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10 Things You Shouldn’t Store In a Garage

If you want to store items in your garage that you don’t have room for in your house, you could be in for a surprise later. Moisture, heat and pests can damage or destroy your belongings. In fact, some of those items could even become dangerous when stored improperly.

Before you stash another box or unused item in your garage, make sure it’s safe to do so. We compiled this list of 10 things that should never be stored in a garage.

These items should never be stored in your garage:

Food

You should never store food of any kind in your garage. Fresh food attracts rats and other pests, which can easily break into bags and cardboard boxes. Canned goods don’t fare much better. Temperature fluctuations can cause bacteria to grow inside cans, and humidity can cause the cans’ metal and the metal lids on glass jars to rust. In turn, the rust can cause a chemical reaction in the food that makes it unfit for consumption.

Alcohol

Beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages shouldn’t be stored in the garage either. Light and heat can alter their taste and even turn wine into vinegar. Instead, make room for them in a dark, cool place inside your home.

Paint cans

You’re not alone if you store leftover paint in your garage. However, the extreme temperatures of your garage, basement or attic can ruin your paint, rendering it useless. To keep your paint at its best, store it in a utility closet or laundry room.

Propane

Since propane tanks can leak, they’re a potential hazard when kept in your garage. Just one spark can start a fire when a leaking propane tank is present. Store propane tanks in a well-ventilated area a safe distance from your home.

Firewood

Pests like spiders and termites make their home in piles of stacked wood. If that wood is stored your garage, those pests can easily infiltrate your living space. Avoid an infestation by storing firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.

Pet food

Like human food, pet food shouldn be kept anywhere but in your garage. Although temperature won’t affect pet food the same way it does your food, rats and other pests can easily chew through pet food bags. If you must store it in the garage, keep it in a tightly sealed plastic or metal container.

Plywood

Who doesn’t store wood scraps in their garage? For an immediate project, it’s usually not a problem. But over the long term, wood can warp thanks to fluctuating temperatures and humidity. If you have nowhere else to store your scraps, the garage works. Just realize the wood may warp and become unusable by the time you need it.

Wooden furniture

It’s not just plywood that suffers in the garage. Pretty much any wood is susceptible to its harsh conditions. As a result, if you store wood furniture in your garage, expect some damage to it over time. For example, changes in the humidity will cause the wood to swell and contract, leading to cracks that you may not be able to repair.

Collectibles

Valuables don’t belong in the garage. Moisture can cause coins to tarnish, Hot Wheels to rust and trading cards to mold. Heat can cause vinyl records to warp, and dirt can mar autographed posters. Not to mention, it’s easier to steal these items from your garage than a secure place inside your home.

Electronics

Old electronics like computers, laptops, DVD players, game consoles and TVs can easily be damaged by extreme temperatures, with moisture posing the greatest risk. Any condensation or moisture can cause electrocution. Either keep these items inside or donate them.

We recommend renting a storage unit for your storage needs. Storage units at self storage facilities such as U-Lock Mini Storage offer secure, climate-friendly, and pest-free storage solutions. Our storage units are suitable for storing goods both for the short and the long-term.

We offer storage solutions to our clients across Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley, with storage units in Chilliwack (Chilliwack U-Lock Mini Storage), South Surrey and White Rock (White Rock U-Lock Mini Storage), Burnaby and Vancouver (Burnaby U-Lock Mini Storage), Victoria (Victoria U-Lock Mini Storage), Nanaimo (Nanaimo U-Lock Mini Storage) and Parksville (Parksville U-Lock Mini Storage).
Please contact a U-Lock Mini Storage self-storage facility near you to inquire about our storage units and our team members will be delighted to answer any questions you have!

January 12, 2022
8 Important Tips for Packing to Study Abroad
You’ve been invited to study abroad for a semester, or even a full year. So, what do you need to bring? What don’t you need? And, how do you get it all there?

We’ve compiled these eight tips to help you prepare for studying abroad.

Bring the Right Documents

To get into the country where you’ll be studying, you need a passport. If you don’t already have one, give yourself at least eight weeks to get one (you can expedite your passport for a fee). Your passport will remain valid for 10 years and come in handy if you intend to visit neighbouring countries during your time overseas.

Some countries also require a visa: a document allowing you to stay in that country for a specified amount of time. Check to see if your destination country requires one, and apply early.

You will also want to bring your International Student Card (ISC), which entitles you to discounts at restaurants, shops and more overseas, and carries medical and emergency benefits. The ISC card can also serve as an additional form of identification when you study abroad. If you don’t get one, consider applying for a proof of age card instead.

Additionally, you will likely need an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV). Some countries required these even before COVID to prove you had received vaccinations for diseases like polio, malaria, meningitis or yellow fever. Today, you may have to present one proving you’ve been vaccinated for COVID as well.

Always bring your documents with you on the plane – not packed in your luggage. Never ship them. Make several copies to have on hand.

Know the Country

Weather plays a big factor in what you pack, too. Depending on when you go and where you go, you may experience one season or several. Winter usually means bulky jackets, gloves, scarves, hats and boots, which can take up a lot of room in your suitcases. Some airlines will allow you to ship boxes as checked luggage, so you could theoretically pack a box of winter clothes.

Before you start packing for your move to study abroad, study the country you’ll call home. Its climate, culture, geography and recreational opportunities can inform what you pack. For example, the tank top you can wear in London would offend people in Dubai. Also, consider how convenient amenities at your destination will be. Will you be able to buy toiletries at a nearby store, or will you have to commute via public transportation for several hours to reach the closest grocery store to purchase toiletries?

Pack the Right Clothes to Study Abroad

Based on what you learn about the country, pack clothes suitable for your time studying and your time exploring the country. As a starting point, you’ll want to bring:
- Shirts, pants, dresses, skirts and everyday clothes
- Underwear, socks and undergarments
- At least one nice, dressier outfit
- Pajamas and comfy clothes
- Bathing suit
- Exercise clothes for working out, hiking and adventures
- Light jacket
Bring Suitable Footwear

Your destination may have different terrains than where you live now so make sure to bring suitable footwear. Keep your selections simple and stick to these tried-and-true options:
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Athletic shoes or trail shoes for hiking and outdoor adventures
- One pair of nice shoes (choose wedges over stilettos)
- Flip flops for hostel showers or the beach
- Slippers (or gripper socks) for colder climates
Add Toiletries and Other Necessities

Once you’ve decided on your clothes and footwear, finish your packing by adding toiletries to your luggage:
- Shampoo, conditioner and soap
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
- Contact lenses, solution and eyewear
- Deodorant
- Cosmetics
- Sunscreen
- Feminine products
- Contraceptives
The whole point of studying abroad is to learn, in the classroom and beyond. Pack for both. You will also want to bring:
- Laptop, charger and supplies
- Mobile device (cell phone) and tablet
- Pen, pencils and school supplies
- Camera, if you enjoy photography
- Journal to record your experiences
- Paper map, in case you can’t rely on cell service
- Small backpack for day trips
- Padlock for hostel lockers
Don’t Overpack to Study Abroad

Most international flights allow at least one, sometimes two checked bags. Depending on the airline and destination, you may be able to check additional bags (or boxes) for a fee. However, keep in mind that whatever bags you bring, you have to get them to and from the airport.

Try to keep your luggage limited to two large, checked suitcases for your clothes, toiletries, favorite products and other necessities. In your carry-on, bring your electronics (laptops, tablets, etc.), chargers, essential gear and any prescriptions. You may also want to pack a fresh t-shirt and a toothbrush for long flights.

After you arrive, if you find you need more clothes or left things at home, your parents can send you a care package through a carrier.

Rent a storage unit

If you do end up bringing more than you need and you don’t have enough storage space at the place that you live, you can rent a storage unit to store excess items. For example, you can store shoes or coats that you won’t wear regularly in a self storage unit.

Bring Your Favorite Products

If you can’t survive without your favorite products, like a snack or brand of soap, then by all means pack a few packages in your luggage. One or two items that remind you of home may help you cope as you adjust to a new country. Don’t get carried away, though: your parents and friends can always send these items in a care package later.

We offer storage solutions to our clients across Greater Vancouver,Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley with storage units in Chilliwack (Chilliwack U-Lock Mini Storage), South Surrey and White Rock (White Rock U-Lock Mini Storage), Burnaby and Vancouver (Burnaby U-Lock Mini Storage), Victoria (Victoria U-Lock Mini Storage), Nanaimo (Nanaimo U-Lock Mini Storage) and Parksville (Parksville U-Lock Mini Storage).
Please contact a U-Lock Mini Storage self-storage facility near you to inquire about our storage units and our team members will be delighted to answer any questions you have!
January 7, 2022
4 Creative Tips to Add Storage Space to Your Bathroom

A bathroom without storage space can really cramp your style. If you find yourself constantly knocking over toiletries and bathing supplies, some extra storage space might just be the solution to your problem. Without too much effort, you could optimize the space that is already there, or you could get creative with your space-creating solutions.

Use a Door-Hanging Shoe Caddy for Added Storage

If the back of your bathroom door is available, a door-hanging shoe caddy can contribute plenty of storage space. These can be bought at most general retailers and they simply hang from a door.

Fill the pockets of your hanging shoe caddy with toiletry bottles, bathing supplies and more.

Create a Towel Holder from a Wine Rack

The shape of many wall hanging wine racks is perfect for holding rolled towels. In addition to providing a classy look, these are usually generally easy to install. In most cases, all you will need to do is screw the rack into the wall to create a wall holder for towels.

Before you screw in the wine rack to the wall, be sure to check that it is level. To do this most efficiently, you may want to ask a friend to help.

You should be able to find suitable wine racks at big box stores, general retailers and hardware stores.

Once the wine rack is mounted on the wall, roll up your towels and place them in the slots where the wine bottles would normally go.

Store Spare Toilet Paper in Oatmeal Canisters

Toilet paper stacked precariously in your cabinets can be easily knocked over and can contribute to clutter. Large oatmeal canisters can store up to three rolls of toilet paper — depending on the kind of toilet paper — giving you a nifty spot to stash your TP.

You can add some flair to your oatmeal canister by covering its outer surfaces with a wrapping paper that matches the decor of your bathroom.

Using oatmeal canisters is one option — any kind of large, colorful kitchen canister will work.

Consolidate Magazine Storage with Hangers

Stacks of magazines can rob your bathroom of valuable floor and counter space. To avoid this, you can place hangers on door knobs and towel racks in your bathroom. Hang the magazines by opening the magazines to their middle pages and draping them from the hangers.

For standard-sized magazines, you can expect to be able to drape quite a few from your hanger before it becomes too heavy. For larger or special edition magazines, you may only be able to hang two or three.

You can also place a magazine rack behind the toilet to store your magazines.

Alternatively, you can rent a storage unit to store all your bathroom needs. At U-Lock Mini Storage, we offer a wide selection of storage unit sizes for you to choose from. We offer storage solutions to our clients across Greater Vancouver,Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley with storage units in Chilliwack (Chilliwack U-Lock Mini Storage), South Surrey and White Rock (White Rock U-Lock Mini Storage), Burnaby and Vancouver (Burnaby U-Lock Mini Storage), Victoria (Victoria U-Lock Mini Storage), Nanaimo (Nanaimo U-Lock Mini Storage) and Parksville (Parksville U-Lock Mini Storage).
Please contact a U-Lock Mini Storage self-storage facility near you to inquire about our storage units and our team members will be delighted to answer any questions you have!

December 20, 2021
6 Reasons Why Decluttering Your Home Can Benefit Your Mental Well-Being

Have you ever walked into a recently cleaned room that was organized perfectly and decorated to its fullest potential? If so, you know the feeling of being peaceful and at ease that comes with being in such a space.

Nowadays, with more people than ever staying home regularly, it is important to create a space that supports your mental health and encourages feelings of well-being and serenity. Perhaps it is your office space, bedroom or bathroom that needs some extra help. Whatever the case, read on to see how decluttering and organizing your space can have great mental health benefits that impact your lifestyle and day-to-day activities.

Less Maintenance

When you really think about it, owning certain items can mean more work and maintenance. For example, if you have many shoes, you have to constantly clean, organize, and keep them in good shape. If you have a lot of tech and electronics, you have to keep them charged, up-to-date and in good working order. This requires care and attention on your part. If this maintenance work is not a source of stress for you, then feel free to continue doing what you are doing.

However, if you feel weighed down by constantly having to maintain all your collections and items, then you may need to rethink what you own and start decluttering. When you are mindful about each and only decide to keep what you really need, you decrease the amount of attention necessary to maintain your belongings. This way, you can focus more on things that matter: family, friendships, exercise, health and hobbies.

Less Cleaning Time

When you decide to get rid of the things you no longer need or want, and declutter items that are holding you back, you are essentially saving time and effort.. When you constantly bring in items and junk into your home, you must always spend time organizing, cleaning and finding new places for everything. This takes up a lot of your mental energy and precious time! If you make it a point to discard, donate or sell things you do not actually need, then you will free up a lot of your personal time as well.

Reduce Stress

Decluttering goes hand in hand with organization. Sometimes, our homes can be a source of added stress and frustration because they are constantly messy, disorganized, and overflowing with things. Decrease your stress levels today by getting rid of items you no longer need and organizing the ones you do. It may seem difficult to go through everything, but once you get it done, you will feel much lighter. You will not need to go through piles of junk in search of an item or constantly wonder where you have put things. Organize your belongings so that the things you need are visible or within reach; if you only keep what you need in the first place, this will be so much easier.

Create More Space

Perhaps you have discovered a new hobby, craft or something that you would like to make more space for in your life. Decluttering can help you get the ball rolling on activities that you have been wanting to enjoy, but maybe never had the space or time for. By decluttering and getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose, you can make more room for new things that do bring you happiness and convenience. Even if you do not have a specific hobby in mind, clearing out space is still a good idea that can result in at least a little extra leg room to stretch out.

Sometimes, decluttering and organizing your space the way you want is easier said than done. This is where a Greater Vancouver self storage facility and a Greater Vancouver Island self storage facility such as U-Lock Mini Storage can help. If you find that you still do not have enough space in your home to keep all your belongings, or if your storage space is minimal to begin with, can book a storage unit where you can keep things like seasonal décor, rarely used wardrobe items, or certain supplies and inventory (if you run a business from home).

It is important to ensure that your self storage unit is climate controlled so that your belongings are not damaged by humidity or external elements. At the end of the day, renting out a storage unit can bring you peace of mind to know your belongings are safe while your main space at home is still clutter-free.

It is hard to deny that a clean, clutter-free room is anything but beneficial to your personal well-being and mental health. When you really think about your space and start to use it mindfully, you will reap the benefits of convenience, joy and ease.

We offer storage solutions to our clients across Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley with storage units in Chilliwack (Chilliwack U-Lock Mini Storage), South Surrey and White Rock (White Rock U-Lock Mini Storage), Burnaby and Vancouver (Burnaby U-Lock Mini Storage), Victoria (Victoria U-Lock Mini Storage), Nanaimo (Nanaimo U-Lock Mini Storage) and Parksville (Parksville U-Lock Mini Storage).

Please contact a U-Lock Mini Storage self-storage facility near you to inquire about our storage units and our team members will be delighted to answer any questions you have!

December 12, 2021
RV Storage Tips: 3 Things to Know to Winterize Your Camper
Many RV owners want to learn how to winterize a camper without spending a ton of time and money in the process. Just make sure you do not skimp out on the process. Even if you are on a strict budget, you will want to winterize the RV correctly before putting it into any long-term storage during the cold season.

The main risk of leaving an RV to sit all winter long is the possibility of freezing. Plumbing systems are especially susceptible to freezing, and the resulting repair bills could cost you tons. Since there are so many RVs and so many different factors involved in winterizing campers, it is best to follow your user manual.

This RV storage guide is meant to act as a quick reference and checklist, so you know what to expect at the end of the camping season. If you are having trouble getting started, you can hire a plumber or another professional to help you complete this process. Without further ado, here are our best tips for RV storage.

Protect the Plumbing System from Freezing

Most RVs get their water in one of two ways: either through a freshwater tank or a city water hook up. The freshwater tank is usually hooked up to a water pump, which then flows through a water heater.

When winterizing an RV, you will want to make sure you get antifreeze into every water system except the water heater. By draining and then bypassing the water heater, you will save several gallons of antifreeze.

To winterize an RV, you’ll need:
- RV antifreeze
- Water heater bypass kit
Drain out existing water:
- Disconnect any outside water source connected to the city water hook up.
- Drain any holding tanks including the fresh water tank and the black and grey holding tanks.
- Drain any water heaters and drain lines.
- Bypass the water heater using a water heater bypass kit to prevent the heater from being filled with unnecessary antifreeze.
Add RV antifreeze:
- Add antifreeze to the inlet side of the water pump using a plastic tube.
- Turn on the water pump to feed the antifreeze into the system.
- Turn on and off each set of hot and cold water faucets throughout the RV until antifreeze comes out. Start at the highest faucet point and work your way down.
- Keep flushing the toilet until you see antifreeze.
- Once every faucet has been checked for the presence of antifreeze.
- Pour several cups of antifreeze down each drain.
- Reconnect the water line to the fresh water tank.
De-pressurize the system:
- Turn off the water pump and open a faucet again to release pressure.
- Make sure all faucets are closed after this process
Winterize the Inside of Your Camper

There are some things you will want to remove from your RV before storage and some things you will want to clean. Do not underestimate this next sequence of steps: the majority will help prevent rodents and other pests from making your camper their home. These steps will also help prevent unwanted odors, moisture build-up and damage. The cleaner, more streamlined the RV when put into storage, the better the next season will start up.

What to winterize inside your RV:
- Unplug any electronics or small appliances. Remove any batteries from remotes, smoke detectors and other devices and store elsewhere.
- Cover stove burners to help prevent spiders from getting inside.
- Remove all food and drink from the kitchen and throughout the camper.
- Remove all linens and have them laundered and stored offsite. Storing clean linens off-site will give you one less thing you have to do next season.
- Remove all valuables. The last thing you want is for your RV to get robbed and to lose expensive items.
- Thoroughly clean all appliances, cooktops, countertops and inside kitchen cabinets.
- Remove external propane tanks and store them elsewhere. Make sure to remove any propane tanks from inside the RV.
- To help deter rodents and pests, fill any holes with steel wool, aluminum foil or a mesh screen.
- As a precaution, leave an odor absorber like DampRid open inside of the RV during storage. These containers can be bought at most grocery stores, or you can make your own using baking soda and essential oils.
- Winterize any ice makers, mini fridges or washing machines as per the user manual. Make sure there is no standing water left inside the ice maker.
Take Care of the Exterior Components

Regardless of where you decide to store your RV, take some time to inspect the exterior. Anything that can be fixed should be fixed before leaving an RV out in the elements. Check the roof, inspect for areas of rust, and be sure everything is sealed correctly. In addition to this general inspection, consider the following steps for winterizing the RV’s exterior.

What to do to your RV’s exterior:
- To keep tires in good shape throughout storage, use jacks or opt to rotate the tires twice during the winter season or every couple months the RV is in storage.
- Consider investing in some tire covers to protect them from the sun.
- Close any roof vents, fix any leaks and make any necessary repairs.
- Remove awnings and store in a sheltered location.
- Shut any gas tank valves.
- Re-caulk and seal any gaps in the door and window seals.
- Wash and wax the exterior right before putting it into storage. If storing in the open, invest in a fabric cover to further protect the RV.
- Fill the exhaust pipe with aluminum foil or steel wool to deter pests from making a home inside. Check for any other holes that need to be filled.
- Avoid using any type of rodent poison. The pest might eat the poison then die inside the RV, and the odor will not be pleasant.
- Change the oil and add a new air filter.
December 6, 2021
How to Prepare a Car for Storage in a Storage Unit This Winter

If you plan to store your car in a storage unit for longer than a month, you are going to need to do a few things to get it ready. Otherwise, you will have flat tires, a dead battery…and that is just to name a few of the problems that you will encounter.

Here are tips you can follow to prepare your vehicle for storage.

Wash and Wax the Exterior of Your Car

If you do not clean and protect the paint of your car, any dirt or contaminants left on it will cause corrosion, and turn into rust.

Clean and Vacuum the Interior

Again, dirt and debris can cause damage if left to sit for an extended period of time. Place a pan of mothballs inside the vehicle after vacuuming it to keep bugs away.

Top Off Fluids

A full fluid reservoir will leave no space for condensation to occur.

Change Oil and Filter

Old oil will become acidic and eat away at the inside of your engine. However, fresh oil will take much longer to break down. By changing the oil and filter before storing, your engine seals should remain in good condition throughout the storage period.

Grease Steering and Suspension Components

A full grease service will keep the seals and rubber bushings in your suspension from drying out while the car is in storage.

Disconnect the Battery in Older Vehicles

If your battery is left connected, its charge will completely deplete, causing one or more of the inner cells to go bad.

Place Battery on a Trickle Charger in Newer Vehicles

Most newer vehicles are equipped with advanced computer systems, which require a constant source of power. Without a trickle charger, the computer will have to be completely reprogrammed.

Top Off Fuel Tank and Add Fuel Stabilizer

A full tank means that there is less room for condensation; fuel stabilizer will keep the gas from breaking down and evaporating.

Make Sure the Parking Brake Is not Engaged

If your vehicle sits for an extended period of time with the parking brake on, the brake pads can rust to the rotor/drum, causing the wheel to seize. Instead, use a set of wheel chocks to keep the vehicle in place.
If you have further questions about car storage or want to book a car storage unit, please contact us at the U-Lock Mini Storage Burnaby location and our staff will be delighted to help.

November 15, 2021
How to Add Storage Space to a Playroom

Finding ways to add storage space to a playroom can feel like an impossible task, especially if you have more than one child. Trying to find spots for their dolls, Lego bricks, cars, action figures and other oddly shaped toys requires a little ingenuity. However, making use of available wall space and purchasing multi-use furniture can help aid in the process.

Set Up a Pegboard

Find or buy a pegboard from a home improvement store. You can get it cut to the size you need and it should only require a few wood screws and drywall anchors to set it up. Paint the pegboard whichever way you like.

Try bright colors like red or orange or a design with stars and stripes. Once painted, attach hooks and hang things like baskets, toys, and clothes to get items off the ground and add space to the room.

This is an easily customizable item and can be changed regularly as you need.

Convert a Shoe Organizer into Toy Storage

Buy a cloth or plastic see-through over-the-door shoe organizer for toys like Barbies, stuffed animals or cars. Simply follow the shoe organizer instructions to hang it over a door and then fill every cubby as needed. You can even divide the shoe organizer in half with different types of toys. For example, Barbies and their clothes can go in the top half and action figures like G.I. Joes can go in the bottom.

Using a see-through organizer makes it easy for kids to see what is in each pocket, which helps make clean-up easier.

Install some Magnetic Tape Strips

Measure out a few strips of magnetic tape to add to a playroom wall. The amount you use will depend on the number of toys you plan to attach. For example, if your child has a large collection of race cars, then you may want 3-5 strips of tape. However, if you have the wall space for it, you can also just do one long line of magnetic tape. Once you have attached it to the wall, simply place the cars or other metal toys along the strip.

Make sure this strip is low enough for children to access easily.

Once you want to remove it, the tape should peel off easily. However, if you are having issues, try using a mixture or warm water and dishwasher soap to remove the tape.

Buy a Wall-Mounted Desk or Table

A hideaway table or desk is a great way to free up space in a playroom. You can find wall-mounted desks on Amazon or Ikea for under $50. Everything you need for the set-up is included, outside of a screwdriver. Just make sure to check the durability of the desk before you buy it, as children can be rough in their usage of household furniture.

You will first need to decide where you want the desk. Then, use a level and pencil to mark a straight and even line on the wall. Most fold-away desks only require screws and hinges, so once you have made the marks, you should only have to screw the hinges into the desk, and then screw the other half of the hinges into the wall.

Turn Storage Bins into Seating

Take a couple of wooden, plastic, or wicker storage bins and attach seat cushions to their tops. These storage bins are the perfect size for young children and are a great way to get toys, books, and clothing out of the way without sacrificing space. You can even attach wheels to their bottoms to make them easy for kids to move around as needed.

Try different colors and patterns for the fabric tops to add character to a playroom.

Use Chests as Tables

Repurpose a wooden or wicker chest to double as a table. Most chests are already at the perfect height for children; however, you can always add table legs to elevate the chest and make it appear more like a table. Try purchasing wooden table legs from Lowes or Home Depot, which are only $1-$3 each. You can also paint or stain these trunks to match the decor of the room.

If you do not have a chest, try searching in thrift stores or at Goodwill for a cheaper item on which you won’t mind the kids getting paint and other things.

Line a Wall or Below a Window with Benches

Benches are a great way to get both storage and seating space. Look for benches that have cubbies for you to put things away in. You can even get a number of baskets or colored storage containers to enliven the room’s decor. Use these cubbies to pack away stuffed animals, clothes or shoes.

If you have a window, try installing a bench with storage directly under it to create a reading area. You can then fill the cubbies with your child’s favorite books.

Rent a Storage Unit

Renting a storage unit lets you store your child’s belongings in a safe, secure area while freeing up more room in your home! At U-Lock Mini Storage, we offer a variety of storage unit sizes for you to choose from. You can rent a storage unit that is as big as a walk-in closet or as large as a garage – you can select a storage unit size that best fits your needs!

We offer storage solutions to our clients across Greater Vancouver,Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley with storage units in Chilliwack (Chilliwack U-Lock Mini Storage), South Surrey and White Rock (White Rock U-Lock Mini Storage), Burnaby and Vancouver (Burnaby U-Lock Mini Storage), Victoria (Victoria U-Lock Mini Storage), Nanaimo (Nanaimo U-Lock Mini Storage) and Parksville (Parksville U-Lock Mini Storage).
Please contact a U-Lock Mini Storage self-storage facility near you to inquire about our storage units and our team members will be delighted to answer any questions you have!

November 3, 2021
How to Add Storage Space to Your Garage (Part 2)
Adding storage space to a garage is a great way to organize your garage and create more room. Before you begin adding anything new to your garage, you will first need to organize it by sorting your things and drafting a floor plan. Once your garage is organized, you can build some shelving and install other vertical organization systems. You can also free up some space by hanging things from the ceiling or placing them in cabinets and plastic bins.

Build Shelving

One simple way to maximize the space in your garage is by adding some shelves. You can build some floating shelves on your walls or install premade shelving. Shelves are a good choice because they are inexpensive, easier to access, and they let you take stock of your items.
- If you buy ready-made shelves, make sure that they are raised so that you can easily clean underneath them.
- If you want to be thrifty, consider installing second-hand kitchen cabinets in your garage.
- If you have the space, consider installing some hooks on the underside of your shelves to hang lighter items.
Buy a Pegboard

A pegboard is easy to install and relatively inexpensive. The flat piece of particleboard with evenly spaced holes can be attached to most walls. You can also paint it whatever color you want and alter it to fit a wall space of any size. A pegboard is perfect for storing lightweight things like hand tools or sports equipment.
- You should be able to find pegboard and hooks at your local hardware store.
Install a Panel-based Vertical Organizing System

This high-end system allows you to maximize your wall space. Each wall in your garage is finished with slotted plastic panels that hold and lock in hooks, shelves and cabinets. However, the system is expensive and, in most cases, it has to be installed by professionals.

This system is a great option for those who want to get the most out of every inch of wall space in their garage. It can handle lightweight and heavy items.

You can go online to find local professionals to install the panels in your garage.

Put Together a Track-based Vertical Organizing System

In this system, shelves, hooks, cabinets and other organizers hang from tracks that are affixed to the garage walls studs. This system is relatively cheap, extremely versatile and capable of handling large and heavy loads. However, it can be difficult to install. You will need to make sure that each track is level with the ones next to it so that the shelving hangs straight.
- You can find tracks and shelves at most hardware stores.
- If your garage is not plumb, you may have a difficult time getting your tracks and shelves level. Using a level, you should check the level of your garage before you install the tracks.
October 28, 2021
How to Stage a Kitchen when Selling a Home
Kitchens are at the heart of any home, so when it comes to selling, presenting a kitchen beautifully is a must. Whether you are tweaking a few features or considering a full-blown renovation, make sure you know your market and what features attract positive attention.

1. Deep Clean Your Kitchen

Clean your kitchen from top to bottom when you are preparing to show it. This means cleaning countertops, floors, stovetop, inside the fridge and inside cabinets. Work top to bottom, and then left to right—this will help you make sure you do not miss a spot.

Be sure to use the right cleaning product for each of the different surfaces. The labels on most cleaning products will specify on which types of surfaces they should be used.

2. Put Away or Store Personal Items

Avoid leaving personal things out on the counters, or even inside the drawers. Things like paperwork, mail, photos and even magnets on the fridge should all be taken out of the kitchen and packed up or stored elsewhere. Potential buyers want to see a clean slate so that they can imagine their own lives in the space, rather than feeling like they have walked into someone else’s.

Keeping the counters as clear as possible will help showcase the spaciousness of the kitchen to potential buyers. If you have a lot of small appliances covering the countertops, store those elsewhere when showing the home. Consider boxing and storing things you do not really need out, or that might be cluttering your countertops, like coffee mugs or spice racks.

3. Remove Extra Furniture

If you have large furniture items in your kitchen, like hutches or unattached islands, consider getting rid of these when staging your kitchen. They can make your space feel confined and appear smaller. By removing these items, your kitchen will look larger to potential buyers, who will then be able to imagine putting their own imprint on what they see.

If you have bar stools at the kitchen counter or chairs around the dining table, remove any extra seats you may have added. Use as few of these items as possible to let the room feel open.

4. Stay on top of Kitchen Odors

Since you will likely still be living in your home while trying to sell it, chances are you will still be using the kitchen to cook and have meals. When showing the home, avoid cooking meals that leave residual odors. Air out the kitchen and take the trash out daily to keep any odors from lingering in the kitchen.
- Keep pet food dishes and other pet items out of the kitchen when showing the home. These can create smells you might not notice yourself, as you are used to them.
- Drop a piece of citrus into your garbage disposal. A chopped lemon works well. This will defeat odors in your sink and leave a lasting, pleasant aroma in the room.
5. Clean Up Messes as You Make Them

Rather than spending a large amount of time cleaning the kitchen prior to showing it each time, just do one deep clean, and then clean up smaller messes as you make them. Wipe counters, and wash and put away dishes after cooking and serving meals. Put away items that may have gathered on your countertops throughout the day.

When you start to cook, fill the sink with hot water and dish soap. This way, you can drop dishes in it to soak while you eat, and cleaning up will be much easier and faster as the dishes will be easier to wash after soaking.

6. Organize Items in Your Pantry and Cabinets

Potential buyers will likely open the cabinets and pantry doors to take a look inside and get a better feel for the storage space in the kitchen; you do not want them to find cluttered messes. Keep dishes and food items organized and neat.At U-Lock Mini Storage, we offer storage units our clients across Greater Vancouver and Greater Vancouver Island by offering storage units in Chilliwack (Chilliwack U-Lock Mini Storage), South Surrey and White Rock (White Rock U-Lock Mini Storage), Burnaby and Vancouver (Burnaby U-Lock Mini Storage), Victoria (Victoria U-Lock Mini Storage), Nanaimo (Nanaimo U-Lock Mini Storage) and Parksville (Parksville U-Lock Mini Storage). Please contact a U-Lock Mini Storage self-storage facility near you to inquire about our storage units and our team members will be delighted to answer any questions you have!
October 19, 2021
How to Rent Furniture for Staging
Staging a home involves adding beautiful and attractive furniture and accessories in order to accentuate the beauty and size of your home and thus attract potential buyers. To stage your home, it is ideal to rent elegant, posh furniture. Here are step-by-step instructions you can follow to rent furniture for staging!

1. Look Up Furniture Rental Companies in Your Area

Run a search for “furniture rentals” plus the name of your town, city or province. Furniture rental businesses are more common than you might expect, as they cater to businesses, realtors, individual homeowners and even members of the entertainment industry. This means that you are likely to find one near you. For example, you can search for “Burnaby furniture rentals” or “Vancouver furniture rentals”.

2. Visit a Company’s Website for More Information

Pick a rental company from your search results to take a closer look at what they have to offer. Viewing a company’s website will give you a better idea of the exact services they provide, as well as their signature decorating style and general price range. Additionally, look at their Google Reviews or Yelp reviews to gain a better understanding of their reputation and reliability. Finally, compare several different rental companies (assuming you have more than a couple to choose from) to find one that best suits your sensibilities and budget.

3. Call the Company to Enquire about the Furniture

If you like what you see on a furniture rental company’s website, call them and discuss the details of the rental process. A quick chat will give you a chance to learn about the company’s products and policies and ask whatever questions you might have. Some good questions to ask include “Where do you source your furniture?”, “Is it possible to pick out pieces individually?” and “How long does a standard rental agreement last?”

4. Assess How much Furniture You Need

If you are staging your whole house for walkthroughs, you will want to have enough pieces on display to tie each room together. This will call for large, coordinated items like beds, tables and seating areas. If you are only planning on listing 1 or 2 rooms, you can probably get away with renting a single set of furnishings in your preferred theme.

5. Pick out Furniture by Style

The pieces leased by furniture rental companies are typically grouped together as packages based on popular decorating themes such as modern, rustic, urban and townhouse. Browsing by style is probably the easiest way to find furniture that compliments your living space without having to select each item individually. When you shop by style, you will receive a complete set of furnishings that have been curated based on a common look.

Furniture packages are often categorized by room, which makes it possible to mix-and-match different styles between rooms. For example, you might fill your living room with contemporary minimalist pieces and select a rustic French chateau motif for the master bedroom.

6. Compare Items from the Company’s Inventory Individually

Online catalogues, showrooms and stores make it easy to shop for furniture one piece at a time. There, you will find items separated by type, such as beds, sofas, tables, chairs and lighting fixtures. Some companies even stock functional appliances and other accessories like wall art and miscellaneous decorations. Be sure to write down the name or item number of each piece along with its price to keep track of how much you can expect to spend. Picking out furniture individually can be useful when you are sprucing up a room that does not fall into one of the usual categories, or if you want to put your own personal touch on your living space. In some cases, it may be possible to add individual items to a pre-curated package for an additional charge.

7. Shop for Accessories to Provide the Finishing Touches

Before you check out, take a look at some of the decorative items the company has available, like rugs, mirrors, throw pillows, potted plants and eye-catching knickknacks. These items are perfect for giving homes a lived-in quality, especially in cozy, intimate quarters like bedrooms and bathrooms.

Consider spending a little extra on a few wall hangings, sculptures, and other pieces of artwork. The right selections can make any home feel more cultured.

Depending on how extensive a company’s inventory is, you might even be able to find small accessories like woven baskets, candles and flower arrangements for as little as a few dollars apiece.

8. Rent a Storage Unit to Store Existing Furniture

To make room for rental furniture, you can store your existing furniture in a storage unit. You can select a storage unit that suits the number of pieces of furniture you have. Our large storage units start from 8 feet by 13 feet to meet your space needs. If you want even more space, you can opt for our extra large storage units, which start from 10 feet by 21 feet. We are proud to serve clients across Greater Vancouver and Greater Vancouver Island by establishing self-storage facilities in the following areas:
October 19, 2021