Pacific Rim Storage Co.
6822 Veyaness Rd.
Saanichton, BC
V8M 2A8
OWNED & OPERATED
BY CANADIANS
OWNED & OPERATED
BY CANADIANS
Storage Tips for a Smoother Move
Practical advice for choosing a unit, packing your belongings, and keeping everything organized in storage.
- 7 convenient locations across Vancouver Island with friendly staff ready to help.
Why Smart Storage Planning Matters
A little planning before you move your items into storage can save time, protect your belongings, and even lower your monthly cost.
Secure And Safe
Store your items in clean, well maintained facilities with modern security, gated access, and regular site checks.
Make The Most Of Your Space
Use our storage tips to stack, label, and organise your boxes so you can fit more into a smaller unit.
Guidance From Local Experts
Our staff help people move and store their belongings every day and are happy to share what works best.
Featured Storage Guides
Explore some of our most helpful guides to begin organising your home, packing your belongings, and preparing your storage unit effectively.
A Simple Step By Step Storage Guide
Follow these steps to prepare your belongings before you arrive, and to set up your unit so everything stays easy to reach.
01.
Sort and Measure
Decide what you are storing and estimate how much space it will require.
02.
Choose the Right Storage
Compare unit sizes, access options, and whether your belongings need heated storage.
03.
Pack and Label
Use sturdy boxes, protective covers, and clear labels on at least two sides.
04.
Plan the Layout
Place heavier items at the back, keep fragile boxes higher, and leave a clear walkway.
Storage Preservation Tips
How to Protect Your Belongings in Storage
A little preparation goes a long way in preventing damage from dust, moisture, and time.
1
Clean and Dry Items
Remove dirt and moisture before packing to help prevent stains, odours, and mildew.
2
Use Proper Boxes and Covers
Choose sturdy boxes, protective wrapping, and breathable furniture covers.
3
Protect Fragile Items
Wrap breakables individually and fill empty spaces to prevent movement.
4
Keep Items Off the Floor
Use shelving or pallets to improve airflow and add protection from floor moisture.
5
Allow Airflow and Access
Leave a walkway and avoid packing belongings tightly against the walls.
Do Your Belongings Need Heated Storage?
Learn how heated, unheated, and climate-controlled storage differ, which belongings may need extra protection.
Storage Tips for Every Room
Different belongings need different packing and storage methods. Use these practical tips to protect furniture, household items, documents, and seasonal gear.
Kitchen and Dining
Wrap dishes and glassware individually. Clean appliances before storing and leave doors slightly open to prevent odours.
Living Room and Family Room
Cover furniture with moving blankets, remove detachable legs, and store electronics in labelled boxes.
Bedroom and Closets
Use mattress covers, wash fabrics before packing, and avoid storing clothing in thin plastic bags.
Home Office and Documents
Use file boxes for paperwork and consider heated storage for electronics, photographs, and important records.
Garage, Tools and Outdoor Gear
Clean and dry equipment, drain fuel where required, and keep small tools organized in labelled containers.
Featured Storage Guides
Storage Supplies to Make Packing Easier
Find practical packing supplies at select Pacific Rim Storage locations, including:
- Small, medium, and large boxes
- Packing tape and dispensers
- Bubble wrap and packing paper
- Mattress and furniture covers
- Locks and moving accessories
- Tape, markers, and labels
Find Storage Near You
Choose the location that is most convenient and speak with a real person about unit sizes and options.
Mill Bay
Customer Service Hours
Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 4 PM
ACCESS HOURS
7 AM – 8 PM
Duncan
Customer Service Hours
Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 4 PM
ACCESS HOURS
7 AM – 8 PM
Nanaimo
Customer Service Hours
Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 4 PM
ACCESS HOURS
7 AM – 8 PM
Victoria
Customer Service Hours
Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 4 PM
ACCESS HOURS
7 AM – 9 PM
Salt Spring
Customer Service Hours
Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 4 PM
ACCESS HOURS
7 AM – 7 PM
Courtenay
Customer Service Hours
Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 4 PM
ACCESS HOURS
6 AM – 8 PM
Comox
Customer Service Hours
Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 4 PM
ACCESS HOURS
7 AM – 7 PM
Storage Questions We Hear Often
If you are new to storage, you are not alone. These answers cover the questions people ask most before they move in.
How do I choose the right storage unit size
Start by listing your large items first — sofas, mattresses, appliances, tables — and then estimate how many medium to large boxes you will have.
If you’re unsure, use our Storage Size Guide or contact your nearest Pacific Rim Storage location. Our team can recommend a size based on what you plan to store so you don’t pay for unused space.
How should I stack items inside the unit
Place heavier items and sturdy boxes on the bottom, then stack lighter and fragile items on top. Keep mattresses and large furniture upright along the walls.
Leave a clear walkway in the centre so you can reach items at the back without moving everything.
Do I need climate-controlled storage for my items?
Climate-controlled units are recommended for belongings sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, such as:
Electronics
Photos and artwork
Musical instruments
Leather goods
Important documents
Antiques and wood furniture
If you’re storing long-term or storing valuable items, climate-controlled storage offers added peace of mind.
How can I protect fragile items in storage?
Wrap each item individually using bubble wrap or packing paper, place them vertically in sturdy boxes, and avoid overpacking.
Mark boxes as “Fragile” on multiple sides and keep these boxes near the top of your stacks. For long-term storage, consider using plastic bins for added protection.
What items should not be stored in a storage unit?
For safety and regulation reasons, please do not store:
- Perishable food
- Flammable or combustible materials
- Pressurized containers
- Hazardous chemicals
- Live plants
- Animals
If you’re unsure about a specific item, call your local Pacific Rim Storage branch and we can guide you.
Can I access my unit when I need to?
Yes. All Pacific Rim Storage locations offer convenient access hours.
While hours may vary slightly by branch, most customers find it easy to visit their unit early in the day, after work, or on weekends. Check your location’s page for exact access times.
Is there anything special I should do before storing furniture?
Yes. Clean furniture first, remove loose components, and use protective covers to prevent dust buildup.
Disassemble larger pieces like beds or tables to save space and keep bolts or hardware in a small labeled bag taped to the item.
How should I store documents and important papers?
Use sealed, water-resistant containers or plastic bins. Place documents upright to prevent bending.
For long-term storage or highly sensitive paperwork, choose a climate-controlled unit to protect against humidity.
Can I store seasonal items like holiday décor or sports gear?
Absolutely. Seasonal items are some of the most common things to store.
Pack them in clear plastic containers, label them clearly, and place them near the front of your unit so you can swap items out throughout the year.
What’s the best way to label storage boxes?
Label at least two sides of every box with:
Room name
Core contents
Priority of access (“Open First”, “Seasonal”, “Fragile”)
A simple labeling system makes it much easier to find items later.
How can I protect my belongings from moisture during winter storage in Victoria?
Victoria’s damp winters make moisture control essential. Items should be cleaned and fully dried, packed using moisture-resistant materials, kept off concrete floors, and stored with proper airflow. For a full breakdown of preparation steps and storage best practices, see our guide on keeping belongings safe during Victoria’s damp winters.
Ready to Make More Space?
Choose a nearby Pacific Rim Storage location and find the right unit for your belongings.
OWNED & OPERATED
BY CANADIANS