When you put your things in self storage, you want them to stay clean, safe, and undamaged until you need them again. Whether you’re storing household items, seasonal décor, furniture, or business inventory during a move, preparation is key. Good storage habits can make a big difference in protecting your belongings long term.
Some items are naturally more susceptible to damage from moisture, temperature changes, dust, or pests. By choosing the right storage unit type and following best practices, you can protect your belongings and make the most of your storage space.
At Elite Self Storage, with secure storage facilities in St. Albert (formerly Riel Park RV & Mini Storage), South Edmonton, and North Edmonton, we help customers safely store their items with flexible solutions designed for both short-term and long-term needs.
Below are essential storage tips to help keep your belongings protected while in storage.
One of the most important storage tips is to keep items elevated a few inches off the floor of your storage unit. This helps protect belongings from potential moisture, improves airflow, and keeps items cleaner over time.
You can elevate items by:
Using shelving units
Placing items on pallets
Using plastic risers or sturdy bins
Keeping items off the ground is especially helpful for long-term storage. This applies to both climate-controlled and drive-up storage units, where airflow and organization are essential to protecting your belongings.
Mattresses are a major investment and require special care when stored. Improper storage can cause sagging, mold, or permanent damage.
To store a mattress correctly:
Use a high-quality mattress cover
Store the mattress flat, never upright or folded
Avoid stacking heavy items on top
Choose a clean, dry storage unit
Heated and climate controlled units offer the best protection for mattresses, especially during Alberta’s colder months.
Furniture should always be cleaned before being placed into a storage unit.
Before storing furniture:
Wipe down hard surfaces
Vacuum upholstered items
Allow everything to fully dry
Cover furniture with breathable covers or plastic wrap designed specifically for storage. Avoid wrapping items too tightly, as trapped moisture can cause mold or damage finishes. Covers should fit properly to protect against dust and debris while still allowing airflow.
Elite Self Storage locations offer packing and moving supplies, including furniture covers, mattress covers, bubble wrap, boxes, packing paper, and plastic wrap to help protect your belongings.
Clothing should never be stored dirty. Stains and odors can set over time and become difficult to remove.
Best practices for clothing storage include:
Washing or dry-cleaning items before storage
Using airtight plastic containers or wardrobe boxes
Avoiding cardboard boxes for long-term clothing storage
Choosing climate controlled units for delicate fabrics
Climate controlled storage helps protect clothing from moisture, temperature changes, and pests.
Food should never be stored in any self storage unit — even if it is sealed or packaged.
Food attracts rodents and insects and can lead to:
Pest infestations
Mold growth
Unpleasant odors that spread to nearby units
Before moving items into storage, carefully check boxes, furniture cushions, kitchen appliances, containers, and drawers for crumbs or food residue. Thorough cleaning is one of the most effective ways to protect your belongings and the storage facility.
Certain items can attract pests if they are not properly cleaned, sealed, or packaged. Common examples include:
Fresh or packaged food
BBQs that have not been thoroughly cleaned
Scented candles
Birdseed or animal feed
Plants, soil, or seeds
Foam furniture, pillows, or mattresses without protective covers
Properly sealing items and selecting appropriate storage units significantly reduces pest risks.
While Elite Self Storage uses professional pest control services at all facilities, taking additional precautions helps further protect your belongings.
Extra steps you can take include:
Using approved pest deterrents
Placing traps near doors
Keeping items sealed and elevated
Avoiding cardboard for long-term storage
These small steps add an extra layer of protection, especially for long-term storage.
Storage facilities offer a variety of storage options, and choosing the right one is key to protecting your belongings.
Drive-up access storage units are ideal for heavy furniture, tools, appliances, and items that need frequent access. Drive-up access allows you to load and unload directly from your vehicle, reducing handling time and the risk of damage.
Heated and climate controlled units are best for items sensitive to temperature or humidity, such as electronics, documents, artwork, wood furniture, and clothing. Climate controlled units help prevent cracking, warping, rust, and moisture damage.
Choosing the correct storage unit size is equally important. Overcrowding a unit can lead to crushed boxes, poor airflow, and damaged items. A unit size guide or guidance from storage experts can help you select the right amount of storage space.
We recommend visiting your storage unit every one to two months. Regular visits allow you to:
Inspect items for moisture or damage
Adjust covers or placement
Ensure airflow remains unobstructed
Maintain organization
This is especially helpful for long-term storage and vehicle storage.
Elite Self Storage is committed to providing clean, secure, and reliable storage solutions across:
St. Albert
South Edmonton
North Edmonton
Heated and climate controlled units
Drive-up access storage units
Household, business, and seasonal storage
Vehicle and RV storage
Multiple storage unit sizes
Gated access with personal entry codes
Video surveillance and security patrols
Month-to-month rentals with no long-term commitment
Every item stores differently, and choosing the right storage unit can make all the difference. If you’re unsure whether you need drive-up access, heated storage, or a climate controlled unit — or you’re not sure what size will work best — our storage experts are here to help.
Stop by one of our storage facilities in St. Albert, South Edmonton, or North Edmonton, or speak with our team to get personalized guidance before you store. We’ll help you choose a storage solution that protects your belongings and fits your timeline.
📞 Talk to a storage expert at 780-347-0476
Elite Self Storage — secure storage you can trust in Edmonton & St. Albert.
