FAQs
- Secure facility
- Units from 25-200+ sq. ft.
- 7-day access
- Locally owned
- Secure facility
- Units from 25-200+ sq. ft.
- 7-day access
- Locally owned
- Secure facility
- Units from 25-200+ sq. ft.
- 7-day access
- Locally owned
Helpful Advice
We know all the thought that goes into storing your belongings, and our team is here to help take some of the stress out of the process.
Below, we will answer some Frequently Asked Questions about our services, then share additional information and valuable storage tips. We are here to help.
FAQs
Renting Basics
We are first come, first served, so if we don’t have the size you’re looking for, we can add you to our waitlist and call you when a unit becomes available. After we call you, you will have 2-3 days to confirm before we move on to the next person. If you can’t wait, we will suggest solutions or an alternative facility.
You’ll need:
- photo ID (driver’s license, BC Services Card, Status Card, or passport).
- a payment method (cash, cheque, credit card, Visa debit. After your first payment with us, Interac e-transfer is acceptable).
We usually only do month-to-month rentals. Short-term rentals are rare and at a premium rate. With month-to-month, there is no requirement for a long-term lease. As long as rent is paid, you can continue using our services as long as you’d like.
While we recommend seeing the storage unit first, we can complete everything by phone with a credit card. We will provide access details once the lease is finalized.
Costs & Fees
A security deposit is required at lease signing, based on the unit’s rent. A refund of the security deposit may be reduced if you do not provide adequate move-out notice, do not clean out the unit, or cause damage. Fees exist for cutting your lock when you lose your key or forget your combination.
While insurance is not required, our coverage does not extend to your belongings; check with your provider for details. Vehicles and trailers require proof of insurance at signing.
Access & Security
Access to non-heated units is 7 am to 9 pm, and access to heated units is 7 am to 8 pm. Storage unit access is available every day, including holidays. Office hours are 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. Please note that the gate can’t operate during power outages. You may authorize anyone to use your unit, but you’re fully responsible for their actions. We cannot grant access to anyone on your behalf.
The site uses a coded electric gate, individually alarmed units, and 24-hour video surveillance. For added security, all units require your own lock for access.
Carts and dollies are available for the heated storage area, but the non-heated units have drive-up access. Any lock type works. We do sell locks on-site if needed.
Yes. We have a specialized trailer dolly on site to help manoeuvre and position trailers, particularly where space is limited. If you’re storing a trailer, RV or boat with us, contact our team to ask whether the dolly is suitable for your setup.
Unit Conditions & Care
Some storage units are heated, but none are climate-controlled or air-conditioned.
Never store food, even packaged, as that could attract rodents. We recommend airtight bins and scent deterrents like dryer sheets, but we can’t guarantee pests won’t get in.
Things to Know
Storage facilities restrict certain items to protect you, our staff, and other tenants. You’ll sign a lease agreeing to these rules.
Prohibited: anything combustible, flammable, hazardous, or toxic (gasoline, propane, kerosene, oil, acids, corrosives, fertilizer, paint, chemicals, narcotics, biological waste, fireworks, ammunition, explosives).
Also prohibited: food of any kind (cans/jars can burst and attract pests) and anything living, including plants and fish (no power is provided for tanks or filtration).
Firearms and weapons may be stored only in accordance with accepted safe practices for that item (e.g., gun safes, sheathed swords).
Items and materials otherwise considered garbage or nuisance materials are also restricted.
Limiting food and other attractants reduces but doesn’t eliminate the risk of rodent or pest infestations, since we can’t control what other tenants store.
Always slide your unit’s latch fully right before locking up; a secured unit helps keep the whole site secure.
Insurance is optional but recommended; BTC Self Storage does not insure your belongings, and you’ll need to arrange coverage independently.
Rent runs from the 1st to the last day of each month, and once a new month starts, that month’s rent is owed. Call ahead if you need to arrange a move-out in the first few days. Pre-paying rent for at least 6 months earns a discount (also available to seniors and non-profits), but moving out early forfeits the discount, and any pre-paid balance is only refundable if you leave early.
Storage Tips
Label boxes on all sides, and place frequently needed items near the front.
Leave a path through your unit for easy access, with heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
Never overpack boxes since overfilled boxes rupture and topple when stacked.
Keep items away from the walls when possible to allow ventilation; pallets or skids help keep goods off the floor.
Use file boxes for documents, and wrap plates, bowls, and glasses individually in a china carton.
Store mirrors and pictures upright (never flat) in picture boxes marked “fragile.”
Place valuables like TVs and computers at the back of the unit, concealed by other items.
Store mattresses on their long ends and sofas on end (except sofa beds), covering and disassembling furniture where possible.
Wax wood furniture and use sheets or cloths as covers; dresser drawers make good spots for fragile items, padded with towels or blankets.
Clean and dry appliances before storing; defrost freezers fully and leave doors slightly open to prevent odour. The empty space inside can hold extra items.
Don’t store food (any packaging) or hazardous/flammable materials like gasoline, cleaning fluids, or paint. Drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers and power tools first.
If insuring your goods, value them accurately, as overvaluing means overpaying. RVs, boats, and vehicles require storage insurance (often through your auto policy), with proof required at lease signing.
Hours of Operation
Office Hours
Monday to Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday & Evenings (by special appointment only)
Please call us during office hours if you need to make specific appointment or alternate arrangements.
Unit Access
7 days a week
Unheated: 7 am to 9 pm
Heated: 7 am to 8 pm