Posts

Spring Cleaning Reinvented

/in /by
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

/in /by
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

Storing your Off Season Clothing

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

How To Store In Dusty Climates

/in /by
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

Should You Store Jewelry and Other Valuables in Self Storage?

/in /by
Where should you be keeping your jewelry

Should you leave valuables like jewelry in a storage unit?

Self-storage is great for household items and non-perishable business stock and equipment, but resist the
temptation to store valuables like jewelry in your unit. Self-storage isn’t a substitute for a vault of safety
deposit box. While self-storage facilities do have security, no security system is completely impervious to
professional thieves. Further your insurance and that of the self-storage operator may not cover valuable
jewelry left in a self-storage unit.
Also consider that jewelry and other collectables often require a special environment to help maintain
their condition. Jewelry, for example, is delicate and needs to be stored where the temperature does not
fluctuate. Temperature fluctuations can cause jewelry to become brittle and warp.
Self storage facilities are also not impervious to things like fires, flooding and tornadoes that can damage
irreplaceable valuables. Safety deposit boxes, however, are designed to withstand these natural disasters.
For these reasons, you are better off keeping jewelry and other collectables in a fire proof safe or safety
deposit box.

Safety deposit box and jewelry

Keeping jewelry in a bank deposit box

At the very least store your jewelry in a secure location that is climate-controlled and can
provide protection against theft, pests, moisture, and other environmental hazards.
Pro Tip for storing jewelry: pack your jewelry in its original boxes or other soft containers to protect
them from scratches so these valuable retain their value for years to come.

 

If you are looking for more updates and information about storage and SGA as a business, you should check out our Linkedin page

Pro Tips for Moving and Storing

/in /by

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.

Should You Store It?

/in , /by
Can you store it?

Should You Store It?

Whether your storage is in a basement, an attic, a garage or a storage unit don’t fill it with things you don’t really want or need. While we’re not going to tackle cleaning out your storage here (a topic for another day), ask yourself these questions before packing things away.

1) Do you need it? This sounds like a simple enough question, but how each of us answers this is highly individual. If you are making an effort to cut back on clutter, try to get real about what “need” means. Defining what is important to you is the first step to efficient storage.

2) Does it work? Don’t let your storage space become the place where broken things go to die! Stop telling yourself, “I’ll fix it one of these days”. If you don’t care enough about the item in question to get it fixed right away, it’s probably not worth keeping.

Broken Watch

Broken pocket watch

3) Is it clean? Storing clothing and other textile items without having them cleaned first can spell trouble. Moths and other critters are attracted to the dirt on textiles. And body oils will cause fabric to break down over time. Your best defense is to put only clean items into storage. Tools and outdoor equipment, including patio furniture, should also be cleaned before storing to avoid deterioration. If you are in need for a good cleaning place check it out.

4) Is it yours? It’s amazing how much stuff we can accumulate from others. If you are storing the item in question for a relative or child, consider setting a limit and giving the item back rather than continuing to let it take up valuable storage space.

5) Are you saving it for family? When you save things for family like children or grandchildren, making decisions about what to keep can be a challenge. Often a small amount of carefully chosen and properly stored items can be far more meaningful (and welcome) than an attic’s worth of stuff. Tuck a note about where each piece came from or why it is important to help pass along the stories to the next generation.

6) Will it create a problem if stored? Perishables like food, pet food, plants and potting soils shouldn’t be put into storage as they can create problems by attracting bugs, mice and other pests. Ammunition, chemicals, fertilizers, fireworks and fuels also shouldn’t be stored as they will deteriorate, become unstable and create a fire hazard. Most storage offices will have a list of what is not accepted.

7) Is it irreplaceable? One-of-a-kind items, collectables, jewelry, family photos, and documents like birth certificates and passports should be kept in a safety deposit box or a safe in your home. While storage companies take every precaution to keep things safe and secure break-ins and violent weather can still impact these facilities.

Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa should you store it

Jumping The Self Storage Line

/in /by
Climbing the Self Storage Line

Jumping The Self Storage Line

Self storage businesses across Alberta have been getting busy. So, finding a storage unit at the
last minute has become much harder.

Here’s how to get a leg up on your fellow storage unit hunters.

As soon as you are aware that you need storage, start looking. It costs nothing to look around.

Remember price isn’t everything
Check reviews and also see how the business connects with its customers. Is communication
strictly online? Do calls go to a remote call center? Are staff knowledgeable about storage and
the local community?

Pro Tip:
Is there someone onsite if you need help? Moving and storing your belongings can be stressful
and having knowledgeable help available can make or break your storage experience

Be flexible
Could you take a slightly bigger or smaller unit? Using an online storage calculator will help you
choose the right size for your belongings.

Directions

Plan Ahead

Pro Tip:
If there isn’t a storage unit in the size you need ask about making up the size you need by using
two smaller units.

Get your name on a waiting list
A good self storage business will call if you are on a waiting list and a storage unit comes
available.

Pro Tip
There will be times when a unit comes available before storage staff get to people on the
waiting list. That is why keeping an eye on their website can be a huge advantage. Using the
storage company’s online rental platform can help you skip the waiting list, because you can
often move yourself in online before the storage unit is taken by another renter.

Start a conversation with the storage staff
Storage staff can take care of you over email to help you make the most of your time.
Also, don’t be afraid to call the storage office. Most offices don’t mind if you call and check in
from time to time. A good storage operator is there to do what they can to help you!

Protecting Items In Storage

/in /by
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