home furniture packed in boxes

8 Simple Storage Tips to Keep in Mind When Using Mini Storage

Packing can seem deceptively simple. We all think we know how to do it, and then we just can’t seem to get anything to fit right. The storage pros at Access Mini-Storage Ltd. in Chilliwack have put together some useful tips to keep in mind when using mini storage:

Tip #1: Use similarly sized boxes for easy stacking

Try not to pack all of your belongings into an assortment of randomly sized boxes. It is a better idea to stick with a few basic sizes so that you will be able to easily stack similarly sized boxes on top of each other.

Tip #2: Don’t over-stuff the boxes

Boxes should be filled to capacity, especially if you plan on stacking them in your mini storage unit, but try not to over-stuff them. Over-stuffed boxes may break or burst, or can simply become too heavy to lift.

Tip #3: Use proper packaging materials

Speaking of boxes, make sure that the boxes you use are made of sturdy, high-quality materials. Don’t just dig some old crumbling ones out of your basement. Use bubble wrap to protect fragile items and proper packaging tape to make sure that your boxes stay closed.

Tip #4: Protect furniture with padding

You don’t want your furniture to come out of mini storage with damage because it wasn’t packed properly. Protecting your furniture is easy if you make use of padding in the form of bubble wrap, industrial grade plastic wrap, towels, comforters, and bed sheets.

Tip #5: Make use of labels

The importance of labeling your boxes cannot be overstated. You may know what’s in them now, but a few months from now when it comes time to find what you need you will likely have forgotten, even if you’re only keeping a few boxes in storage.

Tip #6: Disassemble large items

You can save a lot of space in your mini storage unit by disassembling larger items such as beds before storing them. Of course, you’ll need to make sure that you carefully pack and label all of the pieces so that you won’t have trouble putting your furniture back together again.

Tip #7: Consider which items you may need easy access to

Pack your mini storage unit smartly by giving some thought beforehand to which items you may need to access periodically. Place those items closer to the front so that you won’t need to go digging for them.

Tip #8: Get the right mini storage unit size

Though you should be trying to conserve space when using self-storage by getting the smallest mini storage unit for your needs, you should not be cramming it over capacity just to save a few bucks. Get a mini storage unit that will comfortably fit all of your belongings so that you don’t risk damaging them.

Access Mini-Storage Ltd. offers self-storage units in Chilliwack that range in size from 3×5′ to 15×25′, letting you store all of your belongings safely. Get in touch with Access Mini-Storage Ltd. if you have any other questions about our public storage facility, or if you’d like to begin renting a mini storage unit today.

wooden furniture drawer

5 Steps for Long-Term Furniture Storage and Preservation in Chilliwack BC

There are a number of reasons why you may need to keep your furniture in long-term storage in a Chilliwack mini storage facility. Whether you are moving, downsizing, or simply need to clear up some space, a self-storage unit can keep your furniture safe until you need to access it again.

You should take a few precautions in order to make sure that your furniture is well-preserved while in mini storage. Here are the 5 strategies that we’ve seen work best for the storage units at Chilliwack’s Access-Mini Storage:

Step 1. Give all of your furniture a proper cleaning

It might seem counterintuitive, but it’s a great idea to give your furniture a thorough clean before putting it in mini storage in Chilliwack. Dirt, bacteria, mold, and mildew can all cause damage to your furniture if left to accumulate while in storage. Prepare your furniture by dusting it off, wiping it down with the appropriate cleaner, and letting it dry in a well-ventilated space.

Step 2. Disassemble large pieces

Transporting and storing your larger pieces of furniture in Chilliwack mini storage is going to be much easier if you disassemble them first. Take drawers out of dressers and tables, remove legs from tables and sofa, and disassemble bed frames. Stay organized by grouping your items together and making sure to set aside all nuts, bolts, and any other small pieces which you needed to remove.

Step 3. Use the right packaging materials

When you’re done preparing the furniture itself, it’s time to protect it with packaging materials which will keep it safe and in good condition. Bubble wrap is a good choice for breakable items such as lamps and mirrors, but plastic packaging materials should not be used for wood and fabrics as they can encourage condensation and mold growth. Using blankets, sheets, and other breathable covers will protect your items and allow air to circulate.

Step 4. Use storage space wisely

Don’t fall into the temptation to stack all of your items haphazardly on top of one another without giving organization much thought. You should aim to leave some space between pieces of furniture, both to allow for accessibility should you need something, and to allow air flow around them. Leaving enough space will also help ensure that you won’t damage anything when it comes time to remove it.

Step 5. Choose the right mini storage unit in Chilliwack

While some belongings can do fine in unheated storage, furniture (especially furniture containing wood or fabric) is best kept in a heated Chilliwack mini storage unit. Many people also often make the mistake of choosing a self-storage unit which is too small to comfortably house all of their items. At Access Mini-Storage our units range from 3×5′ to 15×25′, ensuring that you can find the right size for your needs.

You can contact Access Mini-Storage if you have any more questions about how to prepare furniture for long-term storage. Or, if you’re good to go, you can make a reservation for a storage unit in Chilliwack today.

storage logo and moving boxes

4 Common Mistakes Made When Using Self-Storage

Mini storage in Chilliwack is easily the best solution for clearing up household and office clutter. However, though it is an easy and convenient option, using a self-storage locker isn’t as simple as tossing all of your items inside and locking them away. The right storage methods will keep your items safe, while the wrong ones can cause damage.

Take it from the public storage experts at Access Mini-Storage in Chilliwack, here are 4 of the most common mistakes that people make when using self-storage:

Mistake #1: Storing perishable items

It is not advisable to store food or other perishable items in a Chilliwack mini storage unit. Even dry goods that may not go bad can still attract and become a food source for pests. If you need long-term food storage solutions, then it is a better idea to store other items in self-storage so that you have room for the food at home instead.

Mistake #2: Ineffectively distributing weight

Once you have all of your boxes packed up, taped up, and ready to go, you may be tempted to move them to your storage unit as quickly as possible with little regard for weight distribution. The problem is, however, that stacking heavier boxes on top of lighter ones can cause damage to your valuable items and can also pose a safety risk to anyone who enters the unit.

Mistake #3: Not taking the time to organize

As well as taking the time to stack your boxes so that heavier items sit on the bottom and lighter items sit on top, you should also make sure that your self-storage unit as a whole is well-organized.

Use the space in an efficient manner by stacking similarity sized boxes, leaving a pathway that will allow you to access all of your items, and leaving items that you may need more often in an easily-accessible location. Stack any chairs and store larger items, such as mattresses, in an upright manner.

You’ll also be very glad later on if you put in the time and effort to label all of your boxes before storing them away. Months, weeks, or even just days later you likely won’t remember where you put everything.

Mistake #4: Getting a storage unit that is too small

One of the easiest ways to damage the valuable items you plan to keep in mini storage is to get a unit that is not big enough to comfortably accommodate it all. Stuffing your items or boxes into too small a space can lead to much unintended bending, breaking, and cracking. It’s always better to initially get a size that is too large and downsize later, rather than having to upsize after you notice damage.

At Access Mini-Storage in Chilliwack you can request a storage unit that will comfortably fit all of your belongings. We offer self-storage units as small as 3×5′ if you only plan to be storing a few items, to as large as 15×25′ if you’re looking for a large, long-term storage solution.

packing infographic

How To Prep, Collect & Pack – Infographic

12 Best Tips for Using Self Storage Effectively

A little pre-planning will help you get the right space, ideal organization and save you some money. But, if you don’t have time for pre-planning, that’s okay too. You can move everything in to a larger unit and organize afterwards in the comfort-cooled spaces we have at Access Mini-Storage.

Organize for Access

You may not think you’ll need to get to your things while your house is being built or remodeled, but it is best to have it organized in the event you do.

  1. Label The Ends: Label the ends and/or sides of your boxes and bins to easily see/know what is inside.
  2. Group By Seasons: Group items together in seasons so you can find what you need based on the time of year.
  3. Label By Family Member: Label items by family member to grab something for someone quickly.
  4. Bigger Units For Freedom: Increase to a bigger unit if you want to have space to move around, sort and organize.
  5. Walk It Out: Fill your storage so you have a small walk way or path to access those items in the corner

Plan Your Space

You don’t want to pay for more space than you really need.

  1. Drive It Up: If you’re storing items from your garage, patio, shop, etc… you don’t need a heated/cooled space. Consider getting a small drive up storage unit for these items.
  2. Temperature-Controlled For Certain Items: For things that are in your home, you’ll want to consider an interior unit and how long you’ll be storing. August heat can melt more than candles, and can ruin electronics, artwork and photos.

Save Time and Money by Planning

Plan your move in and move out.

  1. Know Your Dates: At Access Mini-Storage, we prorate your move in, so you pay for only the days of the month that you move in, then it is a month-to-month lease. Knowing when you need to start storing will save some move in costs.
  2. Special Discounts: Ask if there are any special discounts. Some units are available for a full month FREE.
  3. Truck Rental In Advance: Reserve theAccess Mini-Storage truck or trailer in advance. The truck is free for moving in and out, you just have to pay for the gas. We have two trailers (open landscape & enclosed cargo) also available.
  4. End Of Month Planning: Plan your move out to be at the end of the month to maximize your rental.
  5. Call Us For Help: If you need more assistance, call Access Mini-Storage and ask a manager for help. We work with people in every situation imaginable to maximize their storage options, and we’d be happy to work with you on yours!