Storage Units: Thinking Out of the Box in Toronto, Canada

Centron Storage is YOUR neighborhood place with REAL people who see YOU as real people, too.

Okay…it is a given that when people think about storage units that they think strictly about stashing boxes or old furniture from Aunt Martha…..but it can be so much more. While there are some guidelines for what can and cannot be stored in these units (and depending on whether they are climate controlled) storage units can assist in helping make the transition from one phase of life to another.
Without becoming metaphysical in nature, it is not a hard claim to make when you think about the way it feels to start from a clean slate. Donna Milligan, in Toronto, Canada, says, “We wanted to redo our guestroom but didn’t know where to start. Storage units aren’t that expensive and we were able to move everything out of our guest room and into the storage unit for a month while we painted, redid the flooring, and selected new accessories.” Says Milligan with a smile, “The best thing was when we realized that we had too much stuff and we were able to put some of it up for sale. Not only did we make enough to more than cover our storage unit, but we were able to go out and have a nice dinner, too.”
Others who access and use storage units, especially in the Toronto, Canada area, use the storage units as they leave university and make that big step into the work world. Most university students have more furniture, clothes, and electronic equipment than will, or can, be safely stored, in the trunk of a car. For the cost of a cup of coffee a day a university student can store their belongings long enough to find that new apartment, new job, new life.
When the Starks, who lived outside of the Toronto area, had to downsize and move because of a new job they were able to have the peace of mind that their belongings would be protected while they found a new apartment and decided what pieces they would keep and what they would donate or sell. With the stress of moving and settling in, it gave them peace of mind to know that there was a storage unit company close by.
Many businesses are looking for ways to expand without going into the red, and storage units are once again coming to the rescue, offering a viable expansion option. Local storage units, especially those conveniently located in the Toronto areas, offer useable office space for the storage of old files, folders, records, and equipment that is still needed, but not used often enough to keep on the premises. Display stands for trade-shows, samples, and other items are kept in great condition until needed. Expanding one’s business into a storage unit can save small businesses the cost and trouble of a new office space as the business grows.
With the economy placing businesses, homes, families, and organizations into decisions that they have never considered, keep in mind that storage units (in Toronto or elsewhere) can offer viable options for every phase of life.

Boxily Yours,

Centron Guy

Baby Room Decor Ideas

We have talked about how to create space for baby when the time comes. The question for you is now, do you even have the space for a separate baby room? Centron Self Storage facilities in North York has great tips to help you prepare for baby but clearing out rooms, nooks, dens, man caves, and home offices for baby. Using a storage unit is a temporary or long-term necessities if you need to create space for your bundle of joy but don’t want to give up items you may use one day in the future.

When thinking about the space in your home or apartment, and what type of North York self storage facility unit you may need, here are some home decor ideas you can use for the baby’s room.

Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

What a beautiful room to bring up baby! Look at how the decor matches the light in the room. This is old style classic, beautiful, and unique! What would you have to put in self storage to create a beautiful room like this for baby?

Bright Baby Nursery

This baby nursery is gorgeous. All babies are gorgeous but this room is going to be for the cutest kid on the block. You will have to put a lot of things in self storage to achieve this look.

Decorative Baby Room

The chandelier may a bit much for the room but this room is for a home that has larger space to work with and you can be as versatile as possible. If you have a large home office or upstairs den, clear out the items and send to your Centron Self Storage unit in North York, there are two locations right in your neighborhood.

Baby Room Decor and Self Storage

You can be extremely flexible with creating space for your baby room, experiment with different types of decor that fit your personality and will uplift the baby. You may not have to move if you have the space but you can give up a room that can be turned into a baby room. Thus, get down to Centron Self Storage in North York and get your next quote.

College Winter Break and Storage

Soon enough kids will be coming home from college for the annual winter break. Some universities or colleges give students 4-6 weeks of glorious break time but did you ever wonder what happens to their stuff while they’re away. I am sure campus theft is not an issue for your kids college campus but what if this year is different? Before you pick up your young scholar for the holidays, make sure you have a sound storage plan set for their 4-6 week vacation and contact Centron Self Storage in North York for a quote.

What items should I put in storage from my child’s dorm room?

Good question and the answer is anything valuable your kid will not need during their 4-6 week stay at home. By using a self storage unit for winter break, you can keep items secure right in your neighborhood until its time to take them back.

Okay, what do you consider valuable items to store in self storage?

That fancy flat screen you gave your child as a congratulation present, stereo systems, mini refrigerators, microwaves, printers, professional audio and video equipment, DVD players, Blu Ray’s, and any other expensive equipment that may be too expensive to replace immediately.

What other items should I consider storing?

Storage is extremely versatile and Centron Self Storage has seen it all from the extremely common items to the I never thought to store those items. If your college student is athletic and likes to cruise campus on their bicycle, skateboards, roller blades, scooters, or any other sporting device, store those items as well.

Why Should I store these items?

More than likely your child’s school does not provide dorm insurance in case a theft occurs and you will be held holding the bill, better safe than sorry. Have peace of mind and get on down to Centron Self Storage.

Kit Out Your Storage Unit for the Zombie Apocalypse

2012 has been a year where the world heard of zombie like activities take place in Florida and New Jersey. Just because we are in North York, that does not mean we are exempt from the Zombie Apocalypse. Well, maybe you are not afraid of zombies or believe we will not have a Shaun of the Dead moment in our lifetime, but just in case, you should have a storage unit of goods that can be stored long-term.

To avoid the zombie Apocalypse or any disaster that may hit at any time, kit our your storage unit with the following:

Water: You can never have enough water as we need it to breathe, bathe, and just live life. Buy as many bottles or gallons of water necessary for your storage unit.

Canned Goods: You might as well ask Centron if you can build shelves in your unit because you should stock up on as much canned goods as possible, dry or liquid based canned goods. If you have a large family, you will need enough to last until Will Smith finds a cure for the zombies.

Peanut Butter: Besides being high in protein, peanut butter is a quick bite to eat with or without bread. This is a staple of any zombie kit.

Reusable Utensils/Plates/Bowls: Buy as much as you need because if you do not have running water, reusable or disposable items will come in handy. Leave the fancy stuff for the zombies to rummage through our you can use your storage unit to keep all valuables safe.

Baking Soda: No running water or access to toothpaste will make it hard to clean those pearly whites. Keep a few boxes of baking soda, take it back to the old days! You can also use baking soda to keep things fresh.

Canned Fruit: Canned fruit surprisingly has great shelf life! Keep a few cans for the kids or if you need to fight off a few zombies, the weight of the can will knock a few out.

What else can we add to our zombie apocalypse storage kit?

Talk to us on Facebook and tell us what else you would add to your zombie apocalypse storage unit at Centron. Give us a few tips on how we can fend off the zombies.

Follow Centron Self Storage on Twitter and Facebook…we might provide tips on how to avoid the Zombie Apocalypse.

Weekends Are Good for Home Cleaning

The weekend usually symbolize a time for relaxation, spending time with family and friends, preparing meals for the week, movies, date night….and oh yeah, home cleaning! Let’s all be honest and say cleaning is not the most favorite task of the week but it’s a necessary one to keep the home rodent and pest free, and looking GOOD for unexpected visitors. Have you ever had a moment where you were cleaning and came across items you have no use for any longer? How many times have you said I don’t want to throw it away but its taking up space? If either situation plague you, its sounds like you need a self storage unit to keep valuables you do not want to toss in the trash.

Centron Self Storage Solutions in North York has two amazing facilities in local neighborhoods to fit any need. While you are cleaning this weekend and maybe blasting the stero to your favorite tunes as you make your way around the home, take a piece of pen and paper and write down all the items you can put in storage. Declutter but keep your valuables is our key phrase today!

What’s in the Closet: If you’re like me, I used my closet to store my partners junk, man stuff, antique items, and his gazillion boots and shoes. This man did not need all those items in our apartment closet so I told him it had to go into storage. Does this situation sound like yours? Write down the items in your partners man cave or woman’s den, prioritize the list of what to keep and what to put in storage.

What’s Under the Bed: Did the clutter monster jump out and scare you silly? That means its time to clean the dust from under the bed, secure the lost socks in sock heaven, and put the unwanted but valuable items aside for storage. Aren’t you glad you have home cleaning tips to help with your storage needs now, when was the last time you looked under the bed?

What’s in the Entertainment Center: If you’re reading this blog post, you have switched over to the digital age. You do not need Queen’s entire musical discography in your entertainment center unless its that most prized vinyl. Even then, store the items because you’re either keeping them because you do not know what to do with them or you like to show off your musical taste. I am sure your last guest walked into your home with a iPod stuck in their head. Store old CD’s, tapes and albums.

What to do Next After Home Cleaning

After your home cleaning task for the weekend is complete, on Monday, take your boxes down to Centron Self Storage!

DIY: Home Organizing for the Holidays

The holidays are quickly coming and your home is about to go through the annual metamorphosis for holiday cheer and family gatherings. You’re either love to spruce up your home with store bought items or into arts & crafts, aka DIY (do-it-yourself) projects.

Just as a reminder, you can store all unwanted home items at Centron Storage to make room for your newly decorated home for the holidays.

Here are some interesting pieces you can create in your home with simple DIY style tips.

Nothing is impossible. This great centerpiece is more sophisticated for families with older visitors for the holidays and a bit safer–by keeping lose candles away from kids–and is something that can stick around after the holidays. Pack up your old centerpieces for storage.

Replace old wall artwork with some catchy holiday messages of cheer and love. Properly wrap your artwork in tissue paper and bubble wrap and set it aside for storage as you are about to DIYyour wall and won’t need the items for awhile.

Oooo ahhh! Yes, stacking little tables into each other is a neat idea for those that like decor out of the ordinary. Pack up your old tables and desks for your storage unit until you figure out what you want to do with them.

Give your holiday serving trays a new look like this chalkboard platter tray. Pack up old and unused serving trays and put them in storage until you find a place or person to give them to.

How beautiful is that candle stand with bows? If you don’t have candle stands, if you have any standing lamps, dress them up in decor for the holiday season. Put your lamps and other lighting pieces you are no longer using in storage until you find them a new home. Never throw away lamps, keep them because you never know when you need them or to make a DIY project out of them. Use what you have and store the rest of the items.

Your next step is to take a walk around your items, pick items you want to change, belongings you want to put in storage, and leave the rest for your home DIY projects. Call Centron Self Storage today for a quote.

Design and Storage–Inspiration from Pinterest

Centron Self Storage does not moonlight as a team of interior designers but we know how to spot an uncluttered apartment that is breathtaking. We took to Pinterest to find interesting pictures of decorative spaces that would make anyone want to clean house immediately and hire an interior decorator. Design and storage go hand-in-hand as you want to bring out the old and start fresh with the new, but you don’t want to give your items away just yet.

Here are some examples of great spaces and interior design that will blow your mind:

According to DesigntoInspire.net, this apartment was designed by Maurizio Giovannoni, and architect and interior designer in Rome. You know what they say, when in rome! Not sure if the saying applies here but…when in Rome do as the Romans do with their style.

This unique and contemporary apartment idea can be find on OnHomeDesign.com. This style reminds me of a home made for couples without kids.

This minimalist apartment was designed by Studio Neopolis in Slovakia. What great style and an amazing idea for your homeowners or apartment dwellers to consider in renovating your space.

Dark but elegant room for those that love black with a touch of color!

Turn your apartment or home closet into a home office. This design is great if you have to give up your man cave or den to make room for baby or a guest. Imagine if you cleared out your closet and put those items into storage, this is the kind of room you can create for yourself.

Get rid of your ugly college furtniture and turn your small space into an elegant grow up apartment with this style!

Hopefully these design images and tips have inspired you to do some home or apartment renovations. Take the unwanted items to Centron Storage temporarily until you can sell it or give it to someone else. Visit www.centronstorage.com/dev to calcuate your storage size.

Use Storage as Inventory Warehouse Facility

Your small business may not have the backroom storage capabilities to double as an inventory warehouse facility to store items temporarily or long-term. Did you know some of Centron Self-Storage customers in North York use our facilities to store retail items, restaurant appliances, accessories, and other items temporarily until they are needed? If you have looked on our storage calculator page, you may find Centron’s facilities can store large kitchen and home appliances, electronics, furniture, and sporting equipment, among other items.

Here are some examples of small businesses like yours that can benefit from our North York facility for your warehouse needs:

Restaurants- Maybe you own a small boutique restaurant or part of a large chain of eateries, despite your size you may lack storage for larger items that are needed on a seasonal or special occasion basis. For example, does your facility have large tables and chairs used for special events like weddings, birthday parties, special events, charity functions, or anniversary parties? If your establishment lacks backroom space to properly and neatly hold these items, bubble wrap and pack accordingly for your trip to the storage. The best part of storing these items temporarily is you can take out what you need and put them back when you’re done. Create space in your restaurant and get your items back to storage.

Retail Store– Do you own a local boutique or privately owned store but no stockroom? Don’t fret, if you have an abundance of items that are not immediately going on the racks or items that are no longer being sold, pack up your boxes and send them to Centron’s secure and safe facility. Choose a location close to your store as Centron has two storage facilities located in North York.

Sporting Goods Store– Bicycling, rollerblading, skate boarding, and even surfing are in again! If you do not have an inventory warehouse facility to store excess sporting items until you need to restock the racks, we have beautiful secure storage lockers calling your name.

What to do Next

The next thing to do is to determine how much storage space you need depending on your items and call Centron Storage today to figure out ho w best to treat your storage locker as an inventory warehouse facility temporarily or long-term.

Halloween Decorations and Storage

Halloween decorations are used for a few weeks to days during the month of October to show ghoul spirit to trick o’ treaters. Homeowners love to decorate their houses with beautiful Halloween decorations and some are so devoted to the spirit they amass a lot small to large items that they do not have room to store until the next year. Create space in your home, attic or garage by storing your items at Centron Self Storage. With our location in North York, you can rest assured your items will be stored securely at our facilities on 4500 Chesswood Drive. After October 31, here are a few tips to get you ready to store your Halloween decorations in storage:

Evaluate Your Items

Decide what items are too large to store at home and organize your decorations to determine what can be wrapped and boxed properly. You can even store small to mid size decorations if you do not want them in your home either. Wrap them and box them accordingly. We offer tips on how to store items at: https://www.centronstorage.com/tools-tips/.

Calculate Storage Size

Once you determined how many items you need to store, wrapped your decorations and packed your boxes, you need to calculate your storage size. Our storage sizes are:

5’x5′: Suggested contents for this unit are small furniture, 5-10 boxes, clothes, chairs, and small dresser. This unit is approximately 200 cubic feet. This unit is great for small to medium Halloween decorations.

5’x10′: Suggested contents for this unit are one or two rooms of furniture, 10-20 boxes, small items, and bicycles. This unit is approximately 425 cubic feet and can hold medium to larger Halloween decorations.

10’x10′: Suggested contents for this unit are items from a large bedroom or two bedroom apartment. If you have large ghoulish items, flying ghosts and witches, scarecrows, and other larger than life items, store them inside this unit.

Centron Self Storage offers larger unit sizes. Visit our website to find more unit sizes and calculate your space: https://www.centronstorage.com/storage-sizes/.