Changing Your Style: How to Build a New Wardrobe

You might be changing jobs or relocating to a different climate. Perhaps you're just ready for a personal fashion evolution. You've made up your mind to upgrade your style with a new wardrobe. Keep the transition seamless with clean closets, smart shopping, and climate-controlled clothing storage at Safeguard in the design district of Miami, FL.

Make Room for Changing Styles

Turn your wardrobe update into motivation for reclaiming lost closet space. It's time to move out the old and make room for the new. Go through everything. Clear shelves, clean out racks, and dig through closet corners.

Sort through your clothes, shoes, and accessories. Set aside things you're not sure about, and plan on moving them to a storage unit. Be honest about what should go and what can stay. Box up items you don't want to keep. Donate them to a local charity or flip them for cash at your next garage sale.

Divide your newly liberated clothing storage space into zones. Use different areas to arrange clothes for work, workouts, downtime, and special occasions. The goal is a perfectly organized closet ready for your incoming wardrobe.

Think Through New Wardrobe Decisions

Impulse buying is always fun, but it's not always a good long-term strategy. Aim for a balance between items you've decided to keep and things you want to add to your wardrobe.

When you're shopping for new clothes, ask yourself these questions before you buy.
• Does an expensive price tag mean it's really a good investment?
• Are you comfortable with the quality of items on sale?
• Is this new thing a basic that you just can't live without?
• Does it work with the clothes you've decided to keep?
• Are you happy with the materials, fit and color?

When the answers are yes, buy with a smile, but save receipts. If anything inspires belated buyer's remorse, you'll be ready to return it and save room in your beautifully organized closet.

Store Clothes Like a Fashion Pro

Everyone can use extra clothing storage space, especially after building a new wardrobe. Use your fashion sense and these tips to take care of old and new items in a climate-controlled storage unit.
• Make sure everything is fresh and clean before packing.
• Blanket folded items in storage bins with breathable muslin covers.
• Stuff shoe puffs or sock rolls into shoes and boots.
• Hang expensive clothes on padded hangers inside garment bags.
• Use wheeled racks for quick access to heavy outerwear.

We Keep It Easy and Manageable

Fresh fashion changes make you look and feel brand new. Keep them easy and manageable with our convenient clothing storage solutions. You can count on Safeguard Self Storage in the design district of Miami, FL, for affordable storage units that fit every wardrobe change.

Keeping a Roof Over Your Head: Inspecting the Health of Your Roof

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!

How to Know If You Have Valuable Antiques in Your Storage Unit

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!

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.

Self Storage Is Growing in Popularity: Why It's Time You Join In

If you haven't checked out our new storage facility here in Allapattah, FL lately, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Now's the time to join in and enjoy expanding your personal and business space. Find out for yourself how self storage is gaining new momentum with these four benefits. 

1. Self Storage Is Good for Your Home 

You can keep things stacked up in closets. You can shove stuff into the garage. But eventually, you’ll realize it's just not working. Storage units are good for your home because they: 

  • Keep seasonal clothes and bedding out of the way.
  • Help organize sporting gear, hobby supplies, and holiday decorations.
  • Hold your stuff when you remodel, relocate, or downsize.
  • Create extra space away from home for just about anything.

2. It's Good for Your Business Too 

Off-site business storage comes with all kinds of benefits that make it easier to get things done. Whether you're a small startup or an established company, business storage works for you with these money-saving perks. 

  • Inventory has plenty of off-site space for expansion.
  • You always have room for bargain equipment buys.
  • Unit space costs a fraction of the price of commercial square footage.

3. A Storage Unit Is a Great Value 

A convenient storage unit is easy on any budget, but it also offers value in a surprising number of ways. Add up the benefits and cost savings, and combine those positives with these storage extras. 

  • You can manage your account online 24/7.
  • Different unit sizes fit all needs.
  • Flexible leasing options fit all budgets.
  • Stored belongings are always easy to access.

4. The Amenities Are Impressive 

Gone are the days of endless garage-style doors, dark hallways and stuffy units. The best storage facilities cater to your needs with an impressive array of customer-pleasing amenities including: 

  • On-site retail access to moving and packing supplies.
  • Well-lit, climate-controlled storage units.
  • Keypad entry and facility-wide digital security cameras.
  • Drive-up units and covered loading area.
  • Knowledgeable storage solution specialists on-site.

We’ll Serve You with the Best 

If you haven't made the move yet, it's time to join folks all across the area. Drop by our Safeguard Self Storage facility in Allapattah FL, or check out our locations in Hialeah North EastMiami Shores, and the Miami Design District. We're ready to serve you with the best storage solutions in Miami-Dade County.

Make Way for Memorabilia: A Guide to Starting a Collection

You love vintage stamps. Why not turn that passion into a collection? You wonder if those boxes full of seashells are hiding any treasures. Why not connect with other collectors and find out? There are so many ways to enjoy collecting here in Miami Gardens, FL and plenty of storage units to help you keep it all organized. 

Focus on Your Favorites 

Once you decide on what to collect, get started with a few smart strategies. You could go after every piece of memorabilia from games in Hard Rock Stadium. You'll do better to focus your love of all things Dolphins on specific collectables like bobbleheads or trading cards. 

Whether you adore Barbie dolls or Harley-Davidsons, research your favorite things online. Take a look at auction sites, and get an idea of their cash value. Take a look around the house, and make sure you have room to get started. If you set your heart on collecting antique motorcycles, put self storage on your must-have list too – climate control is the perfect insulation. 

Start with Just One 

Start out by acquiring just one piece at a time. Enjoy the fun and satisfaction of slowly building your collection. Learn as you go by networking with other collectors. You'll begin to better understand the value of your favorite things and use that new skill to make smart buying decisions. 

Turn collecting into treasure hunting with trips to flea markets and thrift stores. Always keep an eye on auction sites for collectibles. Over time, your collection will grow. Think about leasing self storage now so that you can keep things organized as you add to your cache of special things. 

Expand, Curate, and Store 

As your collection expands, keep track of its value, and keep it in good condition too. Use a spreadsheet to inventory and update information about purchase locations, dates, and prices. Turn your storage unit into a clearing house for collectibles, and enjoy these benefits. 

  • Climate-controlled units for curating fragile treasures
  • On-site security features to protect valuables
  • Easy access for rotating new and old collectibles
  • A variety of unit sizes and flexible leasing options

Keep Your Keepsakes with Us 

When something makes you smile, make it your goal to turn that special something into a special collection. We're happy to help with convenient storage units here in Miami Gardens, FL and 13 other locations across the Miami metro area. You can always keep your best keepsakes with us here at Safeguard Self Storage.

An Overlooked Place for Storage: Underneath Your Bed

How do you expand home storage space and get rid of dust bunnies under the bed? Easy: Start utilizing that space under your bed. Find out how you can take advantage of this often-ignored place, and see how self storage can help you with the rest in Miramar, FL.

It's Hiding in Plain Sight

Most double beds hide more than pesky dust bunnies. They cover almost 28 square feet of unused space. That's a little larger than a 5 foot by 5 foot storage unit. Here are five ideas for making the most of this hidden area.

1. Sturdy Cardboard Boxes: Cut the tops off cardboard boxes, and slide them under the bed. You can pick up inexpensive, sturdy boxes at most self storage facilities.

2. Trays on Wheels: Home decor outlets carry a variety of trays and bins designed for under-bed storage. These clever units glide in and out on wheel and track systems.

3. Luggage in the Closet: This is another idea that solves two problems at once. Create more closet space by stashing seasonal things in your luggage and sliding it all under the bed. 

4. Vacuum Storage Bags: Compression bags are sized for everything from sweaters to comforters. Tough plastic construction makes them ideal for long-term storage.

5. Archival Garment Boxes: Why not sleep on top of that wedding gown? It keeps safely in an archival wardrobe box under the bed. These specialty containers are ideal for heirloom clothes.

Use Your DIY Talents

Measure your hidden under-bed space before you decide on a storage strategy. Measure the bed itself to get an idea of available square footage, and check clearance from floor to bed frame. Always measure twice just to be sure. Use these DIY tricks to finish off your self storage system.

  • Elevate the bed four-to-seven inches with bed risers.
  • Cover your cardboard boxes with pretty paper or fabric.
  • Attach wheels to old dresser drawers for DIY pull-out storage.
  • Expand your new storage solutions by using space under every bed in the house.

We Solve Storage Problems Too

If you're like us, you'll eventually fill up that sweet spot under the bed. We always have extra room for your extra things, and our storage units are available in all sizes. Stop by our Miramar, FL Safeguard Self Storage location, and let us help you solve all your storage problems.

Tricks of the Trade: Setting Up Your Business for Success

There are plenty of opportunities for the trades here in Miami, FL. Areas like Allapattah are great for starting up a new business. You've put in your time. You're ready to make your hard work and solid skills pay off. From marketing ideas to commercial storage, we'd like to share five quick tips to help make it happen.

5 Tips for Turning Your Trade Into a Business

1. Know Your Market
Are you opening an auto repair shop? Set up in a location where you can handle the competition. There are hundreds of shops across the city, but how many operate in the Allapattah neighborhood? Make sure you have plenty of room to grow in the local market.

2. Sell Your Expertise

Make experience a selling point on your website, brochures, and business cards. Come up with a company name that tells customers who you are and why you're the best in your trade. Partner with someone who handles online and print marketing, and offer them your expertise in exchange for their services.

3. Streamline with Software

Every small business runs better with trade-specific software. Look into different apps that can streamline job scheduling, invoicing, inventory, and taxes. Share digital job details with several employees. If you're commuting to the shop from another area like Miami Shores, software lets you stay connected to the office even on days off.

4. Get Licensed, Insured and Bonded

Verifiable paperwork is an important part of opening a new business. Customers enjoy a higher level of confidence in your shop when they know you have a trade license. They trust you because you can show proof of insurance and bonding. Make the information available on your website, business cards, and even field trucks.

5. Line Up Commercial Storage

Compare the cost per square foot of shop space to self storage. A storage unit offers affordable business solutions for everything from storing extra equipment to saving important records. With commercial self storage, you don't have to worry about your trade crowding closets and garage space at home. You also enjoy 24/7 online account management.

Supporting Your Business Success

As you pull all the details together, you can depend on Safeguard Self Storage. Our team of storage professionals are here to help, with 13 Safeguard locations all across metropolitan Miami, FL. From Miami Shores to Allapattah, you have easy access to the area's best commercial storage facilities. We look forward to supporting your trade and business success for years to come.

Our Two New Miami Facilities: Giving You More Space Than Ever

We're always excited to open up new locations and expand our services here in Miami, FL. If you live or do business in Allapattah or Miami Shores, your self storage solutions are now closer than ever. Our newest facilities offer all the convenience, security, and amenities you've come to expect from Safeguard Self Storage.

Just Down the Road in Allapattah

If you make your home here, you know it's one of the city's hardest working neighborhoods. If you do business here, you know the opportunities grow every day. Even downtime is exciting when you can explore nearby shops or catch a ballgame at nearby Marlins Park.

Our modern storage facility on Northwest 27th Avenue is situated less than a mile from the heart of Allapattah. The new location puts our modern storage units just down the road from your home or business.

Room for Everything in Miami Shores

Do you commute into Greater Miami from this friendly village? Are you one of the community's happy retirees? With Silver Blue Lake due north and Miami Beach across Broad Causeway, Miami Shores is a great place to live and play.

We can help you do both with our new facility on Northwest 7th Avenue. Our units are ideal for decluttering the house or downsizing into a smaller home. From storing seasonally to stashing fishing gear, we have extra room for everything.

The Amenities and Security You Expect

Whether you're reclaiming space at home or expanding business inventory, our two new Miami locations are open and ready to serve all your storage needs with:

  • Climate-controlled units
  • Access seven days a week
  • Digital video security
  • Individual door alarms
  • Our friendly storage solutions staff
  • Carts, dollies, boxes, and packing supplies

Lease a closet-sized unit just right for a few boxes, or reserve expanded space that holds up to 12 rooms worth of furniture. It's affordable, convenient, and all yours at Safeguard.

The Best Storage Facilities in Miami, FL

How well do we serve you here in Miami? For years, we've provided storage solutions in Little Havana, Miami Gardens, and West Miami. Our modern facilities include locations in Coconut Grove, the Design District, and Hialeah North East.

Add our two newest locations plus Palmetto Bay, Miramar, and Hollywood, and you have 11 of the best storage facilities all available within Miami, FL's city limits. Our Safeguard Self Storage teams are always proud and happy to be at your service.

Your Guide to Antiques: From Shopping to Storing

Antique vases, pitchers, and glasses

Are you ready to go treasure hunting at one of the country's largest indoor antique shows? The four-day celebration of everything vintage starts February 9 at the Miami Fair Expo Center. The Original Miami Beach Antique Show has enthusiastic antiquarians making extra room in their storage units in Miami, FL for collecting fun and adventure. Here are a few favorites you'll find at the show, along with shopping and storing tips for the best buys.

Jewelry in Dazzling Varieties

From art deco bracelets and moonstone rings to the finest names in bling, the Miami show has it all. Prices on Van Cleef and Arpels, Chanel, and even Bulgari are often a real steal.

Shopping Tip: Online research before the show can help you recognize maker's marks that predate the 1950s.

Fine Art for Every Taste

Are you after an affordable Picasso print? Do you favor antique paintings dating between 1800 and 1915? Well-known and famously obscure artists are all available for installation in your exclusive home gallery.

Shopping Tip: Worn back boards and frame stretchers are good indicators of older artwork.

Glassware from Every Era

Beautiful show-stoppers like Tiffany, Lalilque, and Luneville share display space with Depression glass and cameo wall art. Look for the shine of Victorian vases, English drinking glasses, and American perfume vials.

Shopping Tip: Keep a small magnifying glass handy for checking tiny maker's marks on vintage glassware.

Furniture in All Sizes

If you're in the market for furniture, add a Queen Anne table, Hepplewhite case clock, or Eames lounge chair to your collection. This show features 17th-19th century items, notably those from Federico Marino. Use self storage to stash your new purchases or make room in your home for them.

Shopping Tip: Period furniture often features dovetail construction and threaded-post secured hardware.

Take Care of Your Treasures

As you make plans for the best antique shopping experience in South Florida, plan on making room at home for your new treasures by moving a few things into self storage. Stash extra collectibles in your unit, or turn it into a clearing house for your own antique inventory.

Whether you collect for fun or profit, climate-controlled storage units are a must-have. Modern facilities offer real security features for your valuables, such as computer controlled access, unit door alarms, high-tech camera systems, and an on-site management staff. We're here to help you make room for everything, with multiple locations and top-notch storage units in Miami, FL. You can trust it all with us at Safeguard Self Storage.