Your special keepsakes take up too much space. You love them, but you need to make room for new treasures or something that’s simply useful. You have plenty of self storage solutions here in Chicago, IL, but how do you prep, pack, and stash favorite things? This quick guide offers keepsake storage tips and tricks.

Protect Precious Things

Whether it's Star Wars action figures or memorabilia from Chicago's 1933 World's Fair, everything stays sheltered in climate-controlled storage units. Protect your precious belongings with smart packing strategies.

• Blanket keepsakes in bubble wrap before boxing.
• Pack heavier items first and lightest treasures last.
• Don't overstuff boxes with delicate things that break easily.
• Keep larger fragile keepsakes on shelves in your unit.
• Clearly label boxes and then make an inventory.

Preserve Paper Treasures

Paper keepsakes might be old photographs, family records, or even a vintage comic book collection. Preserve your paper treasures in self storage where everything stays protected from humidity and temperature extremes.

• Slip photos into individual acid-free sleeves.
• File important records in archival folders.
• Store valuable comics in mylar bags.
• Place protected paper keepsakes in lidded plastic bins.
• Keep bins off the unit floor on palettes or tiered shelving.

Curate Favorite Artwork

Your favorite images may not be museum quality, but to you, they're irreplaceable. Climate-controlled storage units are essential for curating oil paintings, watercolors and pastels. These tips keep artwork protected in storage.

• Cover oil painting canvases with wax paper.
• Wrap individual pieces in archival tissue paper.
• Cushion frames and glass with acid-free mat board.
• Elevate artwork on palettes, and drape with light muslin sheets.

Secure Holiday Treasures

Stashing holiday decorations in self storage protects the fragile ornaments, mantel decorations, and special heirlooms that make the season sparkle. Preserve family traditions and save closet space by securing your holiday treasures.

• Store small, delicate ornaments in egg cartons.
• Pad individual boxes of decorations with bubble wrap.
• Keep boxed collections in plastic bins with snug lids.
• Label bins with lists that make it easier to sort through decorations.

We Keep Your Keepsakes Sheltered

Don't worry about your Cubs bobblehead collection. Your John Hancock Center tree ornament is protected with us, too. If you love it but you don't have room for it, we have 13 convenient facilities across Chicago, IL. You can depend on Safeguard for storage units that keep your keepsakes covered. Reserve a unit today!

Some people complain about not having enough days in the week to do what they want. Here's some good news for you all: It's a leap year, which gives you exactly one more day in February to get out and explore your Chicago surroundings, or even stay in and catch up on all of your chores or activities. There are so many ways we can take advantage of this day in Chicago, such as heading out to the orchid show at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Whatever you like to do, it’s a great feeling knowing you have one more day this year to make the most of it! Safeguard Self Storage is sharing a few ideas to get you started.

5 Things to Do on Leap Day

1. Attend the Pedway Brunch Tour.

It might still be winter in Chicago, but the Pedway has heat and plenty of stories waiting for you. The tour starts with breakfast at the Hyatt Regency, followed by a walking tour and brunch at the American Craft Kitchen. If you're worried about calories, you'll burn them off on your walks along the Pedway.

2. Check out the orchid exhibition.

The orchid show takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features more than 10,000 orchids. Bring a camera for some fantastic shots, and chill out indoors where it's warm and filled with fragrant blooms. 

3. Get started on spring-cleaning.

Why wait until March or April when you can knock out your spring-cleaning chores on the last day in February. If you're running out of household storage space, now's the perfect time to gather up unused items and donate them to charity. You can even use self storage as a way to make space in an old bedroom and convert it into an office or a study.

4. Veg out for the day.

Go ahead and chill out for the day; you deserve it after all the work you do. Take this extra day to binge-watch shows on Netflix or to lounge on the couch. You can also do both of those things and knock out two birds with one stone.

5. Visit the Shedd Aquarium.

Chicago, IL is packed full of history and science museums, including nature centers like the Shedd Aquarium. Head over to this warm, indoor public aquarium for an afternoon. It has 32,000 different animals on display and various exhibitions to enjoy on your extra day.

Make the Most of Your Leap Day Opportunities

Whether you're looking to visit a nearby attraction or stay in and tackle your lack of household storage, leap day gives you the time to make it all happen. If you decide to spring-clean, use Safeguard Self Storage to store your belongings and make a fresh start for the rest of the year!