With the new year, it's only natural to start thinking about a clean slate and how you can make the next 12 months even better than the last. For many, the new year means getting in shape and improving their overall well-being. Make it your resolution to take up yoga. Although there are many studios from Little Havana to Palmetto Bay, FL, something closer to home may be an even better idea. Make space for your Zen and turn your spare room into a yoga studio. 

Transform Your Spare Room into a Yoga Studio

Having a yoga studio at home gives you the freedom to practice anytime you want. You’ll save money, without expensive fees for a trainer or using up gas driving through the Miami Design District. At home, you won’t feel intimidated by the yoga pros who can somehow balance on their elbows. With a bit of work, a pinch of motivation and some help from self-storage, you'll go from lounging on the couch to the warrior pose in no time.

1. Get rid of the clutter.

Yoga requires a lot of room to perform the variety of movements. You can't expect to go through the warrior poses when a dresser or a bed blocks your way. For a pure yoga space, you’ll need every inch of your spare room, which means moving almost everything out. For a temporary or permanent storage solution, move your belongings into one of our affordable storage units.

2. Decorate with intent.

Try not to make the space look too busy. The point of decluttering is to create a space in which you can move about without distractions. A few candles, soft lighting and maybe a muted color for the walls can help set the mood and inspire your meditative journey.

3. Gather your supplies.

Having a few yoga supplies can improve your performance. A yoga mat places you in a focused space and keeps you from sliding around. Invest in a yoga towel to wipe away the sweat, a yoga block to help you balance during difficult moves, and a meditation pillow to cushion your head during savasana, or corpse pose. You should also have water on hand to stay hydrated as you work your way through an entire session.

4. Begin your yoga journey.

After removing clutter from your yoga room and placing it in a storage unit, your supplies on hand, and the mood set, it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Keep in mind that you're making this your own space, a sort of retreat from the real world. So every time you enter your sanctuary, leave your problems behind and focus on improving yourself, your health and your overall well-being.

Start Your Yoga Journey With Safeguard Self Storage

Sticking to your New Year's resolution is never easy, but if you can, it will change your life for the better. If you're ready to turn your space into a yoga room, store your belongings with us. With convenient storage units available from the Miami Design District all the way to Palmetto Bay, FL, keeping your stuff out of the way has never been easier. 

Sometimes it's nice to poke fun at something and completely get away with it. If you enjoy mocking what you see on TV or the Internet, don't miss the King Mango Strut parade in Coconut Grove on December 31. This annual event draws people from Little Havana and all of South Florida to watch people dress up, sing and perform acts while making fun of local and national celebrities, politicians and more. Your local self storage experts at Safeguard Self Storage have the scoop.

How the Parade Started 

When it comes to diversity, you'll find it in Miami, FL. Everyone has their own way of doing things and the freedom to express themselves. Take Glenn Terry and Bill Dobson, the founders of the King Mango Strut. Back in 1982, their marching band wanted to enter the King Orange Jamboree parade. However, they were denied entry because they were playing kazoos and conch shells and using garbage cans as drums.

They decided to form the King Mango Strut as a parody that same year. Since the parade's foundation, it has grown in popularity and includes participants of various races, creeds and cultures. Nothing is sacred at the parade, and most anyone or any issue is a potential target for lighthearted lampooning.

Tips for Participating in the Parade 

Want to make fun of the people in the news? Have something funny to say about the election? Come on down to Miami, FL, and join the fun at the King Mango Strut. You don't have to go through a stringent entry process or need to pay an entry fee. Don't worry if you lack a special skill; just fill out the entry form to get started.

You don't need a long trailer to tow in the parade. Some participants walk in the King Mango Strut while others turn the back of a pickup truck into a float. If you're creating a float, you'll need plenty of supplies like glittery fringe, table skirts and gossamer to create a variety of effects. Balloons always attract attention, and jumbo streamers can accentuate a float in a big way. Consider picking up a bag of assorted candies to toss out into the crowd. It'll make the kids happy and make you stand out from the rest.

Store Your Supplies With Safeguard Self Storage

If you lack the space at home for your float supplies, Safeguard Self Storage has convenient and spacious storage units available in the Little Havana area of Miami. You can use the self storage units to store your supplies before and after the parade. The air-conditioned units will protect your float supplies in the South Florida climate until you need them again at the next King Mango Strut.

It's that time again when the annual Christkindlmarket comes to Chicago, IL. This winter event brings in more than 1 million people, including residents here in Uptown and West Rogers Park as well as visitors from across the country. This is the 21st year of this cherished tradition and features numerous vendors offering everything from toys to delicious German chocolates. Your local self storage experts at Safeguard Self Storage are here to show you what you’re missing.

Discover Christkindlmarket This Year in Chicago IL

This annual event began as an idea to promote trade between the USA and Germany and was first held at Pioneer Court in 1996. The event was moved to Daley Plaza a year later and has become an anticipated tradition in the area. Because it has become so popular, the Christkindlmarket committee has set up a second location in Naperville about an hour from the Lake View and Beverly areas of Chicago.

Although Christkindlmarket is known for its vendors, it's also the ideal place for teachers to take their students. German students can practice their skills at the market, which features many German-speaking vendors. The students can also take part in scavenger hunts and sing German holiday songs. Christkindlmarket really gives students a feeling for German traditions without having to leave the country. If you're a teacher from Lake View, West Rogers Park or anywhere in the Chicago area, consider a field trip to Christkindlmarket as a fun and educational gift to your students.

So Many Vendors, So Little Time

Christkindlmarket lasts from November 18 to December 24, so you have a little more than a month to visit the event. With so many vendors, it can seem overwhelming as you shuffle through the crowds and become entranced by the dazzling lights above the vendors' shops. You can purchase most anything from the vendors, like hand-blown and painted ornaments for your Christmas tree. Some German vendors sell nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks while others offer toys, jewelry and clothes.

You can buy German home decor and handmade crafts; you can even watch a wood carver make goods for sale on the spot. Try not to get hungry while you're making your way through the crowd as the tempting aromas from strudel, spiced wines and roasted nuts fill the air. You can stop at any time and quench your thirst with a German beer or fill your belly with sausage and potato pancakes.

If you're looking for unique gifts for the holidays, you can find them at Christkindlmarket. Whether it's toys for your children or beer steins for your friends, this annual event gives you a way to find something eclectic and original for those you love during the holidays. 

Keep Your Gifts Secret With Self Storage 

Don't let your trip to Christkindlmarket get ruined because your family and friends discover their presents early. Whether you're from Uptown or Beverly, Safeguard Self Storage has convenient storage units available close to home. We have affordable monthly plans, so you can invest in a short-term self storage solution for keeping your presents hidden from prying eyes. With temperature-controlled storage units and around-the-clock security, your gifts will remain a secret until you're ready to hand them out on Christmas Day.

Santa Claus stores his Christmas gifts with Safeguard Self Storage, shouldn’t you?

Long Island has produced some amazing things and people over the years, from Billy Joel to the historic Long Island Rail Road. It's the largest island along the contiguous U.S. and would rank No. 1 in terms of population density as a state. It has abundant and diverse neighborhoods and helpful, hardworking residents all the way from Flatbush and Flatlands to Massapequa. Besides your local self storage experts at Safeguard Self Storage, nothing has worked harder than the Long Island Rail Road.

Safeguard Self Storage Celebrates the Long Island Rail Road

With the rise of the automobile, many railroads across the country have closed over the years, but the Long Island Rail Road continues to carry passengers as it has since the 1830s. In fact, it's the oldest railroad in the U.S. that still operates under its original name and charter.

The track stretches for more than 700 miles and has 124 stations along the way. Nearly 340,000 passengers travel the railroad on a single weekday, making it the busiest passenger railroad in North America. On top of that, it runs 24/7 and provides year-round service to everyone on the island.

Overall, the Long Island Rail Road has 11 passenger branches and three main truck lines: the Atlantic Branch, the Main Line and the Montauk Branch. These three lines branch off into eight smaller branches, each of those lines branch off into different sections to serve specific areas. The main passenger lines are the: 

·      Main Line
·      Atlantic Branch
·      Montauk Branch
·      Oyster Bay Branch
·      Far Rockaway Branch
·      Port Jefferson Branch
·      Central Branch
·      Long Beach Branch
·      Port Washington Branch
·      West Hempstead Branch

The LIRR: First at Almost Everything

When it comes to innovation, the Long Island Rail Road has led the way since 1832. Today, railways across the country use hooked track spikes, but the LIRR was the first to implement them in 1836. It was also the first railroad that featured a locomotive with a steam whistle. By 1905, it was the first to have an all-steel passenger car and main line electrification.

Through the early 1900s, the LIRR became the first to have remote-controlled electrical substations, to use a diesel locomotive and to install electronic rail defect detectors for spotting flaws along the rails. In 1958, it installed the first automatic inventory control system and changed how railroads handle their logs.

The LIRR updated to automatic systems thanks to the successful installation of a fully electronic and automatic speed control system in 1951. As the railroad continues to thrive, it adopts technologies and sets an example for all other railroads in the country.

Take a Ride on the LIRR

If you've never taken a ride on the LIRR, it's not too late to hop aboard. Whether you live in Flatbush or plan to move to Flatlands or Massapequa, the LIRR can get you anywhere on the island, including a trip to Safeguard Self Storage. We're only a train ride away when you need affordable and convenient storage units for your belongings. Like the LIRR, our storage units are open and available year-round to serve customers in Long Island.

If you've been in Manhattan on New Year's Eve, you know how chaotic things can get. Thousands of people come together to watch the ball drop at Times Square and to commemorate the event with a kiss. It might seem fun and exciting, but it can be quite overwhelming for those who don't like crowds. This year, your local self storage experts at Safeguard Self Storage suggest hosting your own New Year's Eve party, where you can stay comfy at home in Concourse Village and bring the festivities to you.

5 Tips for Hosting a New Year's Eve Party in the Bronx, NY

Keep the invites to a minimum.

One of the reasons to host a party at home is to avoid a huge crowd. Keep the party cozy by only inviting a handful of your closest friends. You'll connect with everyone more easily and enjoy the night yourself.

It all starts with the snacks.

You can't have a party without snacks. Although you could get by with chips and salsa, you'd make a better impression by having a variety of hearty bites for your guests, such as pizza-stuffed mushrooms and bacon skewers. Having some brownie bites, cupcakes or chocolates available will satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.

Pick a worthy soundtrack.

The right music will get the party started and keep it going until the ball drops. Let your friends pick out some songs to make them feel included in the selection. You can also ring in the New Year by singing "Auld Lang Syne."

In the words of John Lennon & Paul McCartney - Get by with a little help from your friends.

You don't have to foot the bill for everything. Ask your guest to bring their favorite drinks or foods that they enjoy. You'll drastically reduce the cost of your party if everyone pitches in and helps. It's also a good way to try new things by having your friends share their favorite cocktails or appetizers with everyone who attends.

Nothing beats some fun party favors. 

You'll make a great impression if you give party favors to everyone when they arrive or before they leave. These small gifts could be anything from shot glasses to funny "Happy New Year" hats. Handing out party favors is a great way to give thanks to everyone for coming and to make people remember your party long after it ends.

Plan Ahead for Your New Year's Eve Bash

It's important to plan ahead if you want everything to go smoothly. Write down a list of all the supplies that you'll need for the party, including who you'll want to invite. If you're planning a huge New Year's Eve party, you may want to use self storage as a way to keep all of your supplies in one place and to reduce clutter in your home before the event. 

Safeguard Self Storage has convenient storage units located in Concourse Village, Wakefield, and throughout the Bronx, NY, giving you a convenient place to store your party supplies. You can rent storage units as small or as large as you need and have everything ready to go on New Year's Eve.

For those who have waited patiently for the NBA season to start, the moment has finally arrived. With the season just tipping off, it's time to reflect on our favorite sport and admire how it has spread across the entire world, from the Flatlands area in Brooklyn, NY to places like China and beyond. The NBA played its first game on November 1, 1946, when the N.Y. Knickerbockers faced the Toronto Huskies on Canadian soil. Today, Safeguard Self Storage talks about what basketball means to our area and the best places to play a game with friends.

Basketball in Brooklyn, NY

The Brooklyn Nets weren't always a Brooklyn-based team. In fact, the Nets were called the Americans when the team was founded in 1967. The Americans moved to Long Island a year later and adopted New York Nets as the name. The team moved back to New Jersey in 1977 and evolved into the New Jersey Nets. After 35 seasons, the Nets moved back to New York, changed the team name once again and are now the Brooklyn Nets you know and love.

Famous NBA Players from the Area

Chris Mullin, an All-Star who played for both the Golden State Warriors and the Indiana Pacers, was born and raised in the Flatlands area. His plaque stands proudly in the prestigious College Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Mullen now coaches St. John's in the NCAA, a position he gladly accepted in 2015.

Local Courts in the Brooklyn Area

Want to play a game in Brooklyn? You have more than 170 courts to choose from throughout the area. Of course, some are better than others. Our picks for the best basketball courts to play on include:

• Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2, in Brooklyn Heights
• J.J. Byrne Playground in Park Slope
• Dean Playground/Conrad McRae Playground in Prospect Heights
• St. John's Recreation Center in Crown Heights
• Parkside Playground in Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Safeguard Self Storage Tips Off the NBA Season

Celebrate the 2016-2017 NBA season by getting out to play, or by watching your favorite team at home in Barclays Center. If you need a place to store your basketball equipment and gear, our local storage units make the ideal place. We have the perfect storage unit for your equipment while saving you space at home.

It's the largest of its kind in the Midwest. It has an amazing history, and it's surrounded by a remarkable urban forest. Argonne National Laboratory sits just a few miles south of Darien, IL. Safeguard Self Storage’s local storage units have a lot in common with this 1500-acre site, so it's easy to get charged up about science and research right here in our backyard.

Nationally Designated, World-Renown

Driving along Interstate 55, you might not see the laboratory for the trees. Argonne blends in beautifully with its setting in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The first buildings were erected in the 1940s as part of national security work on the Manhattan Project. In 1946, Argonne was officially designated as a national laboratory. Over the years, the site has become world-renown as a premier research facility focused on developing solutions to a wide range of challenges, including renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

Expanding Energy Storage

So, what does self storage have in common with the Argonne National Laboratory? They both make the most of affordable solutions that deal with limited space. Imagine long-term battery storage for the wind and solar energy that powers our nation's electric grid. Think about the environmental impact of technologies that make renewable energy an affordable staple for heavy industry. The dedicated research teams at Argonne are currently working on a battery that stores five times more energy than a traditional model for about 20 percent of the current cost.

Charging Up the Community

Like the best research facilities, Argonne Lab recognizes its role as a member of the surrounding community. You're always welcome to enjoy a guided tour of the site or join locals who follow the Argonne OutLoud public lecture series. Area teachers inspire students by inviting guest speakers from the lab to introduce young minds to the exciting world of science. Argonne sponsors middle school science bowls, recruits high school research teams, and thrills grade school scholars with kid-friendly workshops and field trips.

We tip our hats to the dedicated folks at Argonne Lab who contribute to our great community in so many ways. They're the kind of neighbors who make this part of Chicagoland a wonderful place to live, work and play. When you need to conquer your own storage challenges here in Darien, IL, Safeguard Self Storage stands ready to serve. We're always charged up about helping you expand your space at home, school and work.

Chicago, IL is known for many things, like pizza, the Bears and the Cubs. Those who love horse racing also know Chicago for its legendary tracks and rich racing history. Since the 1830s, Chicagoans have sat in the stands and watched some of the best thoroughbred racing of all time. The Breeders' Cup is held on November 4 and 5 this year in California, but people everywhere from Uptown and Beverly to Lake View and West Rogers Park will drag their good luck charms out of their Safeguard self storage units before watching and placing bets on the race.

A Brief History of Horse Racing in Chicago, IL

In the early 1830s, horse racing came to the Chicago metropolitan area. One hundred years later, the city had six racing tracks, more than any other city in the country. Legendary tracks such as Brighton Park and Dexter Park opened in the 1860s, paving the way for the illustrious Washington Park in 1883; it hosted many racing events until it closed in 1977.

Today, horse racing is still alive and well in Chicago. In fact, the Hawthorne Race Course opened in 1891 and still operates every spring and fall. Arlington Park, which opened in 1927, has hosted, and continues to host numerous races, including the Breeders' Cup in 2002. Racing fans from the Chicago suburbs, such as Lake View and Beverly, piled into Arlington Park to watch this prestigious event.

2016 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park

The Breeders' Cup may not be in Chicago this year, but it doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy the fun from your couch in Uptown or West Rogers Park. Sports bars across the area will televise the event, or you can tune in to NBC and watch at home. You can also log on to the Breeders' Cup website and place bets without leaving your house.

Safeguard Self Storage Welcomes Horse Racing Fans

When you're in town for the races, store your items at a nearby Safeguard Self Storage facility. We have short-term storage units available to house your belongings while you're at the track. We also provide long-term storage units for those who fall in love with the area and want to make the Windy City their home.

In your role as a teacher, there's nothing more satisfying and joyful than knowing that you're really connecting with the kids. Take a cue from the Brooklyn Center of Performing Arts, and put the power of music to work in your classroom. Add a collection of tunes to your teaching supplies at a Safeguard Self Storage facility here in Brooklyn, NY, and join the chorus of educators expanding young minds with a little music.

Local Resources for Teachers

Children and music have always been natural partners. Educators recognize that bringing songs into the classroom plays on that wonderful relationship. This isn't a new concept, but it's quickly moving from performing arts classes to campuses all across the city. Local teachers embrace tips from diverse programs like the Brooklyn Center's Target Family Fun program and SchoolTime series. The school's downloadable Performance Study Guides are excellent resources for connecting music to classroom time.

Why Tunes Work

From controlling a room of noisy kids to building a sense of community, music can be one of your best teaching aids. Children and adults respond to a good song with the same sense of enjoyment that opens up minds to creativity and critical thinking. It simply puts everyone in a good mood, and that fires up neurons that turn on the learning process. Used correctly, tunes in the classroom raise energy levels, increase attention and improve memory.

Music as Your Teaching Tool

Today's digital world makes it easy to introduce your students to sounds from around the globe. If you want a half hour of classical to quiet things down, selections are at your fingertips. Music for kids in the classroom today has become a compact, inexpensive and very effective teaching tool. Instead of storing vinyl and bulky record players in self storage, you can fill your unit with textbooks, notebooks and binders. Whether you use songs to teach vocabulary, explore poetry or set the mood for creative writing, a good tune makes the classroom experience more enjoyable.

The sound of happy kids learning and having fun creates a beautiful melody that never grows old. Our Flatlands storage facility is just down the street from the Brooklyn Center of Performing Arts and supports local educators with affordable, convenient options. You do a great job every day, and our teams here at Safeguard Self Storage applaud your dedication to inspiring young minds all across the city.

Zombies, ghouls and ghosts – oh my! It's Halloween once again in Chicago, IL. It's a time for vampires to prey on greedy trick-or-treaters and witches to cross the moonlit skies from West Rogers Park to Beverly. For those who thirst for excitement and fun, Safeguard Self Storage has some spooky suggestions of festivities happening in Chicago and the surrounding areas leading up to All Hallows' Eve. 

5 Can’t-Miss Events in Chicago This Halloween

Halloween Festival in the Chicago Botanic Garden

Don't miss the Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns starting on October 20. This festival takes place at the Chicago Botanic Garden and features everything from 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins to food and drinks. It ends on October 23, so put on your best costume and come join the fun.

Downtown Halloween Festival & Parade

The Halloween Gathering Festival & Parade takes place on October 22 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can watch live performances, take part in family-friendly crafts and view an amazing parade to close the event.

Halloween Flea Market

Put on your favorite costume, and head out to the Wheaton Haunted Halloween Flea Market on October 22. This event starts at 3 p.m. and lasts until midnight, giving you plenty of time to watch live performances or to take a hayride with your family. You can also play games and get autographs from various celebrities.

Boo! at the Zoo

Treat your kids to an early Halloween party at the Brookfield Zoo on October 22-23 or 29-30. The festivities, which include zoo chats, costume parades, haunted hayrides and more, start at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. This spooky event welcomes kids and adults of all ages.

Halloween Costume Party in Schiller Park

Be one of over 400 people to attend the annual Halloween Costume Party at the Galaxy Banquets across from O'Hare on October 28. If you're over 21, you're invited to attend the party and meet, mingle and dance with everyone in attendance. This entertaining party starts at 8 p.m. and lasts until 2 a.m. and features everything from food and drinks to music and contests.

Store Your Halloween Decorations with Safeguard

Once Halloween has come and gone, don't cram your costumes, decorations and supplies in the closet. Make more room in your home while keeping your belongings safe in a Safeguard storage facility. Whether you're in Uptown or in Lake View, we have self storage available to keep your supplies protected and as good as new