Ways Small Business Owners in Berks County Can Use DAK Self Storage 28 Jun 2017 6:39 PM (8 years ago)
If you own a small business in Berks County and have been looking to expand or just make some room, you will find DAK Self-Storage very helpful. There are a variety of ways to use a DAK Self-Storage unit to help you run your business.
Compared to renovations or purchasing more space, self-storage is a more affordable way to store your items. DAK Self-Storage provides 24/7 video surveillance and quality locks on every unit to keep your things safe. You can make payments online and your belongings are a short drive away from your Berks County business. Here are a few helpful ways you can use a DAK Self-Storage unit.
Store Paperwork
Any business involves plenty of paperwork. There are forms, receipts, contracts, bills, and more. Many of these have to be kept for long periods of time as a record. While you can store some of these virtually you may still have many hard copies. If you have been in business for a while, these copies may have started to pile up. They may be taking up space that can be used for other purposes.
DAK Self-Storage has a variety of unit sizes starting at 5’ X 5’. This is a great size for storing a couple of file cabinets along with all your copies of important papers. Be sure to protect your papers before storing. Check out DAK Self-Storage’s blog for storing paper documents for more tips: https://dakselfstorage.com/how-to-store-paper-artwork-and-fragile-documents/.
Store Merchandise
If your business sells merchandise, supplies can build up in your home or workspace. Before you know it you may have to step over or squeeze around them to get your work done. Running a business is stressful enough. You don’t need the extra stress of your merchandise, taking away your space.
DAK Self-Storage offers both indoor and outdoor units as well as units with climate control. If your product is sensitive to temperature or moisture, renting a unit with climate control will help keep them in good condition. DAK Self-Storage also has an on-site supply store if you need any extra supplies to protect or organize your merchandise.
Store Equipment
If you provide a service to the Berks County community, you likely have spare equipment sitting around. Like merchandise, this can also take up space and make your job more difficult. By renting a DAK Self-Storage unit, you can keep your equipment out of your way, but still close enough to retrieve it if you need it.
A DAK Self-Storage unit can also be useful for storing seasonal equipment such as snow supplies, pool care supplies, or leaf removal. You can rent a unit for a few months or rent year round and swap your gear as each new season begins.
Show Room
Some merchandise needs to be put on display before customers are willing to buy. If you run a business that sells merchandise like this, a DAK Self-Storage unit can help you store and display these items.
If you lack space at your office building, you won’t have to worry about disassembling and reassembling your displays to save space. You can keep everything looking neat and ready to show. However, if you plan to store your items long term or if they are sensitive to the elements, be sure to clean and protect them beforehand.
Store Temporarily
Renovations mean your business is growing, but it also means you may have to rearrange your office to make room for construction. It may seem like a hassle, but DAK Self-Storage can help make it easier. You can store anything you don’t have room for in your office for a few months. This way you don’t have to rearrange your office every time you need a specific item.
You can also rent temporarily when you experience product overflow. If you ordered too many supplies or if your product is in high demand we can give you the extra space you need until you can adjust. If you would like to view DAK Self-Storage’s available units, you can do so here: https://ecom.quikstor.com/dakselfstorage/ShowAvailableUnits.aspx?action=rent.
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Making Packing More Fun 20 Jun 2017 8:52 PM (8 years ago)
Whether you are moving house or just packing for vacation, you may dread packing. There are dozens of important items you have to remember to pack and countless other responsibilities to take care off. You may worry about forgetting something important and causing hassle for the rest of your family. If you plan ahead and stay organized, though, you can avoid problems. Be sure to research, packing lists online or check out DAK Self-Storage’s blog for more useful tips: https://dakselfstorage.com/blog/.
Once you are ready to start packing, though, there are many other ways to make the process more fun. Check out some of these fun ideas below!
Have a Party
If you are moving your items into DAK Self-Storage and have some friends or neighbors who would be willing to help you pack, throw a party. Don’t expect or force everyone to help. Not everyone has to give you their free time. However, if they do help order some pizzas or offer other snacks as a thank you for their help. Having others to talk to will help you pass the time. It will save you stress
While you don’t necessarily need a party to pack for vacation, you can have your family get together and help you pack. Let your kids choose which outfits they want to wear and what toys they want to play with. You can use it as an opportunity to teach them planning and organization skills.
Make a Playlist
Music has the ability to change your mood in a matter of minutes. It can make you sad, happy, energized or more. It all depends on what type of songs you listen to. Like talking with friends, music can help you pass the time. Before packing, build a playlist filled with energizing songs that you can dance or sing along to. Songs with a fast, upbeat tempo will work the best. If you don’t have time to make your own playlist, use an app that creates one for you. You can also jam out to your playlist on your way to DAK Self-Storage or your new home.
Make it a Game
Just jamming items into a box or suitcase is boring. Yet, if you find a way to make a game out of packing, you can make it more fun. Finding everything can be like a scavenger hunt and packing everything can be like Tetris. This is a great tactic to get your kids to help you pack. Have competitions to see who can fit more in a suitcase or see who can pack the same amount of items the fastest. If you set a specific goal, it can give you more drive to get the task done.
Keep It Simple
Don’t make the process more difficult than it has to be. Be smart and prioritize to save time. When you have to think a lot, you will get stressed out. By planning ahead of time you can simplify your task so actually packing everything can be a bit more fun. One way to simplify your task is using smaller boxes so you don’t get exhausted carrying and organizing them in a DAK Self-Storage unit. Make use of a wheeled suitcase of dolly as well. Break the process into smaller tasks so they don’t seem so overwhelming.
Enjoy the Nostalgia
While going through all your items, you may find many items that you have not seen in a while. Set aside a little extra time when planning to enjoy the nostalgia. You can send pictures of the cool items you find to people you shared connected memories with. If you are moving, this can also help give you a sense of closure as you move on to the next chapter in your life.
Reward Yourself
Once you are done packing and moving items into DAK Self-Storage, reward yourself for a job well done. You can treat yourself favorite junk food or go on an outing where you can just relax and have fun. By having a reward to look forward to during the process, you can distract yourself from the stress and problems. Then you can use whichever reward you choose to celebrate.
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7 Items You Should Avoid Storing in a DAK Self-Storage Unit 13 Jun 2017 8:32 PM (8 years ago)
DAK Self-Storage can help you store almost any item you may need to store. However, just like making wishes with a genie, there are some rules you need to be aware of and follow. There are a variety of items that should never be stored in a DAK Self-Storage unit. When storing your items it is important to think things through and ask yourself if each item is safe to be stored in your unit.
Hazardous Items
One question you should ask yourself is, “Is this item dangerous or hazardous?” If it can explode, erode other items, or badly hurt someone, it likely should not be stored in your DAK Self-Storage unit. Some example items include fireworks, acid, gasoline, weapons, or ammo. Not only can these items potentially damage your items, but they can damage the actual unit and items in nearby units as well. You don’t want to be held liable for damages if a catastrophe occurs so think logically before storing.
Food
Food attracts pests and eventually goes bad. You don’t want to return to a DAK Self-Storage unit that smells like a garbage can. You also don’t want to find all of the other items in your unit destroyed by mice, rats, or insects. While you may be able to get away with storing canned or non-perishable food for a short period of time, you should avoid storing any other food. Even storing your pet’s food can be risky.
Animals or Plants
DAK Self-Storage is not a place to house your pets for any reason. If you can’t have your pet in your house or apartment, be responsible and find a new home for them. Even if it is only for a short period of time, there is a better solution. Ask a friend or neighbor to watch them or hire a professional pet sitter.
A DAK Self-Storage unit is no place for plants either. Plants need sunlight, water, and nutrients to survive. Our units do not have windows and having water and potting soil in your unit also provides a chance for items to spill. If left alone long enough, mold or fungi may start to grow. Keep your unit clean by not storing any items that can be spilled.
Dead Creatures or Organisms
Just like rotting food, dead creatures, and other organisms begin to smell horrible after some time. Even if you try to wrap it well or pack it in ice, it will continue to rot. Dead creatures are difficult to hide and you will likely get caught eventually. Doing so can also get you in a lot of trouble, so it is best to just avoid storing organisms altogether.
Items That Are Too Large for the Unit
One mistake DAK Self-Storage customers can make is forgetting to plan. Don’t simply guess what size unit you need without properly measuring. You don’t want to arrive at out Leesport facility only to find out your couch won’t fit. Doing so will only lead to headaches and eat up extra time while you rent a bigger storage unit.
Stolen or Illegal Items
This may seem like an obvious item to list, but it is a rule you need to follow. DAK Self-Storage is not a hiding place for items you stole. Nor is it a place to keep any illegal items you possess. Storing these items at our facility will not prevent you from getting in trouble. If caught, you will still get in trouble with the law.
Valuables
While storing your valuables will likely not get you in legal trouble, it does pose a risk of losing these items for good. DAK Self-Storage offers 24/7 surveillance and quality locks on all units to keep your items safe. While it is highly unlikely robbers will get past our security, if they do, you don’t want to lose your most prized possessions. Keep them at home where you can watch them closely and admire them.
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The Pros and Cons of Using Self-Storage 6 Jun 2017 8:13 PM (8 years ago)
For some situations using DAK Self-Storage is a no brainer. Other times you need to consider your options before you can make the decision that is right for you. There are a variety of aspects to consider including price, time, storing conditions, and more.
It could take a while to weigh all the pros and cons. Worry not, because DAK Self-Storage has saved some of the biggest pros and cons for you. All you have to do is compare your situation and make the decision that works best for you! If you have any other questions or concerns, contact DAK Self-Storage’s staff for help.
Cons
Packing and Organizing
Getting all your items ready to put into storage can be time consuming. First, you have to decide what you want to store, then you have to measure everything and figure out what size unit you need. You can find available units and sizes here: https://dakselfstorage.com/special-discounts-available/.
Once you have a plan, then you have to clean, organize, and safely pack everything into boxes or bags. If you choose, you can also take the time to color code or label everything to make it easier to find later. It can seem like a daunting task, but if you get some friends or family members to help and have a small party while packing, the task may not seem as daunting.
Transporting Your Stuff
Another part of the process is transporting all of your stuff. First, you have to carry everything out of your house into your moving vehicle. It’s a good way to build up muscles, but can also be tiring. You can also hire movers to do the work for you.
Then you have to drive everything to DAK Self-Storage and move everything from the moving vehicle into your unit. If you live far from our facility, this task can be tiring. However, if you live in Berks County, we are only a short drive away.
Items Are Not Where You Can See Them
Not having certain items in your home when you need them can be an inconvenience. You also have less control over protecting them. Although the chances are slim, there is no guarantee that the items won’t get damaged or stolen. However, DAK Self-Storage has taken a variety precautions to help keep your items safe. We have 24/7 video surveillance, quality locks on all units, and a fenced in facility with key code entry. Purchasing insurance is also recommended for extra protection.
Pros
More Room in Your Home
One main reason customers choose to use DAK Self-Storage is to clear out their homes. If you have been tripping over clutter lately, renting a self-storage unit can be very helpful. You can leave more room to move about and keep a cleaner home. You won’t have to worry as much about cleaning up for guests or hiding everything in your closet. Clutter can cause stress and create tension in your relationships. By storing some of your items at DAK Self-Storage you can be proud to show off your home and be happier in general.
Keep Items Safe from the Elements
Items such as lawn tools, outdoor toys, or car equipment, may just get left outside if you don’t have enough space in your home. Then they get exposed to rain, snow, extreme sunlight, and more. They may eventually rust, fade, or tarnish.
Another option is to store the items in your attic or basement, but these areas may not be fully equipped to properly store your items either. You paid good money for these belongings; why let them get damaged? DAK Self-Storage has plenty of options to help protect your items including indoor units and climate-control. We also have an on-site store where you can purchase extra packing materials.
Can Keep Pets or Children Safe
If you recently had kids or adopted a pet, you may want to take certain items out of your home. You may not want to get rid of these items though. They can be used again once your child or pet is old enough to understand how to behave around your items. If this is your situation, DAK Self-Storage is a viable option. You can rent a storage unit for just a month or for as long as you need.
Price
Finally, you will want to take price into consideration. Renting a storage unit and getting all the packing materials can seem expensive. Yet in the long term, it can save you money by keeping your items safe so you don’t have to spend extra to replace them. DAK Self-Storage offers competitive rates and other discounts you can find here: https://dakselfstorage.com/special-discounts-available/.
Be sure set a budget and compare prices before renting. With proper planning you can make your storage experience easier and less stressful.
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9 Common Moving and Packing Mistakes 31 May 2017 12:37 PM (8 years ago)
Whether you are moving to or from Berks County, when it comes to moving, you will have a lot of responsibilities on your plate. This means you will have a lot on your mind and may be stressed. If you get too overwhelmed, it can be easy to make a mistake that only creates more problems. No one wants more problems. That’s why DAK Self-Storage has created this list of common mistakes you can learn from and avoid. This way you can make your move as easy as possible.
Thinking You Can Wing It
Your first step should be to plan. Start with organizing your belongings and create an inventory. Next, start measuring and estimate how much space your items will take up. Then, create a floor plan. Whether it is for a moving truck or DAK Self-Storage unit, you will want to have an idea of where you want to put each item and what order you are going to move your items in. You can check out DAK Self-Storages blog for more tips. Finally, you will want to create a budget to help you keep track of your spending.
Not Decluttering Before Moving
If you have been in your current home for a few years, you likely have collected various items that you needed once or twice, but just sits around now. It doesn’t make sense to carry along items you never use any more. Be sure to start decluttering a few months before your move so you don’t have to rush. Doing so will help save you money, time, and energy with the move.
Not Staying Organized
You will likely be putting a majority of your small items together in boxes. There is a good chance that a majority of these boxes will look the same. This is why it is important to stay organized. You don’t want to walk into your DAK Self-Storage unit or the moving truck and have to move everything out just to find what you need. Put similar items together and be sure to use labels or color coding.
Forgetting to Properly Package Your Items
When you’re moving, all the boxes and items may get shifted around in the moving truck. You will want to take the extra time to make sure your items arrive in the same condition they left in. First, you will want to make sure each item is clean. Then you will want to make sure each item is protected. Be sure to research how to properly care for each material your items are made of. You can find many tips in DAK Self-Storage’s blog: https://dakselfstorage.com/blog/.
When packing, be sure to use new sturdy boxes rather than bags. Boxes will keep your items more secure when everything shifts around in the back of a moving truck. Also, do not overload the boxes. This will help prevent items from breaking.
Forgetting to Get Help
Everyone needs help sometimes, especially when you are moving an entire house worth of furniture into a truck or DAK Self-Storage unit. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Get help from either friends and family or professional movers. Be prepared to delegate specific tasks to people who don’t know how they can help.
Asking Movers Questions
If you do decide to hire professional movers, be careful about who you use. Be sure to ask plenty of questions so that there are no surprises. Find out if the company has insurance and get estimates in writing so there are no surprise costs. Try to keep valuable or important items with you for extra safety.
Forgetting to Plan for Your Kids and Pets
If you have a long trip ahead of you, you will need to prepare a little extra for your kids and pets. Make sure your kids are comfortable, have entertainment, and plenty of snacks. This will help keep them calm and quiet so you can focus on what you have to do.
For pets, you will want to make more frequent stops to find a pet-friendly hotel if needed. Be sure that your pets are us to date with shots, I.D., tags, etc.
Forgetting Plants
Moving plants can also be tricky. If you are moving to another state, be sure to check the rules about bringing certain plants into the area. For plants that you can bring, transport them into lightweight unbreakable pots. For plants that you can’t bring, donate them.
Forgetting to Set Aside Items You Will Need First
When you arrive at your new home, you will likely be tired. You won’t feel like unpacking everything right away. So be sure to set aside the items you will need right away. Keep them in the car with you so they don’t accidentally get stored in your DAK Self-Storage unit. You will want to pack things like clothing, snacks, cooking supplies, toiletries, etc. If you plan ahead, you can make moving day less stressful for both yourself and your family.
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Tips for Storing Toys at DAK Self-Storage 24 May 2017 8:14 PM (8 years ago)
Everyone has a favorite toy from their childhood. It might be a teddy bear, a doll, or a toy truck. Toys help build imagination and give both young and old hours of enjoyment. Whether you want to preserve a collection of your old toys or store your child’s toys, DAK Self-Storage is here to help.
Reasons to Store Toys
Toys Are Built to Last
While some toys have small parts and break easily, other toys are built to last. If you have toys that are still in decent condition, you may want to save them. Some toys eventually become collectibles and are sought after by collectors. Other toys can become family heirlooms to pass through the generations.
Either way, if don’t have room in your home or are worried about storing them in an attic without air conditioning, store them at DAK Self-Storage. Our Leesport location can keep them safe and unharmed for as long as you need.
Keep Clutter Out Of Your Berks County Home
Every parent wants to keep their kid happy. Sometimes this means getting them a new toy every time you cart them around to run errands. After a while, their collection can grow fairly large. This can leave your home looking cluttered.
You don’t have to get rid of all them, though. Instead, you can store some away in a DAK Self-Storage unit for a while and rotate some in and out every once in a while. This technique works great for seasonal toys like sleds, pool floaties, and other outdoor toys.
Toy Storage Tips
Declutter First
Before you simply gather up all the toys and store them at DAK Self-Storage, you may want to go through some of them first. If you store away toys that will never use again, you will end up paying for space you don’t really need.
If it’s your child’s toys, get them involved so you don’t accidentally throw away anything they still want. If they are young, this can also be a good way to teach them responsibility and how to clean up after themselves. If any toys they don’t want are still in good condition, donate instead of trashing. If you get your child involved, this can help teach them to give back to others.
Clean and Protect
If you want the toys to come out of DAK Self-Storage in the same condition they went in, you will want to take some extra time to clean and protect them. This step is important to retain their value if you plan on selling them later. You don’t want to store a toy with dirt, food, or any other messes on it because they may start to grow mold or mildew.
To properly clean the toy, you should figure out what it is made of and research how to clean it. You can find many tips and how-to’s in DAK Self-Storage’s blog. If the toy is fragile, you may want to wrap it in bubble wrap or tissue paper, depending on what it is made of, to keep it from breaking if it falls. If you need any extra supplies, DAK Self-Storage has an on-site supply store.
Store Sets Together
When storing at DAK Self-Storage, it is important to stay organized. This will help you find what you need quickly if you are in a rush. Labeling or color-coding can also be helpful. Pieces that are part of a set should be put in the same box or in a vacuum-seal bag. This makes stacking them easier so you can make use of vertical space. Shelving can also be helpful if you are worried about stacking boxes on top of each other.
Take Large Toys Apart If Possible
Large toys, like child-sized kitchen sets or trampolines, can also be tricky to store. The best solution, in this case, is to take the toy apart, if you can. If it has empty cubbies, you can store other items in it. For instance, you can store doll accessories in the separate rooms of a dollhouse. Compacting the toy as much as possible will make storing it easier to manage.
Use DAK Self-Storage
We recommend storing your toys in an indoor unit with climate control. This will help ensure that they don’t get damaged. You may also want to consider purchasing insurance if you are storing any collectible toys. If you would like to view available DAK Self-Storage units, you can do so here: https://ecom.quikstor.com/dakselfstorage/ShowAvailableUnits.aspx?action=rent.
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Tips for Combining Households 16 May 2017 7:25 PM (8 years ago)
There are many reasons to move in with someone new. Maybe you just got married, maybe you are testing a relationship, or maybe you just need some help paying rent for the time being. Whatever your reason, moving in together is a big step. Essentially, you are combining two lives, including morals, lifestyles, and belongings.
With this in mind, you need to get on the same page. You need to sit down together and figure out how everything is going to work. There is a lot to take into consideration, so use these DAK Self-Storage tips to help get you and your housemate combine households.
Plan and Set Ground Rules
Before you even move into your new Berks County home, you will need to do some planning. Measure each room to know how much space you have, then plan the room schemes. Decide what each room will be and what major furniture pieces will go where. If anyone needs to move out before they are able to fully move in, rent a DAK Self-Storage for a month or two until they can get settled.
You will also want to start working out the dynamics. Create a list of chores and decide who is in charge of what. Talking about rules is also important. Answer questions like, “At one time does the house need to be quite so everyone gets good rest?” and “What happens if someone isn’t pulling their weight with the chores?” Doing so will help you avoid conflicts in the future.
Handling Differences
Moving in together can teach you a lot about your new living partner. Maybe you didn’t know they had a large collection of Elvis memorabilia, or perhaps they have a strange habit that you can’t stand. There are plenty of potential causes of conflict and before you move in together, you need to know how to handle them.
When you combine households, you need to have an open mind. Not everyone is raised the same way or taught the same morals. You should try to handle your differences gently. If they have a habit you don’t like, try to find a compromise that can make living together more tolerable. If you don’t have room for their collection, consider asking them to rent a DAK Self-Storage unit and helping them carefully pack and move it.
Keep the Most Important Items
Once you have a plan, you can start sorting through your furniture and other items. Decide which pieces you both like and want to keep and use. Figure out whose furniture and appliances look better with your home’s style or which items are in better shape. Once you decide what you are keeping, sorting through the rest of your belongings will be easier. If one person wants to keep something, but the other doesn’t, the owner can keep it in their room and out of the way. If you lack room, rent a DAK Self-Storage unit.
Get Rid of Duplicates and Unneeded Furniture
There is a good likelihood that you will end up with duplicate items or items you need to get rid of. Unless you definitely plan to use these items sometime in the future, it is best to get rid of these items. There are a variety of options. You can sell them, donate them, or store them away at DAK Self-Storage. If you sell them, you can use the extra money to get other items you may need later.
Combining Closets
Depending on the circumstances, you may need to end up having to share closet space. It is a smart choice to purge your closet a little bit, before moving in. This can save headaches later. If you still don’t have enough space, you can use DAK Self-Storage to rotate your seasonal clothing. You can view available units here: https://ecom.quikstor.com/dakselfstorage/ShowAvailableUnits.aspx?action=rent.
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Common Causes of Clutter and How to Stop It 11 May 2017 3:05 PM (8 years ago)
No one likes clutter. It isn’t fun to look at and can stress you out. Sometimes it seems like you just have too much stuff, but you may not know how to solve the problem. DAK Self-Storage in Leesport is here to help!
The first step to solving your clutter problems is to identify the cause. Once you analyze why your home or room looks cluttered, you can figure out how to stop the problem. Below you will find some of the most common causes of clutter and tips on how to fix the problem.
Buying and Keeping Things You Don’t Necessarily Need
When you head into a mall or big box store, it can be easy to get swept up in all the fancy items on display. Even though you came with a specific list, you can walk out with more than you planned. Some of this stuff you may actually get good use out of, but other items may just end up sitting around your house or DAK Self-Storage unit. Once these items accumulate, you get clutter.
Becoming a minimalist can help you reduce the clutter. Only buy what you need. When you pick something up and go to put in in your cart ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” By being more critical about what you put in your cart, you can save your money and keep clutter away.
Saving Items You Never Use
Some items you may need for a specific event, but then you rarely or never use them again. Other times, we get duplicates of other items, but can’t seem to get rid of them. When you clean up, you may not get rid of it thinking you will need it someday. Then these items will just continue to sit in your home and collect dust.
A good way to solve this problem is to keep track of the last time you used each item. You can rent a DAK Self-Storage unit and store all your barely used items in it. If you didn’t have to come pick it up and use in over a year, you can probably get rid of it.
Not Purging Often Enough
It’s important to go through your possessions regularly and get rid damaged, stained, or unused items. If you don’t these items will just stay where you left them. Try to go through your wardrobe, junk drawer, garage, etc. every few months to keep your home clutter-free. It can be easy to procrastinate and put off sorting through clutter. When you haven’t seen your friends in a while, or a family member needs help, cleaning may get placed on the backburner. Other times you just need to relax for once.
Whatever the reason, you still want to get your home cleaned. One option is to tackle it in smaller steps. Break the job into smaller tasks, and tackle it in just a few minutes over multiple days. If you need to get rid of the mess faster, you can rent a DAK Self-Storage unit for a few months. You can view available DAK Self-Storage units here: https://ecom.quikstor.com/dakselfstorage/index.aspx?Action=rent.
Not Giving Everything a Place
Another problem you may run into when trying to clean up is not knowing where to put certain items. If an item doesn’t have a “home”, you can spend too much time figuring out where to put it. DAK Self-Storage recommends investing in home organization tools. Make use of shelving, hooks, organizers, etc. to keep your home looking neat. Having a “home” for every item also makes it easier to find specific items when you need them. Labels can also be useful for sorting smaller items in drawers or cabinets.
Lack of Time
Your life can get pretty busy. Sometimes we overcommit to various projects and meetings. You don’t want to let anyone down so you put off your own responsibilities and cleaning to help your loved ones. It is okay to tell your friends and family “no” every once and a while. If you’ve been meaning to clean your house, commit to it. Then you can get together with your friends and family another day and show off your hard work organizing your home.
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What Order Should I Move My Items into My Unit? 2 May 2017 8:57 PM (8 years ago)
Packing a DAK Self-Storage unit can be a lot like playing Tetris. If you are moving or renovating, your items may be a variety of shapes and sizes. This can make it difficult to fit everything and store it neatly. The order you move your items in can make a big difference in the difficulty of packing your unit. If you start with a plan and follow these DAK Self-Storage tips, you can make your storing experience much easier.
Measure and Plan
Before you even rent a unit, you need to measure and plan. Figure out what items you are going to store and record their measurements in a chart. Then add up the measurements and get an idea of what unit size you will need. You can view DAK Self-Storage’s available units here: https://ecom.quikstor.com/dakselfstorage/ShowAvailableUnits.aspx?action=rent. Don’t forget to consider options such as climate control and location.
Once you know what unit you need, you can try to create a map for your unit so you know what items to move in first and where to place them. Use the tips below as a guide. Having this planned ahead of time will make storing your items at DAK Self-Storage much easier. You won’t have to think hard or constantly rearrange your items.
Bulky Items First
The best place to start is with the big bulky items that take up the most space. This includes beds, couches, dressers, desks, refrigerators, etc. Standing these items on their end will also help you maximize your space. Once you get the big items in, you can organize your smaller items around them.
Oddly-Shaped Items
Oddly-shaped items can be tricky to store. They can take up extra space because they are difficult to stack. When it comes to these items, organizing them is a lot like Tetris. You have to figure out how weird angles can fit with one another to save the most space. Common items that cause this problem are chairs, tables, and desks. If possible, you should take these items apart. If not, the best way to use your space wisely is to place the smaller items in the gaps. Some chairs can be stacked to save room or tucked under a table.
Shelving and Drawers
Another great way to maximize space in your DAK Self-Storage unit is to use the vertical space. Pack up, not across. Using shelving or drawers to organize your items is one way to accomplish this. When using this method, you will want to set up the shelves next. They will help you quickly organize all your smaller items quickly and efficiently.
You can also simply stack boxes. If you use this option, make sure your boxes are strong enough to be stacked. Put the heaviest boxes on the bottom to keep the pile structurally sound. This will help prevent items from falling and breaking. You should also avoid stacking boxes with fragile items in them.
Items You Don’t Use Often
You will also want to think about how often you may need the items you are storing in your DAK Self-Storage unit. If you won’t need them for a while, store them near the back of your unit. Don’t forget to leave a walkway, though, in case you do need to access these items. You don’t want to have to move a bunch of boxes out just to get to what you need.
Items You Do Use Often
Finally, you will want to store items you will need sooner near the front. This will help you easily access them if you are ever in a rush. The only exception is valuable items. You may want to consider storing these items toward the back to keep them safe. If you ever need any of your items, they are just a short drive away from your Berks County home.
The post What Order Should I Move My Items into My Unit? appeared first on DAK Self Storage.
What to Pack In Your “Open Me First” Box When Moving 27 Apr 2017 8:35 PM (8 years ago)
When moving to or from Berks County, it is always a good idea to have an “open me first” box. When you arrive at your home, you likely won’t want to unpack all of your boxes that day. You may just do a few and then take a rest and celebrate. However, there are still a variety of items you may need that night. While you may store many of your items at DAK Self-Storage until you have time to get organized, you will want to keep your most important items with you.
Planning
When packing, set aside a few separate boxes for items you need on a daily basis. This will help you ensure you have what you need and you don’t get stuck without something important. Be sure to label the box and set it aside as well. This helps ensure that it doesn’t get mixed in with your other boxes when people are trying to quickly carry boxes out to the moving truck. Below you will find some of DAK Self-Storage’s suggestions of important items to pack in your “open me first” box.
Snacks and Drinks
Moving is hard work. Carrying all of those boxes and then driving for miles can take a lot out of you. When you arrive at your new home, you will likely crave nourishment to replenish your energy. Be sure to add plenty of snacks and drinks so you don’t have to spend the night with a growling stomach. Don’t forget to pack some snacks and your kids and pets as well. Paper plates, plastic cups, and some utensils will also be helpful.
Clothing
It’s difficult to relax in sweaty or dirty clothing. Be sure so pack a couple of outfits for you and your family to change into once you are done working. Don’t forget about fresh socks, undergarments, and maybe a change of shoes. You never know when you may need them.
Bedding
After a long day, getting all cozy in your bed is the best feeling ever. However, if you forget your bedding, it won’t be so cozy. You will also want to make sure your bed and mattress are some of the first pieces you move into your home. Ensuring a comfortable night will help give you the energy you need the next day to move your items out of DAK Self-Storage and into your home.
Toiletries
You may not feel comfortable in your bed if you are dirty and your hair is in knots. Moving boxes works up a sweat and the wind won’t do any favors for your hair. Some items you may want to set aside include,
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
- Hairbrush, hair dryer, shampoo, and conditioner.
- Body wash, soap, deodorant, lotion.
- Tissues, toilet paper, and towels.
- Makeup, and a medical kit.
- A shower curtain.
Think about what items you use in your daily routine. Make a list of everything you need, so you don’t forget anything.
Cleaning Supplies
Your new home may not be completely clean right away, especially if everyone is tracking in dirt. If you don’t put cleaning supplies in your first box, you will at least want to store it towards the front of your DAK Self-Storage unit so you have them early on. However, there are a few cleaning supplies that you will want right away. Paper towels, garbage bags, and wet ones can be helpful to have your first day at the house.
Lights
If your new home doesn’t already have lights in it, you will want to bring some lights so you can still see what you’re doing. Bring some battery powered lights or a flashlight as well, just in case. If you arrive and find out you need more lights, your items are just a short drive away at DAK Self-Storage.
Important Documents
There may be a lot of important papers involved when moving into your new home. The best way to keep track of them is to keep them in a separate, labeled folder and keeping the folder in a place you will remember. It may also be helpful to keep a backup copy somewhere. If you have other paperwork, you don’t need right away, you can store it in a file cabinet at DAK Self-Storage.
Comfort Items and Activities
Finally, you will want to add some comfort items to your “open me first” box. Familiar items will help you feel safe in a new place. Setting out family photo can help show the unfamiliar place feel more like your home. Your kids may want their favorite toys to keep them occupied while they adjust. Don’t forget about yourself. Bring items that represent home to you as well.
Finally, you may want to plan a way to celebrate your new home. You can plant some flowers, or create a special stepping stone to look back on this special occasion later. A housewarming party with both old and new friends and can help you transition. Finally, you can finish moving and enjoy the next chapter of your life.
The post What to Pack In Your “Open Me First” Box When Moving appeared first on DAK Self Storage.