Posts

What To Consider When Moving With a Pet

/in , /by
Travel with pets Moving with pets

What To Consider When Moving With a Pet

At our self-storage facility, many of our staff are proud pet owners. It got me thinking—what should we consider when moving with our beloved furry friends or simply taking them out during these scorching summer days?

Preparing for pets is crucial because they need extra care to ensure they’re comfortable and safe, whether moving homes or enjoying a day out. As the temperatures rise, it’s essential to be equipped to keep your dog cool and protected. Here are some essential items to have on hand for your dog this summer:

  • Collapsible water bowl: A lightweight and portable option for keeping your dog hydrated during walks, hikes, or any outdoor activity. Easy to clean and store, ensuring your dog has access to water wherever you go.
  • Water bottle: You won’t always have access to water, so carry a full water bottle for you and your pet.
  • Dog-safe sunscreen: Protect their skin from harmful UV rays, particularly on sensitive areas like noses and ears.
  • Cooling vest or bandana: Helps regulate their body temperature in hot weather, ensuring they stay comfortable.
  • Paw wax or booties: Shields their paws from hot pavements and rough terrain, preventing discomfort or burns.
  • First aid kit: Include essentials such as bandages, pet-safe antiseptic wipes, and tweezers for any minor injuries or emergencies that may occur during your adventures.

Having these items ready ensures your furry friend stays happy and healthy throughout all your summer outings. Most of these items can be picked up at your local pet store.

Additionally, when near bodies of water, like rivers or lakes, it’s crucial to check for blue green algae before letting your pet into the water. This algae sits on top of the water and is seriously toxic to both you and your pets. If it’s safe to let your pet swim be sure to check your pet’s ears for any debris that could have gotten lodged during their cooldown.

Where do you prefer to take your pets to cool down?

~ Roberta Gordica

~ Sue Sage

 

Organize and Maximize Your Outdoor Time

/in /by

Self-storage can help make your camping more organized.

With spring on our doorsteps, thoughts of camping trips are on many minds. Maximize the time you spend camping and lessen the work that goes into the set up with a few organization and storage tips from some long-time camping pros at our storage office.

Making yourself a couple of pre packed containers will help get out the door quickly for those spurs of the moment camping trips driven by great weather or a little extra time off.  Your first container will be non-perishable food, label it as such so there is no guessing what’s inside. The second container will have toiletries. And if you are tenting consider a third container.

Container one: non-perishable food. Think about quick and easy meals, dry soup mix, cereal in small, sealed containers, graham crackers and chocolate bars ready for smores night, trail mix, granola or protein bars, jerky, freeze dried meals, instant coffee, drink powders or shelf stable milk products.

Container two: Biodegradable toilet paper, Hand sanitizer, biodegradable shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, quick drying towel, feminine products, a first-aid kit, or first-aid supplies.

If you are tenting consider a third container that has kitchen equipment like a can opener, tin foil, cutting board, knives, paper towel, weatherproof matches, or a BBQ lighter, cookware, travel mugs, utensils, a sharp knife, biodegradable dish soap, water bottles, trash bags, a dish towel and pot scrubber. This could mean doing a double up purchase, so you are not stealing from the kitchen.

Pro tip: If you are glamping or renting a condo somewhere have a kit on hand that contains, favorite spices, gravy mixes, cutting board, knives, dish cloth and tea towel, rope, corn holders, salt, pepper, and sugar because not every short-term rental comes with these items.

Happy Trails…

….. oh yes, now you don’t have to unpack these contains in colder months. Now, let’s consider where and when you are keeping all this summer camping gear during the cold months.

A 5 by 10 storage unit will hold a person’s camping gear.  Take some time and wipe down your tent, tarps, storage containers, and small equipment. If you found un-used items, its now time to think if they can come off your list for next summer.  Things like oars, water skis and life jackets can stand up in a corner of your storage unit in a laundry basket to keep them together. Pull out all batteries from lamps or other equipment to avoid damage from corrosion that can happen when these items sit.

Keep your heavy items at the bottom of your unit, putting the lighter containers or boxes on top to maximize your space.

A hint to help keep all your items dry over the winter months is to keep all those little silica packets that you find coming in nearly everything you purchase. Also to avoid musty smells consider hanging your tent and sleeping bags instead of storing them in their stuff sacks.

A little organization and storage wisdom will help get you get quickly on your way to your next adventure.

*Remember, if life takes you on the road long term, we have offices in Lacombe and Medicine Hat

Ways To Save On Self Storage

/in , /by
Save money on self storage this March

March into Savings

Maximize Savings this March with Drayton Valley Storage

 

Are you tired of cluttered spaces? Seeking a secure, hassle free solution to store your belongings? Look no further! At Drayton Valley Storage (DVS), we’re dedicated to providing you with top-notch storage solutions that not only meet your needs but also save you money.

 

  1. Our Payment System Is Simple To Understand

March into savings with our monthly billing! Unlike our competition that bills on a 4 week cycle, meaning you make 13 payments a year, we offer one monthly payment.  That extra payment might seem small, but it adds to the annual cost of your storage.

 

  1. Transparent Pricing

At DVS there are no hidden fees and unexpected charges! At DVS, we believe in transparent pricing. That means no damage deposit, no insurance charges, no gate fob fees or sneaky additional costs. Avoid financial surprises and make it easy on your budget by storing with us.

 

  1. Flexible Ways To Pay

You can pay online, in person or over the phone. We accept debit/credit cards and e-transfers. We can also set you up on auto pay so you avoid late fees.

 

  1. Rent Just The Right Amount Of Space

Don’t pay for space you don’t need. Use our online storage calculator to determine just the right amount of space to store your belongings.

 

  1. Flexible Move-Out options

Life is unpredictable, and plans can change at a moment’s notice. That’s why DVS offers the same-day notice to move out. Whether you need short-term storage or long-term storage, our flexible move out option caters to your changing needs.

 

  1. Refer a New Client To Us and We’ll Pay You!

Refer friends and family to us and we’ll apply a $50 credit toward your account with us, or pay you cash. Don’t need the cash or credit? We’ll donate $50 to your favorite charity.

Family saving money

Family putting money into savings

 

Make the smart choice this March with DVS for all your storage needs. Experience savings, security, and convenience like never before!

 

Ready to declutter your space and save money? Contact us today to reserve your storage unit and embark on a journey towards a clutter-free life!

Remember, if life takes you out of Drayton Valley, we can pave the way at Lacombe Storage Center and Medicine Hat Storage 

~ Gillian Sumpay

The Month of Love

/in /by

Welcome to the month of love, where self-care takes center stage! This February, we’re redefining self-care beyond face masks and meditation. It’s time to show some love to the most overlooked aspect of your life—your space. At Drayton Valley Storage (DVS), we’re all about helping you love your space and prioritize your peace of mind. Let’s dive into how our storage solutions can revolutionize your self-care routine.

Embrace Change with Confidence: Whether you’re embracing a new chapter in life or decluttering for clarity, with DVS by your side change can become your superpower. Our secure storage units provide a haven for your belongings giving you the confidence to embrace change head-on.

Stress Less, Live More: Say goodbye to stress and hello to serenity with DVS. Our hassle-free storage solutions take the headache out of organizing your personal space, leaving you with more time to do what you love. From convenient online booking and rent payment to our cellphone activated gate, we’ve thought of everything so you can stress less and live more.

Share the Love: As you experience the freedom and peace of mind that comes with our services, don’t keep it to yourself. Share your DVS journey on social media, refer a friend, or leave us a glowing review. Together, we can raise awareness about the unsung self-care solution.

Self love sticker

Storing Your Off Season Clothing

/in /by
Organize Seasonal Clothing

Organize Seasonal Clothing

As winter’s crisp air signals the changing season, it’s time to lavish attention on your wardrobe. Safeguarding and storing your clothes properly in the off season extends their lifespan ensuring a seamless transition the next season.
Clean Before You Store:
Before tucking away summer clothes and unveiling winter coats, prioritize cleanliness. Lingering stains
attract moths, and spills can set over time. Launder or dry clean your clothes, paying special attention to
those in direct contact with your skin.

Invest in Quality Storage Containers:
Opt for storage containers that thwart moisture and mildew. Plastic bins with tight-fitting lids are
optimal for dust and pest prevention. Consider adding an extra layer of protection with garment bags
for delicate items.

Use Natural Repellents:

Shield your winter wardrobe from pests using natural repellents. Place cedar blocks or lavender sachets
in storage containers for effective deterrence without resorting to harsh chemicals found in traditional
mothballs.

Mind the Humidity:
Combat moisture, the nemesis of stored clothes. Ensure adequate ventilation in your storage space and
use moisture-absorbing products, such as silica gel packets, to maintain a dry environment—crucial for
preventing mold, especially in natural fibres like cotton and wool.

Fold, Don’t Hang:
Preserve the shape of your knitwear by resisting the temptation to hang everything. Fold heavy
sweaters, and other knit items to maintain their shape during storage.
Pro Tip: Still prefer to hang your clothing while it’s in storage? Use padded hangers or wrap the triangle
portion of your hangers with bubble wrap before hanging garments. This trick helps prevent clothing
from stretching out of shape at the corners of hangers.

Hangers for clothing storage

Bubble Wrapped Hanger

Rotate Your Wardrobe:
Adopt the habit of seasonal wardrobe inspection and rotation. Rediscover forgotten gems while
ensuring all clothes receive equal attention. Inspect clothing for damage then store out-of-season items
at the back of the closet or in storage containers.

Pro Tip: Safeguard against colour fading and brittle fabric by choosing a cool, dark storage space. If your
storage area has windows, use curtains or blinds to prevent sunlight exposure.

Being Environmentally Conscious is Good for Clothing:
Ditch plastic dry cleaning bags: they trap moisture that leads to musty odours. Instead choose
breathable fabric garment bags or cotton pillowcases to protect your clothes.
Pro Tip: Simplify retrieval of seasonal clothing by labelling and organizing storage containers by
category. This approach makes locating specific items easy without having to go through every box in
your storage unit.
Taking care of your clothing while it’s tucked away in storage ensures that your favourite cozy
sweater or cotton sundress will be ready when you reunite for a new season.

~ Gillian Sumpay

A Guide to Summer Gear STorage

/in , /by
Storing Summer Toys

Guide to summer gear storage

As the sun-soaked days of summer fade on the horizon, they leave behind the simple joy of outdoor pursuits, from pedaling along scenic trails, to setting up camp, or gliding gracefully atop shimmering waters—summer gifts us with a multitude of cherished experiences.

Whether you are a biker, camper, or paddler, summer gives us great pleasure. All these wonderful activities lead to an accumulation of outdoor gear. What is your plan for storing it during the off-season?

In this guide, we delve into preserving these cherished adventures—cleaning, organizing, and storing your summer gear. It’s a journey that involves not just safeguarding your possessions but also ensuring that the magic of summer continues for years to come.

Summer Gear Storage Tips:

  1. Clean Your Equipment

After every summer adventure, it’s essential to clean your equipment thoroughly. Use warm water and mild soap to cleanse your gear, including tents and sleeping bags. Removing any dirt and ensuring they’re completely dry before storage is vital, particularly for preventing mold and mildew.

  1. Choose the Right Storage Containers

Long-term storage of tents and sleeping bags should be in breathable mesh bags or cotton bags like old pillowcases. Loosely fold these items for long-term storage instead of tightly rolling them. This allows airflow, preventing mold and mildew growth. Remember, compressing a sleeping bag for extended periods can damage its fill.

  1. Organize Smaller Items

Store smaller items like flashlights, matches, eating utensils, plates, cookware, and more in clear storage containers. This way, you can easily identify and access them when needed.

  1. Organize Water Gear

Choose a large container to hold wetsuits, life jackets, water shoes, and other water gear. This ensures they’re kept together and protected during the off-season.

  1. Follow Manufacturer Recommendations for Watercraft Storage

Store paddle boards, canoes and kayaks indoors so the winter weather will not degrade fiberglass, plastic, fabric or specially-coated wood hulls.

 

Pro Tip: keep a checklist stored with your equipment so you don’t forget anything for your camping trips. Your list should include all items you will typically want to bring along.

Many of our clients store their summer gear in the garage or a spare closet so they can quickly pack up the car for a weekend getaway. But if these items are filling your halls and other living spaces self storage is an option that comes in many sizes to accommodate these items in the colder months.

Call us now at Drayton Valley Storage where we prioritize your storage needs — 1-877-514-7525

 

Should You Store Jewelry and Other Valuables in Self Storage

/in /by
Keep valuables such as jewelry in a safe place

Should you store your jewelry in a storage unit

While self-storage facilities do have security, no security system is completely impervious to
professional thieves. Further your insurance and that of the self-storage operator may not cover valuable
jewelry left in a self-storage unit.
Also consider that jewelry and other collectables often require a special environment to help maintain
their condition. Jewelry, for example, is delicate and needs to be stored where the temperature does not
fluctuate. Temperature fluctuations can cause jewelry to become brittle and warp.
Self storage facilities are also not impervious to things like fires, flooding and tornadoes that can damage
irreplaceable valuables. Safety deposit boxes, however, are designed to withstand these natural disasters.
For these reasons, you are better off keeping jewelry and other collectables in a fire proof safe or safety
deposit box.

Bank safe and jewelry

Keeping your jewelry and other valuables safe

At the very least store your jewelry in a secure location that is climate-controlled and can
provide protection against theft, pests, moisture, and other environmental hazards.
Pro Tip for storing jewelry: pack your jewelry in its original boxes or other soft containers to protect
them from scratches so these valuable retain their value for years to come.

If you are looking for other platforms for self storage, check out our LinkedIn page

First Time Using Self Storage

/in /by
First Time Using Self Storage

First Time

At some point, you or a family member experience an event where self-storage offers a solution. Whether it’s a move, a renovation, or a death in the family if you’ve never rented a storage unit here are some insider tips to help things go smoothly.

First, determine what size storage unit you need. The quickest way is to inventory what you are storing and use a storage size calculator. This tool can be found on a storage company’s website and can save you the headache of choosing the wrong sized storage unit.

Once you know the size you need check storage prices. Keep in mind that the price given isn’t always the final price. Some storage businesses require a damage or gate fob deposit, or charge admin or service fees.

Now that you have determined the storage facility and a unit size, be prepared for some paperwork. Just like renting a car, or a home, storage rentals require a contract. To keep this as painless as possible have the following information ready:

– Photo ID.

– Your contact information (current address where you receive your mail, your cellphone number and an email address.

– Name an alternate contact for your account (with phone number) in case you can’t be reached for any reason.

– If you are storing a vehicle you will have to show the current registration as proof of ownership.

Before you sign the rental agreement make sure you understand it. You don’t want to find yourself in breach of this legally binding contract, just because you didn’t read it. That’s a little like telling a police officer that pulled you over for speeding that you didn’t see the speed limit sign.

The storage contract will contain things like how much and when rent is due, additional charges, storage rules (what you can and can’t store and acceptable or unacceptable activities in the storage facility), insurance requirements, and the repercussions if you fail to pay rent.

While these contracts can seem daunting a good storage company will have this document written in plain language and have trained staff that should willingly offer to explain it to you.

Pro Tip:

A storage facility’s insurance never covers a renter’s possessions. This is because the insurance company has no way of verifying the value of these possessions. As a homeowner or renter, you may already have content insurance that will cover belongings in storage. Always inquire with your insurance company to ensure items in storage would be covered.

Pro Tip:

When you are talking to storage staff about the contract, also ask if someone is onsite in case you need help while in the facility, what the office hours are and what yard access hours will be.

Once you understand the storage contract, and your questions have all been answered, sign the agreement and then you are ready for the final step, packing your belongings into the storage unit.

Pro Tip:

Before you reach the yard with your belongings, learn how to access the storage facility and your unit. Whether you received a fob, or access code test for facility, make sure it works and check to see if you can get into your storage unit.

Pro Tip:

Your local storage staff are great resources for community events and happenings. Candice suggests you check out the DV Market on Wednesdays.

Now you can get down to the business of loading your storage unit. For tips on how to maximize your space check out our blog on how to pack a storage unit.

 

Earth Day

/in /by


Earth day is coming April 22 and amid all the chaos of the past few years we wanted to put the focus back on the future of our families and our community here at Drayton Valley Storage. After all the way we treat the environment now will affect future generations.

A planet that is growing warmer each year isn’t good for any living thing. We can’t become complacent to this threat to the world, so Drayton Valley Storage has focused on offering only moving boxes made from recycled material and going paperless in our office. Below are just a few positive effects this action has on our community and the world.

Protects trees (our shield against CO2)
Trees are considered carbon sinks. Trees lock away carbon dioxide in the wood, roots, and leaves. “This locking-up process ‘stores’ carbon as wood and not as an available ‘greenhouse’ gas. Trees are imperative to earths survival so it is beneficial to protect them as best we can.” Steve Nix forestry expert on 

Reduces paper waste
According to , in 2022, paper mills will produce about 500 million tons of paper and cardboard. Paper waste produces pollution which is toxic to air, water, and soil. Paper is produced by using chlorine-based bleaches so when paper rots in the landfill Methane gas gets released. This gas is worse than CO2. Using products made with recycled products and going paperless significantly reduces paper waste and in turn reduces the amount of toxic gasses entering our atmosphere.

Saves water
The amount of water used to produce one piece of paper is 10 litres. The less paper we use in our office, the less of the life-giving resource is wasted.

How is your family or business being environmentally conscious? We’d love to hear your ideas so that we all can do a little better to help our home — planet Earth.

Christmas Storage Hacks

/in /by


It seems as though Christmas has only just arrived, but here we are thinking of ways to organize your decorations as you put them away.
Of course, our first answer would be to send it to us for safe keeping. But we know not everyone can do that, so we are happy to share some holiday storage hacks we use in our own homes. Read more