Category: Self Storage

Companies of all sizes can benefit from a storage unit, whether they are planning to relocate or just need a little extra room. Here’s how a storage unit can help your business stay organized and secure.

Safety and Security

You want peace of mind when you are running a business. You want to know that everything is in its right place and that it is secure. Storage units provide a safe and temperature-controlled environment for your most important business documents, furniture, and inventory.

Many storage units provide extended access hours, sometimes even around the clock, meaning that you can get what you need even outside of regular business hours. But having convenient access does not mean that just anyone can come into your unit; you can expect surveillance cameras and secure entry. You can trust that your belongings are safe from theft with the highest level of protection.

Save Money with Storage

Renting a business storage unit can save your business money. Many businesses cannot afford to pay rent in a building to store large equipment and documents. Fortunately, businesses can use storage units temporarily or to protect office items for an extended period of time.

Based on the time frame you require for your storage needs, some storage companies allow you to prepay in monthly blocks for added discounts.

A unit can also save your business money on office space. Instead of upgrading to a larger office, you can store items you do not need regularly, and thus remain at your current location. Some smaller businesses find that they do not need some of their office space at all when they put their items in storage. Many storage units offer month-to-month agreements, so you are not bound to a long-term commitment. You get the flexibility you need as your company grows and shifts.

Storing Documents

Running a business involves mountains of paperwork. It is a fact of life. A unit can be your deposit place for documents you do not need to access regularly, such as annual performance reviews and yearly tax files. Historical records like job applications and customer logs could also go in the unit. Moreover, a storage unit is a great offsite protection option for sensitive documents that might contain employee names and ID numbers.

Storing Furniture

A clean office is a happy office. Furniture storage can reduce the amount of clutter in your workplace. You can also store furniture or equipment that is only used by temporary employees or interns. Additionally, it is helpful to store furniture while the office is being painted or remodeled. 

When you are putting office furniture into storage, make sure to protect the sides and corners to prevent damage. Consider using the desk drawers to store smaller items for additional storage space.

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:

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

1. Create a List of All Your Inventory

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

2. Disassemble Furniture and Store Items Upright

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

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

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

5. Place Items You Need More Frequently Towards the Front

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

6. Remember to Go Vertical

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

7. Write Labels

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

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

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

Rent a Storage Unit

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

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

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

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

Purchase a Storage Bed or Sofa Bed

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

Implement Wall-mounted Shelves

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

Remove Unnecessary Belongings on a Regular Basis

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

Install Floating Furniture on the Walls

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

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

Make Room For Promotional Items

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

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

Secure Your Inventory

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

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

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

More Affordable Than A Warehouse

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

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

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

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

Convenient Accessibility

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