Lacombe | Lacombe Storage Center

Covered RV Storage Pros and Cons

November 29, 2023/in Recent Posts /by SusanJane Sage

Covered RV storage

Covered RV Storage Pros and Cons
When you hit the open road, an RV can be a fulfilling investment, but when you aren’t out enjoying
nature, you need to consider how to protect and store your prized possession.
Do you opt for covered storage where your RV will be safe from the elements? Or do you choose
outdoor storage, where you can save on storage costs? It’s a tough decision and one that requires
consideration. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of using covered RV storage.

The Pros
Protection from the Environment
Many RV owners consider protecting their unit from moisture and hail, but according to Red Seal RV
Parts Technician Billy Buffin, RV owners need to first consider the damage caused by UV rays. “Both summer and winter UV rays weaken plastic, rubber and vinyl which makes your RV susceptible to moisture and hail. “I’ve seen vent and AC covers crack during light hailstorms that they are designed to withstand all because sun damage made them brittle. I’ve also seen awnings disintegrate after a couple years and tires crack in 5 years because of sun damage.” Billy also cautions that skylights are also made of plastic and after prolonged UV exposure become more susceptible to damage.

Reduced Maintenance Cost
The cost of covered RV may be more than offset by maintenance costs that result from prolonged UV exposure and severe weather.

Higher Resale Value
The rising cost of new RVs has also resulted in the rising cost of used RVs that are in good condition. An RV that has been sheltered when it’s not in use will get top dollar because it doesn’t have sun fade or
worn damaged parts.

Road trip

Cons
Higher Cost
Indoor storage facilities are generally more expensive than outdoor storage options. The added benefits
and protection come at a premium, making it more expensive. Lacombe Storage’s rates for covered RV
start at $180/month and we’ve done our best to make sure our covered RV is competitively priced.

More Information About Storing Your RV at Lacombe Storage

Enhanced Security
Our facility includes surveillance cameras, electronically gated access, and onsite management so your
RV is well protected. You don’t have to be as concerned about theft or vandalism.

Easy Access
Tenants can access our RV storage facilities seven days a week from 6 am to 11 pm using their smart
phone. If you need access outside of yard hours, you can talk to our onsite staff about changing your
access privileges.

Flexible Parking Stall Size
Our covered stalls can accommodate up to a 45 foot RV. This is the same for our uncovered RV stalls. Need a pull though site? We have designed our covered RV, so this is possible. Just be aware you will be paying a premium for this feature because you will essentially be using two stalls.
When it comes to the pros and cons of covered vs outdoor storage, take time to determine your priorities. Is cost a concern or are you willing to spend more to keep your RV protected and ready for the
road for years to come.

Have any questions for Billy? You can reach him at gatorrvparts@gmail.com or on Facebook @gatorrvparts

~ Tamara Traub

A Guide To Summer Gear Storage

September 22, 2023/in Moving Related, Recent Posts /by SusanJane Sage

A Guide to Summer Gear Storage

As the sun-soaked days of summer fade on the horizon, they leave behind the simple joy of outdoor
pursuits, from pedaling along scenic trails, to setting up camp, or gliding gracefully atop shimmering
waters—summer gifts us with a multitude of cherished experiences.
Whether you are a biker, camper, or paddler, summer gives us great pleasure. All these wonderful
activities lead to an accumulation of outdoor gear. What is your plan for storing it during the off-season?
In this guide, we delve into preserving these cherished adventures—cleaning, organizing, and storing
your summer gear. It’s a journey that involves not just safeguarding your possessions but also ensuring
that the magic of summer continues for years to come.

Summer Gear Storage Tips:
1. Clean Your Equipment
After every summer adventure, it’s essential to clean your equipment thoroughly. Use warm water and
mild soap to cleanse your gear, including tents and sleeping bags. Removing any dirt and ensuring
they are completely dry before storage is vital, particularly for preventing mold and mildew.
2. Choose the Right Storage Containers
Long-term storage of tents and sleeping bags should be in breathable mesh bags or cotton bags like old
pillowcases. Loosely fold these items for long-term storage instead of tightly rolling them. This allows
airflow, preventing mold and mildew growth. Remember, compressing a sleeping bag for extended
periods can damage its fill.
3. Organize Smaller Items
Store smaller items like flashlights, matches, eating utensils, plates, cookware, and more in clear storage
containers. This way, you can easily identify and access them when needed.
4. Organize Water Gear
Choose a large container to hold wetsuits, life jackets, water shoes, and other water gear. This ensures
they are kept together and protected during the off-season.
5. Follow Manufacturer Recommendations for Watercraft Storage
Store paddle boards, canoes and kayaks indoors so the winter weather will not degrade fiberglass,
plastic, fabric or specially-coated wood hulls.

Pro Tip: keep a checklist stored with your equipment so you don’t forget anything for your camping
trips. Your list should include all items you will typically want to bring along.
Many of our clients store their summer gear in the garage or a spare closet so they can quickly pack up
the car for a weekend getaway. But if these items are filling your halls and other living spaces self
storage is an option that comes in many sizes to accommodate these items in the colder months.
Call us now at Lacombe Storage where we prioritize your storage needs — 1-855-795-8584

Benefits of Using a Locally Run Self Storage Facility

August 10, 2023/in Recent Posts /by SusanJane Sage

Look for a locally run office when needing self storage

The Benefits of Using a Locally run self storage

There is a benefit to using a self storage company that is locally owned and operated. The staff at these companies live, work, and play in your new community.

These people can be a great resource and local guides as you learn your way around the community. They can help you source out local hot spots like bars and restaurants and direct you to a good shopping, dentist, doctor, family resources, and recreation facilities.

Being new to the community allows you to play tourist and our managers recently posted some of their favorite local history.

Candice, from our Drayton Valley office, took some pictures of one of the best resources for learning in her area,

Drayton Valley Museum

the Drayton Valley Museum

One of her favourite stories from the museum is about the original school house. The Eldorado School was a simple log cabin constructed by Roy Plotts in 1915. The first to teach at Eldorado was Mrs. MacCrae, who taught at Tomahawk, but devoted her summers to teaching in Drayton Valley. In 1932 the schoolhouse burnt down and a new building was constructed a year later (the building now at the museum). In 1945, the school reached maximum capacity and it was necessary to construct a larger building, which opened in the 1950s. The 1933 Eldorado School house was auctioned to a local farmer in the 1970s, who converted it into a shop/garage. In 2006, the farmer donated the building to the museum.

Check out the museum if you are in the area.

Sue in our Lacombe office loves the Flatiron Building in the heart of downtown Lacombe. This beautiful main street icon still catches her eye after nearly 25 years of living in the community.

Samantha Lee at the Lacombe and district Historical Society sent us pictures for this blog.

Lacombes historic Flatiron building

Largely unchanged by time, the black and white picture is not dated, but Sam believes it would be from the early 1920s when the building was the location of the Merchants Bank of Canada.

The color photo is of the building shortly after its 2003 restoration.

Have you been inside?

Tell us more!!!

Ron runs our Medicine Hat office and one of the historical spots of note is the Monarch Theater. At 100 years old, the Monarch is one of the oldest movie theatres in Canada.

What do you know about Medicine Hat history?

We want to show you the Monarch Theatre.

Do you have a favorite historical site?

If you need some storage questions answered for you while you are here already, we have a Facts Page too.

Should You Store Jewelry and Other Valuables in Self Storage?

May 18, 2023/in Recent Posts /by SusanJane Sage

Self-storage is great for household items and non-perishable business stock and equipment, but resist the
temptation to store valuables like jewelry in your unit. Self-storage isn’t a substitute for a vault or safety
deposit box. While self-storage facilities do have security, no security system is completely impervious to
professional thieves. Further your insurance and that of the self-storage operator may not cover valuable
jewelry left in a self-storage unit.

Also consider that jewelry and other collectables often require a special environment to help maintain
their condition. Jewelry, for example, is delicate and needs to be stored where the temperature does not
fluctuate. Temperature fluctuations can cause jewelry to become brittle and warp.

Self storage facilities are also not impervious to things like fires, flooding and tornadoes that can damage
irreplaceable valuables. Safety deposit boxes, however, are designed to withstand these natural disasters.
For these reasons, you are better off keeping jewelry and other collectables in a fire proof safe or safety
deposit box.

At the very least store your jewelry in a secure location that is climate-controlled and can
provide protection against theft, pests, moisture, and other environmental hazards.
Pro Tip for storing jewelry: pack your jewelry in its original boxes or other soft containers to protect
them from scratches so these valuable retain their value for years to come.

If you are interested in other self storage tips and activities, give us a follow on LinkedIn

Costume Storage

October 27, 2022/in Recent Posts /by SusanJane Sage

Costume Storage

Once the costume party or that cosplay event is over how do you store your costume? The $100 costumes you can just hang up or put in a box, others are a work of art that cost thousands of dollars. If you have put time and money into this specialty wear, consider storing it so it will continue to look great and last for years to come.

Get the most out of your costumes with these care and storage tips:

Never store a dirty costume. Whether you danced the night away or roamed the halls of a convention center cosplay event the oils from your skin have been absorbed by your costume. These oils will break down material. Follow the costume’s cleaning instructions. No instructions? Then, hand washing or using a professional cleaning service is best. Some costumes can be laundered in a washing machine, but only on the gentle/delicate cycle with a gentle laundry soap and a small amount of liquid fabric softener. Always hang dry a costume. The heat from a dryer will damage delicate fabrics. It’s important that the costume be completely dry before storing it away. Mold and mildew can destroy a costume in a few weeks and also make it unsafe to wear.
Handwash

Consider storing the costume in the original package. If you don’t have this package, avoid storing costumes in plastic bags or bins. Certain kinds of plastic have acids that can ruin fabrics. Many manufacturers now make acid-free plastic containers. Wedding dress boxes and acid free garment bags are an example of this. You can purchase acid-free containers through stores like Amazon and some big-box stores like Walmart.

Elaborate Costumes

Accessories such as masks, hats, boots, purses and props will require proper support so they don’t lose shape. Again, the original packaging can be helpful in storing these items. You can also fill the hollows of these items with acid free paper to help them keep shape and limit deterioration.
Once you have taken proper care of the costume you can consider placing it in storage if you do not have a safe space for it.

If you have an amazing costume that you have taken the time and money to put together it’s worth storing properly so your next costumed event has great memories like the one you just went to.

Should You Store It?

October 4, 2022/in Recent Posts /by SusanJane Sage

Should You Store It?

Whether your storage is in a basement, an attic, a garage or a storage unit don’t fill it with things you don’t really want or need. While we’re not going to tackle cleaning out your storage here (a topic for another day), ask yourself these questions before packing things away.

1) Do you need it? This sounds like a simple enough question, but how each of us answers this is highly individual. If you are making an effort to cut back on clutter, try to get real about what “need” means. Defining what is important to you is the first step to efficient storage.

2) Does it work? Don’t let your storage space become the place where broken things go to die! Stop telling yourself, “I’ll fix it one of these days”. If you don’t care enough about the item in question to get it fixed right away, it’s probably not worth keeping.

Broken Watch

3) Is it clean? Storing clothing and other textile items without having them cleaned first can spell trouble. Moths and other critters are attracted to the dirt on textiles. And body oils will cause fabric to break down over time. Your best defense is to put only clean items into storage. Tools and outdoor equipment, including patio furniture, should also be cleaned before storing to avoid deterioration.

4) Is it yours? It’s amazing how much stuff we can accumulate from others. If you are storing the item in question for a relative or child, consider setting a limit and giving the item back rather than continuing to let it take up valuable storage space.

5) Are you saving it for family? When you save things for family like children or grandchildren, making decisions about what to keep can be a challenge. Often a small amount of carefully chosen and properly stored items can be far more meaningful (and welcome) than an attic’s worth of stuff. Tuck a note about where each piece came from or why it is important to help pass along the stories to the next generation.

6) Will it create a problem if stored? Perishables like food, pet food, plants and potting soils shouldn’t be put into storage as they can create problems by attracting bugs, mice and other pests. Ammunition, chemicals, fertilizers, fireworks and fuels also shouldn’t be stored as they will deteriorate, become unstable and create a fire hazard.

7) Is it irreplaceable? One-of-a-kind items, collectables, jewelry, family photos, and documents like birth certificates and passports should be kept in a safety deposit box or a safe in your home. While storage companies take every precaution to keep things safe and secure break-ins and violent weather can still impact these facilities.

Mona Lisa

First Time Storage Tips

September 14, 2022/in Recent Posts /by SusanJane Sage

First Time Storage Tips

At some point, you or a family member experience an event where self-storage offers a solution. Whether it’s a move, a renovation, or a death in the family if you’ve never rented a storage unit here are some insider tips to help things go smoothly.

First, determine what size storage unit you need. The quickest way is to inventory what you are storing and use a storage size calculator. This tool can be found on a storage company’s website and can save you the headache of choosing the wrong sized storage unit.

Once you know the size you need check storage prices. Keep in mind that the price given isn’t always the final price. Some storage businesses require a damage or gate fob deposit, or charge admin or service fees.

Now that you have determined the storage facility and a unit size, be prepared for some paperwork. Just like renting a car, or a home, storage rentals require a contract. To keep this as painless as possible have the following information ready:

– Photo ID.

– Your contact information (current address where you receive your mail, your cellphone number and an email address.

– Name an alternate contact for your account (with phone number) in case you can’t be reached for any reason.

– If you are storing a vehicle you will have to show the current registration as proof of ownership.

Before you sign the rental agreement make sure you understand it. You don’t want to find yourself in breach of this legally binding contract, just because you didn’t read it. That’s a little like telling a police officer that pulled you over for speeding that you didn’t see the speed limit sign.

The storage contract will contain things like how much and when rent is due, additional charges, storage rules (what you can and can’t store and acceptable or unacceptable activities in the storage facility), insurance requirements, and the repercussions if you fail to pay rent.

While these contracts can seem daunting a good storage company will have this document written in plain language and have trained staff that should willingly offer to explain it to you.

Pro Tip:

A storage facility’s insurance never covers a renter’s possessions. This is because the insurance company has no way of verifying the value of these possessions. As a homeowner or renter, you may already have content insurance that will cover belongings in storage. Always inquire with your insurance company to ensure items in storage would be covered.

Pro Tip:

When you are talking to storage staff about the contract, also ask if someone is onsite in case you need help while in the facility, what the office hours are and what yard access hours will be.

Once you understand the storage contract, and your questions have all been answered, sign the agreement and then you are ready for the final step, packing your belongings into the storage unit.

Pro Tip:

Before you reach the yard with your belongings, learn how to access the storage facility and your unit. Whether you received a fob, or access code test for facility, make sure it works and check to see if you can get into your storage unit.

Pro Tip:

Your community or the community you are moving to, can be a great source of information as well. Check out local social media sites that will answer questions regarding the involvement of a Storage office in their own local area. For Lacombe we suggest checking out Lacombes community page.

Now you can get down to the business of loading your storage unit. For tips on how to maximize your space check out our blog on how to pack a storage unit.

Jumping The Self Storage Line

August 17, 2022/in Recent Posts /by SusanJane Sage

Jumping The Self Storage Line

Self storage businesses across Alberta have been getting busy. So, finding a storage unit at the
last minute has become much harder.

Here’s how to get a leg up on your fellow storage unit hunters.

As soon as you are aware that you need storage, start looking. It costs nothing to look around.

Remember price isn’t everything
Check reviews and also see how the business connects with its customers. Is communication
strictly online? Do calls go to a remote call center? Are staff knowledgeable about storage and
the local community?

Pro Tip:
Is there someone onsite if you need help? Moving and storing your belongings can be stressful
and having knowledgeable help available can make or break your storage experience

Be flexible
Could you take a slightly bigger or smaller unit? Using an online storage calculator will help you
choose the right size for your belongings.

Plan Ahead

Pro Tip:
If there isn’t a storage unit in the size you need ask about making up the size you need by using
two smaller units.

Get your name on a waiting list
A good self storage business will call if you are on a waiting list and a storage unit comes
available.

Pro Tip
There will be times when a unit comes available before storage staff get to people on the
waiting list. That is why keeping an eye on their website can be a huge advantage. Using the
storage company’s online rental platform can help you skip the waiting list, because you can
often move yourself in online before the storage unit is taken by another renter.

Start a conversation with the storage staff
Storage staff can take care of you over email to help you make the most of your time.
Also, don’t be afraid to call the storage office. Most offices don’t mind if you call and check in
from time to time. A good storage operator is there to do what they can to help you!

Storage Tetris – Packing A Storage Unit

July 14, 2022/in Recent Posts /by webdev

How to pack to a storage unit

How do you play? you ask. Well, we’re going to try to explain the best we can.

First rule in this game: When you rent a storage unit make sure to get the right size. Too small or too large will mean your belongings don’t fit or you will wind up paying for empty space. A quick tip hear is to use our storage calculator.

Pro tip: Once you have rented the right sized storage unit put a plastic drop sheet on the floor to protect your belongings from moisture that can come up through concrete floors or underneath the roll up door.

Now it’s time to start packing your unit: Placing items like furniture and appliances should be considered first. The best way to play Storage Tetris is to put appliances and large furniture like couches against the far back wall first. Take the backs off loveseats and chairs (if they are designed to do so). This makes it so these furnishings can be stacked.

Once you have those heavier items along the back wall of your storage unit it’s now time to place things like mattresses along the side walls. A little extra advise we found can be checked out in this Museum blog on packing and storing.

Pro tip: put in mattress in mattress bags to protect them from damage during storage.

Place bigger heavier totes or boxes just inside where the mattresses are leaning against the wall. Next stack lighter weighted boxes onto of the larger ones.

Pro tip: to keep everyone accessing the storage unit safely only stack things as high as the shortest person can safely reach.

Work toward the center of the unit flowing forward. Remember to put items you will not be needing toward the back and items you will frequently need toward the front of the storage unit. As in the game of Tetris, fill gaps with similar shaped items to create tight stacks that maximize the space. Shelving units can be used to store boxes. This also helps free up the floor space for more awkward shaped items. The “Tetris” effect is a great read from a company called You Move Me.

Pro tip: make sure to leave yourself a center isle.

Pro tip: Try not to place cardboard boxes near the front of the unit as rain and/or snow can leak in. Once you’ve got the unit loaded cover as much as you can with a dust cover to keep it clean and ready to use.

Now you are ready to pack and store your belongings successfully. Remember heavy items at the back along with items you won’t need any time soon and lighter or frequently needed items at the front. If you something you need that we don’t carry, please check out our friends over at Nowco Home Hardware.

Once you are ready to go, head over to our rental page and secure your spot!

Protecting Items In Storage

June 6, 2022/in Recent Posts /by webdev

Protecting Items with Dust Cover

You’ve made the decision to place your items in storage and now that you have everything
ready go, here are some simple tips to protect what you are storing:

Confounded Condensation
Depending on the weather extremes and humidity in your area, it is possible for condensation
to build up on your stored goods which can cause water and mold damage. A good option to
avoid damage from prolonged moisture exposure is to put a plastic drop sheet on the floor of
your storage unit before placing items in the unit. Using pallets to put your belongings on is
even better, especially if you are storing goods for longer periods of time. Also, leave some
‘breathing space’ (about two finger widths) between stacked items so fresh air circulates
between your belongings.

Man with moving boxes

Don’t Over Stack
When placing boxed items in storage, the temptation is to stack as high as you can reach. Boxes
are only designed to take so much weight and over time might give way under the stress of
over stacking. This can result in entire stacks toppling over. If the items in those boxes are
fragile… well, you get the point. You also need to consider your safety. For this reason, stacks
should only go as high as your natural reach…or the natural reach of the shortest adult
accessing the storage.

Dreaded Dust
Nobody wants to open their unit and find that everything inside is now dust covered. All that
cleaning you did to prepare your goods for storage has been potentially wasted – and let’s face
it: dust is inevitable. So why not use a couple of inexpensive plastic drop sheets to help protect
your items? Drop sheets should be draped loosely around items to encourage air flow but offer
protection from fine dust.

By using these three tips, your stored goods should remain intact, dry and dust free. Be sure to
check out the retail items available for purchase
at our locations to assist with your packing needs. We are here to help you through every step
of your rental process.
You can access more information on our blog site such as the importance of cleaning before you store, as well as make use of our handy
storage calculator to determine the correct unit size for your needs.

Extra Help

This YouTube video has a lot of good information on storage for you as well.

Ron Heizelman – Site Manager, MHS

Posts

Covered RV Storage Pros and Cons

A Guide To Summer Gear Storage

Benefits of Using a Locally Run Self Storage Facility

Should You Store Jewelry and Other Valuables in Self Storage?

Costume Storage

Should You Store It?

First Time Storage Tips

Jumping The Self Storage Line

Storage Tetris – Packing A Storage Unit

Protecting Items In Storage

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WITH THEIR SELF-STORAGE
EXPERIENCE

Lacombe Storage Center

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Posts

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM CUSTOMERS WHO ARE HAPPY WITH THEIR SELF-STORAGE EXPERIENCE

Lacombe Storage Center

Drayton Valley Storage

Medicine Hat Storage

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM
CUSTOMERS WHO ARE HAPPY
WITH THEIR SELF-STORAGE
EXPERIENCE