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Protecting Items In Storage

June 6, 2022/in Recent Posts /by sue

You’ve made the decision to place your items in storage and now that you have everything
ready go, here are some simple tips to protect what you are storing:

Confounded Condensation
Depending on the weather extremes and humidity in your area, it is possible for condensation
to build up on your stored goods which can cause water and mold damage. A good option to
avoid damage from prolonged moisture exposure is to put a plastic drop sheet on the floor of
your storage unit before placing items in the unit. Using pallets to put your belongings on is
even better, especially if you are storing goods for longer periods of time. Also, leave some
‘breathing space’ (about two finger widths) between stacked items so fresh air circulates
between your belongings.

Don’t Over Stack
When placing boxed items in storage, the temptation is to stack as high as you can reach. Boxes
are only designed to take so much weight and over time might give way under the stress of
over stacking. This can result in entire stacks toppling over. If the items in those boxes are
fragile… well, you get the point. You also need to consider your safety. For this reason, stacks
should only go as high as your natural reach…or the natural reach of the shortest adult
accessing the storage.

man holding up a pile of boxes

Protect your belongings in storage

Dreaded Dust
Nobody wants to open their unit and find that everything inside is now dust covered. All that
cleaning you did to prepare your goods for storage has been potentially wasted – and let’s face
it: dust is inevitable. So why not use a couple of inexpensive plastic drop sheets to help protect
your items? Drop sheets should be draped loosely around items to encourage air flow but offer
protection from fine dust.

By using these three tips, your stored goods should remain intact, dry and dust free. Be sure to
check out the retail items available for purchase at our locations to assist with your packing needs. We are here to help you through every step
of your rental process.
You can access more information on our blog site such as the importance of cleaning before you store, as well as make use of our handy
storage calculator to determine the correct unit size for your needs.

This YouTube video has a few great ideas on organizing a storage unit
Ron Heizelman – Site Manager, MHS

 

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Preparing Belongings For Storage

May 27, 2022/in Recent Posts /by sue
Preparing Your Belongings For Storage

Prepare your belongings for storage

Before you pack your belongings into storage, you need to get them ready. From cleaning to taking inventory, here’s how to best prepare.

Purge

If you haven’t used something in a while or no longer want an item don’t waste money storing it. Sell it or donate it to someone who will make better use of the item.

Clean everything that’s going into storage

Before you put things into storage make sure they are clean. Why is this important? If you store something while it’s dirty, it’s only going to be worse for wear when you unpack it two, four, or twelve months later. Over time things that are stored dirty can acquire a musty smell, and stains can damage fabrics. A thorough cleaning will ensure that items don’t deteriorate while in storage. Our friends at the Uptown Laundry will have more info to help you too. https://bit.ly/3z05rqQ

Pro tips:

  • Wash clothes and linens then store them in plastic bags to prevent mold and mildew.
  • Vacuum out the crevasses and wipe all furnishings then use an appropriate protective spray on leather and fabric upholstery. Wax wood furniture.
  • Wipe the inside and outside of appliances. If applicable, run a final wash cycle with vinegar. If you are storing a washer, make sure all tanks and hoses are drained. For fridges and freezers add a moisture absorbent substance like charcoal to help prevent odors.
  • Wipe all sporting goods and kids’ toys including plush toys. Store plush toys in plastic bags.

 

Inventory what you’re storing

Person taking inventory for self storage

Take inventory for self storage

While you are cleaning your belongings, write down what’s going to be stored. Why is this important? An inventory will help you determine what size storage unit you need and how to organize that storage unit.

Pro tips:

  • Our storage calculator web page allows you to enter an inventory of your belongings and calculates what size storage unit you need. You can also email this list to yourself right from our storage calculator page.
  • Add a brief description including the item’s brand, serial number, model number, and if there is any damage to your inventory list.
  • Email a copy of your inventory list to your property insurance agent and advise them that you are putting these items into storage. This will help ensure that you have coverage for these possession’s and speed up the claims process should disaster make this necessary.

 

Make sure you get the right size of storage unit

Our easy-to-use storage calculator does the math for you. Once you’ve entered an inventory of your possessions into the calculator the graph on the right side of this web page tells you what size storage unit you need. You can then go ahead and book your storage unit either by clicking on the Rent Now button on our website, or if you need help you can call us and talk to someone in our office.

Pro tip:

  • Right now, we are experiencing high demand for storage units and have a waiting list for many sizes. Renting online allows you to quickly see and rent any size that is available. This is kind of like a gamer’s cheat code for self-storage. If the size you want isn’t available don’t give up. People come and go from self-storage units daily. So, call our office and get on the waitlist right away.
  • Self storage calculator

    Self storage calculator

Now you will need to pack your belongings. How you pack an item determines how well it survives a move, storage and then being unpacked. Watch for our next blog — How to pack your belongings like a pro so they are in good condition when you take them out of storage.

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Protect Yourself – Fraudster’s Tricks and How To Avoid Them.

October 5, 2020/in Uncategorized /by sue

I just received a phone call from Ontario, saying it was Servus Credit Union calling and that my SIN has been compromised and not to hang up as I would end up in JAIL!

I hung up. . .

In this day of heightened cyber crime being aware of how to protect yourself has become critical. Here are some tips to avoid falling into a fraudster’s trap.

Protect yourself

Read more

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Camping During Covid-19

May 14, 2020/in Uncategorized /by sue

Now that the weather is finally nice most of us have the itch to get our campers out, spruced up, and on the road to our favorite camping spot so we can enjoy our summer. Well this season it is looking very different thanks to Covid-19.

Provincial campsites will all remain closed until after a government assessment on June 21, 2020. However, the private camp grounds are under county discretion as long as they comply with rules set out by Alberta Health Services. Here’s what to prepare for this Covid camping season: Read more

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What To Do With All That Paperwork

February 24, 2020/in Uncategorized /by sue

Does your business have too much paperwork? Is it taking up office space that could be put to better use? With regulations requiring businesses hold on to their records for up to 10 years, that’s a lot of paper! So, where do you put it?

Consider self-storage for your documents. Here are some reasons why storing paperwork can help your business.  Read more

https://draytonvalleystorage.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/DraytonValleyStorage-Logo-HighRes.png 0 0 sue https://draytonvalleystorage.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/DraytonValleyStorage-Logo-HighRes.png sue2020-02-24 19:09:032020-02-24 19:09:03What To Do With All That Paperwork

Should I Store My Stuff or My Car in the Garage?

September 29, 2017/in Uncategorized /by sue

Well the answer to that depends on your needs and what you consider a priority. Here in North America we have grown accustomed to storing various items in the garage instead of using it for its intended purpose. With the cost of maintaining a vehicle rising more and more every year you may want to reconsider your priorities for storage! Read more

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Alternative Uses for Glass Packing Kits

September 11, 2017/in Uncategorized /by sue

While these packing kits are great for packing your glassware, they have alternate uses too! Read more

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The Truth about Your New Year’s Resolution to Get Organized

February 1, 2017/in Uncategorized /by sue

It’s hard to keep our New Year’s resolutions. In fact, now that it’s the end of January those New Year’s resolutions may already be in the review mirror. Was one of those resolutions to get organized and stay organized? There’s a lot we pack into each year, and for that reason a nebulous goal of “getting organized and staying organized” may be hard to achieve. Don’t give up! Here are some smaller goals that are easy to achieve that will help you reach that ultimate goal of being organized. Read more

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Organizing Your Self Storage Unit

August 9, 2016/in Uncategorized /by sue

The trailer is packed and you’ve signed your lease for your new storage unit. Now comes the fun part; Unloading. How do you pack your unit so you are able to find everything when the need arises? Here are 5 tips for organizing your storage unit to make this chore stress free come moving day.

  1. Labels. Always label your boxes – if you’re putting a variety of items in them try to add a description. This will help you organize your unit into sections. Use a brightly colored label & stack your boxes or totes with the label facing the front, so that you will be able to find things quickly in your unit.
  2. Regularly Used Items in Front. Pack the items that you will be using most towards the front of your unit. This will prevent you from having to move any extras away so you can reach them when the time comes. This includes items like seasonal wear, sports equipment, Christmas décor etc.
  3. Leave an aisle. One of the most common mistakes when storing is not leaving any room to get to the items in the back of your unit. The last thing you want to do is come to grab a box and have to move all your items out to get to it. Leave an aisle down the middle of the unit so that you’re able to reach most, if not all boxes and items.
  4. Take Pictures. When all of your items are loaded into your storage unit, take a few pictures so that you know what is in the unit and where to find it. This will save you time when you get to your unit and is especially important if you are storing long term.
  5. Draw a Map. Even if you’ve taken pictures it’s good to draw a map of where your belongings are, especially the important items that you do not use often. This will make your visit shorter if you know where these are packed away. This may include family photo albums, jewelry, tax files etc.

Using these 5 tips will not only save you time when you visit your storage unit but it will also reduce the mess you would have to make when searching through boxes to find a specific item. Have you stored before? Let us know your organizing tips in the comments below!

— Kayla Akerstrom

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Organizing? Don’t Forget the Essential First Step

June 21, 2016/in Uncategorized /by sue

“Both terms get bandied about when talking about tidying up your home, but organizing and clutter clearing are two very different things. Clearing clutter is actually removing items from your space, while organizing is putting what’s left in order. Here’s why you need to do both to have a space that feels good and functions efficiently, plus tips on which stage comes first and what to remember at each stage in the process.”

Organizing? Don’t Forget the Essential First Step

 

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WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM
CUSTOMERS WHO ARE HAPPY
WITH THEIR SELF-STORAGE
EXPERIENCE

The manager at Drayton Valley Storage, Ashley, is fantastic to deal with, is very friendly and goes the extra mile to be sure everything is just right for us. Mini pods are ideal for our special event storage. Pod was delivered to our event location right when we needed it and picked up upon our request. Can’t believe I used to store all this stuff in my office!!

COLLEEN S.

This facility was a pleasure to do business with. The unit was clean, dry and easy accessible. The office staff were pleasant and informative. I would definitely recommend them and use again if necessary.

LINDA T.

A huge shout out to Candice down at DV Storage! This girl is awesome! I wasn’t sure the size of unit needed & in telling her what I was storing she was able to set me up with the perfect size. She was very knowledgeable & patient in answering every one of my questions & even took the time to explain the app that I needed for the gate. If you are needing a storage unit she is the person to see. Thank you for doing such a fantastic job Candice.

MICHELLE M.

As a tenant of Drayton Valley Storage, this is a wonderful facility with great staff. They offer a wide variety of units to suit anyone’s needs.

KATHY C.

Well priced. Snow removal within 2 ft. of units. Friendly staff.

STUART S.

We have had the opportunity (and need) to use the portable storage services of Drayton Valley Storage twice in the past 3 years. The service has been prompt, efficient and courteous. We are grateful for their presence in our community.

DIANE N.

My trailers been parked at DV Storage for about a year now. Super convenient parking, drive in ~ drive out. Candice is always super chill and friendly. Quick to answer questions. They keep the ground as clean and dry as possible. Very impressed with Drayton Valley Storage.

SKYLAR S.
10 out of 10
5 star service !!
I started storing my items with Drayton Valley Storage mid 2016
Over the 6 years, never once encountering a situation that I needed to bring to their attention.
I wouldn’t hesitate to rent again if opportunities arose.
Always got greeted with a smile.
Scott Koch

5 Stars. Amazing customer service, friendly staff, and very great pricing!!

Cody Blackmore
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Medicine Hat Storage

3183 Gershaw Drive SW
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 3N1

(877) 415-6576

Drayton Valley Storage

7315 Township Road 490
Drayton Valley, Alberta T7A 2A2

(877) 514-7525

Lacombe Storage Center

4014 52 Avenue Lacombe
Alberta T4L 2J7

(855) 795-8584

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