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

Summer in Pagosa Springs is prime time for hiking, river adventures, mountain biking, winter equipment prep, or even RV prep before the colder seasons arrive. With the weather shifting from hot sun to occasional afternoon rain, high-altitude UV exposure, and curious wildlife roaming around, storing your gear properly matters. At High Country Mini Storage , we help locals and visitors keep their outdoor essentials protected, organized, and ready for action—without the clutter. How Summer Weather Affects Your Outdoor Gear in Pagosa Pagosa summers offer: Sunny highs near 80–83 °F , lows around 45–50 °F Frequent sunny days, punctuated by July and August afternoon rains Moderate humidity (around 55–65%), introducing moisture risk in gear left in vehicles or sheds This combination of sun, storms, temperature swings, and storage mistakes can lead to UV fading , mildew, and even rodent damage if your gear isn’t properly prepped or protected. Why Choose High Country Mini Storage in Pagosa Springs Located at 55 Rainbow Drive , just off Highway 160 , High Country Mini Storage serves Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County with: 24/7 gated access , video surveillance, and bright lighting Drive-up units available from 5×10 to 10×30 , plus outdoor RV and boat parking A free high-security disc lock included with every rental Friendly, local customer support seven days a week Online rental, flexible terms, and easy access for drop‑off or pick‑up We’re a trusted, community-focused spot where gear stays secure—in summer or all year long. Top 5 Tips to Store Your Outdoor Gear Right 1. Clean & Dry Everything Before Storing Ensure rafts, boots, jackets, and gear are dry and dirt-free to prevent mildew and odors. 2. Use Plastic Tubs or Breathable Covers Store smaller items in sealed bins; if you have bulky gear like bicycles or kayaks, cover them with UV-resistant, breathable materials. 3. Elevate Items Off the Ground Use pallets or shelves to allow airflow underneath gear, which reduces condensation risk. 4. Use Moisture Absorbers Tuck silica packets or DampRid containers in your plastic bins or storage corners to control humidity during occasional storms. 5. Label and Prioritize Accessibility Arrange your unit with frequently used items near the door. Clearly label boxes by season or activity so you can grab what you need at a glance. What to Store Here & What to Keep Easily Accessible Great for storing: Off-season camping gear Inflatable watercraft and paddles Spare backpacks, sleeping bags, and tarps RV accessories and foldable items Keep at hand: Everyday hiking pack or bike First‑aid kits and emergency gear Quick‑grab hot springs or river essentials This seasonal rotation approach helps you create space at home without sacrificing readiness for weekend adventures. Local Advantage for Outdoor Enthusiasts We’re a short drive from Wolf Creek Ski Area , San Juan River , and trails leading into the San Juan National Forest . Drop your gear off after a float trip or hiking day—then enjoy dinner without sorting through clutter at home. Our facility serves both full-time locals and seasonal visitors—and makes managing gear seamless even during peak outdoor activity months. FAQs: Planning Smart Gear Storage Is climate control necessary in Pagosa’s summer? Typically not. With clean, dry units and moisture control, most gear stores well in our standard units. What unit size should I choose? 5×10 : Great for bins and small equipment 10×10+ : Ideal for bikes, packs, and medium adventure setups RV spots: For boats, campers, or off-season vehicles How long can I rent? Month-to-month—no strings attached. Are locks included? Yes. Every rental includes a free keyed disc lock . Your Gear, Safe & Ready All Summer Don’t let UV rays, rain, or clutter take a toll on your gear or your space. High Country Mini Storage offers secure, convenient storage tailored for Pagosa Springs adventurers. Reserve your unit online now or call (970) 264‑9142 —gear stays protected, organized, and accessible all season long.

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 High Country Mini 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!

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, ah moving! It’s a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and yes, a fair share of challenges. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, the perils of moving are ever-present. But fear not, fellow adventurers, for your pals at High Country Mini Storage in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, are here to help you brave the storm! Imagine this: You're surrounded by a sea of boxes, each one seemingly more mysterious than the last. Your favorite blanket? Nowhere to be found. Your patience? Running thinner than the mountain air. But don’t despair, because we've got just the remedy to turn your moving woes into a smooth ride down the San Juan River. First things first, preparation is key. Our friends over at StorageUnits.com have assembled a treasure trove of essential tips to make moving a breeze. From streamlining your belongings to mastering the art of packing tape, their guide is a veritable roadmap to relocation success. Now, let’s talk logistics. Planning the ins and outs of your move can feel like trying to solve a puzzle in the dark. That’s where self-storage swoops in to save the day! With conveniently located facilities in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, our spacious units provide the perfect refuge for your belongings amidst the chaos of moving day. Plus, with top-notch security features, you can rest assured that your cherished items are in good hands. But wait, there’s more! Moving isn’t just physically demanding—it’s emotionally taxing too. Saying farewell to familiar surroundings and embarking on a new adventure can stir up a whirlwind of feelings. That’s why it’s essential to practice self-care throughout the moving process. Treat yourself to a scenic hike in the San Juan National Forest or unwind with a soak in the rejuvenating waters of the Pagosa Hot Springs. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. In conclusion, dear reader, the perils of moving may loom large, but with a bit of preparation and a touch of self-storage magic, you’ll emerge victorious on the other side. So chin up, pack your bags, and embrace the journey ahead—Pagosa Springs awaits!

For example, you might have some wood furniture that you will be storing for a long time. It might be smart to add some wood preserver oil to that furniture. Also, depending on the type of storage unit you have rented, climate control or non-climate control, be sure to plan how you will store your electronics if you have any. As you start packing up your items, remember that these items will most likely shift during the move to the storage facility, and then again when you take them out of the storage facility. Be sure to tape those boxes securely so they won't break apart. Also as you're packing your items use plenty of bubble wrap, packing paper, and blankets. When you get to your storage facility take a moment to look at the space you're working with and the items you need to store. It's almost like a game of Tetris. As you start moving your items into your storage unit, place the heavier and bulky items towards the bottom and the rear of the unit. While packing your unit, try your best to fit things as close as you can to one another in order to maximize your space. Keep in mind, as you move your items in, it is often smart to leave a pathway along the unit in order to grant future access to items in the back of the storage unit. This will help in case you ever need one item in the back of the unit later. Also, if you have your items label make sure to keep those labels facing out toward the door or the isle. Finally, when you get everything packed in your storage unit, place a strong, secure lock on the door. We usually recommend disc locks. They prevent bolt cutters from getting around the lock bar, which provides your unit with more security. Good luck and happy storing!

A recent survey of self storage properties in Archuleta County finds that storage space is scarce in the area. If you've searched for storage space in Pagosa Springs recently, you're probably well aware that this is the case. This can be a frustrating situation if you're looking for a place to store your extra things. Many self-storage facilities, including High Country Mini Storage, have implemented websites that allow customers to view available units and book online. A quick review of self storage facility websites shows that many facilities are full or nearly full. Demand seems to be particularly high for larger units, with almost no 10x20 units available among surrounding properties. If you're looking for a 5x10 or 10x10, you might have better luck. If you're in the Pagosa Springs area and find yourself in a pinch with extra items to store, but nowhere to store them, there are a few strategies to find an open storage unit: Get on the waitlist - Many storage facilities now offer potential customers the ability to place their name on a waitlist for the unit size they're looking for. When a storage unit in that size opens, the storage facility will contact all customers that have placed their names on those waitlists Call near the end of the month - Most storage facilities ask their customers to give at least 10 days notice before the end of the month if they plan to move out. Your best chance at finding an open unit is to call storage facilities near the end of the month to find a recently vacated opening. Expand your search - If you're having trouble finding an open unit at the facilities nearest you, you might have to widen your search to facilities further afar. The problem with Pagosa is that there aren't additional communities to our East and the problem of storage scarcity only gets worse as you go West. We own a sister facility in Bayfield and can attest that the situation is no better there. As a storage operator, we understand that it can be a frustrating process to find storage in the current environment. The good news is that with a little persistence and creativity, you'll find the space you need in no time.

Your car is out on the driveway because it can’t fit in the garage The definition of a garage is ‘a shed for housing a motor vehicle.’ If your car is sitting in the beating sunlight or enduring the rain and hail while your boxes are sitting safely in your garage. It’s time to get a storage unit. Baby is on the way and your spare room is used for storage Whether it’s a baby or a need for a guest room, if you have a full sized room packed with boxes get a storage unit. Not only will you have room for them, you’ll feel much more organized in your own home. You’re moving to a new home Whether you’re upgrading or downsizing, a storage unit can help you ease the transition no matter the situation. You can move things out slowly and also unpack at your own pace. Downsizing to a smaller home also means you need to downsize your stuff. You or a loved one attends college and is returning home for the summer Whether it’s across town or across the country, instead of bringing all their belongings with them to store in your garage. Or paying a housing lease to be unlived in. Renting a storage unit nearby can save so much time and money. Many facilities also give student discounts. You own a small business Whether it’s for tools, documentation, a lawn mower or display materials exhibitions. The list can go on forever. Office spaces are expensive and it makes no sense to rent an extra room just to be used for storage. It also doesn’t make sense to store them in your garage, then we’re back to reason 1 you may need a storage unit. The workout equipment hasn’t been touched for years but every weekend you claim you’ll start on Monday. Isn’t that how it usually goes? Set up your own personal gym and whether you go or not, the workout getting them there is probably more than you’ve done the past month. A relative died and you need a place to store their things. Unfortunately this does happen and sometimes it could take a while figuring out where their belongings are going, store them in a storage unit to keep them in good condition, safe and out of your garage. You have expensive hobbies No place to store your ATV, Bikes, Kayaks, sailboards and camp trailer? You may need a storage unit. Self storage units are available in a wide range of sizes, depending on the facility covering both long and short terms of storage. They’re pretty inexpensive and also provide safety from burglary and damage. Call us today for more information or to get your rental started right away!