Storage Tips and FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about self-storage:General FAQs
Q: What is self-storage?A: Self-storage is a type of storage facility where you can rent a unit to store your personal belongings or business items.
Q: What can I store in self-storage?
A: You can store a variety of items in self-storage, including furniture, household items, clothing, electronics, business equipment, and more.
Q: How long can I rent a self-storage unit?
A: You can typically rent a self-storage unit on a month-to-month basis, or for a longer period if needed. Being month to means you can move out easily and have little commitments.
Q: What size units are available?
A: We offer a range of unit sizes to meet your storage needs, from small 5×5 units to larger 10×30 units.
Q: What is prohibited from being stored or done in a unit?
A: For safety, compliance, and insurance reasons, certain items and activities are strictly prohibited in our facilities:
Prohibited Items:
– Tires (maximum of 12 per unit)
– Flammable, toxic, corrosive, or contaminating products (e.g., gasoline, paint, motor oil, batteries, etc.)
– Food, perishable items, animals, insects, or plants
– Stolen goods, firearms, ammunition, explosives, or fireworks
– Drugs, controlled substances, or alcoholic beverages
– Artwork, antiques, collections, family heirlooms, or items of high personal or sentimental value
– Items requiring strict humidity or temperature control
Prohibited Activities:
– Operating a business, holding garage or retail sales, or engaging in any commercial or industrial activity
– Using the unit as a residence or legal address (including for mail, deliveries, or obtaining permits)
Q: What is the minimum duration of a contract?
A: At Montréal Mini-Storage, rentals are on a month-to-month basis. You commit for one month starting from your move-in date, with no long-term obligation. You can extend or end your rental as needed. It’s also possible to transfer to another unit free of charge if the one you’re occupying no longer suits your needs. It’s important though to give us two weeks notice before puting an end to your rental contract.
Q: Can I bring my own lock?
A: Yes. To ensure the security of your belongings, you must provide your own lock. We recommend a disc lock for optimal protection. If you don’t have one, high-quality locks are available for purchase at our offices during business hours.
Q: When and how can I move out?
A: You can inform us notice and schedule your move-out at least two weeks in advance (call, email, site visit…)
To avoid being charged for the next payment cycle, notice must be given no later than two weeks prior to the lease anniversary date.
Important: Please ensure your account is in good standing: no overdue payments or outstanding debts, and your correct move-out date must be scheduled.
Q: Can I change my unit?
A: Yes! If your current unit no longer meets your needs, you can transfer to another available unit at any time.
Just contact us to check availability and schedule the transfer.
Q: I lost my access code to your facility storage
A: If you’ve lost your access code to the facility, please contact us directly as soon as possible.
For security reasons, we can only provide or reset access codes after verifying your identity.
You can reach us during business hours by phone or by visiting the office in person.
Self-Storage Unit Types
Q: What types of units are available?A: When it comes to self-storage, there are several different types of units available to meet your needs:
Indoor Units – These are your typical self-storage units, available in a variety of sizes and typically accessed from a hallway. You may need to take an elevator to access it.
Drive-Up Units – These units are accessible by vehicle and allow for easy loading and unloading of larger items.
Climate-Controlled Units – These units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, making them ideal for storing sensitive items like electronics, artwork, and musical instruments.
Billing
Q: When is rent due?A: At Montreal Mini Storage we use anniversary billing which allows you to have your rent due on the same day of each month as your move-in date. For example, if your rental starts on the 8th of the month, your rent will be due on the 8th of every subsequent month.
Q: How can I pay my rent?
A: You can pay your rent online by logging into your account, in person at the office, over the phone or by setting up automatic payments.
We highly recommend setting up automatic payments to avoid any late fees.
Q: What happens if I am late on my rent?
A: Late fees may apply, and we may place a lock on your unit until rent is paid in full.
Please refer to your lease for further details.
Q: What are the accepted payment methods?
A: You can pay online by via our website in the “My account” section, over the phone or in person at your preferred facility rental office. We accept credit, debit cards and electronic bank transfers. Please note that electronic bank transfers can take 3 business days to be processed. We do not accept cash as a means of payment.
Q: What is the Monthly Administration Fee?
A: Our monthly administration fee helps us maintain and continuously improve our services, ensuring an industry leading customer experience for you.
– Local, Montreal-based Call Center – njoy personalized support from a dedicated team right here in Montreal, ready to assist you with any questions or concerns.
– Extended Store & Customer Service Hours – We’re here when you need us! Our call center and many of our locations offer extended service hours to fit your busy schedule. Some are even open on weekends and statutory holidays!
– Seamless Online Management – Manage your account, history and payments effortlessly with our user-friendly online platform, designed for your convenience.
Features and Amenities
Q: What features and amenities are available?A: Our self-storage facilities offer a variety of features and amenities to make your storage experience as convenient as possible:
Security – Most our facilities is equipped with access systems, surveillance cameras and other security measures to ensure the safety of your belongings.
Packing and Moving Supplies – We offer a selection of locks, boxes, tape, and other packing supplies to make your move easier.
Online Account Management – You can manage your account and make payments online for added convenience.
Office Hours vs Access Hours
Q: What are office hours?A: Office hours are the hours when our office is open and staff is available to assist you with your storage needs.
Q: What are access hours?
A: Access hours are the hours when you can access your storage unit to retrieve or store items.
Q: Are office hours and access hours the same?
A: No, office hours and access hours may differ.
Please check with our facility for specific hours.
Security
Q: What security measures do you have in place?A: Most our facilities is equipped with surveillance cameras, gated access, and other security measures to ensure the safety of your belongings.
Employment
Q: I am looking for a jobA: Thank you for your interest in Montréal Mini-Storage. You can send your resume to the following address: hr@montrealmimistorage.com
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding self-storage, please do not hesitate to contact us at 514-STORAGE. Our team of storage experts is always happy to help you find the perfect storage solution to meet your needs.
Storage Tips
After choosing the right facility to fit your needs, it is essential that you pack your belongings in storage correctly. Here are some tips to consider for preventing damage:- Determine whether the goods you are storing will be better protected by placing them in boxes, totes, or other containers. You may need to purchase specialized boxes and other materials to protect your items during the move and while they are stowed away.
- Thoroughly clean, disinfect and dry refrigerators, freezers, stoves and other appliances. Appliances with doors can be stored with the door slightly open, and some can be stacked on top of each other.
- Prevent rust by wiping down all types of metal surfaces before storing. Use a few drops of machine oil to lightly coat these items for preventing rust and possible deterioration.
- Store clothing on hangers before folding them into cartons. Make sure all drapes, curtains, linens and clothing items are washed and dry, or dry cleaned to avoid attracting pests.
- Use bubble wrap and other materials when storing dishes and glassware. Pack similar items in the same box and fill empty spaces with packing peanuts, bubble wrap or newspaper.
- Stack lightweight chairs “seat to seat”, but avoid stacking other types of furniture on top of each other. Cover all upholstery with light cotton dust covers.
- Holiday decorations can be stored in their original cartons. Wrap glass ornaments and other delicate items in bubble wrap or newspaper before storing in boxes or totes.
- CDs, tapes, records and other music items can be stored in boxes or airtight cartons to prevent damage.
- Cover computer screens and large television screens with dust covers and wrap in bubble wrap if you are storing these items next to furniture and other equipment.
- Pack all books, files, and documents flat, and use bubble wrap or newspaper to fill any empty spaces in the boxes or totes.
- Disassemble furniture and place pieces on a corrugated cardboard mat or plastic sheet before placing on a pallet.
- Wrap lamp bases in padding and store the lamp shade and base separately.
- Be sure to clean and dry all electrical equipment before storing.
Prohibited Storage Goods
Even though you alone control access to your storage space, there are some items that cannot be stored in your unit at any time. These include:
- Live animals
- Perishables
- Liquids
- Explosives
- Flammable liquids and fuels
- Toxic materials
- Any items that need to be in a controlled environment
