October 2020 – U-Lock Mini Storage

How Mini Storage Helps eCommerce Businesses Succeed

As more retail stores and small or home-based businesses are using eCommerce to sell their products, finding a suitable and sizable storage space to store inventory is a priority. An easy and cost-efficient approach to store your inventory is by using a storage unit. By renting a storage unit, you can select a unit size based on your inventory needs, budget, and take advantage of many key benefits. Here are the top five reasons why eCommerce businesses should rent a self storage unit.

More cost-effective than warehouses

If you have recently launched your own eCommerce business and do not have a lot of products in your inventory yet, starting off with a smaller-sized storage unit will be a fantastic way to get your eCommerce going! We have a wide variety of storage unit sizes for you to choose from. We recommend starting with a 10×10 feet storage unit; it is equivalent to half of a one-car garage which gives you sufficient space for a smaller amount of products.

If you need more space, you can rent a 10×15 feet storage unit, which is equivalent to roughly two-thirds of a one-car garage. We also have bigger storage units available – as large as 13×23 feet.

Renting a storage unit to hold your inventory is a more cost-effective way than using a warehouse because you can rent a storage based on your inventory size and budget, and you always have the flexibility to switch to a smaller or bigger unit. If you are selling at a high volume and your inventory is depleting, you can change your storage unit to a smaller unit to adapt to your new needs.

No Monthly Contract = More Flexibility

As mentioned above, you always have the flexibility to switch to a bigger or smaller storage unit according to your needs because storage facilities, such as U-Lock Mini Storage, do not require monthly contracts. This autonomy lets you switch between different unit sizes from one month to the next. For example, if your inventory is running low towards the beginning of the year and you do not plan on ordering a large number of products to replenish your inventory, you can downsize to a smaller unit.

Heat-controlled storage units available

Storing items in a heat-controlled storage unit prevents your belongings from being damaged from humidity or extreme heat.

Humidity control is vital in preserving stored items in optimal conditions. When there is excessive humidity in the air, some products may warp or decay. Heat-controlled storage units ensure that the humidity level in a storage unit is around 55% base humidity. Excess moisture is removed using air conditioning.

In addition to ensuring a healthy humidity level, a heat controlled-storage unit also makes sure that the stored items are not in an extremely hot and dry condition. Some items can suffer from warping, splitting, or cracking in extreme heat. To prevent this, a heat controlled-storage unit uses air conditioning to pump and circulate fresh air into the storage.

A heat-controlled storage unit is also ideal to deter debris, dust, and pest infestation. Heat-controlled storage units are completely sealed and secured, and are located deep in a storage facility which prevents debris, dust, rodents, and other unwanted guests from entering the storage units and damaging your products.

Enhanced Security

Storage units are an excellent place to store valuable items due to their incredible security measures.

Our storage facilities are monitored 24 hours a day using digital surveillance. Additionally, we offer storage units that have individual alarms installed, which means that an alarm will be triggered when a trespasser attempts to break into a storage unit.

To further enhance the security of the perimeter, we give each renter a unique access code that they must dial to enter the storage facility and unlock their self-storage unit. Each renter also must enter their unique access code to lock their storage unit and exit the building. This mandatory procedure lets the storage facility keep track of who goes in and out, thus preventing trespassers from entering the storage facility. Compared to storing inventory in a shed in a backyard or in a garage, storing your inventory in a storage unit is exponentially safer and more secure.

Convenient accessibility

To accommodate our customers’ schedules, we offer increased operating hours. You can have access from 6 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week, all year long. Please check your location U-Lock Mini Storage facility for extended hours!

Questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online at https://www.selfstorage.ca/contact-us and our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Looking to reserve a storage unit? Find a self storage facility near you:

How to Store Tires Properly to Prevent Dry Rotting

Storing tires can be a troublesome task due to their size and the extra steps needed to keep them in good shape. However, you might not have a choice if you have a set of winter tires for your car.

Storing tires can be a troublesome task due to their size and the extra steps needed to keep them in good shape. However, you might not have a choice if you have a set of winter tires for your car. If you are clueless of where to start, you are not alone. Many of our storage customers do not know how to store tires and come to us for advice.

It is not uncommon to see tires stored outside without so much as a cover, but it is likely these tires are not used on a road vehicle. If they are, their safety has been compromised in a major way. People also keep tires in garages that are exposed to big shifts in temperature; this solution is also not ideal.

Tires will degrade eventually, but there are things we can do to delay the process. Tires are sensitive to weather, sun, temperature, and time. The best way to store tires is in a dry, cool environment that will slow down the aging process. Keeping a fresh set of tires in the right conditions could add years to their life.

These tire storage tips will show you how to prevent dry rot and keep tires in excellent condition.

1. Clean and Dry Tires Thoroughly before Storage

It is important to remove any traces of asphalt, dirt and brake dust from the tires before storing. However, not all soap and methods of cleaning are created equal. Products specifically marketed for cleaning tires might not be appropriate in this case, so check the label. Avoid cleaning products with petroleum and all tire dressings. These products can be corrosive if your tires will be out of service for a few months or more.

To clean tires:

Mix mild dish soap and lukewarm water in a bucket.
Use a tire brush to scrub away any grime.
Avoid abrasive tire cleaners that can speed up the breakdown of the rubber
Avoid using a tire gloss or dressing prior to storing tires.
Make sure the tires are completely dry prior to storing but do not let them dry in direct sunlight.

2. Keep the Tires out of the Sun

Some argue that UV rays are the biggest factor in tire aging. Direct sunlight can heat the rubber and cause premature deterioration. The UV rays penetrate the rubber, dry it out and eventually break down the rubber compounds. The best way to keep tires from dry rotting is to limit sun exposure whenever possible.

How to keep tires out of sunlight:

Cover outdoor tires with a thick, sun protectant tarp. Make sure light cannot pass through the fabric.
Store tires indoors and away from windows or doors.
Use tire storage bags designed to keep tires out of the sun.
Purchase tire covers if you are keeping the tires on a car.

3. Store Tires in a Cool, Dry Environment

Find a cool and dry environment to keep your tires: ideally a place where the temperature and humidity remain consistent throughout the storage period. Dips or hikes in either of these conditions can result in premature tire aging. Storing tires in a consistently warm environment is not good for the rubber, but it is also damaging to keep tires in freezing temperatures.

Where to store tires:

Consider a storage unit to maintain a consistent environment.
A basement is a common choice, but keep tires away from furnaces, water tanks, sump pumps and other ozone producers.
Avoid storing tires in a garage if you can help it. Sunlight and weather exposure can damage tires over a long period of time.

4. Keep each Tire in an Airtight Plastic Bag

Aside from sunlight, the next leading tire deteriorating factor is oxygen. Some things in storage require airflow to breathe and stay in good condition. Tires, on the other hand, do better when they are vacuum sealed in plastic. An airtight space prevents oxygen from reaching the tires, slows down the oxidation process and prevents the oil from evaporating and drying out the tires. Remember to wrap each tire individually for the best results.

Tire storage options:

Specialty tire storage bags
Large black contractor garbage bags
Vacuum sealable plastic
Thick tarps that you can tie wrap tightly around the tire

5. Remove Tires from Vehicles that will Be in Storage for a Long Time

If you are storing a car for more than a couple of months, consider removing the tires from the car completely. Leaving the tires on the car can cause flat spotting. If you cannot remove the tires, at the very least be sure to take the car for a ride every few months so that the tires get some use. Tires do best in service because movement keeps oil evenly distributed in the rubber, which helps prevent it from drying out.

6. Professionally Inspect the Tires before Remounting Them on a Vehicle

Tires can last for several years in storage if they are stored in the right conditions. However, many tire experts recommend replacing tires six years after their production date regardless of the tread. Old tires can be compromised in other ways when the rubber compound breaks down.

To give you another perspective, it is like the difference between a brand new rubber band and one that’s been sitting on your desk for years. When you take your tires out of storage, make sure you look for signs of wear and check the date. If you are unfamiliar with what dry rot or crazing looks like, have a tire professional give your tires a once-over.

5 Tips for Maximizing Space In Your Storage Unit

Need to rent a storage unit for your belongings? A storage unit is an excellent solution to keep your items safe between moves, store your excess business inventory, or to free up more space in your home or office. If you’re renting a storage unit for the first time, you may be asking yourself, “what size storage unit do I need?” or “how can I best pack my storage unit to save the most money?” To help you utilize your space to the fullest, here are a few essential tips to help you organize your storage unit like a pro:

1. Create an aisle

If you intend to access your items in storage frequently, create a path down the center of your storage unit so that you will have easy access to all your belongings. Leave enough space for you to comfortably take out a box and sift through its contents when you need to. Organize your space by placing items along the walls. Not only will this help maximize space, but it will help save you a lot of time in the future when you’re looking for items inside your unit as it will allow you to move more easily without having to move items around.

2. Store larger items at the back of your storage unit

As you begin packing your storage unit, place your larger, heavier items towards the back of your storage unit. This includes items such as furniture, dressers, and household appliances. Get creative and utilize hollow space by storing small or fragile items inside drawers or wardrobe pieces. Items that you will need access regularly should be placed near the front of your unit to provide you with easy access anytime.

3. Utilize shelves and boxes

Are you using your storage unit as a long-term storage solution? Consider placing free-standing utility shelves at the back or sides of your storage unit. Shelving will help save you a lot of space as it will allow you to store small to medium boxes vertically rather than just storing your items on the ground. Shelving is great for storing and organizing items such as tools, holiday decorations, business documents, and electronics.

Don’t need your storage unit short-term? Consider storing your belongings inside moving boxes or clear plastic totes and stacking them vertically inside your storage unit. Stack larger, heavier boxes down first, and then place your lighter boxes at the top.

4. Disassemble your furniture

Large furniture items can take up a lot of space and leave you with awkward, open gaps in your storage unit, which can be a challenge to fill. While taking apart your furniture sounds like a lot of work, it can help you maximize your space by allowing you to organize and fill your storage unit more efficiently. Disassembling large furniture items such as dining sets, desks, or beds before placing them in storage is a great way to free up more space inside your storage unit. Vertically store disassembled bed frames, headboards, furniture, and table legs upright and on the sides so you can open up more floor space for your other belongings.

5. Purge or donate what you don’t need

Regularly decluttering your storage unit is one of the best ways you can maximize your space and savings. The easiest way to free up space is to get rid of items you don’t need or are unlikely to ever use again. While it can be tempting to hold onto keepsakes or “just in case” items, you’re wasting valuable time, space, and money by storing them inside your storage unit. If you have items in storage you are unlikely to ever take out and put into your home, then consider selling or donating them instead.

Storage units on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland

Have questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online and our storage specialists would be happy to answer any storage questions you may have! Let us know what you’re looking to store and how long for, and we’d be happy to guide you towards the right storage solution to fit your personal and business needs.

Need to reserve a storage unit?

Find a U-Lock self storage facility near you:

4 Signs Your Business Should Rent a Storage Unit

Renting a storage unit is a terrific solution to declutter your business space. Whether you are looking to free up office or retail space, a storage unit will help you achieve optimal workplace organization and hygiene.

Here are the top four signs your business should rent a storage unit:

1. You are running out of space

With social distancing policies in full effect in the public spaces and within offices, some companies are running out of room in their workplace. Areas that were once used to store documents are now needed to provide space for staff. This is when a storage unit comes in handy.

By renting a storage unit that meets your needs, you will gain space to store documents, office supplies, and equipment. At U-Lock Mini Storage, you can choose from a variety of unit sizes we offer. For starters, we have the 5×5 feet unit which is equivalent to a regular closet. If you only have a few items or documents to store, the 5×5 feet storage unit will surely suffice! If you have more items to store and need a bigger space, we have the 5×10 feet storage unit available. This storage unit size is equivalent to a walk-in closet and it is ideal for those who want store documents and possibly some office equipment or supplies.

If you have even more office items to store, you can rent a 5×15 feet storage unit.This storage unit size is approximately the same as a large closet and it has the capacity to store business supplies, a few pieces of furniture, sofas, chairs, chest of drawers, as well as some small items and boxes.

2. Security Concerns

If you have security concerns for your office and don’t want to store important documents on-site, rent a storage unit.

All of our storage units are secured in a gated facility with perimeter fencing and a main gate. The perimeter fencing keeps out people who are not staff or storage users at the facility. The main gate with electronic access can only be opened or closed when a code is entered on an electronic keypad. This enhanced security protocol ensures that only customers and staff can enter the perimeter while keeping track of who enters or exits the building.

Moreover, some of our storage units are individually alarmed. Renters are given a unique access code to disable the alarm to enter, and enable it on their way out. An attempt to break into an alarmed unit will trigger the alarm system and security or law enforcement will be called to remedy the problem.

The whole perimeter is also monitored 24 hours a day using digital video surveillance with multiple cameras, which are placed strategically in different locations to capture footage from all angles. Any potential thieves, trespassers, or malicious activities will be recorded.

3. You are Moving to a New Office

If you are moving to a new office or facility and have documents or office supplies or equipment that you do not want to bring into your new space just yet, rent a storage unit.

As mentioned before, we have a variety of storage unit sizes to choose from. You can start with the 5×5 feet storage unit if you only have a few office supplies or equipment to store. If the 5×5 feet storage unit does not suffice, you are welcome to upgrade to 5×10 feet, 5×15 feet, or bigger storage units!

4. You Have Inventory Surplus

If you are a retailer operating a brick and mortar store, you can significantly benefit from the perks of self storage. Oftentimes, it becomes difficult to keep your inventory under control with seasonal changes. Using the additional storage space a storage unit provides can help you better manage your day-to-day operation. The temporary storage can be used to store items that do not fit on your shelves or need to wait to be displayed later.

Additionally, businesses can better prepare for seasonal sales by acquiring merchandise in advance. For instance, summer clearances which normally occur in late July and August, can be managed much earlier by buying stock in advance and keeping it in storage and then sold during the clearance period. Businesses can purchase clearance stock at competitive prices in advance and sell later at higher prices. Businesses can also rent storage units to store out-of-season products; for example, a retailer can store their summer items when autumn comes to make room for seasonal items in the retail store.

You can also rent heat-controlled units to help protect your merchandise. heat-controlled storage is a special type of storage that allows you to regulate and maintain a certain temperature inside your self-storage unit.

Heat controlled storage is a great way to protect your belongings such as furniture, works of art, and other delicate items from harsh conditions, like humidity and extremely hot or cold temperatures.

Although you may not realize it, many items are prone to damage if stored in these irregular conditions, so heat-controlled storage is the ideal solution to preserve your items.

Here are examples of items that will benefit from a heat-controlled storage unit:

Antiques
Cosmetics & Toiletries
Art & Collectibles
Goods and Furniture made of wood, leather, or wicker
Electronics (e.g. TVs, Stereos, and Computers)
Media (e.g. CD’s, DVD’s, and Cassette Tapes)
Candles
Photographs and Film
Medications / Medical Supplies
Bicycles
Musical Instruments

For specialty businesses such as carpet retailers, it is worth your while to keep a few samples on the premises of your store, while the bulk of your merchandise can safely sit inside a storage unit ready to ship as needed. Similarly, utility stores can take advantage of container storage to keep some of their stock outside the store. As sledges, gloves and snow shovels will sell at a higher markup during winter, it is sensible to put them into storage as opposed to selling them for a reduced price in the summer.

Questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online at https://www.selfstorage.ca/contact-us and our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Looking to reserve a storage unit? Find a self storage facility near you:

Key Benefits of Heat-Controlled Storage Unit Explained in 8 Questions

What is a heat-controlled storage unit? What does it do? What are its benefits? These are common questions customers have about heat-controlled storage units. We are here to ready them today by answering the following seven questions!

What are the key benefits of using a heat-controlled storage unit?

Heat-controlled storage units protect more delicate belongings from damage from extreme heat, cold, or humidity by keeping the temperature in the storage between 11 to 13 degrees. Moreover, a heat-controlled storage unit is not sealed the same way a normal indoor storage unit is. A heat-controlled storage facility continuously circulates the air which keeps the air in the storage unit clean. This means you will not need to open your unit just to get some fresh air inside. The efficient circulation of air prevents items stored in a heat-controlled storage from being exposed to unhealthy levels of humidity and dryness which could potentially damage the items.

What kind of items would benefit from being stored in a heat-controlled storage?

Essentially, any item that is delicate and is prone to damage from humidity or extreme heat. The items include:

Wood furniture, upholstered furniture – especially antiques
Fine art
Mattresses
Musical instruments
Books, notebooks, and magazines
Business records and important documents
Electronics
Vinyl records

How Does a Heat-Controlled Storage Unit Control Humidity?

Humidity control is critical in preserving the conditions of stored items. If there is too much humidity in the air, items may warp or decay. By storing your items in a heat-controlled storage unit, you will keep your belongings in a space with approximately 55% base humidity.

Removing excess moisture in the air is not the only key benefit of using a heat-controlled storage unit; you can also ensure that your stored items are not exposed to extremely dry conditions. Some items such as musical instruments craze, dry out, or splinter in dry conditions. A heat-controlled storage unit ensures there is fresh air circulating, which keeps the stored items in good condition all year round.

Does a Heat-Controlled Storage Unit Prevent Pests?

They sure do! Unlike outdoor storage units that are not sealed well enough to keep out unwanted guests such as bugs, rodents, gnats, or moths, indoor heat-controlled storage units are completely sealed. This prevents unwanted guests from invading your storage unit and damaging your items, since rodent or insect infestations may cause your belongings to become contaminated by feces or dander. Yikes!

How Does a Heat-Controlled Unit Protect Electronics?

The high humidity from weather conditions can create moisture on the electrical wiring of electronics and appliances. This moisture can cause severe damage to the wires in refrigerators, televisions, or stereos, to name a few, rendering the devices unusable.

Does a Heat-Controlled Storage Unit Protect Belongings From Weather-Induced Incidents?

Heat-controlled storage units are located deep in a protected storage facility, which makes the storage units less susceptible to weather-induced incidents, such as flooding or leaks. Outdoor storage units on the other hand are more prone to such incidents that might cause damage to your belongings.

Does a Heat-Controlled Storage Unit Prevent Mold?

In extreme and unregulated temperatures and humidity levels, both delicate and not-so-delicate items in a storage unit may become damp, leading to mold growth. Once mold begins to grow on fibres, such as fabric and paper, it is very difficult to remove it. The mold leaves a stain on the material and creates an odd smell and might be harmful to breathe. Fortunately, with proper heat control in your storage, you can avoid mold growth on your possessions.

Questions? Feel free to call us at 1.866.647.8673 or contact us online at https://www.selfstorage.ca/contact-us and our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Looking to reserve a storage unit? Find a self storage facility near you: