Maple Leaf Self Storage - Blogs

Winter Storage 101: Heated vs. Non-Heated Units and How to Choose the Right Space

Business Storage Solutions

Knowing the differences between heated vs non-heated storage is an important first step when choosing a storage unit for winter. But temperature is only part of the equation. The type of items you’re storing, how often you need access, and how much space you require all play a role in finding the right solution. At Maple Leaf Self Storage, we offer flexible winter storage units and seasonal storage solutions for homeowners and businesses across Calgary and Vancouver, with knowledgeable staff ready to help match you with the best option for your needs. Start with What You’re Storing Before selecting a unit, consider the types of items going into storage: Furniture, mattresses, antiques, or wooden items Electronics, appliances, or televisions Documents, photos, or keepsakes Seasonal décor and clothing Sports equipment, tools, or durable outdoor gear Valuable, temperature-sensitive items benefit from climate-controlled storage, while more durable belongings may be suitable for heated or non-heated units. Understanding what you’re storing helps determine the right level of protection. Heated vs. Climate-Controlled vs. Non-Heated Storage: What’s the Difference? It’s important to understand exactly what storage providers mean by temperature control: Heated Units Provide consistent warmth (often around 5 - 10°C) using forced air, helping prevent freezing and manage humidity. These units are suitable for many household items during winter. Climate-Controlled Units This premium option maintains stable temperature and humidity year-round. Climate-controlled units are ideal for artwork, antiques, electronics, documents, and wooden furniture, offering protection from cold, heat, and moisture. Non-Heated Units These units provide shelter only, making them best suited for durable items such as tires, metal tools, or outdoor equipment. Choosing between heated vs non-heated storage depends largely on what you’re storing and how sensitive it is to temperature changes. Why Climate-Controlled Storage Units Protect Your Property Better The risks of storing your belongings in unheated spaces during winter often outweigh the savings. Plastic items can become brittle ...

Maple Leaf Self Storage
January 28th, 2026

Stress-Free Renovations: Use Self Storage for Year-End Projects

Home Renovations

Temporary storage solutions are often necessary for year-end projects. Storage off-site will help keep your property safe during a home renovation. Maple Leaf Self Storage can help you solve these issues and more in Vancouver or Calgary. Storage units offer a secure and convenient place for your items, reducing stress and decluttering your living space during the project. Let’s look at the many benefits of using an off-site storage unit during a home renovation or year-end project. Free Up Space for Added Efficiency Having less clutter to work around during a complicated task makes everything easier and safer. Clear the Renovation Zone Remove furniture and other items to create a clutter-free environment, allowing contractors to work more efficiently and safely. Give them every opportunity to do the best job possible! Prevent Accidents Reduce the risk of accidents or damage to your belongings. Also, be aware that a construction crew's equipment will also be safer. Don’t become liable for a damaged piece of building equipment that doesn’t even belong to you! Protect Your Belongings A quality off-site storage unit ensures the well being of your valuables. Shield Your Property from Damage Your furniture and electronics are best kept away from construction dust and paint splatters, as well as possible accidental damage. Moving them off-site reduces the odds of an avoidable misfortune. Protect Delicate Items Climate-controlled self storage units remove the risk of having sensitive items come in contact with the unpredictable aspects of of contracting work, such as unintended exposure to extreme temperatures or harmful airborne particles. Enjoy More Convenience and Better Organization Your peace of mind will grow by leaps and bounds by using a storage unit during your year-end home renovation project. Storage Units: Provide a Secure Space Storage units are a safer alternative to trying to cram your belongings into other rooms or a garage. They’re clean, dry, and monitored for extra security. Reduce Stress Moving items out of your way reduces the chaos and stress of living in a home under renovation. Allow for Flexible Access You have access ...

Maple Leaf Self Storage
December 10th, 2025

From Summer Gear to Holiday Cheer: Storage Tips for the Season

Seasonal Storage & Organization Tips

Christmas décor storage is made easy with a storage unit. Storing summer gear away from your residence will free up the space your family needs this snowy holiday season. Storage tips provided here will help solve storage problems. How to Prepare Your Summer Items for Long-Term Storage Gather the items you intend to pack away. These will include: ● Summer sports equipment and toys ● Clothing appropriate for warm weather ● Outdoor furniture ● Patio speakers and other outside electronic equipment ● Non-winter holiday decorations Once you have gathered the things to be stored away, they must be prepared for storage. Clean Everything Wash the clothes and clean the decorations, outdoor gear, and furniture before storing to prevent stains and mildew. Dry Items Carefully Moisture remaining on fabric can lead to mold and mildew. This can even be true for items packed in a breathable container. Find Appropriate Containers ● For clothing, use breathable containers like cotton bags for long-term storage, or vacuum-sealed bags. ● For outdoor gear, use durable plastic bins or waterproof bags. ● Cover furniture with protective covers. Prevent Damage Pack clothes in cool, dark containers to prevent fading and damage. Use silica gel packets or moisture absorbers to control moisture. Keep Clothes Fresh Dryer sheets or cedar/lavender sachets help keep items smelling fresh. Storing Winter Holiday Decorations and Seasonal Paraphernalia Be prepared for Christmas and New Year’s packing. It’s usually best to bring down these decorations early in the new year. Packing Holiday Decorations ● Use clear, durable plastic bins to see contents easily, or sturdy cardboard boxes. ● Wrap fragile ornaments individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap. Specialty ornament boxes with individual compartments may be a good bet. ● Wrap Christmas lights around a cardboard tube to prevent tangling. ● Clearly label every box. ● Keep associated items together in the same box. All tree ornaments should be in one container. ● Stack boxes neatly in your storage container to maximize space. Do not put heavy items on top ...

Maple Leaf Self Storage
November 28th, 2025

Small Business Storage Solutions for the Holiday Season

Business Storage Solutions

Seasonal inventory storage is the key to unlocking business storage solutions. Holiday storage for retailers must entail easy daily access to accommodate sudden fluxes of demand. Luckily, entrepreneurs who need effective stock storage in BC and Alberta can find the services they need. Here’s how self-storage supports small business success during the holiday rush. Manage Holiday Inventory More Efficiently The first and most beneficial aspect of self-storage is the ease of handling the holiday ebb and flow of inventory. Store Extra Seasonal Stock Renting a self-storage unit allows your e-commerce or retail business to store excess holiday inventory. This includes seasonal products and extra packaging materials. All this can be situated in an organized space under your control. Keeping the Workspace Organized Moving non-essential or off-season items into storage frees up floor and shelf space. A decluttered workspace reduces stress, improves workflow efficiency, and helps your team stay focused during peak sales periods. Protect Your Inventory & Assets Professional storage facilities include security cameras, controlled access, and durable locks, making self-storage safer than keeping items at home or in the back room. Storing inventory off-site reduces the risk of loss and communicates to your employees and partners that your assets are well protected. Improve Logistics and Holiday Fulfillment Storing your inventory off site makes things easier on the back end. It also produces positive results on the front end, too. Streamlining Order Processing Whether you're shipping daily orders or decking out a storefront, having a designated place for stock and supplies makes fulfillment easier. A storage unit located near your shop or office ensures you can access inventory as needed. Maintaining a Professional Image For home-based businesses, renting a storage unit will prevent your inventory from spilling into personal spaces. This helps to maintain a professional appearance for both customers and you. Scale Your Space as Demands Change Self-storage offers flexibility, allowing you to scale your storage needs up or down as required by the season. It ...

Maple Leaf Self Storage
November 25th, 2025

Fall Declutter & Halloween Storage: Seasonal Solutions Made Easy

With fall decluttering underway, your winter storage solutions will be made easy with a rented storage unit. By following these Halloween storage tips, you’ll know what you put away, separating seasonal décor from other items that are best stored during the cold months. Smart Halloween Storage Tips for a Stress-Free Cleanup Your Halloween paraphernalia shouldn’t go straight into containers without first following these steps: Wipe down indoor and outdoor decorations so they’re free of moisture and grime. Make sure everything is dry to prevent mold and mildew during storage. Wash costumes, banners, and other fabrics. Remove the batteries from electronic or light-up decorations. Mend tears in costumes and repair broken props to save time next year. Discard anything broken, faded, or that you no longer love. 👉 Looking for more ideas? Check out Seasonal Décor Storage Guide for safe ways to store delicate holiday decorations. Beyond Halloween: Fall Decluttering for a Fresh Start Bundle this Halloween task into the larger mission of getting your household ready for winter by dealing with these seasonal issues as well: Summer Wardrobe Swap Pack up your summer clothes, swimwear, and sandals. Donate or sell items you won’t wear next year. Make room for sweaters, jackets, and boots. Outdoor Gear Clean and prepare to store summer equipment like pool toys and gardening tools. You’ll need that space for winter essentials like shovels and salt. Now that you know what has to go into storage, here’s how you pack it effectively, so the process is organized and flows smoothly. Smart Storage Solutions Stackable Bins Use clear plastic bins with secure lids. This will allow you to see the contents without opening them. However, you should still label each bin (e.g., "Halloween Indoor Decorations" or "Front Porch Lights"). Labeling a side rather than the top, which will be hidden while stacking. Protect Fragile Items Delicate artifacts like glass pumpkins or ceramic ...

Maple Leaf Self Storage
November 19th, 2025

Fall Inventory Overflow? Smart Self Storage Solutions for Small Business Owners

Business storage solutions begin with self-storage, offering a cost-effective, flexible way to manage holiday and end-of-year inventory. For small and seasonal businesses, the months leading up to the holidays often mean crowded retail floors, back rooms overflowing with products, or e-commerce spaces stacked with boxes. With fall inventory storage, you can stay organized and efficient without the burden of a long-term warehouse lease. Whether you’re preparing for holiday shopping surges or managing leftover stock in January, self-storage keeps your operations running smoothly. Seasonal & Holiday Storage Solutions Your company can build up its inventory of off-season, holiday-specific products in a storage unit. That way, you have sufficient stock waiting to meet peak demand without cluttering your retail space. After the holidays, move unsold or out-of-season inventory to your storage unit, creating space for more pertinent products. Self-storage can also help your e-business when you need to have online orders ready to purchase. Extra Benefits of Self-Storage for Business Owners ● A storage facility offers convenient access, allowing you to retrieve items when needed. ● Storing excess items in a self-storage unit frees up space in your store or office, creating a more functional work environment. ● You can rent storage units on a month-to-month basis, allowing you to change spaces based on seasonal demand and pay only for the space needed. ● Renting a storage unit is more affordable than leasing a warehouse. In sum, renting a storage unit removes a lot of headaches so you have more time to grow your business. Scalable Storage for Seasonal Peaks With a storage unit, you can adapt to seasonal fluctuations or promotional periods. Adjust your storage space as your business grows or your inventory needs change. What’s more, your unit is designed to hold the items in a safe and clean environment. While an office space may be suitable for working in, it’s not an ideal place to keep extra ...

Maple Leaf Self Storage
October 14th, 2025

Selling This Fall? How Self Storage Helps Stage and Sell Faster

Home Staging And Selling Tips

When it comes to staging a home for sale, presentation is everything. Buyers need to imagine their own lives in your space, and clutter or personal items can get in the way. That’s why self storage for staging homes for sale has become a must-use tool for sellers. As you prepare for fall open houses, one of the best real estate tips is simple: declutter and depersonalize. By temporarily moving items into a secure storage unit, you instantly make rooms feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. 📷 Benefits of Using Self Storage During the Selling Process Highlight Your Home’s Best Features Removing excess belongings lets hardwood floors, windows, and built-in shelving stand out. When rooms feel open and airy, buyers can easily picture their own furniture and décor in the space. Be Ready for Last-Minute Showings Fall real estate markets can move quickly. With fewer items in your home, last-minute cleanups are easier. You’ll always be just minutes away from a show-ready property - no scrambling required. Enhance Perceived Value A decluttered, well-staged home signals to buyers that it’s well cared for, prompting stronger offers and a faster sale. Not only does the interior look nicer, but your responsible approach to the serious business of home-selling will make a good impression, promoting trust in the buyer. 📷 Additional Benefits of Storing Personal Items During Viewings Protect Your Valuables Storing your personal property off-site offers a secure location to keep valuable items such as family heirlooms or sensitive documents during high-traffic periods. The best reason to not worry about theft is that the possibility has been removed. Showcases the Home's Storage Potential Clearing out closets, basements, and attics allows viewers to see the actual storage capacity of your home. Neat, empty storage spaces are a major selling point, indicating that the home has lots of room for the buyer’s own belongings. Get a Head Start on Moving Using self storage for moving means you can begin packing non-essential items early. This not only ...

Maple Leaf Self Storage
September 29th, 2025

Back to School, Back to Sanity: Storage Solutions for a Clutter-Free Fall

Seasonal Storage & Organization Tips

Student storage solutions are an important part of back-to-school organization as September approaches. Self-storage for families can make life better at home during different times of year as seasonal items become temporarily obsolete. Decluttering for the school year has a positive impact on your child’s mood and attitude. Give your children every advantage you can. They will benefit from the organization and added space that comes from doing away with household disorder. Let’s look at storage solutions for a clutter-free fall. Separate Keepers from Things to Be Discarded Children outgrow stuff as they get bigger and more mature. The tells regarding what items they want to keep and what they don’t are easy to recognize. Your sons and daughters will simply abandon anything they’re not interested in anymore. These possessions will include: ● Clothes ● Bicycles ● Toys ● Kids’ books ● Shoes To get the most value from your storage space, you won’t want to pack these things that have lost their value to your youngsters. In this case, verify with your tots that their pop-up books and tricycles no longer matter to them. Then you can dispose of them by several means: ● Give them to Goodwill or Value Village. ● Sell them or give them away on Facebook Marketplace. ● Host a garage sale. Once you’ve gotten rid of the stuff that won’t be missed, you can move on to preparing for seasonal storage. Storing Your Summer Goods This means packing away anything that will simply sit on a shelf waiting for June to roll back around. Clean everything on this list first. For smaller things, use re-sealable plastic containers and label each one clearly. Make sure everything’s dry. ● Outdoor Furniture, which benefits from dust covers while in storage. ● Gardening Supplies, but no plants or soil. Those can't go in storage. ● Beach Items like beach towels, umbrellas, ...

Maple Leaf Self Storage
September 22nd, 2025

Student Storage Made Simple: Tips for College and University Move-Ins

Student Life/Moving & Storage

Starting college or university is exciting, you’re stepping into a whole new chapter of life. But moving in? That part can feel like a whirlwind. Between cramming all your stuff into boxes, hauling it across town (or across the country), and then trying to make a shoebox-sized dorm room or apartment feel like home, it’s no wonder so many students and parents feel stressed. Here’s a secret: having a storage plan can make move-in day (and the weeks after) so much easier. Whether you’re heading to school in Calgary, settling into a student apartment in Vancouver, or anywhere in between, student storage solutions can be the extra breathing room you didn’t know you needed. Why Storage Is Your Secret Move-In Weapon Let’s face it: most student housing isn’t exactly spacious. Once you’ve unpacked your clothes, bedding, laptop, and a few must-have comforts from home, you’re often left wondering where to put everything else. That’s where storage comes in. Renting a small storage unit nearby means you can keep seasonal gear, extra clothes, sports equipment, and random “I might need this later” items out of your room but still close by. It keeps clutter down, your space usable, and your mind clear. The Real Perks of Having a Storage Unit ● More Space to Breathe - A 5×5 or 5×10 unit is just right for things you don’t need every day but still want close at hand. ● Peace of Mind - Your stuff stays safe with gated access, personal PIN codes, and 24/7 video surveillance. ● Easy Access – Need your winter boots before class? Or your guitar for open mic night? Extended access hours make it simple. ● Budget-Friendly Options – Share with a roommate, grab a student discount, or take advantage of seasonal deals to save money. Move-In Tips from People Who’ve Been There 1. Plan Ahead: Before you start tossing things into boxes, think about what will live in your room and what ...

Maple Leaf Self Storage
September 22nd, 2025

Declutter Your Garage: Smart Summer Storage for Bikes, Kayaks and Camping Gear

When summer rolls around, most of us are ready to hit the trails, paddle the lakes, or set up camp under the stars. But all that adventure gear has to live somewhere when it’s not in use - and for many outdoor lovers, that “somewhere” ends up being the garage, the shed, or a closet that’s already bursting at the seams. If your bike’s wedged between the lawnmower and the recycling bin, or your kayak’s blocking the snowblower, you’re not alone. Storing bulky seasonal gear is a challenge, and it’s one reason more people are turning to self-storage to keep their homes organized without giving up the gear they love. At Maple Leaf Self Storage, we help you find a home-away-from-home for your outdoor equipment, with clean, climate-controlled units that keep your investment in top shape year-round. Why Outdoor Gear Eats Up Space The problem isn’t just that outdoor gear is big — it’s also awkward to store and often seasonal. Without a plan, it piles up fast and turns into a game of “gear Tetris” every time you need something. Some of the usual space hogs include: ● Multiple bikes for different riders in the family ● Kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards that take up half a wall ● Family-sized tents, sleeping bags, and fold-out tables ● Seasonal extras like skis, snowboards, and fishing gear How to Tame the Chaos Start with a clear-out - Take stock of what you actually use. Donate or sell anything that’s collecting dust. If you have three camping chairs but only ever use two, let one go. Use modular storage - Free-standing shelving, stackable bins, and rolling racks can help maximize space without adding clutter or requiring permanent fixtures. Rotate with the seasons - Swap summer gear for winter gear in your storage unit as the weather changes. You’ll always have what you need within easy reach, without the rest getting in the way. Why Self Storage Is a Game-Changer Climate control matters ...

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September 17th, 2025