Storing kitchen appliances isn't a complicated job, but affordable storage units in Chicago, IL, make it easier. Most stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers just need a little pre-move prep. Use our handy kitchen storage guide to make sure your appliances are ready for long- or short-term storage.

Clean the Stove

Don't give bugs a reason to set up house in the stove. Clean it inside and out with a mild detergent before moving it to self storage. Be sure to scrub burner liners, oven racks, and broiler pans. Secure knobs with painter's tape so that they make the move without getting lost.

Drain the Refrigerator

Kitchen storage and wet refrigerator components don't mix. Defrost the freezer, drain the ice maker, and clear the water supply lines. Clean trays, drawers, and the drip pan. Let everything dry for several days. Use a hand vac to clear dust from the motor and compressor on the refrigerator's backside.

Disconnect the Dishwasher

Run the empty dishwasher one last time using white vinegar or bleach. Clean the door gasket with baking soda and water. Leave the door open for at least 24 hours. Disconnect hoses, let them completely dry and then wrap in towels and store inside the dishwasher.

Pack Up the Microwave

Remove and clean the microwave turntable. Clean inside and outside the oven housing. Tape the door shut, put the oven in a sturdy cardboard box, and fill with packing material.

Make a Safe Move

Large kitchen appliances travel best with their doors securely shut and their cords taped to the outside. Protect glass panels with cardboard inserts. Keep appliances scratch-free by covering them with large blankets. Always move them in an upright position. Otherwise, you risk damaging motors and components.

Follow Kitchen Storage Basics

Self storage options in Chicago keep appliances in good shape indefinitely, but even the best storage units need a little help. Follow these appliance storage basics to make sure your kitchen essentials stay in top condition:

• Lease a climate-controlled unit to protect appliances from humidity.
• Maximize air circulation by leaving appliance doors open.
• Keep everything off the floor on wood or plastic pallets.

We're Here to Help

You don't have to store appliances every day, but we're here to help. From multiple move-in specials to choose from to on-site carts and dollies, you can count on Safeguard to have the storage space you need conveniently located in your neighborhood. Safeguard offers the following 16 Chicagoland locations:

• Chicago – Hermosa                        
• Chicago – Uptown            
• Chicago – Edison Park
• Chicago – Beverly
• Chicago – West Rogers Park
• Chicago – Lake View            
• Chicago – South Loop
• Des Plaines
• Palatine
• Lombard
• Darien
• Lyons
• McCook
• Bridgeview
• Arlington Heights
• Addison

Your car really prefers the garage. Too many bad things can happen when it's parked on the street. It's exposed to the weather, vandalism, and bird droppings—to name a few.

The garage is your best bet for car storage, but affordable storage units in Bridgeview, IL give you convenient alternatives. Giving your car a temporary home away from home just takes a little pre-planning.

Size Up Your Options

You might be headed out for an extended vacation. Perhaps you're in the military and need to store the car long-term. You may just want to get it off the street and into a safer spot.

Self storage offers options for every situation. If you want to leave the car in storage for a month or two, our Bridgeview facility features drive in storage units and outdoor parking.

Talk with our facility management team. Ask about their recommendations. They can also fill you in on details about title, registration, and insurance requirements.

Get Your Wheels Ready

The best storage units for cars provide a dependable area for parking. Make sure your wheels are in top shape and ready for self storage with these simple steps:

• Wash and wax the car before putting it in storage. This prevents dirt and air pollutants from corroding the paint.
• Fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Both reduce the chance of moisture forming in lines.
• Top off antifreeze, brake fluid, and change the oil. These steps should keep the car ready to hit the road.

Make Your Car Comfortable

To make your wheels comfortable for the short term or the long haul, make sure not to forget these steps:

• Don't set the parking brake. Pads can fuse with rotors if they're in constant contact over time.
• Prevent flat spots on tires by putting the car up on jack stands.
• Use steel wool to keep pests out of the exhaust pipe and air intakes.
• If you're storing the car in an outside space, protect it with a weatherproof cover.

It's Ready to Go When You Are

When car storage at home gets complicated, trust Safeguard in Bridgeview, IL to take good care of your wheels. Just leave the car with us. It'll be ready to go when you are.

From new base assignments to deployments overseas, you stay ready for the next move. Frequent relocations are just part of the job. That's why military storage in Elizabeth, NJ, is so important. Long-term self storage makes it all a little easier.

Storage Units Hold Everything

As an active member of the military, you know how to travel light. Still, getting ready to ship out shouldn't include getting rid of things. A clean, well-managed storage facility gives you plenty of options.

One 10x10 unit holds several rooms of furniture. A smaller space keeps personal belongings protected. From the car you just don't want to sell to important documents, it all fits in self storage.

You Have Room to Share

Think of military storage as a central location for family and friends, too. It's a better arrangement than asking them to keep your things in their homes. A 10x20 unit can hold the contents of an entire house. Use the space to store your belongings with extra room for sharing.

The Savings Add Up

Sometimes, a base change can put you in a tight position. When housing costs outweigh your finances, keep things manageable with self storage. It's an affordable alternative to living in a space that's bigger than your budget. Most facilities offer military discounts, too, and that adds to your overall savings.

It's Protective and Flexible

You keep your list of military storage must-haves short. You want your belongings to stay protected long-term. You want to know they're monitored. You need flexible options for the future. The best storage units offer it all, including:

• Climate-controlled interiors that protect electronics, paper records, and personal treasures
• High-tech security systems, such as digital video surveillance and computer-controlled access
• Month-to-month or long-term leasing options that fit your needs
• Online account management for making payments and updating contact information

You Deserve Peace of Mind

Leasing a unit gives you peace of mind while you're deployed. Share access codes with friends and family so that they can check on things while you're away. Your unit makes coming home easier, too. You always know your belongings are in good shape and ready to go when you return.

We're Proud to Do Our Part

Here at Safeguard, we're proud to do our part by offering quality self storage in Elizabeth, NJ. It's our honor to serve you while you serve our country. Each one of us salutes you, and we all thank you for your service.

Sometimes, you want something. Sometimes, you need it. Self storage in Darien, IL, is one of those things you often really need. There always comes a time when storage units make better sense than trying to turn the house or garage into a permanent home storage solution.

When Clutter Crowds Your Space

Clutter is a fickle thing. While certain items you own may not bring you much joy, they can still be a challenge to toss out if they hold psychological meaning. Thankfully, you don't have to throw anything away when there's a climate-controlled unit just around the corner. Clear out clutter, and park it until you decide to sell it, donate it, or finally throw it away.

When You Need Room to Remodel

When it comes to home renovation projects, clutter can be a nightmare. Ensure your belongings are out of the way before demo day to make work easier for everyone involved. Don't worry about the contractor accidentally destroying furniture while he adds on that extra room. Keep belongings out of busy work zones with a temporary move to convenient self storage.

When You're Ready to Live Small

Downsizing isn't just for seniors. It's a lifestyle choice that makes sense under the right circumstances. If you're thinking about living smaller, think about units large enough to handle several rooms of extra furniture. Storage facilities offer a wide variety of affordable options.

When You're in Transition

You're so happy to finally sell the house, but the closing date means you must move fast. Bring that stress level down to earth. Lease a unit between the old and new place. Now, you can transition at your own pace.

When the Semester Ends

Whether you're a student or the parent of someone between semesters, put storage units on the summer break must-have list. They're the perfect place between the dorm and home for storing student stuff. They save the expense of long-distance hauling, too.

When You Run a Small Business

Your home business keeps expanding. Space at the house keeps shrinking. Don't bust the bottom line paying for commercial square footage or warehouse space. Move operations to an affordable unit with plenty of room for inventory, equipment, and important records.

When You Need Extra Security

Valuable antiques prefer climate-controlled environments. Often, your treasures are better protected in storage units than they are at the house. Your favorite things deserve to be surrounded by layers of high-tech security 24/7.

When You Want the Best

When you want the very best storage, we're always ready. When the time comes, just come by Safeguard Self Storage in Darien, IL. We look forward to seeing you soon!

It's not hard to put off a big job like decluttering your home, but this is a project that's actually good for you. Nearby storage units in Philadelphia, PA, make it easy to stay motivated, clean up the house, and enjoy these 10 healthy benefits

10 Benefits of Keeping Your Home Free of Clutter

You're Less Anxious

When things pile up all around you, it feels overwhelming. Decluttering your space creates a calming sense of order. Eliminating visual noise eliminates anxiety.

It Increases Creativity

All the rooms in your cluttered home look like overcrowded storage units. It makes you step back, think, and figure out creative ways to establish control and stay on track.

You Build Confidence

You're making decisions and solving problems. Cleaning up the house puts you in charge of the situation. The work teaches you that you can handle tough jobs.

You Save Time

Imagine not digging through messy drawers for that one important thing. Picture breezing through closets as you reorganize clothes. A decluttered house is a big time-saver.

It's Easier to Concentrate

You don't realize how badly clutter creeps into your peripheral senses until it's gone. A clean home sets you free to concentrate on things you care about.

You Set a Good Example

When you clean up clutter, you're showing the kids how it's done. When you get them involved in the process, you're helping them develop organizational skills.

Everyone Is Safer

Too many boxes on closet shelves turn into avalanches. Kids' toys all over the floor turn into tripping hazards. Decluttering helps your family stay safe.

Everyone Breathes Easier

Clutter collects dust, dander, pet hair, and insect debris. Getting rid of it keeps airborne pathogens out of your HVAC system. You and your family breathe easier.

You Can Do Good for Others

Not all clutter belongs in the trash. Donate items you don't need or want any longer to local charities. Area organizations are always grateful for items like clothes, books, and even old knickknacks.

Feeling Positive Feels Great

You've taken control. You've made a huge difference. Clutter doesn't rule your home anymore. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment. You deserve every ounce of pride you feel for taking care of a very big job.

We're Happy to Help

When you're ready to conquer clutter, our Safeguard Self Storage team in Philadelphia, PA, is happy to help. We're always here for you with storage units sized for every type of clutter cleanup project.

Self storage in New Orleans, LA, doesn't have to be big to be a big help. A 5-by-5 storage unit is surprisingly roomy with 25 square feet of storage space. Add a typical 8-foot ceiling, and overall dimensions measure a generous 200 cubic feet. These are just a few ways to make the most of your small unit:

Items To Put In Your 5x5 Storage Unit

Student Self Storage

Why haul things all the way home and back again? Travel light between semesters by parking your desk, chair, and dresser in a 5-by-5 unit. You should still have room for a twin mattress and several boxes.

Spare Remodeling Space

Make room at the house for a decorating makeover. Give your interior design talents plenty of space to work by moving things to temporary storage. Month-to-month leasing options keep storage units budget-friendly.

Seasonal Clothes

Save closets and drawers from overcrowding. Rotate seasonal clothes in and out of your small storage unit. Use a combination of shelves and lidded bins to convert vertical storage into a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe room.

Seasonal Decorations

Scare up space for Halloween decorations inside a compact unit. Celebrate extra room at home by moving Christmas lights, ornaments, and tree stands to secure storage. It's a year-round solution for storing seasonal decorations.

Liberated Outdoor Gear

Sports equipment, fishing tackle, and camping gear get lost in a crowded garage. Keep it all in one convenient storage space. Outdoor gear is easier to find and always ready to go in small storage units close to the house.

Winterized Garden Tools

Why trip over garden tools in the garage all winter? Give them a comfortable, cold-weather home. Everything fits in a 5-by-5 unit with enough room for the lawn mower. Be sure to empty its fuel tank before storing.

Extra Hobby Supplies

Start enjoying your favorite pastime again. Declutter hobby space at the house by keeping extra supplies in your unit. Double storage strategies by using an old bookshelf in the unit to keep supplies organized.

Compact Business Storage

Expand business potential at work or home with an extra 25 square feet of climate-controlled storage. Secure important records, back up inventory, and store extra equipment in your 5-by-5 unit.

Small Spaces That Always Fit

We believe in offering storage solutions that always fit. If you need a small unit, Safeguard Self Storage in New Orleans, LA, has one just your size. Stop by soon and let our storage professionals show you around.

You've both said yes to marriage. You're both ready to clean out your storage units in Holmdel, NJ, and move into a new home together. Before you start the migration from singles with self storage to property co-owners, double-check your budget and expectations. You might want to wait until after the nuptials.

Both Credit Scores Count

Regardless of marital status, a bank or mortgage lender looks at your individual credit scores. Better credit increases the chances of securing a loan with a lower interest rate. Consider these two common scenarios:

• You both have good credit histories - Application as a couple should be successful.
• One of you has a bad credit score - This can negatively impact your application as a couple.

If only one of you can satisfy the lender's requirements, you can take out the loan as an individual. However, you lose the advantage of applying with a combined income. You may want to postpone buying a new house until you've had a chance to get both credit scores on solid ground.

Shared Contributions Work

You aren't used to sharing everything yet. From separate storage units to individual incomes and savings accounts, you have a lot to consolidate. Figure out much each of you can commit towards a new home purchase.

Develop a shared contribution schedule. Factor in all your financial obligations including student debt, credit card debt, and current car loans. Make sure you're both comfortable with the numbers.

Think About More Than Finances

On average, 75% of couples in your position wait until after marriage to buy a home. Still, the two of you are more than statistics and credit checks. Think outside the financial box with these questions:

• Will buying now add to pre-wedding stress?
• If you're not currently sharing an apartment, is that an option?
• Are you both positioned for a smooth transition to a new house?

Take your time. Consider all the possibilities. Don't let outside pressures force your decision. When you and your partner are sure, you'll make the right move at the right time.

Keep Us in Your Plans

Whether you buy before or after the wedding, we're always here to help. Once you've settled in that dream home, we're at your service with the best storage options available. Keep Safeguard Self Storage in Holmdel, NJ, in your plans, and keep your eye on a very bright future together.

It's summertime, and storage units in Miami Shores, FL, are busier than ever. Folks are all smiles as they retrieve vacation gear and hot-weather tackle. If you're getting ready to pull your favorite watercraft out of boat storage, take a few minutes to refresh your boat safety IQ with these six tips.

Check Weather and Plans

A beautiful sky in the morning doesn't guarantee sunshine all day. Pay attention to area weather reports. Check water condition forecasts including wind and currents. Once you're sure of smooth sailing, share your plans with someone on land. Let them know where you're headed, who you're traveling with, and when you expect to return.

Check Safety Equipment

Before towing your trusted craft out of boat storage, make sure the basics are on board. USCG-approved life jackets are a must, especially for kids under 16. Most boat storage units have plenty of room for stocking these essentials:

• Navigation lights and day-shapes
• First-aid kits, emergency air horns and distress flares
• Required number of fire extinguishers according to boat size

Stress Safe Behavior

Make certain everyone understands to stay away from boat propellers when they're in the water. This is especially true for first-time tubers or skiers. Don't allow anyone to board or exit the boat while engines are running.

Play by the Rules

Whether you're on the lake, cruising a river, or crossing the bay, always respect established rules of the water. Stay away from larger vessels. Stay on the lookout for swimmers and small craft like jet skis and kayaks. Playing by the rules helps everyone play safer on the water.

Always Have a Backup Skipper

Don't be the only one on board who knows how to handle the boat. Bring along someone who can fill in for you in case you're injured or become sick. Otherwise, you risk stranding craft and passengers out on open water.

Don't Drink and Navigate

It's illegal to drink and operate a boat in all 50 states. The legal limit that applies to drivers on the road applies to the skipper navigating a boat. Don't risk your safety or endanger the lives of others out on a beautiful summer day.

Enjoy the Water

When you head for boat storage, keep our tips in mind. When you want the best storage units available in Miami Shores, FL, keep us at the top of your go-to list. Everyone here at Safeguard wishes you a wonderful summer.

Convenient, affordable self storage keeps life organized at home, work, and school. It's the perfect solution for expanding tight spaces until it doesn't work. How do you maximize the room in your unit? How do you make everything fit? Try these packing tips for your Lombard, IL, storage unit from our storage pros.

10 Tips to Pack Like a Pro

Plan Ahead Online

The best storage facilities offer online calculators that let you size up different storage units. These handy digital tools make it easier to figure out exactly what you need.

Declutter Your Clutter

Be honest about what you really want to keep in storage. Don't just move clutter from your home base into your unit. Save that storage space for the important stuff.

Take Things Apart

If you can disassemble it, it will probably fit better in the unit. From bed frames to bikes, this is one of your best packing tips for large bulky items.

Invest in New Boxes

You won't find mold and bugs in new storage boxes. Fresh containers are strong enough to hold heavy loads and stack safely. Most self storage facilities sell a variety of sturdy boxes.

Fill Them Up

Maximize space in the unit by filling up boxes, sealing them with heavy tape, and labeling the contents. Tightly packing boxes gives them extra stacking strength.

Vacuum Bag Clothes

A climate-controlled storage unit protects clothing from mildew and bugs. Add another layer of safety while saving space too by using vacuum bags to compact clothing.

Stack Like a Pro

Maximize vertical space by building stacks of same-sized containers with heaviest boxes at the bottom. This tip also minimizes the risk of unit avalanches.

Bring in Shelving

Keep thinking vertically while you keep fragile things safe. Bring in wheeled shelving units or old bookshelves to extend secure floor-to-ceiling storage options.

Use Hidden Spaces

Some of the smartest packing tips are hiding in empty spaces. Store extra belongings in dresser drawers, under small tables and inside ovens and refrigerators.

Resist Plastic Bags

Plastic bags don't compact very well. They tear too easily and they trap moisture. They don't stack either, so keep them off your list of packing strategies.

Let Safeguard Help

Our teams know all about maximizing storage unit square footage. We're always happy to share ideas that make the most of your space. When you want a little help from self storage pros, you can depend on us here at Safeguard. Rent a unit today at our Lombard, IL, location or one of our other facilities!

Nothing rallies your traveling spirit like the call of a summer road trip. Nothing lets you cruise down the highway like your vacation home on wheels. It's time to get the RV out of your Safeguard Self Storage unit in Philadelphia, PA, and get on your way to one of these must-drive summer destinations.

The Sunshine State

Start in southern California with rock climbing adventures in Joshua Tree National Park. Head north for dry camping at Lake Tahoe. Enjoy the fishing, but save your energy for covering all 1,170 square miles of Yosemite National park.

Sin City Campgrounds

Yes, you can take a road trip to Las Vegas and bypass the slot machines. Think outside the casino as you cross Hoover Dam. Stay in an RV campground on the shores of Lake Mead. If you want to play within betting distance of Vegas, park your rig at a Red Rock Canyon campsite.

Old Faithful's Home

Every family vacation should include cheering on the world's most famous geyser. Old Faithful always impresses. It's just one of the reasons to drive your RV through Yellowstone National Park. Add white water rafting and wildlife safaris to your list of Yellowstone quests.

Historic New England

Upgrade the antique collection in your storage unit with a summer RV trip through New England. Browse historic shops on Rhode Island's shores in Newport. Indulge in luxury RV glamping outside Wolfeboro Falls in New Hampshire. Wrap up your trip with shopping, golfing, and hiking around beautiful Naples, Maine.

Gulf Coast Beaches

Take it easy with Southern style as you take in summer beaches along the Gulf Coast. Start with Padre Island in Texas. Ease on over to Louisiana's Grand Isle State Park. Sail down the highway to Buccaneer State Park in Mississippi and Dauphin Island in Alabama. Finish with a splash at Pensacola, Florida.

The Original Route 66

It's the ultimate road trip for lovers of roadside attractions large, small, and strange. This famous highway between Chicago and Los Angeles slides under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and past the Texas Cadillac Ranch. Salute the Grand Canyon's glory as you continue on to the City of Angels.

Premium RV Parking

When summer rolls to an end, let Safeguard Self Storage serve as your RV's home away from home, with vehicle storage in Philadelphia, PA, on Rhawn Street and other locations. We take good care of your wheels with parking or a storage unit that perfectly fits your rig. You can always count on us for RV parking regardless of the season. Reserve a unit today!