What is the price, and are there any promotions?

Our affordable prices are always set to deliver great value. Further, we regularly run promotions to give our customers the best deals on self-storage.

What should I do if my administrative/personal information has changed?

If your contact information (phone, email, address) changes, please let us know as soon as possible. If you are moving, be sure to change address for utilities, telephones, etc. Organize a checklist related to your move. The post office has special forms for address changes.

What do I need to do if I want to vacate my unit?

Give 1 week notice when the unit is being vacated.

Do I need reservations on a storage unit?

Inquire about advance reservations, to help ensure that a properly sized storage unit will be available when you need it. At Abacus, we do not charge for making advance reservations.

What should I be aware of when renting a storage unit?

Take time to review the storage agreement, as it is your protection while in storage.

Posted by Ernest W. Loch On 17-01-2023

7 Ways to Safely Store Antiques and Valuables

When storing your family heirlooms and antique items, you may be wondering how exactly you can store these items to keep them safe and protected. After all, items left for long periods in storage can often deteriorate and break down, leaving them unusable and unattractive once taken out.

However, this shouldn’t be the case for your precious antiques and valuables! You want to go the extra mile to make sure these items stay in pristine condition, and we are here to help you do just that. Keep on reading to find out seven of the best ways to safely store your antiques and valuables for longevity.

1. Clean before storing

As with any item you are putting away in storage for an extended period, you want to carefully and cautiously clean your antiques and valuables first. Make sure they are dust and dirt-free before they go into storage. Keep in mind that these items may be delicate and could require professional cleaning or specific cleaning products that are gentle yet effective.

Always do your research before cleaning the items yourself. If you want to take it a step further, polish surfaces such as wood and leather to keep them shiny and looking great for whenever you may need them next.

2. Minimize contact

When dealing with delicate antiques and family heirlooms, try to be as gentle as possible. Keep contact minimal and always handle these items while wearing gloves to ensure they are protected. Remember that your skin contains oil glands and has dirt that can rub off on these precious items and cause them to prematurely deteriorate.

Also, try and refrain from moving these items around excessively, as too much motion and movement may compromise their integrity and condition.

3. Create space and pack properly

When packing these antique items for storage, you want to give them space in between each other. Never stack antiques one on top of the other. Always give sufficient breathing room and space to allow airflow.

When it comes to packaging these items, bubble wrap may not be enough. Consider using cloth sheets as they allow more airflow to your items than plastic covers, which aren’t recommended for extended use. Always use the right protection when packing your antiques and remember to create room between items.

4. Disassemble pieces

In order to create more space and let items breathe better, try to disassemble whatever furniture pieces you can before storing them. Doing this crucial step will help to reduce stress and tension on the furniture itself, as it may already be delicate and more fragile than regular furniture.

5. Avoid direct lighting

Nothing can cause damage and discolouration to your delicate antiques more than direct sunlight. Avoid placing your antiques and valuables in direct sunlight or bright lighting altogether. Keep them in a cool, dark place away from too much lighting.

Remember that even artificial lighting can wreak havoc on your precious heirlooms and vintage items. Therefore, never store them under spotlights or where light is very visible or abundant.

6. Use climate-controlled storage

Temperature-controlled storage is a game-changer when it comes to storing precious antiques and vintage items. This is because you can leave your valuables with the peace of mind that they will never be exposed to extreme temperatures. They will always be kept in stable conditions when you choose temperature-controlled storage.

Many people make the mistake of forgoing this option when storing their valuables and later come to regret it. Don’t make the same mistake. Use heated or temperature-controlled storage to protect your antiques from the elements and keep them in pristine condition.

7. Check on items periodically

While it may be tempting to go without checking up on your items once they are in self-storage, it’s definitely best to look in on them occasionally. This is just to make sure that everything is as it should be, and that no unknown risks have presented themselves since you last left the storage unit.

Examining the items every few months is a good idea. That way, you can attend to any maintenance issues (should there be any), and be sure that your things are indeed safe and secure where they are.

Storing precious antiques and valuables doesn’t have to be a difficult chore. With a few extra considerations, you can maximize your items and ensure they last in pristine condition for the long haul.

For more information on heated storage units in Richmond Hill and the GTA, please contact Abacus Self Storage at 289-807-0981 or contact us here for more information. Our dedicated team would be more than happy to help you find the perfect storage solutions for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.