FACTS & TIPS

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

No, our leases are on a month to month basis. We require a 1 month minimum. You control how long you stay.
What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Cash, Cheque, Debit, Visa and Mastercard. You can send us a e transfer through your bank, or pay online through our website under My Account (Owen Sound only).
Do I need insurance and do you offer it?

‘IF IT’S WORTH STORING, IT’S WORTH INSURING!’ Most home owner and tenant policies include coverage restrictions pertaining to storage of personal property off premises. For peace of mind, you should review your existing insurance policy or talk to your agent about extending coverage.
Do you have commercial or business tenants?

Yes, self storage makes a lot of sense for companies. Many retailers, law firms, accountants, educators, pharmaceutical companies and others store their inventory, files, supplies and furniture with us. They have found the array of special services we offer to be attractive.
Can you receive items for me if I cannot be present?

Yes, with your written authorization and release, for a nominal charge, we will accept packages and deliveries on your behalf. We will retain them in a special holding unit until it is convenient for you to move them into your storage unit.
What are the A1 Storage hours of operation?

You can rent a unit, pay your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our kiosk, located at the side of our building. Simply touch the screen on the kiosk and touch the help button, and someone will help you live over video. The office is open Mon to Fri 9a.m. to 4:30p.m . A1 Storage’s office is closed on most major holidays. Automated Kiosk 24/7 Storage Unit Gated Access 24/7
What kind of security can I expect for my possessions?

The entire complex is fenced and monitored by CCTV (closed circuit TV) camera’s. We also have ample security lighting around our entire facility. We have a personalized gate electronic gate code to get in and out of our facility.

Appliances

A refrigerator or freezer should be clean and thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances, and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored. While in transit, all doors should be taped shut.

Bed Frames

You can save space by disassembling your bed frames. Fasten them together with bubble wrap, tape or rope. Place bolts in a small inner plastic bag, which you can tape to the side of the bed frame.

Boxes

Use uniform size boxes or Rubbermaid Totes for easy stacking. Be sure your boxes/totes are strong enough to hold 25 to 30 lbs. (It is best not to put too much in each box.) Place heavier items on the bottom of the box and place heavier boxes at the bottom of your box stack in your room.

Fill containers to capacity. Partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Protect fragile goods with packing and place them near the top of any stack.

When selecting a box/totes, keep in mind the weight as well as the size of the items you are packing. Use small boxes for heavier items such as books. Larger boxes can be used for lighter items, such as blankets and pillows.
Label all boxes.

Fragile items

Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing fragile items. All items should be individually wrapped placing the most fragile near the top of the cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing and leave no empty spaces. When stacking boxes that contain delicate items, place these on top of those containing heavy items. Label all boxes containing delicate items “FRAGILE”.

Holiday decorations

Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments and pad the ornaments with tissue paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.

Lamps

Lamp bases should be wrapped in padding and placed in boxes, dresser drawers, freezers or washing machines. Lampshades should be wrapped separately and packed in cartons. Do not use newsprint to wrap lampshades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamps or lampshades.

Mattresses

It is best to store mattresses flat on top of a level stack of boxes or furniture. If you stand mattresses on their side, prop them up so they are supported and stand straight. Mattresses should be covered to keep them clean. If you must stand them straight, be sure to protect them with plastic sheets on the floor first.

Bedding, clothing, curtains, drapes, and linens

Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage, and avoid storing anything that may attract pests.

It is always best to use wardrobe boxes for clothing. Clothes should be stored on hangers to retain their original shapes. Alternatively, you can fold your clothes and leave them in dresser drawers. It is important to clean all clothes before storage. Using mothballs is a good idea.

Books and documents

Pack books flat to protect the binding and spine. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books, and do not overload. Books are also surprisingly heavy, so use smaller boxes. Be sure not to place fragile objects in the same box with your books.
File boxes are best for document storage.

Dishes and glasses

Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped; nest cups and bowls, and stand plates, saucers, and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Fill all pockets with packing. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware.

Electrical equipment

All equipment should be clean and dry. Any equipment with doors that seal, such as a refrigerator, should be stored with its door slightly ajar.

Furniture

To save space, stand sofas and mattresses on end, be sure to protect them with plastic sheets on the floor first. Disassemble beds, tables, and other furniture and wrap table legs in paper or bubble wrap. Use dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on tables that cannot be disassembled. Use paper pads when stacking to avoid scratching.

Other furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for small pictures, china, silverware, small items, etc. Wrap them in tablecloths, towels, or blankets to prevent breakage.

Utilize the drawer space to store small, soft, delicate and fragile items. Be sure to label the contents. Cartons can be stacked on top of dressers

Do not place heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered furniture. Cover stuffed furniture to protect against dust.

Locks

Padlocks are available at A1 Storage. Only you have the key to your storage space. U-Store It, U-Lock it and U keep the key. Always use a good quality lock on your door.

Mirrors, pictures, windows, and screens

These items should be marked “Fragile” and stored on edge, not flat.

Planning

Plan your storage space. Arrange the space so that frequently needed items are at the front of the unit. Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access. Use all the space available, including the height, which is a major advantage at A1 Storage.

Records and phonographs

Records should be stored on edge to avoid warping. When moving a record player, the tone arm and turntable should be secured to prevent damage in transit.

Tables

Where possible, remove the legs, and wrap in bubble wrap. Place the nuts, bolts and screws in a small zip lock bag. Tape the bag on the inside or bottom of the furniture to keep all pieces together.

Prohibited Storage Goods

Common sense and Provincial law determine what may not be stored. Never store live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, propane tanks, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment. Remember to drain the fuel from gasoline engines before storage.

Never store live animals, any food or perishables, or liquids.

Sofas and loveseats

These items (but not sofa beds) can be stored on end to save floor space. Again, be sure to protect the material by placing plastic on the floor first. Cushions should be wrapped in plastic and placed on top. Don’t store boxes on top of couches