Books give us the ability to explore not only our history but entirely new worlds as well. To keep your library of valuable books in pristine condition, you’ll need to find ways to protect them. Let our team at Safeguard Self Storage show you how you can keep your valuable book collection secure in self-storage.

Why Self Storage Provides Better Book Care and Organization

Self-storage provides you with a singular location to better protect your valuable or antique books. But why should we protect books? According to the Smithsonian, there are several different benefits to preserving and protecting books, which include the following:

• Saving books also saves the past.
• It preserves our history.
• It provides information about our progress.
• Specific editions hold special value to certain people.

5 Tips on Book Preservation in Self Storage

As you understand why books are so important to protect, you’ll have to reap the full benefits of self-storage to keep your books secure. Here are five ways you can use self-storage for better book organization and preservation.

1. Inspect books for damage.

Before you begin packing, inspect each book individually for damage. This can include crumbs, water, or even mold spreading across your collection. To ensure your books are prepared for storage, make sure each book you put in storage is clean and protected from future damage.

2. Carefully wrap each book.

One way you can protect your valuable books is by wrapping each one up. For the best book care, we recommend you use paper towels or a similar material. This will help prevent damage caused by dirt and dust. If your book comes with a dust jacket, leave it on for further protection.

3. Utilize containers.

For long-term book collection storage, plastic containers are your best bet. Plastic containers are more resilient against moisture, dust, and pests than cardboard boxes. Don’t store all your books in one giant container and use multiple medium-sized containers instead. As you place your books in each container, lay them flat and store larger books on the bottom and smaller books on top. For additional ways to pack up your books, visit our packing tips page.

4. Take advantage of climate-controlled storage.

As the weather begins to sour, you’ll need to find additional protection from the elements for your books. To better protect your books from inclement weather, consider renting climate-controlled storage. Each climate-controlled storage unit is kept within a consistent temperature range to prevent your books from sustaining weather-related damage.

5. Check on your book collection frequently.

After you have put your valuable books in self-storage, it’s a good idea not to simply leave them be. Make sure to check your books once every month or two to ensure they’re getting the appropriate care.

Rent your book collection storage at Safeguard today!

To keep your valuable books in tip-top shape, rent the best self-storage near you at Safeguard. With a library of storage unit sizes and types to choose from, you’ll find the solution you need to keep your books better protected with us. Contact us online to rent or reserve your self-storage unit today!

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and cherished memories. However, it can also leave us with a cluttered house. From decorations to gifts, the aftermath of the holidays can overwhelm our living spaces.

Thankfully, Safeguard Self Storage has a solution to the post-holiday clutter. Here's how Safeguard Self Storage can help you keep your home organized and stress-free. Our convenience and security make your home sane after the holidays. Let go of clutter and welcome a calm and clutter-free home!

Assessing the Clutter

You'll need to assess your home's clutter before you start decluttering. Take a moment to identify items that are no longer needed. You can categorize them into groups such as donate, sell, or discard.

Start getting rid of items in areas of your house most affected by the holiday season, like if they have overflowing gifts and decorations. You'll be able to tackle and organize your space more effectively if you assess the clutter and categorize it accordingly. Begin your journey toward a clutter-free home by evaluating the clutter you already have.

Planning for Post-Holiday Storage Needs

Planning for your post-holiday storage needs is crucial if you want to avoid clutter and keep your house organized. Decide what you want to store until next year, including decorations and bulky winter clothes. For a seamless transition from the holiday season, estimate how much space you'll need and reserve a storage unit in advance.

You can do so at Safeguard Self Storage, as we have enough space for post-holiday household storage. We offer various sizes of storage units, which you can check in our unit sizing details and space estimator for specific measurements and what they can fit. Prepare for the future by making storage arrangements and enjoy an organized home all year round. Keep your home tidy with our storage solutions.

Organizing Holiday Decorations

For holiday organizing and having all your decorations easily accessible for future use, invest in proper storage containers and labels. By storing your holiday decorations with Safeguard Self Storage, your decorations stay pristine until the following year, thanks to our climate-controlled units and advanced security measures.

You can also use dedicated boxes to keep each category of items separate and clearly labeled after the holiday season. Ensure you sort and group similar items like ornaments, lights, and wreaths. As for fragile items, use Bubble Wrap or tissue paper to help protect them from any potential damage.

You can also hang lights with hooks or cord organizers to keep them tangle-free while in storage. For easy and instant access, put your well-organized decorations in a closet or attic so they're easy to find next year. Organizing your holiday decorations properly will save you stress and hassle when it's time to decorate again.

Managing Gifts and Excess Items

Gifts are a cherished part of the holiday season, but they can quickly lead to clutter if not managed correctly. Consider Safeguard Self Storage's practical storage solution if you have excess items. Utilizing our storage units allows you to create more space in your home and maintain a clutter-free environment.

If you have excess items or gifts you rarely touched or haven’t bothered opening, consider donating or re-gifting them. Keep these items in a designated space like a donation box or a regifting drawer. If you have limited space, Safeguard Self Storage offers temporary storage options for rent. You can keep your living space clutter-free and organized if you're mindful of what you own and find ways to repurpose or donate excess stuff.

Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home

Preventing post-holiday clutter is not a one-time task. It requires ongoing effort and organization. Here are some self-storage tips to help you maintain a clutter-free home throughout the year:

• Regularly declutter your home and reassess your belongings.
• Establish designated spaces for specific items to avoid misplacement.
• Implement a system to organize paperwork and documents.
• Adopt habits like post-holiday cleaning and putting things back in their designated places.

Safeguard Self Storage can be a valuable partner in your journey toward a clutter-free home. Our flexible rental options and convenient locations provide a seamless storage experience that complements your organizational efforts.

Prevent Post-Holiday Clutter and Maintain an Organized Living Space With Safeguard Self Storage

Don't let the holiday chaos overwhelm you. By following the tips outlined in this post and using the services of Safeguard Self Storage, you can reclaim your space and enjoy a clutter-free environment all year round. Take control of your home in the new year and start it with a peaceful and organized living space. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

A crucial part of the holiday season is, of course, decorating. Whether you’re putting Christmas lights on a tree or stringing up outdoor lighting to brighten up the winter nights, holiday lighting can quickly become a massive undertaking.

If you need some guidance in your holiday lighting journey, our team at Safeguard Self Storage has you covered. Read on to discover some of our favorite times for holiday decorating and learn how self-storage can become your secret to success,

Have a Plan for Holiday Lighting

Like any undertaking for the holiday season, having a game plan can make all the difference in avoiding overwhelm. Think about what kind of aesthetic you’re going for in your holiday lighting. Do you want a classier look with white lights along your roof, or do you prefer more colorful displays and inflatable decorations for the lawn?

Another question: How much storage space do you have for your holiday decorating? If you’re set up in a two-bed apartment with a balcony, you may want to stick to some battery-powered string lights to wrap around your railing to avoid nailing or stapling anything (your security deposit will thank you).

What’s the weather like in your area? If you live in a state that can see particularly wild weather during the winter season, you should consider holiday lighting or décor that’s sturdy enough to withstand heavy winds, ice, or snow. After all, you don’t want your wooden reindeer to take flight during a storm because you didn’t choose heavier weather-resistant ones.

Research Indoor vs. Outdoor Lighting

Speaking of the weather, it’s critical to your safety that you know the difference between outdoor lighting and indoor lighting. If you find yourself thinking, “Wait, is there a difference?” Yes, there is.

Unlike outdoor lighting, indoor holiday lights aren’t designed to handle the elements. Moisture from snow, rain, ice, and freezing temperatures can stress indoor lighting used outdoors, potentially causing electrical shorts and fire hazards. You should only use outdoor lighting for the exterior of your home.

So how can you tell if what holiday lighting you’re purchasing is safe for outdoor use? Your holiday lights should include a UL lighting fixture label. This label tells you that your lighting product is safe for use indoors, outdoors, or both.

Indoor holiday lights are marked with silver tags with green writing or entirely green tags. Outdoor holiday lighting, on the other hand, will feature a silver tag with red writing or an entirely red tag.

If you love a vintage look for your holiday lighting, try to buy modern lights that look vintage. You may love the aesthetic of your grandparents’ Christmas lights, but they can be a huge safety hazard by modern electrical standards.

Coordinate Your Holiday Decorating and Lighting

Part of having a plan for your holiday lighting means taking coordination into account for your overall look. Do you want to go more scaled back with some twinkly lights in your bushes, or do you want the full Griswolds’ Christmas Vacation look for your home?

What’s the level of holiday decorating look like inside your home? If you go all out on the outdoor lighting and skimp on your indoor lighting, it may be a letdown for your guests when they come inside. You should also keep in mind the overall cost of your holiday lighting because with a Griswold-level display comes a Griswold-level electricity bill in January.

Consider Timers for Your Holiday Lighting

Speaking of electricity, here’s what you can do to mitigate the cost. Get timers for your outdoor and indoor lighting. Set your outdoor lights to turn on during the peak times when the most people may see them: after dusk and until around 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. You can coordinate your indoor lighting on a similar schedule and maybe shut them off a bit earlier if you’ve got kiddos heading to bed earlier in the evening.

Keep in mind, however, that even when they're off but still plugged in, holiday lighting can sap a bit of electricity. For your indoor lighting, consider battery-powered LED holiday lights to take some pressure off your electricity bill.

Get the Proper Materials for Hanging Outdoor Lighting

When you’re planning to hang Christmas lights, don’t forget a few key tools and materials for your work. In addition to timers, you should also have the following on hand:

• Plastic zip ties
• Plastic light clips
• Electrical tape
• Outdoor extension cords
• A ladder (if you plan to string lights up your roof or in trees)
• Staple gun (staples are sturdier but will leave marks on your home)
• Adhesive clips for indoor lighting

Have a Buddy (or Two) Help With the Holiday Lighting

Not only is it more fun to string up outdoor lights with your friends and family, but it’s safer, especially if you’re climbing on roofs or in trees to hang up the lighting.

At the very least, have someone spot for you and hold onto your ladder. You can also have someone unrolling or detangling the lights as you put them up to prevent them from dragging on the ground or getting knotted up.

Ensure You Have Enough Storage Space for Holiday Lighting

Our final (and arguably most important) tip for holiday lighting? Have a place to store them all! The last thing you want to deal with at the end of the holiday season is mounds of Christmas lights and décor in your basement or attic.

In addition to taking up a lot of space, you run the risk of humidity or fluctuating temperatures damaging your indoor lights or pests nesting or nibbling their way through the wires.

Even if you properly wrap up your lights and store them in plastic totes, those totes can quickly take up valuable space in your home, leaving you cramped and cluttered the rest of the year.

Make Your Holiday Decorating Easier With Safeguard Self Storage

Don’t sacrifice your storage or festive lighting. Create more space with Safeguard Self Storage! We offer a wide range of affordable, convenient self-storage units tailored to help you give your Christmas lights a home away from home.

We even have climate-controlled storage to ensure a stable environment for your indoor lighting, no matter what the weather’s doing outside.

So, what are you waiting for? Give yourself the space you need for your indoor and outdoor lighting with Safeguard Self Storage today! Contact us online or find a location near you.

A time of gift giving, shopping, decorating, and hosting friends and family, the holiday season can demand a lot of space. So, how can you give yourself some breathing room? Here are five  self-storage tips to help you stay merry and bright.

1.   Organize Your Gift Wrap and Bows

You may love the bright reds and greens of holiday wrapping paper, but the piles of ribbon, paper, and bows can quickly create a festive mess in your home.

Make your winter workshop and create some holiday organization with a storage unit. You can let your creative juices flow freely without worrying about tidying up your living space.

2.   Keep Holiday Gifts Out of Sight

With self-storage for the holidays, you’re not just keeping your gift wrapping materials out of the way — you’re keeping your loved ones’ gifts out of sight, too! If you’ve got some notorious gift snoops, keep them guessing by stashing their presents away in storage.

3.   Free Up Space for Your Guests

Hosting family and friends for the festivities? We’ve got you covered. When you need to maximize space for cousins’ sleepovers in the living room, you can put your coffee table or other accent pieces in your holiday storage unit.

Alternatively, if you have a table leaf you only use during the holidays, don’t let it clutter your home the rest of the year — put it in storage.

4.   Swap Out Seasonal Clothing

5. Clothing storage is one of the top 3 uses of self-storage. Just because you have a favorite holiday sweater doesn’t mean it has to stay in your closet all year long. Give your closet a break and swap out your seasonal clothing with a storage unit. Once the holiday season wraps up, fold up your favorite festive attire in airtight storage containers and put them in storage.

6.   Maximize Holiday Storage Space for Your Decor

In addition to wardrobe space, your storage self-storage unit can declutter your basement and attic. From wreaths and ornaments to holiday trees and lawn decor, your storage unit has you covered until the next holiday season rolls around.

Give Yourself the Gift of Self Storage for the Holidays

Ready to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year? Give yourself the gift that keeps giving — self storage from Safeguard Self Storage. With our affordable rates, convenient self-storage facility locations, and helpful professionals, we can help you create the holiday storage you need. Find a Safeguard Self Storage location near you or contact us online today to discover why we’ve been satisfying America’s self-storage needs since 1989.

The holiday season is a special time for parents to create Christmas magic for their kids with the perfect gifts. If you have particularly curious kiddos, however, keeping those presents as a Christmas surprise can feel like an Olympic sport.

So, how can you hide Christmas presents until the big day? Check out these helpful tips for Christmas gift hiding with the Safeguard Self Storage team.

Mislabel Your Boxes

Misdirection can be a big help in hiding your Christmas gifts from the kids. You’ve got a few options here — depending on the size of the gifts, you can put them in cardboard boxes labeled “Taxes,” carefully pile them into black trash bags in the garage (just make sure you remember what’s trash and what’s a treasure) or keep them in old boxes for appliances. Your kids won’t go snooping around the old crockpot box for their presents!

Use Your Christmas Decor Totes

Once you’ve put out your Christmas decorations, get the most use out of your Christmas decor totes by hiding presents in them! Those totes will be the last place the tots go looking for their gifts. In case they do take a peek, you can always pack blankets or tissue paper as a top layer to throw them off your tracks.

Tuck Presents Into Your Trunk

Weather permitting — not being too hot or too cold — you can try keeping presents in the trunk of your car as well. Keep in mind though, we only recommend this option if you have access to an enclosed, locked garage space. If you only have street parking, we don’t recommend keeping gifts or other valuables in your vehicle for your safety.

You should also consider how often your kids will be in the car where you’re hiding the gifts. If you have older kids or teens who may borrow the car or help unpack groceries, the chances of them spotting the presents may be a bit higher.

Keep the Presents at Work

Like your car, you should only try Christmas gifts hiding at your place of work if you can keep them in a locked space — you don’t want your gifts to grow legs and walk off while you leave them unattended at work. If you have a cabinet where you can tuck in presents, it’s a perfect spot to keep them away from the kiddos until Christmas morning.

Store Christmas Presents with Self Storage

While you might be able to store your presents in some creative spots around the house, your kids might still catch on. Whether all your kids are working together for the first time all year, or they read this same blog, keeping the presents at your house still has risks no matter how well you hide those gifts.

Storing your family's Christmas presents in self-storage can be a great way to keep those gifts away from being seen. Not only that, but you don’t have to worry about the extra clutter that can sometimes come with Christmas time. Some gifts might need some extra attention, so be sure to check out our climate-controlled storage with Safeguard for an even better storage option.

Find your holiday storage at Safeguard Self Storage

Once Christmas Day rolls around, you can keep using your holiday storage unit at Safeguard Self Storage for your holiday decor, seasonal clothing, and more. You’ve got plenty of storage possibilities at affordable rates with Safeguard Self Storage. Find one of our storage facilities near you or contact us online today!

Owning a home gym can be a great investment not only in your home but in yourself to stay fit. Yet there’s no denying that a home gym takes up quite a bit of space. With every piece of exercise equipment, you’ll need to have space to store it. While your home and garage might not have all the space you need, you can easily obtain that space by renting a storage unit.

Not only does self storage give you a centralized place to keep all your exercise equipment, there are several additional benefits that come with it. In this blog post, our team at Safeguard Self Storage will show you how to properly store your exercise equipment in a storage unit.

Why You Should Keep Fitness Equipment in Self Storage

Self storage provides you with additional space to keep all your fitness equipment in a singular place. In fact, fitness equipment self storage can provide many benefits that aren’t as obtainable with home and garage storage solutions. These include but are not limited to:

• Increased longevity
• Damage prevention
• Protection against the elements
• Convenient to grab equipment and go

Tips on Exercise Equipment Storage

When you decide to place your exercise equipment in self storage, it’s time to prepare your items for move-in. It may not be as simple as throwing your equipment into a unit and calling it a day, but with the right tips and tricks, you can make the process of storing your fitness equipment as seamless as possible.

1. Clean Everything

The first thing to do before you move into your storage unit is to clean off all your exercise equipment. A proper cleaning will keep your equipment in the best possible condition for the longest amount of time.

2. Disassemble Large Exercise Equipment

After you clean your equipment, you’ll want to disassemble or break down any large piece of exercise equipment you have. For example, fold in or disassemble treadmills or compact various fitness equipment with one another. As you disassemble, keep any screws or bolts in bags so you don’t lose them when it’s time to reassemble post-storage.

3. Place Delicate Items in Sealed Containers

For soft and flexible equipment like yoga mats, resistance bands, and stability balls, keep them in tightly sealed containers. If not properly sealed, these items can easily deteriorate due to the elements. Another way to protect these items is to rent climate controlled storage.

4. Keep Equipment Off Storage Unit Floor

It’s best to keep as much of your fitness equipment off your storage unit’s floor as possible. This will not only further prevent damage but also prevent any germs or grime from accumulating on your equipment.

 5. Utilize Shelving

One way you can keep equipment off the ground is to utilize shelving. Even though you can’t bolt shelves to your unit’s walls, free shelving can still provide additional space—especially for dumbbells and weights.

Find Your Home Gym Storage Solution at Safeguard

Keep your fitness equipment well stored and rent a storage unit at Safeguard. With our well-equipped and convenient self storage and locations in several states, we’ll provide you with the most convenience, best service, and highest value available. Contact us online to rent or reserve your storage unit with us today!

Your storage unit can accumulate dust, dirt, and clutter if it isn’t tidy and organized. Prioritizing upkeep is crucial to ensuring your self storage unit works and preserves your belongings. We’ll show you how to clean and organize your storage unit so you can make it functional and tidy. Follow these guidelines to avoid the pitfalls of an unorganized and unkempt storage unit, helping ensure your stuff's safety and longevity.

Preparation for Cleaning

Follow these steps before you begin cleaning:

1. Gather all the supplies you’ll need. You'll need cleaning solutions, microfiber cloths, brooms, vacuum cleaners, gloves, and other tools.
2. Ensure adequate ventilation and lighting for the cleaning process.
3. Remove everything from the unit safely so you have a clean space to work with.

You’ll be well prepared to thoroughly clean your storage unit by preparing supplies, assessing the unit's condition, ensuring proper ventilation, and creating a plan or checklist.

Cleaning Process

Start by dusting and wiping down all surfaces, including walls, shelves, and furniture. Use a microfiber cloth to catch dust particles and prevent them from spreading. Next, sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dirt and dust. It’s important to treat stains or mold immediately with the appropriate cleaning solutions.

Finally, use a freshening spray or natural odor absorbers like baking soda or activated charcoal to deodorize the unit. You can keep your storage unit clean and welcoming by following this systematic cleaning process, which includes dusting, sweeping, removing stains and mold, and deodorizing.

Organizing and Decluttering

For optimal storage space, you need to categorize and sort belongings effectively. Ensure each storage container is labeled so you can get to items easily. If you need more than just storage containers, shelving units also work to maximize space.

Take advantage of this opportunity to declutter by removing unused or unnecessary things. This helps streamline and organize your storage unit. With these strategies, you can make your storage area clutter-free and well organized.

Maintenance Tips

Make it a habit to check and clean your storage unit every few months to ensure it stays tidy and functional. Look for pests, leaks, and damage, and notify management or on-site staff immediately. Following these storage unit maintenance tips, you'll guarantee your belongings are kept pristine.

Maintain a Clean and Organized Storage Unit for Easy Access and Preservation

You don't have to rummage through messy storage spaces anymore. Keep your belongings in good shape and manage them effortlessly with well-organized storage units. With these storage unit tips, you can keep your storage space clutter-free and functional. Cleaning and decluttering regularly will keep your items in good shape and maximize your space. Get rid of the stress with storage unit organization and cleanliness.

Having a home garage enables you to store so much more than cars. When clutter starts piling up, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to tidying up your garage. Our storage experts at Safeguard are here to help with garage organization tips. We’ll share our advice for ways to declutter so you can reclaim the much-needed space in your garage.

Garage Organization Tips

Schedule a Garage Cleanup

One of the hardest steps toward tidying up your garage is simply getting started. Break the loop of procrastination and schedule a garage cleanup. Put it on your calendar and set aside a few hours or an entire day and enlist the help of your family or good friends. Make it fun by putting on music and preparing snacks and drinks.

Sort Items Into Keep, Toss, Store, and Donate Piles

As you gaze at a giant pile of clutter in your garage, take some time to sort through it and divide it into keep, toss, and donate piles. Create boxes or storage containers with these labels for easy sorting.

If you’re having trouble deciding if you should keep an item, ask yourself if you’ve used it within the past year. If not, toss it or donate it. Remember to only donate undamaged items others could reuse, like gently used bicycles, unstained clothing, and decorations in good condition. For sentimental items you can’t get rid of but don’t have space for, rent a personal self storage unit.

Consider a Garage Sale

You may come across items that are in great condition and worth a good amount of money. If so, consider planning a garage sale that offers the advantages of a clean garage and some extra cash. Some items you can sell in a garage sale include clothing, toys, tools, furniture, and home goods. Don’t forget to set up lots of signs around the neighborhood advertising your sale! 

If setting up a garage sale sounds like too much hassle, you could consider listing valuable items on an online sales platform, like Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, Poshmark, or OfferUp.

Invest in Shelving and Organizational Tools

In order to keep your garage clean and organized, you have to set up an organizational system that makes it easy to keep things in order. Organizational systems can widely vary from person to person, as different things work for different people, but a great way to start is by investing in containers, shelves, and other garage organization tools.

A few garage organization ideas to try out include:

• A peg board with hooks for hanging tools
• Wall shelves for boxes, shoes, luggage, seasonal items, and more
• Heavy-duty stick-on wall hooks for hanging jackets and tools
• Plastic totes for stowing clothing, seasonal decor, and other smaller items
• A shoe and coat rack for outdoor apparel like rain boots

Creative Ways To Use Your Garage

After you’ve cleaned out your garage and donated, sold, or stored all your items, you can turn your garage into a space you’ll want to be in. The next step after you reclaim garage space could be to transform your garage into a whole new room with a garage makeover.

Create a Garage Gym

Want to start a fitness routine but don’t want to have to find a gym? Consider setting up a garage gym where you can get a great workout without even leaving your house. Invest in free weights, medicine balls, floor mats, or even cardio equipment.

Set Up a Craft Studio in Your Garage

Whether you prefer sewing, painting, or furniture making, your garage can offer that extra space you need to craft. Start with a good workbench and add all the tools you need, such as a sewing machine, tool wall, or easel.

Design a Den or Man Cave

When you need a relaxing place to watch sports games or enjoy a movie, a garage den could be the perfect solution. Along with a comfy chair, don’t forget to grab a television, fridge or cooler for snacks, and sports paraphernalia for your favorite teams.

Arrange a Playroom

If you have little ones at home, the garage can be a great spot for a playroom. Invest in a play set, sand table, and more fun toys. Be sure to take proper steps to ensure safety. Securely stow or remove tools, childproof any sharp corners or edges, and put in foam tiles to cushion falls. Make sure young children are still supervised by a responsible adult while using the playroom.

Rent Self Storage for Garage Organization With Safeguard

For those important items you just don’t have room for, Safeguard’s residential storage options can be a huge help. From storage units to vehicle storage options, our storage facilities have everything you need to complete the perfect garage makeover.

To get started, search for a storage location near you. Then select the storage you need and follow the prompts to rent storage online. If you need more assistance, feel free to call us or fill out a contact form. For more information on Safeguard’s self storage solutions, check out our frequently asked questions (FAQ).

Small apartment living in the Bronx comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to space. The key to making the most of your living situation is to be strategic and creative with the square footage you have at your disposal. In this quick guide, we'll explore five effective space-saving tips and apartment organization strategies to help you make the most out of the space in your Bronx apartment.

Open up Vertical Storage Space

You may have more room to work with than you realize. In a compact Bronx apartment, floor space is precious real estate. When your counters and floor spaces are occupied, consider vertical space. Install wall-mounted shelves, hooks, and organizers to maximize the use of your walls. This not only provides additional storage but also adds character and personality to your living space. You can use wall mounted shelves for plants, pictures, candles, and other decor.

Declutter Your Apartment Strategically

Clutter is the nemesis of a small apartment. The best way to keep your home clutter-free is to declutter regularly. Embrace a minimalist approach by going through your belongings and donating or selling items you don’t use to create more room. Reducing clutter not only makes your apartment look more spacious but also simplifies your everyday life.

Invest in Dual-Purpose Furniture

Furniture that serves multiple functions is a game-changer in small apartments. Invest in pieces like a sofa bed or a dining table with built-in storage. Dual-purpose items optimize space and functionality, as well as adapt your space based on your needs.

If you are in the market for a dining table, consider an expandable table with removable center panels, or a drop leaf table, whose edges can fold over. Adjustable tables offer you the flexibility to entertain large groups of guests when you need to and the convenience of additional space when you don’t.

Use Creative Room Dividers

In a studio apartment, creating distinct areas for different activities can be challenging. Instead of using traditional room dividers, opt for smart, multifunctional solutions, such as bookshelves or sliding panels that not only separate spaces but also provide additional storage and style. Movable dividers maintain an open feel while offering privacy when needed.

Try Under-Bed Storage

The area under your bed is valuable storage real estate. Make the most of it by investing in storage bins or drawers designed to fit beneath your bed frame. This is an ideal solution for stowing away seasonal items, extra linens, or shoes. These items remain easily accessible while minimizing clutter in your living area. You can even raise your bed frame to fit boxes, drawers, and other containers to maximize your newly reclaimed storage space.

Store Excess Items in a Self Storage Unit from Safeguard

Remember: not everything has to be stored in your apartment. One of the best choices you can make to increase your apartment’s storage space is to store the items you don't frequently use in a self-storage unit from Safeguard. By relocating belongings such as seasonal decorations, extra furniture, or records and photographs to a secure and well-maintained storage unit, you can declutter your living space significantly.

Safeguard's self-storage units offer peace of mind with their top-notch security features, climate-controlled environments, and easy accessibility, ensuring your belongings will be secure and out of the way. Find your Bronx storage unit from Safeguard Self Storage today, and live large in your apartment, no matter the size.

Collectibles hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and hobbyists alike, be it rare coins, vintage toys, sports memorabilia, or cherished family heirlooms. From appraisals to insurance and upkeep, you put a lot of effort into maintaining your collection, and as you continue to add to and organize your collection, the key to ensuring all your items remain in pristine condition for years to come is proper storage and care.

In this guide, we'll share our top tips on how to store your collectibles correctly to maintain their quality and explore how a self-storage unit from Safeguard Self Storage can provide the ideal environment for your treasured items.

Invest in Acid-Free Materials for Collectable Storage

When it comes to storing collectibles, material selection matters. The U.S. National Archive, America’s top authority on long-term preservation, stresses that acid-free storage boxes, folders, and sleeves are essential for protecting delicate items such as comic books, photographs, or paper documents. Acid-free packing materials prevent yellowing, fading, or deterioration that can result from exposure to acidic elements over time.

Keep Them in a Controlled Environment

Temperature fluctuations are dangerous to collectibles and a stable environment is crucial for long-term preservation. To maintain quality, store your items in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Extreme temperature shifts can cause warping or cracking in certain materials, especially wood, plastics, and electronics.

Paper products along with most other collectables can benefit greatly from cool, consistent temperatures while in storage, which can be tough to accomplish inside your home. This is where Safeguard’s self storage units come in.

Choose the Right Self-Storage Unit

While your home may be an ideal place for collectable preservation, space is limited. A self-storage unit from Safeguard Self Storage can be a game-changer. We offer units equipped with climate control, maintaining stable temperatures levels to protect your collectibles from the harsh elements outside. Whether you have vintage vinyl records, antique furniture, or a collection of rare comics, a Safeguard storage unit provides the optimal environment for collectible care.

Be sure that you get the right size unit to suit your needs. If you plan on expanding your collection, it is important that you give yourself enough room to accommodate for more items, boxes, and shelves. Use our self storage size guide to get a visual estimate of the space available across our entire catalog of units to narrow down the perfect one to fit your needs.

When your collectibles begin to outgrow your living space or require extra protection, a self-storage unit from Safeguard Self Storage is just what you need. Explore our available units by finding a storage facility near you and preserve your collection today.