Whether you’re moving, renovating, downsizing or simply running out of room at home, renting a self-storage unit can make life a little easier. But before you store your belongings, it’s important to choose a facility where you feel confident leaving them.
Not all storage facilities offer the same features, levels of security or convenience. Taking a little time to compare your options can help you find a clean, well-maintained and secure place to store your belongings.
If you’re looking for safe and secure self-storage in Winnipeg, here are some important things to consider before choosing a facility.
1. Look for Security Features That Help Protect Your Belongings
Security should be one of your first considerations when comparing self-storage facilities. While no facility can guarantee that theft or damage will never occur, a well-designed security system can help discourage unauthorized access and provide additional peace of mind.
When visiting a storage facility, ask about its security features. Depending on the property, these may include:
- Video surveillance: Cameras can help monitor activity throughout the property.
- Controlled access: Ask how customers enter the facility and whether access is restricted to authorized users.
- Perimeter fencing: Fencing can help define the property and discourage unauthorized entry.
- Unit alarms: Some facilities offer individually alarmed storage units.
- Good lighting: Well-lit driveways, hallways and access areas can make visiting your unit more comfortable.
Don’t be afraid to ask staff how the security systems work and which areas of the property they cover. It’s also worth checking whether you need to provide your own lock and what type is recommended.
At StorageVille, you can ask our team about the security features available at our Winnipeg storage locations before choosing your unit.
2. Choose a Facility That Is Clean and Well-Maintained
A storage facility should look and feel cared for. When you visit, take a few minutes to look around the property.
Check whether driveways, hallways and common areas are tidy. Look for signs of maintenance, such as functioning lights, clear walkways and well-kept doors and gates.
If possible, inspect the storage unit you’re considering. Look for visible signs of water intrusion, unusual odours, damaged doors or gaps that could allow pests to enter. If you notice anything concerning, bring it to the attention of facility staff before moving your belongings in.
A clean, maintained facility is a good sign that the property is being looked after. You should also ask how maintenance concerns are reported and addressed.
3. Consider Climate-Controlled Storage for Sensitive Items
Winnipeg experiences significant seasonal temperature changes, from cold winter conditions to warm summer weather. Depending on what you’re storing, these changes may be an important factor when choosing a unit.
Items made from wood, paper, fabric, leather and other sensitive materials may benefit from a more consistent indoor environment.
Climate-controlled storage is worth considering for belongings such as:
- Wooden furniture and antiques
- Electronics and appliances
- Photographs, documents and books
- Collectibles and keepsakes
- Musical instruments
- Clothing and other fabric items
Climate-controlled units are generally designed to provide a more consistent temperature than standard storage units. Ask the facility what its climate-control system includes and whether it provides heating, air conditioning or humidity management.
StorageVille offers climate-controlled storage options in Winnipeg. If you’re unsure whether you need one, our team can help you consider the type of belongings you’re planning to store.
4. Find a Convenient Location and Access Arrangement
A secure storage unit should also be convenient to use. Think about how often you’ll need to visit and what you’ll be bringing with you.
For example, if you’re storing furniture during a move, you may need enough space to drive close to your unit and unload larger items. If you’re storing seasonal decorations or business supplies, convenient access may be more important than proximity to your home.
Before renting, ask:
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- What are the facility’s access hours?
- Are office hours different from storage access hours?
- Is there vehicle access near the unit?
- Are driveways and loading areas easy to navigate?
- Can you access your belongings on weekends?
It’s also a good idea to visit the facility in person. This gives you a better sense of the location, layout and overall convenience.
Contact StorageVille to book your visit
Storageville Office Hours
Mon – Fri 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM,
Sat 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM and
Sun 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Gate Hours
6:00 AM – 11:00 PM 7 days a week, and you never have to check into the office.
5. Choose the Right Storage Unit Size
Choosing a unit that’s too small can make loading and organizing difficult. Renting a unit that’s larger than you need may mean paying for unused space.
Before selecting a size, make a list of the belongings you plan to store. Consider the largest items, such as mattresses, couches, appliances and furniture, as well as the boxes and smaller belongings that will fill the remaining space.
Here are a few general examples of what different unit sizes may accommodate:
- 5′ × 5′: Boxes, small household items and seasonal belongings.
- 5′ × 10′: Contents of a small room, a mattress, boxes and smaller furniture.
- 10′ × 10′: Contents of a larger room or a small apartment, depending on how items are packed.
- 10′ × 15′: Furniture and belongings from several rooms.
- 10′ × 20′: Larger household storage needs, depending on the volume and size of your belongings.
These are general examples, not guarantees. Furniture dimensions, packing methods and stacking arrangements all affect how much will fit.
You can also review StorageVille’s storage unit sizes guide to help compare your options.
6. Understand the Rental Terms and Insurance Requirements
Before signing a rental agreement, make sure you understand the terms and any responsibilities that come with renting a storage unit.
Ask about:
- Monthly rental rates and payment schedules
- Deposits, administrative fees or other charges
- Notice required when moving out
- Rules about what can and cannot be stored
- Insurance requirements and available coverage
- The facility’s procedures for reporting a problem
Check our Frequently Asked Questions page for the answers.
It’s especially important to understand insurance. A storage facility’s security features do not necessarily mean your belongings are insured against theft, fire, water damage or other loss.
Check whether your homeowner’s or tenant’s insurance policy covers belongings in a storage unit. If it doesn’t, ask about the insurance options available to you.
Review the rental agreement carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
7. Organize Your Unit to Help Protect Your Belongings
Choosing a good facility is only one part of storing your belongings responsibly. How you pack and arrange your unit also matters.
A few simple practices can make a difference:
- Use sturdy boxes and clearly label them.
- Make sure belongings are clean and completely dry before storing them.
- Use protective covers for furniture and mattresses.
- Keep frequently needed items near the front of the unit.
- Leave a small walkway so you can reach items without moving everything.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on top of fragile belongings.
- Keep an inventory of what you’ve stored.
For additional advice, read our guide on how to protect your belongings in a storage unit.
8. Visit the Facility and Ask Questions Before Renting
Photos and website information can help you narrow down your choices, but visiting a facility is one of the best ways to decide whether it’s right for you.
During your visit, pay attention to the overall condition of the property. Ask to see the type of unit you’re considering, find out how access works and speak with a staff member about any concerns.
A reputable storage provider should be willing to explain its rental terms, security features and available storage options.
You should feel comfortable asking questions before making a decision. After all, you’ll be trusting the facility with belongings that may be valuable, useful or personally important to you.
Find Safe and Convenient Self-Storage in Winnipeg at StorageVille
Choosing a self-storage facility doesn’t have to be complicated. By comparing security features, cleanliness, climate-control options, access arrangements and rental terms, you can make a more informed decision about where to store your belongings.
StorageVille offers self-storage options at two Winnipeg locations (Reenders Drive and Waverley St.), including climate-controlled storage options for belongings that may benefit from a more consistent indoor environment.
Whether you’re making room at home, preparing for a move or looking for extra storage space, we’re here to help you find an option that suits your needs.
Ready to find the right storage unit? Explore StorageVille’s storage solutions or contact our team to discuss your storage requirements.
