For many of us, valuable items such as jewelry, works of art, family heirlooms, and delicate keepsakes all have a special place in our hearts. They are either passed down to us by family members or linked to special moments in our lives. Some might even be of actual dollar value, especially jewelry and art, as their prices appreciate over time. We want to keep them safe, whether it is a small canvas from a lauded mid-century master, vintage electronics, first edition comic books, or even retro family pics.
However, with the realities of life today, we sometimes lack the extra storage space needed to store them properly. Keeping them at home might not always be the best option, and you'll need to consider storage rental in Montreal as a possible storage solution.
At Bluebird Self Storage in Montreal, you'll have the peace of mind that your delicate valuables will stay safe in our secure, climate-controlled storage facility. We offer a wide range of Montreal storage unit sizes, so you can choose what best suits your storage needs.
This guide breaks down how to successfully store delicate valuables so they stay safe and intact in your storage rental in Montreal.
Keeping Valuables inside Storage Rental Montreal Residents Prefer
Most precious items are delicate and fragile and can get damaged easily, decreasing their value or, worse, taking away their sentimental value. To help prevent this, here are some tips on properly storing and maintaining your valuables in Montreal storage units.
What Type of Delicate Valuables Can You Store in Montreal Self Storage Solutions?
Your storage unit can store anything valuable to you and your family. But since "what is valuable" is relative ("One man's treasure is another man's trash," as the old saying goes), what valuables you can store is a mixed bag. But in general, those with monetary value include:
- Jewelry: Trinkets and baubles such as rings, necklaces, earrings, and more, made with precious and semi-precious stones, are very small pieces that you can keep in a self storage unit but, of course, at your own risk.<
- Art: Paintings, sketches, and even sculptures can be easily placed in a self storage unit, provided they are correctly stored.
- Clothing: While many of us might find clothing purely functional, they are also considered "wearable art," especially if they are designer pieces or made of fur.
- Comic Books, Toys, Collectibles: There is a huge market for vintage toys, comic books, especially first editions or limited print runs, and other collectibles. You can keep them in your storage unit until you have time to get them appraised.
- Family heirlooms and antiques: Classically designed, period original home furnishings are treasured. They can live peacefully, free from daily wear and tear, in a Montreal storage unit until it's time to use them again.
- Technology: You can easily store electronic gadgets and equipment in your storage unit. Even vintage tech is considered valuable.
What Items Should You Never Keep in a Storage Unit?
On the flip side, here's a quick list of items that are also valuable dollar-wise but you should never keep inside a self storage facility:
- Any living pet or animal: Though this might be obvious, we'll say it anyway. Storage facilities will not allow any living entity, human or animal, to live inside a storage unit. It is not conducive to their lives and will cause them harm.>
- Plants: Plants are lovely to look at, outdoors and not indoors, cramped in a self storage location where they will not get any fresh oxygen or sunlight. Heated units will also cause pests to breed, which could lead to an infestation.
- Toxic and flammable chemicals can corrode and damage the items in storage or, worse, cause a fire.
- Guns and Ammunition: There is always the risk of the ammunition going off in case of a fire.
If you have any questions about what you can and can't store, check out out this article!
The Risks and Benefits of Storing Valuables In Self Storage Units
Of course, as with anything, there are risks and benefits to storing valuables in a storage unit. Here's a quick overview of both.
The Risks of Storing Valuables In Self Storage Units:
- No insurance: Your chosen storage company might not have insurance to cover your losses in case of theft, water damage, or fire. If they do have insurance, it might not cover the total value of your belongings.
- Theft: Storage units with inadequate security are not immune to theft. If your valuables are stolen, you might be unable to recover them.
- Mold & mildew: If your storage unit is not temperature-controlled, your belongings can get damaged and lose their value due to mold growth.
- Pests: Mice, rats, cockroaches, and other pests may be scurrying around older or poorly maintained Montreal storage units.
- Rain & weather damage: If the storage facility is older and needs structural repairs such as fixing leaky roofs, your valuables will get water damage.
The Benefits of Storing Valuables In Montreal Self Storage Units:
- Security: As we mentioned, storage units have come a long way in terms of security. Most storage units now have individual alarms, CCTV cameras, and even on-site security guards.
- Convenience: Self storage units are usually in convenient locations near main highways and transport hubs for easy access.
- Flexibility: You can store your valuables however long or as short a period as you want.
Thankfully, Bluebird Self Storage in Montreal offers all of the benefits and none of the risks. We provide state-of-the-art security features such as CCTV cameras, electronic keypad access, individual alarms for storage units, and on-site security guards. Our storage facility is clean, bright, and well-maintained. If you're looking for a storage facility in Montreal, look no further than Bluebird Self Storage.
Packing and Storing Tips for Your Valuable Items
Storing fragile items might seem like a job for professional packers, but it can be surprisingly easy with the right storage unit and a bit of planning. Here are a few packing and storing tips to help you keep your delicate valuables safe:
- Write an inventory of all your valuables. Take photos and videos as well for reference.
- Label all your storage boxes so you know what's inside and where to find it.
- Use the right packing supplies such as bubble wrap, duct tape, packing peanuts, or other cushioning materials to prevent breakage. Don't skimp on packaging supplies; the value of your heirloom and special items should far outweigh the cost of some bubble wrap.
- Keep sharp and heavy items away from your valuables.
- Store items in boxes that are the right size and are new. Don't overfill them, or they might burst open. You can use cardboard boxes or clear plastic storage bins to see what's inside.
- Use storage racks to keep items off the floor and away from moisture.
- Purchase extra insurance to cover your valuables in case of theft, damage, or loss.
How to Choose the Right Heated Storage Units for Your Delicate Valuables
Now that you know how to store your delicate valuables, it's time to choose the best storage unit. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Unit Size: Make sure you choose the right storage unit size, big enough for all your belongings but not too small that it's difficult to move around. Renting small units like a 5x5 size is perfect if you only have a few boxes to store. On the other hand, medium and large units can fit the contents of a small studio apartment, including mattress sets and household appliances.
- Climate control: If possible, rent heated storage units that can help protect your valuables from extreme temperatures, especially if you are keeping photographs, electronics, sports gear, and even musical instruments. Choose interior vs. exterior units too, so it's harder for outsiders to gain access.
- Superior security: Montreal storage facilities should have modern security features like 24/7 surveillance cameras, electronic access systems that can keep outsiders and non-tenants from coming in, and the presence of on-site security.
Bluebird Self Storage's Montreal is located in safe, well-lit areas for your peace of mind. We are proud of our facility and keep it as well-maintained as possible, carrying out regular inspections to ensure everything is running ship-shape 24/7.
Choose Bluebird Self Storage in Montreal For Your Valuables!
We care about your valuables and other stored items as much as you do, which is why we uphold world-class standards by providing a full range of Montreal storage solutions, including vehicle storage, outdoor parking, and drive-up access units.
If you're ready to book the best storage units, look no further than Bluebird's Self Storage in Montreal.
