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What to look for when selecting a storage facility.

Not sure what to look for when selecting a storage facility? This post will help you determine what features to look for when choosing which storage facility will have the right features for your needs.

1)Is the facility clean? 

The cleanliness of the storage facility you are considering is always worth noting. A dirty facility can indicate poor management and lack of pride.

  • Take a walk around
  • Take a look at the inside of locker similar to one you are interested in
  • Chat with the staff
  • Ask other tenants
  • Read Google reviews

2)Do you feel safe? 

Do you feel safe at the facility of choice? Is the facility gated to prevent uninvited guest from accessing the facility? Would you feel safe accessing your locker around the clock? Do you notice video cameras? If the answer is no, do you feel safe anyways? Here are a few examples of items that could require extra precautions:

  • Items with a high value
  • Items that hold sentimental value
  • Inventory
  • Items impacted by its environment
  • Paper work

3)Do you feel welcomed? 

Although, you may not need assistance when at your storage facility, friendly staff can make a big difference. If the facilities you are contemplating renting from has staff that make you feel welcomed, it will make your entire storage experience better. As an added bonus, by doing this research you can learn about what is readily available to you.

At Total Storage Winnipeg, we pride ourselves in having great staff and a clean, well-lit and a very safe facility. If you have any questions about our facilities, give our friendly staff a call at 204-832-8181 or send us an email at info@totalstoragemanitoba.ca.

We hope this post has helped you determine what to look for when selecting a storage facility.

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Climate-controlled storage units versus traditional storage units

If you are considering using a storage unit for items you no longer use or need to put away for a while, you may be wondering if your items will be safe and protected. When it comes to storage options, there are traditional storage units, where the environment is not climate-controlled as well as the option to use a climate-controlled unit. Learning more about both options can help you to make the right decision when it comes to storing your belongings the best way possible.

Understanding climate-controlled storage units

Climate-controlled storage units versus traditional storage units - Winnipeg Storage Units - Total Storage WinnipegTo begin, you need to learn more about climate-controlled storage. Is the temperature of the facility controlled? What is the temperature range? In general, the standard will be to keep the temperature between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (or 50 to 78 Fahrenheit). Certain items will do better in storage when the climate is controlled. Learning more about the type of items that require a climate-controlled environment will help to protect your belongings when storing long term. Generally, if it is coming out of your climate-controlled home, and moved into storage, the storage should also be climate-controlled.

Items which require a climate-controlled environment

Certain items require temperature control when stored to ensure the integrity of the item remains. Take wooden furniture for example. Over time, wood that is exposed to moisture can crack and warp, even rot. When storing wooden items like tables and chairs, bed frames, etc., you will need access to a climate-controlled environment. With climate control, the temperature is regulated which helps maintain a steady humidity level. This will help to ensure wooden pieces stay in shape.

Leather furniture is also susceptible to temperature changes. If you have hot and cold swings, leather will crack. When storing such furniture pieces, having a climate-controlled storage unit is essential. Household appliances also benefit from the protection of the elements. In environments where extreme heat or cold is present, the electrical and mechanical parts can be damaged.

Specialty items which require a climate-controlled environment

Climate-controlled storage units versus traditional storage units - Winnipeg Storage Units - Total Storage WinnipegIf you are like many people, you have special collections that you want to keep, but you do not have room for. Such collections as coins, comic books or stamps have value over time. Keeping such items is an investment that must be protected. Storing such specialty items will ensure that your investment stays in good condition.

Total Storage Winnipeg offers climate-controlled storage units through regulation of the temperature within the storage facility. Renting a climate-controlled storage unit from us will help ensure the protection of all your belongings while stored. For more information about sizing and options for storage units, call – 204.832.8181 or visit our website and take a virtual tour or contact us!

5 Ways to Pack a Storage Unit

10x15 Storage Unit - Total Storage Self-Storage - Winnipeg StorageA storage unit is a perfect way to house items you are no longer using but are not ready to get rid of. Instead of junking up your house with clutter, the ideal solution is renting a storage unit. Your home is organised and clutter-free, while your storage unit makes an excellent home for the items you are not ready to part with. Many times, things need to be stored for a certain amount of time, such as holiday decorations and baby furniture, until they are required. Whatever the case may be, using a storage room is a wise decision. However, the mistake that most people make is not considering how the unit is packed. Packing a storage unit well will ensure that you can find the items you need, when you need them, with no extra work involved! Read on to see how you can successfully pack a storage unit.

Place Everything in Containers/Boxes

When it comes storing items, anything small needs to be placed in a box or plastic container. Storage rooms can quickly become overcrowded when pieces are just strewn about. When you have everything in boxes, you can place similar items together and find what you are looking for, when you need it. Take for example holiday decorations. When you are ready for Christmas, you can easily find all of your holiday décor in boxes or bins marked ‘Christmas’. If you just throw things in the unit, you will be searching all over to find the pieces you need. Organizing like items in boxes and bins saves time and space!

Sort Your Storage room

Another important tip is to sort your storage room. Don’t just throw boxes or bins inside and let them be. Have areas for particular items, so you know where everything is. Perhaps you have a holiday decoration section, a furniture section, etc. By placing items in an order and sorting everything out, you will find your storage room stays nice and neat!

Back in Its Place

When you use items from your storage unit, be sure to put the things back in their place. By resorting your stored items, you will find the storage room stays neat and tidy.

Clean Out from Time to Time

When visiting your storage room, try to clean out from time to time. Look for items you haven’t used in a long time or will never use again. By donating items, you can free up space for more stuff that you actually will use!

Think About What You Are Storing

Take time now and then to think about what you are storing. Every time you plan on taking something to the storage room, think about if you will actually use it again or really need it? Perhaps you can give it away to a family member to use or donate the item. Consider if you need to store the item or if you will be okay parting with it.

At Total Storage, you will have access to plenty of storage space, easily able to store furniture or smaller items. Find a place for your things so you can have room in your home for items you use on a daily basis!

5 Tips to Keep In Mind Before Choosing the Right Size Storage Unit

When deciding on renting a storage unit choosing the right size can be a bit daunting. Renting too small a unit can be frustrating and too large can prove to be a waste of money. With some planning and foresight, you can choose the storage unit that will fit your needs perfectly.

Here are 5 tips to keep in mind before you choose your storage unit size:

  1. Take inventory of what you are planning on storing. This is the first and the most important step in planning your unit size. There are moving apps available to help you with you inventory choice. See our blog for suggestions on taking inventory – 3 Apps to Help Organize
  2. Consider the type of boxes you are using and how many can stack safely. Using boxes of consistent size and weight allows you to stack well and save space.
  3. Measure furniture and appliances and consider if some furniture can be disassembled for easier storage. Tables and bed frames can often be disassembled to allow for storing flat against walls
  4. Use furniture to store other things. Bureaus and desks drawers can store clothes and supplies saving you space.
  5. Take future storage needs into consideration. If you plan on moving some things later be sure to include them in your inventory list.

Once you have planned your inventory and have an idea you can then make a floor plan. Start with the smallest unit size and see if that is a good fit. Storage unit facilities vary in size, but most are relatively standard, starting at 5 x5 units and working up from there. Most moving apps offer floor plans and some even let you drag and drop furniture and boxes.

With these simple steps, choosing the right size unit will be much easier, saving you time and money in the long run.

Our team of professionals are here to help you with any questions you may have.

Total Storage Winnipeg