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Frequently Asked Questions About Self Storage

Frequently Asked Storage Questions

New to Self Storage and have questions?  Whether you're looking for storage in Edmonton or St. Albert, understanding how self storage works can make the rental process easier. From rental terms and insurance to access hours, security, unit types, and vehicle storage, we've answered some of the most common questions about renting and using a storage unit at Elite Self Storage.

How Do I Rent a Storage Unit?

Renting a storage unit at Elite Self Storage is simple. You can rent or reserve a storage unit online, call or text us, or visit one of our rental offices during office hours.

If you're unsure which unit will work best, our storage team can help you compare available storage unit sizes and types before you rent.

What Do I Need to Rent a Storage Unit?

When you come in to rent a storage unit, you will need a photo ID and a form of payment for the first month’s rent.

Do I Have to Pay a Security Deposit or Other Fees?

Elite Self Storage does not charge a security deposit.

Any applicable rental costs and fees are provided before you complete your rental, so you know what you're paying before you move in.

How Long Can I Rent a Storage Unit?

Our storage units are rented month-to-month, so there is no long-term commitment.

Month-to-month storage gives you flexibility whether you need a unit temporarily during a move or renovation, for a few months while traveling, or for longer-term household or business storage.

You can keep your storage unit for as long as you need it, provided your account remains in good standing.

How Does Storage Unit Billing and Payment Work?

Your rental begins on your move-in date, which becomes your monthly payment date.

Elite Self Storage offers true monthly billing rather than a four-week or 28-day billing cycle.

We accept cash, debit, e-transfer, and major credit cards. You can also arrange pre-authorized payments through a credit card or bank account.

Payments can be made through your online account, making it easy to manage your storage rental even when the rental office is closed.

What's the Difference Between Drive-Up Storage and Climate-Controlled Storage?

The best choice depends on what you're storing and how frequently you need to access it.

Drive-up storage has exterior access, allowing you to pull your vehicle directly up to the unit. This can make loading and unloading furniture, boxes, equipment, and business inventory much easier.

Climate-controlled storage units are located indoors and maintain a more consistent environment. They can be a better choice for belongings that may be affected by Alberta's temperature fluctuations, including electronics, photographs, artwork, documents, wooden furniture, antiques, and other sensitive items.

Both options have advantages, so consider what you're storing, how long it will be stored and how often you'll need access.

Is Drive-Up or Indoor Storage Better?

Neither is necessarily better — they serve different storage needs.

Choose drive-up storage when convenient loading and unloading is a priority, particularly for heavy furniture, equipment, larger household items or business inventory.

Consider indoor or climate-controlled storage when you want additional protection from outdoor temperature fluctuations or are storing more temperature-sensitive belongings.

If you're not sure which type of storage unit you need, our team can help you compare the available options.

Do I Need Insurance for My Storage Unit?

Yes. Belongings stored in your storage unit need appropriate insurance coverage.

You may be able to use coverage from your homeowners or renters insurance policy by providing proof of insurance. Elite Self Storage also offers a third-party storage insurance option for eligible stored belongings.

Motorized vehicles and certain other property require separate coverage through your own insurance provider.

Do I Need Insurance for an RV or Vehicle in Storage?

Yes. RVs, vehicles, and trailers must maintain appropriate insurance coverage through the owner's insurance provider while in storage.

Storage contents insurance does not cover motorized vehicles.

Before storing your RV, car, truck, motorcycle or other motorized vehicle, make sure your insurance and registration meet the requirements for vehicle storage.

What Security Features Does Elite Self Storage Have?

Our storage facilities have multiple security measures designed to control and monitor access to the property.

Features include:

  • Electronic gated access

  • Individual customer access codes

  • Video surveillance

  • Well-lit storage areas

  • Fenced facilities

  • Regular property monitoring

Customers are responsible for securely locking their individual storage units.

How Often Can I Access My Storage Unit?

Customers can access their storage units 365 days a year from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

You can visit your storage unit as often as you need during access hours.

Can I Access My Storage Unit When the Office Is Closed?

Yes. Storage access hours are separate from rental office hours.

Your individual access code allows you to enter the property during regular access hours, even when the rental office is closed.

This means you can access your belongings early in the morning, in the evening or on Sundays and holidays when the office may not be open.

Can Someone Else Access My Storage Unit?

Only you and individuals you have authorized should access your storage unit.

If another person needs regular access to your unit, speak with our rental office about adding them as an approved user.

Never share your gate code or storage unit key with someone you do not want accessing your belongings.

What Can't I Store in a Storage Unit?

For safety and legal reasons, certain items are prohibited from self storage.

These generally include:

  • Hazardous materials

  • Explosives

  • Flammable liquids

  • Illegal substances or goods

  • Perishable food

  • Animals

  • Other dangerous or prohibited materials

If you're unsure whether a particular item can be stored, contact us before bringing it to your storage unit.

Can I Store a Car, Motorcycle or ATV in a Storage Unit?

Depending on the size and type of storage unit, motorized vehicles such as cars, motorcycles and ATVs may be stored in an appropriate drive-up storage unit.

The vehicle must meet our storage requirements and maintain appropriate insurance through your own insurance provider.

Elite Self Storage also offers dedicated vehicle storage in Edmonton and St. Albert for cars, trucks, trailers and other vehicles.

Contact the location where you plan to store your vehicle so we can help you determine the best available option.

Can I Store an RV or Vehicle Long Term?

Yes. RV and vehicle storage can be used for both seasonal and longer-term storage.

Elite Self Storage offers RV storage in St. Albert and South Edmonton for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and other recreational vehicles, subject to availability.

Before placing an RV or vehicle into long-term storage, prepare it properly by checking your insurance, battery, tires, fluids and other maintenance requirements.

Can I Change the Size of My Storage Unit Later?

Yes. Storage needs change, and sometimes you discover that you need more or less space than you originally expected.

If you need a larger or smaller storage unit, contact the rental office. Subject to availability, our team can help you transfer to another unit that better suits your needs.

If you're unsure about sizing before you rent, check our Storage Unit Size Guide or ask our team for a recommendation.

What Happens If I Need My Storage Unit Longer Than Expected?

That's no problem.

Because Elite Self Storage offers flexible month-to-month rentals, you don't have to know exactly how long you'll need your storage unit when you move in.

Simply continue your monthly rental until you no longer need the space.

Do You Sell Moving and Packing Supplies?

Yes. Our rental offices carry a selection of moving and packing supplies to help protect and organize your belongings.

Available products may include:

  • Moving boxes

  • Wardrobe boxes

  • Mirror and picture boxes

  • Packing paper

  • Bubble wrap

  • Packing tape

  • Mattress and furniture covers

  • Dish and glass packing supplies

  • Stretch wrap

  • Storage unit locks

Having the right packing materials can also make it easier to organize your storage unit and find your belongings later.

How Much Notice Do I Need Before Moving Out?

Elite Self Storage requires 30 days' notice when you're ready to move out.

Before leaving, remove all of your belongings and your lock, leave the storage unit clean and notify the rental office so your account can be properly closed.

Where Does Elite Self Storage Have Storage Facilities?

Elite Self Storage has two locations serving Edmonton, St. Albert and surrounding communities.

Storage Units in St. Albert

Elite Self Storage St. Albert is located at 7 Riel Drive in St. Albert.

Formerly Riel Park RV & Mini Storage, our St. Albert facility has served local storage customers for years. Long-time customers may also know the facility as Riel Park RV & Self Storage or simply Riel Park Storage. Today, the facility operates as Elite Self Storage St. Albert, offering heated and unheated storage units, climate-controlled storage, drive-up storage, business and household storage, RV storage and vehicle storage.

The facility is convenient for customers throughout St. Albert, Edmonton, Morinville, Sturgeon County, Edmonton Garrison and surrounding communities.

Find Storage In St. Albert

Storage Units in South Edmonton

Elite Self Storage South Edmonton is located at 3230 97 Street NW in Edmonton.

Our South Edmonton storage facility offers climate-controlled storage units, drive-up storage, household and business storage, RV storage and vehicle storage.

The location is convenient for customers in South Edmonton and surrounding areas, including Mill Woods, Ellerslie, Summerside, Heritage Valley, Beaumont, Nisku and Leduc.

Find Storage In Edmonton

Have More Questions About Self Storage?

Every storage situation is a little different. You may be moving, renovating, downsizing, clearing out your home, storing business inventory, or simply looking for somewhere secure to keep belongings you don't currently have room for.

Elite Self Storage offers a variety of storage units in Edmonton and St. Albert, with flexible month-to-month rentals, convenient daily access, climate-controlled and drive-up storage options, RV and vehicle storage, and storage solutions for both households and businesses.

Still have questions? Call us at 780-347-0433 or visit our St. Albert or South Edmonton location. Our storage team can help you compare your options and find a storage unit that works for your needs.