It used to be so much easier. You retrieved extra luggage from your closet, basement, or self storage and filled it up with whatever you liked. Today, packing for a flight out of Chicago, IL takes a lot more planning. Our handy how-to guide can help you get ready for your next trip like a seasoned travel pro. 

Conquer Carry-On Bags 

Carry-ons work like personal storage that let travelers pack just what they need. Knowing how to conquer a carry-on lets you avoid the expense and hassle of checking luggage for short trips. Pack plenty of underwear, but save space by adding just a few changes of clothing. 

If you're traveling with checked luggage, think of the carry-on as your designated emergency kit. Pack enough clothes for a day or two, and include essentials like toiletries, electronics, and chargers. Keep travel ID and flight documentation in a carry-on pocket for quick access during check-in. 

Lighten Up Luggage 

The standard luggage weight limit is 50 pounds, but that's a heavy load to wheel around the airport. Pack light, and leave room for souvenirs. Save suitcase space by tightly rolling clothes instead of folding. Make even more room by stuffing shoes with socks and wrapping them with a shower cap. 

Secure liquids like shampoo, lotion, and sunscreen in plastic bags with zip seals. Pack heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase, and put things you'll want right away at the top, including backup copies of personal identification, flight information, and hotel reservations. 

Fly High with Power Tips 

Always make a quick list of must-haves before you start packing, and double-check it before heading out. Once you're ready for take off, take a few minutes to maximize your flying prowess with these travel pro power tips. 

• Scan important travel documents, and email copies to yourself and a friend.
• Check your destination's weather forecast for the upcoming week.
• Plan on wearing shoes that slip off easily at security checkpoints.
• Top off your carry-on with relaxing essentials like earplugs and an eye mask.
• Make room in the carry-on for packaged snacks, but leave peanuts at home.

Let Us Handle Your Baggage 

We have one more travel pro tip: Don't crowd closets with luggage you only use a few times a year. We're just around the corner with small inexpensive locker storage units that are ideal for luggage and other small household and seasonal items. We offer convenient locations all across Chicago, IL including West Rogers Park, Uptown, Lake View, Hermosa, and Beverly. Let Safeguard Self Storage take care of your excess baggage.

It's convenient and affordable, but how can you make self storage here in Baton Rouge, LA even better? When you know how to maximize your unit for easy access, anything is possible. Whether you're planning a first lease or looking for more room in existing space, these tips keep you organized while you’re coming and going.

Get Ready With a Plan

You're headed down to the Atchafalaya for some bass fishing. You can barely get the boat out of the crowded garage, and you lose time looking for your gear. Storage units solve these problems and more, when you start with a plan.

• Use a storage facility's online space estimator to determine the best unit size for your things.

• Choose self-storage facilities close to home or on the way to your favorite fishing spot.

• Consider leasing a drive-up unit for heavy things like furniture and appliances.

Get Set to Box

Once you've decided on a unit size and location, it's time to start boxing. Are you thinking about opening your own setup at the Deep South Flea Market? Do you need a place to store personal and business records? Whether you're stashing treasures or stockpiling books, these tips work for all your packed items.

• Choose boxes similar in size for easy stacking.

• Use big labels that give you room for a short list of contents.

• Discourage dust buildup in long-term storage by taping lids shut.

• Stuff bubble wrap or packing peanuts in partially filled boxes to keep tops from caving in.

Floor Plans Aren’t Only for Your Home

Streamline your self storage ins and outs with a smart unit floor plan. Do it right, and you’ll have parking space for your bike between cruises along Cypress Bayou, with room leftover for your favorite LSU cheer gear.

• Keep things you don't use often at the back of the unit.

• Stack boxes in rows to create aisles for easy access.

• Stabilize stacks by laying boards across grouped boxes.

• Use wood pallets to raise everything off the floor.

• Stay mobile with wheeled shelving units.

Come See Us Soon

Our teams are always glad to share insider knowledge, so come see us soon. We're here to serve with two Safeguard Self Storage locations in Baton Rouge, LA and six additional locations in the Metro New Orleans Area. It's our job to make sure you have the best storage experience possible, so let us help you make the most out of your unit.

Daylight savings time has arrived once again to usher in more sunlight during the day. On March 12, it's time again to spring ahead and to welcome in the coming spring and summer seasons. With more daylight, the theory was, that you could be more productive. When daylight savings was put into practice, this was a major deciding factor. While electricity and technology now allow us to be productive at all times of the day, we can still take advantage of daylight savings – especially with the help of self storage.

How did Daylight Savings Time get Started?

The practice of turning the clock forward and backward has been around since the early 1900s. Germany was the first country to adopt daylight savings time, with the United States following soon after. In fact, the U.S. repealed this practice in 1919 even though some cities and states continued to manipulate their clocks. It came back in full force during the Second World War and was pushed mainly by businesses to take advantage of the extra daylight hours.

3 Ways to Be Productive During Daylight Saving Time

1. Take Up a New Hobby

 Springtime makes the perfect time to take up a new hobby; like art. Take a tour of the Ancient Sculpture Gallery in Garfield, NJ, and let it inspire you to sculpt and to create artworks of your own.

2. Clean Out the House

 Many people use the extra hours to spring-clean their homes. You can move clutter from the garage and your home into self storage, to make room for a tool shop, more organization, or your new hobby. Storage units are great for storing unused items while spring-cleaning and planning a potential yard sale.

3. Get Outdoors More

 Daylight saving time in March gives you extra hours for biking, walking, or hanging out in your own backyard. Use those few hours to play ball with your kids after work, handle those neglected lawn chores, or to finally build that deck. 

Don't Forget to Set Your Clocks Forward

Before you hit the sack on March 12, set your alarm clock forward by one hour. You don't want to be one of the many people who clock in late at work the next morning. If you're taking the time to spring-clean your home, store your stuff with Safeguard Self Storage. We have affordable storage units in Garfield, NJ for keeping your items stored away for as long as you need.