know the struggle of finding a place to store the abundance of promotional materials required when selling a home. A storage unit is a simple solution for yard signs, promotional handouts, signs, and lockboxes.

Interior Designers

Store and receive furniture, decorative items, and other household items between house sales in a clean environment with a heated storage unit. Look for a drive-up access storage unit so you can load and unload furniture with ease.

What Size Storage Unit Do You Need?

ed to rent a storage unit but have no clue what size you need? It can be difficult determining how much space you may need, especially if you are renting a storage unit for the first time.

Need to rent a storage unit but have no clue what size you need? It can be difficult determining how much space you may need, especially if you are renting a storage unit for the first time. Every storage facility offers a variety of sizes, but which one is best to fit your needs? To avoid renting a unit too big or small, check out the following guide for an estimate of how much can fit in each size unit:

5×5 Unit: Ideal for items such as chairs, boxes, miniature desks, golf clubs, tires, seasonal items, documents & records.
5×10 Unit: Recommended for a small one-bedroom apartment or dorm (without appliances). Ideal for chairs and small dining set, bicycles, boxes, kitchen appliances, small mattresses, or a motorcycle.
10×10 Unit: Recommended for a large one-bedroom or small two-bedroom apartment/condo. Ideal for storing small to large items such as large appliances, furniture, king-size mattresses, and furniture.
10×15 Unit: Recommended for storing the contents of a two-bedroom condo or townhouse. Store items such as landscaping equipment, business merchandise, large furniture, or full dining room.
10×20 Unit: Recommended for the contents of a three-bedroom home, small business, or vehicle. Store small to large items such as excess inventory, warehousing, sports equipment, small furniture sets, and boxes.
10×30 Unit: Recommended for a four-bedroom(+) home with appliances or commercial inventory. This size is ideal for the contents of a large home.

Contact the location nearest you to start getting organized today. If you’re not sure what size you will need, our team of experts are here to help. We’ll assess your situation and make recommendations based on your needs and budget to make sure you get the right size to get the job done.

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.

One-year rule
If you haven’t worn it/used it/looked at it in a year, get it out of your house.
Broken beyond repair
It’s broken, it’s busted, it’s a goner. Get it gone.
Not even yours
This is the worst type of clutter – you don’t even own it! Give it back to the person who does.
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.
“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.
Publications
Magazines and newspapers are old; the information contained in them is likely outdated. All of this information is easily found on the web.
Done
There are items we are just done with, but haven’t gotten around to getting rid of them. Now is that time!
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:

Does this compliment my life?
When was the last time I used this?
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!

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

Let the decluttering begin!

35th Annual Silly Boat Regatta

U-Lock Mini Storage (team U-Lock Storeaways) are participating in the 35th Annual Silly Boat Regatta in support of the Nanaimo Child Development Centre Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo and we hope to see you all there! It is wacky, fun, wet, and oh so silly! It is an awesome event for all ages with food vendors, free children activities, entertainment, and of course, a ton of silly racing!

Come out and watch over 50 teams build the silliest of boats and race them in the Nanaimo Harbour in the spirit of helping the Nanaimo Child Development Centre continue their mission of promoting optimum child development by serving children with developmental needs and their families. Last year their signature event raised over $110,000 for programs and services. The goal for this year is $125,000, so we encourage everybody to come out and show their support to ensure they not only meet their goal, they surpass it!

The NCDC provides services and programs to children and youth with developmental challenges and their families each year. The programs at the NCDC include: Early Childhood Education, Supported Child Development, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Language Therapy, Infant Development, Supported Child Development, Child & Youth Development, Family Development, and the VICAN Program (Vancouver Island Children’s Assessment Network).

The Nanaimo Child Development Centre can only continue helping children in our community who have developmental needs and their families through the generous donations of supporters. For more information, please visit http://sillyboat.com/page/donate

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

5 Spring-Cleaning Tips for a Clutter-Free Garage

Spring is here! Longer days, cozy sunshine, refreshing breezes, and the best of all, there are baby animals everywhere (seriously, it is the most adorable season).

Spring is here! Longer days, cozy sunshine, refreshing breezes, and the best of all, there are baby animals everywhere (seriously, it is the most adorable season). Everything seems pretty perfect… except your garage is still cluttered and disorganized. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. Our garages become a dumping zone for the things we don’t want in our home. The majority of us have to keep our cars in the driveway because it just won’t fit in the garage anymore. As the junk and things you do not know what to do with pile up and gather dust, cleaning out your garage can seem like an incredibly daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s 5 tips for a more functional, tidier, and clutter-free garage.

Photo: Tristan Schmurr-Flickr

1 Clear the space

Do you know everything that’s in your garage? If not, there are likely things stored deep in your garage that you’re not even aware of. The best way to start the decluttering process is to completely clear everything (we know, but you gotta do it!) out of the space so you can start with a clean slate. Make sure you check the day’s forecast for rain before you start.

Sweep, vacuum or wash the floors to remove accumulated dirt, dust, bugs, and grime.
Use a broom to remove any cobwebs and dust from walls.
Wipe down any shelving or flat surfaces.
Open all windows and doors to give your garage a good airing out now that there is no more clutter restricting airflow.

2 Organize your items

Once you have removed everything from the garage and cleaned, it is time to start sorting and organizing your items. This will allow you to better assess your contents so you can decide what to keep and what to discard.

Sort everything into piles – keeping, tossing, selling, recycling, and donating.
Avoid making a “miscellaneous” pile.
Group items you are keeping together: tools with tools, sports equipment together, yard equipment with garden tools – you get it.
Set up a system of organization by preparing and labeling drawers, cabinets, plastic totes, bins, or boxes that are to go back into the garage.

3 Purge

With your keeping pile off to the side, it is time to sort through your tossing, selling, and donating piles. Before you start, make sure you have cardboard boxes, garbage bags, or plastic bins on hand.

Tossing – These are the damaged, broken, or junk items that cannot be sold or donated. The best way to get rid of your garage clutter depends on what you have and how much. If you are left with a pile of stuff that is too big for the curb, consider renting a pickup truck to take your load to the dump.
Selling – You rolled up your sleeves and got some serious work done, so why not make some money? Consider hosting a yard sale or posting your items for sale online through Craiglist, Kijiji, or Facebook Marketplace. Do some research online to help you decide how to price your items.
Donating – Create a list of places to donate your items to. You can start with the Salvation Army, BC SPCA, Value Village, or Habitat for Humanity, to name a few. That way, you will know what items you can and cannot donate.

4 Install storage options

Photo: Rubbermaid Products-Flickr

Upgrade your garage’s functionality and organization by investing in the right storage solutions. To make better use of your space, consider these:

Garage cabinetry systems – These come in a variety of shapes and sizes including free-standing cabinets, cabinet systems, and wall-mounted cabinets.
Slatewall – Take advantage of unused wall space and install slatewall panels with easy to move hooks to hang items such as tools, sports equipment, or ladders. You can also attach a variety of accessories for even more storage options such as bins, baskets, and shelves.
Ceiling Storage – Convert unused space by installing ceiling storage racks, overhead hangers, or strap systems.
Pegboards – Hang up pegboards to organize hand tools.
Garage Shelving & Racks – Add heavy-duty storage racks and metal shelving to your garage to keep items off the floor.

Imagine, finally being able to fit your car into your garage! Or parking your car into your garage for the first time… ever!

Photo: Christian Kitchens-Flickr

Besides a clutter-free garage, there are a lot of other advantages to parking your car inside:

Protection from the outside elements.
Reduced risk of theft or vandalism.
Protection against extreme weather & temperatures.
Increased comfort & convenience.

5 Inventory everything

You may store a lot of different things in your garage: house supplies, sports equipment, tools, gardening equipment and tools, cars supplies, camping gear, and maintenance equipment, to name a few. If you’re like most of us, you often forget where you put your things in the garage, or even what you put in there. The best way to both declutter and organize your garage items (and keep them that way) is to inventory your items. This does take some time to complete, but it is totally worth the effort. A completed inventory will not allow things to go unnoticed and will force you to put things back into the proper places.

You can make your list in an Excel spreadsheet, write everything down in a notebook, or use an inventory app, such as Sortly (iOS), Nest Egg (iOS), or Encircle (iOS). That way, two years from now when your bicycle has a flat tire and you ask yourself, “Where is the tire pump?” You can be like, “Oh, never mind, it’s in ‘box 3’ on the top rack of the ‘sports equipment shelf.’ Of course.” Because isn’t that the dream?
Label your boxes or containers on all four sides. Ensure you include a title and small description of the contents on at least 1 side.
When making your inventory, include the following columns: Item Description, Category, Quantity, and Location of where the item(s) are located in the garage.

Making an inventory will help you stay organized, give you a better understanding of what you own, and will help you make better use of the space. In addition, here are some other benefits to keeping an inventory of your garage items:

Reduced pain and stress because you are prepared for the unexpected.
Unexpected or natural disasters like flooding or fire can damage your home and garage. If you need to claim these items, a documented inventory will give you complete recollection to all the items you own.
If you experience theft, a prepared inventory will make the process of your claim easier. If you track your serial and model numbers in your inventory, you will have a better chance of even having some items recovered.

Cleaning out and organizing your garage doesn’t have to be the overwhelming, impossible task it appears to be at first glance. Now that the beautiful weather is here, it is the perfect time to cross one more thing off your to-do list and give that garage a real spring-clean! In the end, you will find yourself making better use of the space and enjoying a more functional and clutter-free garage for both you and your vehicle.

Prom Closet Nanaimo’s Annual Boutique Event

For many, the high school prom is a once in a lifetime celebration that marks a milestone between childhood and adulthood (it’s a big deal!).

Prom Closet Nanaimo Boutique Event

Event: Annual Boutique Event

Where: By appointment

When: March 7th, 8th, & 9th

Cost: Free

Contact: Joan Hiemstra

Event Website: Prom Closet Nanaimo

For many, the high school prom is a once in a lifetime celebration that marks a milestone between childhood and adulthood (it’s a big deal!). Students are able to dress to the nines, take countless pictures with their best friends, and dance the night away. It is anticipated by many as one of the most memorable experiences in high school. The truth is, the days leading up to the night of glitz n’ glam are just as memorable as students search for the perfect attire to express their style on the big night. Unfortunately, this process can be extremely costly and stressful as prom dresses can average anywhere between $100-$1000 and tuxedo rentals from $100-$250. The volunteers at Prom Closet Nanaimo, however, offer students a different experience that they won’t find in-store by showing that this rite of passage does not always have to mean emptying your wallet. They make sure that no graduating student in Mid Vancouver Island communities are left out of the end-of-the-year celebrations by offering them formal wear free of charge.

Joan Hiemstra

“We are levelling the playing field for so many students,” said Prom Closet coordinator Joan Hiemstra. “They are welcomed to a low-pressure environment where price tags do not exist. This is especially important for those girls that are experiencing anxiety over the expectations of prom or wearing formal wear for the first time.”

What does Prom Closet Nanaimo Offer?

Prom Closet Nanaimo

Students can visit Prom Closet Nanaimo at their upcoming Boutique Event, or by appointment, to view over 500 dresses and gowns in storage in a variety of lavish colors, glimmering rhinestones, beads, and styles without the worry of a price tag. Students will be met by volunteers that will serve as personal assistants to help students find their perfect outfit, including making any necessary alternations, if needed. There are also tuxedos, suits, shirts, purses, jewelry, and wraps, all free for graduating students.

Why visit Prom Closet Nanaimo?

One of the leading reasons students visit Prom Closet Nanaimo, according to Joan Hiemstra, is because “they cannot justify the costs for a 1-day event, especially at a time they are trying to save up for tuition and college. One dress could equal tuition for an entire course.” The Prom Closet Nanaimo’s goal is to continue see it become more socially acceptable for girls to recycle and redesign second-hand dresses. To them, prom is about embracing the experience and having fun, not getting tied up in expectations, unfair pressures, and spending money.

Is Prom Closet Nanaimo only open to Nanaimo students?

“[Prom Closet Nanaimo] have served students from every single high school in Nanaimo, both private and public. All for totally different reasons,” says Joan. Despite their name, however, the volunteers are happy to serve students from all over, not just Vancouver Island. “Even though we’re called ‘Prom Closet Nanaimo,’ we are happy to accept any graduating student from anywhere.”

Prom Closet Nanaimo cares about finding students the right dress, even if that means exploring outside their own inventory. Volunteers are happy to work with other similar organizations, and have on several occasions through sharing referrals, gowns and other inventory, to ensure a student finds their perfect dress.

What’s new happening with Prom Closet Nanaimo?

Joan Hiemstra continues to find new ways to help students perfect their formal wear for their style. That is why in 2018 she started a new program for students to redesign plain and prom dresses with the help of a sewing teacher.

How can I contribute to Prom Closet Nanaimo?

With over 500 dresses in a continuously growing inventory, Prom Closet Nanaimo has enough dresses to go around, they just need more students to fill them. When asked what challenges Prom Closet Nanaimo currently face, Joan says, “it’s not the dresses, we have an amazing assortment of dresses because people are very happy to work with us and are very generous, it’s reaching the students and getting our name out there.” If you know somebody graduating soon, help spread the word by visiting the Prom Closet Nanaimo Facebook page and sharing their page!

Prom Closet Nanaimo would not exist if it were not for the volunteers. If you are looking to contribute, there are several options for volunteering with Prom Closet Nanaimo, and all of them are essential to the success of the program. For more information on how you can volunteer, click here.

As a non-for-profit organization, the continued success of the program relies on donations. If you have any clothing, accessories, or event items and supplies that you would like to donate, Prom Closet Nanaimo accepts donations year round. For more information, including drop-off locations, click here.

The Prom Closet Nanaimo Boutique Event will be held March 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th 2019.

Appointments are needed in advance. For more information on how you can make your appointment, click here

Camping Gear Storage

British Columbia is home to many passionate outdoor adventurers. With its beautiful mountains, diverse hiking trails, islands, and vast fjords and rivers, British Columbia offers an incredible range of outdoor adventure and recreational activities. If you are one of these adventurers, then you know the struggle of trying to store all that camping and outdoor gear during the winter months. Like most people, you store it anywhere and everywhere you can, such as inside the garage, attic, basement, cupboards, and closet. You’ve invested a lot into your camping gear and expect it to remain durable for a long-time, but the life span of your gear will depend on how you look after it. This means keeping it clean, in good shape, and properly stored. For the sake of convenience, longevity of your outdoor gear, and the success of your next excursion, check out the following tips!

Cookware

Always scrub and clean your cookware before storing it away. Make sure that you clean away stray food and crumbs so not to attract bacteria, rodents, and insects.

Camping electronics

Always remove batteries from any camping electronics, such as GPS devices, flashlights, lamps, and other electronics you are putting in storage. Collect your batteries and store them in a sealed plastic bag with your camping gear. This simple step will ensure that you will not have your electronics damaged from possible corrosion or leakage.

Tents

How to clean tents:

Sweep out your tent. Make sure your tent is clean before folding or rolling it to improve longevity. To avoid holes or abrasions in the fabric, sweep out all rocks, branches, leaves, and leftover dirt before packing it away.
Inspect your tent. Inspect both the interior and exterior and repair any tears or damage found in the seams, zippers, tarps, and poles.
Spot-clean dirt, mud and grime. Make sure the zippers remain running smoothly by removing any leftover dirt or grime from the teeth with a small brush (like a toothbrush). Use a soft cloth or sponge, water, and mild detergent and spot clean any dirt stuck on the tent.
Soak tent in water. If your dirty tent requires extra cleaning, fill a tub and soak the tent in sudsy water. Be sure to only use light detergents or manufactured approved cleaners designed specifically for camping gear to avoid damaging the fabric. Consult with your local camping store to find out which tent cleaner best suits your fabric.
Dry your tent. Hang your tent outside in a shaded area for several hours to dry and air out. If weather does not permit this, pitch or hang your tent indoors until it is dry. Be sure your tent is completely dry before packing it away. Moisture, even the smallest amount, can lead to mildew, stains, and foul odors in the fabric.

How to store tents:

Packing your tent in a compression bag or stuff sack is great for backpacking, but it is not good for long-term storage. Instead, consider using an old pillow case, large bag, or large plastic bin. This will allow the fabrics to breathe and relax instead of being compressed in the stuff sack.
If you can, try to store the poles partially or fully assembled. This will ensure there is less tension on the shockcord inside the poles and will help it to last longer. If you do not have the space to do this, that is okay, you can simply collapse the poles down by starting in the middle and working your way to the end. This will evenly distribute tension along the shockcord.

Sleeping bags

Thoroughlyclean the sleeping bag before storing it. Even if your sleeping bag looks relatively clean, it still most likely collected dirt, odors, sweat, or possibly insects from your trip.

Remove debris by shaking out your sleeping bag a couple of times.
Hang your sleeping bag to air out for at least 24hrs.
Spot clean dirty smudges on the shell with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Make a paste by mixing a non-detergent soap with a little bit of water. Hold the soiled shell or liner fabric away from the insulation and use the brush to gently clean the shell.

Machine washing down sleeping bag

Many years may go by before your bag needs to be washed. Backpacker.com does not suggest washing your sleeping bag after every trip because of wear and tear it has on the loft (air-trapping fibers). Always look at the manufacture’s washing instructions printed somewhere on the bag and follow them.

If you choose to wash your bag yourself, REI Co-op suggests washing and drying your sleeping bag in the large commercial-size washing machines at a Laundromat:

Purchase and use a non-detergent soap product made for washing down such as Nikwax, Gear Aid ReviveX Down Wash, or Granger Down Wash.
Close all the zippers and velcro attachments.
Place down sleeping bag into a front-loading machine with a gentle cycle and follow the instructions on your down cleaning bottle.
Once the wash has finished, check your bag by pressing down on it. If you see any soap suds come out, then put the bag back in for a second rinse cycle
Be careful not to tear the fabric or stitching when you are moving the bag to the dryer because down is very heavy when wet.
Place your down sleeping bag into a large dryer on the lowest heat setting (up to 30°C) to dry – this can take several hours. To prevent the down from clumping, add a few clean tennis balls into the dryer. Make sure it is completely dry before taking it out of the dryer.

Machine washing down synthetic sleeping bag

You do not need to wash your synthetic sleeping bag after every trip, however, unlike down sleeping bags, you can wash them more often, if needed.

Use soap made for cleaning synthetic insulation, such as Nikwax Tech Wash. Always follow the instructions provided on the bottle.
Close all zippers and velcro attachments.
Use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle.
Carefully put in dryer and dry on the lowest setting. Add a clean tennis ball or two to break up clumps. Or, you can air dry it by laying it flat on a towel, rack, or in the sun or partial shade, if possible. Ensure the bag is totally dry before putting it away into storage.

Hand washing down or synthetic sleeping bags

Fill a large sink or tub with lukewarm water and add a small amount of soap product. Follow washing instructions on the bottle of your soap product.
Close all the zippers and velcro attachments.
Submerge sleeping bag into water and leave to soak for an hour or so.
Drain the soapy water and refill again with fresh water.
Remove soap by gently massaging the bag by pressing up and down. Do not wring or squeeze the bag.
Continue massaging and rinsing the bag with fresh water until the bag is free of soap.
Drain the water from the bath or tub. Press down on the bag and push out the remaining water from the waterlogged sleeping bag.
Tumble-dry your sleeping bag on a low temperature setting. MEC does not recommend air drying the down sleeping bag – it would take several days and can attract mold or mildew.

How to store sleeping bags

Too much compression is bad. Compression stuff sacks are suitable for travel or backpacking, not long-term storage. If you leave your sleeping bag compressed in its stuff sack for several months, it can lose resilience and insulation loft, both of which are key to keeping you warm. Some better alternative storing options include:

When you purchase a sleeping bag, it often comes with a mesh or cotton sack. Loosely stow your sleeping bag in its storage bag.
Store your sleeping bag in a cotton pillowcase.
Hang your sleeping bag from a hook. This will allow air to flow freely around the bag without it being compressed at all.
Store it in a plastic bin.

Consider self-storage for your camping gear

You have made sure your camping gear is clean and dry, but where do you store it? Garages, attics, and basements are not ideal because you can encounter problems such as mold and mildew caused by temperature and humidity, or damage caused by insects or pests. A self-storage unit can free up space in your home and provide a convenient location for all your camping and outdoor gear. Consider choosing heated self-storage for peace of mind that your camping gear will be safe, dry, and ready to go for your next adventure!

Tips and Tricks for Storing Christmas Decorations

For many of us, the best part of the holiday season is the decorating. Nothing puts you into the festive spirit like a decorated house and tree.

For many of us, the best part of the holiday season is the decorating. Nothing puts you into the festive spirit like a decorated house and tree. Every ornament you hang or decoration you unbox brings back fond memories and feelings of nostalgia. It’s an absolute joy. But then Christmas is over and you are confronted with what you were trying to forget…it all must come down. That joy you felt quickly turns into frustration because the tree just won’t go back into the box! It came out of the box so why won’t it go back in? And why won’t the ornaments fit back into the plastic containers? And why is there still glitter everywhere!? Taking your tree down and putting away your decorations can be a real headache, but that’s where we come in! We’ve compiled some tips and tricks that you can use to not only stay stress-free this year, but also make your decorating next year even easier!

Organize

How many times have you said to yourself, “I’m going to organize my Christmas decorations and pack them efficiently this year!” But then a year passes and you find yourself unboxing crushed bows and torn wrapping paper? Not this year though, this is your year!

RealSimple suggests you pack and label your boxes by the order you use them instead of by type. For example, pack and label an “Open First” box and put it into storage last. This will make it easier the following year to grab exactly what you need when it is time to find it.

Label

Label everything. This simple step will save you time and end the stress of opening and rummaging through miscellaneous boxes for that one thing you need. Label as you pack away and remember to include a description of all the contents in bullet points.

Containers

Still trying to fit your ornaments in their original packaging? Do you have a bunch of flimsy plastic holders covered in scotch tape that just won’t make it to next year? Consider these long-term solutions instead:

Commercially available ornament boxes
Invest in ornament boxes. These are plastic containers made to store and protect ornaments. They often have cardboard separators so you can store your ornaments individually so they don’t bump against each other in the box, protecting them from accidental damage.
Clear plastic bins
These are great for seasonal items because they are long lasting, stackable, easy to carry, and transparent. No more will you have to go through box after box or rely on memory to find something you packed away a year ago. RealSimple suggests to take your organization one step further and organize your boxes by season with color-coded lids (for example, red for Christmas and orange for Halloween).

Recycle and Reuse

Before you go out and buy new storage containers, take a DIY approach and look around your house for what you may already have available:

Make your own ornament box. Use leftover plastic cups as ornament protectors by gluing them onto a piece of cardboard and stacking them in a plastic bin.
Anna Moseley suggests reusing egg cartons (what an egg-cellent idea…), cardboard beverage trays, old takeout containers, or plastic apple containers to store ornaments safely. Store each ornament individually in each space.
Use coffee filters as protectors for your ornaments and delicate decorations. They are soft, flexible, and inexpensive.
Use garment bags to store wreaths, wall-hanging decorations, and rolls of wrapping paper and stash them away in your closet for next year.
Forget spending time sorting through tangled webs of holiday lights. Instead, keep your lights organized by turning leftover cardboard into a DIY spool for your lights and store them in a plastic container.

Tree

You know how the tree always seems to come out of the box, but never seems to want to go back in? You force and pack it down like you’re stuffing a sleeping bag, but the box rips and tears on you. You pull the tree out the following year to find the branches bent or damaged. It’s incredibly frustrating! The original box is the perfect fit for your tree, but unfortunately only lasts about 1-2 years. When it’s time to throw away the original box, try these long-term alternative storage solutions:

Invest in a heavy-duty tree bag. They are less bulky than a box and easier to carry with handles.
Shrink wrap your tree. Setting up and taking down your tree can be a lengthy process. An easy solution to avoid this is to stop by your local moving supplies shop and pick up a roll of shrink wrap. Instead of taking your tree down, leave all the ornaments and lights on the tree and start wrapping it up! The tree can then be stored vertically much easier in your attic, closet, garage, or basement. Then, when next year rolls around, simply grab a pair of scissors and slice down the side of the wrap and fluff the branches back out. Tad-da! Instant Christmas tree!

Taking down and packing away your holiday decorations doesn’t have to be such a terrible chore. With a little bit of organization, easy to use and protective containers, and some DIY innovations, taking down and packing away your holiday decorations will be a piece of cake!