Can I make a reservation and how far in advance?
We are almost always full and are not able to support reservations. We do have a wait list and can offer you a spot on it for a call when a unit you are looking for becomes available. Once we do call you, the longest we can hold it for a response is 2-3 days at most and then we must move on. If you want it, you will need to rent it right away in order to guarantee the unit will be there for you when you need it.
Do I have to pay a security deposit or any other fees?
Yes, there is a security deposit due at the time of the lease which is determined by the amount of the rent on the unit. If you fail to give the required 2 weeks notice, Whatever portion of the notice not given will be deducted from the deposit. If you fail to clean out the unit, it will be deducted from the deposit. If you damage the unit and don’t repair it yourself, it will be deducted from the deposit. If it goes over that amount, you will be charged for any additional costs. Fees exist for cutting your lock when you lose your key or forget your combination!
Do you have carts or dollies I can use?
We have both a cart and dolly for you to use in the heated storage area. All other units are drive up access.
Are your units air conditioned or heated?
We do have heated units but they are not “climate” controlled. There is no air conditioning or cooling.
Do you supply the lock?
If you don’t have a lock, we can sell one to you here. There are also multiple places to buy them in town but you do not need to use a specific lock type in our facility. You may have one at home in your things right now that you can use.
What kind of security do we have?
Site access is monitored by our electronically coded electric gate. All storage units have an individually alarmed sensor. There are multiple points of video surveillance recording all site activity in the storage unit area. All rented units are required to have an additional lock securely in place which adds to the overall security of the site.
Can my family or friends have access to my unit?
You can authorize anyone to access your unit. You must accept any and all responsibility for their actions while on the premises. BTC can not provide anyone access on your behalf including moving companies! You must provide the access info and any keys or combinations to unit locks as necessary.
What hours do I have access to my storage unit?
Our operating hours are 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, 7 days a week regardless of Sundays and Holidays, with the exception of a power outage. The gate will not function until the power comes back on.
What do I need to rent a unit?
You will need ID, preferably a driver’s license but we can use a BC Services card, Status Card, Passports, International driver’s Licenses. We will try to work with what you have. Id is important because we have to know who is signing our legal lease. You will also need a method of payment. We can take cash, cheque, credit cards and visa debit. After your initial payment, we can also take interac e-transfers for your monthly payment.
Do you rent short or long term?
We have month to month rentals. We are generally pretty full almost all the time and very short-term rentals are rarely done and are at a premium rate! We do not make anyone sign a long-term lease and as long as you pay rent every month, we never ask you to move out. Even if you give notice and are unable to make it out by the deadline, just pay your rent for the month and take your time.
Do I need to come in to rent a unit?
While it always best to come in and check that what we have is what you need, we can do everything over the phone as long as you have a credit card. Payment is due in full to complete the lease. Access information will be given at the end of the process.
Do I have to have insurance?
You do not need to have insurance but you should be aware that our insurance does not cover any of your belongings. It is always recommended that you check with your insurance provider to see what sort of coverage you have and for how long when storing at a facility. Storing vehicles and trailers is slightly different and will require proof of insurance at the time of the lease.
What about rodents and pests?
Unfortunately, the possibility always exists that rodents and other pests will get into your stuff. We advise that you never store food of any kind regardless of how it is packaged. At least they won’t be “drawn” to your unit. Mice aren’t always looking for food. They could be looking for good places to nest and or store their food. A good deterrent is lots of activity. You may not be able to come to your unit very often so smelly things like fragrant dryer sheets can help but may not keep them away altogether. Using air-tight or good heavy bins to store is helpful as well.
BTC Self Storage Ltd. Is an excellent choice for storing overflow from your home or business. When planning what to store in your unit consider all storage facilities have restrictions on what they will allow. These restrictions are for not only your protection but also the facility staff and other tenants and their goods. You will be required to sign a lease and agree to adhere to the rules of what items are allowed as well as what is not allowed. As a general rule, any item or material that is considered “inherently dangerous” combustible, flammable, hazardous or toxic will not be allowed.
Prohibited items include but are not limited to gasoline, compressed gas, propane tanks, kerosene, lamp or motor oil, acid, grease, corrosives, fertilizer, paint, cleaners, chemicals, narcotics, hazardous, toxic or biological waste, fireworks, ammunition or explosives. A firearm or weapon may be stored in the legal and safe storage practices deemed accepted for the weapon’s type. (Guns belong in gun safes, swords should be sheathed and stored in a proper case etc.)
Food of any kind, regardless of how it is packaged may not be stored. Glass jars can break, cans can become damaged and or swell during storage which can cause them to burst, the result drawing pests to the facility.
Nothing living including plants and fish. Plants can decay which can bring pests and fish can be forgotten. There is no electricity provided for pumps and filtration systems etc.
Rodents and bugs can be a problem at storage facilities. Goods can be damaged due to nesting or infestations. Every effort is made by BTC Self Storage to combat these problems as much as possible. Keep in mind we do not “police” the items you choose to store so while you may follow the rules, someone else may choose not to. By limiting the attractants you store, you also limit the chance that you will be affected.
Security is an essential part of what we do. By taking the time to make sure your unit is secure before walking away, you help to make the entire site more secure. Always push the slide for the latch all the way to the right before putting on your lock.
Obtaining your own insurance on your stored items is recommended but not required. BTC Self Storage is not responsible for your items and does not provide any insurance. You must purchase insurance elsewhere if you want it.
Pre-paying rent will get you a discount. Seniors and not for profit groups can also receive a discount. If you vacate early, you will lose the discount. If you choose to pre-pay in advance, that money can only be refunded if you choose to move out early.
BTC Self Storage ltd. rent is from the first to the last day of the month. Once a new month begins, you are responsible for the month’s rent. If you have given the required notice, please call and make arrangements as necessary when you have to move out in the first few days of the next month.
Minimize your self-storage space requirements, and prevent damage to your possessions, when packing for either temporary or long-term storage, with the helpful tips below:
- Label all boxes on all sides. This will make it easier when you need to find an item later on.
- Store items you will need most often near the front of your unit.
- Creating a path through the centre or down one side of your unit will make it easier to access all of your items.
- Store heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top.
- Never overpack boxes. Boxes overfilled will rupture and topple when stacked.
- It is best not to lean your items against the walls inside your storage unit allow for ventilation behind and to the sides of your goods. Skids or pallets can also help elevate your items off the storage locker floor.
- Use file boxes – they are the best containers for your important documents.
- Wrap plates, bowls and glasses individually before placing in a china carton.
- To store valuable items securely such as TV’s, computers, etc. place them farthest from the door with other items concealing them.
- Do not store food items of any kind regardless of how they are packaged.
- Do not store explosives or hazardous or flammable material such as gasoline, cleaning fluids or paint etc. Drain all gasoline and oil from lawnmowers, power tools etc. Before storing them.
- Before storing any appliances make sure they are clean and dry. Defrost and empty of any water. Refrigerator and freezer doors should left open slightly to prevent odour build up. Use the space inside for extra storage.
- Store mattresses and box springs on long ends, wrap for protection.
- Store sofas, love seats etc. On end except for sofa beds. Cover all furniture and disassemble if possible.
- Pictures and mirrors should be stored in picture boxes or wrapped in cardboard and labeled “fragile.” Store these items standing up, never flat.
- Wax wooden furniture. Use sheets or cotton cloths to cover furniture.
- Use dresser drawers to store fragile items and use blankets, sweaters and towels for padding.
- Remember to properly assess the value of your stored items if you choose to buy insurance. The value will affect how much your insurance will cost. If you overvalue your goods, you will overpay your insurance.
- RV’s, boats or vehicles need to have storage insurance on them. You can do this through your auto insurance policy. You will need to provide proof of this coverage when you sign your storage rental lease.
- If you have questions or concerns about how to pack for long term storage, feel free to ask as we either know the answer or can find out!