Self Storage FAQs

Keep the weight of individual boxes reasonable, so they are easy to handle (say 30 lb. Maximum)

Reserving a unit in advance ensures that it will be available when you actually need it. Usually there is no charge for making a reservation.

The only difference from the ground to the second floor is a very brief elevator ride. However, we recognize this difference with a small price differential.

Yes, however we highly recommend that you be present at all such times to insure that your goods have not been damaged when they were put onto the moving van or during transit, and are not damaged during the move from the moving van into storage. Of course, you can also, if you are present, tell the movers how you want your belongings organized in the storage unit for ease of access, safety, etc.

No, we specialize in self storage – we are not in the moving business.

No, we specialize in self storage – we are not in the moving business.

Yes! Our self storage units are maintained at a minimum of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius in winter (a relatively low temperature to minimize impact on climate change), with fresh air supply in summer.

Fire protection systems are a very important security feature in the building, and these systems must be kept above freezing temperatures. Further, some items can get damaged if left in extreme heat or cold. Finally, it is more comfortable while customers are on the property.

We pride ourselves on our clean property and clean storage units. Take a look inside one here.

We have a major emphasis on pest control to keep the entire property pest-free. This means using proactive measures such as bait stations indoors and outdoors to ensure we are providing the best space for our customers to store their belongings.

Security is a top priority, and we want to control access and to know who is or may be on the property during certain restricted hours. If needed, access during restricted hours can be arranged.

We have doubled the number of interior and exterior cameras, in order to improve surveillance on all units on the property. Further, our property is fully fenced, has a code access electronic security gate, and has monitored intrusion alarms. As importantly, our on-site staff patrol the property regularly during business hours, and at random times outside office business hours. You can rest assured we are doing our utmost to keep your belongings safe. Learn more about our Features and Security.

Yes, and it must be one that is specified by us, and which we have available for purchase.

Yes at any time, and we will be happy to accommodate any change in your storage needs – provided of course that we have a unit of appropriate size available. However, in over 20 years of existence, we have ALWAYS been able to accommodate these kinds of customer requirements. If you do make this kind of a unit change, we will give you a credit for any unexpired but already paid time on your existing unit.

Use the 9 feet (or about 2.9m) in the height of the unit to save floor space. For example, stand couches on end and stack boxes. Where possible, remove legs from furniture.

We suggest that for easy identification, label all boxes. Arrange things so you can easily get to things that you might need while in storage. If you have a lawnmower, please ensure you drain all oil and gas from it, and wrap it in heavy plastic to prevent damage to your other items.

For safety and health reasons, it is strictly prohibited to store certain kinds of items at Abacus Self Storage. Amongst other things, this includes any hazardous materials, any perishable goods, any flammable goods or explosives (including propane tanks and fireworks), or any animals. Further, batteries of any kind, especially any batteries that may be leaking, and regardless of whether they are “loose” or in any device that needs batteries, may be a spontaneous explosion and/or fire hazard. Accordingly, all batteries must be removed from any items containing batteries, such as appliances, toys, laptops, etc. prior to placing any such items in storage.

Use drop or bed sheets to protect large furniture. While it is not necessary to wrap furniture and other items, protecting your belongings is not a bad idea. To help you do so, we have various kinds of packing and protection materials.

It is important to remove all contents from appliances, and clean them to ensure that no odours are created. Leaking batteries can damage cameras, flashlights, etc. so be sure to remove them. Where possible, use original cartons for television sets, stereos, computers, etc. Batteries of any kind, especially any batteries that may be leaking, and regardless of whether they are “loose” or in any device that needs batteries, may be a spontaneous explosion and/or fire hazard. Accordingly, all batteries must be removed from any items containing batteries, such as appliances, toys, laptops, etc. prior to placing any such items in storage.

Be sure to wrap fragile items in bubble wrap, or some other form of protection. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to fill empty space in boxes. Buy specialized cartons from Abacus, so you can pack delicate or more valuable items securely.

No, as the units are to be used for storage only, in order to preserve cleanliness and security.

No, the units are for storage only.

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.

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.

Give 1 week notice when the unit is being vacated.

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.

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

Keep your storage unit payments current, to avoid late fees. Better yet, leave a pre-authorized credit card number, so that your stay in self storage is problem free.

Before signing a self storage contract, be sure to clarify what the pay period is. When paying on a 4 week basis, add 8.3% to the quote in order to make an accurate comparison to a monthly quote. Learn more about how to compare rates.

Contents insurance is meant to protect your investment in your belongings, and the cost of doing so is quite nominal. While we take every precaution to see that you will be able to retrieve your belongings in the same condition as they were when you put them in storage, things can happen even though there is only a very small probability that something will happen while you are in storage. For instance, many years ago an Abacus customer accidentally damaged a sprinkler head, and a number of units got flooded and contents were damaged. As a result, those customers that had insurance avoided serious loss.