Pacific Rim Storage Co.
6822 Veyaness Rd.
Saanichton, BC
V8M 2A8
Contact Us
Customer Service Hours
OWNED & OPERATED
BY CANADIANS
OWNED & OPERATED
BY CANADIANS
Storage Tips For A Smooth, Stress-Free Experience
Practical storage advice to help you organise your items, protect your belongings, and make the most of your storage space — whether short-term or long-term.
- 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 Decide What To Store
Walk through your home and separate items into keep, donate, recycle, and store piles so you only bring what you really need.
02.
Choose The Right Storage Unit Size
Make a list of large items and estimate how many boxes you will have. Use our storage size guide or speak with our team to choose a unit that fits without paying for unused space.
03.
Pack And Label For Storage
Pack room by room, fill boxes fully without making them too heavy, and label two sides of every box with the room and contents.
04.
Plan Your Unit Layout
Place heavier furniture and boxes at the back and along the walls, keep items you will need soon near the front, and leave a clear walkway through the middle.
Room By Room Storage Tips
Learn how to prepare and store items from every part of your home, including seasonal items like holiday decorations and gifts. See our guide to short-term storage for holiday decorations and gifts.
Kitchen And Dining
Use smaller boxes for plates, glasses, and pantry items so they do not become too heavy. Wrap dishes and glasses individually and fill any gaps with towels or paper. Stack boxes with fragile items near the top of your piles rather than at the bottom.
Living Room And Family Areas
Cover sofas and chairs with breathable covers or moving blankets. Remove legs if possible to save space. Coil cables for televisions and media devices and place them in clearly marked bags. Store remote controls and small accessories together in one labelled box.
Bedroom And Closet
Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes you want to keep ready to wear. Pack seasonal clothing in clear plastic bins or vacuum bags and label them by season. Protect mattresses with fitted covers and store them upright along a wall.
Home Office And Documents
Back up important digital files before you move equipment. Pack documents in sealed, labelled boxes or plastic bins. Wrap monitors and screens with padding and store them upright rather than flat.
Garage, Tools, And Outdoor Gear
Clean and dry garden tools, sports gear, and camping equipment before you pack them. Drain fuel from lawn mowers and similar equipment and follow safety guidelines. Store long items such as skis or garden tools along a side wall.
Storage Guides Articles
Storage Supplies To Make Storing Easier
Pick up everything you need for packing and storage at many of our locations so you can get set up in a single trip.
Read our full guide on what packing supplies you need for storage.
- Small, medium, and large moving boxes
- Dish and glassware boxes
- Bubble wrap and packing paper
- Mattress and furniture covers
- Locks for your storage unit
- 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
Courtney
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
Download Your Storage Preparation Checklist
Stay organised before you move into your unit. This checklist covers what to pack, how to label, and how to organise your storage space for easy access.
We only use your details to share storage information and your quote or enquiry. You can opt out at any time.
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 Sotrage 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?
Our local team can help you choose the right unit, estimate your space needs, and answer any questions — no obligation.
OWNED & OPERATED
BY CANADIANS