Moving or Downsizing in Cape Breton: How a Storage Unit Helps
Moving is rarely one clean step. Closing dates don't line up, the new place needs work, or you're moving from a four-bedroom house into a two-bedroom condo and have to decide what comes with you. Whether you're buying, selling, renting or downsizing anywhere in Cape Breton, a storage unit in Sydney, NS gives you room to breathe while you sort it out.
When a storage unit makes a move easier
1. Your closing dates don't match.
You sell on the 30th but can't get the keys to the new place for two weeks. Instead of paying to move twice into a friend's garage, put your things in a unit and move them once you're ready.
2. You're selling and want the house to show well.
Buyers want to picture their own things in a home. Taking out extra furniture, boxes and clutter makes rooms look bigger and photograph better. Store it until the sale closes.
3. You're renovating.
Flooring, painting or a kitchen redo goes faster when the rooms are empty. A unit keeps furniture safe from dust and out of the contractors' way.
4. You're downsizing.
Moving to a smaller home, an apartment or a seniors' residence means deciding what to keep, what to pass on to family and what to sell. A unit lets you make those decisions on your own schedule, instead of all in one stressful weekend.
5. You're helping a parent move or settling an estate.
These moves come with a lot of emotion and a lot of stuff. Storage gives the family time to go through belongings together without a deadline hanging over everyone.
6. You're moving to or from Cape Breton for work.
If you're starting a new job in Sydney before you've found a permanent place, or leaving for a contract away, store your things here until you're settled.
Why a drive-up unit helps on moving day
At CoastGuard Self Storage, every unit is an insulated drive-up unit. You back the truck or trailer right up to your door and unload, with no carts, hallways or elevators. That saves time on moving day, and if you're paying movers by the hour, it can save money too.
The property at 300 Stable Dr, Sydney has a 24/7 keypad gate, video surveillance and a fenced perimeter. You can come and go any time, even if your movers start at 6 a.m. or finish at 10 p.m.
Rentals are month-to-month, so you're not locked in. Keep the unit for three weeks or a year, and move out when you're done.
Which size do you need?
5x10 (50 sq ft), $139.99/month: Boxes, seasonal items, a few small pieces of furniture
10x10 (100 sq ft), $174.99/month: Contents of a one-bedroom apartment, appliances included
10x15 (150 sq ft), $209.99/month: Larger furniture or the contents of a two-bedroom apartment
10x20 (200 sq ft), $234.99/month: Contents of a three-bedroom home (currently full, waitlist)
10x30 (300 sq ft), $379.99/month: Contents of a four-bedroom home (currently full, waitlist)
Not sure? A good rule of thumb is to size up if you'll need to get at things during the move, since an aisle down the middle makes a big difference. Compare every size on our Storage Unit Sizes & Prices page, or call (902) 302-6555 and we'll help you choose.
Packing a storage unit for a move
Put the big, heavy items in first, against the back wall: dressers, appliances, mattresses standing on their sides.
Stack boxes heaviest on the bottom and label them by room.
Leave a walkway so you can reach things without unpacking the whole unit.
Put the things you'll need first near the door: tools, bedding, kitchen basics.
Wrap furniture in moving blankets, and cover mattresses.
Don't store food, perishables, propane, paint or anything flammable or hazardous. These aren't allowed. Ask if you're not sure about an item.
Downsizing tips
Start with the rooms you use least: the basement, the attic, the spare room.
Sort into four piles: keep, family, sell or donate, and toss.
Measure the new place before deciding which furniture comes with you.
Store the "maybe" pile. If you haven't missed it after a few months, it's easier to let go.
How to rent
Choose your size and book online on our booking page.
Sign your lease and add payment online. You'll need a valid government-issued ID.
Get your unit number and gate code by email, and move in when your billing period starts.
You can also add contents insurance through our partner, Intact Insurance, when you rent.
Make your move easier
Learn more about our self storage in Sydney, NS, compare unit sizes and prices, or see available units and book online. Questions? Call (902) 302-6555 or email coastguardstorage@gmail.com.
CoastGuard Self Storage · 300 Stable Dr, Sydney, NS B1P 0B9 · (902) 302-6555
— Jase Lachowiez, CoastGuard Self Storage