How to Find a Job in a New City

Finding a new job in your own town can be difficult. Adding a major move into the mix makes the prospect even more intimidating. Planning your move and laying the groundwork for the hiring process won't just calm your nerves. It will also increase the likelihood of a company choosing you over a local. Safeguard Self Storage, with facilities in Hollywood, FL, and other locations, offers these tips for landing an interview in a different city.

Prep Your Profile

Keep an updated copy of your resume at the ready. You'll have one less item on your plate when you start your job search. Make sure the info in your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, too. Turn on the setting showing that you're open to being contacted for new opportunities. Consider writing a relevant, industry-related article and posting it to the platform. You'll stand out as a go-getter who knows his or her business.

To Move or not to Move

Some job seekers aren't able to move without having a position firmly in place. If you have the freedom to do so, relocating in advance could make your search for a new job easier. Of course, if you don't have enough savings in place or aren't willing to do temp work, the financial stress could outweigh the ability to meet for interviews on short notice. Freelancing could be a great way to tide you over financially or even get your foot in the door at a new company. Ease the transition to an unfamiliar locale by learning more about the city in advance. You'll have topics of conversation ready when networking opportunities arise.

Research Your Future Workplace

Make a list of companies where you can see yourself thriving. For each, learn about the corporate culture and the department in which you'd be working. Follow these companies' social media accounts for company updates and job openings. Keep a document with job postings, company contacts, and other relevant info on hand. If your experience is more general, or you're not concerned with working only at certain companies, expand your options by signing up for job alerts connected with relevant keywords.

Safeguard Can Help Your Move Be Successful

When moving to a new city for whatever reason, the logistics of moving your things can be tricky. But self storage can help. Off-site storage units make the transition easier and allow you to ease into a new place or be flexible in searching for a home.

Prevent clutter at your new place or safeguard your belongings while you find permanent digs with self storage. Safeguard Self Storage helps customers in Hollywood, FL, and other cities settle in while starting a new job.

3 Tips to Protect Your Bicycle

It's not the most expensive model on the street, but it's yours. You ride that faithful bicycle through Valley Stream, NY, every day. Whether it gets you to work or around Hendrickson Park, it's a target for thieves.

Three Tips to Protect Your Bike from the Worst

Keep It Secure

It's not enough to just lock up the bike. Public parking puts it out in the open where it's vulnerable to bike thieves.

These strategies can upgrade your bike protection:

  • Double your bike's security with a cable and a U-lock.
  • Lock the frame and one wheel to something immovable.
  • Avoid smash-and-grab thefts by keeping locks off the ground.

Make the Most of Your Locks

Quality bicycle locks give you extra peace of mind. Better equipment also holds up longer to daily use.

Make the most of your locks with simple security tactics:

  • Key holes facing down discourage lock tampering.
  • Position a U-lock so that its open area is difficult to access.
  • Run a cable from the frame through the front wheel and back.
  • Secure the rear wheel triangle to a stand with a U-lock.

Look Before You Leave

Look at where you're parking the bike. If you wanted to steal it, would the location make your job easier? Moving it down the block to a busier spot can make a big difference. Most commercial store fronts have outside security cameras. Take advantage of that public surveillance.

Don't leave the bike outside a place that advertises your absence. Thieves notice wheels parked in front of movie theaters. Do lock up your ride in the middle of a crowded rack. It's harder to access, but that works for you because it works against bicycle theft.

Use Our Bonus Power Tip

Our three tips help keep your bike safe while you're out, but we have one more bonus power tip: Give your ride a secure home in self storage.

A storage unit allows you 24/7 access to the bike. Climate control helps it weather our New York winters. High-tech surveillance ensures your bike's security. You have extra room for riding gear and affordable unit space for sharing.

Keep It Secure with Us

You and your wheels deserve a long future together. Keep it secure with storage solutions here in Valley Stream, NY, and multiple locations across the city. When you want the best for your bike, you can count on Safeguard Self Storage!

Making a Map of Your Storage Unit Saves Time and Energy

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.

The Definitive Guide for Summer Storage

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.

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!

Hello, World: The Art of Introducing Yourself to New Neighbors

You're excited about moving into your new home. It feels strange to be a stranger, but you can't let that hold you back. You want to get to know your neighbors in Harvey, LA. Do it right and make lifelong friends up and down the new block.

Start on Move-In Day

This is your first chance to practice new-neighbor etiquette. Make sure the moving truck doesn't block anyone's driveway. Don't pile the curb with empty boxes. Keep your new front yard clear of first-day clutter. Transfer unpacked boxes and leftover moving gear to self storage, and sort things out later.

Strike Up Conversations

Introduce yourself to the neighbors by asking for neighborly advice. People enjoy being helpful, and you have a lot to take in. This is a great way to learn about your mail carrier's schedule, the nearest grocery stores and even the best places for gumbo and beignets.

Mind Your Manners

Good timing helps you mind your manners. Don't bother the folks next door during dinner. If they look busy with the kids, wave, and ask for neighborhood tips another time. Keep conversations short. Let them do most of the talking. There's no need to rush budding friendships.

Take It Outside

Enjoy your new neighbors while you enjoy the local outdoors. Greet familiar faces on your way to Harvey Park. Invite folks over for a backyard barbecue. Hang out on the porch in the evening, and wave at people passing by.

Make Friendly First Impressions

As you get to know folks in your area, look for them outside the neighborhood. Give them a warm greeting at the coffee shop. When you run into a new acquaintance at self storage, lend him or her a helping hand. It's easy to build lasting friendships with friendly first impressions.

Enjoy Getting Involved

Become a part of your new neighborhood by joining local groups and attending area events. Volunteer at the library or Harvey Community Center. Offer to help out at the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter. Make new friendships even stronger by making a positive difference in your new community.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

As you settle in your new home, it feels good to be in a place where you really belong. As long as you're introducing yourself, why not stop by our Harvey, LA self storage facility? With six locations across the Crescent City, we're always here to welcome you to the neighborhood. We can help your move easier. Contact us today!

How Self Storage Can Help You Live in a Tiny House

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.

What Happens If You Sell Your House Before Buying One?

In a perfect world, your house sells the same day you close on a new home. You have plenty of money and time to make the move. When real estate daydreams and realities collide, be prepared with smart options that include short term storage here in Edison Park, IL.

Why Would You Sell First?

Motivation matters when you're selling a house. You may have fallen in love with a dream home or a location that's perfect for work. You might want to downsize for retirement. Sometimes the timing just doesn’t work out.

Your plans depend on cashing in on your home's equity. If you're positioned in a seller's market, a quick closing makes the transition from old to new much easier.

Can You Speed Up the Buying Process?

Perhaps you're not in the market for a dream home. You want to make your move before closing the sale on your current home. These options can speed up the hunt for a new address.

  • Limit your search to houses within a 15-mile radius.
  • Keep an eye out for home foreclosures and auctions.
  • Ask your realtor about properties that are ready for move-in.

Speed shopping isn't for everyone. You might want to slow down, move belongings to a nearby storage unit, and consider an easier relocation strategy.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

If you can plan ahead, you can actually benefit from selling a home before buying a new one. When you sell first, you're free from the obligations of dealing with two loans. Closing on the old house keeps you from overextending as a buyer. You know exactly what you can spend on a new home.

With that financial security, you can afford a short lease on living space and short-term storage for holding things until you make your final move. The downside of this plan is packing and unpacking twice.

On the upside, taking your time offsets the work of a double move. You don't feel pressured to make quick decisions. You can relax and shop with confidence. When you finally settle in a new home, keep your storage unit. Everyone can use extra space on a long-term basis.

Self Storage Will Keep You Ready

Regardless of when the house sells, you can be confident thanks to the safety net of self storage.  Safeguard Self Storage keeps you ready for the move with short-term and long-term storage units in Edison Park, IL and all across Chicagoland. You can count on us to help make your real estate daydreams come true.

Roommates Aren't Just for Homes: A Self-Storage Roommate Could Be What You Need

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.

Why Storage Auctions Are a Great Way to Furnish Your Home

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.

[H3] 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.