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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

First Time Using Storage

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First Time Using Storage

First Time Using Self Storage

At some point, you or a family member experience an event where self-storage offers a solution. Whether it’s a move, a renovation, or a death in the family if you’ve never rented a storage unit here are some insider tips to help things go smoothly.

First, determine what size storage unit you need. The quickest way is to inventory what you are storing and use a storage size calculator. This tool can be found on a storage company’s website and can save you the headache of choosing the wrong sized storage unit.

Once you know the size you need check storage prices. Keep in mind that the price given isn’t always the final price. Some storage businesses require a damage or gate fob deposit, or charge admin or service fees.

Now that you have determined the storage facility and a unit size, be prepared for some paperwork. Just like renting a car, or a home, storage rentals require a contract. To keep this as painless as possible have the following information ready:

– Photo ID.

– Your contact information (current address where you receive your mail, your cellphone number and an email address.

– Name an alternate contact for your account (with phone number) in case you can’t be reached for any reason.

– If you are storing a vehicle you will have to show the current registration as proof of ownership.

Before you sign the rental agreement make sure you understand it. You don’t want to find yourself in breach of this legally binding contract, just because you didn’t read it. That’s a little like telling a police officer that pulled you over for speeding that you didn’t see the speed limit sign.

The storage contract will contain things like how much and when rent is due, additional charges, storage rules (what you can and can’t store and acceptable or unacceptable activities in the storage facility), insurance requirements, and the repercussions if you fail to pay rent.

While these contracts can seem daunting a good storage company will have this document written in plain language and have trained staff that should willingly offer to explain it to you.

Pro Tip:

A storage facility’s insurance never covers a renter’s possessions. This is because the insurance company has no way of verifying the value of these possessions. As a homeowner or renter, you may already have content insurance that will cover belongings in storage. Always inquire with your insurance company to ensure items in storage would be covered.

Pro Tip:

When you are talking to storage staff about the contract, also ask if someone is onsite in case you need help while in the facility, what the office hours are and what yard access hours will be.

Once you understand the storage contract, and your questions have all been answered, sign the agreement and then you are ready for the final step, packing your belongings into the storage unit.

Pro Tip:

When  you are planning a move and looking for a moving company we could suggest one for you. Always check for pricing and reviews.

Pro Tip:

Before you reach the yard with your belongings, learn how to access the storage facility and your unit. Whether you received a fob, or access code test for facility, make sure it works and check to see if you can get into your storage unit.

Now you can get down to the business of loading your storage unit. For tips on how to maximize your space check out our blog on how to pack a storage unit.

 

Protecting Items In Storage

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Using a drop cover for protecting storage items

Protecting Items for Storage

You’ve made the decision to place your items in storage and now that you have everything
ready go, here are some simple tips to protect what you are storing:

Confounded Condensation
Depending on the weather extremes and humidity in your area, it is possible for condensation
to build up on your stored goods which can cause water and mold damage. A good option to
avoid damage from prolonged moisture exposure is to put a plastic drop sheet on the floor of
your storage unit before placing items in the unit. Using pallets to put your belongings on is
even better, especially if you are storing goods for longer periods of time. Also, leave some
‘breathing space’ (about two finger widths) between stacked items so fresh air circulates
between your belongings.

If your furniture has had its issues already before storage, https://kleenway.ca/residential/residential-upholstery-cleaning specializes in green friendly residential upholstery cleaning.

Don’t Over Stack
When placing boxed items in storage, the temptation is to stack as high as you can reach. Boxes
are only designed to take so much weight and over time might give way under the stress of
over stacking. This can result in entire stacks toppling over. If the items in those boxes are
fragile… well, you get the point. You also need to consider your safety. For this reason, stacks
should only go as high as your natural reach…or the natural reach of the shortest adult
accessing the storage.

Man with moving boxes

Protect Your Belongings

Dreaded Dust
Nobody wants to open their unit and find that everything inside is now dust covered. All that
cleaning you did to prepare your goods for storage has been potentially wasted – and let’s face
it: dust is inevitable. So why not use a couple of inexpensive plastic drop sheets to help protect
your items? Drop sheets should be draped loosely around items to encourage air flow but offer
protection from fine dust.

By using these three tips, your stored goods should remain intact, dry and dust free. Be sure to
check out the retail items available for purchase at our locations to assist with your packing needs. We are here to help you through every step
of your rental process.
You can access more information on our blog site such as the importance of cleaning before you store, as well as make use of our handy
storage calculator to determine the correct unit size for your needs.
Ron Heizelman – Site Manager, MHS

Preparing Belongings For Storage

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Getting yourself prepared for self storage

Preparing Your Belongings For Storage

Before you pack your belongings into storage, you need to get them ready. From cleaning to taking inventory, here’s how to best prepare.

Purge

If you haven’t used something in a while or no longer want an item don’t waste money storing it. Sell it or donate it to someone who will make better use of the item.

Clean everything that’s going into storage

Before you put things into storage make sure they are clean. Why is this important? If you store something while it’s dirty, it’s only going to be worse for wear when you unpack it two, four, or twelve months later. Over time things that are stored dirty can acquire a musty smell, and stains can damage fabrics. A thorough cleaning will ensure that items don’t deteriorate while in storage.

Pro tips:

  • Wash clothes and linens then store them in plastic bags to prevent mold and mildew.
  • Vacuum out the crevasses and wipe all furnishings then use an appropriate protective spray on leather and fabric upholstery. Wax wood furniture.
  • Wipe the inside and outside of appliances. If applicable, run a final wash cycle with vinegar. If you are storing a washer, make sure all tanks and hoses are drained. For fridges and freezers add a moisture absorbent substance like charcoal to help prevent odors. You can reach out to local appliance companies as well for info. https://www.bc-appliance.ca/
  • Wipe all sporting goods and kids’ toys including plush toys. Store plush toys in plastic bags.

 

Inventory what you’re storing

Person taking inventory for self storage

Be prepared by doing an inventory first

While you are cleaning your belongings, write down what’s going to be stored. Why is this important? An inventory will help you determine what size storage unit you need and how to organize that storage unit.

Pro tips:

  • Our storage calculator web page allows you to enter an inventory of your belongings and calculates what size storage unit you need. You can also email this list to yourself right from our storage calculator page.
  • Add a brief description including the item’s brand, serial number, model number, and if there is any damage to your inventory list.
  • Email a copy of your inventory list to your property insurance agent and advise them that you are putting these items into storage. This will help ensure that you have coverage for these possession’s and speed up the claims process should disaster make this necessary.

 

Make sure you get the right size of storage unit

Our easy-to-use storage calculator does the math for you. Once you’ve entered an inventory of your possessions into the calculator the graph on the right side of this web page tells you what size storage unit you need. You can then go ahead and book your storage unit either by clicking on the Rent Now button on our website, or if you need help you can call us and talk to someone in our office.

Screen shot of calculator page

Using our self storage calculator

Pro tip:

  • Right now, we are experiencing high demand for storage units and have a waiting list for many sizes. Renting online allows you to quickly see and rent any size that is available. This is kind of like a gamer’s cheat code for self-storage. If the size you want isn’t available don’t give up. People come and go from self-storage units daily. So, call our office and get on the waitlist right away.

Now you will need to pack your belongings. How you pack an item determines how well it survives a move, storage and then being unpacked. Watch for our next blog — How to pack your belongings like a pro so they are in good condition when you take them out of storage.

Moving During A Pandemic

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Packing and moving can be difficult at the best of times, but moving during a pandemic creates a whole new set of challenges. If you have to move you and your moving company should put health and safety first. We suggest you call your moving company to discuss your options and they should help you plan as safe (and seamless) a move as possible. This may include: Read more

Feeling Overwhelmed While You Work From Home?

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Feeling overwhelmed while you work at home? Getting organized can help you take back some control and get clear on what work tasks should take priority. Not all of us have Marie Kondo’s instinct for organization, so where should you start?

  • First, find a separate space in you home for your home office. If you have no space choose a corner in the living room or take over the dining room. If you are considering making a work space in your bedroom, I recommend getting a room divider of some sort to separate the work area from the sleep area. Seeing your place of work while you are trying to wind down and trying to sleep is not good for you psychologically.

Read more

What To Expect Your First Time

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What to Expect Your First Time
It’s your first time renting a storage unit and you want everything to go right. Problem is – you’ve never
done this before and you are not really sure what is involved. Here’s some advice from someone on the
inside…..
Before you arrive at the storage facility it’s a good idea to ask what methods of payment they accept.
Also ask if you are eligible for any discounts (senior, student, etc.) and be prepared to show id as proof
of eligibility. At the least you will have to pay for your first month’s rent and buy a lock for your unit. If
the facility you chose requires a damage deposit, admin fee, charges for a gate fob or supplies the lock
the amount will vary. Either way you have to pay for the use of the unit in advance.  Read more

Alternative Uses for Glass Packing Kits

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While these packing kits are great for packing your glassware, they have alternate uses too! Read more

All My Best Moves Involve Stretch Wrap

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Want to know a secret to taking some of the stress out of moving?  Plastic wrap! Plastic wrap (also known as stretch wrap) is one moving supply that you shouldn’t skip. It’s a great way to protect your furniture from scratches and scuffs. Also, use it for wrapping things that are hard-to-pack like rugs, furniture, and bed rails. And, because there is no adhesive on plastic wrap there is no sticky residue left on your furniture. Here are some other stretch wrap tips from our moving experts. Read more

How To Pack Your Storage Unit

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When you sign up for storage, you are responsible for how your things are packed. This means you’ll want to take every precaution to ensure that your boxes, furniture, and appliances are safely packed. Here are a few tips to help you to pack your storage container in the most effective and secure way possible.

Is Your Unit The Correct Size?

The last thing you want to do is realize you don’t have enough space to store all of your possessions. If you are unsure of the size you need we can always show you first.

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