5 RV Storage Tips For When You’re On The Road

Recreational vehicles are an attractive travel option and even provide a full-time home for some. Many say they prefer this lifestyle over staying at a hotel and enjoy the family memories of togetherness it brings. Traveling in an RV allows you to bring the comforts of home with you: your bed, kitchen and bathroom. It’s usually more economical than a hotel, too!

Whether you own a basic pop up tent trailer or a luxury bus, you will want to pack efficiently with minimal downtime. By organizing ahead of time, you allow more relaxation time while on the road. Today we are sharing a few simple RV storage ideas to efficiently pack and organize before a trip, as well as get the most out of your limited living space.

Use Baskets

You should measure all your shelves, drawers and empty spaces before going shopping for your new best friends. Baskets come in an array of sizes, colors and materials.

Organize your supplies by category in baskets, such as all the drink supplies (cups and straws) in one basket and all your eating supplies (plates and bowls) in another. The advantage to having such items in a basket is you can also bring all the supplies to the table in one round.

You can also find baskets to fit in those tight or underutilized areas such as these ones used on top of the kitchen cupboard. They are used for miscellaneous items that aren’t needed daily such as toys, games and outdoor supplies.

Leverage Pantry Space

Plan your shopping trip before your travels based on some quick meal planning. You should be able to stock the pantry with staples such as cereal, canned goods and of course fun camping snacks.

Baskets, such as the wire ones shown in the pantry here (which came from the dollar section of a popular store), contain snacks perfectly and prevent shifting while the vehicle is in motion.

Place your tall boxes, such as cereal, in the back extra space, if available. Lighter items that cannot be contained, such as crackers and other boxed goods, can be stored on the top shelf. Heavy items like bottles of water should be placed on the bottom shelf.

Use Line Drawers with Shelf Liners

One of the first items we would recommend when you set up your RV is shelf liners. Line all your shelves – kitchen, bathroom and bedroom – to give a fresh, clean surface to your shelves and drawers.

Lining drawers and shelves in your RV will also prevent spills and ease the cleanup of if an item should happen to fall or break. The liners provide an anti-slip layer so things do not move around.

Maximize Space in the Bedroom

Storage tubs work well for the space under the bed. Use them to store bathroom supplies, bedding and blankets, cleaning supplies, outdoor gear or perhaps to store shoes. Your clothing can be rolled tightly to save some space for more use of those drawers and baskets.

Use Personalized Labels

Take your organization one step further and label your bins and baskets with tags to identify what each tub contains. Identifying your clothing items help if you do not have a dresser or simply want to take advantage of the extra space in the closet. By labeling items, you make cleanup easier. There will be no question what item goes where.

7 Tip For Organizing Your Kitchen Countertops

Organizing your kitchen countertops can be a daunting task, but it’s one that can make a significant difference in the functionality and appearance of your kitchen. A cluttered and disorganized kitchen can make meal prep stressful and time-consuming, and it can also be a source of frustration when you can’t find what you need. By following these seven tips, you can transform your kitchen countertops into a functional and organized space.

Evaluate your current setup

Before you begin organizing your countertops, take a step back and evaluate your current setup. Ask yourself what’s working and what’s not, and think about how you use your kitchen on a daily basis. This will help you identify problem areas and create a plan for organizing your countertops in a way that works for you.

Clear off the countertops

The first step in organizing your kitchen countertops is to clear everything off of them. This will give you a blank slate to work with and allow you to see exactly how much space you have to work with. Once everything is off the countertops, take the time to clean them thoroughly. This will make your kitchen feel fresh and new and help you start your organizing project with a clean slate.

Group like items together

One of the keys to organizing your kitchen countertops is to group items together. For example, keep all of your cooking utensils in one container, all of your spices in another, and all of your oils and vinegars in a third. This will make it easy to find what you need when you need it and will also help you keep your countertops clutter-free.

Use vertical space

When organizing your countertops, don’t forget to use vertical space. This can be as simple as installing a magnetic knife holder on the wall or using a tiered fruit basket to store produce. By using vertical space, you can free up valuable counter space and keep your kitchen organized and functional.

Invest in storage units

Investing in storage units is key to keeping your kitchen countertops organized. This could include anything from a utensil holder to a spice rack to a set of stackable canisters for storing dry goods. Whatever your needs, there are plenty of storage solutions available to help you keep your countertops clutter-free.

At U-Lock Mini Storage, we have storage facilities across Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island. 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.

Keep it simple

When it comes to organizing your kitchen countertops, it’s important to keep it simple. Don’t try to cram too many items onto your countertops, as this can make them feel cluttered and overwhelming. Instead, choose a few key items to keep out, such as your most frequently used cooking utensils or a decorative piece that adds personality to your kitchen.

Maintain your organization

Finally, it’s important to maintain your organization once you’ve achieved it. This means taking the time to put things away in their designated spots, wiping down your countertops daily, and decluttering on a regular basis. By doing so, you can ensure that your kitchen stays organized and functional for years to come.

In conclusion, organizing your kitchen countertops can be a challenging task, but it’s one that’s well worth the effort. By following these seven tips, you can create a functional and clutter-free kitchen that’s a joy to cook and entertain in.

How to Keep Your Kids’ Stuff Organized

Is your child’s bedroom, art drawer, or craft closet always in a state of chaos? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many parents struggle to keep their kids’ spaces organized, only to see them revert back to their previous disarray within a matter of days. However, with the right approach, you can teach your child good habits and skills to help them maintain a tidy space. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Offer an incentive for your kids to put away their toys

Encourage your child to get involved in the organization process by offering incentives for completing small chores. For instance, you can reward them with coins or extra playtime if they put away their toys or tidy up their room.

Designate a basket for your child’s artwork

Children love to create artwork, but it can be challenging to find space to display it all. Keep a designated basket for all of their masterpieces, then go through it together every few weeks to decide which pieces to display or keep. This way, you can avoid clutter while still honoring their creativity.

Keep drawing supplies in mason jars

Keep all of your child’s drawing utensils organized and easily accessible by storing them in individual mason jars. This way, you won’t have to spend time searching for lost pencils or markers, and your child can quickly find what they need for their homework or art projects.

Rent a storage unit

If you have too much clutter in your home and struggle to keep it all organized, consider renting a storage unit. U-Lock Mini Storage offers various sized units across Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island, ranging from 5×5 to 5×10. This is an excellent solution if you have items such as toys, bicycles, or kitchenware that you don’t use frequently but don’t want to throw away.

At U-Lock Mini Storage, we have storage facilities across Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island. 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. Contact us if you have any questions!

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

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

Use Vertical Space

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

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

Maximize Cabinet Space

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

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

Use Drawer Dividers

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

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

Get Creative with Storage Units

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

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

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

Use Multi-Purpose Items

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

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

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

5 Tips For Storing Your Shoes

Shoes are an essential part of our daily attire. We rely on them to protect our feet and keep them comfortable throughout the day. However, storing shoes can be a challenge, especially if you have a large collection. Shoes can take up a lot of space, and if they’re not stored properly, they can become damaged or lose their shape. In this blog post, we’ll share five tips for storing your shoes to keep them in excellent condition.

Clean Your Shoes Before Storing Them

Before you store your shoes, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on them. If your shoes are made of leather, use a leather cleaner to wipe them down. For canvas or fabric shoes, use a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt. Make sure your shoes are completely dry before storing them to avoid any mold or mildew growth.

Choose the Right Storage Solution

There are many storage solutions available for shoes, but not all of them are created equal. You need to choose the right storage solution that will protect your shoes and keep them in good condition. If you have a small collection of shoes, you can use shoeboxes to store them. Make sure to label the boxes, so you know which shoes are inside. If you have a larger collection, consider investing in a shoe rack or a shoe cabinet. These storage solutions will keep your shoes organized and easily accessible. If you have many shoes that you don’t necessarily wear all the time, you can rent a small storage unit such as a 5×5 storage unit. At U-Lock Mini Storage, we have storage facilities across Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island. 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. Contact us if you have any questions!

Use Shoe Trees

Shoe trees are an excellent investment if you want to keep your shoes in good condition. They help to maintain the shape of your shoes and prevent them from developing creases. Shoe trees also absorb moisture, which can prevent your shoes from developing any odor. When choosing a shoe tree, make sure it’s the right size for your shoes, and it fits snugly.

Store Your Shoes in a Cool, Dry Place

When storing your shoes, make sure you keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in areas with high humidity or moisture, such as the basement or the bathroom. Moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow on your shoes, which can damage them. Make sure to store your shoes away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause the material to fade or crack.

Rotate Your Shoes

If you wear the same pair of shoes every day, they can become worn out quickly. To extend the life of your shoes, rotate them regularly. This will give them time to rest and recover between wears. You can also invest in shoe protectors to help protect your shoes from wear and tear.

In conclusion, storing your shoes properly is essential if you want to keep them in good condition. Clean your shoes before storing them, choose the right storage solution, use shoe trees, store your shoes in a cool, dry place, and rotate your shoes regularly. By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your shoes in excellent condition for years to come.

8 Ways to Organize Your Life With Pets

Pets bring joy and companionship to our lives, but they also come with added responsibilities. Taking care of a pet can be challenging, especially when trying to balance it with work, social life, and other responsibilities.

Pets bring joy and companionship to our lives, but they also come with added responsibilities. Taking care of a pet can be challenging, especially when trying to balance it with work, social life, and other responsibilities. However, with some simple organization tips, you can make it easier to manage your life with pets. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to organize your life with pets.

Create a Pet Schedule

One of the most important things you can do when organizing your life with pets is to create a pet schedule. This will help you keep track of feeding times, walks, playtime, and other important tasks. Depending on the type of pet you have, you may need to feed them several times a day, take them for daily walks, or play with them regularly. By creating a schedule, you’ll be able to manage your time more effectively and ensure that your pet’s needs are met.

Organize Pet Supplies

Another important step in organizing your life with pets is to organize their supplies. This includes food, toys, grooming supplies, and medication. Store pet supplies in a designated area, such as a closet or cabinet, and keep everything neatly organized. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it, and also prevent clutter from taking over your home.

Create a Pet-friendly Home

Pets need a safe and comfortable environment to thrive in. To create a pet-friendly home, start by making sure your home is free from hazards such as loose wires, poisonous plants, and sharp objects. Provide your pet with a comfortable bed, toys, and a designated area for eating and drinking. Also, consider investing in pet-friendly furniture that is durable and easy to clean, such as leather or microfiber couches.

Hire a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

If you have a busy schedule, hiring a pet sitter or dog walker can help you manage your life with pets. A pet sitter can come to your home and take care of your pet while you’re away, while a dog walker can take your dog for daily walks. This can help ensure that your pet’s needs are met even when you’re not available, and also give you peace of mind knowing that your pet is being well taken care of.

Create a Pet Emergency Plan

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to have a pet emergency plan in place. This includes having a first-aid kit, knowing the location of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic, and having a designated caregiver for your pet in case you’re unable to care for them. Make sure that your pet’s information is up to date and easily accessible, and also consider getting a pet identification tag or microchip in case your pet gets lost.

Keep Your Home Clean

Pets can bring dirt and hair into your home, which can make it feel cluttered and disorganized. To keep your home clean, vacuum and mop regularly, and consider using air purifiers to help remove pet odors and allergens. Keep pet bedding and toys clean and wash them regularly to prevent odors and bacteria from building up.

Rent a Storage Unit

If you simply have too many items at home, consider renting a storage unit. By renting a storage unit, you can place items that you seldom use in a storage unit and retrieve the items when you need them. If you only have a few items to store, you can rent a smaller unit such as 5”x5”. If you have more items to store, you can go bigger with 5″x6″ or more.

At U-Lock Mini Storage, we have storage facilities across Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island. 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. Contact us if you have any questions!

Make Time for Play and Bonding

Finally, it’s important to make time for play and bonding with your pet. This not only helps strengthen your relationship with your pet but also provides important exercise and mental stimulation. Set aside time each day to play with your pet, whether it’s a game of fetch, a training session, or simply snuggling on the couch.

In conclusion, pets bring love and joy into our lives, but they also require organization and responsibility. By creating a pet schedule, organizing pet supplies, creating a pet-friendly home, hiring a pet sitter or dog walker, creating a pet emergency plan, keeping your

6 Tips for Organizing Your Home

When we decide to add an item to our home or an event to our calendar, it’s usually because we think we need to, or that that thing will help us enjoy life more. If we take an honest look, though, these extras end up being the cause of additional clutter and stress in our lives. It’s become almost second nature in our culture to think we are going to enhance our life with something new when inadvertently we have made it more complicated.

We’ve added more debt by buying things we really didn’t need. We’ve created more clutter. We own more clothes to choose between, and we bring in more furniture and toys. Then we wonder why we are so disorganized and overwhelmed.

Simplifying your home and life starts with getting better with our decision-making process! Here are some basic mindset shifts that will help you simplify your home if taken to heart.

Avoid temptation

When you can, don’t go to places that will cause you to buy more stuff to deal with or tempt you with more decisions to make. Try consolidating shopping lists and trips so you don’t make multiple visits in a week. It’s amazing how much less you buy and how much easier your subsequent decisions are when you spend less time going into stores.

Simplify your daily options and choices

If you are a busy person or struggle with excess clutter, you have too many decisions to make. Why complicate life with unnecessary ones? Instead of keeping thirty outfits in your closet, try to create five you love and use accessories to change them. You’ll save daily stress and lots of laundry!

Instead of having four sets of dishes in various colors and patterns, keep one basic set in a neutral color and fancy it up with colorful salad plates or glasses. Embrace one item that has multiple purposes rather than several specialty items.

Rent a storage unit

If you have belongings in your home that you want to keep but don’t want to necessarily keep them in the house (e.g. old photos or sports equipment), consider renting a storage unit. If you have a few more items you want to store alongside your photos, you can go with a bigger storage unit size such as 5×7 feet or 5×8 feet. At U-Lock Mini Storage, we have storage facilities across Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island. 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.

Make simple decisions

Don’t rationalize a choice that makes life or storage more complicated. If you rarely use your food processor, give it away and don’t give it a second thought. Don’t even consider what you might do with it someday; just let it go. If you find you really do need a food processor on occasion, find a neighbor or relative who will loan one to you. Some decisions might sting for a week, but if you rarely used those items, you’ll soon forget what you gave away.

Make a daily to-do list and set home goals

Defined vision for your day and home will keep you focused on what matters. When you have a clear task, you are able to bring less decisions and stuff into your life by focusing on and finishing what really matters to you.

Get rid of unused items

When you are in the midst of a major decluttering project that may take weeks or months, you don’t have time to analyze every possible item. If I’m not sure if I want something or not, it has to become a firm, clear no. I don’t even let myself think about who else might want it or how much money I spent on it. If time is of the essence and decluttering is the ultimate goal, off it goes to charity.

How to Organize a Storage Unit for Frequent Usage

If you plan on frequently accessing your storage unit to retrieve items, you want to keep your storage unit organized so that you can quickly and easily take out your belongings. To help you keep your storage organized for frequent use, use these four tips.

If you plan on frequently accessing your storage unit to retrieve items, you want to keep your storage unit organized so that you can quickly and easily take out your belongings. To help you keep your storage organized for frequent use, use these four tips.

Select One Box For Most Of Your Items

Same-size boxes help with stacking and accessibility. Keep in mind large boxes are excellent for items that aren’t very heavy, but may not hold up well at the bottom of large stacks. Large boxes (especially at the bottom of a stack) are also more difficult to remove if you need something out of them.

Identify the items you may need to access while in storage. Things you don’t use regularly when you’re packing may be needed later on. Carefully consider what you may need while your items 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

Label each box you pack

Label each box on the top and 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 during storage and remember to put them in your storage unit last. Be as detailed as possible with the contents.

Create a master contents list

Write down all of the contents of each box along with the box number on paper. This seems like a cumbersome step, but a master list becomes really 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 even tools you can use to dictate text so you don’t have to type as you go. And if you want to take the organization one step further (or don’t trust your handwriting), you can print each line from your inventory to create custom labels for your boxes!

Plan an organized layout for your storage unit

If you’re going to access your unit frequently, you’re going to need to put some thought into how you pack your storage unit. Ideally, you want to put the furniture against the wall opposite your boxes to leave a path in the middle of the unit. This way, you can access boxes and furniture items without any hassle. If you need to use the space in the middle, place your most moveable items there so you can remove them with ease.

Shelve or stack boxes

If this is a long-term storage solution, place sturdy shelves along one wall of the unit. If not, stack your boxes with these guidelines in mind: Stack from back to front in order of need. The boxes that you will access most frequently should be the last ones packed inside the storage unit and be near the door or on shelves with labels facing out. Put larger, heavier boxes down first, and then you can stack lighter ones on top. Be careful how high you stack. If boxes are stacked above your head, the whole stack is susceptible to falling, creating a hazard for you and anything breakable in the storage unit. Consider using a brick-wall pattern when stacking same-size boxes. It’ll seem somewhat inefficient, since you’ll have spaces on the ends of your stack, but the brick wall pattern allows you to remove and replace boxes without moving the boxes above it.
At U-Lock Mini Storage, we have storage facilities across Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island. 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. Contact us if you have any questions!

9 Things To Get Rid Of From Your Home

Decluttering your home can be overwhelming, so here is the perfect place to start. These 9 things to get rid of today are easy projects to tackle, but also incredibly satisfying. Once you complete a few of these, you’ll start to reap the benefits of decluttered spaces. It’ll be just the thing to motivate you to face the bigger projects on your list.

Decluttering your home can be overwhelming, so here is the perfect place to start. These 9 things to get rid of today are easy projects to tackle, but also incredibly satisfying. Once you complete a few of these, you’ll start to reap the benefits of decluttered spaces. It’ll be just the thing to motivate you to face the bigger projects on your list.

If you need additional space to store items that you don’t want around your home, consider renting a storage unit. At U-Lock Mini Storage, we have storage facilities across Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island. 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. Contact us if you have any questions!

Cookbooks and Recipes

First, open those kitchen cabinets. How often do you consult that shelf full of cookbooks or the box full of recipes? My guess is not as often as you used to since a majority of us find new recipes on Pinterest or Google these days. Pull out cookbooks you never reference and toss recipes for dishes you’ve never made (and honestly aren’t going to) or that your family simply didn’t like.

Single Socks

Many of us have a drawer (or laundry basket) full of single socks. We never seem to find the time to try to match them up, so the pile grows and grows. Now is the time to let those single socks (and the discolored ones with holes!) go and maybe treat yourself to a new pair or two.

Misshaped Candles

Do you have drawers and cabinets full of old candles that you never use? While it’s a good idea to keep a few candles around for a power outage, enjoy throwing away the ones that are warped, partially melted, or that no longer fit in your candle holders.

Old Nail Polish

Nail polish that has separated or that has gotten full of clumps will not give your fingers and toes a “polished” look. Get rid of these bottles and any colors that you simply don’t like.

Excess Office Supplies

Be honest with yourself. Are you really going to use the 10,000 staples that crowd in your desk drawer? Is your junk drawer overflowing with pens and pencils? It’s time to purge what you don’t need or won’t use in a reasonable amount of time. You can donate your extra supplies (if they are in good condition) to a local school or church.

Receipts

Is your wallet or purse overflowing with paper receipts? Sort through them and trash any that you don’t need for budgeting, business expenses, or your taxes. This will probably be about 99 percent of your stack.

Dried Out Pens and Markers

Remember that overflowing junk drawer, stuffed desk drawer, and the kids’ art bucket? Let’s pull out all the pens and markers and make sure they work. This is a great job for the kids. Throw away any that are dried out or unusable. Donate any extras to your local charity.

Expired and Unused Spices

Next, turn to the kitchen. Spices lose their flavor over time. Who wants to add old parsley that resembles dried grass to your grandmother’s special spaghetti sauce? Take the time to sort through your spices and get rid of the old, expired ones. This is also a great time to get rid of that strange spice you bought for a single recipe and never used again. Chances are you’ll never miss it.

Empty Boxes

Having a few empty boxes around for gift wrapping and packages can be handy, but it’s way too easy to save all of those Amazon boxes. Things can quickly get out of control. Learn which boxes are really worth saving for things like storage or moving (we’ve got a handy guide for everything boxes), and then recycle all that don’t make the cut. One benefit of this is that you will be getting rid of a much-loved home for lots of creepy, crawly critters.

Questions You Should Ask When Renting a Storage Unit

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

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

  1. What size storage unit should I rent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. How does the payment work?

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

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

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

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

  1. What’s in a rental agreement?

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

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