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So, you’ve decided to take charge, clear out some space in your home and put the extra belongings in an off-site storage locker? Smart choice! Next, figure out your Ideal Storage Facility which you can trust with your belongings.

Vancouver is growing at breakneck speed, and people’s need for storage is increasing with it. While numerous businesses offer storage services, some of them provide more bang for your buck, better service and security. In this article, we will outline the main things to check for when considering a storage facility:

Just the right size for you?

Storage needs vary from person to person, so does the size of storage space they need. Does the facility have different sizes to accommodate your unique needs? At U-Lok, we have 50+ different sizes of units that we can recommend based on your needs, this ensures that you are paying for the space you need. Just contact us, give a brief description of your goods to be stored, and we will get you the right size!

Does the height matter?

We usually think of lockers in terms of square foot area. However, having a high ceiling in your storage locker can be a big benefit. Cramped for space in your 5’ x 5’ locker? Stack up your boxes up to the top in our 10’ high lockers at U-Lok. Most facilities have 7’ – 8’ high ceilings and comparable rates to places that offer higher ceilings. Don’t we all want a little bit extra for the same amount of money?

P.S – According to fire laws, if your units have sprinklers inside, you are not allowed to store anything within 18 inches below the sprinkler. Something to consider when you are shopping around.

Is it secure?

Here at U-Lok, we believe that security, where you are storing, is a top priority.  All lockers in our facility are individually alarmed, a feature that some other facilities lack. Your personalized access code disables the unit alarm, and also allows elevators to take you to your floor, ensuring only U-Lok customers have access to the floors.

Check out the walls and ceilings.  Our lockers have either concrete or metal ceilings, plus all metal walls and roll-up doors.  For added security, our walls go all the way up to the ceiling, with no space at the top. Some facilities have large spaces between the wall and ceiling, with chicken wire across the top, leaving your belongings visible to your neighbours.

Is access easy?

Does the facility have a private parking lot? Does it have carts for you to use when you are taking things to and from the locker?  How about a loading dock for your big moving truck? Downtown U-Lok checks all these boxes! We take pride in making your experience at our facility as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Some facilities require you to carry your goods up to a moving ladder with a platform to access your ‘sky’ or top tier unit?   At U-Lok, all our lockers are ground floor accessible, no stairs or ladders required.

An ideal storage facility will have a multitude of solutions that will fit your needs, secure lockers and easy access. We hope this article has helped you realize the importance of a suitable storage facility. If you are ready to put your extra household items, seasonal things or your small business inventory into storage, we’d love to talk!

Reality TV shows such as ‘Storage Wars’ and ‘Storage Hunters’, have dramatized and delighted viewers internationally.  The shows are based on the concept that when rent is not paid, the contents go on the auction block, with bidders hoping to strike ‘gold’ that they can resell for a profit.  Movies such as ‘The Hoarder’ and ‘The Silence of the Lamb’ portrayed dark, dusty old storage sheds as places of horror.   It is true that non-payment of rent due can eventually result in the contents going to the highest bidder, but only after a clear legal process is followed.  So how accurate are these portrayals today?  This article will look at some of the myths and truths about the storage industry and provide a glimpse into Downtown U-Lok Storage as a modern storage facility.

Myth – Storage lockers are full of mostly worthless ‘junk’

Fact – There is a saying that ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’.   Most people store items that have sentimental value, memorabilia, important documents, extra furniture, and clothing they want to keep, in order to free up much needed space in their homes. Storage facilities have policies in place to prevent people from storing actual trash in a locker; it’s also a waste of money to store actual ‘junk’.  In a challenging economy of rising divorce rates, costs of affordable housing and commercial space, and general cost of living, storage lockers are quickly becoming the solution of choice for today’s leaner start-up entrepreneurs, homeowners and renters living in smaller or shared spaces and businesses looking for more cost-effective use of space.   This is because storage lockers provide more flexibility with month to month contracts, cheaper rents, and the customer’s ability to upsize or downsize as needed.

Myth – Storage facilities are dirty, dark, sketchy garage-type places home to rats and bugs

Fact – Today’s modern storage facilities are attractive, well-maintained, security conscious properties.  In a competitive environment, a metal and concrete facility built to earthquake standards, with fire sprinklers, clean lockers, brightly lit hallways with lighting on the entire floor (not motion detection lights), a security control system and staff always available to serve customers during ALL open hours, are key to winning and keeping happy customers.  Regular pest control maintenance program records should be readily available when requested.

Myth – Storage facilities are useful ONLY when you have too much ‘stuff’

Fact – It’s true that some people use a storage locker as temporary ‘holding places’ while their lives are in transition (for example divorce, retirement, renos, travel, downsizing, moving), however, most people use a storage locker for longer term reasons that make their lives more manageable.  The advantages of off-site seasonal storage for clothing, sports equipment, patio furniture and summer/winter tires, are significant because it creates more space in your life and gives you peace of mind that your items are in a safe place .  In the case of businesses, storing seasonal equipment, furniture and inventory is more cost effective than leasing more commercial space and creates a more comfortable environment for patrons and staff.

Myth – A storage locker must be in a climate-controlled facility

Fact – There is a difference between the terms: Climate Control and Temperature Control.

In our mild West Coast climate, Temperature Control is better if your storage locker is completely inside the building because the temperature and humidity in the building are already controlled plus there is no extra cost.   However, Climate Control and its additional cost is advised if your storage locker is located so that it has direct, drive-up outside access, or is an outside storage unit, it is important to remember that your contents are at greater risk of damage (mould/mildew, condensation), because the exterior storage locker is in direct contact with the outdoor conditions.  If smaller items, valuables and temperature susceptible items are being stored, inside storage is always better.  It’s best to ask yourself, do you really need climate control and the extra cost? How much protection do you need for your items to be stored?

Hopefully, this article helps you look at storage facilities in a slightly different light. If you have any questions about storage facilities or would like to rent a locker, give us a call!