Storage Tips

Storage Basics Overview

The tips you will find on this page were designed to save you time throughout your renting experience. The Village leverages years of experience which allows us to provide the information we find most useful to our customers.

Whether you want to get familiar with self-storage basics or would like to know how to store at our storage container yard, this collection of useful advice is sure to help you at some point during your time with us. Skim over the tips and let us know if you have any questions!

Finding a storage unit can be an overwhelming task, especially if you aren't familiar with all of the options and features available. It's best to assess all of your storage needs before you even search for a local storage facility.

Consider how long you might need the storage unit. Many facilities offer discounts for long-term storage, but some may also have specials for temporary rentals.

Estimate how much space you will require. Save money by only renting the space you need. Feel free to use the self storage calculator to help you. Many facilities will store larger items including cars, camper and other motorized vehicles.

How often will you need to access the unit? Some facilities are accessible 24/7 and may even have drive-up access. Hours of operations range from facility to facility and should be taken into consideration depending on your needs.

Are any of the items you plan to store sensitive to temperature or humidity? If so, you will most likely need a climate-controlled storage unit. Typically the following items need to be stored indoors with some type of climate-control: leathers, furs, clothing, paintings, film, photographs, furniture, antiques, musical instruments, wine, paper, software, DVDs, CDs and electronics.

All storage facilities should have secure units, but if you require additional security for your possessions ask the facility if they have any of the following: fencing, surveillance cameras, motion lights, alarms, guards or a police presence.

You may also want to consider mobile storage for your items. If you decide to use mobile storage, a unit will be brought to you and removed after you have packed it. The unit will be stored at the facility or can be shipped to another location. The cost and features of mobile storage are comparable to self-storage but if you require regular access to your belongings, it may not be the best option for your needs.

Check out more detailed storage tips on the left hand side of this page. There's a storage solution for every situation.

Choosing A Storage Facility Or Storage Unit

If moving, do you want to pack and store items yourself or hire someone to do it for you?
If you value ease and saving time over saving money, you may want to hire professional movers who will come and pack up your belongings, move your items to their company-run storage site and then pack them up again and move them to your new destination. Make sure that you do your homework before hiring a mover. You’ll want to know that the company you hire is a reputable one before you entrust them with your valuables. Another thing to consider is that if you pack and store the items yourself you will have to pay for insurance, which can be costly. When hiring someone to do the work for you, insurance is often included in the cost of their services.

Do you need more time to pack, or want closer proximity to stored items?
You also may opt to rent a mobile storage unit. The mobile storage company will bring the storage unit to your house where you can pack it at your own pace. Then, they will move it to your new destination where you can unpack at your own pace. Some companies also offer to help with the packing for an added fee.

Are the items you wish to store sensitive to cold, heat, moisture or dust?
If you are storing valuable items such as documents, furs, electronics, computer equipment, stereos or television sets you may want to opt for a climate-controlled unit. Many storage facilities also offer dust-free storage for your sensitive electronics.

Will want to switch out the storage contents seasonally?
Often you will want to store your summer wardrobe or seasonal household items such as swimming pool equipment or patio furniture during the winter months. During the summer you may want to store your family’s skis, snowmobile, snow blower and shovels. Space may vary for these items and perhaps even the need for climate or dust control. Make sure that you consider all your possible needs before renting your unit.

Do you need 24 hour tenant access?
Be aware that not all facilities will allow you access to the unit during any given time of the day or night. Rules vary from one facility to the next. While some units are accessible 24 hours a day, other facilities have limited hours of operation that limit access to your belongings. Check the rules before signing a contract if round-the-clock access is important to you.

Do you need to store large items such as cars, campers or other motorized vehicles?
Self storage can be a great option for storing vehicles. If needed, you can rent a climate-controlled unit to help preserve these items. You will want to be sure that you rent from a company with an established reputation. Safety is another factor to consider. You will rest easier knowing that your valuables are properly secured.

Is the storage facility you chose secure?
Compare the safety and security features of facilities before renting. Ask if there are security cameras on the premises. Is the facility equipped with motion lights or otherwise well lit? Some storage facilities offer security alarms and security fences. Still other locations have an onsite manager living on the premises who will keep an eye on whose coming and going. They will alert the police of any suspicious activity.

Equipment Storage

Equipment storage requires special facilities:

Zoning must allow for commercial and Equipment Storage.
The facility must be sized to accomodate large Lowboy trailers.
The facility must have the right surface materials.
Many large loads must be transported at night, we are open 24/7/365.
For short term equipment storage please call ahead for rates and availability.

Car Storage

For owners of classic, antique and vintage cars, sports cars and racing cars, storing your seldom-used car in a storage unit is often a viable option. Whether your car is an expensive one that you display in auto shows and parades or just an average car holding only personal sentimental value, you will want to know how to best prepare your car for storage. Proper storage will extend the life of your vehicle, keep it looking like new and running in top condition.

Storing your vehicle in an enclosed, climate-controlled self storage unit is essential. A damp storage unit will cause rust damage to vehicles. Keeping your car in an enclosed storage unit will keep your car safe from theft and vandalism, as well as nature’s elements. Components such as snow, rain, heat and hail and dust can damage your vehicle and greatly depreciate its value. Placing your car in storage will also protect it from the possibility of being hit by another vehicle. You will want to choose a storage unit that is in close proximity to your home so that you can check on it frequently.

Before storing a vehicle, be sure to check with your insurance carrier. Many insurance companies offer coverage especially written to protect your car while in storage. Such off road coverage can offer significant savings over the road insurance coverage.

While preparing a car for storage, keep the following check list handy and be sure to follow it carefully so that your vehicle will run to its optimal performance level and continue to look like new when it’s time to take it out of storage.

Gather the tools and supplies that you may need before you get started. Some supplies you will need to have handy are various quality cleaners and protectants, a tire gauge, plastic drop cloth, cotton cloth, mothballs and mouse traps. Other items you will need are plastic bags, duct tape, fuel stabilizer, WD40, desiccant sacs, jack and jack stands. You may also need a large wood block for the battery and thin wood trim pieces for under the wind shield wipers. Make sure that you have adequate amounts of each type of fluid on hand to top off all of your fluids.

Clean Your Car thoroughly both inside and out. Wash the exterior and use a buffer over the entire exterior of the car to buff out all imperfections and apply a good coat of wax. This will protect the exterior from corrosion. Consider having this professionally done.

Wipe the mirrors clean. Dirt and residue left on mirrors for long periods of time can cause rust and corrosion.

Remove all trash and debris from the interior of the car. Vacuum it thoroughly to remove all pet hair and food crumbs. Use a stain remover to scrub away any and all stains from the carpet and upholstery. Use an air freshener spray to remove all odors from the inside of your car. Remove all items from the trunk of your car and don’t neglect to properly clean the carpet in the trunk area as well.

Repairs that may be needed should be done prior to placing your car in storage to prevent further deterioration.

Change the oil and filter one to two days before putting it into storage. Used oil contains acids, moisture and other combustion byproducts that will cause engine corrosion over time especially when the car sits for long periods.

Drive your car for several miles after the oil change and before storing it to allow the oil to circulate throughout the entire engine.

Pull the spark plugs and add about a teaspoon of engine oil inside of each cylinder. Replace the spark plugs – doing this will coat the inside of the cylinders to prevent rust.

Seal off all engine openings using absorbent cotton cloth. This will absorb any moisture to protect the engine. It will also deter bugs and mice from getting inside. Use cotton cloth to fill other openings in the exhaust pipes and other openings. Be sure to write this down on your maintenance check list to remind yourself to remove the cotton cloth when taking your car out of storage, prior to driving it again.

Spray the exposed metal surfaces of your engine with a good lubricant such as WD40 to prevent rust. The WD40 will quickly evaporate, causing a protectant film to cover the carb body, hose clamps, coils and other parts.

Fill the gas tank to prevent moisture and air from getting into your tank. However, if storing in a poorly ventilated unit where gas fumes may create a problem, keep the gas tank only half full.

Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Be sure to drive the car around for about 10 miles after adding the fuel stabilizer to allow it to circulate throughout the system. Neglecting to add a fuel stabilizer can cause the gas to break down, causing it to form gum and varnish when it deteriorates.

Check the color of the brake fluid. The brake fluid should look clear. If the brake fluid is brown and looks dirty, the brake fluid needs to be flushed out and refilled with new fluid. When brake fluid gets old, it contains moisture which can rust the break system. Be sure that the brake, clutch and master cylinders are both full of brake fluid. Brake fluid absorbs water quickly. It is recommended that the brake and clutch fluid be bled out annually to purge the system of contaminated brake fluid.

Flush transmission fluid, steering fluid and engine coolant if it appears dirty to prevent corrosion to their systems. If these fluids are clear, top them off to prevent air and moisture from getting inside which will also cause damage.

Convertible Tops should be stored with the top left up. When the convertible top is left open for long periods, it can develop large, ugly looking creases. Treat the convertible top with silicone or other lubricant. Desiccant sacs can be placed inside the interior of the car on the floor. This will keep moisture that may form from humidity from damaging the top.

Tires can go bad when sitting in storage for long periods. They can develop dry rot and flat spots. Avoid using products to give your tires a shine as they will dry out the tires and increase dry rot. Over inflate the tires slightly to 37 or 38 psi to prevent flat spots. Have tires checked for leaks and have them repaired before storage. Tires with an “H” rating or higher will do best in storage.

Refer to your owner’s manual when caring for your battery. Some car specialists suggest removing the battery and placing it on a wooden block so the battery won’t be drained. Others suggest leaving the battery in the car but disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the battery. Still other car specialists insist that the battery should be left intact in the car to prevent voltage spikes. Voltage spikes can do major damage to components.

A Storage Switch can be found on some cars. When flipping this switch, the battery shuts off, preventing the battery from draining and deters theft.

Roll up the windows and close vents to protect your car against moisture and from bugs and mice getting inside.

Check hoses for bulges and cracks, and have them replaced if they show extensive damage.

Exhaust Pipes can be protected from moisture and pests from getting inside by placing a plastic bag over the exhaust pipe opening and sealing it around the exhaust pie with duct tape.

Windshield Wipers remove the blades and place thin wood strips, or white cotton cloth under the wipers to prevent them from scratching the windows.

Park the car on a plastic sheet or on jacks. Make sure the emergency break is off to prevent it from sticking.

Cover your car with a tarp to keep it safe from dust.

Set moth balls around the outside of the car and mouse traps to keep pests away.

Visit your car at least once a month; start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. WARNING: make sure you leave the door to your storage unit open when running the engine for proper ventilation. When possible, take your car for a quick drive to get all parts moving.

Revive the car after long storage. Open all windows to air out your car. Remove the cotton cloth placed in all pipe openings. Remove the plastic bag from the exhaust pipe. Check all fluids. Reinstall the battery and make sure it is fully charged. Take your car for a drive.

Boat Storage

Taking the proper precautions is very important if you want your boat to be ready to use when spring comes. Failure to winterize your boat can cause significant damage such as cracks, leaks, corrosion, and frozen pipes. Freezing, dormancy, moisture, and corrosion can lead to large repair bills. In order to avoid costly repairs in the spring, it is important to take the proper precautions in the fall.

Here are some necessary steps to take when winterizing your boat:

Find a storage location
Your options are storing in your garage, in your driveway or backyard, rack storage, a marina, or a storage facility. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for rules on safety, instructions on towing capacity, and storage tips.

Clean.
Be sure to give your boat a thorough cleaning inside and out. This will also let you discover anything that might need repair before putting your boat away until the spring. It will let you take care of any spills or messes that you may not have been aware of, and thus let you avoid having to uncover any mysterious odors in the spring. Clean your boat and apply a rust inhibitor on your steering and control cables and on the metal hardware.

Repair damages
It is best to handle anything that is broken, worn, or damaged in the fall when boatyards are less busy than in the springtime rush. You also don’t want to leave something like a crack sitting all winter long, as damage could become worse.

Remove electronics
All electronics should be removed and stored in a safe, dry, and warm place.

Prevent mildew
Things such as cushions, curtains, sails, personal flotation devices, and fire extinguishers should also be stored. Lockers and drawers should be propped open to air out, and the refrigerator should be emptied out. To avoid mildew, keep the moisture inside your boat in suspension and on the move. A dehumidifier can help increase the interior air temperature and prevent moisture, as it keeps the air circulating inside the boat. Be sure to place some boxes of baking soda throughout your boat to absorb moisture.

Drain
Drain the fluid from your manifolds and engine blocks, water pumps, and coolers. Be sure to drain and fill the gearcase with gearcase lubricants. Drain the port-a-potty, fresh water tank, and hot water heater. Add non-toxic antifreeze to your water tank, hot water heater, and port-a-potty.

Fuel and antifreeze
Fill the gas tank to prevent condensation, oxidation, and gas spoilage. Be sure to add stabilizer to preserve the gas and prevent damage to the fuel system. Run the engine for about 15 minutes to make sure the stabilizer reaches the gas in your fuel lines. Put antifreeze into the cooling system and into the supply lines for the water faucets and shower.

Monitor oil
Run the engine to warm it up and change the oil while it is warm. Dirty engine oil can thicken after long-term storage and make it difficult to start the boat when you are done storing it. Be sure to change the oil filter, too.

Prepare the engine
You’ll also want to change the transmission fluid, remove spark plugs, and use “fogging oil” on each cylinder. Spray a towel with fogging oil or WD-40 and wipe down the engine.

Paint
Sand the bottom of the boat and repaint it to prevent rust.

Prepare the battery
Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery. Clean the terminal ends, wash the battery with a solution of water and baking soda, and rinse it with distilled water. Apply a light coating of grease to the terminal ends of the battery and cables. Be sure to use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged. Store it in a dry, safe place and off of concrete.

Inspect the stern drive
Thoroughly inspect the stern drive and remove any plants or barnacles from the lower unit. For stern drives with rubber boots, be sure to check for cracks or holes. Make sure you grease all fittings and check your fluid levels.

Clean bilges
Bilges should be clean and dry. Use soap, hot water, and a stiff brush to clean up any spills from oil. Once the bilges are clean, spray them with a moisture-displacing lubricant and add antifreeze to prevent water from freezing.

Choose a proper cover
Be sure to cover your boat tightly before storing it, even if it is being stored indoors. Make sure that whatever cover you choose has good ventilation. Also be certain there are no tears or damages to the cover.

Most insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by lack of maintenance, so winterizing is very important. The best way to winterize your boat is to check your owner’s manual; every boat is different. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help and ask lots of questions if you have never winterized before. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

RV Storage (Courtesy of https://gorving.ca/resource/tips-for-rv-storage/)

PREVENT BROKEN PIPES

Drain all the water in your water heater. You don’t want any water inside to freeze! As for the empty pipes – you have the option of adding antifreeze or draining and drying them completely with a low-pressure air blow-out method. If you choose antifreeze, a pro-tip is to drain and bypass your water heater when pumping antifreeze.

If you skip this step, your pipes will be prone to freezing and cracking, and pumps will fail. Not a good way to start off your next season!

PREVENT MOLD AND ODOURS

After you’ve cleaned out all your cupboards and the refrigerator, it’s best to leave all these doors open through the winter to prevent mold and odors.
Other tricks include leaving dryer sheets, baking soda and small, open containers of kitty litter around your trailer. These soak up moisture and odours while the doors are closed all winter.

Another tip to avoid moisture: remove or raise fabric cushions and mattresses. Prop them against walls to leave room for air to move below them.

DETER UNWANTED HOUSEGUESTS

Rodents and bugs love winterized RVs. Check all your seams are sealed, plug pipes with bronze wool, and consider removing any soft fabrics like cushions and mattresses from your RV for the winter. Cover or close all vents to keep the small creepy crawlies out.

AVOID FLAT SPOTS ON TIRES

Tires don’t fare well in the cold. Two things to do to avoid flat spots: inflate your tires to the appropriate level and use jack stands to alleviate some weight.

SHOULD YOU COVER YOUR RV?

Now that you’ve winterized your RV, the cover or not cover debate is a hot topic for some. You have a few seasonal storage options under both categories. Which will you choose?

Some RVers are lucky enough to also have large backyards to install garage-like structures to cover your RV. Some companies offer DIY steel building kits to create these self-storage options for trailers relatively easily. These are also good for weekenders who bring their rig home with them every week.

Another option: opt for a fabric RV cover. These offer water and top protection, but are sometimes tricky to put on and take off. You also lose easy access for the entire storage period. However, these are affordable and are good for park site storage if you have a permanent site.

The most expensive, but sometimes safest option: store your RV at a dealership’s warehouse for the winter. Oftentimes, they’ll even winterize it for you. Just be aware that you know what you’re getting before you sign because some paid storage options are still outdoors!

HOW TO STORE YOUR RV

We the great outdoors all summer long, but after all the adventure is over and we pack up for the winter, the Canadian elements can start to take a toll on our RV. Here are some precautionary measures you can take when storing your RV to ensure it stays in excellent condition season after season.

Unless your RV is kept inside a heated building, the top priority is to protect the RV water systems from freezing. This involves the fresh water lines, water heater, waste tanks and drains, and the icemaker, washing machine and dish washer if you have those. There are two methods for RV winterizing the fresh water system: The Antifreeze Method (adding enough antifreeze to the water in the system to prevent freezing or the Blow-out Method (removing all water from the system).
Keep your RV protected from the elements by keeping it in covered or indoor storage. Never cover your RV with a tarp or non-breathable fabric, as moisture condensation can be extremely damaging.
Wash your RV frequently after trips to remove surface grime that can damage the exterior if allowed to build up. Wax the exterior using a quality wax formulated for your RV’s exterior finish, it’s the most effective way of protecting your RV from damming dirt, grime and roadway chemicals.
Check for water damage regularly. Inspect all seals and caulking for signs of wear, and repair promptly with approved RV sealant.
Scrub off black streaks as soon as you discover them. Wait too long and you may not be able to remove them completely.
Remove food as it is common for mice and insects will be attracted by the smells and a warm home for winter. So clean out the fridge, remove the snack packs ‘ even if sealed in plastic.

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