Eco-friendly, Green Tips for Moving and Storage
Moving can be a personal disaster. Doing so in a green, environment-friendly way can be even more complicated. For those of us who prioritize the reduction of pollution and other harmful effects to the planet, the carbon footprint we create when moving our belongings from one place to another can be a concern. But there is hope, as more and more companies are “going green.” Here are some tips and tricks to moving and creating as little negative effect to the planet as possible.
Packing
Let’s start with packing up your items. Instead purchasing the old, standard cardboard box, use boxes made of recycled materials. You can also go for plastic bins or totes, especially ones made out of recycled plastics. By using several of these bins with the same size and shape, you can easily stack and store them. It’s a particularly wise choice if you end up moving your belongings on a rainy day! Bins also provide extra protection while in storage. Fragile items can be wrapped in paper towels, plain tissue paper, or newspaper, all of which can be placed in a specific paper bin for recycling.
Moving and Transport
Next, there is transporting your items from one place or another. There is a growing number of self-moving or moving companies who use biodiesel trucks in their operations. These vehicles are among the best options for moving your furniture and belongings. Biodiesel is available at most self-service gas stations and travel stops, and is a high-rated, green fuel used in larger, diesel-powered vehicles.
Recycling
Disposal of used materials and packing containers can be handled in several ways. Some moving and storage companies will accept previously-used containers and cardboard boxes and share them with other movers to reuse. You can also call the city recycling department for instructions on discarding used materials in an environmentally safe manner. Some cities and larger towns have designated recycling bins at various locations that can suit your needs as well.
Storage
Finally, there is self-storage. If you require a green-friendly place to store belongings for extended periods of time, check the websites of the facilities in your area. Not all of them are concerned with the preservation of the planet. Seek out companies that offer recycled containers and boxes, and help dispose of materials in a responsible manner.
Centron Self Storage works to help support the earth and our environment. We have two convenient locations for your self-storage needs, and offer different sized units and 24/7 security, so you know your belongings will be safe. Please give us a call at 416-739-0000 (North York).
Bedroom Sets: Safe and Secure Storage
Choosing a self-storage facility to store your bedroom set involves a little more than making a phone call or driving down the road and to any local self-storage center. It takes more planning than most people realise. You need to determine:
• Size of unit needed
• Cost of monthly rental
• If a deposit is required
• How long you will need the storage space
• How you are going to move the furniture into the unit.
Do your research and have a solid plan in place.
Size of Unit
One of the first things to consider before renting a storage unit is how much space you’ll need. If storing several items (such as a bedroom set), you should measure each piece to see how big it is. This will help you determine what size of unit that you will need to store everything. This will prevent you from accidentally renting a unit that is too small to hold your items. In addition, you will save money by not renting a much larger space than you need.
Pricing of Units
Storage units are rented at various rates depending on the size, location in the storage facility, and whether or not they are climate-controlled. In addition, prices range based on facility location and owner’s discretion. You should call ahead to request a pricing quote. Some storage unit companies will have pricing and rental applications available on their websites. Sometimes, the companies run specials on rental rates as well.
Climate-Controlled Units
If you are planning to store an item and are concerned about it getting damp or warped because of extreme temperatures, consider renting a storage unit that is climate-controlled. A climate-controlled unit is kept at a regulated temperature all year round. By renting this type of unit, you can ensure your special item will not be damaged due to changing weather conditions. This is the ideal type of unit to rent if you want to prevent the wood in your bedroom set from cracking or peeling. This is especially important if your bedroom set is antique.
Usually, there is a cost difference with renting a climate-controlled unit as opposed to a regular storage unit. However, storage rental companies often run pricing specials for these type of units. For example, if you sign a rental contract for a certain length of time you may get one month’s rental free.
Whatever your storage needs, our trained staff is here to help. We have secure units if you need a safe place to store your business documents off-site. If you need to be out of your home before it’s time to move into your new one, we can temporarily store your household. If you need a temperature-controlled unit, we have those too! We also carry a wide selection of packing supplies as well; call Centron in North York at (416) 739-0000.
Why Self Storage For Bikes Can Be A Smart Choice
Not Sure Where To Store Your Bike?
Don’t leave it outside that is for sure. Even if you have bike locks and attach your bike to a bicycle rack, there is still a risk that some thieves can pry open the locks and steal your bike. Let us not forget that the elements can wreak havoc on your bike as well. The sun can strip away paint. The rain can stain your bike. Snow, ice and the rock salt that is sprayed in the winter can further corrode and damage the metal on your bike. Wild animals can also damage your bike. While you are unlikely to encounter bears in the city, pigeons can poop over your bike.
Bicycle Storage Solutions
The solution to these issues is to store your bicycle in a storage closet or self storage unit. If you live in an apartment, the storage closets in your unit may be at risk for theft. They can also be damp and dusty. This is not the place you want to store a prized bicycle in. Some apartments do not have any storage units or facilities at all, so you will be left with no other option but a self storage solution.
Even if you have a storage closet or unit, it may not be big enough to accommodate a bicycle. Or it may be large enough to accommodate a kid’s bicycle but not big enough to handle an adult sized bicycle. Also consider the fact, that if you have a family and each one has a bike you may simply not have enough space at your storage unit or closet to hold all the bikes. Leaving them outside will leave them vulnerable to thieves and the elements even if they are secured with locks and attached to something.
The ideal solution to the problem of bike storage is to get a climate controlled and secure self storage unit. An enclosed and climate controlled unit will ensure that your bike will not rust and remain in pristine shape. This is especially important for heavy bikes such as mountain bikes. Security will also not be an issue. Self storage units have codes that only you and your family know and can get access to. The storage units should also have ample space to accommodate not only your bicycles but other items as well. The great catch is that it won’t break your wallet either.
Self Storage Solutions In The North York Area
The GTA has ample self storage unit facilities where you can keep your bikes in a safe and convenient location. Self storage means that you can access your bikes at any time of the week. Centron Self Storage is a self storage company that has two convenient locations in the North York area. Visit our website or call us at 416-739-0000.
Moving? 3 Benefits of Using Self Storage Units
When you are preparing to make a move to another city, you may find using a self-storage unit very helpful. You can move the items you don’t immediately need to the storage unit and start out with fewer items to unpack and put away in your new home. Once you get settled, you can move the non-essential items in as you are ready for them.
1. Reduces Stress of Unpacking
By moving some of your items into storage for a period of time, you can greatly reduce the stress of a move, whether across town or to a new location altogether. If you have young children, having minimal boxes and unpacking to do in your new place on the first day can also reduce the stress of a move significantly. (more…)
4 Tips to Save Time When Renting a Storage Unit
Moving your belongings physically from your home to a self-storage facility is a lot of work, but the preparation for that move can be done from the comfort of your home. You can now rent the right storage facility online, saving time and money. As long as you ultimately speak to an authentic self-storage facility employee, you can be assured that you will receive the best service offered.
Know your Storage Unit Size Before Renting
A lot of things factor into the decision to rent a storage facility. One of them is the size of the unit. In the past, you had to tour every facility and measure the units yourself — but this is no longer necessary. All the details for the sizes of available storage units are searchable online.
By checking online, you also get information on which units are available to be reserved. The online reservation system takes away the necessity of making tedious phone calls to multiple parties to find out availability. By having the necessary information at your fingertips, any online search for storage units is much quicker.
Check Storage Unit FAQ’s Before Renting
Questions about the length of time the lease runs, security locks, if insurance is needed or packaging supplies will be swiftly answered by checking the website. Also, you may become aware of other important questions on the FAQ page that you could have forgotten to ask and would have proven costly. By searching online, you can single out the storage facility of choice and spare yourself a lot of trouble.
Submit Storage Unit Rental Documents Online
Document submission is another great concern. Most storage facility companies will ask for a variety of documents for identification, references, and background checks. For safety and other reasons, this information is crucial. The amount of time one saves by not having to physically deliver documents greatly reduces the storage facility reservation process. The rental agreement is also submitted by the company online and after your online signature is verified, you can get access codes to your storage facility and all you have left to do is move in!
Easily Set up Storage Unit Payments Online
Having to make your payments in person used to be annoying, to say the least. Online payment significantly reduces the time between searching for and renting a self-storage facility. There’s no longer the need to wait for a cheque to clear; electronic payment clears the way for your storage rental move-in.
Despite all the advantages to researching and booking online, once you’ve chosen a facility we recommend visiting the location before sending payment and completing the process. Our online reservation and booking system will save you time and hassle, and once all the pieces are in place, we know you’ll be pleased when you visit our state of the art storage units!
For more storage unit information, read our blogs The Question of Size When Choosing Storage Space and 7 Vital Facts You Must Know When Renting a Self-Storage Unit.
Centron Self-Storage
When you need temporary storage or extra space to store your non-essentials year around, Centron Self Storage is the place to call. Our North York facility storage units are easily accessible by car or truck. The North York storage units are equipped with large freight elevators. Call our North York location at 416-739-0000 for available units. We offer clean, secure storage facilities in the region for over 25 years.
What To Do In Cases Of Tenant Death With Regards To Self Storage Units
Tenant Death And How It Can Impact Self Storage Units
It is never easy when a spouse, loved one or family member dies. If they had a storage units or even multiple ones it will have a major impact on the contents that are being stored. Depending on your relationship to the tenant who died and if they left behind a will or estate, you may be able to obtain access to the contents right away. Otherwise, you may have to go through a lengthy process to obtain access to the items in the storage unit.
If you were given access to the tenant’s storage unit or units who died, than you should have no problems getting access and taking over the contents of the unit. Just use the code or key that you were given and walk straight in to the self storage unit. On the other hand, if you were not given access or were not listed as an authorized visitor to the storage unit, you may have a problem.
If you were listed in a will or the recipient as part of an estate of the deceased who owned the contents of the storage unit, just show a copy of the will or deed to the estate to the facility management. The management of the storage unit facility will then let you claim the contents as your own since you have proven that you are the rightful and legal heir to the property of the dead tenant.
The worst case scenario is when a tenant dies, and nobody else was given access to the unit besides themselves. In addition to this, no will or estate was created. This creates a major problem for the management of the self storage facility. They cannot just let anybody access the deceased tenant’s storage unit. In such a case, you can create what is called a small estate affidavit. This will require you to go to court and provide proof of the tenant’s death via a death certificate. Keep in mind that if the content of the storage units exceeds a certain amount you will have to file another kind of affidavit which may require the assistance of a legal attorney.
Find North York Self Storage Solutions That Work For You
Before you select a self storage unit solution for yourself or your company be sure to research how much space you need. You should also consider whether you need a climate controlled unit or not. Centron Self Storage has a variety of different sized self storage units in North York as well as climate controlled units. Call us at our North York branch at (416) 739-0000 and let us help you find a North York self storage solution that works for you.
Divorce Dilemma: Where Do I Put My Extra Stuff?
Divorce can be an incredibly difficult experience. It may become even more challenging if you have to quickly find a new place to live. You may have accumulated a number of things over the course of your marriage, but your new home or apartment doesn’t have the space to fit it all. What do you do?
How Self Storage North York Can Help Keep You Sane
Getting married can be one of the most exciting experiences of someone’s life and getting divorced can be one of the saddest. How do you stay strong through the emotional part while dealing with the physical details that divorce entails? Possibly, focusing on practical matters will keep your mind busy while dealing with other circumstances of your separation.
Your environment affects your mental well-being and a cluttered home can be detrimental to your healing process. From the constant reminders of the life you shared to the mess that can be caused by too many belongings, it may be time to find a solution.
Finding a trustworthy and dependable storage company can be a key factor in helping organize your new life. There may be some things with sentimental value that you wish to store, or reminders of happier times that would be better dealt with later — or you simply have too many things to fit into a newer, smaller place. Self-storage North York may provide the solution you need.
What to Remember When Choosing Storage Units
• While it may be pretty obvious that you want a clean storage unit, make sure to double check the units before making a decision. Some companies may provide dusty units or have poor upkeep.
• How is the security at the storage company you are looking into? It is important to find a reliable company that offers tight security and protection against robbery.
• A storage unit with climate control may be worth paying a bit extra when it comes to keeping your things safe from bad weather, pests, and rodents.
If you are looking for a trustworthy and dependable storage unit company in North York to safely and securely store your belongings and furniture while you recover from separation or divorce, we can assist you during this difficult time. New customers may be eligible to get the first four weeks’ rent free. Call Centron Storage at (647) 749-1394.
7 Vital Facts You Must Know When Renting a Self-Storage Unit
It doesn’t matter if you just need to free up some space around the home or office, or you are moving to a new location and need a place to store your valuables. Self-storage is the best option for you. Of course, no two self-storage locations are the same and there is a lot to consider before signing an agreement. There are going to be significant differences in features, security, location, cleanliness, availability, size and customer service. Learning all that you can about your options will allow you to make a great choice in a storage facility. Here are some more specifics about issues you should consider before visiting the online reservation system.
How do I select the size of the unit?
Selecting the right size unit for your storage needs is one of the first decisions you will make. Make a quick list of all the things that need to be stored in the unit. Include appliances, furniture and all packed boxes and containers. Once you have completed your list, you can estimate how much space you will need. There are a number of different options available from as small as 5×5 to as large as 10×30. It is usually wise to go a little larger than you think, in order to be sure there is enough space. There are even some virtual online tools that will allow you to create a realistic estimate of the space you will require. Check our storage calculator.
How long of a lease are you required to sign?
For most storage units you will need to sign a contract for even a minimal amount of time. Most storage facilities want to rent for a longer period of time because that will generate more revenue and they will offer incentive deals to get that commitment. Units are rented by the week, month, and year and each time period will provide a different value. It is important to shop around in order to find the best deal.
Do I need to provide my own lock?
In most facilities you provide your own lock, but many also sell locks and provide the type of industry approved heavy duty safety lock that will keep your unit safe. Generally, locks bought from the storage unit provide the highest level of security that the industry has to offer. However, you can find that on your own as well.
What type of security can I expect?
This is a good question to ask as you are shopping for space, it will not be the same everywhere. Look for a unit that is inspected regularly and is a clean and safe place for your belongings. Great security will involve electronic gate controls, heavy-duty fences, and security lighting and surveillance cameras. Having a fully trained staff and the latest technology is not too much to expect.
Can I get packing supplies from the self-storage building?
Most self-storage locations are going to offer all the supplies that you need in order to store your belongings easily and appropriately. That includes items like boxes of all sizes, packing tape, packing tubes, furniture covers, drop clothes and other items as well. Most can be paid for through the online payment system.
Do you have to buy insurance?
In life you should expect the best but plan for the worst. This is also the case when renting a storage space. Just in case something goes wrong, it is better to have insurance to protect your belongings. Insurance is required by most storage facilities.
Is there document storage available?
In many businesses, the law requires that records are kept for six years, and those files can eat up a lot of valuable space in the office. Many storage locations provide units specifically designed to store and protect documents and allow businesses to free up their space for more useful endeavors. This will help your business maximize the use of their space and keep all of these documents secure. They can even be stored in flame resistant banker’s boxes.
If you are looking for storage space in the North York area, then one of the leaders in the industry is Centron Storage. We have two convenient locations that can fulfill all of your storage needs. Additionally, we provide an online reservation system that will allow all interested parties to reserve their valuable storage space. Contact us today.
Centron Self Storage Announces Industry Leading Online Booking
Centron Self Storage has created an industry-leading system that makes it easier than ever to rent a storage unit at their North York self-storage facility.
Instead of filling out a traditional paper application new clients now have the option to complete the rental agreement online. After receipt of the online signature is confirmed, clients will be sent their facility access code. This unique code can be used to access North York storage units 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Online leasing is the first of three new online services that Centron Self Storage has introduced. An online reservation system and an online payment system have also been implemented on the Centron Self Storage website.
The reason that these online services have been introduced is to increase customer convenience. Online rental and, unit reservation and payment systems are an industry-first for North York and Canada and we are so pleased to be able to bring you this service.
Centron Self Storage is a leader in the field of rentals on short and long term storage solutions for your personal or business needs.
With our new online lease and reservation system you are guaranteed immediate access to your storage unit as soon as your online form is completed. You can also rest assured that our online systems are as secure as our storage facilities. The personal and payment information will be kept confidential and safe guarded with the same amount of care as the goods that you store with us.
We encourage you to try out our industry-leading online booking system today for North York region!