🍂 Fall & Holiday Storage Tips in Durango: Stay Cozy, Organized, and Guest-Ready

Summer Storage Tips in Durango: Keep Your Gear Safe, Clean & Accessible

Whether you’re in the middle of a move, downsizing, or just looking to free up space at home, self-storage can be a game-changer. But when it comes to delicate and fragile items, like family heirlooms, antiques, electronics, and artwork, extra care is essential to ensure they stay safe and damage-free while in storage. We know how important your valuables are, and we’re here to help you store them the right way. From choosing the best materials to selecting the right unit, here’s everything you need to know to protect your delicate belongings. Common Delicate Items That Need Extra Care Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about what kind of items typically require more thoughtful storage: Glassware and Ceramics – Plates, cups, vases, and other breakables Artwork and Photographs – Prone to warping, fading, or tearing Antiques and Heirlooms – Often irreplaceable and sensitive to moisture and heat Electronics – Computers, TVs, audio equipment, and more Musical Instruments – Can be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes Collectibles – Comic books, vinyl records, figurines, and similar items If you’re storing anything on this list, keep reading for a few simple yet essential tips to keep them in top shape. 1. Choose the Right Packing Materials The foundation of proper storage is the packing process. Be sure to invest in high-quality materials: Bubble wrap and packing paper – Wrap each item individually to avoid scratches and impact damage Sturdy, double-walled boxes – Thin cardboard won’t offer enough protection Packing peanuts or foam – Fill any gaps in boxes to prevent movement Acid-free tissue paper – Great for wrapping artwork or photographs Plastic bins with lids – Ideal for items that need moisture protection Avoid using newspapers, as the ink can transfer to your items over time. 2. Label and Organize Thoughtfully Once your items are packed, clearly label each box with its contents and mark “Fragile” on all sides. Group similar items together (like all your glassware or electronics) so you know what to handle with extra care. If you’re packing a lot of breakables, consider creating an inventory list so you can keep track of everything. 3. Double Box Fragile Items For items that are especially fragile or valuable, like heirloom china, rare collectibles, or expensive electronics, consider the double-boxing method. Place the item in a smaller box with padding, then place that box inside a larger one filled with more padding. This extra layer helps absorb shock and prevents damage from external pressure. 4. Store Strategically Within the Unit Once you’re in the unit, placement matters: Keep fragile boxes off the ground using shelving or pallets Never stack heavy boxes on top of lighter, delicate ones Leave space between boxes to allow airflow and prevent crushing Avoid storing delicate items right against exterior walls This not only helps preserve the items but also makes it easier to access them when needed. 5. Check on Your Items Periodically Even with the best planning, it’s a good idea to check in on your storage unit every few months, especially if you’re storing long-term. Look for signs of shifting, moisture, or pests, and adjust your setup if necessary. Protect What Matters Most At Armadillo Storage, we’re more than just a place to store your stuff, we care about helping you protect the things that matter most. With secure, accessible, and well-maintained storage units, we’re here to provide peace of mind, whether you’re storing a few fragile boxes or a lifetime of memories. Ready to find the right unit for your delicate belongings? Visit our size guide to help you find the right size for your needs or give us a call and let one of our experienced team members help you find the perfect unit!

Christmas is a time of joy, family, and… storage? Yes, you read that right. While the holiday season is full of warmth and wonder, it can also bring a bit of clutter. From holiday decorations to extra gifts, your home can quickly become overwhelmed. That's where self-storage comes in to save the day! Decluttering for the Holidays Before the festive season even starts, it's a great idea to declutter your home. This not only makes room for new holiday goodies but also helps you start the new year fresh. Here are some tips to declutter effectively: Sort through your belongings: Go through each room and decide what you need, what you can donate, and what you can store. Be ruthless: Don't hold onto things you haven't used in a year or more. Create a storage plan: Determine what items you'll need to store and for how long. Self-Storage: Your Holiday Helper Self-storage units are perfect for storing holiday decorations, extra furniture, or seasonal clothing. Here's how self-storage can help you during the Christmas season: Free up space: By storing some of your belongings in a self-storage unit, you can create more space in your home for guests, holiday meals, and gift-wrapping. Protect your valuables: Self-storage units provide a secure and climate-controlled environment to protect your belongings from damage, theft, and extreme temperatures. Easy access: You can access your stored items whenever you need them, whether it's to decorate for the holidays or to pack away your Christmas decorations after the festivities. Holiday Storage Tips Here are some tips for storing your holiday items in a self-storage unit: Pack efficiently: Use boxes of various sizes to pack your decorations and other holiday items. Label clearly: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Protect fragile items: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or newspaper before packing them in boxes. Stack carefully: Stack boxes neatly in your storage unit to maximize space. Post-Holiday Storage Once the holiday season is over, it's time to pack away your decorations and other holiday items. Here are some tips for post-holiday storage: Clean your decorations: Before storing your decorations, clean them thoroughly to remove dirt and dust. Repair any damage: Repair any broken or damaged decorations before storing them. Store in a cool, dry place: Store your decorations in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew. Conclusion By using self-storage, you can enjoy a stress-free and clutter-free holiday season. So, go ahead and embrace the holiday spirit without worrying about the clutter. Your self-storage unit is ready to help you make the most of the festive season!

When summer arrives in Colorado, temperatures can soar to uncomfortable levels, making climate-controlled storage units a lifesaver for protecting your valuable possessions. These units maintain a stable temperature and humidity level, shielding items from extreme heat, moisture, and other environmental stressors. But what exactly should you store in a climate-controlled unit, especially during the hot months? Here are some detailed ideas to help you make the most of your storage space. 1. Sensitive Electronics Why They Need Protection: Electronics are highly susceptible to heat and humidity, which can damage internal components and shorten their lifespan. Items like computers, TVs, audio equipment, and gaming consoles are particularly vulnerable. How to Store: Packaging: Keep original boxes if possible. Use anti-static packing materials. Placement: Avoid stacking heavy items on top of delicate electronics to prevent damage. 2. Important Documents and Photos Why They Need Protection: Paper products such as birth certificates, passports, legal documents, and photographs can yellow, curl, or become brittle when exposed to high heat and humidity. How to Store: Containers: Use archival-quality boxes and folders. Additional Measures: Consider placing silica gel packs in boxes to control moisture levels. 3. Wooden Furniture Why It Needs Protection: Wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity, leading to warping, cracking, or splitting. How to Store: Preparation: Clean and treat wood with appropriate polishes or waxes. Wrapping: Use breathable fabric covers rather than plastic to avoid trapping moisture. 4. Musical Instruments Why They Need Protection: Instruments made from wood or containing sensitive electronics, such as guitars, pianos, and violins, can be severely damaged by temperature and humidity fluctuations. How to Store: Cases: Store in hard cases for added protection. Positioning: Keep strings slightly loose on string instruments to relieve tension. 5. Antiques and Collectibles Why They Need Protection: Items like antique furniture, vintage clothing, and collectible coins or stamps can degrade quickly in unfavorable conditions. How to Store: Display Items: Use padded covers and acid-free paper for wrapping. Furniture: Place smaller items in drawers or cabinets within the unit. 6. Wine Collections Why It Needs Protection: Wine is highly sensitive to temperature changes, which can alter its flavor and quality. How to Store: Racks: Use wine racks to store bottles horizontally. Monitoring: Consider a unit with a temperature control system specifically designed for wine. 7. Leather Goods Why They Need Protection: Leather can dry out, crack, or mold when exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. How to Store: Cleaning: Clean and condition leather before storage. Covers: Use breathable covers to protect from dust while allowing air circulation. 8. Artwork Why It Needs Protection: Paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces can suffer from heat and moisture, leading to fading, warping, or mildew. How to Store: Packing: Use acid-free paper and bubble wrap for protection. Placement: Store canvases vertically to avoid pressure damage. 9. Books and Magazines Why They Need Protection: Books can suffer from mold, mildew, and paper degradation in high humidity and heat. How to Store: Shelving: Use sturdy, adjustable shelves to store books upright. Packing: Pack magazines flat in archival-quality boxes. 10. Seasonal Clothing Why It Needs Protection: Extreme heat can damage delicate fabrics, cause dyes to bleed, and attract pests. How to Store: Containers: Use plastic bins with airtight lids. Preparation: Wash and dry clothes before storage to prevent mold and odors. 11. Sporting Equipment Why It Needs Protection: Items like skis, snowboards, and bicycles can degrade or warp in high heat. How to Store: Disassembly: Disassemble larger items if possible. Covers: Use protective covers to prevent dust and dirt accumulation. 12. Household Appliances Why They Need Protection: Appliances can suffer from rust and electrical damage if not stored properly. How to Store: Cleaning: Thoroughly clean appliances before storage. Positioning: Store in an upright position and leave doors slightly ajar to prevent mold growth. 13. Medications and Cosmetics Why They Need Protection: Heat can degrade the effectiveness of medications and cause cosmetics to melt or separate. How to Store: Containers: Use original packaging when possible. Organization: Store in labeled bins for easy access. 14. Gardening Equipment Why It Needs Protection: Items like garden tools and fertilizers can rust or degrade in high temperatures. How to Store: Cleaning: Clean tools before storage to prevent rust. Shelving: Use sturdy shelves to keep items off the floor. Tips for Organizing Your Climate-Controlled Storage Unit Label Everything: Clearly label boxes and containers to easily find items. Create an Inventory: Maintain a detailed list of stored items. Use Shelving Units: Optimize vertical space with shelving. Plan the Layout: Place frequently used items near the front for easy access. Regular Inspections: Periodically check the condition of stored items. Conclusion Storing your possessions in a climate-controlled unit during Colorado's hot summers is a smart move to ensure their longevity and condition. By taking the time to properly prepare and store your items, you can protect them from the damaging effects of heat and humidity. Whether you are safeguarding valuable electronics, precious antiques, or everyday household items, these units provide a stable environment to keep your belongings safe year-round.

As the snow melts and the spring breeze starts to whisper through the Rocky Mountains, there's another annual event on the horizon: tax season. For many Coloradans, this time of year brings a mix of emotions, from the excitement of potential refunds to the dread of paperwork and organization. But fear not! With a little bit of planning and the help of self-storage, you can breeze through tax season like a pro. So, grab your hiking boots and your calculator, because we're about to embark on a journey through the peaks and valleys of tax preparation, Colorado-style. **Why Tax Season and Self-Storage Make a Perfect Match** Picture this: you're knee-deep in receipts, W-2 forms, and stacks of paperwork that seem to multiply like rabbits. With limited space in your home or office, it can feel like you're drowning in a sea of financial documents. But fear not, intrepid taxpayer! Self-storage is here to save the day. Self-storage facilities offer a safe, secure, and convenient solution for storing your tax-related documents and belongings. Whether you need to declutter your home office to make room for spreadsheets or store business inventory during tax season, self-storage has you covered. **Top Tips for Tax Season Warriors** Now that you know the power of self-storage in tackling tax season, let's dive into some expert tips to help you conquer your taxes like a champ: 1. **Start Early, Start Strong**: Don't wait until the last minute to gather your tax documents. Begin organizing your paperwork as soon as possible to avoid the stress of rushing to meet deadlines. Use self-storage to create a dedicated tax preparation space where you can spread out your documents and work efficiently. 2. **Declutter for Deductions**: Take advantage of tax deductions by decluttering your home or office before tax season. Donate unwanted items to charity and store important documents in a secure self-storage unit. You'll not only save money on your taxes but also create a more organized living or working space. 3. **Secure Your Sensitive Information**: Protect your sensitive financial information by storing tax documents in a secure self-storage unit with features like 24/7 surveillance, gated access, and individual unit locks. This ensures that your personal and business data remain safe from prying eyes. 4. **Create a Tax Season Survival Kit**: Designate a specific storage box or bin for tax-related items such as receipts, invoices, and financial statements. Keep this "tax season survival kit" in your self-storage unit for easy access whenever you need to reference or update your documents. 5. **Embrace Digital Solutions**: Go paperless by digitizing your tax documents and storing them securely online or in the cloud. This not only reduces clutter but also provides easy access to your files from anywhere, anytime. Consider using a scanner or smartphone app to capture and organize your digital documents. 6. **Plan for Next Year**: Use tax season as an opportunity to plan ahead for next year's taxes. Create a filing system for incoming documents, set reminders for important deadlines, and consider automating recurring expenses to streamline your tax preparation process. **Conclusion: Conquer Tax Season with Confidence** With these tips and the support of self-storage, you can tackle tax season with confidence and ease, no matter where you are in Colorado. Whether you're a small business owner in bustling Durango, a ski enthusiast in picturesque Pagosa Springs, a farmer in the tranquil fields of Monte Vista, or exploring the beauty of Cañon City, self-storage is your secret weapon for conquering tax season like a true Coloradan. Happy filing!

Moving, oh moving! The mere thought of it can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned nomad. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, the perils of moving are ever-present. But fear not, dear reader, for your pals at Armadillo Storage in Durango, Colorado, are here to help you brave the storm! Picture this: You're knee-deep in cardboard boxes, struggling to decipher the cryptic markings scrawled across them. Your favorite coffee mug? Lost in the abyss. Your sanity? Hanging by a thread. But fret not, for we've got just the remedy to turn your moving nightmare into a smooth sail down the Animas River. First and foremost, preparation is key. Our friends over at storageunits.com have compiled a treasure trove of essential tips to make moving easier. From decluttering your belongings to labeling boxes with surgical precision, their comprehensive guide is a beacon of hope in the sea of chaos. Don't believe us? Check it out for yourself! Now, let's talk logistics. Planning the logistics of your move can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. That's where self-storage swoops in to save the day! With conveniently located facilities in Durango, Colorado, our spacious units offer the perfect sanctuary for your belongings amidst the tumult of moving day. Plus, with state-of-the-art security features, you can rest easy knowing your prized possessions are in good hands. But wait, there's more! Moving isn't just physically taxing—it's emotionally draining too. Saying goodbye to familiar surroundings and embarking on a new adventure can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. That's why it's crucial to take care of yourself throughout the moving process. Treat yourself to a leisurely hike in the San Juan Mountains or unwind with a pint of craft beer at one of Durango's charming breweries. Remember, self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. In conclusion, dear reader, the perils of moving may loom large, but with a dash of preparation and a sprinkle of self-storage magic, you'll emerge victorious on the other side. So chin up, pack your bags, and embrace the journey ahead—Durango awaits!

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Durango, Colorado, Armadillo Storage stands as a beacon of reliable and secure storage solutions. While the scenic beauty of the region is unmatched, the varying weather conditions can pose challenges for those looking to store their valuable belongings. In this blog post, we delve into the numerous benefits of climate-controlled storage, especially tailored to Durango's extreme climate, and explore the types of items that demand this specialized storage. The Durango Climate Challenge: Durango experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and chilly winters, making it imperative to consider the impact of these extremes on stored items. From the scorching heat of summer to the freezing temperatures of winter, the need for climate-controlled storage becomes evident for maintaining the integrity and condition of your possessions. Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage: 1. Temperature Regulation: Climate-controlled units at Armadillo Storage maintain a consistent temperature throughout the year, safeguarding your items from the detrimental effects of extreme heat and cold. This ensures a stable environment that minimizes the risk of warping, cracking, or degradation. 2. Humidity Control: Excessive humidity can be a silent culprit, causing mold, mildew, and corrosion. Climate-controlled storage units maintain optimal humidity levels, preserving the quality of items such as wooden furniture, artwork, and delicate fabrics. 3. Protection Against Extreme Conditions: Fine art, antiques, electronics, and other sensitive items are susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures. Climate-controlled storage shields these possessions from the adverse effects of weather fluctuations, offering a shield against potential harm. 4. Security and Peace of Mind: Armadillo Storage prioritizes security, ensuring that your valuable items are protected not only from the elements but also from unauthorized access. With advanced security measures, you can rest easy knowing that your belongings are in safe hands. Items Ideal for Climate-Controlled Storage: 1. Fine Art and Collectibles: Paintings, sculptures, and delicate collectibles benefit from a stable environment, shielding them from temperature and humidity variations that can compromise their integrity. 2. Furniture: Wooden and upholstered furniture can suffer damage from extreme conditions. Climate-controlled storage prevents warping, cracking, and mold growth, ensuring your furniture remains in top condition. 3. Wine and Spirits: Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the controlled environment that climate-controlled storage provides, preserving the flavor and quality of their prized collections. 4. Electronics: Sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers, cameras, and audiovisual devices, is safeguarded against temperature-related malfunctions in a climate-controlled unit. 5. Medical Records and Documents: Businesses and individuals storing important documents, medical records, and archival materials can trust climate-controlled storage to maintain the integrity of these critical items. Conclusion: Armadillo Storage in Durango, CO, recognizes the unique challenges posed by the region's climate. Their climate-controlled storage units offer a reliable solution for residents and businesses seeking to protect their valuables from the unpredictable weather. From fine art to furniture, wine, and important documents, investing in climate-controlled storage is an investment in the longevity and preservation of your cherished possessions.