Tips & News

Tips & News

Stay updated and inspired with our latest tips and news.

Your source for valuable self-storage insights and updates.

HOW TO PACK & STORE YOUR BOXES

Packing

  • Use smaller boxes for heavy items such as books (pack flat) and dishes; the large boxes for light items such as blankets, bedding and linens. Put heavier items lying on the bottom and lighter items on top. Do not overload for stacking ease.
  • Hang up your good clothes in wardrobe boxes. A little TLC and room to breathe will keep them fresh.
  • Try to keep your boxes in basic uniform sizes, 2 cube, 4 cube and 6 cube boxes. Easier for stacking.
  • Label boxes on all four sides for easy identification, number them and seal with packing tape. Mark which side is UP ↑ for delicate items
  • Always use good quality packaging tape to ensure your box bottoms will not come apart.
  • Protect paintings, mirrors, pictures, and screens by placing them on edge, not flat, and packing individually with strong cardboard.
  • Protect mattress, sofas and chair with covers specially designed for them.
  • Always use plenty of dish wrap paper to individually protect dishes, glasses and delicate items. Avoid using newspaper as they may leave stain marks.
  • Wrap larger items with shrink wrap or moving blankets if they are susceptible to scratching.

Storing

  • Plan your storage space!
  • Mark the items that you need to access most often and ask the movers to place them towards the front of your locker space. Also, let them know if you want to leave room for a walkway to access the back.
  • Save storage space by removing legs from tables, dismantling bed frames and wrapping them together with screws in plastic bags using packaging tape. Stand large items up on end.
  • All appliances must be clean and dry before storing. Wedge it slightly ajar for circulation.
  • Store all your garden supplies, rakes, shovels hoses etc. in your trash barrel.
  • Drain all gas and oil from engines in lawnmowers, pressure washers etc.
  • Maximize use of our 10 ft. high ceilings by stacking boxes with heavier boxes on the bottom.
  • Handy tools to keep in your locker: step ladder, flashlight for hard to see items in the back.
  • Use free standing metal shelving to help organize your storage unit and take advantage of the vertical space.
  • A great way to remember what you stored is to make a simple location map of your important boxes and contents that you might have to access often and taping it to your locker wall.

PRE-STORAGE CHECKLIST

Preparation


CREATE A MOVING FOLDER

Keep all your moving documents, such as quotes, reservation information, contracts and receipts in one place. Clip a pen and notepad to the folder.

TAKE STOCK

Decide what to keep, donate or discard. You can always reconsider items you are not sure about after the move.

CALL 604-215-2156 FOR ASSISTANCE TO DETERMINE LOCKER SIZE RECOMMENDATIONS. Provide a general description of the goods you want to store, be sure to mention your largest items.

ARRANGE MOVER

Provide a general description of goods to be moved. It helps to mention the locker size. Remember that month end is the busiest time for movers, arrange well in advance.

Packing Items Checklist

Make a list of everything you need for packing and moving:

  • Moving Folder
  • Cell Phone
  • Scotch Tape
  • Wide Packaging Tape
  • Box Cutter
  • Boxes
  • Bubble Wrap
  • Dish Wrap Paper (instead of newspapers that can stain)
  • Scissors
  • Black Marker Pen
  • Extra Pen
  • Labels
  • Sticky Note Pad
  • Band Aids
  • Beverage and Snacks

GENERAL TIPS

  • Keep the above Checklist Items together in a small clear plastic bin.
  • Save your back by placing heavier items, such as books in small boxes.
  • Pack and label boxes by the room.
  • Mark the boxes you need to access in storage and ask movers to place them near the front of the storage unit.