If you’re not sure about an address, you can save time by checking a map of New Orleans, LA. Self storage doesn’t twist and turn like streets through the Big Easy, but you can still feel lost in a crowded unit. Why not draw up a map that makes your storage maze make sense?

How to Draw a Map of Your Self Storage Unit

Start with Your Stuff

Take inventory of the things you have in storage. Draw up another list of seasonal items that rotate in and out. Put together a good overview of how much you keep in the storage unit.

Size Up Your Storage Space

Use your facility’s online space calculator to get an accurate measurement of your unit’s capacity. The numbers can help you draft a sketch to scale so that you can begin plotting your map.

Zone the Space

Divide your unit plan into multiple zones. Designate separate areas for boxes, furniture, seasonal things, and outdoor gear. Keep items you access most often at the front of your layout.

Plot Easy Pathways

As you develop your self storage floor plan, make sure to plot pathways between zones. Leave room for moving large items in and out. Give yourself space to rummage through boxes.

Graph a Colorful Key

Assign a color to each map zone and draw up a small key in one corner of your storage unit map. Use this bright idea to color-label zoned boxes and covered items.

Map Shelves, Too

Draft a vertical map that synchronizes with items stored on shelving. Color works here, too. Assign shelf units unique map key colors that indicate different types of belongings.

Don’t Get Lost

Stay oriented by plotting your plan from the unit’s entrance door towards the back. This keeps the map user-friendly when you’re navigating the space in a hurry. Post a copy just inside the door and save a backup at the house.

Make Digital Files

Have fun with simple drawing software that makes it easy to draft storage maps. Digital files give you flexibility to change floor plans on the fly. They also generate printed maps you can be proud to call your own.

We Keep You on Course

Don’t ever feel lost in your storage unit again. Safeguard keeps you on course with storage strategies that really work. Our New Orleans, LA, self storage specialists are always at your service with locations across the city.

When you're sizing up summer storage options, size really does matter. How much space do you need to store a motorcycle? What kind of square footage can handle the flag football team's gear? We offer a definitive guide to the best storage unit dimensions in Edison Park, IL.

Small Spaces, Big Convenience

Enjoying self storage doesn't mean leasing something large. A 5-by-5 unit gives you enough space to store fishing rods, tackle boxes, and assorted sporting gear. If it all fits in a walk-in closet, it fits in this compact unit.

Plenty of Room for Wheels

Stop crowding your car in the garage. Give it breathing room by parking your motorcycle in a secure 5-by-10 space that's easy to access. With 50 square feet of storage, you have room to spare for a dirt bike, too.

Summer Storage for Students

Direct students on summer break to the nearest storage facility. A 7.5-by-10 unit holds books, bedding, boxed belongings, and more. You hold on to clean closets and drawers. Point out the convenience of having all their stuff in one spot when they head back to the dorm.

A Place for the Home Team

Round up the kids' sports gear and organize everything in a 10-by-10 space featuring cool climate control all summer long. Keep the team on track with room for equipment, jerseys, and cleats. Keep up team spirit by designating the unit as their 100 square-foot team locker space.

A Home for Big Water Toys

With so many ways to enjoy the waves on Lake Michigan, summertime self storage makes sense. Make it fit your plans with a 10-by-15 unit big enough to hold your biggest water toys.

Water toys you can store include:

• Stand-up paddle boards
• Snorkel and scuba gear
• Single and double kayaks
• Skiffs and surfboards

Summer Storage That Always Fits

We understand how much size matters. Let us help you find your summertime unit here at Edison Park, IL, or any of our other 15 Chicagoland Locations. When you need self storage that always fits, you can always count on Safeguard.

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.

There's barely room in your garage for the car. You have more seasonal clothes than closets. You might be a student who needs to pack things away over summer break. The reasons for leasing storage space in Valley Stream, NY quickly add up. But if you don’t think you need to rent a unit all by yourself, a storage roommate is a great option.

Sharing Makes It Easier

When you share self storage, you share more than the cost. It's an arrangement that fits your budget, and it gives you storage flexibility. You don't have to worry about getting everything into one small space. Sharing lets you upgrade to a larger unit with room to spare.

You don't have to do all the heavy lifting by yourself either. Two sets of hands get everything moved in faster. Free access to on-site carts and dollies make the job even easier. Once you're settled, it only takes one visit to retrieve things for both you and your storage roomie.

Planning Makes It Work

Go online with your soon-to-be unit roommate and explore storage options. Look for locations close to both home bases. The best self storage facilities provide online tools that let you calculate how much space you need. Review leasing arrangements together and settle on a price that works with both your budgets.

Once you've leased a unit, divide the floor space in half. Check with on-site management for a free or discounted moving truck to handle the first load. You can probably move in with just one trip. Keep keypad access and security information on your smartphones for easy reference.

Roommate Rules Are a Must

Whether you're family or best friends, roomie rules keep you on the same page. Keep the peace by following these simple guidelines for sharing storage space.

• Decide on whose name will appear on the lease.
• Agree on how to pool resources and make monthly payments.
• Consider purchasing additional insurance to cover everything in storage.
• Share housekeeping duties in the unit several times a year.
• Always respect each other's belongings and stay in touch about future plans.

Let Us Bring You Together

If you're still not sure about pairing up, our Valley Stream, NY storage experts stand ready to help. We can answer your questions, show you around, and share tips that keep self storage affordable and simple. When you're ready to team up, you can count on our teams here at Safeguard.

Can it be as simple as it seems on TV? You love saving money, but how do you make the bidding process work for you? If you're sizing up storage auctions around Edison Park, IL, welcome to the affordable world of furnishing your home.

Auction Rules Are Easy to Follow

Most auctions follow the same format. An auctioneer starts the bidding on the contents of an abandoned self storage unit. The action is usually live, but some sales allow on-site sealed bids and online bidding.

You're not allowed inside the unit before bidding begins. You do get to look at its contents through an open doorway. Winning bids are paid in cash, and you're given a set time frame for hauling everything home.

It Works to Your Advantage

Storage facility auctions owe their popularity to one thing: a chance to save money. Resale listing sites and thrift stores mark up inventory to make a profit. Each item comes with a set price.

Storage auctions let you buy multiple items for one low price. You don't have to worry about evaluating the cost of a new couch. Your winning bid gives you resale options that cover your original investment.

You Can Find Almost Anything

Are you looking for office equipment? Check out self storage auctions near business districts. Fill every room at the house with just one residential sale. If you need dorm room furniture, head for an auction near campus. Location counts, so count on finding just about anything including:

• Stoves, washing machines and refrigerators.
• Clothes, shoes and personal accessories.
• Couches, beds and dining room sets.
• Gaming stations, sound systems and televisions.

You Can Master the Power Tips

It doesn't take long to figure out how a self storage auction works. You don't have to be a resale pro to make the most of every bid. Just keep these easy, power tips in play.

• Budget your day and stick with it.
• Bid on clean, well-organized units.
• Size up unit contents for resale.
• Be ready to haul heavy items.

We Help You Store It All

Once you get that gently used new furniture home, you may not have room for everything. Don't worry. Safeguard can help with self storage in Edison Park, IL and all across Chicagoland. Stop by one of our locations soon, and size up our affordable world of storage solutions.

You're proud to be the keeper of the archives. Every picture of family, friends, and favorite places deserves to last forever. Digital shots are fine, but your passion belongs to old-school photography. Yonkers, NY storage units belong in your plans to preserve those picture-perfect treasures.

Photographs Love Self Storage

Carefully developed and printed photographs can last more than 50 years in the right environment. Extend that life expectancy by storing them in a climate controlled unit. Humidity levels stay constant at around 50 percent, and temperatures stay photo-friendly between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your old-school process involves attention to detail. A storage unit preserves your hard work and keeps it off closet shelves at home. Secure storage is ideal for archiving your latest pictures and photos that date back generations.

They Don't Like Polyvinyl

If you know your plastics, you know the important role they play in long-term photograph storage. Polyvinyl sheets in albums contain adhesives that damage pictures. Avoid this material by storing photographs in sleeves and albums made with acid-free paper and PVC-free plastic. Use these tips to take extra care of your collection.

• Don't store older, damaged photos with new ones.
• Buy archive-grade supplies at a photography shop.
• Separate boxed photos with sheets of acid-free paper.
• Never write on the back of your photographs.
• Keep analogue film stored in original canisters.

Equipment Appreciates Storage Too

Your devotion to traditional photography needs room to grow. Treat cameras and lenses to the usefulness of self storage. One small unit can easily hold your photo archives and equipment collection. Just follow these simple storage rules.

• Remove batteries from cameras, flashes, and meters.
• Always remove memory cards from digital cameras.
• Carefully clean lenses, cap each end, and store upright.
• Clean camera bodies with canned compressed air.
• Place bubble wrap around small equipment before boxing.

Leave the Darkroom at Home

While storage is great for lots of photography things, it’s just not the place for a darkroom. Storage facilities prohibit storing chemicals on site. Leave your darkroom at the house in a well-ventilated area where you know you can work safely.

Keep Your Passion Close and Safe

When you keep pictures and equipment in secure self storage, your passion stays close and safe. Our Safeguard location in Yonkers, NY is just one of multiple facilities across the region. We're always around the corner with perfect spaces for preserving your treasures. Reserve a unit with us today!

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.

You trust your common sense. Even if you needed to store explosives, you wouldn't stash them in your Arlington Heights, IL storage unit. Self storage can handle just about anything, but safety and liability issues establish clear guidelines. It's good to know the limits before filling up that extra space.

10 Things You Don't Want in Your Storage Unit

Any Type of Hazardous Material

This category covers the obvious. You can't store chemicals, gasoline, fireworks or propane tanks. If it can explode, corrode or catch fire, keep it out of the unit.

Firearms and Munitions

Most facilities prohibit storing guns and ammunition. In many cases, it violates local and state regulations. Gun shops and shooting ranges are better storage choices.

Too Many Tires

Self storage sites often set a limit of four spares per unit. The reasoning is simple. If they're abandoned, management has to pay for tire disposal.

Undrained Yard Equipment

When it's time to park your lawn mower in the unit, don't let it turn into a storage hazard. Drain gasoline before putting away seasonal yard equipment.

Packaged and Perishable Food

Even boxed cereal eventually goes bad. Canned goods hold up to long-term storage, but everything else invites spoilage problems including rotten smells, bugs and rodents.

Plugged-In Appliances

It's OK to store refrigerators, freezers, and space heaters in your unit. It's not OK to plug them into outlets or run a generator in the unit.

Anything Smelly or Wet

If it smells bad, it's an invitation for a pest invasion. If it's wet, it's a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Keep stored belongings clean and dry.

Your Hard-Earned Cash

A storage unit might seem like the perfect vault for stashing extra bills. However, insurance won't cover your cash loss in case of a fire, break-in, or natural disaster.

Pets of Any Species

They need your love and attention. Don't keep any type of pet in a storage unit. Even an overnight stay can be disastrous for your animal buddies.

You as a Tenant

Yes, leasing storage costs less than renting an apartment or making a mortgage payment. Yes, there are laws against living in a unit even for a few days.

Everything You Want in Storage Solutions

We have faith in your common sense. Our Arlington Heights, IL teams are happy to help with smart storage solutions. You're always welcome here at Safeguard Self Storage.

Your clients count on you for quality pharmaceuticals, new equipment, and the latest product information. You drive countless miles between clinics, medical offices, and hospitals. How can you stay organized covering territory in Miami Shores, FL? Let convenient self storage streamline your schedule and secure your pharmaceutical inventory.

Storage Units Safely Hold It All

A climate-controlled unit provides an ideal environment for storing pharmaceutical products. It can also serve as a staging area for organizing inventory and planning your schedule. Always be ready for the next call by assigning areas inside the unit for these essentials:

• Sorted stock and inventory
• Sample equipment
• Marketing materials
• Product literature

Keep the layout flexible by using wheeled shelf units that rotate for easy organizing. Set up a desk or work station for sorting products and processing paperwork. Add a file cabinet to hold shipping records, daily call logs, activity reports, and territory analysis.

Self Storage Maximizes Your Time

Once you organize a central location, think about branching out into other storage units along your route. Access to multiple sites can save valuable time on the road and extra miles on your car. That increase in efficiency means more productive time spent in the field with your clients.

As you expand your pharmaceutical storage, keep a digital inventory on your smartphone. If an unexpected call requires a detour, you can easily determine which one of your units has exactly what you need for the next appointment. With one stop, you're ready to load and deliver anything the client wants.

The Advantages Quickly Add Up

Easy access and convenient locations make self storage perfect for pharmaceutical inventories. It also offers important advantages uniquely suited for your products and equipment:

• On-site security includes property-wide surveillance, keypad entry access, and individual door alarms.
• Dollies and carts are always available for transferring inventory between car and unit.
• Many facilities offer affordable insurance options as well as online account management tools.
• As business grows, flexible leasing makes it simple and affordable to move operations into larger units.

You Can Depend on Us

Security, climate control, and easy access are critical to maintaining your products and equipment. We understand. You can depend on Safeguard for the best pharmaceutical storage units in Miami Shores, FL. We're here to serve with multiple locations across Miami-Dade County, so contact us today about renting a unit in your territory.

It's easy to turn the garage at your Baton Rouge, LA home into self storage, but the lawn mower doesn't belong out there. Before you crowd that workhorse next to the car again, think about alternatives to storing it in the garage.

Keep Your Space Safe

When home garages turn into storage units, lawn mowers become tripping hazards. Pinholes in the fuel tank can fill the air with unhealthy fumes. A small break in the fuel line can spill combustible liquid on the garage floor. It's hard to keep your space safe when you store lawn equipment in the garage.

Don't Expose Your Mower

Parking it in the backyard isn't a good idea, either. Our humid Gulf Coast climate can rust lawn mower decks, and our hot summers can crack engine covers. Save that trusty equipment with one of these home-based self storage solutions.

Use the Backyard Shed

Let the mower motivate you into cleaning out the backyard shed. Add a little DIY weather-proofing, and you have a safe space for the lawn mower and much more. It's a good weekend project that can add years of life to yard equipment.

Build a Mower House

If you don't have a shed out back, build one for your faithful lawn mower. Imagine a dog house sized to fit the mower with double doors for easy access. Save your view of the landscape by putting the mini shed behind a tree.

Turn Tarps Into Storage Units

Large tarps can protect lawn equipment outside but be sure to secure them against windy weather. Tighten the cover around a lawn mower with bungee cords and keep it in a sheltered corner of the yard. When cold weather sets in, move the mower to a climate-controlled storage unit.

Line Up Cold-Weather Storage

Don't let cold weather chase the lawn mower back into your garage. Lease a unit now so that you'll be ready to park all your yard equipment until next spring. Keep these self storage tips in mind:

• Always drain the fuel tank and carburetor.
• Clean the mower's underside, blades, and fins.
• Store the battery on a shelf or wood pallet.

Park It With Us

It's time to give that cluttered garage a break. Our two Baton Rouge, LA locations feature a variety of units for all types of yard equipment. When you run out of room at home, you can always park it with us here at Safeguard.