Canada has over 1,500 self-storage facilities across the country, most of which are highly trusted to keep your goods secure. You might want to rent out your own space, but do you know how to do so? Lucky for you, we are here to help you out.

Below, we go over some of the most important facts on storage space, which include how to get it, what you can use it for, and how to keep your stuff safe.

1. What do I need to rent a unit?

After you have searched for “storage space for rent near me“, the next thing you will need is to get your documents in order. Of course, you will need to prove who you are to the storage service. This will often be any of the following:

Driver’s License
Identity Card
Passport

You will also have to sign an agreement with the storage service. This should inform you of the rules that you will be agreeing to. These rules will state what you can use the space for, as well as how often you can access it.

Make sure you read these rules, as you do not want to get caught off-guard by a clause you did not expect. Most storage solutions are on the level, but it is a good idea to make sure you enter a contract with one you can trust.

2. How do I get my stuff there?

The short answer is “However you want”. But you would be an idiot not to take advantage of the services offered by many storage spaces, such as truck rentals or discounts on moving labour.

Talk to your moving company about whether they allow you to rent trucks using your storage space contract. Some of them either offer the truck on its own or throw in the service of a driver. You might need to schedule them, so it does not hurt to ask what the limits are.

When your stuff is in place, though, you should not expect too much help if you need to shift it around the space. We recommend you invest in a small trolley, barrow, or hand truck if you store heavy objects.

3. What can I use it for?

While we can not give you a definite answer on this, in general, you can expect the following to be true. For a more comprehensive answer, you should read the lease that you sign before putting pen to paper.

Workspace

Generally, it is illegal to use a storage unit as a dedicated workspace. You will not be able to register it as one in the local area, meaning that you will be running an unregistered business.

Now, this does not mean you cannot use it for business purposes at all. You could run a photo studio or art gallery in storage space, or even use it to store your business’ equipment. But, generally, you cannot have the business’ office in that location.

Your lease may make this clear implicitly or explicitly. They might outright say you are unable to do it, but if they generally say you cannot use the space for “illegal activity” they also mean this.

You should not use it for illegal activity even if the lease does not make that clear.

In the same way, you cannot use the space as a living area. You will be evicted should this happen

Car repair

This might depend on the space. Some storage units make it clear that you cannot store or work with hazardous chemicals. This would include petrol and other chemicals you could find in a vehicle.

Instead, you should investigate storage solutions that offer specific vehicle storage. They will have the facilities to put your ride in there without worrying about if it will cause larger issues.

Gym

Gyms are expensive and have other people in them. Instead, opt for placing your exercise machines in storage space. You can have all the privacy you want or need while being able to organize the layout to suit your regime.

4. Do I need climate control?

Whether you need climate-controlled storage depends on what you are keeping in there. In general, everything you could put into storage would keep better if not too hot or too cold, but items of the following ilks will be more affected:

If you opt for climate control, you should understand that it will be more expensive. Still, that peace of mind that you get might just be worth it.

5. Should I get insurance?

We recommend that you get insurance for the items in your storage. Some leases may even need it and include it in any payment plan.

It is not always mandatory, though, especially as you can often cover it with your insurance. Examples of plans that may already cover you include:

Private possessions insurance
Business insurance
Home contents insurance.

6. What if there is a robbery?

The first thing you should do is contact the police. If you have insurance, you will not be able to claim without taking this first step.

Now, instead of having a robbery in the first place, you should seek out a solution that offers high-quality security instead. The company should be able to give you several different options and give you a top-class feeling of safety if you opt in.