DAK is a privately owned self storage facility, not just a franchise in a large chain. As such, we know what it means to care for the belongings of entrepreneurs who store with us. Our security features include:

• Fence enclosed facility
• Accessible by keypad gate only, during operating hours
• 24/7 video surveillance system that uses over 20 cameras
• Every storage unit protected by a tamper resistant lock
• Additional keypad access on indoor units
• Affordable self storage insurance

Entrepreneurs in Berks County can be confident that we take as many precautions as possible, including offering independent storage insurance. However, how you organize and pack your items for storage is up to you. Some items can be prone to damage if the proper attention is not given to store them correctly. We offer our best advice and tips to store merchandise for optimal quality and preservation.

Clothing and Garment Storage

• Avoid plastic bags
• Choose plastic or padded hangers over wooden and wire
• Keep fabric away from light and heat
• Always clean before storing

If your merchandise is shipped from a manufacturer, it probably comes in plastic bags. Remove the items from the packaging as soon as possible because plastic bags trap moisture that can cause mold, smells, or discoloring.

Avoid cardboard boxes in less you are storing items extremely short term (a few days to a week) as this material is acidic and can attract bugs. Place clothes that can be folded neatly in a sealable plastic container or bin to avoid distortion. Balance the weight by keeping some heavy and some light items in each bin as the weight of large sweaters and coats can quickly add up. Arrange heavier and bulkier items in the bottom and lighter items on top. Choose plastic or padded hangers for other garments because wooden and wire hangers can stretch and misshapen. Wrap particularly fragile items in unbleached muslin or sheets of acid-free tissue paper.

Keep garments out of the light and away from heat. All storage are units are windowless, but some outdoor units may be exposed to heat. Choose indoor units when storing long term, during the hottest time of the year, or particularly fragile items. Indoor units allow you to control the temperature and humidity level to keep garments optimally preserved.

Clean items before storing if you operate a consignment shop, vintage store, or produce your own items. Any stains or leftover oils that appear invisible can spread or darken during the time in storage.

Homemade Furniture Storage

• Rent an indoor unit to stop heat damage
• Properly clean furniture before placing in storage
• Avoid using plastic covers on furniture

For best preservation results, we suggest placing furniture in an indoor unit. This allows you to control the climate your furniture will be stored in and avoid possible damage from overheating.

A common mistake people make when storing furniture is not cleaning it first. Storing furniture that hasn’t been cleaned has a greater chance of growing mold, causing odor, and attracting bugs. This happens because of bacteria and body oils leftover on the furniture.

Use sheets, blankets, and cloth covers to protect your furniture from dust. Using plastic materials to cover furniture will minimize airflow and cause moisture and odor.

Airflow around furniture is very important in preserving it and preventing damage. For best results, make sure your storage unit is large enough for there to be walking space between each item.

Secondhand Book Storage

• Use plastic bins to transport books
• Pack books by stacking them or standing them upright
• If using a cardboard box, tape the top and bottom to prevent breakage
• Store in cool, dry environment

When transporting or storing two or more books, it is best to use small plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. By using plastic, you avoid the possibility of the box breaking from the weight of the books and the books will be better protected against damage.

To protect your books from bending and tearing during transportation, pack them by stacking them on top of one another or by standing them individually up right. To stop books from moving around, fill up empty space with bubble wrap or foam peanuts. You can also use acid-free paper or cardboard as a barrier between books to prevent rub off damage or dents.

If you don’t have access to plastic bins and are limited to a cardboard box, you want to securely tape the top and bottom of the boxes to make them stronger and help prevent the books from falling through.

For optimal preservation, store your books in a cool, dry environment. If your books will be stored for long term, you should consider keeping them in a climate-controlled storage unit.

Tech and Electronic Merchandise Storage

• Keep items upright and against a wall
• Cover with a sheet or blanket
• Never lie flat or place anything on top

Computers, televisions, DVD players and other electronic items are fairly easy to store. Generally this type of merchandise is fine in an outdoor unit, but use your discretion. Items that are sensitive to heat or will be stored long term should be place in an indoor unit. Place merchandise towards the back and up against a wall if possible. Position items upright and avoid placing anything on top. Cover with a sheet for protection.

Fragile Merchandise Storage

• Choose a climate-controlled indoor unit
• Use sturdy containers and wrap items
• Don’t overpack but fill empty space with material

Fragile or breakable items such as fine china, wine glasses, and jewelry requires extra attention when storing. These items should always be placed in a climate-controlled indoor unit.

Choose the sturdiest container possible and consider purchasing bins specifically shaped for this type of item. For regular plastic containers or boxes, line the sides with a filler material such as bubble wrap, newspaper, or tissue paper and line the bottom with packing peanuts or towels. Cardboard or plastic dividers can help keep items steady. Wrap items and place upright in the container.

Be careful not to overpack containers as the weight can add up. At the same time, fill any empty space with material to avoid balance issues or items that shift in transit.