Items That Should and Should Not Be Kept in Self Storage in Toronto
By John Doe
Published on
If you've recently rented a self storage unit in Toronto and have your move-in date booked and scheduled, congratulations! You're one step closer to decluttering your home, preparing for a move, or organizing all your belongings, so you don't get overwhelmed.
But before you start packing everything into boxes and placing them inside your storage unit, it's essential to take a step back and consider what items you should and should not keep inside your Toronto self storage unit.
Storage facilities are a convenient way to keep your belongings safe and sound. They are the ideal self storage solution for those who need extra space at home for all the extra personal items, including clothing, books, and other items we accumulate.
However, there are still several limitations on what you can keep inside. Certain items are not allowed in storage facilities at all, which will be included in your lease contract, due to safety concerns or because they may damage the unit itself.
Bluebird Self Storage's Toronto locations provide much-needed storage space for all your home and business storage needs. To help you with your packing - and to ensure your stuff stays safe - here's our quick guide on items that you can and can't store in a Toronto self storage unit.
Items You Can Keep in Self Storage in Toronto
If you are decluttering, moving, or nesting, one of the first steps in organizing your stuff is to sort them for donation, trash, or storage.
However, this might be more difficult than expected. It's hard to decide on what you should store or toss out. While just anything can be stored in a self storage unit, you also need to make sure that the items you want to keep are not included in the prohibited items list in your lease contract.
To help you make an informed decision, here is a breakdown of some of the most common things people store in Toronto storage units.
Appliances
There might be instances when you would need to store your large home appliances, especially during a kitchen renovation or if you are waiting to move into your new home.
Finding space for them can be challenging and of course, you want to ensure that these hard-working, high-ticket items are kept safe so you can use them again immediately.
You can keep the following home appliances and electronics safely inside a self storage unit, provided that you pack them properly so they don’t get damaged.
These include:
Washer and dryer sets
Dishwashers
Refrigerators & freezers
Microwaves & other small kitchen gadgets
Extra computers and printers
and more
Furniture
If you're moving, downsizing, or inheriting the contents of a relative's home, storage units can comfortably accommodate extra couches, dining sets, mattresses, deck chairs, and more.
At Bluebird locations around downtown Toronto and beyond, we carry packing and moving supplies, such as furniture covers, that help prevent dust, dampness, and scratches.
Clothing
You can safely keep seasonal items like winter jackets, snow shoes, mud boots, sports uniforms, and other articles of clothing in your storage unit. Depending on the unit size, it is possible to fit a small closet worth of vintage clothing, maternity outfits, and several boxes of general closet overflow to keep them in good condition until you use them again.
Books & Collectibles
Your self storage unit is perfect for keeping those extra books, especially if you're an avid reader and no longer have shelf space at home. Valuable collectibles such as toys, comics, vinyl records, and more will also benefit. Pack them properly in smaller containers so they don't get affected by heat, water, and pest damage.
Business Inventory
If you own a small business in Toronto, self storage can be the perfect place to keep your seasonal inventory, product samples, and more if you no longer have room at your office or storefront.
Children's items
If you plan on having another baby, don't get rid of all your child's clothes, toys, and memories from when they were younger. Keep them stored safely away until you need them again.
Sports Equipment
Out-of-season sports equipment such as skis, snowboards, golf clubs, and bicycles can also find a home inside your self storage unit until you need them again.
Items That You Should Not Keep in a Self Storage Unit
Never keep food and produce inside your storage unit, even if wrapped in protective plastic or sealed in boxes. They will attract insects and rodents, damaging the rest of your belongings.
Plants or Animals
It is illegal to keep animals inside your storage unit. They could become overheated and fatally hurt. On the other hand, plants need sunlight and water to survive and will quickly die inside your unit if you don't tend to them regularly.
Hazardous, Explosive, and Flammable Materials
For safety reasons, it is never advisable to store hazardous or flammable materials such as gasoline, compressed gas, chemicals, cleaning supplies, paint thinners, oil, propane tanks, and more. These items pose a severe fire hazard and will likely be prohibited. The same goes for ammunition and explosives such as fireworks and other weapons.
Poisons, Toxins, and Corrosive Materials
Though seemingly safe when locked inside your storage unit, items such as car batteries, weed killers, and insecticides can still cause damage. They can emit toxic gases when they eventually evaporate and corrode their storage containers.
How To Choose the Right Toronto Self Storage Facility
Now that you know what items are allowed in a storage unit, it's time to choose the best storage facility. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing self storage in Toronto:
Location is Key
When choosing a self storage facility, think about the items you are placing in storage. Will you need any of them frequently? Will you be placing more things in storage as time goes by, for example, if your move-in date gets nearer? If so, choose a self storage unit near you or where you work to make it easier to access your items when needed.
Choose a unit that is the right size for your needs. You don't want to pay for space you're not using, but you also don't want to haphazardly stuff everything into a unit that is too small and risk damaging your belongings.
You won't have to worry about getting the wrong size unit at Bluebird Toronto. We offer a wide range of unit sizes for all your storage needs. What's extra convenient is that at Bluebird, you're never locked into one specific storage unit - you can size up or down at any time, just let us know!!
Look for a self storage facility with security features like 24/7 video monitoring, gated entry, and on-site security personnel. Knowing your valuables are safe and secure will give you peace of mind.
Other Special Features and Amenities
Check if any of the self storage facilities you are interested in offer additional features and amenities to make your storage experience enjoyable from the day you move in and beyond.
Bluebird's Toronto facility on Esandar Drive has the following special features:
Climate-controlled units to protect your belongings from extreme weather conditions
Indoor loading areas so you can easily stash your stuff throughout the day
Oversized elevators to make moving in and out of your unit less stressful
24/7 video monitoring for added security
Will Climate Controlled Storage in Toronto Protect My Stuff?
Renting a climate-controlled unit is a must if you're storing temperature-sensitive items. But what exactly does climate control do? And will it protect your things?
Climate-controlled storage units are special units that maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, giving your items an extra layer of protection from extreme heat or cold damage. It also prevents mold and mildew growth and is perfect when keeping electronics, antiques, musical instruments, artwork, and collectibles in your storage unit.
Bluebird Self Storage offers climate-controlled self storage units in Toronto to help keep your belongings in pristine condition. They have heating, air, and humidity control 24/7, so valuable family heirlooms, business documents, and fragile items are preserved for the next generation.
Find The Perfect Storage Space From Bluebird Storage in Toronto
Bluebird Self Storage's Toronto facilities are clean, well-maintained, and secure - perfect for storing just about anything except for those items that are not allowed and listed above.
We are conveniently located on Esandar Drive to cater to your home and business storage needs. Choose from one of our many units in a wide range of sizes, and our climate-controlled units are perfect for storing temperature-sensitive items. You also have the option to reserve and pay for your units online, and we also guarantee no rent increases for your first 365 days.
Book your self storage unit at Bluebird Self Storage Toronto and get the high-value, hassle-free self-storage experience you and your belongings deserve.
Contact us today to learn more about our storage units! Our friendly staff is ready to answer any storage-related questions you may have. And to start you out on your storage journey, check out our Ultimate Packing and Storage Guide!
Frequently Asked Self Storage Questions
What size storage unit is right for me?
Finding the right storage unit depends on the number of possessions you plan on storing at our facility. The more items you have, the more space you’ll need. At every Bluebird facility, we offer units ranging from below 5’ x 5’ to 10’ x 30’ or even larger, so you can find the right amount of storage space. To find the right unit size, explore our Storage Unit Size Guide or read this resource to see which unit fits your needs best.
Can I buy boxes and packing supplies at Bluebird?
Yes! If you’re about to move into a storage unit, our facility offers moving and storage supplies that help protect your belongings. Our supplies range from boxes, packing tape, mattress and furniture covers, and so much more!
How long can I rent a unit?
We don’t have any long-term agreements at Bluebird, so you can rent your unit for as little as a month or two or upwards of a year if you’d like! If circumstances change, we can always extend or shorten your storage stay with us.
How do I access my storage unit?
You, selected family, and any business associates can access your local facility by using our secure keypad entry using a personal security code. Individual units are protected by a lock that is only accessible by the customer. Only contacts you authorize will be able to access your unit.
Typical daily access hours are from 6AM - 11PM, so you can always access your stuff when you need it. Check with the location nearest you for more information about access hours.
