What NOT To Store Inside A Unit

Offsite business storage can transform your workplace, turning cluttered floor space into an efficient, cost-effective asset. With three locations in Alamogordo and three in Hobbs, we’ve got you covered. Maximizing Office and Operational Space When physical inventory, seasonal props, or archived files begin invading your main workspace, productivity drops. By transferring non-essential and infrequently used items to an offsite unit, you immediately recover valuable real estate. Freeing up physical space makes room for more workstations, improves employee movement, and creates a cleaner, far more professional environment for visiting clients. Slashing Overhead Costs Expanding your footprint by moving to a larger commercial building is an expensive commitment, often involving long-term leases and steep rate hikes per square foot. Storage units offer a scalable, fraction-of-the-cost alternative for business storage. You pay only for the square footage you actually need, allowing you to scale up or down based on inventory fluctuations without the financial weight of additional office real estate. Security Extra equipment, tools, and surplus inventory all require protection from both theft and environmental damage. Our modern commercial storage facilities provide state-of-the-art security features, including 24/7 video monitoring, gated access, and individual locks. Streamlining Inventory and Logistics Using a centralized storage unit simplifies inventory management, particularly for businesses that handle seasonal demand or operate across multiple field sites. Keeping non-active tools, event trade-show booths, or bulk packaging supplies in an accessible drive-up unit makes load-in and load-out seamless for your operations team. This dedicated staging area keeps your daily operational workflow organized and distinct from your back-of-house storage.

Packing and organizing a self-storage unit effectively can protect your belongings, save you money, and ensure hassle-free access whenever you need your stuff. Whether you're storing household items short-term or long-term, thoughtful preparation prevents damage and maximizes your available space. Create an Inventory: Record a detailed list or take photos of all items going into the unit. Doing this helps you keep track of what you have in there in case you forget. Use Clear Plastic Containers With Tight Lids: These are much better than cardboard boxes since they allow you to quickly see the contents inside, and it helps prevent any damage from unwanted rodents or bugs. Plastic containers are also much sturdier than cardboard and therefore safer when stacking them. Make sure to place heavier containers and items on the bottom and lighter things on top. It's advised to refrain from packing clothing or anything fabric in plastic bags since they tend to trap humidity and cause mildew. Clean and Dry Everything : Dust, dirt, and moisture invite mold, mildew and odors over time. Clean and thoroughly dry clothing, furniture, outdoor equipment, and small appliances prior to storing. Disassemble Furniture : If possible, remove table legs, bed frames, and headboards to save valuable floor space. Place any screws, bolts, and small hardware into labeled plastic zippered bags and securely tape them directly to the corresponding furniture piece with painter's tape to avoid any adhesive damage. Cushion Fragile Items : Wrap glassware, ceramics, and breakables individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Cover furniture with breathable moving blankets or cotton sheets to guard against dust, scratches, and stains. Elevate Off the Floor : Lay down a plastic tarp or wooden pallets on the unit floor before loading to guard against dirt and potential floor moisture. Leave Walkways & Prioritize Access : Store items you might need quick access to near the front door and less frequently needed pieces in the back. Leaving a center walkway through the unit or along one side will enable you to easily access items when needed. Utilize Hollow Spaces : Fill empty drawers, wardrobe interiors, and suitcases with soft items, linens, or small boxed goods to maximize every cubic foot of space. By utilizing these storage industry recommendations, you can easily keep your belongings stored for many months or years without any issues. As always, we're here to make the experience as nice for you as we can.

Choosing the best lock for your storage unit can make all the difference in how safe and secure your belongs inside will be. You may think that a lock is a lock, and that it shouldn't make that much difference which one you use, right? Wrong! We completely understand that it's tempting to buy the least expensive one you can find in order to save a little money, but this is one of those cases where it really does pay you to purchase a lock that's more sturdy and reliable. So what are some of the differences? What To Avoid * Open-Shackle Padlocks: Due to their long U-shaped loop, this makes it easy for thieves to snap them with bolt cutters. * Luggage or Bike Locks: These are just way too flimsy to withstand long-term weather exposure and will break down. * Number Code or Dial Locks: Besides it being easy to forget or lose the code, this particular style can be jammed or broken with basic tools. What To Use The storage industry strongly recommends the round, stainless steel disc locks for units. Since this body design covers most of the metal loop, it makes it much more difficult to get bolt cutters in there and cut them open. Other Things To Consider Dust and wind-blown dirt, which is common here in southeast New Mexico, can build up inside the keyway over time, jamming the pins and causing issues with the mechanisms. Moisture and weather elements in general can also cause rust with some of the cheaper locks as well. If you ever start having any trouble with your lock working smoothly, you might simply try spraying a small amount of WD-40 into it, and that should help clear out any loose dirt and dust and enable the lock to work smoothly again. Buying a good quality disc lock for your storage unit will give you peace of mind that all of your things inside will be much safer. All of us here at Self Storage New Mexico want our cutomers to be happy and feel secure, and we're always here to offer helpful info and advice to you.

Winterizing your boat for the season may seem like a lot of unnecessary hassle. So why bother with it? By taking a little time now, you can save yourself a lot of money on repairs later on. Protect your engine, hull, and plumbing from corrosion and damage from freezing by taking a few precautions. So what all do you need to do? Here are some helpful tips. For The Engine & Fuel System *Drain all water from the engine block, coolers, manifolds, live wells and ballast systems. *Blow out fresh water lines and pump in non-toxic marine antifreeze. *Lower outboard motors into the downward position so cooling water drains completely out. *Change the oil. Old oil can gather moisture and acid if not changed before storage. *Add some fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gas and run the engine for a few minutes. *Drain and replace lower unit gear lube. *Spray fogging oil into engine cylinders to protect from rust. For The Battery & Other Misc *Fully charge the batteries, then disconnect and remove. *Pull hull drain plug so any rainwater or condensation can escape. *Cover your boat with a heavy duty, waterproof cover. How Much Marine Antifreeze Will I Need? *A standard single engine typically takes 4-6 gallons. *Larger boats equipped with multiple sinks, long hose runs, or a water heater that's not been bypassed will take 8-10 gallons. *Twin engines will need at least 5 gallons per engine. A properly winterized boat can safely sit in storage for up to 12 months. Self Storage New Mexico wants to see you protect your investment so it's ready to go when spring arrives and you're all set to go make new memories on the water with your family and friends. Give us a call today to rent your space, or check our website for more info.

There's nothing quite like seeing massive hot air balloons rising up with the sun over the desert. Since 1992 Alamogordo has played host to the annual White Sands Balloon Invitational, with this year's dates set for September 19 & 20. https://www.whitesandsballoons.com/ Two Launch Sites With two launch sites on two separate days, it affords you the opportunity to witness this event from different vantage points. On September 19th, activities will be at White Sands National Park. September 20th will be at Ed Brabson Balloon Park on LaVelle Road. The crowd is typically a little lighter on Sunday, which is something else to consider. Lift off is tentatively scheduled on both days between 7:30am-8am, but since hot air balloons are so heavily dependent on the weather, these times are always subject to change depending on the day's conditions. Keep this in mind and be flexible. It's common for spectators to start arriving around 6am, so plan to arrive early to get a good spot for viewing. Admission to White Sands National Park is $25 per vehicle. Admission at Ed Brabson Balloon Park is free. Be Prepared Being prepared for any outing always makes it more enjoyable for everyone. So what should you do? Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. It's likely to be a little chilly in the early morning hours, but the temps will quickly heat up as the day comes alive. The sun can be pretty intense in the southwest--especially in the park. Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. And since there won't be any food vendors at this event, you might want to bring along some snacks if you plan to stay for a while. You'll also want to bring along a lightweight camp chair so you can sit back and enjoy the show in comfort. Drones are strictly prohibited inside White Sands National Park since it's within restricted Military space, but you're always welcome to take personal photos with your phone or camera. It's a good idea to check the website at White Sands National Park before you go to be aware of any restrictions they have. https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm Awesome Spectacle There are typically anywhere from 20-60 vibrant balloons that participate each year, depending on the weather and various other factors, and all of us here at Self Storage New Mexico always look forward to welcoming the pilots, balloon enthusiasts, and tourists to Alamogordo from all across the country for this amazing experience. There are several lodging options here in town within a short drive of both launch sites, ranging from hotels, vacation rentals, and RV sites. These usually fill up well in advance though, so make your reservations ahead of time. You might want to sign up for the Balloon Invitational e-newsletter thru their website so you'll receive important updates and notifications, such as schedule changes, weather alerts, planned activities, and more. With the breathtaking background of White Sands National Park and the mystery and intrigue of the desert, you won't want to miss this year's White Sands Balloon Invitational. Come experience the magic for yourself.

County Fairs are a long-standing way to bring a small-town community together. And here in Otero County, our local fair is the largest attended event of the year. At Self Storage New Mexico, we think the Otero County Fair is pretty special. What's so special about it? Maybe it's the opportunity to talk with friends you haven't seen in a while; Let the kids enjoy the carnival rides that they might only get to do one time all year. And don't forget about the chance to eat all that high fat, but totally delicious (and totally worth it) fair food that you can't get any other time. Mark your calendars! This year's Otero County Fair is set for September 24-27, 2026 All Those Animals Lots of people love animals, and the fair is full of the sounds and smells of all kinds of livestock. From cows, to horses, sheep and goats, rabbits and ducks, and who knows what else. This is a great place to get up close and personal with all of these critters and maybe even learn a few new things about them. Needing some additional space to store grooming and showing supplies closer to the fairgrounds? Consider renting one of our convenient units right here in Alamogordo. All That Action Get your adrenaline pumping at the rodeo. With bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding and roping, there's something for everyone, including the cute Mutton Bustin activities for ages 4-8. This is only available for the first 10 contestants each night, so get the kids there early to get in on the fun. Even though the fair admission is free, there is an admission price for the rodeo. You can find this, and lots of other helpful info on their website at: oterocountyfair.com . And another cool thing--a portion of Saturday ticket sales goes to cancer research and treatment. All Those Rides Frazier Shows will be providing the carnival rides, with specific Unlimited Ride Wristbands during specific hours. They'll have something for all ages to enjoy. Be sure to also take advantage of the chance to save $3 on tickets when you purchase them thru the fair website. All The Creativity Do you like fine arts and photography? Check out the exhibits with paintings, sculptures, hand spinning and weaving. Think you have prize winning flowers and succulents? Show them off here at the fair! And then you'll also be impressed with the Agricultural Mechanics Projects that showcase some amazing work of our local 4-H and FFA members. If all this isn't enough, there's also the Queen Pageant, all the exhibits of preserved foods, home art projects, and more. If you could use a little more storage space for any supplies or small equipment related to the fair, we've got three different locations right here in Alamogordo, just a short drive from the fairgrounds. Sizes range from 10x10, 10x12, 10x20, and 10x24. Visit our website to check prices and availability, book a unit, pay your bill, or upload documents. We make it easy and convenient for you. See you at the fair!

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and a very beautiful time of year to some. A time to celebrate the love you’ve cultivated over time, with that special someone. You may have just gotten moved in together, or even are planning to in the future. Consolidating what you do and don’t need is always a hassle, but self storage is always an option for your items. First, you need to have a discussion with your loved one. Do we really need both our living room sets? Where are we going to put our beds? What’s happening with our desks? All of these, and more, are valid questions to ask each other when moving in. Make sure if you both have items in your unit, that you add your better half as an alternate contact, so you will both have access to the storage unit. Of course, there is no issue with having two separate units, too. In case any disputes happen, having two different units under each person’s name is a better option, security-wise. Second, you’ll need to determine the size of the storage unit that you need. A 10x10 foot storage unit is about the size of half a standard-sized garage. However, there are smaller and larger units depending on your requirements! Please refer to our size guide to find the perfect size unit for your needs! Third, once you’ve chosen the perfect storage unit, you can book online and select the facility closest to your living place! Lucky for you, we have the ability to rent directly from our site. Click here to get started. The booking process is quick and easy. All you need to do is select your facility, then select the size unit you decided on. You will enter your personal information as well as your payment due at the time of registration! Rent is due every first of the month, and autopay is available for that added peace of mind. At this point, you will receive an email and text confirming your payment, giving you an assigned gate code, and notifying you with access hour and facility information. A lease agreement will be sent for you to sign digitally. A driver’s license will be required as part of the booking process. And don’t worry, we provide insurance at the low starting price of $12.00 a month! Please refer to our tenant protection section to learn more about our insurance! We also accept homeowners’ and renters’ insurance to cover your unit; all that we would need is a copy of the declarations page! Finally , you’ve secured your unit! Go ahead, and head to the facility- don't forget to take your own lock to attach to your rental. You can get one at Walmart or any hardware store. We recommend using a cylinder or disc padlock to secure your unit. Enter your access code followed by the number key provided. Remove the facility lock (if there is one attached) and place it in the lock drop box by the exit gate. Be sure to secure your unit with your lock before leaving! The units that we currently have available are drive-up, sheltered from the elements, but not climate-controlled. Consider contacting our friendly office staff if you have any questions about renting with us or our facilities! May the season of love be in your favor. With love, Happy Valentine’s Day, Self Storage New Mexico

As we enter the new year, you may think to yourself “How do I begin on the right foot?” . This may look like setting a resolution to better yourself or breaking some bad habits- but one thing many people forget to factor in is their environment. Look around, do you see furniture you don’t use or clothes that haven’t been worn in a while? Decluttering your surroundings can do wonders for your mental health. If you read on, you'll soon know how and why that is. Consider this: clothes in your closet that you’ve only worn once are taking up space, instead of the clothing you actually wear. You don’t want to get rid of them, because what if you do need them? Storing unused clothes, or even furniture, can help improve the functionality of your home. Each square foot has a purpose, and if it is not being utilized properly then it can definitely feel like a waste. A side table no longer in use, can be stored, until a decision is made on what to do with it. The bed frame you found at the thrift store can be placed into your unit until the time is right! Items of sentimental value can be protected from regular dust and damage by being placed into storage. An optimized flow of your home takes little inconveniences off of your plate and allows you to focus on the things that truly matter to you! A cluttered space can be hectic and anxiety-inducing for some, causing more stress in our already busy lives. Downsizing is an excellent option when this is the case! With less noise visually, more peace can be achieved thus some mental clarity can come with being there. You deserve an environment where you can be stress free from the day to day struggles of life. The importance of a clean space is fundamental to starting on the right foot towards bettering life for you. Once you’ve gotten the flow of your home to your liking and the clutter is gone, you can even focus on making improvements to the environment! Add seasonal decorations or rearrange your space to change the feeling of your home. The peace of mind achieved by downsizing and decluttering is invaluable to starting the year fresh. Self Storage New Mexico wishes that you have a year filled with peace, clarity, and exciting experiences! Treasure the objects that bring you joy. Thank you for reading, Happy New Year!

As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on that crisp, cozy feeling, it can only mean one thing: Thanksgiving is just around the corner! It’s a time when we pause, reflect, and give thanks for the people, moments, and little joys that make life meaningful. Here at Self Storage New Mexico , we want to start by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to you—our customers. Your trust and support are what allow us to do what we love every day, and for that, we are genuinely thankful. But Thanksgiving isn’t just about one day or one meal, it’s a reminder to notice the everyday blessings that surround us. Laughter echoing through the kitchen, friends checking in just when we need it, the warmth of a home, or even the simple pleasure of a favorite dessert. These are the moments that fill our hearts with joy. Here in New Mexico, we have a few local touches that make Thanksgiving extra special. Whether it’s a sprinkle of red or green chile on your mashed potatoes, a slice of green chile pumpkin pie, or the smell of homemade biscochitos in the oven, these unique flavors remind us of the small joys that make life memorable. This season, take a moment to appreciate the temporary things that make life beautiful. A walk with loved ones, a shared joke, or the quiet moments of reflection. Gratitude doesn’t need a calendar date; it’s something we can carry with us every day. So, as you gather around the table, enjoy the feast, and share stories, remember to savor the little moments. Give thanks for health, for happiness, and for the people who make life richer. And maybe, take a moment to appreciate the space around you, whether it’s your cozy living room, your backyard, or even that extra storage unit that keeps your life organized and stress-free. From all of us at Self Storage New Mexico , we wish you a joyful, peaceful, and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving.