Self-storage units can be a great way to expand your space, without having to pay expensive fees for rental space, and without the added expense of building onto your home or business.

Here are some tips and tricks to make storing your items as easy as possible.

1.Make sure the storage facility you choose is close by your home with readily available contact information

You want to make sure you can contact management easily in the event there is a problem or concern.

2. Figure out what you'll be storing and assemble storage supplies

First, figure out what you're going to be storing. If you need to, get supplies from the storage facility, including boxes, plastic, quilted coverings to protect large items like appliances and furniture, and so on. Label boxes clearly so that you can see what's in each; keep an itemized list of these labelled boxes at home.

3. Rent a big enough storage space, but not too big

Once you know what you'll be storing, rent a big enough storage space for your items; will you need climate control, or is a weather-protected space enough? Renting "just enough" space will help ensure that delicate items won't be crushed, but will also ensure that you won't be paying more than you need to for your space.

4. Pack your storage space properly

Pack your storage items so that big, heavy items are stacked in boxes on the bottom, with lightweight items on top. In addition, keep regularly accessed items, such as Christmas decorations, on top or near the front of your storage unit, so that you can get to them easily.

5. Make sure you've got a "walk-through" path in your storage unit

When you are packing your storage unit with your belongings, make sure you leave a path to walk through so that you can get to things easily. Labelled boxes clearly, again, so that you can see at a glance what you have.

Special considerations for business

If you have a business whereby you're going to need to store inventory, important documents, or other important items in the storage for a relatively long period of time, choosing a self storage service with amenities such as on-site package delivery acceptance and make things easier for you. Some self-storage units, such as Centron Self Storage have these services available, for your convenience.

Although storage units will certainly protect your items, packing them carefully and making sure they're stored properly will make things much easier for you. Make sure, for example, that you always have a path to walk through your storage unit so that you can access things easily. In addition, if you're going to be accessing certain things in your storage unit more often than others, such as important documents for your business, store these in an accessible place where you can get to them easily.

Storage solutions

Centron Self Storage has locations in North York and Toronto; units are available from 20 square feet to 300 square feet. The Toronto location has climate-controlled units, for customers who require them.