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How to Help a Hoarder Declutter

Hoarding is defined as a “psychological disorder characterized by persistent difficulty discarding or eliminating possessions.” People with hoarding disorder excessively save items that other people may consider worthless. Their persistent refusal to get rid of possessions often leads to clutter that gets in their way of using living or work spaces. They even experience so much distress just at the thought of having to discard items.

Do you suspect that someone in your family or group of friends is a hoarder? If you see a family member or friend struggling with getting rid of possessions, living in an excessively cluttered space, and experiencing distress when asked to throw items away, reach out and offer help.

However, hoarding is complex, so you need to ease your way into convincing your friend or relative to declutter their home or living space. Spend valuable time with them by learning how to help them clean and organize their space slowly but surely.

Help for Hoarders

Don't make a hoarder feel worse by judging them immediately

The first step to helping a hoarder is by understanding them. A hoarding problem manifests in the following signs and symptoms:

When you see those signs in a family member or a friend, approach them gently and listen to them talk about their struggle without judgment. It’s especially hard these days when we’re in lockdown. Support is even harder to find during the pandemic because cleaning programs are prohibited from doing in-person visits, so it’s important that you are there to support them.

Be sure to let them know that you are there to help and remain patient especially if your friend is in denial of their hoarding problem. Start a discussion with them and listen to them talk about their problem. This will help you understand the logic behind their behaviour.

A hoarding problem can be extremely difficult to deal with. Hoarders are advised to seek professional therapy in order to deal with their psychological issues and, at the same time, ask for practical assistance. You can help with the latter by offering to help declutter and organize their home or living space. This way, they feel that they have support while they take the necessary steps to address their problem.

Decluttering for Hoarders: Tips and Tricks

There are many decluttering tips that you can see online. Don’t know which ones work? Start with a simple plan of action that’s doable enough for you and your loved one to follow through:

1.Begin, Pronto!

The best time to start is now

Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today. The bigger the hoard, the uglier the process — but it’s going to be messy anyway. What’s important is you can prompt your beloved hoarder to declutter their home or space immediately.

2.Stop Adding to the Clutter

This can be extremely difficult, but you need to help your friend stop bringing more to the clutter. There should be no more purchases since it will only make decluttering a waste of time if you’re still buying items you don’t need.

3.Break Down The Tasks

There is so much anxiety that comes with decluttering. When you’ve been hoarding items for a long time, the thought of going through all the items can be stressful and overwhelming.

Your friend doesn’t have to finish everything all at once. Start small and take your time to break down your to-dos into small, manageable tasks that you can perform one at a time. You can even agree who’s doing which task, and which ones you need to do together. Like, taking out gargantuan statues and sofas with their insides turned out.

4.Take Out the Obvious Trash

Torn and damaged items belong in the garbage bin

Hoarders have a hard time choosing which ones of their stacks of unused items to keep, but that’s why you’re there — to shed light on which ones obviously need to go to the bin.

Carry a trash bag, go around the clutter, and start picking wrappers, empty bottles, wilted leaves. Have a separate bag for trash that you can recycle. Wear masks, gloves, and other protective equipment just in case a dead animal turns up underneath the pile.

Although this isn’t detailed cleaning per se, you now have relatively less of the hoard to worry about.

5.Agree on a Decluttering Plan

Once all the trash is thrown out, it’s easier for your friend to see how much clutter they really have. Having and agreeing on a decluttering plan clarifies what you need to do and how you ought to do it. Knowing this lessens the anxiety hoarders often feel when they have to decide which items they have to let go of.

Your plan should:

The hoarder will find items that they certainly cannot let go of. Be the voice of reason in deciding whether they get to keep it and where they keep it. While you can make suggestions, remember that the hoarder should be the one to make the final decision.

6.Work Your Way Down

Even small spaces feel less cramped up without the clutter

Start from the biggest to the simplest. When you see results from completing each task, you feel a sense of accomplishment and you are motivated to keep moving. Decluttering can be personal, so there is no definite starting point. It is up to the hoarder to pick which area they want to start with.

That being said, it is not advisable to start with the room with the most clutter since it can tire you out faster. You can time yourself and declutter in short bursts so it feels less overwhelming and your brain can focus on finishing this one particular task within a given time frame.

7.Make It Fun

Decluttering is work. It can be very taxing. Make it fun by playing music while you declutter. You can also reward yourselves with food or a quick movie break after a list item is done.

Everyone has a different idea of “fun”, so feel free to get creative. Ask for your friend’s input so you can make decluttering time more enjoyable.

You Can’t Hurry Decluttering

Support your hoarder to the fullest as they work their way into organizing their space

Remember that a hoarder does not become a hoarder overnight. It takes a long time to accumulate enough items to disrupt the living or working space. Before decluttering, ease them into the process and don’t rush them into doing it.

It’s also important to know that they might relapse. Hoarding is a serious clinical condition, and your family or friend may go through the same thing again. Remain patient with them. Most importantly, when they’re ready to accept help, let them decide how to go about it. Make it clear that they will always have the final say in the matter.

Decluttering somebody’s “hoard” doesn’t mean you need to throw everything away. Any prized possessions that no longer fit in their home? Consider renting a unit at Centron Self Storage. Our North York facilities are under 24/7 surveillance and climate-controlled to keep your belongings in safe and good condition all year round. Call (647) 749-1394 now.

How Renting Self-Storage Saves You Money When Moving Provinces

Let’s face it: moving out can be daunting, especially when you’re headed somewhere out of your province. There’s an awful lot of work to do, and even the planning stages can be quite daunting, not to mention financially challenging.

You, however, have tons of options to ease up your moving experience. One of the most effective solutions is using a self-storage facility. Renting a storage unit comes in handy when you need a safe place to store your belongings while you search for a new home or while you finalize the papers for your new place.

There are other benefits to using self-storage that ultimately save you time, energy, AND money when moving out of the province.

1. Temporary Storage That’s Readily Available

Keeping expensive equipment in secure storage units gives you bigger savings

Moving out compels you to do an overhaul on your list of possessions. You will likely not have to bring everything to your new home. However, if there are items that you are certain you cannot give up, and there’s nowhere to put them in just yet, a storage unit strategically located between your old and new addresses might just be right for you.

It helps to remember that you can rent self-storage to store, for the time being, appliances, furniture, seasonal clothing, and other expensive items that you cannot afford to leave behind. Compared to the costs of buying all those items brand new, the cost of renting a storage unit will offer much higher savings. Self-storage is the way to go, especially if you’re moving from one province to another.

2. Free Amenities

Self-storage facilities know that clients who are moving out have specific needs. They ease your moving experience by providing additional services on top of the storage unit:

3. Security and Safety

Self-storage facilities are protected with 24/7 surveillance systems to make sure that you won’t worry about getting their things stolen or destroyed. Some are even insured, so when things go south, you still get a certain amount of money despite the loss incurred by an untoward incident. There are also climate-controlled self-storage units that prove to be helpful for regulating temperatures — especially with the Canadian climate conditions.

4. Long-Term Reliability

Most storage facilities allow unlimited period rentals. They even give discounts when you get a long-term contract. Some offer free trial periods on selected self-storage units. If your new place proves to be too small for all of your belongings, renting a storage unit seems like the more viable choice over finding a bigger, more expensive place where all of them can fit.

I’m Moving out on a Budget. Any Helpful Tips?

If you’re strapped on cash but need to move out soon, you can save money by doing the following:

Make the most out of your budget

  1. Compare storage costs. Are you giving away most of your items or keeping them for later use? You certainly need to find a storage unit for rent if you’re taking them along with you. You can pay for the unit on a monthly basis and for a small fee. To save more, find a facility that’s strategically located between your old and new place so you don’t have to spend too much money on gas for long trips back and forth.
  2. Declutter. Knowing what’s important to you and what you can freely give away helps ease the moving out stress. There may also be items that you can sell for a cheaper price.
  3. Utilize existing household items for storage. Got plastic storage tubs, washing baskets, bags, and suitcases? You can use all of them as temporary storage hubs for your clothes, books, and other smaller, storable items.

If you’ve got drawers and are planning to take them along on your move, you don’t have to haul out everything that’s inside. Instead, keep them where they are, and cover the drawers with plastic cling wrap for security. Instead of buying bubble wrap, you can cushion fragile objects with linen and cloth.

You can also make do with garbage bags. They’re cheaper, and if you want to save the environment, you can always choose the biodegradable ones.

If you can help it, use used boxes for packing

4.Don’t buy boxes. If you want to do it the traditional way (i.e. using boxes for storage), you can always find used boxes in your office. Ask colleagues to save boxes for you, before packing day, so you’re ready to get to work. Supermarkets, large outlet stores, sports and electronics stores, and garage sales are also good places to check out for boxes that are no longer of use. Some self-storage facilities also offer boxes as free amenities.

Crowdsource your social media for friends and mutuals who might have also moved in the past and have extra boxes lying around their homes. People are always happy to free up their spaces, while lending a hand to their friend. Imagine how much box money you can save!

5.Visit the discount store. Permanent markers and packaging tape look inexpensive per unit, but when you need a bunch for packing and moving, the total bill could shock you and your wallet. You can buy packing supplies such as colour coding stickers, labels, and storage items for a loonie or less at discount stores. If you’re buying ahead and have time to wait, you can order online from Dollarama, The Great Canadian Dollar Store, and Dollar Tree Canada.

Observe road safety when moving out, especially in inclement weather

6.Move during off-season. Summertime seems like the ideal season for moving. The weather is generally friendlier, and you don’t have to worry about muddy puddles and slipping on ice. But if you can manage, try moving off-season.

This gives you a chance to source the best deals and even try your hand at negotiating a lower rate. After all, this time of year, logistics and storage providers are actively looking for business.

Got heavy stuff to move? Centron Self Storage has you covered!

Moving In or Out of North York?

Centron Self-Storage offers comprehensive storage solutions to keep your prized possessions in good condition. Let us free you from the stresses of moving into your new home. Call (647) 749-1396 to rent, reserve, or inquire for rates!

Self-Storage for the Self-Employed

If you run your own business — pandemic or no — chances are you’re looking to maximize your productivity and reduce your expenses. For the self-employed, renting an office or retail space will allow you to do just that.

Renting self-storage units is a viable solution for self-employed people who don’t have enough space in their own homes, or need to work outside most of the time. If you’re planning on starting your own small business, or are looking for ways to save money, read how self-storage can help you run your business smoothly.

Safely Store Your Goods and Inventory

Don't drown in your own inventory

For the self-employed, the question of storing your supplies and products in your home can be quite daunting. Do you have enough space to begin with? Will you be sleeping right next to all these boxes? Are the products safe from the kids and pets, or vice versa?

Space constraints at home are a major issue that most small business owners, especially those living in modest-sized spaces, cannot take lightly.

Every business has the option to store all their extra goods, seasonal items, supplies, and inventory into self-storage units. When the demand for your goods goes high, having spare storage space separate from your bedroom or basement will spare you from the hassle of trying not to topple down stacks of boxes that contain precious income-generating cargo. By placing all the extra items in a separate storage unit, you can avoid cluttering your own home.

If you operate your own small shop in town, renting a self-storage unit is a reasonable alternative to expanding your retail space. Warehouse storage is understandably too big and too costly for a self-employed business owner with limited stocks, so that’s out of the question. However, your business is still worth something. Getting yourself a self-storage unit with 24/7 video surveillance, exterior and interior lighting, heavy-duty fences, and electronic gate controls ensures that your business assets are stored safely and securely.

Protect Your Paperwork

Don't let the paperwork pile up

Never risk ruining important client files, transactions, and business reports. Every piece of paperwork you accumulate is crucial to the well-being of your business, and losing or destroying them may be detrimental in the long run. If you feel your home isn’t equipped to keep your paperwork safe, rent a self-storage unit.

Self-storage units are perfect for storing such important documents and archives. Besides the security features of these units, the climate control feature most providers offer also keeps them in excellent condition, protecting your client orders, business records, fliers, and contracts from humidity, pests, water, and temperature damage.

Sales professionals, lawyers, authors, and other self-employed people whose jobs rely heavily on paperwork will benefit from getting a self-storage unit for themselves. Compared to office spaces with longer rental terms, self-storage providers can offer shorter rental periods for lower costs on the renter’s part.

Great for Freelance Creatives

Certain materials degrade when not stored properly

Just like other self-employed business owners, some freelance creatives find it a challenge to bunk up in their living space with tons of tools and materials lying around. Crafters, artisans, and painters might be used to having piles of clay, chisel statues, or paint canvases at home, but when the demand for commissioned work increases, it’s high time to look for a self-storage unit for rent that’s not too tight for your budget.

Arts and crafts materials are a tremendous investment, too. The more expensive the material, the more care and maintenance it needs from the creative hand that wields it. Self-storage units are a good way of preserving the usefulness of these materials. With climate control features, self-storage protects the painter’s paints, the sculptor’s clays, or the musician’s gear from the dangers of temperature changes, humidity, and moisture.

Service Contractors

Protect your tools from rust by storing them in climate-controlled storage units

Self-employed service contractors work out of their own homes, and go from address to address within a city. Some even work out of town, especially if their services are well-recommended and in demand.

If you’re a carpenter, plumber, electrician, cleaner, or any service contractor, you might start acquiring more tools and equipment to better your performance at your job. With a self-storage unit, you can stop driving around with all your equipment and paperwork in tow. Storing your equipment at home can also be a risk hazard, especially if there are very young children at home.

For service contractors who have a considerable number of clients in neighbouring cities and towns, consider renting a self-storage unit for your equipment in the area. Don’t keep your equipment in your car; doing so may attract unwanted attention from thieves. Renting multiple units across different locations makes it convenient for you to access your tools in different locations.

Accessible Temporary Storage

Find out the additional services the facility offers

In the wake of the pandemic, small businesses were among the hardest hit sectors. Many, unfortunately, had to close up shop either temporarily or permanently. Some young self-employed business owners who were forced to shut down for good had to go back home to recover financially with the help of family.

If you’ve ceased operations for the time being or are relocating, opt for a self-storage unit to store your items until you get your shop back up and running. If you’ve ceased operations for good, a self-storage unit is also a great option for housing used equipment and tools you intend to resell. Storage facilities offer various room sizes that can accommodate your storage needs.

Whether you’re just storing boxes of unused supplies or your whole business in there, self-storage can free you from the stress of keeping your items safe while you think about the next steps to take for your business.

The biggest takeaway for the self-employed is how much money you can save up for other more important business expenses by renting storage space. Take advantage of the various offers of such facilities to get back up on your feet. You can select the right size unit for your belongings, access them any time, and get additional services from the facility at reasonable rates.

If you’re looking for self-storage units near you, Centron Self Storage offers a wide range of storage solutions for your business needs. We give you the best value for your money. Call us at (647) 557-7378 for inquiries.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home: 2021 Edition

It’s April: the sun is up, the flowers, abloom. It feels like there is no better time to open up to the world to get something done after those long dreary winter nights. This seems to be why springtime is the perfect time for most of us to do house-wide decluttering, cleaning, and reorganizing.

With more time at home compelling us to pay attention to the dirty nooks and crannies we haven’t noticed before, there’s no reason not to get right down to it. Feeling the urge to pick up a broom or the vacuum cleaner yet? Start your spring cleaning at home right with these ideas and make this seemingly tedious work seem more palatable.

Make a Checklist

Write down and organize your tasks

As with any laborious home task, the key to efficient spring cleaning is preparation. You need to know what needs to be done. A week or two before the actual cleaning, prepare a spring cleaning checklist.

Keep excess items you can’t discard in a self-storage unit

An additional tip: Decluttering can be difficult, especially if certain objects have sentimental value. However, you don’t have to get rid of them for good. Renting a self-storage unit will allow you to hold on to these items while clearing up space in your home. Entrust these precious objects to a reliable self-storage company to keep them well-preserved.

Checkpoint: Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

Use the right type of material for each surface

What even is cleaning without the cleaning materials? Along with your task schedule, don’t forget to sort out all that you need for cleaning and organizing your house. Household Management 101 suggests this ultimate home cleaning checklist:

What It Means to SANITIZE in this Pandemic

Practice disinfecting regularly

The new coronavirus can stay on a surface from 24 hours to a full week, depending on what the surface is made of. Your house has a number of high-touch areas (like the kitchen) and objects (like tables, countertops, doorknobs, light switches, handles, handrails, and your personal electronic devices). Pay more attention to the level of cleaning you do on these surfaces, so you can protect yourself and your family from possibly getting infected.

Never Forget These Safety Procedures

Have Fun!

Make spring cleaning fun and safe for everyone

One more important spring cleaning tip: make it a fun and exciting activity! Make it a family thing, or invite a friend over to help you with your tasks. You can put on some music, and hum along. Reward yourselves with a nice meal and drink afterwards. Find a way to make your spring cleaning worthwhile.

Got Extra Stuff in Storage Limbo?

We know you have lots of things you don’t want to throw away just yet. If you’ve done your spring cleaning, and brought out a considerable amount of “Can I keep this” clutter, we might have storage space for you! Call Centron Self Storage at (647) 749-1397, and get your first four weeks for free!

7 Ways To Store Your Snowboards and Skis

If you’re the type of person who loves to stay active in the winter, then you’ve probably seen your fair share of action down those snow-covered slopes. After all, nothing beats the thrill and excitement of snowboarding or skiing during the wintertime.

With the last vestiges of winter melting away, it’s time to pack up and put your skis and snowboards back into storage. However, you have to store these types of equipment properly. Otherwise, they will deteriorate and become unusable.

If you want to make sure that your snowboards and skis are in top shape for the next winter, you need to know how to store them properly. To help you get started, here are effective snowboard and ski storage ideas.

How Do You Store Snowboards and Skis Off-Season?

Storing your snowboards and skis for the off-season will require proper preparation and planning since they’re going to remain untouched for quite a long time. Throwing them into a shed somewhere and calling it a day isn’t going to cut it if your end goal is to keep these pieces of equipment in excellent condition.

1.Check Your Snowboards and Skis for Damage

Check them for signs of damage

Going down those icy slopes is exhilarating at high speeds. However, if your skis and snowboards are damaged, not only will it affect performance, but might be a safety hazard and will put your life at risk. So before you put your winter sports equipment into storage, the best thing to do is to check for damage and, if possible, do some repairs.

Here’s what to do:

2.Clean Your Skis and Snowboards

After using your skis and snowboards down those slopes, dirt, salt, mud and other bits of debris might have latched onto your gear. The first thing you need to do is clean these substances off your equipment.

Cleaning your skis and snowboards before storage is an essential step since:

When cleaning your snowboards and skis, you need to pay attention to a couple of things to make it effective and prevent damaging your equipment:

3.Apply Storage Wax

Lay on the wax for added rust-protection

Waxing is one of the most important things in preparing your snowboards and skis for storage. Storage wax protects the bases from oxidation, moisture, dirt, and prevents the build-up of rust during storage.

When applying wax on your snowboards and skis, make sure to do the following:

4.Look for a Good Storage Location.

Pick a good location

Your storage location matters in terms of keeping your snowboards and skis in perfect condition during the long idle period. Store them in an area that is not prone to super high or super low humidity since both can cause adverse effects on your winter sporting equipment.

In low humidity areas, here are the effects on snowboards and skis:

In areas with high humidity, the effects are as follows:

Find an indoor area that is cool and dry, preferably those with temperature and climate control, for the ideal snowboard and ski off-season storage.

Here are recommendations on where to store your gear for the off-season:

5.Wrap Your Equipment

You may have cleaned and waxed your winter sports equipment and found a suitable storage location, but your snowboard and skis are still susceptible to harmful elements including:

Wrapping them in a plastic wrap or keeping them inside specifically made ski or snowboard bags can add an extra layer of protection for the long storage period.

6.Store Your Snowboards in the Proper Position

Store them standing up

For snowboards, storing them lying down on a hard surface over a long period of time can have adverse effects, especially when something is placed on top of them. It can put pressure on the camber or rocker sections and can result in them flattening out.

To avoid this, a great snowboard storage idea is to store your snowboard in the right position. Here’s how to do so:

7.Strap Your Skis Together

Strap them together

Skis can accidentally bend out of shape if you don’t store them the right way. An excellent ski storage idea to sidestep the problem is strapping them together — but not too tightly.

After that, you need to store them in the correct position that doesn’t place any strain on them. Here are the ways to do it:

It’s going to be a while until the next snowfall, so your skis and snowboards will be left unused for months on end. By following these effective snowboard and ski storage ideas, you will be able to keep your equipment in perfect condition for the next winter activity.

If you’re looking for an excellent storage solution for snowboards and skis in the North York area, contact Centron Self Storage at (647) 749-1396. We offer great deals and will be happy to provide you with the best service possible.

9 Effective Ways Prepare Your Snowmobile for Off-Season Storage

Wintertime is coming to an end, along with it the usefulness of various winter-related equipment like your skis, sleds, and snowmobile.

However, while storing some of these items may be simple and straightforward, placing your snowmobile in storage during the off-season may require more time and consideration. It’s a complex machine with moving parts, electronics, and other components that don’t do well when idle for a long period of time. Carelessly storing your snowmobile will just cause more harm to the vehicle than good.

To prevent any damage, know what you need to do to get it ready for its long nap until the next winter season.

How to Prepare Your Snowmobile for Storage

There are quite a number of things to be done to have your snowmobile prepared for. The main goals for the preparations you’re about to make are to make sure that important components stay functional and prevent moving parts from getting stuck due to corrosion over the long storage period.

1.Clean Your Snowmobile Before Storing it

Give your snowmobile a thorough wipedown

Your snowmobile has seen its fair share of action over the winter. While driving your vehicle over the snowy terrain, bits of dirt, mud, and other bits of debris has gotten stuck onto the machine’s exterior and exposed parts like the suspensions, springs, skis, and the track.

The first thing you should need to do before hauling your snowmobile off to a garage or storage unit is to clean it first. Cleaning your machine is essential for a number of reasons such as:

When cleaning your snowmobile, here are important things to remember:

2.Apply Rust Prevention Measures

Keep those parts lubricated

After cleaning your vehicle, the next step in the snowmobile storage preparation plan is to employ rust prevention measures. Condensation cause parts to deteriorate during the long, idle period and they can compromise your machine.

Taking preventive measures against rusting is key to ensure optimal performance and functionality. Here’s what you have to do:

3.Maintain the Fuel System

Don’t store it with an empty tank

Before putting your snowmobile to sleep, one of the most important tasks you have to perform is to keep the fuel system properly maintained. One thing that you have to remember is to never store your snowmobile with its tank empty. This is essential because of the following reasons:

To ensure that your snowmobile’s fuel system isn’t compromised during storage, make sure to fill the tank. There some things to take note of:

4.Make Sure to Remove the Battery and Drive Belt Before Storage

Make sure to take them off

Do not store your snowmobile with the battery still attached. Take out the battery and store it in a cool dry place away from sunlight or, if possible, a temperature-controlled area. Furthermore, make sure to charge the battery once a month using a small charger.

In addition to the battery, make sure to remove the drive belt from your snowmobile. There are important reasons for doing so, such as:

5.Fog the Engine If Necessary

One way to prevent moisture from damaging your snowmobile engine while in storage is to do fogging. This process involves coating your machine’s crankshaft bearings, connecting rods and other engine parts with fogging oil.

The fogging oil displaces moisture from the metal and forms a protective coating. This helps prevent air and moisture from causing corrosion, which makes the parts prone to failing.

6.Cover Your Snowmobile

Even when placed in a proper storage room, your snowmobile is still susceptible to dust, scratches, and even rodents. The best way to prevent this is to cover it with a soft, lightweight and breathable cover. You can also cover the intake holes and the muffler outlet with steel wool to keep rats and mice out.

7.Look for a Good Storage Location

Pick a good location

Placing your snowmobile outside will just expose it to harmful elements such as rain, harsh sunlight, and dust which will hasten the damage to important components. If you want to extend the life of your machine, pick a proper storage location for the off-season.

While a climate-controlled room might be ideal, a clean garage or storage unit are perfect alternatives. Just remember to keep the snowmobile away from direct sunlight or wet areas.

8.Keep Your Snow Mobile off the Ground

One of the best snowmobile storage ideas is to keep your machine off the ground while in storage. You can do this by doing the following:

Keeping your snowmobile off ground is quite beneficial since it takes the tension off the springs and helps them last longer.

9.Start Your Snowmobile Up Once a Month

Make it a point to take your snowmobile out of storage and start the engine up once a month. By doing this, you prevent sediment from settling and the seals from drying out.

Your snowmobile is a valuable investment, so it’s essential that you keep it safe during storage. By following these storage tips, you’ll be able to ensure that your machine is in top shape for the next winter ride.

If you’re looking for an excellent storage solution for snowmobiles in the North York area, contact Centron Self Storage at (647) 749-1396. We offer great deals and will be happy to provide you with the best service possible.

6 Ways To Safely Store Your Power Tools

Power tools are certainly great to have around the house. After all, they are convenient pieces of equipment that can be used for any kind of repair and assembly jobs that you might encounter.

However, sometimes people tend to neglect how to properly store power tools. This is concerning since improper power tool storage can result in corrosion which will eventually lead to equipment failure. Moreover, these pieces of equipment are expensive, so replacing damaged ones can cost you quite a bit of money.

If you want to avoid this dilemma, it is essential that you store your equipment with care. To help you get started, here are effective power tool storage ideas to consider.

Pre-Storage Maintenance

Power tools are made up of complex mechanical and electrical parts, so it’s essential that they require maintenance before you place them in storage. This ensures that your power tools will work perfectly the next time you use them.

Here are the best practices for pre-storage power tool maintenance:

Maintenance first before Storage

Dust, debris, and moisture build-up can cause mechanical and electrical failure. So before you store your power tools, make sure you clean them with a rag or old towel after every use.

This should be done regularly as part of maintenance. Since power tools are technically electrical devices, they should be checked for any damage before storage, especially if you’re not planning to use them for a while.

Components such as electrical cords must be inspected thoroughly for signs of wear and tear. If your power tools aren’t working, have them fixed or dispose of them if repairs are impossible. Moreover, throwing away defective equipment can help you free up more storage space.

Check the batteries

Cordless power tools rely on their batteries to function. Make sure to inspect those for any damage and replace them when needed before you store them. Moreover, be sure to clean your batteries with a cotton swab and alcohol.

When planning for long-term storage, some battery types such as the Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) on some power tools require a periodic discharge. So make sure to check the user’s manual for the correct charge and discharge procedures. However, with the newer lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion), there’s less to worry about. Just make sure to store them with at least a 50% battery charge.

Lubricating your power tools helps prevent rust and ensures that moving parts
don’t get stuck and function as intended. Check the manual for each power tool for the areas to be lubricated as well as the type of lubricant to be used.

If your power tools such as drills show signs of rust, it is highly recommended that you must remove them right away. Rust tends to spread all over the tool with time and the corrosion and abrasion damage can cause parts to fail, freeze up, or cause structural damage.

Storage Solutions for Power Tools

Now that your power tools are properly prepared, it’s now time to store them. However, unlike standard, non-electrical hand tools, storage for electric-powered equipment requires careful consideration since certain elements can cause harm to the internal components.

Here are some effective ways to store your power tools:

1.Choose the Right Area for Storing Your tools

Pick a good place to store your power tools

When choosing a dedicated area to store your power tools, one of your primary goals to reduce any negative environmental effects. This is crucial in protecting your equipment from the elements as well as mitigate any potential hazard to the residents.

Here are the things to consider when choosing a storage area for your power tools:

As for suggestions on recommended areas to store your power tools, here are the following:

2.Keep them in a Power Tool Storage Cabinet

One of the best power tool storage systems is to store your equipment in a dedicated cabinet. You can either purchase one, have an existing cabinet repurposed, or have one built according to your specifications.

There are a couple of great benefits to keeping your power tools in their own cabinet:

3.Place Your Equipment on Power Tool Storage Racks

To save space, store power tools on racks

If you don’t have much space, then one of the smartest tool organizer ideas is to place your tools on storage racks. However, this only works if you only have a small collection of power tools.

Here are the benefits of this functional storage solution:

4.Use the Original Packaging.

Some power tools come packaged in boxes when you first buy them. Most people tend to throw these away, however, it is highly recommended that you don’t do that.

The original packaging is one of the best power tool storage boxes around. It has built-in internal supports that were designed to secure and protect an item from impact damage. If you’re planning to store your power too for the long term, it would make sense to put it back in the box it came in.

5.Hang Your Power Tools

Hanging is a cost-effective storage solution

A cost-effective storage solution for your power tools is to hang them on pegs on walls or shelves. For best results, use a pegboard as a backing so you can easily position the pegs to accommodate and provide added support to larger power tools.

6.Store Power Tools Inside Clear Plastic Containers

Clear plastic containers are very versatile storage solutions and they’re one of the best places to keep your power tools, whether for the long term or the short term. These boxes have a wide range of benefits, such as:

Properly storing your power tools is essential to extending their lifespan and keeping them functional. By following the storage solutions stated above, you will be able to ensure that your equipment is safe from harmful elements and physical damage.

If you’re looking for an excellent storage solution for your power tools in the North York area, contact Centron Self Storage at (647) 749-1396. We offer great deals and will be happy to provide you with the best service possible.

8 Useful Tips for Storing Glassware and Chinaware

When it comes to storing your belongings, you know that some items break easier than others — glassware and chinaware, for example. In addition to being extremely fragile, these items can be quite expensive, specifically fine china and wine glasses.

You can’t just stuff china and glass in a box somewhere and call it a day; they require a more delicate approach to both handling and storing. If you want to properly preserve these valuable objects, you can benefit from learning some of the best ways to store glassware and chinaware.

Preserve your collection

Chinaware is made of a fine white or translucent vitrified ceramic material. It takes its name from China, the country where it was originally created over 11,000 years ago. It comes in the following varieties:

Closely associated with fine dining, chinaware is often reserved for special occasions, while some are used purely for decorative purposes. Because of this, households with a set (or two) of china keep them in storage nearly the whole year round.

Glassware, on the other hand, is considered a cheaper alternative to ceramics. These are easier to make and come in a variety of stylish designs that make them extremely popular among the public. However, they are equally fragile and need the same amount of tender loving care.

How to Care for Glassware and Chinaware in Storage

Similar to storing antiques, proper chinaware and glassware storage is essential if you want to protect them from physical damage and prevent deterioration. By following these simple tips, you will be able to keep your fragile dinnerware pieces in good condition, even if you’re storing them in the long term

Decide what to keep and what to store

Choose effective long-term storage solutions

Before you start putting your chinaware and glassware into their respective storage containers, the first thing you should do is ascertain how frequently you use them.

Frequently used tableware should be stored neatly in cupboards and kitchen cabinets for easy access. A more elegant option would be to use a display cabinet which allows you to show off your collection and add vibrance and style to the dining room.

For those that you only use on special occasions and events, store them in a safe place in the attic or basement. Alternatively, you can turn to a reliable storage centre for safekeeping.

Wrap them individually

Bubble wrap is the best protection

Even when inside a storage container, glassware and chinaware are still at risk of physical damage when handling. Pieces are likely to bump into the sides of the containers or each other when you move the box from one place to another and acquire damage including:

Wrapping glassware and chinaware individually will keep this from happening. That also means that pieces, such as teapots and serving bowls, should be wrapped separately from their lids. Additionally, you should fill the insides of glasses with wrapping material to prevent breakage.

When choosing wrapping material, opt for the variety that can provide adequate protection, like:

A word of caution: under any circumstances, do not use newspapers as substitutes for wrapping materials. The ink on these publications can leave stains which are next to impossible to remove without causing additional damage.

Use cardboard dividers — they’re your friends!

Another great way to keep your drinking glasses and china cups secure inside a container is to use cardboard dividers. These serve as partitions to separate and protect boxed items during storage or shipping.

Cell dividers are the most popular type of cardboard dividers and can be easily obtained at your local supermarket or online. They also work together with wrapping paper or bubble wrap, further enhancing the protective layer around your fragile tableware.

Make sure the box is fully secure

Fill negative space

Even with wrappings and dividers in place, there’s still a high likelihood of your chinaware and glassware moving around because of the negative space between the divider and items. Before you seel the container, fill up these vacant areas to keep movement to a minimum, securing your items.

Effective filler options include:

Opt for smaller plastic storage bins for heavier objects

It’s a standard storage practice to keep heavy items in smaller packages. Despite its fragile nature, china can be quite heavy.

Plastic storage bins are great chinaware storage containers, particularly if you have the wrapping in place. They’re considerably more durable than cardboard and highly resistant to most contaminants, such as dust and dirt.

Label your boxes

Labelling helps you locate items easily

Unless you have x-ray vision, you’ll never find out what’s inside a box without opening it. Labelling your cardboard and plastic containers will is a great solution for this dilemma.

Not only does labelling help you find your chinaware and glassware faster, it also serves as a reminder to handle the boxes with care.

Avoid stacking boxes on top of each other

One common glassware storage container that people use are cardboard boxes. While there’s nothing wrong with that, people tend to stack these boxes on top of each other. Doing so places a significant amount of pressure on the items at the bottom. If fragile tableware ends up at the bottom of a pile, they can cave under the load and break.

If you want your chinaware and glassware to stay in one piece, do not use cardboard boxes to store them in and place them at the top.

Store in an area with consistent temperature

Constant shifts in temperature can be harmful to your china and glass items. Storing them in areas with extreme temperatures and humidity will cause them to crack.

Always take the temperature of the storage area into consideration when storing glassware and chinaware.

When packing and storing delicate dinnerware, it is important to take your time and go through each step carefully. By following proper storage methods, you’ll be able to reduce the risk of damaging them and ensuring that you can still use them the next time you have a special event.

If you’re looking for an excellent storage solution for your glassware and chinaware in the North York area, contact Centron Self Storage at (647) 749-1396. We offer great deals and will be happy to provide you the best service possible.

8 Self-Storage Myths Debunked

Self-storage units have provided many a convenient place to store those extra items in the house without getting rid of them. Furthermore, there are other benefits that you can get from the service such as reduced clutter at home and a wider living space.

However, there is a reasonable number of misconceptions regarding storage units flying around out there. Unfortunately, these myths can either dissuade you from using the service or urge you to use self-storage rooms for the wrong reasons. A good number of these misconceptions are propagated by people who may have preconceived notions though they probably have never tried renting one before. Falsehoods can also come from people who had an unfortunate experience with the service.

Before you believe anything they say, have a look at these common myths about self-storage and the actual facts:

Self-Storage Units Are Not Burglar Proof

Self-storage is more secure than you think

This is a common misconception spread around by skeptics who believe that there are no secure self-storage units and that your belongings are probably going to end up stolen.

In reality, self-storage centres are more secure than you think. Since some tenants store extremely valuable materials such as antiques, and important documents, these facilities are fully outfitted with the latest anti-theft equipment.

Examples of security measures found in self-storage facilities are the following:

You Can Store Anything Inside a Storage Unit

Flammable items should not be stored

Certain Hollywood movies and media have propagated the idea that you can store anything in a storage unit. However, this is not the case. Although it is true that you can store a wide variety of items, there are certain things that you cannot and should never place in a storage unit. Be sure to check the storage guidelines for more information.

The items listed below can endanger your stored items as well as the other storage units inside the facility:

Only Hoarders Use Self Storage Units

Reality TV shows featuring hoarders and storage buyers have really blown the popularity of this myth out of proportion. It’s true that some storage units are used by real-life hoarders to store excess stuff that will not fit in their homes, but that doesn’t mean that the average person doesn’t use them.

People use storage units for a variety of reasons such as:

Self-Storage Facilities Only Offer Storage Space and Nothing Else

Facilities offer various amenities and services

This is another common misconception that overly simplifies the nature of the self-storage industry. In fact, this often convinces some people to avoid the service outright and just opt for the usual methods, like storing items in their basement or attic.

While offering storage space is their main line of business, storage facilities also offer other services that help tenants get the most out of the experience:

Self-Storage Costs a Premium!

Self-storage units are a cost-effective option

Many believe that renting a storage unit is a luxury meant only for those who are well-off. Sometimes, Reality TV shows depict priceless antiques, paintings, and cars kept in storage units, further reinforcing the myth.

Self-storage is for everyone, regardless of monetary wealth or status. Units do not necessarily cost an exorbitant amount of money — even long-term. There are affordable storage locker options for people on a budget.

Moreover, you can save money with these few tips:

Consider the size of the storage unit before renting. Storage units come in different sizes with corresponding rates. So that means the more space it has, the more expensive it is. Be sure to choose the unit with enough space to fit your items and take them out with ease. This way, you avoid paying extra for space you won’t use.

Determine what kind of features you need. There are storage units that have certain features such as climate and temperature control for more sensitive items. There are also some that are specifically designed for documents and files. These types of rooms can cost higher than the average locker. If you don’t need all these extra features for your items, don’t go for them.

Self -Storage Units Require a Long-Term Lease

Whenever the word “storage” comes to mind, most people would often think of “long-term”, leading many to believe that self-storage units require a 6-month contract.

However, storage companies offer more flexible options for their tenants who only need the space short-term. The shortest lease period available is 1 month, which is the standard in the industry. You don’t have to worry about having to sign up for the long haul if you don’t need to.

People Can Live and Sleep Inside a Storage Unit

This is one of the more bizarre myths out there. However, the answer is a big resounding “no”. People cannot live or sleep in a self-storage unit.

A storage unit is specifically designed for storing items while keeping outside elements such as dust, dirt, water, and sunlight from affecting the things inside. This means there are no windows and the room is completely sealed. It is not a conducive or safe living space.

Storage Lockers Are Dirty and Disgusting

Real-life self-storage units are clean and secure

This is yet another myth perpetuated by Hollywood movies and other media. In those movies, self-storage units are depicted as dusty, dirty and filled with cobwebs. Sometimes, you can even see rats inside.

Fortunately, this is nothing more than a blatant lie. Reliable storage facilities are specifically designed to keep pests and dust at bay. They follow preventive measures to keep your items safe from the elements and from any damage.

Misinformation is rampant — and self-storage units are among its many victims. However, to take full advantage of the available amenities of modern life, it’s a good idea to start by discarding inaccurate notions. Self-storage is a convenient, effective, and affordable solution you can turn to when you need extra space for a variety of items.

If you’re looking for an excellent storage solution in the North York area, contact Centron Self Storage at (647) 749-1396. We offer great deals and will be happy to provide you the best service possible.