It’s been coming up more and more lately - people asking where we provide sevice.  This map shows where we currently have SMARTBOX franchise locations (those are the red squares) and also shows where we can provide long distance service as well (the yellow-ish circles).  We can provide long distance to all the marks you see on the map via SMARTCARE - the long distance moving division of SMARTBOX.

 So whether your needs are strictly moving, strictly storage or a mix of both - SMARTBOX has a solution and likely has a location near you.  Even better, if we don’t have a location by you today, we may tomorrow!  We’re growing all the time!!  Maybe you know someone that wants to own their own SMARTBOX Franchise??!

So think about SMARTBOX for your local and long distance moving needs and give us a call - 1-87-SMARTBOX!

SMARTBOX Chicago recently joined NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) - the Chicago Chapter.  On the NAPO web site, I came upon a few interesting statistics that I thought I would share. 

The statistics are below and are mostly for entertainment purposes.  But, there is validity to a lot of the statistics out there.  A partnership between NAPO and SMARTBOX is like the perfect marriage.  A NAPO member can help you organize your clutter, your office, your closet, etc.  SMARTBOX can help you maintain the items that are either near and dear to you; something you love but don’t have a good spot for or simply don’t have the space for. 

Another use of SMARTBOX in conjunction with a NAPO Organizer can be as simple as getting all of your “clutter” out of your place and into ours, via a SmartBox.  Then, the Organizer can help you get your place in better organized condition, get a system in place to stay better organized, etc.  The stuff in the SmartBox then can be sifted through in a more timely, less rushed fashion.  NAPO and SMARTBOX - a great combination to work with!

Scroll down below the screen shot for the “statistics” I pulled out…….

These are statistics I found on the NAPO web site, feel free to view the PDF for more detail.

• According to a New York Times Article published March 2001
  • IKEA did a survey of customers in which 31% reported they were more satisfied after clearing out their closests than they were after sex.
• An unnamed source stated that
  • More than one out of four Americans remarked that they would like to be better organized.
• The April 23, 2004 issue of The Chicago Tribune (via The RedEye) stated the following statistics
  • 81 % of participants plan to spring clean this year
  • 74% of participants spring clean because they are tired of clutter
  • 39% of participants plan to organize their closet first
  • 62.8% plan to get rid of their outdated wardrobe next
  • 58% of participants said photos of their children are the one thing that they would never get rid of

I was recently asked by SMARTBOX Corporate to contribute to our blog.  If you’re reading this, you know the address already.  Corporate Web Logs are becoming more and more prevalent these days. Some of the largest companies in the world are blogging.  According to Technorati the top 10 Corporate Blogs as of May 2008 are:

1. Google – Shocker, I know!
2. O’Reilly Media
3. Yahoo Search
4. Tom Peters Company
5. Ask.com
6. Adobe Software
7. General Motors
8. Sunbelt Software
9. Thomas Mahon
10. The Otter Group

The reason I point out the top 10 blogs above is that it’s interesting in that they are not necessarily the ones you would expect.  Some are obvious – Google and Yahoo.  But some of the others I’d venture to say are blogs for companies and/or people from companies you’ve never heard of.  I know that’s a safe statement on my end.  So how does this all fit in to SMARTBOX and our Corporate Blog?  Hopefully this Blog will become – over time – a useful resource of information regarding the Portable Storage (and storage in general) industry along with tips on moving, packing, organizing and the like.  There are so many resources out there it’s hard to know what’s valid and what isn’t.  Rest assured, if it says SMARTBOX, it’s legitimate.  Greg Kaufman SMARTBOX Chicago – Owner

If you are a homeowner, you know that clutter is almost impossible to avoid.  Whether it’s the attic, the garage, the kids’ rooms or your living room, at one point you will realize that the clutter is overtaking your house.  As Spring Cleaning time approaches, try a new strategy guaranteed to get you and your house organized.  That is where SMARTBOX comes in.  SMARTBOX will deploy as many units you deem necessary to tame your clutter problems.  For quick decluttering, store the SMARTBOX or SMARTBOXES on your property, allowing you to sort through the items that must go, and the priceless items that you could never possibly throw away.  If your clutter problem is more severe, or you happen to be a packrat incapable of disposing of your TV Guide collection, send your fully loaded SMARTBOX unit back to our climate controlled storage facility where it will be safe and secure until you build that extra wing to your house or find a suitable buyer on eBay. 

As the moving season nears, a common question often comes to mind. Why is moving so difficult? Traditional moving companies operate on their schedule, not yours. Even worse, the prices can be outrageous. Prior to a move, the moving company will provide you with a rough estimate based on weight, labor and time. It is not until the move is complete that you get a detailed bill, often back loaded with hidden fees. Ultimately, you never know how much it is going to cost until you get stuck with the bill. If this sounds familiar, then you need to try SMARTBOX. SMARTBOX offers the versatility of both a portable self storage company and a moving company. We will drop off our storage containers at your address for you to pack and load at your leisure. Because of their size, SMARTBOX units are great for organizing your move. Each unit holds one to one and a half rooms of furniture, allowing you to compartmentalize your household goods for moving day. When you are ready for the big day, SMARTBOX will pick up your loaded units and deliver them to your new address. SMARTBOX is also the perfect solution for untimely delays in your moving process. If you cannot close on your new property, but need to leave your old location, have SMARTBOX store your possessions in there climate controlled storage facility at no extra charge. Then when your new house is ready, SMARTBOX is there to complete the moving process. Don’t forget, SMARTBOX is not only great a local moves, but we have experience with long distance moves as well, servicing nearly every major market in the continental United States.

SMARTBOX portable storage containers are becoming very popular due to their ease of use, convenience, affordability, and reliability. One of the most important factors to consider about these storage units is their level of protection from damaging elements.

SMARTBOXes are constructed from wood, which helps protect items inside from changes in temperature and humidity. Rising humidity can create condensation inside storage containers made from different materials, such as metal. This condensation can then cause water damage to stored belongings. To ensure no water can enter the SMARTBOX, the wood on the bottom is pressure-treated. This protects any groundwater from damaging your stored contents. The SMARTBOX is also covered with a heavy-duty water-proof cover to keep out rain.