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Planning to store your car? Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare it for long-term car storage and keep it in good shape.

Why Proper Car Storage Matters

Storing a car properly is important to protect your investment, especially if you’re not going to use it for a while. While it’s fine to keep a car outside for a short time, it’s best to store it indoors if it’s going to be parked for three months or more. This helps prevent damage from weather and other factors.

Steps to Store Your Car

Choose the Right Storage Unit Size

Measure your car to make sure the storage unit is big enough. Compact cars usually fit in units that are 15 feet deep or more. Larger cars need units that are at least 20 feet deep.

Prepare Your Car

• Fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent moisture.
• Remove the battery to avoid damage from acid.
• Check and top off fluids like oil, brake fluid, and antifreeze.

Protect Your Car

• Wash and wax the car to protect the paint.
• Clean the interior to prevent odors and pests.
• Use a breathable car cover to keep dust and dirt off.

Prevent Tire Damage

If storing for more than a month, use blocks or jack stands to lift the car and prevent flat spots.

If you can’t use blocks, inflate the tires to the maximum recommended pressure.

Store Your Car Safely

• Keep the car’s top up and windows closed if it’s a convertible.
• Choose a dry and dark storage space to prevent rust and damage.

For more information or to rent car storage, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

When you’re getting ready for RV storage for a long time, follow these steps to clean and maintain it so it stays in great condition for next year:

Clean Out Your RV

Remove all food, liquids, toiletries, and other items that might spoil, cause a mess, or attract pests. Vacuum the inside, scrub the fridge, wipe down surfaces, and wash the outside. Drain the sewage system with a black tank flush, usually found at campgrounds, to prevent odors from building up.

Take Care of Your Tires

Check the tread and pressure of your tires, and do any necessary maintenance. Once your tires are properly inflated, cover them to protect them from UV rays, especially if your RV will be stored outside.

Prep the Interior

Run a dehumidifier to prevent mold and mildew. Keep the fridge and cabinets open to prevent moisture and odors. Empty all trash cans before the RV storage.

Prep the Exterior

Look for cracks or split seams and seal them to prevent moisture from getting inside. Turn off the propane system to prevent leaks and fires. Wax the outside of your RV to protect it, and use a fitted, breathable cover to shield it from UV rays, extreme weather, and tree sap.

Prepare for Winter

Before it gets cold, winterize your RV. Drain any existing water, add RV antifreeze, unplug electronics, and change the oil and filter.

Store the Battery

Remove the fully charged battery, clean off any corrosion, and store it in a dry place at room temperature.

Add a Fuel Stabilizer

Add a fuel stabilizer to protect the engine. First, flush the engine to remove debris, then add the stabilizer to maintain engine performance.

By following these steps, you’ll help ensure your RV is ready to go when you take it out of storage.

At U-Lock Mini Storage, we know that renting a storage unit can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Maybe you’ve just moved to a new city and need a place to store your extra stuff. Or perhaps you’re downsizing your home temporarily and need somewhere to keep your belongings safe. Whatever your situation, our team is here to help you navigate the process.

Here are some self storage tips to help you along the way:

1. Find the Best Deals: Before you rent, do some research to find the best deals in your area. Many facilities offer discounts and specials, so be sure to shop around.

2. Choose the Right Size: Don’t guess when it comes to the size of your storage unit. Take inventory of what you plan to store and measure larger items to ensure you choose the right size.

3. Indoor vs. Outdoor: Consider whether you need an indoor or outdoor unit. Indoor units may cost more but offer added protection, while outdoor units are convenient for larger items.

4. Get Insurance: Make sure your belongings are protected by getting insurance for your storage unit. This can be done through renter’s insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or through the storage facility itself.

5. Keep Your Belongings Safe: Invest in a sturdy lock for your unit and make sure the facility has adequate security measures in place.

6. Organize Your Unit: Plan how you’ll organize your unit before you start packing. Use shelves or pallets to keep items off the floor and create aisles for easy access.

7. Pack Correctly: Pack your items carefully to avoid damage. Use plastic totes instead of cardboard boxes and consider climate-controlled storage for fragile items.

8. Give Proper Notice: If you plan to move out, make sure you give proper notice to avoid extra charges. Familiarize yourself with the facility’s rules and payment schedule to avoid any surprises.

Renting a storage unit doesn’t have to be complicated. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect storage solution for your needs. Happy storing!

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

Use Vertical Space

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

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

Maximize Cabinet Space

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

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

Use Drawer Dividers

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

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

Get Creative with Storage Units

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

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

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

Use Multi-Purpose Items

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

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

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

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

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

2. What size storage unit should I rent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. How does the payment work?

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

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

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

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

7. What’s in a rental agreement?

Your rental agreement (also referred to as a rental contract, self-storage contract or lease agreement) will specify all the terms of your lease. It’s a binding document so you should read it carefully before you sign (online or in person) and abide by what’s in the document. Generally, your rental agreement will have:

• The description of the unit
• Length of the lease
• The amount of your rent
• Your payment due date
• The amount of your security deposit
• How payments are accepted (credit card, check, online)
• Non-payment terms (when a payment is considered late, what the late fee is and what happens if you stop paying rent)
• Any additional fees (lock-cut fee, auction fee)
• Tenant rights and responsibilities
• Landlord rights and responsibilities
• Cancellation terms
• What you can and can’t store
• The value limit, if there’s one ($5,000 is common)
• The move-out process (when to give notice, what condition to leave the unit in)

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

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

1. Sort Your Things

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

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

2. Group Similar Things Together

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

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

3. Draft a Floor Plan

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

4. Determine Where You Want to Place Things

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

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

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

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

Get Organized

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

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

Buy Storage Supplies

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

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

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

Our locations are:

• U-Lock Mini Storage Burnaby
• U-Lock Mini Storage Chilliwack
• U-Lock Mini Storage Nanaimo
• U-Lock Mini Storage Parksville
• U-Lock Mini Storage Victoria
• U-Lock Mini Storage White Rock/South Surrey
  

Box Your Belongings

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

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

Book a Storage Unit

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

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

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

Find Resources or an Extra Hand for the Move

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

Questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online, and our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Looking to reserve a storage unit? Find a self-storage facility near you:

• U-Lock Mini Storage Burnaby
• U-Lock Mini Storage Chilliwack
• U-Lock Mini Storage Nanaimo
• U-Lock Mini Storage Parksville
• U-Lock Mini Storage Victoria
• U-Lock Mini Storage White Rock/South Surrey

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

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

1. You are running out of space

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

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

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

2. Security Concerns 

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

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

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

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

3. You are Moving to a New Office

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

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

4. You Have Inventory Surplus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking to reserve a storage unit? Find a self storage facility near you:

1. Self storage Burnaby or Vancouver
2. Self storage Chilliwack
3. Self storage South Surrey or White Rock
4. Self storage Parksville
5. Self storage Nanaimo
6. Self storage Victoria

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

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

1. Storage units are not safe

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

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

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

2. Storage units do not have temperature control

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Storage units are expensive

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

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

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

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

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

4. Storage units require long-term contracts

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

5. Storage companies do not offer moving trucks

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

6. Storage companies require security deposits

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

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

Looking to reserve a storage unit? Find a self storage facility near you:

1. Self storage Burnaby or Vancouver
2. Self storage Chilliwack
3. Self storage South Surrey or White Rock
4. Self storage Parksville
5. Self storage Nanaimo
6. Self storage Victoria