Renting a storage unit is straightforward. Here is what you need to know before you start, from choosing the right size to packing your unit.

Choosing the Right Size

Storage units come in a range of sizes from 4x5 feet up to 20x20 feet. Our staff can help you select the right size based on what you plan to store.

As a general guide:

Small units
(4x5 to 5x10)

Personal items, documents, seasonal clothing, small furniture pieces. Roughly the size of a small closet to a walk-in closet.

Medium units
(5x15 to 10x10):

Contents of a one-bedroom apartment, office furniture, appliances, and boxes. Roughly the size of a large garden shed.

Large units
(10x15 to 10x20)

Contents of a two- to three-bedroom home, large furniture, appliances, and many boxes.

Extra large units
(10x27 to 20x20)

Full household contents, vehicles, business inventory, or commercial equipment.

If you are unsure, call either location and describe what you need to store. Our staff will recommend a size.

Heated units

Heated or Non-Heated

Both facilities offer heated and non-heated units.

Heated storage is recommended for items sensitive to temperature changes, dampness, or cold. This includes electronics, wooden furniture, leather goods, documents, photographs, musical instruments, and wine. Supreme Self Storage offers climate-controlled heated units for consistent temperature control.

Non-heated units are suitable for general household goods, tools, seasonal equipment, boxes of clothing, and items that tolerate temperature variation.

How Rentals Work

Units are rented on a month-to-month basis. There is no long-term lease.

Rent is charged in one-month increments starting from the day you move in.

Discounts are available for prepayment. Contact the facility to ask about current options.

Government-issued photo identification is required to rent (passport, driver's licence, or similar).

A security deposit is required
at the time of rental.

Payment methods accepted: cash, Debit, Visa, Mastercard, and e-transfer.

A valid bank-issued credit card must be kept on file when renting a locker. Debit Visa, Debit Mastercard, and prepaid credit cards are not accepted.

Prohibited Items

There are a number of items that are prohibited by law from being stored at our facilities. Please observe these restrictions so that we can keep your belongings and the belongings of fellow customers safe.

The following items may not be stored in any unit at either location:

  • !
    Firearms, explosives, weapons, or ammunition
  • Hazardous, toxic, or radioactive goods, biological agents, and flammable materials and liquids
  • Gas canisters (e.g. for barbecues or recreational vehicle use) and aerosol cans
  • Pollutants, contaminated goods, asbestos, or other materials of a potentially dangerous nature
  • Substances and goods illegally obtained
  • Birds, fish, animals, or any other living creatures
  • Food or perishable goods, including dry foods (such as rice, flour, and pet food)
  • Waste or other items that emit or could emit fumes, smell, or odour

If you are unsure whether an item is permitted, contact the facility before storing it.

Packing and Loading Tips

A few practical steps will help you get the most out of your unit and keep
your belongings in good condition.

Prepare the floor.

Place pallets, plastic sheeting, or heavy drop cloths on the floor before loading. This keeps furniture and boxes off the concrete and protects against moisture.

Clean appliances.

Empty and clean refrigerators,
freezers, and ovens thoroughly before storing. Defrost freezers completely. Remove any baked-on food that could attract pests. Leave doors slightly openfor air circulation.

Disassemble furniture.

Take apart bed frames, tables, and shelving units where possible. Store nuts, bolts, and screws in clearly labelled
plastic bags and tape them to the
furniture they belong to.

Stack smart.

Place heavier boxes on the bottom
and lighter ones on top. Stack boxes of similar size together for stability. Use freestanding shelving units to make use
of vertical space.

Maximize Storage Space

Slide boxes or smaller items under
tables and desks to make full use of
the floor area.

Keep access in mind.

Store items you will need most often at the front of your unit. Leave a small aisle down the centre or along one side so you can reach items at the back without moving everything. Leave six inches free at the front of your locker to allow for the opening and closing of your roll-up door.

Protect fragile items.

Wrap glassware, dishes, and delicate items in tissue paper or packing foam. Use mattress and furniture covers to protect against dust and moisture.

Pack belongings in rubber totes.

To protect your personal belongings, consider packing them inside a rubber tote. Rubber totes are durable, stackable, and offer better protection against moisture and pests than cardboard boxes.

Moving Supplies

Both locations sell boxes, tape, packing foam, tissue paper, mattress covers, and furniture covers.

Visit our Moving Supplies page for details, or ask staff when you visit.

Ready to Get Started?

Call either facility to discuss your storage needs, or submit an enquiry online.

Supreme Self Storage - Nanaimo

Supreme Self Storage - Ladysmith