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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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Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage - Winnipeg Self Storage - Total Storage WinnipegAll summer long, you have enjoyed going out on the water in your boat. But, with winter quickly approaching, its time to prepare your boat for storage until next summer. Preparing your boat for winter storage involves a lot more than pulling it out of the water and putting in your backyard. Any boat with a motorized engine needs protection so that it can survive the temperature and be ready to use again. Total Storage’s boat storage facility comes in quite handy when storing your boat during the offseason. However, there are steps you should take before you put your boat away for the next few months. Follow the tips below to ensure your boat is ready to be stored this winter.

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Oil and Coolant System

The first steps are to change your oil and refresh the coolant. Water or acids that may have gotten into the oil can corrode the engine when the boat is not in use. Change the filter and flush the system to ensure no water remains, adding new oil before the boat is placed in storage.

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage - Winnipeg Self Storage - Total Storage WinnipegFor the coolant system, drain out the coolant currently inside and flush with water. Use fresh anti-freeze, making sure you dilute it as needed. By completing these simple changes, you’re ensuring that portions of your engine will not freeze and be protected from corrosion.

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Protect your Battery

When you’re ready to put your boat into storage, remove the battery from your boat. This will prevent your battery from freezing – as once the battery freezes, it’s usually non-recoverable. Take your battery and store it in a warm, dry place within your home – or if you rent a climate controlled storage unit, store it there.

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Engine and Steering

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage - Winnipeg Self Storage - Total Storage WinnipegThere are steps that also need to be taken to ensure the engine and steering system will work properly when you get the boat back out in the summer months. The engine needs to be sprayed with fogging oil within the carburetor and the spark plug holes. The manual or a trained engine mechanic should be consulted for this process. Moving parts of the engine need to be protected during the cold winter months.

The mechanisms involving the control and steering of the boat also need to be considered. By greasing these components, they stay at the ready, moving with ease once the boat is back out on the open water.

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Quality Storage

One of the smartest decisions you can make is by storing your boat in a safe and quality environment. At Total Storage, there is plenty of room for boats to be stored. We have limited temperature controlled storage units, so make sure you call and reserve your unit asap. Having the benefit of a climate controlled storage unit will give you the best chance your boat remains in good condition during the harsh winter season. Next year, you’ll just have to pick up your boat when summer arrives to get out on the water quickly!

In addition to our climate controlled storage unit options, we have outdoor parking options. This allows you more space on your property and driveway during the winter.

For more information on our storage unit options – contact us at 204-832-8181. Alternatively, visit our website to learn more about the storage unit options which can fit your needs.

How Much Can You Fit in a 5×5 Storage Unit?

5x5 Storage Unit - How Much Can You Fit in A 5x5 Storage Unit - Self Storage Winnipeg | Total StorageStorage units certainly come in handy – whether you are moving or have an overabundance of stuff. Sometimes you need extra space for your belongings. Whatever your storage needs are, we offer a wide range of storage unit sizes. Surprisingly, a 5×5 storage unit might do the trick. But, how much can you fit into a 5×5? You may be astonished to find this smaller unit can house a large number of belongings. When you’re in a pinch, our 5×5 storage unit might be the solution you’re looking for – making it easy for you to store your belongings.

Will it fit in a 5×5 storage unit – Clothing Storage?

Do you have too many clothes and not enough closet space? A 5×5 storage unit can easily be used to house clothing during the off-season. Store winter clothing during the summer and trade out the warmer clothes for your summer wardrobe during the winter. You can easily use Rubbermaid containers to store clothing safely, so that is ready to be used during the appropriate season.

You can even store clothing that you might not want to get rid of but don’t have room. A smaller storage room is perfect for clothing, as individual items can easily be stored away until needed.

Will it fit in a 5×5 storage unit – Sports Equipment and Camping Supplies?

Sports Equipment - How Much Can You Fit in A 5x5 Storage Unit - Winnipeg Self Storage | Total StorageSpeaking of seasonal items – we know your snowboard or golf clubs are only getting used for half the year in Winnipeg if you’re lucky! Don’t let your sports equipment or camping supplies take up precious space in your home or condo! Avoid tripping over it in the off-season and rent a 5×5 storage unit.

Will it fit in a 5×5 storage unit – Smaller Furniture?

A 5×5 storage unit is also a good option for storing smaller furniture. From bookshelves to stools and smaller chairs, you can easily place these items in a storage unit until you need to use them. Stack the furniture in such a way where you can access what you need when you need it. It’s helpful to make a list of what you are storing in your unit so that you can know where certain furniture pieces are when you wish to add them to your home. Post a copy inside of your storage unit, and leave a second copy at home for reference.

Will it fit in a 5×5 storage unit – Holiday Décor?

Holiday Decorations - How Much Can You Fit in A 5x5 Storage Unit - Winnipeg Self Storage | Total StorageIf you are like most homeowners, then you enjoy decorating for the holidays. From Christmas to Halloween, each holiday is much more fun when you decorate. If you have a smaller home, you may not have the space to store your holiday decorations. A 5×5 storage unit can easily house your holiday decorations. Simply store your items in bins with labels, stacking them neatly inside the storage space.

With a 5×5 storage unit, you can store (almost) anything you want to. The 5×5 space is cost-effective but large enough to fit the items you may need to store, such as clothing, seasonal equipment, décor or furniture. When you are in need of storage solutions, rely on Total Storage for all your organization needs.  We can quickly and easily get you set up with your 5×5 storage unit space today. And if you need a larger storage unit – we have them available, too! Contact us today!

What is “Swedish Death Cleaning”?

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning - What is “Swedish Death Cleaning”? - Total StorageIf you are like most people, you may have never heard of the term, Swedish Death Cleaning. However, for some, getting to know the subject can assist and be helpful when caring for a loved one’s home, after they pass. Developed from the book “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family From a Lifetime of Clutter” by Margareta Magnusson, the method of cleaning helps individuals learn how to deal with death and possessions.

In the book, Mrs. Magnusson discusses how she dealt with the death of her parents and husband. She had to figure out how to deal with their passing as well as their possessions after the fact. The book discusses, döstädning, the Swedish idea which translates into death cleaning. The idea is to learn how to remove clutter so that your death does not become a burden to loved ones you leave behind.

How can you start Swedish Death Cleaning?

Start the process of Swedish Death Cleaning with your closests - What is “Swedish Death Cleaning”? - Total StorageSo, how do you get started? To begin, you have to learn what to hold on to. To summarize from the book – if you have kept certain items in the home based on a memory or feeling, but you don’t need the object, this is something you are holding on to that you no longer need. The process of Swedish Death Cleaning is to learn how to hold on to what you need. But, also to be critical as to not keep what you don’t need, just based on sentimental value. As the book suggests, a good place to start the cleaning process of your home in closets. Most use the their closest space as storage space in the home. Many closets contain items that are not being used or needed.

Involve your family with your Swedish Death Cleaning

Involving your family is also important. Perhaps, you have items that you are saving and storing to give to loved ones once you pass. By involving your family in the cleaning out process, you can document what you want to go to who, showing loved ones where items are and discussing your final wishes.

When should you start Swedish Death Cleaning?

Process of Swedish Death Cleaning - What is “Swedish Death Cleaning”? - Total StorageThe process of Swedish Death Cleaning should begin at around the age of 65 or older. Possessions should be shed to avoid leaving loved ones with a pile of possessions that they have no idea what to do with. Seniors can start selling items or giving items away, via donations or giving to family members. Once you start this process and have the end goal in mind, it becomes much easier to get rid of extra items.

How can Self Storage play into Swedish Death Cleaning?

Renting a self storage unit can help kick-start your Swedish Death Cleaning process. The storage unit can act as a halfway point. You can transfer your belongings from your home to your storage unit. Then, when you are ready to tackle this task, you can simply visit your storage unit and complete all of your sorting there. This will prevent your home from being cluttered or obstructed with your belongings as you work through the process.

The introduction of a storage unit can give you freedom and additional time to focus on your Swedish Death Cleaning process, without feeling rushed. If you’re interested in starting this process for yourself, talk to us about a self storage unit today!

Total Storage Winnipeg