Whether you’re a Florida native or visiting for a quick trip, you may have fishing on your mind.

The waters of Florida offer a variety of fish species to catch year-round. In the summer, five types of fish stand out as an angler’s preferred target.

Get your fishing gear out of your Safeguard Self Storage unit and be ready to reel in some big ones!

Gars

Gars are one of the easiest fish to recognize in Florida. These fish have long bodies and flat-shaped heads. One species, the alligator gar, can reach up to ten feet in length.

While fishing in the Florida Panhandle, you may encounter these fish. They primarily can be found in stagnant or slow-moving water such as swamps or canals.

Minnows and artificial lures are a good bait to use for this fish. These fish may put up a fight while being reeled in, so using a longer fishing rig will help keep you out of the way from their thrashing and sharp teeth.

Alligator gar are a protected species in Florida, so you cannot possess one without a special license.

Tarpons

If you are looking for a unique challenge, the tarpon may be the solution. They prefer to breed in a saltwater environment but can survive in a freshwater one as well.

Not only are these fish less common, but they also are large in size and feisty in spirit. They can grow up to seven feet in length. 

Unless you have a special license, tarpon are catch and release. To catch these incredible fish, bait such as shrimp, small fish, or some artificial lures can be successful. Tarpons can be found in the Florida Keys, the Everglades, and Tampa Bay to start.

Largemouth Bass

Florida’s official freshwater fish is the largemouth bass. People come from all over the world to fish for these guys.

If you plan to catch one in Florida, you may look in large lakes, rivers, or even swamps and ponds.

Some fishermen recommend a fluke lure to catch largemouth bass, while others swear by live shriners.

Florida law has no minimum length limit for catching largemouth bass.

Snook

The common snook fish is a fish that is active in the summer in Florida.

There are four species of snook and they usually weigh between five and 10 pounds.

Snook are highly sought-after fish around inshore Florida. Their maneuvers to escape after being hooked make them challenging fish to catch.

Snook can be lured onto your reel by an artificial crab or shrimp. Typically snook can be found in lagoons or mangroves, tending to seek out warmer water and not straying much farther north than the St. Augustine area.

The guidelines for catch and release of snook change frequently, so make sure to check before your fishing trip.

Catfish

Another easily recognizable fish is the catfish due to their whisker-like barbells.

There are a few species of catfish present throughout Florida, but the best spots to fish for them may be the Choctawhatchee River, the Yellow River, Orange county, and Lake Okeechobee.

Catfish typically won’t pass up any type of bait being offered, though they are partial to bait with strong odors.

This type of fish makes for a common dinner meal and are easy to catch, making them a favorite species for fishermen.

Store Your Fishing Gear at Safeguard Self Storage

Once you’ve caught all your fish and are done for the summer season, find one of Safeguard Self Storage’s easily accessible Florida storage facilities to store your fishing and camping gear.

Contact us today to learn about the storage units near you!

When winter rolls around and the temperature starts to drop, the time comes once again for the annual migration southward. Snowbirding is a long held tradition among Northerners who can’t, or don't want, to handle the ferocity of winter. While most snowbirds are retirees who can afford to split time between north and south, there has been an increase in younger snowbirds in recent years. With winter right around the corner, now’s the best time to highlight our top snowbirding locations.

Essentials of Snowbirding in Florida

Before we dive right into our top snowbirding locations, we should discuss the must-have elements of a good snowbirding spot. First and foremost, the weather needs to be warm year round. If you have to worry about snow and ice, what’s the point of snowbirding? Florida is the most popular state for snowbirds for exactly this reason. 

You’ll also need places to stay, such as rental communities or RV resorts, that fit with your personal lifestyle. For the extroverts out there, you’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of access to community activities near the place you’re staying. When you’ve settled on the way you want to stay, you can begin looking for the ideal locations for your snowbird adventure.

Bradenton, FL

On the Manatee River as it flows into Tampa Bay, Bradenton is one of Florida’s Gulf Coast communities. Bradenton has several rental communities and RV parks that give options of how you stay as well as having many different options for things to do. The South Florida Museum is a one stop destination for many different educational opportunities. In recent years, downtown Bradenton has become an art district with sites like the Village of the Arts. You can also easily visit the city of Tampa if you’re looking for big city thrills. For an excellent coastal city, Bradenton is a great place to stay for the winter.

Cortez, FL

Cortez is a village by Bradenton in prime position for beach access and fishing. Gulf Coast beaches are just a few minutes drive away from Cortez, and the marinas and fishing charters mean that you can easily find some great spots to cast a line. The Florida Maritime Museum is also in Cortez if you would like to learn more about maritime history. You can find great locations to stay right on the water or further inland.

Seffner, FL

Seffner is a quiet suburb of Tampa on the route to Plant City. It offers several rental options both in the village and in neighboring Mango. It borders Lake Weeks and Lake Hooker, with Lake Weeks in particular being well-known for its fishing and its Spanish Moss. While Seffner isn’t coastal, it is close to Tampa, so you’ll still have easy access to the beach and ocean. You can also find six public parks and a local animal conservation center. Seffner is an excellent choice for fishermen as well as snowbirds looking to be near a big city without being in the middle of things.

Tamarac, FL

Tamarac is located in the Miami metropolitan area near Fort Lauderdale. It features several RV parks as well as rental options for snowbirds. If you love golf, Tamarac is a great place to winter with multiple courses within the limits of the suburb. You can also easily access the rest of the Miami area and visit the beaches of Fort Lauderdale. For soccer fans, DRC PNK Stadium, home of Inter Miami CF, is also nearby down Commercial Boulevard. If you’re looking for a place to spend the winter near Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac is an ideal choice.

Largo, FL

Largo is another city in the Tampa Bay area with a wide range of various housing options. With RV parks and multiple housing communities in the area, you can find a location that fits your specific needs for proximity or amenities. Largo has been named the Arbor Day Tree city 32 times as of writing due to its sheer amount of urban vegetation. With golf courses, beaches, botanical gardens, and more, Largo is an excellent location to hole up for the winter. 

Snowbird Storage with Safeguard Self Storage 

Bringing your belongings back and forth from north to south every year comes with the territory of being a snowbird. What if you could lessen the load by leaving behind some of the items you only use at your winter home? Safeguard Self Storage offers storage solutions in each of the best snowbird locations in Florida. When you pack up to return home, leave some of your belongings with us and save yourself the hassle of bringing them back every spring. We provide a wide selection of storage unit sizes and types, allowing you to find the right unit for you. Find a Safeguard storage facility near you today!

The sun and rain beat down on roofs across Miami Gardens, FL, causing a lot of damage over time. If you don't take the time to inspect your roof every year, you might overlook certain problems that could cost you thousands of dollars in the future. Safeguard Self Storage has a few reasons why you should schedule a roof inspection and how it could benefit you in the long run.

3 Benefits of a Roof Inspection

It will catch problems early.

Even though it's out in the open, it's easy to overlook your roof. Years of sunshine, rain, hail, and other weather situations take their toll on the shingles. An inspection will find spots where the shingles have worn, split, or torn away from the roof. It can also catch other problems that could cost you later, such as areas where the gutters are dipping and about to break away from the fascia.

It can save you money in the long run.

Catching those problems will save your bank account. Repairing and replacing a roof can cost thousands of dollars. If you schedule an inspection, you'll catch anything that could lead to a massive problem later. A leaky roof will cause water to pool in the attic, leading to mold growth and structural damage. If you store furniture, clothing, and other items in the attic, the water could damage or destroy them altogether. Placing those items in a storage unit at Safeguard will keep them protected from a leaky roof.

It can raise your home's value.

New shingles or attic insulation can increase your home's resale value. If you're selling your home or plan to in the future, having a recent roof inspection with a passing grade is a great selling point. If you're planning to put in new insulation, you'll need to perform an inspection first. Otherwise, leaks will ruin the insulation and cost you double the money.

A Storage Unit Gets Things Out of the Way

The weather in Miami Gardens, FL, is no friend to residential roofs. A leaky roof not only threatens your home's structural integrity; it can also damage your belongings in the attic. Whether you need a place to store your belongings from leaks or while you're putting in new attic insulation, Safeguard has a storage unit to keep your things safe and protected from heat, water, and humidity damage in South Florida. Reserve a unit today!

You see it on reality TV all the time. Why couldn’t it happen to you? You might have valuable antiques stashed at your Miami Shores, FL, storage facility. Look through your unit for these 10 hidden treasures and have fun uncovering their real value!

10 Valuable Antiques You May Have Stashed Away

Retro Video Games

Video games from the 1990s are today’s hot collectibles. Liberate yours from storage, check online listings for similar titles, and score big bucks.

Vinyl Records

They’re making a comeback because of their “warm” sounds. If they’ve been kept in climate-controlled storage, vinyl should be ready to play for profit.

Card Collections

From Star Wars to baseball legends, collectible card sets gather dust in storage. Dig yours out and compare current prices on different auction sites.

Old Comic Books

If they date back to the 1960s, they may have powerful resale potential. Many old comic books in storage are valuable antiques prized by collectors willing to pay a premium.

Classic Toys

From Barbie dolls to Super Soaker guns, classic toys are always a fun way to cash in on stored treasures. Anything in original packaging is usually worth extra dollars.

Timeless Books

First editions by J.K. Rowling, Dr. Seuss, and A.A. Milne are great examples of valuable finds in storage. Check online sites that track the prices of old books.

Antique Furniture

That 1950s dining set in your storage unit is officially an antique. Rummage through old furniture and show promising pieces to a local antique appraiser.

Heirloom China and Silverware

Dust off stored china and silverware. Compare their marks to online examples. You may have heirloom tableware highly valued by collectors.

Costume Jewelry

It doesn’t have to be real to be valuable. Unbox those bracelets, brooches, and rings. Look for designer names like Trifari, Haskell, and Sarah Coventry.

Commemorative Newspapers

In 2010, a box of newspapers published the day Elvis died sold for $90,000. Did you save copies of a special edition that might be considered history today?

Keep Your Valuable Antiques From Harm

As you begin to uncover treasures hidden in storage, don’t make the mistake of taking them home. Leave everything in your climate-controlled storage unit here in Miami Shores, FL, or any of our 8 other Miami Area Locations. Let your valuable antiques age gracefully until it’s time to sell. Count on Safeguard to keep them secure!

The tiny house movement in Pompano Beach, FL, gets bigger every year. It's a lifestyle that comes with some restrictions, but it's an alternative that offers freedom too. If you're on your way down the road to ultimate downsizing, get ready for an amazing experience.

The Benefits of Living Small

Living small doesn't mean giving up the good life. Your focus on getting by with less comes with a surprising number of advantages. Get ready to enjoy the benefits of living in a little house:

• Lower utility bills and maintenance costs
• Significantly reduced energy consumption
• A smaller carbon footprint in an eco-friendly home
• Renewed commitment to decluttering with self storage
• The satisfaction of living large with just the essentials

Downsizing Before the Move

The things you think you want aren't always the things you really need. The transition from a traditional house to 400 square feet puts it all in focus:

• Start downsizing by tackling one room at a time.
• Lease a self storage unit to hold things as you organize the move.
• Give old belongings new life by donating to local charities.
• Sell extra valuables through online listings and auctions.

Organizing Your Tiny House

You don't have a single square inch to waste in your new little home. Turn that constraint into a creative force for organizing every space from floor to ceiling.

• Max out closets with double-hung clothes rods.
• Mount single shelves over windows and doors.
• Save space with bench storage and sofa beds.
• Hang pots and pans from the kitchen ceiling.
• Make extra space with floor-to-ceiling corner shelves.

Tips That Make Tiny Easier

As you turn your tiny house into a tiny home, don't let old habits clutter up new interiors. Keep your small spaces wide open with these room-saving tips.

• Ask friends to donate house-warming gifts to charities.
• Zone rooms into areas that serve multiple functions.
• Move one thing out for each new thing you move in.
• Use self storage as a backup for seasonal decluttering.

Storage Solutions That Fit

Enjoy keeping things simple and living large in your new small space. We're here to help with affordable storage units in Pompano Beach, FL, and all across the Broward County area. When you need storage solutions that always fit, we're always just around the corner.

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.

Nothing can put a damper on moving day quite like not being equipped with all the packing supplies you need. Whether you're relocating out of state or just across Pompano Beach, FL, our self storage experts recommend getting ready for the move with these essential packing supplies.

Make Moving Easy: 10 Must-Have Packing Supplies

Fresh Cardboard Boxes

Moving boxes should be like storage units: clean and secure. Old cardboard boxes hide problems like mold, mildew, and bugs, so buy fresh containers at your nearest storage facility.

Plenty of Bubble Wrap

This packing essential comes in a variety of configurations. Stock up on perforated sheets, pocket-shaped pouches, and bags with self-sealing tops.

Tissue and Wrapping Paper

Tissue paper is ideal for fragile treasures while wrapping paper works best with non-breakables. Avoid newspaper because its print can stain belongings.

Cardboard Dividers

Cardboard separators turn moving cartons into portable self storage units for small items. The dividers add strength to boxes while they keep breakables protected.

Packing Tape, Dispensers and Box Cutters

When you buy packing tape, invest in tape guns and box cutters. These simple tools let you securely seal and quickly open packed moving cartons.

Labels and Markers

Apply large, clearly marked labels to all your boxes. Use bright felt-tip pens to color-code packed cartons by room.

1. Wardrobe Boxes: Take care of clothes during the move with these sturdy cardboard closets. Each unit features a hanging rack and front access panel. Many models include attached carrying handles.
2. Mover's Stretch Wrap: Wrap this plastic around furniture to secure drawers and seat cushions. Use it to bundle, fasten, and bind boxes and belongings. The versatile wrap sticks to itself without leaving any residue.
3. Furniture Pads and Blankets: Moving can be rough on oversized items, so protect fabric and trim with furniture pads and blankets. Use your mover's stretch wrap to secure pads around couches, chairs, and even appliances.
4. Cotton Mattress Bags: When you finally get to the new address, you want a good night's sleep. A cotton mattress bag keeps your bed fresh and dust-free even through a long-distance move.

Make Us Your Moving Supply Source

You don't have to travel far to get ready for a move. We carry everything you need at our Pompano Beach, FL facility and multiple locations across the state. When you need the best moving supplies and storage units in Florida, you can count on us here at Safeguard Self Storage. Rent a unit today, and make your move an easier one.

If you're an active member of the military, you know how quickly relocations turn things upside down. Deployment brings its own set of challenges. If you're looking at retirement, downsizing might be an option. Storage units in Coconut Creek, FL and across the state offer solid benefits for those times when your military life is in transition.

More Room Living On-Base

Whether you're living in barracks or family housing, tight quarters are a fact of on-base life. Nearby self storage lets you expand with extra room for holding everything from additional gear to personal items, and affordable units mean your hard-earned cash goes far. Climate controlled storage units are also a big plus especially here in Florida.

Secure Relocation Readiness

When you receive Permanent Change of Station orders, you don't have time to waste. A storage facility close to the base gives you the security of always being ready for relocation. You have quick access to belongings, packing supplies are available on site, and carts and dollies make shipping out easier.

You can also scout ahead for storage close to your new base. Most facilities feature online location maps, pricing and availability details, and tools for estimating unit space.

Reliable Deployment Strategies

Deployment is never easy, but keeping core belongings in storage can help. You know everything remains within our gates 24/7 with site-wide security systems. Share access codes with a trusted friend or family member who can keep an eye on things while you're away. And online account management means you can keep your account running whenever, wherever.

Flexible Storage for Vehicles

When you leave a vehicle behind, you want to know it's going to stay sheltered. Trusting it to self storage includes these benefits for military personnel.

• Multiple layers of facility security
• Easy access to on-site parking
• Indoor vehicle storage at many locations
• Flexible month-to-month leasing

Dependable Downsizing Options

Retirement from military life comes with many downsizing options. Affordable storage units give you room to make long-term decisions without leaving anything behind. You can lease a drive-up unit and access belongings seven days a week. It's an ideal strategy for keeping your new home organized and clutter-free.

Our Sincere Thanks

Our teams here at Safeguard Self Storage stand behind you at our Coconut Creek, FL facility and multiple locations around the state. We're proud to do all we can to support you and your family wherever you're stationed. If you need extra storage, reserve a unit with us today, and we’d be delighted to help.

You're not necessarily wasting the space – but it can be so much more than in-house self storage. Your Palmetto Bay, FL home's basement is full of potential as a downstairs rec room. It's an easy DIY project that pays off with endless fun and relaxation, as well as a smart way to increase the market value of your house.

From Basement to Rec Room: Six Simple Steps 

Take a good look around. Picture a layout that includes space for entertainment, downtime, and hobbies. Elevate your basement from a plain utility room to a cool rec room with the following steps. 

1. Liberate the Space 

Set basement space free with help from nearby storage units. Sort through everything downstairs, toss stuff that needs to go, and pack up belongings you want to keep in your unit. Be sure to label boxes before moving them to storage. 

2. Upgrade Its Looks 

Give finished basement walls a fresh look by painting them with light colors. Create a comfy feel underfoot by covering the floor with carpet squares. Finish off the upgrade with bright throw rugs. 

3. Develop a Zoning Plan 

Even small basements have room for several play areas. Decide how many fun zones you want, and start dividing floor space. Use a combination of furnishings, bookshelves, and standing screens to establish different sectors. 

4. Set Up Flat Screen Fun 

Dedicate an area of your basement rec room to flat screen fun. Set up a home entertainment center with access to favorite streaming services and a variety of game systems. Let it all rock with surround sound. 

5. Make Space Personal 

Save yourself a corner for what you like to do alone. A small desk that's been in self storage makes an ideal island for a craft station. Move in a table for solving jigsaw puzzles, or give your treadmill a new home. 

6. Leave Room to Relax 

Designate one more space for pure relaxation. Set it apart from the entertainment center with bookcases, and set it up with comfy seating. Let it be a shared library or just a quiet place to get away. 

Enjoy Your New Space

Enjoy the basement rec room, and don't worry about clutter reclaiming your new space. Keep it out of the way at our Palmetto Bay, FL storage units or any of our 11 Safeguard locations across Miami-Dade County. We make sure you always have plenty of room to spread out.

You know you're not alone. Almost everyone deals with a breakup sooner or later. You may still feel alone, but that's okay. Now, you can start transitioning back to the glorious independence of a single life. It's actually a very good place to be in Hialeah, FL. Here’s how self storage can help you get there.

Conquer Your Space 

If you're staying in the old place, make it all yours. If you're moving out, make the unfamiliar comfortable with old stuff. Wherever you settle, conquer your space with strategies for a fresh start. 

• Look for nearby storage units, and lease extra room just for you.
• Rearrange everything from furniture to kitchen cabinets.
• As you reorganize, dedicated a few minutes each day to decluttering.
• Use your unit for stashing items destined for donation or a garage sale.
• Deep clean where you've never cleaned before even if the place is new.

Celebrate Your Clean Slate

Congratulate yourself on turning a blank canvas into a new life. Step back, and enjoy it. Don't let sentimental attachments get in the way. If you're still hanging onto things you bought with the ex, move them to self storage. 

Every inch of space belongs to you now. Take up both sides of the closet and the bed. Fill up shelves with new things bought just for the new place. Ask friends to raid their storage units for leftover breakup belongings. Pool everything together, donate it all to local organizations, and throw a party celebrating everyone's clean slates.

Embrace Your Independence 

Almost everyone feels down after a breakup, but that feeling will pass. You're ready to bounce back and make a new life that's entirely yours. With several self storage facilities across Miami including our Hialeah, FL location, Safeguard salutes your new independence. Embrace it because – with the help of storage – you know you're going to love it.