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Spring is here; we anticipate that your spring cleaning is in full swing.  You’ll soon be enjoying the many benefits that spring cleaning brings to your health and wellbeing.  Studies show that it increases productivity, reduces dust and allergens, clears your mind and increases focus, and reduces stress.     An off-site storage locker, will make your big cleanup go smoother, and keep your life more organized. Seasonal items such as warm clothing, Christmas decorations, ski/snowboard gear and winter tires etc. can be stored in the locker while patio furniture and bicycles can come out of hibernation.  You’ll free up space in your everyday life!  Thank goodness for offsite storage, eh?  Thus, spring is a time of hustle and bustle at U-Lok as we see our clients come and go. While taking advantage of your off-site storage locker is a plus, you have to be cautious of what you can and cannot store in your locker.

Most facilities have certain regulations on what you are allowed to store; here at U-Lok we have some rules too. Let’s take a look at the 5 things you can NOT store in your storage locker:

Plants/Perishable items

At U-Lok, we have a strict no plants and perishable items policy. The soil in potted plants, perishable items and the plant itself attracts vermin and pests which can be very expensive to eradicate and you, as a client, may be held liable for the expenses.

Hazardous/Flammable materials

Propane tanks, gasoline, kerosene, paint and cleaners, oil acid, corrosives, fertilizers, and biological waste are considered as inherently dangerous products.

Drugs/Narcotics

The Police are always on the lookout for any suspicious activity being undertaken at a facility, and so are we. Companies that value their reputation will never allow illegal activities.

Explosives/ Weapons

Storage facilities are strict in their enforcement, and don’t allow any explosives or firearms to be stored. That being said, we value your memories so when your youngest is too old to play with it, you can safely store the Nerf gun for keepsake.

Stolen goods

Storage companies are strongly against stolen property being stored in the lockers. At U-Lok, our contract specifically requires the goods in the locker to belong solely to the signatory on the rental contract. We require the vehicle registration papers and proof of insurance when you are storing your vehicle with us, for the same reason.

We hope this article highlights the things that you should not store in your offsite storage locker. If you are looking for storage solutions in Vancouver, let’s talk!

Whether you are planning to store your car for winter or for a few months, it’s important to prepare it for storage. Here are 8 steps to consider to Get Your Car Ready For Winter Storage:

Step 1- Choose a storage location

Where you store your vehicle is very important – choose a secure, dry, indoor storage facility with a concrete floor.   Ensure you can access electricity in case you need it. Downtown U-Lok Storage meets all these requirements.

Step 2: Top up vital fluids, use fuel stabilizer

Check the oil and filter. If it is really dirty and you’ve reached the mileage limit, change it before storing your vehicle, otherwise, you can start with new oil in the spring. Check all other fluids, especially anti-freeze.   Add fuel stabilizer and let the car run for a short time to let it flow through the fuel system.

Step 3: Wash, clean and wax

Before storing your car for the winter, wash and wax it to ensure there are no harmful corrosive contaminants left on the surfaces of your car. Wipe and vacuum the interior.

Step 4: Go for one last spin, fill gas tank

After washing and cleaning the car, go for one last spin to fill up your gas tank (prevents moisture buildup and keeps seals from drying out), and allow the fuel stabilizer to flow through the system. Also, stop by your insurance office to ensure your vehicle is covered by insurance while it is in storage.

Step 5: Check tires

Check to ensure your tires are inflated to the maximum PSI rating (indicated on the sidewall) to prevent the tires from developing flat spots during the storage period. It is not advised to put a car up on blocks and let the suspension hang for an extended period of time. For extended storage, do not use the parking brake; it’s better to use a wheel chock.

Step 6: Battery

Newer cars may require the battery to always stay connected to preserve the computer’s memory. In this case, connect to a battery tender with the hood ajar for the cables. For older cars, options are to disconnect the negative battery side, or remove the battery and maintain it at home.

Step 7: Cover

Cover your clean car with a high quality tight fitting cloth cover that will allow the car to breathe. For longer-term storage, you can place a humidifier inside your car, and steel wool in your exhaust and air intake. Your car is now ready for its winter nap!

Step 8: Storage insurance for your car

Remember to purchase Vehicle Storage Insurance and leave a copy at the storage facility. (This is mandatory.)

Just follow these 8 steps to get your car ready for winter storage. If you would like to learn more about car storage solutions, contact us at Downtown U-Lok.