While real estate may be in the dumps at the moment, one component that’s been keeping busier than normal is the Self Storage industry. When you think about it, given the various economic factors at play, this makes perfect sense.

People are moving out of their homes for a wide range of reasons. If they’re unemployed and can’t make mortgage payments any longer, people move out of their home and into an apartment. If their employer closes down and they have to move to another city in order to find work, they sell their existing home and move, often to an apartment or smaller home until more comfortable in the new location and confident that the new employer is stable. College students graduating into a tough employment market often move back home to live with their parents for a few years while they kickstart their career and save money for a house. And those who are reaching retirement age frequently sell their family home to move into a smaller home or condo that costs less to run and is easier to maintain. Even people who are trading and selling their existing home to take advantage of a soft market to buy up are often advised by realtors to get rid of as much “stuff” as possible to make their home easier to sell. What all of these situations have in common is a need for Self Storage; somewhere to temporarily house all the extra things they don’t have room for.

In urban areas where real estate is still reasonably active, the demand for temporary storage facilities can be high and rates can vary wildly. For example, in Los Angeles self storage units number in the thousands, but locating an available one in the needed size, in a convenient location and within a particular budget ca be a challenge. Leafing through the Yellow Pages is time consuming and having to make dozens of phone calls is added stress that nobody needs at a time when they’re considering a move. That’s why web sites like selfstoragedeals.com, which aggregates data from storage companies and makes it easy for consumers to search online using various criteria (such as size, price and location), have become so popular.

If you’ve ever tired to find a parking spot or a vacant apartment in New York City, you’ll understand why tracking down a Self Storage unit is such a challenge. Besides the usual reasons for storing things, New Yorkers typically have nowhere to keep their toys like boats, trailers and jet skis -New York self storage also becomes a virtual garage in these cases.

TINLEY PARK, IL…

Before Belinda Skarwecki started working as a bookkeeper for DirectBuy in 1974, the world was a different place. Richard Nixon had yet to resign from office. Not everybody had a color television. There was still no such thing as a free agent in baseball. Yet in celebrating her 35th anniversary with DirectBuy, Skarwecki knows that one thing still holds true: the numbers don’t lie.

“As a bookkeeper, the numbers must always add up. So even though it might not feel like 35 years, the calendar tells me otherwise,” said Skarwecki.

Skarwecki began with DirectBuy while still in high school, working as an assistant to the company’s bookkeeping department at the previous location in Calumet City. Under the tutelage of the company’s bookkeeper at the time, she acquired a skill that’s served her well over 35 years.

In fact, Skarwecki’s longevity with the company is only trumped by DirectBuy of Tinley Park Owner Ed Sell—even topping the service time put in by Ed’s wife I.J., who started with the company 29 years ago. “We hit it off right from the beginning,” adds Skarwecki.

Ms. Sell concurred, “We look at Belinda as a member of our family who also happens to do our books. That’s the kind of relationship we have and we’re very thankful to have her with us.”

That loyalty has been repaid by both sides as Skarwecki remained with the company when it relocated from Calumet City to its current location at 18400 S. 76th Avenue in Tinley Park, Illinois. And when a back condition limited her traveling ability, she and I.J. arranged for her to work from home.

“You don’t spend 35 years of your life with a company for no reason. Ed and I.J. have been wonderful to me and it’s very gratifying to see how the company has grown over the years and how many lives it’s been able to positively impact,” said Skarwecki. “I’m looking forward to many more years with DirectBuy.”

Skarwecki still resides in Calumet City with her husband Marvin.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Tinley Park Estates offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

About DirectBuy It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuychicago.com/.

Locations of the five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Accidents happen. But sometimes, there’s more to them than meets the eye. If your accident was caused by the negligence of others, you might’ve been a victim of personal injury. Personal injury is also not solely associated with another person’s negligence. You can also fall victim from this through malfunctioning products. Nevertheless, if you’ve fallen victim to this kind of negligent accident in Miami, there are several Miami personal injury lawyers that are willing to help you.

Where to look 

The first thing you need to do is to know where to search for a Miami personal injury lawyer. Nowadays, you can probably see one in magazines, newsletters and the usual yellow pages. If you go online, you can also definitely cull a lot of names to consider. Asking your friends and relatives are also good sources. But your choice shouldn’t be based mainly because they are favored by the person closest to you. Instead, consider interviewing each and using the right criteria. 

Scheduling a consultation 

Before going to the Miami personally injury lawyer’s office, you should first call him or her and ask for any consultation fees. While many attorneys offer free one hour consultation, not all are that generous. 

During the consultation, you shouldn’t forget to ask the right and most important questions. Learn about your attorney’s experience level, whether he or she has done successful settlements or handled cases, which have gone through court, and others. Make sure that your attorney is fully knowledgeable about your case and has your best interest at heart. 

How to cooperate 

Communicating with your lawyer is tremendously important for your case. During the initial investigation process, you shouldn’t forget to help out as much as you can. Provide the necessary evidence, like medical records, receipts and more. If you’re seeing more than one doctor, make sure that you also provide that information to your attorney. And speaking of doctors, don’t forget to get their testimonies. Obtaining a professional opinion regarding your injuries is helpful for your case. 

What to expect 

Many personal injury cases are often settled. However, if yours gets messy, it is crucial that your Miami personal injury lawyer has enough experience in handling cases that go to court. Your attorney must be effective in representing you and diligent in gathering the needed evidence to support your case. While the right attorney doesn’t necessarily guarantee a win, he or she can certainly improve your chances of success. 

Mark Michael Ferrer 

Miami Personal Injury Lawyer