How Do I Know If I Need a Storage Unit

Learn if and how you can reclaim your belongings once a self-storage auction is scheduled, including deadlines, fees, and legal considerations.

Moving due to deployment or PCS orders? Here are long-term storage tips for military families to keep belongings secure, organized, and ready for return.

Downsizing your home? Discover how self-storage can ease the process, reduce stress, and help you stay organized while transitioning to a smaller space.

Storing furniture long-term? Learn the best tips to protect your pieces from damage, dust, and pests. A must-read for U.S. renters using self-storage.

Need extra space at home? Learn how to choose the right storage unit based on size, features, and cost. This guide helps U.S. renters pick the perfect solution for their household storage needs.

Home renovations can be chaotic, but using a self-storage unit can help protect your belongings and streamline the process. Learn how to choose and use the right storage solution during remodeling projects.

For college students in the U.S., moving between dorms, apartments, or back home during summer or winter breaks is a common experience. But constantly hauling furniture, textbooks, and dorm essentials across the country (or even just across town) can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful. That’s why many students are turning to self-storage units to safely store their belongings between semesters. Whether you’re studying out of state, traveling abroad, or just need temporary storage while transitioning to new housing, self-storage offers a secure, affordable, and flexible solution. Here's what you need to know. Why College Students Use Storage Units Avoid Long-Distance Hauling For out-of-state students, it’s not practical to haul large items—like furniture, bedding, or mini-fridges—home during the summer or winter breaks. Self-storage provides a convenient place to leave things behind without taking them across state lines. Study Abroad or Internships Students who spend a semester abroad or take on summer internships in other cities need a place to store belongings while away. A storage unit allows students to travel light and return without the hassle of re-furnishing or moving everything again. Changing Dorms or Apartments Room changes, off-campus moves, or temporary housing shifts are common in college life. Storage units help bridge the gap when move-in and move-out dates don’t line up exactly. Shared Storage Saves Money It’s common for roommates or friends to share a unit and split the cost, making storage even more affordable during the off-season. What to Store Between Semesters Most students don’t need a large unit. Here are common items ideal for storage: Bedding, pillows, and linens Mini-fridges and microwaves Textbooks, notebooks, and school supplies Desk chairs or small desks Lamps, rugs, and decor Clothing and seasonal wear Small appliances or kitchen items Sports gear or bicycles Pro Tip: Avoid storing anything valuable like passports, laptops, or items with high sentimental value. Keep those with you during break. Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size Recommendations: 5' x 5' (25 sq. ft.): Great for boxes, a few bins, and small dorm essentials. 5' x 10' (50 sq. ft.): Ideal for a full dorm room or shared storage between two roommates. 10' x 10' (100 sq. ft.): Enough for shared storage between 3–4 students or for apartment-sized furniture. Climate-Controlled Units: If you're storing electronics, books, clothing, or wooden furniture in regions with hot, cold, or humid weather, consider a climate-controlled unit. These maintain consistent temperature and humidity to protect your belongings from mold, warping, and mildew. Drive-Up Access: If you’re moving heavy items or want to load and unload quickly, a drive-up unit may be more convenient. How to Pack for Storage Proper packing ensures that your items stay safe and organized: Use Plastic Bins Over Cardboard: Durable, moisture-resistant, and stackable. Label Everything Clearly: Use waterproof markers and labels to identify what’s inside. Disassemble Furniture: Take apart beds, shelves, and desks to save space. Store Items Vertically: Stack to make the most of your unit’s height. Place Heavier Items at the Bottom: Prevents crushing lighter, delicate items. Cover Items: Use breathable covers for mattresses or cloth furniture. Pro Tip: Keep an inventory list on your phone or take photos of what you’ve stored to make unpacking easier when you return. Finding a Student-Friendly Storage Facility When looking for a storage facility near your campus, prioritize the following: Student Discounts or Promotions: Many facilities offer first-month-free deals or reduced rates for college students. Short-Term Leases: Month-to-month rental agreements offer flexibility for students who only need storage for a few months. Security Features: Look for facilities with 24/7 surveillance, gated access, good lighting, and individual unit locks. Online Booking and Contactless Access: Reserve and manage your unit from anywhere for added convenience. Cost-Saving Tips for Students Share with Roommates or Friends: Splitting a 5'x10' unit can reduce your individual cost to $20–$40/month, depending on location. Book Early: Storage units near college campuses fill up fast at the end of semesters—reserve early to lock in availability and pricing. Use Student ID for Discounts: Always ask if the facility offers student pricing. Check for Free Pickup: Some facilities near colleges offer free van service or pickup during student move-out seasons. Safety and Insurance Even in secure facilities, accidents can happen. Consider these safety tips: Invest in a Good Lock: Choose a disc or cylinder lock that’s hard to cut. Get Insurance Coverage: Some homeowners' or renters' insurance policies cover stored items. If not, facilities often offer affordable protection plans. Don’t Store Prohibited Items: Avoid food, flammable materials, or liquids that could leak or attract pests. Self-storage between semesters is an affordable and efficient way for college students to manage their belongings during academic breaks. It saves time, money, and energy, especially for those studying far from home or facing temporary housing transitions. With the right size unit, smart packing, and a secure facility, you can leave campus with peace of mind, knowing your dorm room essentials are safe and ready for your return.

Security is a top concern for anyone renting a self-storage unit. Whether you're storing personal belongings, business inventory, or seasonal items, protecting your valuables is a priority—and that starts with the lock you choose. In today’s market, renters have two primary options: traditional padlocks and smart locks. But which one is safer? This article breaks down the pros and cons of smart locks vs. traditional locks, so you can make the best decision for your storage security. What Are Traditional Locks? Traditional locks, such as padlocks or disc locks, use a physical key or combination to open. They’re simple, widely used, and time-tested for basic security. Common Types: Padlocks – Portable and easy to use. Disc locks – More secure than padlocks; harder to cut with bolt cutters. Combination locks – Use rotating dials with no keys required. Traditional locks are made from heavy-duty metal and can be highly secure, depending on the quality and type. What Are Smart Locks? Smart locks are electronic locking systems that use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or keypad access, often controlled through a smartphone app or cloud-based platform. These locks offer features such as remote access, temporary digital keys, and activity logs. Common Types: Bluetooth-enabled locks – Controlled via app and often used without internet. Wi-Fi-enabled locks – Allow remote access and monitoring. Keypad locks – Allow access using a PIN code. Some self-storage facilities provide smart locks as part of their security features or offer them as an upgrade for tenants. Security Comparison: Smart Locks vs. Traditional Locks 1. Tamper Resistance Traditional locks: High-quality disc locks offer strong resistance to cutting and prying. However, cheaper padlocks can be easily broken. Smart locks: Good models are built with tamper alerts and reinforced hardware, but some low-cost versions may be vulnerable to hacking or power failure. Winner: Tie – Depends on the lock’s build quality. 2. Access Control Traditional locks: Only individuals with the physical key (or combination) can access the unit. If the key is lost or copied, your security is compromised. Smart locks: You can grant or revoke access digitally, set temporary codes, and monitor access history. Winner: Smart Locks – Greater flexibility and control. 3. Convenience Traditional locks: Require carrying a key or remembering a combination. No setup or batteries required. Smart locks : Controlled by smartphone or keypad—no key needed. Great for managing multiple users or remote access. Winner: Smart Locks – More convenient, especially for business users. 4. Power and Connectivity Traditional locks: No electricity needed; always functional. Smart locks: Rely on batteries or power sources. Battery failure or app glitches can limit access. Winner: Traditional Locks – Dependable with no tech issues. 5. Cost Traditional locks: Cost between $10–$30 for a decent model. Disc locks may run slightly higher. Smart locks: Typically range from $60–$250, depending on features and brand. Winner: Traditional Locks – More budget-friendly. Use Cases: Which Is Better for You? Use Smart Locks If You: Need remote access or multiple users (ideal for business owners or shared units) Want digital logs of access activity Prefer managing access via smartphone Rent at a facility that supports digital access Use Traditional Locks If You: Want a no-fuss solution Are you concerned about hacking or battery issues Only need access for yourself or one person Have a limited budget Hybrid Security Tip: Combine Both Some renters choose to use both types of locks for maximum protection. For example, use a smart lock provided by the facility and add your high-quality disc lock as a physical backup. Facility Policies Matter Too Before purchasing any lock, check with your storage facility. Some locations: Require specific types of locks (e.g., disc locks only) Offer smart locks as part of the rental package May prohibit personal smart locks on units Ask your facility what’s allowed and recommended for your specific unit. Final Thoughts: What’s Safer? Smart locks offer better control, monitoring, and flexibility, especially for tech-savvy users or business applications. However, a well-made traditional disc lock remains one of the most secure physical barriers, and its simplicity makes it reliable in any condition. The key to safety isn’t just the lock—it’s using it correctly and being aware of who has access. Looking for secure and modern self-storage options? Visit www.dovestorage.com to explore our range of secure storage units, including facilities with smart lock access and enhanced security features. Whether you choose smart or traditional, Dove Storage has your back.

When using a self-storage unit, proper packing and stacking of boxes can make all the difference. Whether you’re storing personal belongings, business inventory, or seasonal items, knowing how to efficiently arrange your storage unit helps you save space, protect your items, and access what you need more easily. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for packing and stacking boxes to maximize your storage unit’s capacity while keeping everything safe and organized. 1. Start with the Right Supplies The first step to a successful packing and stacking system is using quality materials. Here’s what you’ll need: Sturdy boxes in uniform sizes for easier stacking Clear plastic bins for visibility and moisture protection Packing tape to securely seal each box Permanent markers or labels for easy identification Furniture blankets or bubble wrap for fragile items Shelving units (optional but helpful for maximizing vertical space) Avoid using old or damaged boxes that can collapse under weight. Uniform box sizes make stacking much easier and safer. 2. Pack Strategically by Category and Weight When packing your boxes, keep similar items together—such as kitchenware, books, seasonal clothing, or business supplies. This makes unpacking and locating items later more manageable.Pack heavier items in small boxes and lighter items in larger ones. This not only prevents boxes from being too heavy to lift but also avoids the risk of boxes collapsing under weight. Quick Tips: Don’t overfill boxes to the point of bulging. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or paper. Leave a small air gap at the top and fill it with soft materials to prevent shifting. 3. Label Everything Clearly Proper labeling can save you hours of frustration later. On each box, write: A brief description of contents The room or category (e.g., “Kitchen – Dishes” or “Office – Cables”) An inventory number (e.g., Box 1 of 15) Consider labeling multiple sides of the box so it’s visible no matter how you stack it. Some people also use color-coded labels or QR code apps for digital tracking. 4. Use the “Heaviest on Bottom” Rule When stacking boxes, always place the heaviest ones on the bottom and lighter ones on top. This prevents damage and ensures stability. Heavier items to go at the bottom include: Books Dishes Power tools Files and paper documents Lighter boxes may contain: Linens Toys Seasonal clothing Decorations This simple rule helps prevent toppling stacks and crushed contents. 5. Create a Stable Base and Stack Vertically To maximize vertical space, build your stacks like you would a brick wall—alternating the direction of boxes in each row to create stability. Stacking to the ceiling can save considerable floor space, but always keep safety in mind. Use shelving if you're storing fragile items or want to access specific things regularly. Shelves keep your layout more open and reduce the risk of accidents. 6. Leave an Aisle and Access Points You don’t need to pack everything wall-to-wall. Leave a narrow aisle down the center or along one side so you can reach boxes in the back without unloading everything in the front. Store items you’ll need more often near the front of the unit—such as tools, files, or holiday decorations. Place rarely used items toward the back. 7. Use Furniture and Odd Shapes Wisely If you’re storing furniture, think of it as a space-saving opportunity: Fill drawers with soft items or supplies Use the space under tables for bins or small boxes Place small boxes inside cabinets or on bookshelves Also, remove legs from tables or take apart large furniture to stack pieces more efficiently. 8. Avoid Stacking Too High or Too Deep While stacking high can save space, going too far can lead to falls, damage, or injury. Keep stacks no taller than you can safely reach (usually shoulder to eye level). Avoid stacking fragile items more than three or four boxes high unless you’re using shelving. Also, avoid making stacks too deep where items become inaccessible or unstable. 9. Monitor Climate and Moisture If your unit isn’t climate-controlled, take steps to protect your items: Use moisture absorbers like silica gel or DampRid Elevate boxes slightly off the floor using pallets or boards Don’t pack boxes directly against the walls—leave a little air space for ventilation Plastic bins are a good alternative for damp environments, and using sealed bags for clothing or documents adds extra protection. 10. Take Photos of Your Setup Once your unit is packed and stacked, take photos of the layout and label positions. This can serve as a reference if you need someone else to access the unit or if you forget where you placed certain items. Keep a copy of your item inventory on your phone or in cloud storage for easy access. Packing and stacking your storage unit properly doesn’t just help you save space—it ensures that your items remain safe, accessible, and well-organized. By using consistent box sizes, labeling clearly, stacking smartly, and planning your layout, you can maximize your storage investment and avoid the frustration of clutter or lost items. Need a secure, clean, and easy-to-access storage unit? Visit www.dovestorage.com to find the perfect storage solution near you—and pack smarter with confidence.