Chicago fans have a keen interest in sports and sports memorabilia, and at such a short distance away, Darien, IL residents are no different. Whether you buy them at shops, search for them at online auction sites or get them directly from the teams and players, collectible sports items can be a fun hobby or a great way to make extra cash. When your sports collection threatens to take over your home, use Safeguard Self Storage to keep it safe and out of the way.

Unique Illinois Sports Collectibles Can Be Valuable

Whether you want to build a personal collection or try your hand at selling or trading sports memorabilia, your state's bounty of famous teams and players make it easy to find hidden gems in local yard sales, flea markets and auctions. Here are a few items you don't want to miss.

• Items autographed by famous local athletes such as Michael Jordan, Frank Thomas, Mike Ditka, Dick Butkus and Walter Payton
• 2005 Chicago White Sox World Series trophy or related memorabilia
• Vintage Chicago Cubs photos from the early 1900s
• Early Chicago team pennants
• Plush Chicago team mascots
• Commemorative programs
• Vintage posters and programs

Store Valuable Items Properly

Once you accumulate enough autographed gloves, collectible figures and jerseys, you may need new storage solutions to help you avoid tripping over sports-themed clutter. To keep your sports memorabilia in top shape, pack and store them carefully with these tips:

Breakable Items. Delicate, breakable items should be wrapped in soft fabric, paper or bubble wrap and placed in sturdy boxes or totes.   

Paper Items. Cards, photos, tickets and other paper items should be stored in catalogs designed to protect them or wrapped in acid-free paper.

Fabric items. Jerseys, pennants and banners should be stored flat and kept at a consistent temperature; folding them or exposing them to extreme heat or cold can cause fabric deterioration and peeling of letters.  

Leather Items. Clean and condition gloves and other leather items before storing, and stuff them with acid-free paper to maintain shape and prevent moisture. 

Keep Your Prized Memorabilia in Pristine Condition

Storing your collections in your attic, basement or garage isn't a good idea. They can easily become damaged by extreme temperatures, water and mold damage, and insects. Storing them in a climate controlled home or commercial self storage unit keeps them dry, clean, safe and unharmed. Safeguard Self Storage also allows you to access your sports treasures any time you desire. If you're selling them at an event or store, you can easily organize large numbers of items for relocation and ensure that no one can gain access to your expensive or rare items without your permission.

With an affordable, convenient alternative to household storage, you'll always have room for the latest additions and the rarest finds. Find a storage unit near your Darien, IL home, and make space for all your valuable collectibles. 

Louisiana is a state rich with history and culture. If you haven’t had the chance to experience everything the area has to offer, it’s time to check out why you should be calling Louisiana “home”. Whether it’s Harvey, Marrero, Baton Rouge, Metairie or New Orleans, Safeguard Self Storage wants to help get you there.

1. There’s a festival for that! But seriously, there’s always cause for celebration here in Louisiana. In fact, more than 400 festivals occur each year ranging from the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, Franklin Parish Catfish Festival and many more. You can almost always count on some delicious food and friendly people.

2. Speaking of food…we’ve got a lot to say. First off, you have to know the difference between “Cajun” and “Creole”. Outside of Louisiana, the words are sometimes used interchangeably, but natives know the difference. The difference in taste is that Creole dishes often use tomatoes while most genuine Cajun food does not. However, if you’re looking for a more historical and in depth comparison, check out this article.

Whether it’s Cajun or Creole, it’s bound to be delicious. Louisiana dishes may sometimes seem strange, but they take pride in turning your opinion around once you get a taste. You’ll get the chance to try gumbo, étouffée, jambalaya, muffuletta, po’boy and red beans and rice. Seafood such as shrimp, crawfish, crabs, oyster and catfish is fresh and plenty. Try hosting a crawfish boil; here’s one of our favorite recipes.

3. Record holding. As far as holding architectural records, Louisiana has got a couple to boast. The state’s capitol building in Baton Rouge is the tallest in the country. Inaugurated in 1932, and standing 450 feet tall (34 stories), it makes quite an impression. While the capitol building boasts height, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway has got length covered. Connecting Metairie and Mandeville and stretching 23.87 miles long, it holds the Guinness World Record for longest continuous bridge over water.

4. “Laissez les bons temps rouler.” Or, “let the good times roll” is the unofficial motto of the state. Whether it’s the musical roots, delicious cuisine, or commitment to having a good time, Louisiana residents are happy and it shows. They love to move at their own pace, keeping things nice, natural, and calm. They reflect the local bayous, or slow moving rivers, just taking life one day at a time.

5. Beignets. Yes, we know we already hit the food part of Louisiana. But beignets deserve their own category. A square of fried dough eaten hot and sprinkled with confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, it’s like a sweet cloud passing over your taste buds. Eat them alone or dip them in chocolate, caramel, or a fruit sauce, then pair your sweet treat with some Community Coffee. Before you know it you’ll be smiling just like the rest of the Louisianans.

Enchanting landscapes, delicious food, and some of the friendliest people around make Louisiana a great place to experience. If living in Louisiana is in your cards, be sure to look at Safeguard’s Storage Facilities in Harvey, Marrero, Baton Rouge, Metairie and New Orleans. Not only will they give you extra space when you settle in, but they’ll make the move much easier. Come enjoy all the excitement Louisiana has to offer, and let Safeguard help get you there.

Miami, Florida's nickname is Magic City, due to its seemingly overnight growth. That kind of growth seems to be reflected in the housing market right now, too. Don't miss your chance to take advantage of this housing market boom. With these starter tips, Safeguard Self Storage will help you get your house staged to sell.

Find Yourself a Storage Unit. No, we promise we aren't just saying this because it's what we do. Finding a storage unit rental to appropriately suit your needs is vital in the home staging process. Let this be the first task on your list, and the rest will come much easier.

Become a minimalist. This is probably one of the most difficult tasks, but it will reap the most benefits when buyers visit. De-cluttering allows potential residents to see themselves living in your home. This means getting rid of almost half of your furniture, including all of those family pictures hanging on the wall. By lessening your personal style, visitors can visualize what their style will look like when they're moved in. Remember – this is what your storage unit is for! You can think of it as your home staging business storage unit.

Find your safe place in neutrals. It can be hard to let go of that room you painted bright pink for your sweet baby girl, or aqua and orange because you're a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan – but sometimes it has to be done. Neutral is a safe place to go and can include colors like beige, ivory, taupe, black, gray and white. By adding neutral accessories your house will speak for itself, letting architecture and details become more prominent.

Battle of the sexes. There's a good chance that you'll have some families and couples coming in to check out your humble abode. Be sure that you are able to appeal to every audience. This means getting rid of the frilly things and throwing the bear hide in the storage unit. Decorations that are too girly or manly can be just too much in general.

Bake some cookies. Well that's one way to do it. The goal is to get rid of any strange odors or scents that may be greeting your visitors as they walk in the door. Baking cookies is a great option and gives home viewers a yummy party favor as they walk through the house. Some stagers prefer boiling some cinnamon sticks in the kitchen, or doing laundry to create a fresh clean scent. With odors such as pet stains, it may take some deep scrubbing and carpet cleaning before they can be hidden. Whatever method you choose, be sure not to overdo it; you don't want to gas out your potential buyers.

There's no second chance on a first impression. Yes, we know you've heard it before, but it's worth repeating. Many times with so much work being done on the inside of a home, it's easy to neglect the outside. However, it can be just the draw that raises passerby curiosity. All it takes is choosing some blooming flowers to bring color to your home's outside aesthetic. Mulch is another option that can add color and a clean touch to your flower or tree beds.

Sometimes the hardest part about staging a home is letting go of your personality, style and memories. However, with the help of a Miami storage unit rental, you'll be able to preserve those. Take steps today to get your house staged and sold in this hot market, and let Safeguard Self Storage get you there.

For many Bronx, New York residents, starting up a business is a dream -- but with tight quarters and hefty prices, sometimes that dream becomes wishful thinking. Safeguard wants to share how self storage can be the sidekick you need to help your business run without running you out of money. Most people think of storage from a private perspective, but it works as the perfect commercial accessory.

Affordability. Money can be tight when you’re running a business. Finding a smaller location can save you money but cause problems later down the line. By having a designated place for business overflow, you’ll be able to solve your space issue. Instead of purchasing another space, it’s time to consider a storage unit to provide the extra room you need. On average, self storage can run almost 60% cheaper than renting a commercial building. You’ll be saving not just money, but also customers by welcoming them into a de-cluttered and organized space.

Functionality. Running a business means hitting inevitable speed bumps along the way. Success lies in how those speed bumps are dealt with. Let’s say you’re running a business out of a fairly small space but are able to get by because you schedule shipments to come during off hours so they can be handled accordingly. Well, it’s Wednesday and your shipment just showed up at noon. You’ve still got a full afternoon ahead of you and two more days left in the week. Your store is full of inventory, customers are turning away, and you’re stuck with no options.

If the business owner had a Safeguard Self Storage unit to take care of these kinds of situations, the problem would be handled with ease. Self storage gives you the chance to store your excess inventory, samples, supplies and paperwork. Our Bronx Boulevard location even offers climate controlled units that will keep computers and electronics in great condition as well as protect important documents from warping or yellowing. Self storage will become your indispensable back up plan that keeps your business running smoothly.

Flexibility. By utilizing a storage unit for your business, it opens the door for new endeavors. Do you want to remodel your store? You have the perfect place to temporarily hold your large furniture and other items. The holidays are coming up and instead of grabbing that box in the hallway that you always seem to trip over, you take a quick ride over to your storage unit where your festive décor has been safely stored. It could even be an option for downsizing or relocating. Regardless of the situation, storage provides you with the cushion to make those decisions happen.

Between affordability, functionality and flexibility, you almost can’t afford not to incorporate self storage into your business. If you’re running a business in Bronx, New York, it’s time to check out our Safeguard Self Storage locations and find a storage unit that will work for your business.

Residents of Chicago keep their passion strong and their opinions public, with good reason. There’s a lot to be proud of and if you’re thinking of moving to The Windy City, we’ll explain what that nickname means and why you (and your stomach) will be very content there. Transitioning to Chicago lifestyle is exciting and whether it’s extra Chicago storage or a temporary space to hold your belongings, Safeguard wants to help get you there to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

1. The best pizza around …ask anyone. Chicago residents are proud of their cuisine, and they’ll show it. Asking a local will open the door to an extensive and passionate defense of why they bring home the gold in the pizza world. The most famous is their signature deep-dish pizza. It’s baked in a round pan, which out of towners would normally use for something like a cake. This allows for a high edge and deep surface to put all the pizza goods. Throw on a generous amount of cheese and some chunky tomato sauce and you’ve got yourself a Chicago-style pizza. Claimed to have possibly been the first to coin Chicago-style pizza, Pizzeria Uno is a top contender. For more prized pizza locations, check out this list that outlines the best of them.

2. The best hot dog around…and keep the ketchup to yourself. It starts with the poppy seed bun, and within rests only the finest all-beef hotdog. It’s all about the toppings, making the dog sometimes referred to as being “dragged through the garden.” You’ll be enjoying yellow mustard, chopped white onions, sweet green pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, and a dash of celery salt. If you even hint at needing ketchup, you will be finding your own ride home. In fact, many hot dog vendors don’t even have the “k” word to offer you. It’s a dog eat dog competition, but here’s a list of some of the best in show.

3. The best Italian Beef Sandwich around…and they know it. If you have not had the chance to savor one of these works of art, you’re missing out on thin slices of seasoned roast beef, soaked in meat juices on a long Italian-style roll. You can find giardiniera (pickled vegetables in either vinegar or oil), which is many times just referred to as “hot”, or sweet green Italian peppers, referred to as “sweet”. This crafted sandwich originated in Chicago, and they still claim to do it best. Here’s a list of the top Italian Beef joints that will satisfy your savory needs. 

4. They’re athletic, too! This one is not about food, we promise. Chicago sports fans are proud and devoted. They cheer on five major professional sports teams; baseball, football, basketball, hockey and soccer. They include the Chicago Bears football team, the Chicago Cubs baseball team, the Chicago White Sox baseball team, the Chicago Bulls basketball team, the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team, and the Chicago Sky women’s basketball team. There’s a lot to be proud of, even if the Cubs still haven’t broken the curse of the goat. The Blackhawks seem to make up for it after winning the 2015 Stanley cup (for the sixth time in history). Whether you’re a Sox fan, Cubs fan, or maybe soccer is more your thing, there is a fiery Chicago passion that stands behind each team.

5. The Windy City. Yes, that’s the nickname, but it might have come from a different place that you presumed. Although you will catch gusts of wind now and again and the weather is a convenient explanation for the name, it actually derives from a political background. (If you’re looking for the actual windiest city, check out Brockton, Massachusetts, or the other six Massachusetts cities ranking in the top 10). Rather, the nickname actually refers to a history of boastful, long-winded leaders. The first known reference to “The Windy City” was in the Cincinnati Enquirer in 1876 when the two cities were in the midst of political tension.  While the term stuck, the intentions have changed and most people actually believe the nickname refers to the city’s blustery elements.

Not only does Chicago have the eats, but it has the passion, the history, and the people to make it a great place to live. If you’ve had Sinatra’s “Chicago” running through your head for a few months now, it’s time to make the move. Safeguard wants to help make the transition easy with self storage so you’ll be cutting into deep dish pizza before you know it.

The township of Holmdel, New Jersey offers picturesque beauty to residents – and located almost directly in the center is the innovative research and development facility known as Bell Labs. Opened more than 50 years ago, this facility is credited with the creation of the transistor, the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation, and notable work in the Big Bang Theory

With such rich history in the sciences, you might be inspired to create your own lab space at home. But creating one takes work, from choosing the right space to moving clutter to self storage. Safeguard Self Storage can help, so you can start experimenting in your personal lab! We've got a few tips on how you can create your own now.

The Requirements of a Home Lab

Transforming one of your rooms into a home science lab starts with choosing the right location. The lab will require several features:

• Work surface. Labs can take up a large amount of counter space. Besides space for the experiment itself, you’ll need room for a microscope, supplies, notebook, chemicals, and so on. Ten square feet is the bare minimum with two designated areas: Space for performing the actual experiments and an area for prep and recording notes. Protect surfaces with mats.
• Storage. Securing storage space in your lab is important for keeping equipment and chemicals safe. This is especially important for any hazardous materials. Don’t store general household items with your chemicals, and make sure these items aren’t easily accessible by children or pets.
• Ventilation. Experiments may cause toxic fumes, odors or smoke. Ventilating your work area and guiding these fumes outdoors is important for your comfort and safety. An open window with exhaust fan is sufficient, but an exhaust hood is ideal. Work outdoors if an experiment produces lots of fumes or smoke.
• Lighting. Ensure the area is well lit, so you can perform experiments safely and avoid dangerous errors. Use table lamps or portable light sources if the overhead lighting isn’t sufficient.
• Electrical outlets. Make sure you have plenty of access to electrical sources. Various pieces of equipment will require electricity, and any extra lighting will also need to be plugged in.
• Water and sewer. While not essential, access to running water and a sewer connection will make life in your home lab easier.
• Flooring. At some point, you will most likely spill something on the floor. Should that happen, it’s best to have linoleum or sheet vinyl as your flooring material. If it’s concrete, paint it with epoxy-based floor paint to prevent absorption or staining.

Choosing a Room for Your Lab

Many rooms can be viable options for a home lab, even if they don’t have all the features you need. Consider which room is the best option for you and then start the transformation:

1. Kitchen. With plenty of work space, storage, access to water, and the correct flooring, the kitchen might be an ideal place for a home lab. A kitchen also has good ventilation, access to electricity and is well lit. However, storing chemicals near your food can be dangerous. If the kitchen is your only option, take extreme care to prevent contamination. Protect surfaces with a durable, chemical-resistant mat, and make sure to clean everything thoroughly after each experiment. Store equipment and chemicals separately from all kitchen related items. 
2. Laundry room. Laundry rooms generally have everything you need to create a lab. You’ll have to be aware of any spills or clean up to ensure that any clothes in the area stay damage-free.
3. Basement/Garage. Basements and garages are pretty similar locations when considering lab setup. There is usually plenty of storage space and work surfaces available, or can be easily installed if necessary. The floor is also usually concrete and electrical power is available, though ventilation and water supply can be a concern for a basement lab. Also, garages don’t usually have water supply and lack climate control.

While basements and garages may not have certain beneficial features, they very well could be the only option you have for a home lab and may be the best choice for people who don’t want their lab to overflow into their everyday lives.

Moving Extra Clutter to Self Storage

Once you’ve chosen your space for the lab, start de-cluttering by moving unnecessary belongings to a nearby commercial storage space. Move boxed items from your garage or basement to a Holmdel storage unit so it’s safe and out of the way. Large items that are rarely used are right at home in a self storage space, too.

Map out exactly how much counter space and household storage you’ll need for your home lab. Also consider how much room you’ll want for your own comfort. When you know the space that your home lab requires, moving extra clutter to nearby self storage will be much easier. Safeguard Self Storage in Holmdel is equipped with top of the line security features, so you can rest easy knowing your belongings are safe – and start experimenting worry-free. Figure out how much clutter you need to store, and find the storage unit to fit your needs.  

Louisiana is home to one of the world’s most fascinating cities, and is a unique mix of culture, food, and music. But while most people seek out Louisiana for the Big Easy, Baton Rouge offers a variety of activities for kayakers and canoers alike. Discover the hidden treasure that cause kayakers to seek out Baton Rogue, LA, then grab your kayak from your Safeguard Self Storage units and prep it for the ride of your life.

Get Your Kayak Ready for the Water

Proper storage is key to keeping a kayak in top condition for years to come. Many kayaks can deform or bend over time if the boat’s weight isn’t distributed evenly. Plastic hulls are more susceptible to damage, but deformation can occur with fiberglass and wooden boats as well. If you followed the proper procedures when you stored your kayak at the end of last season, then damage should be minimal – if any. Storing your kayak in a Baton Rouge storage unit should add extra protection from harsh elements throughout the year.

Now that kayak season is back in force, it’s time to get your kayak ready to hit the water. Follow these maintenance and upkeep tips and start paddling down Ward Creek or the Blind River.

• Fixing a depressed hull. If stored improperly, the hull of your kayak can become deformed or depressed. Use the sun to help you restore a depressed hull. Heat can help restore a kayak to its original shape. Leave your kayak in the sun for a day, and it will most likely pop back to its original shape.
• Check parts for damage. UV rays can damage parts over time, and if you didn’t replace these parts before storing your kayak, they’ll need to be replaced before casting off. Look at the rigging, hardware, bungees and perimeter lines to ensure they’re in good shape. If you’re kayak has a rudder or skeg, check the deployment lines, cables, pedals, and pivot hardware. Repair or replace anything that that needs it now! You don’t want to be caught in open water with a faulty part.
• Repairing structural damages. The material of your kayak will determine how easy it is to fix cosmetic damages such as scratches, holes and gouges. Boats made from composite plastics – like Fiberglass and Kevlar – have an outer gelcoat that resists scratching better than boats made from polyethylene. The glossy finish may make the scratches more apparent but it can easily be polished. Major structural damage can also be patched, and even whole sections of the hull can be rebuilt.
• Replace accessories. Getting ready for a new season may also require new gear, such as a bulkhead or seat. Check out your current gear to decide if anything is worth replacing or if you want to add any new features you missed last year, like a rod holder.
• Stock up on emergency gear. Make sure your kayak is fully stocked with an emergency repair kit, first-aid kit, and bailout bag.
• Wash and wax. While storing your kayak in personal storage can keep it protected from most dust and dirt, it’s still beneficial to give your kayak a thorough cleaning before hitting the water. After washing and drying your kayak, apply quality wax to protect it from harmful UV radiation. 

Kayaking in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Now that your boat is ready to hit the water, you can plan your must-visit spots for the season. Baton Rouge has a surprising amount of pristine kayak locations, and we’re letting you in on this city’s best kept secrets.

Paddle Abandoned Fort Proctor at Lake Borgne. On the shores of Lake Borgne lays the abandoned 19^th century Fort Proctor, built to protect water routes toward New Orleans. Due to delays and the outbreak of the Civil War, the fort was never garrisoned and its design was obsolete after end of war artillery improvements. To reach this destination, launch off at Shell Beach, travel through the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet (MRGO), navigate through the Bayou Yscolskey, and a few hundred feet into Lake Borgne. The fort has endured well over the years, and provides a fun day of exploration.

Greenwood Community Park. The 18-acre lake in Greenwood Community Park is a great place for new kayakers to test their skills, or for your first paddle of the season. Kayak and canoe rentals are available on site if you don’t bring your own. The park is located off Highway 19 in Baker, and provides beautiful views. You can launch easily off the marked wooden docks.

Bayou Fountain at Highland Road Park.  Paddle through beautiful trash-free trails that are marked by handmade mile markers. Start at Highland Road Park and travel to Manchec Park for a total of around 6 miles. This route is great for beginners, and is moderately easy to get in the water when the levels are high. The launch point is through the woods. 

There are many kayaking trips to discover in Louisiana. Start exploring this state today to find a waterway that calls to you. And when the season ends, protect your kayak from the elements by storing it in a personal Safeguard Self Storage unit. 

While it’s not home to the stars, Hollywood, Florida still attracts a variety of residents and businesses to its sandy shores. Safeguard Self Storage joins the ranks of people and organizations that are proud to call this beachfront community home. Safeguard closed on the purchase, its 67th store nationwide, on June 22, 2015. Located at 3090 Sheridan Street, our newly acquired Hollywood storage facility is directly across from Topeekeegoo Yugnee Park and conveniently near I-95.

Allan Sweet, Chief Executive Officer of Safeguard Self Storage said, "Safeguard's strong capital position enabled us to complete the acquisition in just 42 days from execution of the contract to closing. This acquisition complements the company's aggressive ground-up development."

Learn more about this facility and all it has to offer Hollywood residents!

Storage Units and Options

“The high quality of this store made completion of the acquisition easier than expected and helps provide deepening critical mass for us in this market." said James Goonan, Senior Vice President of Development, who led the effort to acquire this store for the Safeguard portfolio.

Much like the city it calls home, the Hollywood storage facility is larger than life! There are 1,920 storage units available that come in a variety of sizes and options, and 128,797 leasable square feet – meaning we always have room for you. Climate controlled storage units range from 12 square feet (3x4) to 250 square feet (10x25). These units are ideal for protecting items from the Florida heat, and ensure that any extreme temperature changes aren’t felt by your sensitive belongings. Convenient drive-up storage units are also available for easy packing and unpacking, and quick access ability. Ranging from 50 square feet (5x10) to 400 square feet (10x40), you can fit everything from boxes of seasonal clothing to the contents of entire rooms. Parking spaces are available in two sizes: 10x20 and 10x40. Whether you have a car, boat, or even RV, we’ll save a spot for you.

Security Features

The name of the company says it all: Safeguard. And our storage facilities throughout the U.S. are equipped with top of the line security features, no matter what city you call home. The Hollywood, Florida facility features these same security measures. Your storage unit is fully fenced in with computer controlled access to keep any would-be trespassers out; only tenants get a unique pin for entry. Additionally, the premises are equipped with digital video recording and is fully lit, so you can feel secure day or night.

Special Offerings

Many of our facilities offer special features for customer convenience, and the Hollywood location is no exception. Deliveries are accepted on-site, so you don’t ever have to worry about packages sitting on your doorstep or having to wait at home to sign for a package. Moving supplies are also sold on-site in case you run out while you’re unpacking.

Whether you need a place to store your boat during the off season, or an off-site home for your comic book collection, Safeguard Self Storage in Hollywood, Florida has a space ready for you.

“We look forward to getting to know and serve the residents and business people of Hollywood. It's a great community and we're proud to be part of it," said Ken Finlay, Senior Vice President of Operations.

Contact our facility today and our helpful staff will help you find the space that serves your storage needs!

As people gather throughout the United States to celebrate the birth of American independence, Safeguard Self Storage wants to reflect on the events that led up to this great day, and the city where it all started. Whether you're grilling out with family or enjoying the local fireworks show, let us take some time to remember the day the U.S. declared independence from Great Britain – and why Philadelphia, PA is one very important city.

The Birth of a Nation

The Revolutionary War started in April 1775, at which time few colonists wanted complete independence from Great Britain. Any colonist who wanted complete independence where considered radical. By mid-1776, many colonists favored independence due to growing hostility. The Second Continental Congress met on June 7 at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia and Richard Henry Lee made a motion calling for independence. While the consideration of Lee's resolution was postponed on June 11, a five-man committee was appointed to draft a formal statement declaring independence from Great Britain. This team consisted of: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin and Robert. R. Livingston.

The Declaration of Independence

Lee's resolution of independence was voted in by a near-unanimous vote on July 2. The Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, which was written mainly by Jefferson. Even though the vote for independence took place on July 2, the birth of American independence was celebrated on the 4th of July. John Adams believed that the birth American independence should be celebrated on July 2, and even declined invitations to attend July 4th events as protest.

Copies of the Declaration of Independence were distributed on July 5, and The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the document on July 6. The first public readings of the Declaration were held on July 8 in Philadelphia's Independence Square – accompanied by band music and the ringing of the bells.

Early Celebrations of Independence Day

As the Declaration of Independence spread across the country, people celebrated with bonfires, firing of canons and muskets, and concerts. The first annual celebration of independence took place in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777; they adjourned Congress and celebrated with bells, fireworks and bonfires. These celebrations eventually spread throughout the country, and observations became more common when the War of 1812 ended. In 1781, Massachusetts became the first state to mark July 4th an official state holiday. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday in 1870; this was expanded in 1941 to be a paid holiday for all federal employees. 

Safeguard Celebrates Independence

While the political importance may have declined since the birth of Independence Day, this national holiday remains an important symbol of patriotism. As you fire up the grill this holiday and gather with friends and family, it's important to know what you're celebrating. When the fireworks die down and the parade route ends, remember that Safeguard Self Storage offers security, stability and independence from clutter all year. Celebrate your individual independence by using self storage to serve your needs. Find a storage facility near you and get ready to celebrate year-round.

Just because you love the sun here in Magic City doesn't mean you don't have a wonderful winter wardrobe. Still, those warm threads crowd closets and drawers, so make a summer resolution this year. Promise to pamper your winter clothes with Safeguard Self Storage, and pledge to keep your Miami, FL home organized year-round.

Keep ‘em Clean

Before storing, it’s important to run all your clothes through the wash. That hot chocolate stain from cooler days will only get darker and harder to get out. Remove stains now and make your job a lot easier in the future.

Stack Your Sweaters

Nobody wants four shoulders, but if you hang your clothes during the winter months that’s exactly what you’ll get. Sweaters fall victim to hanger shoulders because they tend to be a little bit heavier than other garments. A good organizational tactic is to loosely stack your sweaters, keeping the heaviest on the bottom.  

If You’ve Gotta Hang It…

But what about the clothes that you have to hang? In this case, try to avoid plastic hanging bags. Although they may seem the most secure, they actually tend to hold in moisture and do not get enough air circulation. A more beneficial alternative would be wrapping your hanging clothes in a breathable fabric.

Swing By

It’s a good idea to keep tabs on your stored clothing. This way, you get the opportunity to switch out what you aren’t using in your home, and take what you need from storage.  Do not abandon your storage unit, but use it to your advantage.

It's great to liberate closet space and organize drawers, but always leave one warm sweater at home for an occasional cool Dade County evening. Whether you're stashing winter coats or a sail boat, your options at Safeguard Self Storage in Miami, FL range from storage lockers to drive-up units. Be prepared to fall in love with affordable self storage, and make it a permanent part of seasonal organizing traditions all year long.