Storage and Moving – A Perfect Match

We’ve said this before. Moving can be one of life’s most stressful events. But like most things in life, if you plan ahead, you can make things a little easier for yourself. Once you know you’re going to move, start planning – time can move quickly and you want to avoid feeling stressed.

There are several excellent moving checklists online designed to help you decide what belongings you should keep with you for your move. The rest, you will need to decide if you want to throw away, give away or sell. And when you decide to keep more stuff than you want in your new place, Planet Storage can provide a great storage solution.

Depending on how fat your wallet is and how much time you have, investigate having a moving company move your stuff. It will eliminate a tonne of stress. Then, to take it one step further, clearly mark your items with notes that show where they are heading with coloured markers. Colored sticky notes can be another alternative to help tell you at a glance what your plans are for a particular box or item. Although, they tend to fall off.

Self-Storage can play an important role in this game of moving residences. Especially when you have just sold your place and need to move out, but you haven’t found a new place to call home. Many people in the Toronto area store their stuff with us while they search for a new place to live.

There are other reasons of course. Maybe you have inherited some fancy old furniture or even received some extra-large presents from a loved one that you don’t know where to put just yet. The best place for stuff like that is in a climate controlled self-storage unit at Planet Storage.

Whatever your reason, give us a call to find out how we can help you store your stuff. 🙂

Keeping Memories Or Creating Clutter: What To Keep From Your Childhood

I know exactly what happened. You recently came across a box full of old memories. Maybe it was intentional, maybe it was by accident. But when you found that box of old stuff, the nostalgia was incredible. Maybe even a little overwhelming?

Our childhood heirlooms have the incredible power to take us back to a time when life was much simpler and different.

A Cluttered Childhood: Cleaning out Old Belongings

We cherish these belongings for their intrinsic value. You can’t put a price on them. And parting with them? Forget about it. So we store them. Either at home or in a self storage unit at a local facility.

Deep down though, we wrestle with the idea that not every memento should be kept until the end of time and we are faced with the inevitability of either giving them away or throwing them in the trash.

What Should you Keep?

We tend to keep things that we know we can pass on to future generations, especially if they have been in the family for a long time. But what about stuff like aged high school and college clothing or old posters or even love letters from that guy or girl from 25 years ago? That stuff probably better belongs in a second hand store or the dump.

Its an emotional journey but there are two questions that will really help you as you decide what to keep and what to throw away:  Does this item create clutter in my home? And will the memory remain if I simply take a picture of it?

There’s no need to fill your house with items that you can take a picture with your iPhone. If the picture can suffice, then take your shot and send the physical item to the trash!

And if the idea of that is just too much, maybe storing it Planet Storage would be a great way for you to keep the items for a little while longer until you decide what to do with them 🙂

Storage for Santa

Here is a fantastic infographic that I found on Sparefoot.com that I thought I would share because its fun. The original post can be found here: http://blog.sparefoot.com/7171-storing-santas-gifts-infographic/

Enjoy 🙂

Things You Should Not Keep in Your Storage Unit

Your indoor self-storage unit is a great place to keep unused furniture, seasonal equipment or holiday decorations. But there are a number of items you should never leave in storage, and here is a brief list of those things to guide you:

Electronic Devices

Computers, flat-screen televisions and stereo equipment are all susceptible to changes in temperature. If absolutely need to store electronic equipment of any kind, opt for a temperature-controlled unit which will manage fluctuations in temperature. Extreme heat or cold has the potential to damage your equipment permanently.

Medical Equipment

Some medical supplies or pharmaceuticals can be stored in your self-storage unit, but anything that contains radioactive materials cannot be legally kept in storage. X-ray machines are one example of these machines that should be in a controlled and regularly monitored space.

Perishable Items

Never store perishable food items or plants in your storage unit. Foods can spoil and attract pests like rodents or insects, which can damage the other things in your unit. Perishable items can also cause odors that might seep into your fabrics.

Toxic or Flammable Materials

Items that can be dangerous like kerosene, lamp or motor oil, compressed gas, propane tanks or gasoline should not be kept in self-storage. Other hazardous materials include paint, fertilizer, acid, grease or corrosives. You should also never store fireworks, explosives or ammunition because they can put staff at risk if they combust.

So there you have it. Some tips on what you can’t store in your self storage unit. If you currently have some or all of these types of items in your unit, the smart play would be to get them out as soon as possible 🙂

 

8 Interesting Statistics On Clutter

You straighten up closets, clean out corners, and move things to the garage, but stacks and boxes keep multiplying. You need two things: motivation and modern self-storage. Here are eight clutter statistics guaranteed to help inspire.

1.  WE WEAR 20% OF THE CLOTHES WE OWN 80% OF THE TIME

This stat seems to beg the question – Do we really need this many clothes if we aren’t wearing them often?

2.  THE AVERAGE CANADIAN SPENDS 12 WEEKS A YEAR LOOKING FOR ITEMS THEY OWN BUT CAN’T FIND

Collectively, we burn up more than nine million hours a day hunting for things that we know are somewhere around the house. In this case, misery doesn’t love company. It just wishes the clutter would go away and let you reclaim all that lost time.

3.  ELIMINATING CLUTTER CUTS HOUSEWORK BY 40% IN AN AVERAGE HOME

It’s dusty, disorganized and in the way. You freshen it up, rearrange it and move it to a new spot. If you think there’s something wrong with cleaning around clutter, it needs to go. Getting rid of it eliminates 40 percent of the chores around your home.

4.  25% OF PEOPLE WITH 2-CAR GARAGES DON’T PARK ANY CARS IN THEM

Remember when there was plenty of room for two? If squeezing in one is a battle, you’re among the 32 percent of homeowners with two-car garages who are losing the battle with clutter. Give it time, and you’ll join the 25 percent who can’t park anything in the garage.

5.  COSTS AN AVERAGE OF $10 PER SQ. FT. TO STORE ITEMS IN YOUR HOUSE

Mortgage payments, utility bills, taxes and general expenses make that 12-inch by 12-inch corner in the den worth $10. Compared to the value of your home’s floor space, monthly rent for a climate controlled self storage unit at Planet Storage is an inexpensive investment that conquers clutter.

6.  A TYPICAL HOME CONTAINS $1600 WORTH OF UNUSED CLUTTER

What’s a good resale price on the old Jet Ski? Were you impressed with the appraisal value of that inherited china collection? Did you know that the typical home fills up with clutter valued at approximately $1,600? Tuck it away in a safe self-storage unit, and cash in at your convenience.

7.  SERIOUS HOARDING PROBLEMS ARE PRESENT IN AT LEAST 1 IN 50 PEOPLE

One out of 50 people are prone to hoarding. For another one out of 20, the situation will grow into a serious problem. Letting things pile up is a nuisance, but harmless clutter can escalate into an obsession that takes over the space and lives inside a home.

8.  ONE OF THE MOST COMMON STRESS TRIGGERS – WORRYING THE HOUSE ISN’T CLEAN ENOUGH OR ORGANIZED ENOUGH

If you worry that the house isn’t clean enough and admit that disorganization is part of the problem, you’re in good company. Canadians list “clutter” as one of the top things they wish they didn’t have to worry about. A mess around the house triggers stress.

Now that you’re inspired, it’s time to conquer the clutter. For a few dollars a month, you can reclaim time, space and peace of mind at home. Life’s easier when everything has its own space, so enjoy the advantages of a modern, secure self-storage facility. Come visit us at Planet Storage and we’ll help you reclaim your space!

See you soon 🙂

 

Motorcycle Storage

Those wheels mean a lot to you, so they deserve a secure home away from home. Whether you’re reclaiming garage space, changing addresses or just need an extra parking spot, Planet Storage can help store your motorcycle through the winter.

So Many Good Reasons

Are you a weekend rider with a crowded garage? Is your bike a work in progress?  Do you own a vintage bike that’s as much a personal treasure as it is your summer mode of transportation? Do you want to keep your motorcycle safe from theft and vandalism, and in an indoor unit that protects it from our Canadian winter weather?  Planet Storage has a number of solutions for you.

Affordable Indoor Motorcycle Storage

If you’re thinking about a short OR long-term parking solution for the bike, an indoor self storage unit provides an environment that keeps your wheels in top shape. We have sizes that fit every need and leasing options that work with every budget. Our friendly staff can help you choose the best indoor storage unit for your motorcycle.

• Minimum storage unit size required is 5 feet by 10 feet.
• All units feature metal roll-up doors.
• 24/7 access.
• All units individually alarmed.

Before You Store

While our facilities are insured, we don’t cover vehicles, so make sure your motorcycle carries the required insurance. When you arrange to store with us, you’ll also need proof of valid registration and title, and the bike must be in running condition. If you need tips on long-term motorcycle storage, our helpful pros are happy to answer all your questions.

Whether you’re storing your bike in a smaller unit to get it out of the way for the winter so you can enjoy your garage back home. Or in a larger unit that can double as a mechanics paradise to work on your hobby bike. Planet storage is an excellent option to store your precious wheels. We look forward to meeting you soon 🙂

 

How to Properly Store a Refrigerator

Thank goodness you don’t have to move a refrigerator into self storage everyday. It’s a big job that requires a little planning, but it doesn’t have to turn into a heavy-duty headache. The fridge needs a complete cleaning, careful moving and its own safe spot in a climate-controlled storage unit.

1. Time and a Manual Help

Part of an efficient refrigerator’s job is maintaining a moist environment. That’s great for food storage, but it works against you once the unit’s unplugged. Without a thorough cleaning and drying, every surface becomes a petri dish for mold and mildew. It’s important to give the fridge time to air out before moving it to climate-controlled self storage. Removing the doors speeds up this process and makes it easier to clean inside and out. Now’s the time to find that owner’s manual. This little book diagrams your refrigerator’s anatomy for easy disassembly. If you can’t locate the guide, a quick online search will turn up the right manual for your model.

2. Choose Your Cleaners Carefully

Hot, soapy water is great for cleaning the exterior of your refrigerator, but the interior needs a different approach. Shelving and storage bins prefer a solution of one quart of warm water mixed with two tablespoons of baking soda. Don’t use abrasives or harsh cleaners because they scratch plastic and etch stainless steel. Put an old toothbrush to work scrubbing tight corners and door seals. When you’re ready to clean the back coils and tubing, unplug the fridge, and use a hand vacuum or soft cloth. If your refrigerator has a water and ice dispenser, don’t forget to drain the holding tank. Let your handy owner’s manual be your guide to safely disconnecting everything.

3. Move It Like a Pro

Most refrigerators weigh between 250 and 300 pounds. That’s a lot of bulk to move around, so don’t try to muscle it across any surface. Take out all the drawers and shelving, and enlist the help of a willing friend and a sturdy dolly. Tilt the fridge slightly, slide the dolly in place, and slowly set it level. It’s important to keep the tilt to a minimum because too much angling will push compressor fluids into the condenser. A refrigerator can topple over more easily than you think, so be careful with the moving process. Cover the fridge with a blanket, securely strap it to the dolly, and use a strong ramp to load it on the truck. Tie everything down, and take your time with the drive.

4. Use Smart Storage Strategies

Your refrigerator and your back deserve a self storage unit with drive-up access. The convenience of unloading at your unit’s entrance saves time and work. If you haven’t removed the fridge door yet, now’s the time. Climate-controlled self storage combats humidity, but your refrigerator stays fresher without the door, and its removal adds a layer of safety if you have kids that might visit the unit. Keep drawers from becoming dust bins by storing them upside down inside the fridge, and place hardware in plastic bags stored on the shelves. Toss a clean sheet over the refrigerator, and congratulate yourself on a big job well done.

Getting a refrigerator ready for storage is easy when you invest a little time in proper cleaning and a careful move. Kitchen duty is hard, so let your fridge relax in secure, climate-controlled self storage. You’ll both enjoy a fresh start when it’s time to retrieve your coolest appliance.

See you soon 🙂

Five Factors Affecting Self Storage Prices

Self-storage is a fantastic way to store anything that you don’t want to clutter up your home or garage. The units are available in many sizes and most are completely secure. The storage unit prices in the Greater Toronto Area will depend on several things, including the size, whether or not it is climate controlled, accessibility, and its location.

Size

The first thing to consider is that storage units come in a variety of sizes. Some are as small as closets; others are spacious enough to accommodate two cars and a few articles of furniture comfortably. In most cases, the larger the unit is, the more you can expect to pay to store your things. You can contact your self-storage provider in Dallas to determine the sizes that are available and obtain pricing for them. Some of the common sizes include:

• 5ftx5ft – These are the size of a large closet or half bathroom and are designed for storing boxes or other small items.
• 5ftx10ft – These units can be compared to a traditional walk-in closet. They can fit about a room’s worth of furniture, including a couch, chair, dresser, etc.
• 10×15 – This size can comfortably fit the furnishings of a two-bedroom house or apartment. The size can be compared to that of a large bedroom.
• 10×20 – This unit is the size of a single-car garage and is perfect for storing the items from three- to four-bedroom homes.

Climate Control

The GTA can get very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. There are some items that may not stand up to exposure to these extremes, and this is when you will want to consider a climate controlled unit. If you are going to store treasures like guitars and pianos, this is vital to prevent warping and other damage. What’s more, if you’ll be frequently adding to or removing from your unit, it won’t be sweltering or freezing inside.

Accessibility

Another factor to think about when it comes to pricing self-storage units in the GTA is their overall accessibility. There are several different factors that go into this, too. They include:

• Multi-level facilities. If there is more than one floor, you can expect that access to first-floor storage will come at a premium price.
• Indoor Access. Some self-storage units are located in huge warehouse-like buildings that boast a common area, allowing you inside entry. In some cases, the owners may charge a premium for this, too. However, it is important to consider that it may take more effort to load and unload your items to and from a vehicle.
• Outdoor Access. There are units that have outdoor access, or sometimes referred to as drive-up access. These types of storage units can a bit cheaper compared to an indoor unit as they are typically not climate-controlled.

Security

Security is a big deal when it comes to storage facilities, especially in a big city like Toronto. You should ask the manager these five questions about the security of the facility. Find out whether there is camera surveillance, if a security guard is on patrol, how sound the locking mechanisms are, and whether or not you will be immediately notified if a break-in is attempted. Again, expect to pay more for better security measures.

Location

Something else to consider is the location of the self-storage unit. It is likely that those located in the heart of the city will be more expensive than those in the suburbs or even out in the rural areas. Since they are convenient, they will often cost more. The best way to get a great deal is to check several different facilities to discover which one fits your needs as well as your budget.

For more information feel free to visit the Planet Storage webpage for information or call 416-766-1655 to speak with a storage consultant.

See you soon 🙂

 

Where Can I Store My Collectors Items and Collections?

Finding something you love to collect is an enjoyable experience. Usually people find something that they are interested in and fall in love with it in its many forms. That love can turn into a beautiful collection to use, display and share with others. Whether you collect coins, records, stamps or china, you have probably wondered about the best way to keep your collection safe.

Why Do I Need Storage For My Collector’s Items?

Collections by nature, begin to grow and can quickly take over. Unless you live in a really large house with unlimited space, storage of your collection is often hard to come by. If you have an extensive collection that is taking up a lot of space in your home, it can end up over-flowing into living areas leaving less room to move around and make getting around uncomfortable.

So here’s a great solution. Self Storage

By placing your collection into self-storage, it will be safe and accessible without taking up your living space in your home. For an added layer of protection, look into climate controlled storage, which will help prevent damage from humidity and temperature swings.

What Kinds Of Collections Can You Store In Self Storage?

The list of collections that you can put into self-storage is almost unlimited. Here are just a few:

• Comic books – Storing comics in a climate-controlled space is imperative to prevent moisture damage to your beloved comic book collection.
• Coins – While individual coins don’t take up a lot of space, a decent collection will take up plenty. Be sure to have a solid lock in place to keep them safe.
• Records – Vinyl records are susceptible to heat. You need to protect them from extreme temperatures in a climate controlled unit.
• Quilts – Fabrics offer an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. Keep them dry and do not store them in plastic bags.
• Craft supplies – Many craft items are paper or fabric based. A climate controlled unit is the best option for these sensitive items.
• Antiques – This category covers a lot of different things. Whether you collect old furniture, Depression glass, or other antiques, a climate-controlled unit will keep them all safe.
• Stuffed collectibles – Beanie Babies are just one example. Protecting them from extreme temperatures and high levels of humidity is important if you want to resell them.

Check with your self-storage facility to find out any restrictions on what you are allowed to store inside a unit.

As always, the staff at Planet Storage are happy to answer any questions you have. Drop in and speak with us anytime. We look forward to seeing you soon 🙂

 

How To Store A Television

Someone came in today and asked about storing electronics…specifically storing their TV, and whether we had any tips to store it safely. I said “sure, here’s what you want to do…”

Climate-Controlled Unit

In order to properly store your television, you’ll need to rent a climate-controlled unit. Heat and humidity, as well as extreme cold, can wreak havoc on your TV’s electrical components and break your screen. The key is, when you store your TV, you want it to still be working and in one piece when you finally take it out.

Pack It Up

Like anything else, keeping your Plasma (or LED or LCD) protected comes from packing it properly. If you have the original packaging for your TV, simply place your TV in its box and add Styrofoam or packing peanuts as necessary.

If you didn’t keep your box, don’t worry. Find a fleece blanket, quilt, or comforter, and you can wrap the TV in the blanket and secure the padding with rope or packing tape. After you have secured the padding, place your TV in a slim, cardboard box that will stop your TV from moving. If you’re set on getting an old TV box, you can always go to an electronics store and ask, too.

Keep It Elevated and Upright

Another storage tip when it comes to storing your TV is to keep it elevated and standing up. Put your packaged TV on another sturdy piece of furniture in your unit (like a table or desk) to keep it from falling or getting kicked.

Invest in a Quality Lock

Self-storage is convenient and many places have individually alarmed units so they are very safe. But if you’re a nervous nelly about your valuable possessions being tampered with or stolen, investing in a quality lock is a sound investment.

So there you have it. If you follow these simple strategies to protect your TV in storage, it will be in perfect working order when you pull it out a few months later.

Until next time 🙂