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A storage area is a helpful solution to keep your personal belongings safe and secure in a single location where only you have access. While a self-storage unit is a great convenience, the process of moving and storing can be made easier with a few tips. Here is a set of dos and don’ts for a better self-storage experience: DO: Research – While there may be a number of self-storage facilities around your area, research the reliability and trustworthiness of each facility by checking review sites like Yelp, asking for referrals from friends/family members, and reading the testimonial section on their websites. Read the Contract – Understand the terms and conditions carefully before signing a contract. If there is a…

There are certain circumstances in life when you may consider renting a self-storage facility, like downsizing an apartment, home renovation, and keeping holiday decorations organized. One important consideration is to determine the size of storage unit you require. Choosing a secure storage facility can be relatively easy, but determining the right size for you can be somewhat complicated. Here are some quick tips to help determine the right size for your storage needs: Take inventory – Create an inventory of all your belongings, including furniture and equipment, and estimate the number of boxes you’ll store. This is the first step in determining appropriate storage size. Use a measuring tape and take down dimensions of large furniture. Use the Centron Self…

There are many reasons to rent a storage unit. You might be undergoing a home renovation, dealing with divorce, changing your living arrangements, or moving for work. One of the most common mistakes people make when placing their belongings in a self-storage unit is to simply pile them up and walk away. This may work initially, but causes problems later when you want to access your items or add to the unit. Without proper organization, valuable space is wasted. A 10’ x 10’ self-storage unit can actually accommodate all the items in a 1000 square foot apartment. Storing a lot of items in an average-sized storage unit requires some critical thinking and smart strategies. Here are some quick tips for…

The holiday season is often about spending time with family and friends. Among all the preparation, running around, and shopping for presents, we may not notice that our homes have become disorganized and messy. This situation can be especially stressful when you are planning to invite guests to stay over the holidays. Make some room for them by rearranging and storing unneeded items. Self-storage units come in handy this time of the year. For the safekeeping of your belongings and furniture, consider: More space for guests – If you live a small space, you can make room for additional occupants by renting a self-storage unit, instead of putting guests in a nearby hotel. By temporarily storing some furniture, you can…

If you have decided to forego hiring a professional mover to transfer your belongings to a storage unit, roll up your sleeves. Moving is not only physically draining — it can be risky. You might cut costs by doing the moving yourself (or with friends), but if done improperly, a visit to a doctor could be the result. Here are some tips to prevent injuries on moving day: Back Injuries Back strains are painful, and can cause long-term physical problems. The back is usually the first to suffer when moving items to a storage unit or new location: Bend knees. Squatting distributes the weight of an item to the torso, legs, and thighs, rather than placing the stress on the…

According to the Canadian Self-Storage Association, there are about 3,000 self storage facilities in Canada, a number that grew rapidly over the last ten years. Storage is a booming business, fuelled by several factors that reflect the changing attitudes Canadians have about storage units. We explore these changes below: Rise of Condos Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have over 53.5% of households living in condominiums, according to the 2011 Household Survey. New Canadians may opt for smaller domestic spaces, but need storage space provided elsewhere. For those who choose to downsize from a large home, seasonal clothes, equipment, furniture, and other home appliances may need space until residents are able to redistribute those items or can access them later.  Changing Workforce…

While your storage unit is your personal space to protect property and provide additional space in your home, not everything you own belongs there. Storage facilities have rules regarding certain items and prohibit a number of things that could damage both your assets and other people’s belongings, or pose a danger to the facility itself. Here are some typical materials that are not allowed in storage units: Animals Whether dead or alive, animals are prohibited in storage units. Using a storage unit as a puppy (or other animal) farm or as an area to keep exotic animals is illegal. Keeping preserved animals (i.e. taxidermy) attracts pests that could ruin items and spread to other storage units.  Items That Attract Insects/Rodents…