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Organize and Maximize Your Outdoor Time

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Self-storage can help make your camping more organized.

With spring on our doorsteps, thoughts of camping trips are on many minds. Maximize the time you spend camping and lessen the work that goes into the set up with a few organization and storage tips from some longtime camping pros at our storage office.

Making yourself a couple of prepacked containers will help get out the door quickly for those spurs of the moment camping trips driven by great weather or a little extra time off.  Your first container will be nonperishable food, label it as such so there is no guessing what’s inside. The second container will have toiletries. And if you are tenting consider a third container.

Container one: nonperishable food. Think about quick and easy meals, dry soup mix, cereal in small, sealed containers, graham crackers and chocolate bars ready for smores night, trail mix, granola or protein bars, jerky, freeze dried meals, instant coffee, drink powders or shelf stable milk products.

Container two: Biodegradable toilet paper, Hand sanitizer, biodegradable shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, quick drying towel, feminine products, a first-aid kit, or first-aid supplies.

If you are tenting consider a third container that has kitchen equipment like a can opener, tin foil, cutting board, knives, paper towel, weatherproof matches, or a BBQ lighter, cookware, travel mugs, utensils, a sharp knife, biodegradable dish soap, water bottles, trash bags, a dish towel and pot scrubber. This could mean doing a double up purchase, so you are not stealing from the kitchen.

Pro tip: If you are glamping or renting a condo somewhere have a kit on hand that contains, favorite spices, gravy mixes, cutting board, knives, dish cloth and tea towel, rope, corn holders, salt, pepper, and sugar because not every short-term rental comes with these items.

Happy Trails…  

….. oh yes, now you don’t have to unpack these contains in colder months. Now, let’s consider where and when you are keeping all this summer camping gear during the cold months.

A 5 by 10 storage unit will hold a person’s camping gear.  Take some time and wipe down your tent, tarps, storage containers, and small equipment. If you found un-used items, its now time to think if they can come off your list for next summer.  Things like oars, water skis and life jackets can stand up in a corner of your storage unit in a laundry basket to keep them together. Pull out all batteries from lamps or other equipment to avoid damage from corrosion that can happen when these items sit.

Keep your heavy items at the bottom of your unit, putting the lighter containers or boxes on top to maximize your space.

A hint to help keep all your items dry over the winter months is to keep all those little silica packets that you find coming in nearly everything you purchase. Also to avoid musty smells consider hanging your tent and sleeping bags instead of storing them in their stuff sacks.

A little organization and storage wisdom will help get you get quickly on your way to your next adventure.

If your adventures take you on the road long term, remember we have offices in Lacombe and Drayton Valley

 

~ Sue Sage

Spring Cleaning Reinvented

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Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning Reinvented

Ah, spring — the season of renewal and rejuvenation. As nature awakens from its winter slumber, so
does our desire to refresh our living spaces. At Medicine Hat Storage, we understand the importance
of refreshing your living space and it all starts with Strategic Decluttering. After all it’s so much easier to
clean away the cobwebs if there isn’t a lot of stuff in the way. Let’s explore some innovative ways to
make cleaning easier and maximize your living space with the help of self-storage solutions.

Seasonal Rotation:
Maximize your living space by rotating seasonal items in and out of a self-storage unit. Discover the
convenience of storing winter sports gear, holiday decorations, and bulky winter clothing during the
warmer months. Then when things cool down in the fall you can swap these items out and put your
summer sporting gear into the unit. This makes for effortlessly seasonal changes at home.

Creating Functional Spaces:
Need a home office, a playroom, or a workout space? Reclaim and live in every square inch of your
home and discover how storing rarely used items, such as off-season recreational equipment or
clothing, can open up new possibilities for organizing and decorating your home.

Renovating

Couple checking out plans

Home Renovation Solutions:
Are you planning a home renovation project? Self storage offers the ideal solution for safeguarding your
belongings during construction. Explore the peace of mind that comes with knowing your furniture,
electronics, and valuables are secure and protected in self-storage until your renovations are complete.
This April, embrace a clutter-free lifestyle by incorporating self-storage into your long-term organization
strategy. Discover how self-storage units provide a convenient solution for storing seasonal decorations,
sentimental keepsakes, and items with future use potential. With flexible rental options, you can enjoy
peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe and accessible whenever you need them.
Say goodbye to clutter and hello to a more organized and spacious home with Medicine Hat Storage.

  • Are you cleaning due to a move and change in location? Don’t forget we have self storage offices in Lacombe and Drayton Valley

Ways To Save On Self Storage

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Self Storage money saving ideas

Ways To Save On Self Storage

Maximize Savings this March with Medicine Hat Storage

 

Are you tired of cluttered spaces? Seeking a secure, hassle free solution to store your belongings? Look no further! At Medicine Hat Storage (MHS), we’re dedicated to providing you with top-notch storage solutions that not only meet your needs but also save you money.

 

  1. Our Payment System Is Simple To Understand

March into savings with our monthly billing! Unlike our competition that bills on a 4 week cycle, meaning you make 13 payments a year, we offer one monthly payment.  That extra payment might seem small, but it adds to the annual cost of your storage.

 

  1. Transparent Pricing

At MHS there are no hidden fees and unexpected charges! At MHS, we believe in transparent pricing. That means no damage deposit, no insurance charges, no gate fob fees or sneaky additional costs. Avoid financial surprises and make it easy on your budget by storing with us.

 

  1. Flexible Ways To Pay

You can pay online, in person or over the phone. We accept debit/credit cards and e-transfers. We can also set you up on auto pay so you avoid late fees.

 

  1. Rent Just The Right Amount Of Space

Don’t pay for space you don’t need. Use our online storage calculator to determine just the right amount of space to store your belongings.

 

  1. Flexible Move-Out options

Life is unpredictable, and plans can change at a moment’s notice. That’s why MHS offers the same-day notice to move out. Whether you need short-term storage or long-term storage, our flexible move out option caters to your changing needs.

 

  1. Refer a New Client To Us and We’ll Pay You!

Refer friends and family to us and we’ll apply a $50 credit toward your account with us, or pay you cash. Don’t need the cash or credit? We’ll donate $50 to your favorite charity.

Family adding money to a piggy bank

Ways to Save on Self Storage

 

Make the smart choice this March with DVS for all your storage needs. Experience savings, security, and convenience like never before!

 

Ready to declutter your space and save money? Contact us today to reserve your storage unit and embark on a journey towards a clutter-free life! If life takes you in a new direction, we may be able to help with our other 2 locations at Lacombe Storage Center and Drayton Valley Storage. 

~ Gillian Sumpay

The Month of Love

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Welcome to the month of love, where self-care takes center stage! This February, we’re redefining self-care beyond face masks and meditation. It’s time to show some love to the most overlooked aspect of your life—your space. At Medicine Hat Storage (MHS), we’re all about helping you love your space and prioritize your peace of mind. Let’s dive into how our storage solutions can revolutionize your self-care routine.

Embrace Change with Confidence: Whether you’re embracing a new chapter in life or decluttering for clarity, with MHS by your side change can become your superpower. Our secure storage units provide a haven for your belongings giving you the confidence to embrace change head-on.

Stress Less, Live More: Say goodbye to stress and hello to serenity with MHS. Our hassle-free storage solutions take the headache out of organizing your personal space, leaving you with more time to do what you love. From convenient online booking and rent payment to our cellphone activated gate, we’ve thought of everything so you can stress less and live more.

Share the Love: As you experience the freedom and peace of mind that comes with our services, don’t keep it to yourself. Share your MHS journey on social media, refer a friend, or leave us a glowing review. Together, we can raise awareness about the unsung self-care solution.

Self love sticker

~ Gillian Sumpay

Storing your Off Season Clothing

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Woman under a mountain of seasonal clothing

As winter crisp air signals the changing season, it’s time to lavish attention on your wardrobe. Safeguarding and storing your clothes properly in the off season extends their lifespan ensuring a seamless transition the next season.

Clean Before You Store:
Before tucking away summer clothes and unveiling winter coats, prioritize cleanliness. Lingering stains
attract moths, and spills can set over time. Launder or dry clean your clothes, paying special attention to
those in direct contact with your skin.

Invest in Quality Storage Containers:
Opt for storage containers that thwart moisture and mildew. Plastic bins with tight-fitting lids are
optimal for dust and pest prevention. Consider adding an extra layer of protection with garment bags
for delicate items.

Use Natural Repellents:

Shield your winter wardrobe from pests using natural repellents. Place cedar blocks or lavender sachets
in storage containers for effective deterrence without resorting to harsh chemicals found in traditional
mothballs.

Mind the Humidity:
Combat moisture, the nemesis of stored clothes. Ensure adequate ventilation in your storage space and
use moisture-absorbing products, such as silica gel packets, to maintain a dry environment—crucial for
preventing mold, especially in natural fibres like cotton and wool.

Fold, Don’t Hang:
Preserve the shape of your knitwear by resisting the temptation to hang everything. Fold heavy
sweaters, and other knit items to maintain their shape during storage.
Pro Tip: Still prefer to hang your clothing while it’s in storage? Use padded hangers or wrap the triangle
portion of your hangers with bubble wrap before hanging garments. This trick helps prevent clothing
from stretching out of shape at the corners of hangers.

Bubble Wrapped Hanger for Clothing Storage

Rotate Your Wardrobe:
Adopt the habit of seasonal wardrobe inspection and rotation. Rediscover forgotten gems while
ensuring all clothes receive equal attention. Inspect clothing for damage then store out-of-season items
at the back of the closet or in storage containers.

Pro Tip: Safeguard against colour fading and brittle fabric by choosing a cool, dark storage space. If your
storage area has windows, use curtains or blinds to prevent sunlight exposure.

Being Environmentally Conscious is Good for Clothing:
Ditch plastic dry cleaning bags: they trap moisture that leads to musty odours. Instead choose
breathable fabric garment bags or cotton pillowcases to protect your clothes.
Pro Tip: Simplify retrieval of seasonal clothing by labelling and organizing storage containers by
category. This approach makes locating specific items easy without having to go through every box in
your storage unit.
Taking care of your clothing while it’s tucked away in storage insures ensures that your favourite cozy
sweater or cotton sundress will stand will be ready when you reunite for a new season.

~Gillian Sumpay

Guide to Summer Gear Storage

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As the sun-soaked days of summer fade on the horizon, they leave behind the simple joy of outdoor pursuits, from pedalling along scenic trails, to setting up camp, or gliding gracefully atop shimmering waters—summer gifts us with a multitude of cherished experiences.

Whether you are a biker, camper, or paddler, summer gives us great pleasure. All these wonderful activities lead to an accumulation of outdoor gear. What is your plan for storing it during the off-season?

In this guide, we delve into preserving these cherished adventures—cleaning, organizing, and storing your summer gear. It’s a journey that involves not just safeguarding your possessions but also ensuring that the magic of summer continues for years to come.

Summer Gear Storage Tips:

  1. Clean Your Equipment

After every summer adventure, it’s essential to clean your equipment thoroughly. Use warm water and mild soap to cleanse your gear, including tents and sleeping bags. Removing any dirt and ensuring they’re completely dry before storage is vital, particularly for preventing mold and mildew.

  1. Choose the Right Storage Containers

Long-term storage of tents and sleeping bags should be in breathable mesh bags or cotton bags like old pillowcases. Loosely fold these items for long-term storage instead of tightly rolling them. This allows airflow, preventing mold and mildew growth. Remember, compressing a sleeping bag for extended periods can damage its fill.

  1. Organize Smaller Items

Store smaller items like flashlights, matches, eating utensils, plates, cookware, and more in clear storage containers. This way, you can easily identify and access them when needed.

  1. Organize Water Gear

Choose a large container to hold wetsuits, life jackets, water shoes, and other water gear. This ensures they’re kept together and protected during the off-season.

  1. Follow Manufacturer Recommendations for Watercraft Storage

Store paddle boards, canoes and kayaks indoors so the winter weather will not degrade fiberglass, plastic, fabric or specially-coated wood hulls.

 

Pro Tip: keep a checklist stored with your equipment so you don’t forget anything for your camping trips. Your list should include all items you will typically want to bring along.

Many of our clients store their summer gear in the garage or a spare closet so they can quickly pack up the car for a weekend getaway. But if these items are filling your halls and other living spaces self storage is an option that comes in many sizes to accommodate these items in the colder months.

Call us now at Medicine Hat Storage where we prioritize your storage needs — 1-877-415-6576

The Benefits of Using a Locally Run Self Storage

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There is a benefit to using a self storage company that is locally owned and operated. The staff at these companies live, work, and play in your new community.

These people can be a great resource and local guides as you learn your way around the community. They can help you source out local hot spots like bars and restaurants and direct you to a good shopping, dentist, doctor, family resources, and recreation facilities.

Being new to the community allows you to play tourist and our managers recently posted some of their favorite local history.

Candice, from our Drayton Valley office, took some pictures of one of the best resources for learning in her area,

Part of Drayton Valleys history

Drayton Valley Museum

the

One of her favourite stories from the museum is about the original school house. The Eldorado School was a simple log cabin constructed by Roy Plotts in 1915. The first to teach at Eldorado was Mrs. MacCrae, who taught at Tomahawk, but devoted her summers to teaching in Drayton Valley. In 1932 the schoolhouse burnt down and a new building was constructed a year later (the building now at the museum). In 1945, the school reached maximum capacity and it was necessary to construct a larger building, which opened in the 1950s. The 1933 Eldorado School house was auctioned to a local farmer in the 1970s, who converted it into a shop/garage. In 2006, the farmer donated the building to the museum.

Check out the museum if you are in the area.

Sue in our Lacombe office loves the Flatiron Building in the heart of downtown Lacombe. This beautiful main street icon still catches her eye after nearly 25 years of living in the community.

Samantha Lee at the Lacombe and district Historical Society sent us pictures for this blog.

Historic Flatiron Building

Lacombe Flatiron building

Lacombes historic Flatiron building

Largely unchanged by time, the black and white picture is not dated, but Sam believes it would be from the early 1920s when the building was the location of the Merchants Bank of Canada.

The color photo is of the building shortly after its 2003 restoration.

Have you been inside?

Tell us more!!!

Ron runs our Medicine Hat office and one of the historical spots of note is the Monarch Theater. At 100 years old, the Monarch is one of the oldest movie theatres in Canada. Medicine Hat Monarch Theater

What do you know about Medicine Hat history?

We want to show you the Monarch Theatre.

Do you have a favorite historical site?

 

 

 

If you need some storage questions answered for you while you are here already, we have a Facts Page too.

How To Store In Dusty Climates

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Storing In A Dusty Climate

How To Store In Dusty Climates

In Alberta we live in one of the driest climates on earth and a dry climate means dust — it’s in our homes
and inevitably it finds its way into our storage units. This year is particularly bad because of ash in the air
from the forest fires. No matter how well sealed a home or storage unit may seem, air circulation means
ash and dust will find its way in.
But this doesn’t mean you can’t protect your belongings from this hazard. With some planning and
protection, furniture items like couches, chairs, and tables can safely be kept in a storage unit.
If it’s wood furnishings you are storing, think carefully — if the item is made of delicate tropical wood or
it’s an antique then it’s best to store it somewhere with climate control. Old wood and tropical woods
are highly susceptible to cracking, warping, splitting, and breaking in extreme temperatures. The rule of
thumb is if it would be challenging and expensive to repair, find someplace with a consistent
temperature to store them. Once you have your delicate wood furnishings in a climate-controlled
environment place dust covers over them to minimize the amount of cleaning these items will require
when brought out of storage.
What’s the best way to store upholstered items? While this type of furniture doesn’t need climate
control for storage it is particularly susceptible to damage from ash and dust. Proper furniture covers
like sofa and chair covers are preferable but plastic dust covers also work. These covers can be
purchased for little cost and provide good protection for your belongings. Place one dust cover on the
floor to protect furniture legs from moisture. Then, cover the furniture with another dust cover.
Depending on the size of your dust cover you may need more than one to cover all furnishings,
particularly larger pieces like sofas, tall shelving units, or entertainment units.
These simple steps give furnishings some protection from ash and dust in the air as well as any potential
moisture leaching up through flooring or coming in under a door.

As our local climate is changing with more volatile weather it is best practice to follow your local town/city office and Environment Canada

Pro Tips for Spring Cleaning

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Tips for Spring Cleaning

Pro Tips for Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning on Your Mind?

But Where to Start?

Experts say spring cleaning has several benefits — a clean home can improve your health and make you
happier. But were to start? Decluttering is the first step, but can be a daunting task. Here are a few
decluttering tricks from the staff at Medicine Hat Storage to help you get started.
1) Start by decluttering small spaces like a drawer or cabinet and as you gain confidence tackle
bigger spaces.
2) Set yourself up for success by tidying your home slowly in short, manageable spurts. For
example, aim to spend 20 minutes cleaning each day instead of doing it for an entire day or over
a weekend.
3) Honor your natural pace by cleaning as you go about your day. This can look like doing the
dishes immediately after cooking dinner or decluttering your closet while you put away your
laundry.
Do you have a sentimental attachment to items? As such, the thought of decluttering
your possessions may feel overwhelming. Here are some tricks to help you come to terms
with letting go of some belongings:
1) Try the one in, one out rule. This principle is simple yet surprisingly effective: For every new item
you bring into your home, something you already own must go.
2) Use the inverted decluttering technique coined by author Gretchen Rubin in her book “Outer
Order, Inner Calm.” Instead of focusing on items you want to keep, identify the worst or least
useful things you own. You’ll find clarity and satisfaction in singling out what no longer serves
you.

Lady in sunlight

Pro Tips for Spring Cleaning

3) Take a cue from author Emily Ley and ask yourself if an item is the best, favourite or necessary.
This will encourage you to ditch duplicates, hold on to the necessities, and appreciate the
fabulous stuff you already own.
4) Ask yourself if your possessions spark joy. Popularized by Japanese decluttering expert Marie
Kondo this strategy will help you evaluate whether to keep an item or get rid of it based on how
it makes you feel.
5) Use a cut-and-dry trick like the “90/90” rule. Coined by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan
Nicodemus of The Minimalists, with this rule you to ask yourself two questions: Have you used it
in the past 90 days? If not, will you use it in the next 90 days? If you answer “no” to both
questions, it’s time to let it go – gift it, donate it, or through it out.
What tip works to get you started on a decluttering or cleaning spree? Share those tips on our Facebook page

Pro Tips for Moving and Storing

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The trailer or back of the truck typically isn’t the warmest place on a cold day and definitely not ideal for your fragile items or electronics. The transition from a warm to a cold environment can cause things to break. If you are going to move or store anything fragile or any electronics, be sure they are well wrapped in something that is going to keep them from breaking and offer some insulation.

Here are some other dos and don’t for moving in the cold:

Do Protect Items from the Cold

Extreme temperatures can make certain items more susceptible to damage. Make sure to use extra wrapping, bubble wrap, thick towels or blankets to protect breakable items and electronics. Remember that containers with liquids can freeze so avoid putting them in the back of the moving truck or into a storage unit. Things like electronics are fine being stored cold as long as you let them cool down and warm up gradually. Consider taking these items with you in the cab of the vehicle to ensure they arrive safely. We have a great video on YouTube on using packing supplies for your breakables.

Do Chose Cardboard Boxes Over Plastic Totes

Everyone loves plastic totes, but there are some drawbacks to using them especially during colder months. Plastic becomes slippery and brittle in the cold making it more susceptible to sliding and falling. And when it hits the ground, it breaks. Cardboard on the other hand has insulating properties for your breakables and its surface doesn’t change during cold weather. This makes it a safer choice for stacking and storing your belongings during the winter.

 

Do Seal Your Boxes with Packing Tape Instead of Masking Tape

Some adhesives get brittle and lose their stickiness in the cold and this is especially true of masking tape. Packing tape once applied to the box won’t release when it gets cold so you don’t have to worry about the box breaking open.

Don’t Pack at the Last Minute

Leaving packing and cleaning to the last minute can make the moving day more chaotic for everyone involved. The sooner you can get things organized, the easier and faster it will be on the moving day.  A great tip is to declutter well before a move if that’s possible. Our YouTube video of one of our SGA members decluttering a closet is a good one.

Do Make Sure Walkways are Clear of Ice and Snow

We make sure that our yards and the entry way to all storage units is free and clear of ice and snow for your safety. You should do the same at home before you start removing boxes from your home. It hurts to slip and fall, never mind having a box land on top of you.

Don’t Move in the Dark

Night comes early during the Canadian winter and moving in the dark can be unsafe for you and your belongings. Try to work out your schedule so you are moving earlier in the day while it’s still light outside. Please also keep in mind that while our yards are lit at night the insides of storage units are not.

Have a safe move and make sure to bring something warm to drink. If you need to warm up you are welcome to stop by the office. We have someone onsite during the day Monday to Saturday.