Why Storage Auctions Are a Great Way to Furnish Your Home

Can it be as simple as it seems on TV? You love saving money, but how do you make the bidding process work for you? If you're sizing up storage auctions around Edison Park, IL, welcome to the affordable world of furnishing your home.

Auction Rules Are Easy to Follow

Most auctions follow the same format. An auctioneer starts the bidding on the contents of an abandoned self storage unit. The action is usually live, but some sales allow on-site sealed bids and online bidding.

You're not allowed inside the unit before bidding begins. You do get to look at its contents through an open doorway. Winning bids are paid in cash, and you're given a set time frame for hauling everything home.

It Works to Your Advantage

Storage facility auctions owe their popularity to one thing: a chance to save money. Resale listing sites and thrift stores mark up inventory to make a profit. Each item comes with a set price.

Storage auctions let you buy multiple items for one low price. You don't have to worry about evaluating the cost of a new couch. Your winning bid gives you resale options that cover your original investment.

You Can Find Almost Anything

Are you looking for office equipment? Check out self storage auctions near business districts. Fill every room at the house with just one residential sale. If you need dorm room furniture, head for an auction near campus. Location counts, so count on finding just about anything including:

  • Stoves, washing machines and refrigerators.
  • Clothes, shoes and personal accessories.
  • Couches, beds and dining room sets.
  • Gaming stations, sound systems and televisions.

You Can Master the Power Tips

It doesn't take long to figure out how a self storage auction works. You don't have to be a resale pro to make the most of every bid. Just keep these easy, power tips in play.

  • Budget your day and stick with it.
  • Bid on clean, well-organized units.
  • Size up unit contents for resale.
  • Be ready to haul heavy items.

We Help You Store It All

Once you get that gently used new furniture home, you may not have room for everything. Don't worry. Safeguard can help with self storage in Edison Park, IL and all across Chicagoland. Stop by one of our locations soon, and size up our affordable world of storage solutions.

How a Storage Unit Can Help You With Your Photography Passion

You're proud to be the keeper of the archives. Every picture of family, friends, and favorite places deserves to last forever. Digital shots are fine, but your passion belongs to old-school photography. Yonkers, NY storage units belong in your plans to preserve those picture-perfect treasures.

Photographs Love Self Storage

Carefully developed and printed photographs can last more than 50 years in the right environment. Extend that life expectancy by storing them in a climate controlled unit. Humidity levels stay constant at around 50 percent, and temperatures stay photo-friendly between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your old-school process involves attention to detail. A storage unit preserves your hard work and keeps it off closet shelves at home. Secure storage is ideal for archiving your latest pictures and photos that date back generations.

They Don't Like Polyvinyl

If you know your plastics, you know the important role they play in long-term photograph storage. Polyvinyl sheets in albums contain adhesives that damage pictures. Avoid this material by storing photographs in sleeves and albums made with acid-free paper and PVC-free plastic. Use these tips to take extra care of your collection.

  • Don't store older, damaged photos with new ones.
  • Buy archive-grade supplies at a photography shop.
  • Separate boxed photos with sheets of acid-free paper.
  • Never write on the back of your photographs.
  • Keep analogue film stored in original canisters.

Equipment Appreciates Storage Too

Your devotion to traditional photography needs room to grow. Treat cameras and lenses to the usefulness of self storage. One small unit can easily hold your photo archives and equipment collection. Just follow these simple storage rules.

  • Remove batteries from cameras, flashes, and meters.
  • Always remove memory cards from digital cameras.
  • Carefully clean lenses, cap each end, and store upright.
  • Clean camera bodies with canned compressed air.
  • Place bubble wrap around small equipment before boxing.

Leave the Darkroom at Home

While storage is great for lots of photography things, it’s just not the place for a darkroom. Storage facilities prohibit storing chemicals on site. Leave your darkroom at the house in a well-ventilated area where you know you can work safely.

Keep Your Passion Close and Safe

When you keep pictures and equipment in secure self storage, your passion stays close and safe. Our Safeguard location in Yonkers, NY is just one of multiple facilities across the region. We're always around the corner with perfect spaces for preserving your treasures. Reserve a unit with us today!

Do These Things to Prepare for a Cross Country Move

It's not a routine change of address, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. You can conquer a cross country move with Miami, FL storage units, pre-planning, and smart packing. Tap into your hidden talent for logistics with these power tips for making the big move.

Organize How You Organize

Get ahead of organizing by organizing your time. First, inventory everything in your home. Make notes about which items can be boxed now and moved to self storage. Plan on using your unit to hold things you want to sell or donate.

Second, combine a to-do list with a schedule. Decide on which rooms can be packed up in advance. Developing a timeline lets you organize pre-move chores with strategies that divide and conquer.

Pack for the Long Haul

Make sure your belongings secure by preparing them for the long haul. Pack everything for a cross country move with extra care and plenty of bubble wrap.

  • Invest in new, sturdy cardboard boxes.
  • Make box lids stronger by sealing with packing tape.
  • Clearly label and color-code boxes by room.
  • Fill spare suitcases with first day move-in essentials.
  • Keep clothes fresh for arrival in wardrobe boxes.

Lay Out Your Last Day

Plan now for that last day before the movers knock on the door. Decide on how you want to clear floor space for a smooth exit. Think about box placement. This is a good time to get non-essentials out of the way and into self storage.

Keep home cooking light and easy. Plan menus around emptying the fridge and cabinets. Spend your last night at the old place packing a small suitcase with fresh clothes, essentials and important documents.

Promise to Do These Things

Promise to make your cross country move easier by taking good care of yourself. Don't try to do everything at once. Do make sure you get these important jobs done before the big day arrives.

  • Scan all important documents for cloud storage.
  • Take care of utilities at both the old and new addresses.
  • Make time to spend with friends and family before the move.
  • Get to know your new community through its website.

Celebrate Being Prepared

You have a plan. You're finally prepared to be prepared for that big change of address. Celebrate with a nice dinner out. When moving day arrives, relax. You always have Safeguard Self Storage here in Miami, FL to back you up.

What Not to Store in Your Storage Unit

You trust your common sense. Even if you needed to store explosives, you wouldn't stash them in your Arlington Heights, IL storage unit. Self storage can handle just about anything, but safety and liability issues establish clear guidelines. It's good to know the limits before filling up that extra space.

10 Things You Don't Want in Your Storage Unit

Any Type of Hazardous Material

This category covers the obvious. You can't store chemicals, gasoline, fireworks or propane tanks. If it can explode, corrode or catch fire, keep it out of the unit.

Firearms and Munitions

Most facilities prohibit storing guns and ammunition. In many cases, it violates local and state regulations. Gun shops and shooting ranges are better storage choices.

Too Many Tires

Self storage sites often set a limit of four spares per unit. The reasoning is simple. If they're abandoned, management has to pay for tire disposal.

Undrained Yard Equipment

When it's time to park your lawn mower in the unit, don't let it turn into a storage hazard. Drain gasoline before putting away seasonal yard equipment.

Packaged and Perishable Food

Even boxed cereal eventually goes bad. Canned goods hold up to long-term storage, but everything else invites spoilage problems including rotten smells, bugs and rodents.

Plugged-In Appliances

It's OK to store refrigerators, freezers, and space heaters in your unit. It's not OK to plug them into outlets or run a generator in the unit.

Anything Smelly or Wet

If it smells bad, it's an invitation for a pest invasion. If it's wet, it's a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Keep stored belongings clean and dry.

Your Hard-Earned Cash

A storage unit might seem like the perfect vault for stashing extra bills. However, insurance won't cover your cash loss in case of a fire, break-in, or natural disaster.

Pets of Any Species

They need your love and attention. Don't keep any type of pet in a storage unit. Even an overnight stay can be disastrous for your animal buddies.

You as a Tenant

Yes, leasing storage costs less than renting an apartment or making a mortgage payment. Yes, there are laws against living in a unit even for a few days.

Everything You Want in Storage Solutions

We have faith in your common sense. Our Arlington Heights, IL teams are happy to help with smart storage solutions. You're always welcome here at Safeguard Self Storage.

Getting the Most Out of Pharmaceutical Storage

Your clients count on you for quality pharmaceuticals, new equipment, and the latest product information. You drive countless miles between clinics, medical offices, and hospitals. How can you stay organized covering territory in Miami Shores, FL? Let convenient self storage streamline your schedule and secure your pharmaceutical inventory.

Storage Units Safely Hold It All

A climate-controlled unit provides an ideal environment for storing pharmaceutical products. It can also serve as a staging area for organizing inventory and planning your schedule. Always be ready for the next call by assigning areas inside the unit for these essentials:

  • Sorted stock and inventory
  • Sample equipment
  • Marketing materials
  • Product literature

Keep the layout flexible by using wheeled shelf units that rotate for easy organizing. Set up a desk or work station for sorting products and processing paperwork. Add a file cabinet to hold shipping records, daily call logs, activity reports, and territory analysis.

Self Storage Maximizes Your Time

Once you organize a central location, think about branching out into other storage units along your route. Access to multiple sites can save valuable time on the road and extra miles on your car. That increase in efficiency means more productive time spent in the field with your clients.

As you expand your pharmaceutical storage, keep a digital inventory on your smartphone. If an unexpected call requires a detour, you can easily determine which one of your units has exactly what you need for the next appointment. With one stop, you're ready to load and deliver anything the client wants.

The Advantages Quickly Add Up

Easy access and convenient locations make self storage perfect for pharmaceutical inventories. It also offers important advantages uniquely suited for your products and equipment:

  • On-site security includes property-wide surveillance, keypad entry access, and individual door alarms.
  • Dollies and carts are always available for transferring inventory between car and unit.
  • Many facilities offer affordable insurance options as well as online account management tools.
  • As business grows, flexible leasing makes it simple and affordable to move operations into larger units.

You Can Depend on Us

Security, climate control, and easy access are critical to maintaining your products and equipment. We understand. You can depend on Safeguard for the best pharmaceutical storage units in Miami Shores, FL. We're here to serve with multiple locations across Miami-Dade County, so contact us today about renting a unit in your territory.

The Sports Family's Guide to Self Storage

From baseball games to soccer practice, getting the kids to the field on time keeps you on the run. Make it easier to organize your home team here in Palatine, IL by putting nearby storage units into play. This guide offers tips for streamlining your busy schedule as you keep the kids on track.

Get In and Out In a Hurry

As a soccer mom or dad, you know how hard it is to round up kids and equipment. With the clock ticking down, everybody combs through crowded closets and digs around in the garage.

Self storage cuts down on clutter at the house, and it makes grabbing the right gear for the right game much easier. These simple storage hacks quickly convert your unit into the ultimate in-and-out sports storage solution.

  • Load Up Laundry Baskets – These mini storage units are lightweight and easy to load in the car. Their latticed sides give you a clear view of balls and gloves.
  • Stuff Duffel Bags – Stash heavy gear in canvas duffel bags. Luggage tags make great labels, and the bags' sturdy handles let you keep a firm grip on equipment coming and going.
  • Wheel In Shelving – Wheeled shelving units let you rearrange floor plans according to the season. The portable storage also gives you front, back, and side access to stacked baskets and bags.
  • Repurpose Old Bookshelves – You may already have several of these storage solutions in your unit. Turn them into cubbies for small sports gear.

Divide, Conquer, and Suspend Space

Save time by dividing the unit into designated game zones. This strategy lets you and the kids quickly sort and retrieve gear. You can also assign a specific area to each child so that everyone has their own equipment stash.

Increase your efficiency score by keeping things off the floor with hanging shoe racks and sporty backpacks. Personalize these storage solutions with colors and name tags and suspend them on your wheeled shelving. Be sure to hang things within easy reach for your littlest athletes.

You Always Win With Self Storage

Keeping the kids' sporting equipment organized and ready to go is so much easier when you keep self storage in the game. We make it a slam dunk with climate-controlled storage here in Palatine, IL and all across Cook County. Rent a unit today and let Safeguard put your home team on the winning track.

Why Keeping Your Lawn Mower in the Garage Isn't Ideal

It's easy to turn the garage at your Baton Rouge, LA home into self storage, but the lawn mower doesn't belong out there. Before you crowd that workhorse next to the car again, think about alternatives to storing it in the garage.

Keep Your Space Safe

When home garages turn into storage units, lawn mowers become tripping hazards. Pinholes in the fuel tank can fill the air with unhealthy fumes. A small break in the fuel line can spill combustible liquid on the garage floor. It's hard to keep your space safe when you store lawn equipment in the garage.

Don't Expose Your Mower

Parking it in the backyard isn't a good idea, either. Our humid Gulf Coast climate can rust lawn mower decks, and our hot summers can crack engine covers. Save that trusty equipment with one of these home-based self storage solutions.

Use the Backyard Shed

Let the mower motivate you into cleaning out the backyard shed. Add a little DIY weather-proofing, and you have a safe space for the lawn mower and much more. It's a good weekend project that can add years of life to yard equipment.

Build a Mower House

If you don't have a shed out back, build one for your faithful lawn mower. Imagine a dog house sized to fit the mower with double doors for easy access. Save your view of the landscape by putting the mini shed behind a tree.

Turn Tarps Into Storage Units

Large tarps can protect lawn equipment outside but be sure to secure them against windy weather. Tighten the cover around a lawn mower with bungee cords and keep it in a sheltered corner of the yard. When cold weather sets in, move the mower to a climate-controlled storage unit.

Line Up Cold-Weather Storage

Don't let cold weather chase the lawn mower back into your garage. Lease a unit now so that you'll be ready to park all your yard equipment until next spring. Keep these self storage tips in mind:

  • Always drain the fuel tank and carburetor.
  • Clean the mower's underside, blades, and fins.
  • Store the battery on a shelf or wood pallet.

Park It With Us

It's time to give that cluttered garage a break. Our two Baton Rouge, LA locations feature a variety of units for all types of yard equipment. When you run out of room at home, you can always park it with us here at Safeguard.

Packing for Your Spring Break Trip to the Beach

With spring break just around the corner, you're ready to pack up for fun and sun along the shoreline. Whether you're traveling out of state or headed for Brighton Beach, use convenient storage units in Brooklyn, NY to stay organized as you check your list of spring break essentials.

Must-Have Beach Wear

If you stashed seasonal clothes in self storage, it's time to liberate your beach wardrobe. Along with favorite swimsuits and sunglasses, retrieve these spring break must-haves.

  • Cover-ups, kimonos, and sarongs
  • Wide-brimmed hats and wind-proof caps
  • Flip-flops, sandals, and water shoes

Plenty of Personal Protection

Pamper yourself on vacation by keeping the sun and surf at bay. You won't spend every day under a palm tree, so pack plenty of personal protection.

  • Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30
  • Long-lasting, waterproof lip balm
  • Disposable wipes for clean hands and feet
  • Insect repellent made with lemongrass, citronella, or cedarwood

Beachcomber Basics

When you stake out a sunny spot on the sand, do more than throw down a beach towel. On your way to the shore, be sure to pull these beachcomber basics out of self storage.

  • Roomy beach bags and wheeled coolers
  • Beach chairs and umbrellas
  • Easy-wash picnic tablecloths

Water Toys and Gear

Jump into spring break with both feet by picking up sports equipment that spent the winter in your storage unit. Be sure to grab your favorite water toys, too.

  • Wetsuits and scuba diving gear
  • Volleyball or spikeball equipment
  • Frisbees, footballs, and paddleball sets
  • Beach balls, sand pails, and swim rings

Storage Tips for the Big Stuff

If things seem a little crowded in self storage, make room by repositioning big items. Stop by the sporting goods store and pick up an inexpensive rack designed for holding fishing poles.

Keep kayaks and paddle boards out of the way by elevating them in the unit. Set up adjustable loop systems that suspend equipment from the ceiling and stash oars in your fishing pole stand.

Home Base Year-Round

When you finish your spring break packing list, relax. Enjoy knowing you can stay organized when you rent storage units in Brooklyn, NY or any of our other nearby Safeguard locations. Wherever you're headed for vacation, we're your home base, and we're just around the corner year-round.

Taking Stock: A Guide to Keeping Storage Units Organized as the Seasons Shift

With each change of the season here in Miramar, FL, local storage units stay busy with people moving things in and out. It's a great way to keep the house decluttered, but it's a quick way to turn your unit into a jumbled mess. If you're having trouble keeping your self storage options organized year round, we can help. Our storage pros are happy to share smart strategies that work with every season.

Resolve to Reorganize

It's never too late to make resolutions that make a difference. Focus that positive attitude on reorganizing your storage unit. Go through all your boxes, and make sure seasonal items are grouped together. Turn the job into an opportunity to take stock of exactly what you have in storage. As you sort through things, develop an inventory list, and use markers to color-code box labels with your system.

Rule Your Stacks

Once you've organized box contents, make it all easier to access by following these stacking rules:

  • Designate four separate areas for stacking boxes filled with seasonal items.
  • Store things you don't need often on the bottom of your stacks.
  • Avoid avalanches by keeping stacks below shoulder height.
  • A brick-wall pattern stack lets you move one box without moving them all.

Plot an Easy Layout

Don't let the storage unit turn into a maze that challenges your navigating skills. As you create different sections for different seasons, leave pathways with enough room to turn around while carrying boxes or pushing a dolly.

Freestanding shelving breaks up banks of boxes, gives you a view through the unit, and helps with air circulation. Keep things you use most often near the front, and post a copy of your inventory just inside the unit door.

Sail Through the Seasons

Now you're set to easily retrieve summer vacation gear, fall gardening equipment, and winter holiday decorations. You can head out for spring camping trips while you keep clutter under control at the house. Quarterly self storage inventories are all you need to sail through the seasons and keep your unit in top shape.

Count on Us Year-Round

You can count on us here at Safeguard Self Storage all year long. We offer a wide selection of convenient and affordable storage units in Miramar, FL, and we're at your service with 13 other locations across the Miami Metro area. Stop by soon to let us set you up with smart storage solutions that fit every season.

Five Signs You Really Do Need That Storage Unit

Storage units help people manage space, either on a permanent or temporary basis. From stashing your things while you're on summer break to staying organized when downsizing, off-site storage might be the answer. At Safeguard Self Storage, we provide a place for customers' belongings in New Orleans, LA and other communities. If you're experiencing any of the following situations, a storage unit may be right for you.

You're going through a life transition.

From building families to ending relationships, life events can affect your living situation. Maybe you need to store furniture and other items after merging households. Or you might need a place for your things while studying abroad for the semester. Keep your belongings sheltered in a storage unit for convenience and peace of mind.

There's an entire room in your house that can't be used.

Clutter happens. From the kids' sports gear to several years' worth of holiday decorations, everyday and special-occasion items tend to overtake valuable household space. It can happen before we even notice, especially if the change is gradual or it's a room that's rarely used as a living space. Many of our customers use storage units to keep seasonal items and other home goods out of the way when not in use.

You're neglecting a hobby due to lack of space.

Whether you live with roommates, have a small home, or simply lack the room, you shouldn't have to miss out on your favorite hobby. From crafts to craft brewing, apartment dwellers and homeowners alike can enjoy the activities they love with help from self storage.

There's no space in the garage for your cars.

If your garage has become overrun with everything from out-of-season clothing to boxes of collectibles, your local storage facility offers the space you need. Safeguard your things from theft and the elements while freeing up room for the family's vehicles. Or put away your RV or vintage car at our site in New Orleans, LA.

Your business is losing valuable space to supply storage.

Our residential customers aren't the only ones enjoying the benefits of storage units. Make sure your office, warehouse, or retail space stays tidy by keeping seldom-used equipment, extra supplies, or surplus inventory off site. Keep prime real estate free for essential business activities while protecting your investments.

Safeguard Self Storage, Your Professional Solution

Regardless of your reason for additional space, Safeguard Self Storage is here for you to help with your storage needs. Facilities in New Orleans, LA and other cities offer convenience and a wide range of amenities. Contact us to rent a unit and start your self storage journey today!