Storage Guidelines & Organization Tips

When you’re ready to move your belongings into a Maple Leaf Self Storage unit, we want your move to go as smoothly as possible. Below are helpful storage organization tips and reminders for preparing, moving, and maintaining your unit, whether you’re storing items short-term during a move or need secure self-storage in Alberta or storage solutions in BC.

Insurance

At Maple Leaf Self Storage, protecting your belongings is a top priority, which is why we require all tenants to maintain insurance coverage for the items they store with us. For your convenience, we offer coverage through Cowan's StorageShield for just $15 per month. This policy—standard across the storage industry—ensures your contents are safeguarded from risks such as fire, water damage, vandalism, and burglary. If you already have an insurance policy policy in place as part of your business / commercial coverage, simply submit your certificate of insurance for review; once approved, your coverage will apply to your unit. Our team is here to make the process simple and transparent, so please reach out if you have any questions or need assistance reviewing your options.

All vehicles and any goods stored on or within them are not covered the storage facility and are not eligible for coverage with StorageShield. During the move-in process, you will be required to provide us with a valid copy of the current vehicle insurance and the license plate number.

Prohibited items

For everyone’s safety, certain items cannot be stored in your unit. Please review this list carefully before move-in day.

Firearms, explosives, weapons, or ammunition
Hazardous, toxic, or flammable materials such as gasoline, chemicals, or biological agents
Gas containers or aerosol cans
Pollutants, contaminated goods, or asbestos
Cash, securities, jewelry, antiques, or fine art (unless approved in writing)
Illegal substances or stolen goods
Food, perishable goods, or anything that attracts pests
Animals, birds, or living creatures
Waste materials or odorous items
Fuel tanks that have not been completely drained (for example, lawnmowers or generators)
Stoves, barbecues, or cooking appliances that have not been cleaned
All refrigeration equipment should be defrosted, dried, and left open for air circulation before storage.

Preparing to move in

Before moving into Maple Leaf Self Storage, please bring the following items to complete your rental documents:

Two pieces of government-issued identification (one with photo)
Your contact details and an alternate emergency contact
First payment (we accept debit and all major credit cards)
A quality keyed padlock, available for purchase at our stores along with moving supplies and boxes

To complete rental documents, please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the store’s closing.

Tip: Not sure how much space you need? Explore our Storage Unit Size Calculator for the perfect sized unit.

When you move your belongings in

Here are a few storage organization tips to help you maximize your space and keep your unit in top condition:

Use sturdy, same-sized boxes for easier stacking
Label every box clearly on multiple sides
Protect the floor with a tarp or drop cloth
Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter boxes on top
Leave a small aisle for easy access to stored items
Avoid attaching anything to walls or ceilings

Need help or have questions about your move-in?

Contact our friendly team at your nearest Maple Leaf Self Storage location in the lower mainland British Columbia or Calgary, Alberta. We’ll help you prepare for a safe, stress-free storage experience.

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Maple Leaf Self Storage has been providing self storage solutions for over 40 years and is now proudly owned and operated by QuadReal Property Group, a global real estate investment, operating and development company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.