Moving can often mean having a gap between when you leave and when you can fully move into your new home. In Orleans & Nepean, utilizing storage can be a smart way to bridge that gap, but only if you choose and use storage properly. Below are key things to look for, plus tips to make your storage experience smooth and cost-effective.
1. Climate-Controlled vs Standard Units
Choosing between a climate-controlled unit and a standard one isn’t just about comfort—it can affect the safety of your belongings.
- Climate-controlled units maintain steady temperature and humidity. These are ideal for items sensitive to moisture or heat fluctuations: electronics, photographs, wooden furniture, artwork, musical instruments, books, and fabrics.
- Standard units (non climate-controlled) are fine for items less sensitive to environmental changes: tools, finished metal furniture, basic plastics. But risks of temperature extremes and humidity (especially in winter or summer) can lead to warping, mold, rust, or damage.
2. Security and Access Hours
Your belongings are only safe if the facility is secure—and accessible when you need them.
- Security features to look for:
• 24/7 video surveillance
• Perimeter fencing or gated compound
• Alarmed units or individual locks
• On-site staff or management presence - Access hours:
Some facilities offer 24/7 access; others have limited hours. Be sure the facility’s open hours align with your moving schedule. If you need to access items early mornings or late evenings, confirm that it’s allowed.
3. Insurance Coverage While Stored
- Check whether the storage facility includes any basic insurance or content coverage. Sometimes they offer carry-on insurance included, or optional add-ons.
- Ask what types of damage are covered (fire, water, theft, pests) and whether you’re responsible for maintaining certain precautions (e.g. using pallets off the ground, wrapping furniture).
- Document condition of items before moving into storage: photographs, receipt values, serial numbers if applicable. This will help with claims if needed.
4. Choosing a Storage Facility Near Your Route
Proximity matters for both convenience and cost (fuel, time, effort).
Look for facilities close to your moving route between your current home and your new place.
Facilities near major roads or highways (like those around Moodie Drive / Barrhaven / Nepean) can save travel time.
Consider ease of loading and unloading, ease getting large items in/out, elevator access if using multi-storey units, etc.
5. How to Pack for Storage (vs Immediate Delivery)
Packing for storage needs a slightly different strategy than packing for immediate move-in.
- Use pallets or legs: Keep furniture off concrete floors to prevent moisture damage.
- Wrap items well: Furniture blankets, shrink wrap, sealed boxes to protect against dust, pests, humidity.
- Label boxes clearly: Room name, “fragile,” “this side up,” so that when you retrieve things they’re easier to locate.
- Disassemble large items where possible to save space and lower risk of damage.
- Elevate sensitive items: Keep electronics, antiques, artwork above floor level and away from walls where possible.
- Avoid storing perishable or hazardous items like paint, aerosol, food, chemicals unless allowed and handled properly.
Want Help Choosing?
Need short-term storage for your move? Ask us about our secure storage options.
If you’re facing a move and think you’ll need a storage solution in Orleans, Nepean, or nearby, we can recommend facilities, size-match your needs, and include storage in your overall moving planso nothing is forgotten.
