6 Common Events Where Storage Units Make Life Easier

Main WP • March 9, 2021

When life throws us a curve ball, sometimes the only thing to do is to catch it … and put it into storage. There are a number of common events in our lives when a storage unit is the ideal solution to help you deal with the situation. In fact, at Apple Self Storage we refer to them as the “6 Ds” since these are among the top reasons people use self storage. Whatever the circumstances, Apple Self Storage can help you select the right size unit and provide the packing supplies you need.

Here are 6 events you may benefit from a self storage unit:

1. Downsizing

No room for your old stuff in your new home? Keep or sell it with a storage unit.

  • Figure out what doesn’t fit
    • Whether you’re going from a home to a condo or a retirement facility, you can store your extra stuff as you decide what fits and what you can’t bear to part with.
  • Save Heirloom
    • If grandparents are moving into a retirement home, they don’t have to get rid of all their stuff. They can keep items in storage and access it as needed, or save it for when the grand-kids are ready for it.
  • Use as Garage
    • If you no longer have a garage, put seasonal items into storage for each access such as the sea-doo, snowmobile, skis, and motor bikes.
  • Access at any time
    • Storage units are a better choice than portable storage. Once packed, you can’t access these. Storage units let you can come and go as you please and take what you need at any time.

2. Disaster

Flooded basements, sewer backups, fire, wind or ice damage are common disasters where you have to get your contents out of your home as quickly as possible.

  • Be Proactive
    • Flood warnings in your area? When there’s a chance of flooding, be sure to book your storage unit and supplies in advance as space and supplies will sell out.
  • Limit the Damage
    • Putting your possessions into a storage unit keeps everything safe while you deal with insurance claims and repairs.
  • Take Inventory of Your Stuff
    • It’s important to take inventory as items go into storage for the insurance claim. Make sure nothing disappears from your home during disaster-related repairs.

3. Divorce

You may be getting divorced but you don’t have to be divorced from your stuff.

  • Unlimited Access
    • As partners start dividing up their possessions and extracting them from the matrimonial home, a storage unit gives you a place to keep your valued stuff safe and still maintain easy access to your things.
  • Store Away Bulky Items
    • Moving temporarily into a furnished rental? You can rent a smaller place and use a storage unit for your bigger stuff until you know your financial situation and you’re ready to buy.
  • Store Seasonal Items
    • Put seasonal items into storage, such as golf clubs or winter clothes, so you don’t have to go to the house. Use a storage unit as your garage until you have a more permanent place to stay.
  • Get Valuables Out Fast
    • Put treasured items that were your personal property prior to the relationship into storage to prevent them from being sold as shared assets.

4. Death

Dealing with a death? Protect what’s precious by putting it into storage.

  • First Settle the Will
    • Use Valet Boxes to put precious memories and valuables of a loved one into safe storage while the will is being settled. Ensure family members or care providers don’t pilfer items inappropriately.
  • Selling their house – not their stuff
    • Need to declutter a house to improve its resale value? Put items quickly into a storage unit and go through it later at your own pace.
  • Retirement Ho me clean-out
    • When people pass-away in a Retirement Home, you have only a few days to clear out their stuff. Use a storage unit as a quick and safe solution. A simple 5×10 unit is often enough.

5. Delay

Closing date delayed? Store your stuff with easy access until your new home is ready.

  • Bridge the Gap
    • If your new home or condo isn’t going to be ready on time, or when the selling date and closing date don’t align, use a storage unit to bridge the gap. For a short term, it’s cheaper to put items into storage than it is to keep them on a moving truck.
  • Deliver New Items to Storage
    • If you’re getting new furniture or appliances for your new home, you can shop for bargains in advance and put them into storage. Apple Self Storage is one of the few storage companies that accepts deliveries and will put your items right into your unit. We’ll send you an email to let you know when it arrives.
  • Store to Sell

6. Dislocation

Moving? If you can’t take it with you, you can still keep it safe.

  • Immediate Move
    • Being transferred for a new job, landlord is selling your rental property, students are coming home for the summer, or you’ve sold your business and want to travel are all common scenarios for having to make a sudden move.
  • Vacation Home
    • Timeshare owners at ski resorts or down south can keep their items in a storage locker for easy access whenever they visit.
  • Flexible Storage Rates
    • If you’re not sure how long you’ll need the storage, you can take advantage of flexible storage rates. Use it for as long or as little as you want, pay for what you use, up-size or downsize units as you remove items. Storage units are pro-rated after the 1 st month, so you can move out at anytime.

Looking for more tips? Check out our other blogs:


Please visit our Storage FAQ  page for more information about Storage Units. Storage Units in Toronto, Halifax, and Over 30 Other Locations Across Canada. Apple Self Storage has 36 storage unit facilities across Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Our facility managers provide friendly, personalized advice to help you pick the right self storage solution. Our flexible plans offer the perfect solution for personal, student and business needs. At Apple Self Storage you can be sure satisfaction is always 100% guaranteed. For more information click here to contact us or call 1-866-417-1005 to find your storage solution today.

By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
We’re making storage a unique, friendly and easy experience at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 in Woodbridge . This facility is designed with one goal in mind: to be genuinely pleasant for the people who use it. You'll find it at 7845 Highway 27, in a spot that's simple to reach whether you're coming from Vaughan, Kleinburg, or anywhere across the Woodbridge area. With Highway 27 right there, swinging by to drop something off or grab what you need fits neatly into your day instead of eating up your afternoon. Climate Controlled Storage, Top to Bottom This facility offers a huge range of climate controlled units, which means your belongings stay in a steady, comfortable environment no matter what the weather is doing outside. That matters more than people realize. Ontario weather runs the full gauntlet, from humid summers to frigid winters, and that constant back and forth is rough on a lot of the things we store. Wood furniture, electronics, photos, paperwork, instruments, and seasonal clothing all hold up far better when they're kept in a stable space. You can store the things you actually care about and trust they'll be in great shape whenever you come back for them. A Size for Every Need One of the best parts about a facility this size is the sheer range of unit options. Spaces start small, around a tidy 5x5 that's perfect for a few boxes, seasonal gear, or the clutter that's been crowding a closet at home. From there they climb steadily upward through dozens of sizes, all the way to large units like a roomy 30x15 that can handle the contents of an entire house. That range means just about anyone can find the right fit. A growing family clearing out the basement, a homeowner mid-renovation, a small business storing inventory or records, someone downsizing, or a household between moves all have a spot that works. And because there are so many sizes in between, you're not stuck paying for room you don't need or squeezing into something too tight. You get the space that actually matches your situation. One feature that sets our facility apart: a dedicated loading bay. Instead of wrestling boxes across a parking lot in the rain or balancing furniture on a curb, you can pull in, unload in a sheltered, purpose-built space, and move your things inside comfortably. And if you realize halfway through that you're short on boxes, tape, or wrapping, you don't have to run across town. Moving supplies are available right on site, so you can grab what you need and keep the momentum going. Little conveniences like that are what make a modern facility feel like it's genuinely on your side. Security That's Personal Peace of mind is a big part of why people choose storage in the first place, and this facility takes it seriously. Every tenant gets a unique pin code for access, so entry is controlled and tied to you specifically. That personal layer of access control means you can leave your belongings here and get on with your life, confident that the only people coming and going are the ones who are supposed to. Access That Works Around Your Schedule Access hours run daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, which gives you a wide, flexible window to come and go. Early birds can swing by before work, and night owls can stop in after dinner. Either way, getting to your unit fits your routine. If you'd like a hand from the team, the office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The office is closed on Sundays and holidays, but with access hours that generous, reaching your things is never a hassle. A Fresh Start for Storage in Woodbridge What makes this new facility special is how it all comes together. Wall-to-wall climate controlled units, a sheltered loading bay, on-site moving supplies, personal pin code access, and a huge spread of unit sizes add up to a storage experience that feels modern, secure, and refreshingly easy. If you've been waiting for storage in Woodbridge that's actually built around you, the team at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 is ready to welcome you in.
By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
Anyone who has rushed to move out of an apartment or scrambled to clear room before a renovation knows how stressful that can be, and how much it matters when a business has your back. At Apple Self Storage on Stevenson Street in Guelph , the help is the whole point. We put our customers’ needs first. But don’t take our word for it. This is what our real customers are saying: A Welcome That Sets the Tone Walk into a lot of storage facilities and you'll get a clipboard and a shrug. That's not how it goes here. The team, especially Ross, has a habit of treating new renters like guests in a welcoming home. "I had a welcoming experience here. Ross was friendly, answered all my questions, and made the process as seamless as possible. Also, big ups for the student discount. Highly recommend! " — Esther O. Renting a unit usually comes with a dozen small questions: How does access work? What size do I actually need? What happens if my plans change? Getting real answers up front is what turns a nerve-wracking errand into a quick, easy stop. Esther isn't the only one who noticed. Another review from the name “Hot Business” put it simply after working with two of the team members: " Ross and Henry were truly amazing, super friendly and quick ." First Time Storing? You're in Good Hands If you've never rented a storage unit before, the unknowns can pile up fast. The Apple team is patient with first-timers, walking through every step instead of assuming you already know the drill. "First time using a storage service and it was a very positive experience. Communication was excellent before my visit and I was greeted warmly by Michael and Ross when I arrived. The building is very clean and well lit. Ross took the time to explain every part of the process, including how to use the lock. The rates are great! I feel very confident in accessing my unit independently." — Janine C. That last line is the goal. We want you to feel confident in your rental. You shouldn't need to call the office every time you want to grab something out of your unit. When someone takes a few extra minutes to show you how the lock works and how to get in and out on your own, you walk away confident, not confused. Clean, Modern, and Built for Easy Loading A welcoming staff matters, but so does the building. The Guelph facility is a modern, well-kept space, and the details show up the moment you start moving boxes. "Clean and modern self storage. Lots of parking, two big loading bays that allow you to pull in and load and unload in comfort. Even a hydraulic lift plate! Kind and friendly staff that keep the place spotless. Any issues are dealt with promptly. Probably the best self-storage in Guelph, in a super-convenient location. Top marks!" — Brad C. Two covered loading bays, plenty of parking, and a lift plate for heavy items are the kind of features you don't think about until you're carrying a couch in the rain. Add climate and humidity control throughout the building and free dollies to borrow, and the actual work of moving in gets a lot less painful. Brad calls it the best in Guelph, and the convenient Stevenson Street location, close to downtown and the University of Guelph, doesn't hurt. Students Get a Real Break Guelph is a university town, and summer brings the annual scramble to figure out what to do with a year's worth of stuff. Apple makes that easier with a student discount and supplies to pack it all up. "Phenomenal service. I cannot recommend Apple Self Storage enough. Ross and Henry were extremely helpful and guided me through the whole process step by step. I'm renting for the summer, and they made everything easy by offering me the student discount and providing boxes and supplies to help with packing. I don't usually write reviews, but if you're in Guelph and looking for storage, save yourself the trouble of sorting through all the options online and book with Apple Self Storage. You won't regret it." — Dania S. Summer storage is one of those problems that feels bigger than it is. You're juggling exams, a move, and a deadline to be out of your place. A student discount, boxes ready on-site, and a team that walks you through it turns a headache into a one-stop solution. If you're a student heading home for the break, this is the easy button. It Adds Up Look across these reviews and a pattern shows up. People mention the helpful employees that truly care by name. They talk about feeling welcomed, getting straight answers, and leaving confident. They notice the spotless bays and the lift plate. They appreciate a fair rate and a discount when they qualify for one. None of that happens by accident. It happens because the people running the Guelph facility care, truly care, about our tenants. That's the difference. Stop By or Reserve Your Unit If you need storage in Guelph, come see why customers keep recommending the team by name. Apple Self Storage – Guelph 110 Stevenson St S, Guelph, ON N1E 5N4 Phone: (226) 794-5298 Email: store1061@applestorage.com Access Hours: Daily, 6:00 am – 10:00 pm Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun & Holidays closed Ask about the student discount, and let Ross and the team make your next move a simple one.