Choosing the right size storage unit is important for several reasons. A unit that's too small will only fit some of your belongings, while a unit that's too large can be a waste of money. Picking the right size unit can also make accessing your items more accessible and safe, as you’ll have more space to move around and organize your stuff. An overcrowded storage unit can lead to tripping hazards and damage to your belongings, not to mention that it will looking for items quite challenging.

By selecting the right size storage unit, you'll be able to maximize the space and ensure the safety of your belongings. Safeguard Self Storage has prepared a handful of helpful tips to help you figure out how to pick a self storage unit.

Assessing Your Needs: Tips for Taking Inventory of Your Belongings

Assessing your needs is an essential first step in properly determining how to pick a self storage unit size. Begin by taking inventory of all the belongings you need to store. Detail and organization are crucial in categorizing items or in creating a list with descriptions and values.

Additionally, consider any special features you might require, such as climate controlled storage or drive-up access. You'll gain insights into finding the appropriate unit size and type to meet your requirements by assessing your needs. This process ensures your items will be properly stored in the correct type storage unit.

Understanding Standard Storage Unit Sizes

Understanding the ins-and-outs of self storage unit dimensions is essential to find the right storage unit size. These can range from small lockers to large rooms, so knowing what size will fit your belongings is crucial. The most common unit sizes are 5x5, 5x10, 10x10, and 10x20. For instance, a 5x5 unit is suitable for small items such as boxes and seasonal clothing, while a 10x30 unit can accommodate the contents of most apartments and small homes.

When selecting a unit, it's vital to consider the size of your specific things. You can use our self storage unit size calculator and storage tips page to visualize how you will use your space. Understanding standard storage unit sizes enables you to decide and choose a unit best suited to your requirements.

Making a Decision: Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Size Unit

Choosing a storage unit with room for future growth is crucial to avoid having to upgrade to a larger unit later on. Consider several factors, such as the size of your belongings, potential future storage needs, and special requirements like a climate controlled storage unit or drive-up storage access.

Think of the frequency of accessing your belongings and the need for extra space for movement. Weigh the costs of renting a more extensive unit against selecting a smaller unit and needing to rent a second one in the future while keeping your budget in mind. Considering these factors, you can choose a suitable size storage unit and stay within your budget.

Choose Safeguard Self Storage for Your Storage Solutions

Finding a trusted storage provider is essential for your peace of mind while your items are in storage. Safeguard Self Storage offers state-of-the-art security features and flexible lease options, making it ideal for all your storage needs. Following the tips outlined above, you can select the correct size unit with Safeguard Self Storage and avoid cluttered spaces.

Safeguard Self Storage provides the most significant security features for your belongings with video surveillance and computerized entry systems. Additionally, climate controlled storage units protect sensitive items from temperature and humidity changes. With various unit sizes, professional staff, convenient locations, and flexible rental agreements, Safeguard Self Storage is the best option for storing personal or business items. To get started, give us a call or contact us online today!

Hoarding isn’t just an unhealthy manner of living—it’s also a major mental health risk. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, hoarding is commonly associated with several other mental disorders, such as OCD and ADHD. However, there are reliable solutions available to help prevent clutter and avoid hoarding in their home or living space. One of the most convenient ways to get rid of clutter in your home is to rent self storage.

Despite this, when it comes to self storage for hoarders, getting started is easier said than done. To properly kick-start your decluttering process, it’s best to know how you will use your self storage unit for decluttering, organization, and resisting the temptation to hoard. In this guide, our team at Safeguard will show you how you can utilize self storage to prevent and avoid hoarding.

Using Self Storage for Decluttering

There are many tips and tricks you can use to declutter and avoid hoarding with self storage. However, when it comes to self storage to prevent hoarding, it’s also important that you don’t accidentally get rid of any belongings near and dear to you. It’s best to have a decluttering process down before you start packing the first box.

Here are some decluttering tips that we think will help you avoid hoarding with self storage:

• Make sure special mementos go into your unit.
• Divide and conquer your home room by room.
• Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to declutter your home all at once.
• Get moral support and help with decluttering if needed.
• Target seasonal items for self storage.
• If you do not frequently use items, put them in self-storage or donate them.

Finding the Right Storage Unit Size and Type

A critical part of getting the most out of your storage unit is getting the size that fits you right. The more belongings you have, hypothetically, the larger your storage unit will be. However, even smaller-sized storage units, like 5x5 and 5x10, can go a long way to clear out clutter.

If you’re unsure what size unit you need, visit our storage unit size guide and space estimator pages here.

Using Self Storage for Organizing

When you store your belongings in self storage, it’s best to know where each and every item is located by using your self storage unit for organizing. Before you place your belongings in your unit, make sure items are grouped and placed in labeled boxes and containers accordingly. At move-in, determine which items you will need first and most frequently up in the front. Move heavier and bulky items, like boxes of books and furniture, to the back of the unit.

Setting Goals With Self Storage for Preventing Clutter

If you’re using self storage for preventing clutter, it’s important to understand that the decluttering process can be overwhelming. It doesn’t have to all be done in one day or one sitting. To avoid stress, set realistic goals for yourself as you use self storage for controlling clutter. You can put these goals in a sequence or a checklist to refer to as you declutter your home.

Here’s our checklist of goals you can use to best utilize self storage for controlling clutter:

• Identify areas of the house that have gathered too much clutter.
• Set a time frame for your decluttering process.
• Create a plan on how to tackle your home.
• If you have belongings you don’t have space for, donate or sell
• Celebrate each area you clear with a reward (movie night, outing, etc.).

Start With Small Items and Slowly Increase

Unsure where to start decluttering? One key trick is to start small and increase your load from there. According to Angi, one idea to keep in mind is to start in a small and unsentimental spot, such as a walk-in closet or even piles of mail-in ads. From there, you will gain the confidence and experience on how to properly utilize your self storage for preventing clutter.

How To Fight Temptations of Hoarding With Self Storage

Although it’s an accomplishment to declutter your house with self storage, it’s also important to make sure that you don’t re-hoard your home in the process. According to Psychology Today, there are several steps you can take to avoid hoarding and the temptations to hoard.

One such example includes distracting yourself with items you already have. Craving another movie? Watch one you already have or rent from the library instead. Another example of how to avoid hoarding temptations is to make what you’re craving less appealing.

Avoid Hoarding by Renting Self Storage at Safeguard Today

When you’re in need of the best self storage for hoarders, look no further than to us at Safeguard. With an advanced line of amenities in several different unit sizes, you’ll find the best self storage to avoid hoarding with us. For more information, visit our storage tips and FAQ pages here.

Ready to get started? Rent or reserve your self storage unit by contacting our team or finding your nearest Safeguard location online today!

Natural disasters are unpredictable and can happen at any time, leaving homeowners with limited time to evacuate and protect their belongings. Floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters can cause significant damage to homes and personal possessions, not to mention temporary or even permanent displacement.

Renting self storage for natural disasters can provide a space to store your valuables during an emergency. Safeguard Self Storage offers several convenient and spacious options to store your things until the situation you’re dealing with has passed. With flexible month-to-month storage leases and the amenities offered, we’re confident you’ll find what you need.

Benefits of Using Self Storage During a Natural Disaster

Renting self storage for hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and more can provide homeowners with a secure space to store their valuable possessions that may be at risk. Advanced security features such as surveillance cameras and alarms give you added peace of mind, while climate controlled storage units can prevent damage caused by extreme temperatures.

Having a designated storage space for your belongings can ease some of the stress and anxiety of emergency evacuations, allowing you to focus on your safety and well-being. The benefits of using self storage for earthquakes and other natural disasters can offer invaluable protection and peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right Self Storage Facility for Your Needs

Choosing a suitable option for self storage for tornadoes to protect your belongings during a natural disaster is essential. Accessibility and convenience should be top considerations, so look for a facility in a safe location that is accessible in case of an emergency evacuation. Select a facility with various unit sizes and research into the facility's security features, such as surveillance cameras,and secure access controls to meet your needs.

Renting climate controlled storage is another critical factor in preventing damage caused by extreme temperatures. Storing important documents and records in climate controlled, upper floor self storage for floods can protect them by moving them off the ground level. By prioritizing safety factors when selecting a self storage facility, you can have peace of mind knowing that your possessions are well-protected during a natural disaster.

Safeguard Self Storage: A Safe Haven During Natural Disasters

Safeguard Self Storage recognizes the importance of protecting your possessions from natural disasters. Our facilities offer a range of security features including 24/7 surveillance and gated access to protect your valuables. We also provide options for climate controlled storage and flexible rental options tailored to your needs. With over 80 locations across the United States, Safeguard Self Storage offers various unit sizes and types, from climate controlled storage units to outdoor parking spaces.

Each facility has advanced security features in place such as surveillance cameras and computerized gate access to enhance customers' peace of mind. Committed to customer satisfaction and safety, Safeguard Self Storage is ideal for anyone seeking a storage solution during emergencies.

Why Renting a Storage Unit is Worth Considering

If a natural disaster strikes, renting a storage unit can save you money in the long run. Replacing damaged or destroyed possessions can be more expensive than renting a storage unit. Moreover your belongings will be safe during emergency evacuations if you choose a facility with advanced security features and climate controlled units.

Feel confident about storing your valuable possessions with Safeguard Self Storage and declutter your living or office space to create a more organized and stress-free atmosphere. Give us a call or contact us today to begin the process of finding the right storage unit for you!

Whether it's due to a sudden job relocation, an unexpected opportunity, or a time-sensitive circumstance, moving to a new place in a hurry can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. While a regular moving timeline is more of a marathon, this is more like running a 400-meter sprint, as cramming the moving process into a shorter amount of time makes it even more stressful.

However, at Safeguard Self Storage, we aim to guide you through the moving process when time is of the essence. We came up with five packing tips for moving in a hurry to help you in this crazy time. Let’s make your fast-paced move a success!

Make and Follow a Checklist

Prioritize and organize! Running low on time makes it crucial to know exactly what needs to get done and remain as productive as possible without getting sidetracked by minor details. A checklist maps out what needs to be done and keeps you on track.

Make a comprehensive checklist of all the tasks you need to accomplish before, during, and after the move. Be sure to break down the tasks into smaller, manageable steps to stay organized. The checklist might include:

• Buying the necessary moving supplies
• Canceling, starting, or transferring utility services from one address to another
• Renting a moving truck
• Hiring movers or recruiting friends and family to assist
• Updating your address
• Forwarding your mail
• Cleaning the inside of all appliances (everyone’s favorite!)

Donate Or Throw Away Anything You Don’t Need

It’s time to get decisive about what stays and what goes, any extra items, appliances, or clothing will just slow you down. That shirt you bought 3 years ago and worn once? Gone. The rollerblades you got during the pandemic because you couldn’t think of anything better to do? Gone. The InstaPot you tried once and has been sitting in the back of the pantry ever since? Might be time for it to find a new home.

Ask for Help…and Use It!

Start by deciding if you will need movers or not. If yes, when will you need them? Once you’ve made these decisions, begin asking friends and family if they have any extra time to lend a helping hand. The more help, the merrier the moving. Make sure you’re prepared for the moving crew before it arrives, and know where you want them and how best they can help. Otherwise, you’re wasting time (and you don’t have much to spare!)

Pack Your “Essentials” Bag

This step is the most forgotten, but also the most helpful. Before starting the packing process, pack an overnight bag of everything you can’t live without so that you have access to them while the rest of your life is stored in inaccessible boxes. These essentials might include:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Pajamas
• Shampoo & conditioner
• A change of clothes
• Phone and laptop chargers
• Your everyday essentials, such as wallets and car keys.

Self Storage Can Help Ease the Moving Strain

When moving in a pinch, sometimes it helps to have a storage unit nearby to ease your transition. If you find yourself needing to get your belongings out of your current home before your new one is ready, or you simply want to have more control over when you bring each box, appliance, or piece of furniture into your new place, bringing your belongings to self storage until you are ready for them can take a lot of stress off of your shoulders.

With locations across Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and more, Safeguard Self Storage has plenty of flexible household storage options at convenient locations near you. Find your nearest storage facility and give them a call or rent and reserve your unit online today!

Keep Calm and MOVE On 

Panicking can only slow you down, which is the last thing you need. Take a deep breath, grab that empty box over there, and get to work. Moving can be physically and emotionally draining, so remember to take breaks, stay hydrated, and get enough rest. You’ve got this!

Camping is a fantastic way to reconnect with nature, unwind, and create lifelong memories. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a novice adventurer, this outdoor activity has something for everyone. However, camping is not only about experiencing the beauty of nature but also about protecting your well-being and preserving the environment for future generations. In this blog, we’ll equip you with valuable insights and essential tips to help you stay safe and well-prepared during your camping adventures.

From understanding the importance of proper planning to mastering campsite safety measures, we’ll cover a range of topics to ensure you have a safe and memorable time in the great outdoors. We will discuss essential campfire safety, wildlife encounters, and more topics that every camper should be familiar with. So, let’s dive into this resourceful guide and embark on a journey toward safe and responsible camping!

Enjoy the Warmth Responsibly with Campfire Safety

There’s nothing like gathering around a crackling campfire, sharing stories, and enjoying the warmth and ambiance. However, campfires pose potential risks if not handled with caution. To ensure your campfire experience remains safe and enjoyable, follow these essential campfire safety tips:

• Check the local regulations: Before starting a campfire, research the area’s regulations and any fire restrictions or bans in place.
• Choose a suitable location: Use an existing fire pit or an open area away from overhanging branches, dry grass, and leaves. You can create a makeshift fire pit out of large rocks or stones you find in the area if needed.
• Gather proper firewood: Use untreated wood to build the fire, and collect dry or dead wood from the ground rather than breaking branches off living trees.
• Supervise the fire: Never leave the campfire unattended, and keep any litter or burnable material away from the fire in order to prevent it from spreading outside of the pit.
• Extinguish the fire completely: Always ensure that your match, lighter, or other firestarter is extinguished entirely, and drown the fire with water when you are done with it. Make sure that everything is wet, and no hot embers are left behind underneath the surface.

By following proper campfire safety practices, you can enjoy the warmth and camaraderie of a campfire while minimizing the risk of accidents or environmental damage. Responsible fire management ensures a safer and more sustainable camping experience for everyone!

Wildlife Encounters

Encountering wildlife while camping allows you to appreciate and coexist with nature. However, while these experiences can be thrilling and memorable, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and respect the well-being of the animals. Here are some guidelines for ensuring safe wildlife encounters while camping:

• Maintain distance: Stick to the trails, especially at night, and do not approach any animals that you come across.
• Avoid feeding wild animals: This helps protect you and the animals as some food can harm wild animals
• Make noise and be visible: If you are too quiet, you may startle an animal and cause them to attack. If you make noises as you are moving, they know you are nearby.
• Watch for animal droppings and tracks: This can tell you if an animal is nearby.
• Store food properly: Keep all food and trash securely stored in wildlife-resistant containers. Hang food bags from a tree branch at least 10 feet above the ground.

By following these helpful tips, you can enjoy the beauty of wildlife while minimizing risks and contributing to the conservation of their natural habitats.

Unpredictable Weather Conditions

Camping in the great outdoors exposes you to the beauty and rawness of nature, including its unpredictable weather. Sudden storms, temperature fluctuations, and other challenges can arise unexpectedly. You can be better prepared for various weather conditions by checking the forecast, packing appropriate gear, dressing in layers, and securing your tent. You should also remain mindful of lightning and be aware of shelter nearby in case of an emergency.

Being prepared and staying informed will help you navigate through unexpected weather challenges and make the most of your outdoor adventure.

General Camping Safety Tips & Best Practices

Camping is a wonderful way to engage with nature and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, it's important to prioritize safety to ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping experience. If you’re planning a camping trip, make sure to bring plenty of food and water along with a first-aid kit. Remain aware of your surroundings and expect the unexpected as you prepare for your trip.

Remember, while this guide provides general safety tips, it’s important to adapt them to your specific camping location, local regulations, and personal circumstances. Always research and adhere to any specific guidelines provided by park authorities and camping experts in your area.

Safely Store Your Camping Gear Between Adventures with Safeguard

As you know, quality camping gear is certainly not a small expense. If you’ve spent years of your time and hard-earned money collecting a robust assortment of camping gear, we understand wanting to do whatever it takes to keep those items in top condition for as long as you can. That is why properly storing your belongings between camping trips is critical.

When you get home after an eventful weekend in the woods, you’ll want to spread out all of your camping gear and make sure that everything is dry and clean before putting it back on the shelf.

• Open up your tent, sleeping bags, chairs, and anything else made of fabric and give them some time in the sun in order to fully dry out from any morning dew or rainfall that may have happened overnight. Putting them away wet will result in mold, mildew, and some very unpleasant smells.
• Go through your camp stove, cooking utensils, and other gear used for meal preparation and give it a thorough hand-wash or run through the dishwasher. You don’t want to store anything that may have food particles in it! Make sure these items are all dried off before placing them in storage.

Having a full range of camping gear can take up quite a bit of space, quickly overrunning your garage, shed, basement, or closets at home. If you’ve been grappling with the not-so exciting adventure of finding a place to keep all of your camping supplies between trips, your friends at Safeguard have you covered.

Our residential storage units come in a variety of sizes and useful features, giving you the additional space you need to safely store your camping gear without cluttering up your home. Want to learn more about our offerings, or ready to start renting your own unit? Find a Safeguard Self Storage location near you to speak with a member of our team, or rent and reserve your unit online at any time!