FAQ / Tips

FAQ

When can I access my unit?

You can access your storage unit during office hours, which are from 8 am-6 pm, 7 days a week. Access your individually locked unit(s) through the security gate where you will be greeted by the resident manager (who is on site 24/7).

How long do I have to sign up for?

We offer month to month rentals, meaning no long term commitments; however, we do require 30 days notice prior to vacating the unit.

How can I make a payment?

Payments can be processed in person during office hours. You may also arrange to have your payment automatically charged to your credit card.

Which credit cards do you accept?

We accept Debit, Visa or MasterCard, Cash and Personal Cheques.

Do you sell locks, packing and moving supplies?

Not at this time. Locks for your unit must be supplied by you. SafeGuard and management do not accept responsibility for maintaining a replacement key or lock on the premises. Your storage unit is secure because you are the only one with a key!

Do you have outdoor storage for Boats, RV’s and other vehicles?

Yes we do! We offer both open and covered outdoor storage for your boat, RV’s and automobiles. Please contact our management team to see if we have the right spot for your vehicle – space is limited.

Can I store my car, motorcycle, lawnmower, golf cart in my unit?

Yes, you can store mechanical items in your unit. You must disconnect the battery and the fuel tank(s) must be empty. Cardboard must be placed under the item to absorb any oil leakages or spills.

Tips

Helpful Storage Tips

  • Never store anything that’s damp. Verify that everything to be stored is dry and free of dampness. If you wash your clothes prior to placing them in storage, check to make sure that they are completely dry. Anything wet or damp that is placed inside your unit will contribute to the moisture level in the air which can cause molds.
  • Properly protect your belongings. Making sure all of your possessions are adequately packed and protected is an important preventive method in limiting moisture damage. Make sure all furniture and mattresses are wrapped and covered with furniture blankets, then covered with a plastic sheet to keep out moisture. You should also place your possessions on top of wooden pallets if your unit has a concrete floor–this will keep them away from condensation.
  • Inspect your storage space. The space should be clean and undamaged with a door in good working order.
  • Determine the packing accessories you need. Paper, bubble-pack, tape, rope, drop cloths, polyurethane sheeting, furniture covers, pallets, skids, file boxes, and storage cartons.
  • Fill containers only to capacity. Partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small boxes so they are easy to lift. Protect your fragile goods with packing paper and place them near the top of your storage space.
  • Label boxes. Take home a list of the labelled boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.
  • Pack the storage space carefully. Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation. Place a pallet on concrete floors and do not lean items against walls. Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access. Use all the space available including the height. Place frequently used goods near the door.

Household Specific Storage Tips

  •  APPLIANCES: A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and some freezers (Make sure if you put something on top of a freezer it doesn’t damage the seal). Make sure stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
  • BICYCLES AND OTHER METAL ITEMS: To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
  • BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS: Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing paper to fill out pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.
  • BEDDING, CLOTHING, CURTAINS, DRAPES and LINENS: Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers in wardrobe cartons. If wardrobe cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens.
  • DISHES AND GLASSWARE: Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped: nest cups and bowls and stand plates, saucers, and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing paper. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware.
  • FURNITURE: Place a pallet or corrugated cardboard mat on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on tables, which cannot be disassembled. Finally, place a light cotton (e.g. a bed sheet) dust cover on your furniture.
  • HOLIDAY DECORATIONS: Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments and pad the ornaments with packing paper. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.
  • FABRIC ITEMS: All items need to be clean and free from anything that my attract pests.
  • LAMPS: Wrap large lamp bases in padding, wrap smaller lamps and place them in boxes, and pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamps or lamp shades.
  • MIRRORS, WINDOWS, AND SCREENS: These items should be stored on edge, not flat.
  • TOOLS: Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to retard rust. Long-handled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled and tied in bundles.

Commercial Specific Storage Tips

  • ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: All equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and dry before it is stored. Any equipment with sealing doors, such as a refrigerator, should be stored with its door slightly ajar.
  • METAL EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND OTHER METAL ITEMS: All equipment needs to be clean. To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
  • FILES, RECORDS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS: Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing paper to fill empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.
  • FABRIC ITEMS: All items need to be clean and free from anything that may attract pests.
  • FRAGILE ITEMS: Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing fragile items. All items should be individually wrapped placing the most fragile near the top of the cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing paper. When stacking boxes that contain fragile items, place these on top of those containing heavy items. Label all boxes containing delicate items “FRAGILE”.
  • OFFICE FURNITURE: Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or sheet on the floor and stand sofas on end. Disassemble furniture and wrap table legs in paper. If furniture, such as a table, will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with legs pointing up. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on other furniture. Keep upholstery off the floor. Finally, place a light dust cover over your furniture.

THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR STORAGE IN NANAIMO AND ALL OF VANCOUVER ISLAND

For quality, secure self storage units, and experienced customer service call SafeGuard Mini Storage.