SMARTBOX offers climate controlled storage. What does that really mean?

Some portable storage container companies keep their boxes outside in a locked yard, which leaves your belongings subject to varying temperatures and humidity levels. In some cases, their containers are made of metal which subjects your items to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Condensation and moisture can become trapped in the box which could lead to mold or mildew. SMARTBOX has chosen to use wood with a weather proof vinyl cover. Wood is a natural material that allows a Smartbox to “breath”, which prevents condensation from building up inside.

At SMARTBOX, we take it one step further to protecting your items. We will pick up your SMARTBOX containers and then we store your belongings inside. Your items will be safe in our temperature-controlled storage center, complete with state-of-the-art security and sprinkler systems. Since you hold the only key, you can get into your storage rental container any time you choose.

We offer you the SMART storage solution.

The essentials box is the first box you open when you get to your new home. Whether you are moving across town or making a long distance move, everyone should have one. It will have all the items inside that you should need within the first 24 hours. Include items in this box that will enable you to provide small meals, clean, and deal with small emergencies. Carry this with you in the car if possible. If you cannot carry it in the car, it should be the last box to be stored in your SMARTBOX and the first box to be opened at your new home.

Items should include:

• Garbage bags
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Dish soap
• Dishtowel
• All-purpose cleaner (unopened)
• Coffee pot and coffee
• Quick and easy food items for preparing two meals
• Snacks and beverages
• Mug, plate, and eating utensils for every family member
• Kitchen knife
• Craft knife or pocket knife to open the rest of your boxes
• Small emergency kit
• Flashlight/candles/matches
• Shower curtain
• Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste
• A change of clothing and towel for each member of the family.
• Tool box
• Pet food and dishes
• Radio
• Important documents such as medical records, passports, leases, etc.

For the third year in a row, SMARTBOX of Chicago is volunteering its time and resources to help Chicago Cares, a volunteer organization which provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to volunteer and make a difference in the greater Chicago area. SMARTBOX is helping Chicago Cares with several volunteer events scheduled for 2010. SMARTBOX of Chicago has committed to giving ten percent of its new‐business revenue from August through October to support Chicago Cares. They are providing the use of their portable storage units for various Chicago Cares events and they are also providing storage at their Melrose Park warehouse storage facility throughout 2010.

Gregory Kaufman, president of SMARTBOX of Chicago stated “We really believe in its mission to help residents throughout Chicago.” SMARTBOX of Chicago is co‐owned by Lee Bolnick and Gregory Kaufman. The franchise opened in the Chicago area in 2007 and is the largest provider of eight‐foot portable‐storage containers in the Chicago area.

Read the complete press release at http://smartboxusa.com/about/press-releases.php

For additional information about Chicago Cares and how you can volunteer, visit their website at www.chicagocares.org

Ready to make a move? Wondering where to move to? RelocateAmerica is a website dedicated to finding the best cities in America to live. The Top Ten winners for 2010 were chosen based on their potential for future growth. Other criteria considered were employment opportunities, strong local leadership within the community, improving real estate markets, attention to green initiatives, wide variety of recreational options and an overall high quality of life.

The Top Ten Winners Are:

Huntsville, AL *
Washington, DC
Austin, TX
San Diego, CA
San Antonio, TX
Tulsa, OK
Charlotte, NC
Raleigh, NC
Boulder, CO
Minneapolis, MN

If you are ready to move, SMARTBOX is ready to get you there. Call us today to talk to your personal long distance customer care representative; your single point of contact for your entire long distance move.

*We currently do not have a franchise in Huntsville, Alabama. What a great opportunity for someone in Huntsville to start a SMARTBOX franchise.

There are a few tricks and tips to make your home stand out in the crowd. Small changes will not only make your home sell faster, but can actually boost the selling price by several thousand dollars.

Here are a few guidelines to help you prepare your home for sale:

Improve your curb appeal – Plant flowers, weed the garden, power wash the house. The outside is the first thing people will see. It needs to look good enough that people will actually want to look inside.

Clean up the clutter – Get rid of the excess stuff. Minimize items in closets and lighten up rooms by removing excess furniture and knick-knacks. Pack your extra items in a SMARTBOX and store them at our storage facility.

De-personalize your home – Remove most of the family pictures. People will want to envision themselves in your home. This is hard to do with your pictures displayed all over the house.

Deep clean your home – Clean the carpets and clean the windows (inside and out), clean out the refrigerator, and definitely clean out the closets.

Consider painting rooms a soft or neutral tone – It makes the rooms lighter and appear larger. A fresh coat of paint makes a big difference.

SMARTBOX can store your excess items while your home is on the market and deliver them directly to your new home. Using SMARTBOX is simply smart. You will be SOLD on our services.

Moving pictures without damaging the frame and the picture takes just a little know how.
Here are a few SMART tips for packing and moving pictures:

1.Choose a box that is larger than the picture you are packing.

2.Keep the box flat; do not put it together.

3.Tape one end of the box securely using your packing tape.

4.Place the picture flat on a large piece of bubble wrap. You should have enough bubble wrap so you can wrap it around the picture like wrapping a present.

5.Wrap the picture in the bubble wrap. Secure the wrapping tightly around all the edges with packing tape. Make sure you have good protection at the corners of your frame. (You can purchase specialized cardboard protectors made specifically for the corners of your picture frames.)

6.Slide the picture into the opening of the box. Seal the box securely with packing tape.

7.Label the outside of the box as fragile/breakable with a brief description of the picture enclosed.

8.When loading the picture into your SMARTBOX, keep the picture on its side. Your picture will be safer packed on it side rather than left flat.

9.In your SMARTBOX, wedge your pictures between heavy objects that will not shift during the move.