Safeguard Self Storage’s Guide to New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest

An illustration advertising the 2014 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest.

Get ready to shake your way to New Orleans for this year’s Jazz and Heritage Fest, or simply known as – Jazz Fest. Safeguard Self Storage Harvey, LA self storage and Safeguard Self Storage Metairie, LA self storage is helping you make the most of this year’s celebration with the ultimate guide to the nation’s biggest and most popular Jazz Fest of the year. We have the tips and tricks on what to eat, who to watch and all the little details you’ll need to maximize your fest experience.

A Long History

45 years ago, a group of local music and culture lovers got together, “To promote, preserve, perpetuate and encourage the music, arts, culture and heritage of communities in Louisiana through festivals, programs and other cultural, educational, civic and economic activities.” What started as a small festival that brought in few folks has grown tremendously into the nation’s most popular celebration – with hundreds of thousands flocking to New Orleans to attend.

While it does feature jazz-style music, the festival also includes Blues, Gospel, Cajun, Funk, Hip Hop, Rock, Folk, Latin, Pop, Mardi Gras Indian Music, and a whole lot more local and worldwide genres.

And there’s other things to do than just listen to music. Great food, crafts, art and a wide variety of locally-inspired wares fill up every nook and cranny of the Fair Grounds Race Track Area.

This Year’s Talent

The list of stars performing at the Jazz Fest is endless, with names like Elton John, No Doubt, The Who, Lenny Kravitz, Jimmy Buffett, Keith Urban, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hozier, Tony Bennett paired with Lady Gaga, Cowboy Mouth, John Legend and countless others. While these will undoubtedly be some of the main events, you can experience somewhat less-known, but no less talented musicians and performers with the pro tip below. 

Safeguard Self Storage Harvey, LA Self Storage Pro Tip:

It’s not just the “big” names that are worth listening to. Check out any one of the following bands for an amazing musical experience. 

  • Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk with guest Uncle Art Neville
  •  New Orleans Nightcrawlers
  • Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers
  • Aaron Neville
  • Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
  • Juvenile and Mannie Fresh

What You’ll Find

Tent after tent, stage after stage is filled with culture. There’s the Jazz Tent, and next the Blues Tent. After that you have the Gospel Tent, followed by the Heritage Stage and the Fais Do-Do Stage that houses the Cajun and Zydeco Music.

You’ll also be surrounded by local arts and crafts, and delicious Louisiana Food such as dark rue gumbo, softshell crab, alligator, crawfish and oysters.

            Safeguard Self Storage Metairie, LA Self Storage Pro Tip:

The Congo Square Marketplace is the place to go for a rich cultural experience, filled with handmade clothes, jewelry, and art from the Ivory Coast, Senegal and surrounding areas. Make sure to stop and watch the craft demos in progress, as the experience of watching art come alive can’t be compared.

The Details

Where:
Fair Grounds Race Course
1751 Gentilly Boulevard, just 10 minutes from the French Quarter

When:
April 24, 25, 26 and April 30, May 1, 2, and 3
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ticket Info:
There are a variety of ticket options for day passes, VIP packages and more. Check them all out here.

Safeguard Self Storage Harvey, LA Self Storage Pro Tip:

Don’t worry too much about getting standard day passes in advance; they always have extra tickets available. If you’re looking for a VIP experience, hurry and get your package if it’s not already sold out. 

Safeguard Self Storage Metairie, LA Self Storage Pro Tip:

Staying near the concert is always an amazing experience – but it gets really expensive. Consider using alternate sources, such as hotels outside of New Orleans such as Eastbank cities of Metairie or Kenner or Westbank cities such as Harvey or Gretna.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a veteran of the festival, the Safeguard Self Storage Guide to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest will help you make the most of your experience. While you’re there, take some time to explore The Big Easy; you’ll quickly discover it has something to offer both residents and visitors alike.

Fall in love with the city during your stay? We don’t blame you! Make a New Orleans move easier with Safeguard Self Storage. We have self storage locations throughout New Orleans, so call today – and find a storage solution for that fits your unique needs.

Small Business Storage for Home Entrepreneurs

A businessman with three boxes sitting on top of him while he rests his head against his desk and holds a phone receiver.

If you need inspiration for a home-based business, consider Doris Christopher. The Pampered Chef got its start in her basement back in 1980, and the global company's headquarters are still located just west of North Swift Road. Are you thinking about following those famous footsteps? Start up your strategies for home-based success with smart Addison personal storage solutions.

Start With Room to Expand

From inventory and business files to tools and working space, a growing home business quickly takes over the house. Stuffing your entrepreneur's spirit into a corner of the den doesn't leave room to expand. Imagine adding floor space dedicated to everything that fits your business plan. With versatile
Addison storage unit rental options, you can develop expansion strategies as you need them. If you run across a great deal on essential materials, stock up your self storage shelves. Park seasonal equipment, protect business records or set up your own distribution center.

Keep Costs Low and Security High

One of the biggest advantages of home
business self storage is that it helps balance the books every month. Savings add up when you don't have to deduct utility bills, general maintenance or the price of commercial floor space. Factor in unit door alarms, on-site digital recording, and you have a security packed, cost-effective alternative to converting your home into a warehouse. Safeguard Self Storage facilities offer many storage options and excellent move-in specials. Overhead stays low, so it's easier to save those hard-earned dollars and invest them back into your business.

Stay Flexible Close to Home

Running a successful home-based business brings out your best juggling skills. Slow spells keep inventory on the shelves, but you have to be ready for sales to pick up. When bulk deals roll around on materials or equipment, you can't pass up money-saving opportunities. Adapting to a changing business environment is vital to building a home-based company's success. The commercial benefits of nearby Addison personal storage give you the same competitive edge as larger operations. You control overhead and stay flexible regardless of the market.

With all of Chicagoland just to the west, it's hard to resist the call of opportunity. Whether you're ready to conquer online commerce from the kitchen or start up a home-based contracting business, always remember that you're the most valuable asset in your company. Count on
Safeguard Self Storage to help with affordable Addison storage unit rental strategies designed for home business success.

Records and Information Management Month

A warehouse filled with stacks of folders.

Springtime means it's baseball season at Veteran's Park, but there's more to April than organizing team schedules. Did you know that this is officially Records and Information Management Month? Home and business owners all over the area take advantage of convenient Ridgefield storage lockers this time of year to set their records straight.

Centralize Your Storage Strategy

No one celebrates RIM Month with a parade, but you can celebrate it by making it part of your spring routine. Home desk drawers aren't the best filing systems for important receipts. A box in the broom closet doesn't protect business tax records. Still, these are go-to
storage solutions that work until you can't find that one critical piece of paper. If you've tried saving scanned documents to CDs, you know how easily the discs get lost. You need a simple, central solution to paper chases and record frustrations, and that’s the convenience of a nearby Ridgefield storage unit rental.

Separate, Save and Archive

Go through drawers, boxes and file cabinets, and separate routine papers from important records. It's a challenge to replace documents like birth certificates, social security cards and passports, so collect them for storage. Round up filed tax forms, financial records and estate papers. Don't overlook vehicle registrations, home and business inventories and insurance policies. Commit irreplaceable family photos to CD, and include them in your record archives. If the thought of losing it gives you a headache, it belongs in a secure self storage unit.

Pamper Paper and Digital Files

Important records headed for storage deserve a little pampering, so choose sturdy boxes with lids that tape shut or lidded plastic containers. Tuck paper files into plastic sleeves, and use anti-static packaging for digital media. This type of bundling lets you mark the outside of each item for quick reference. As you fill up containers, put older items in first, and label each box with an overview of its contents. Documents and CDs don't like humidity, but most Ridgefield storage lockers offer climate-controlled environments as well as pallets that keep everything off the floor.

Once you've organized important papers and records in self storage, take another look around the house or office. This time of year inspires everything from clutter cleanup to garage sales, and affordable Ridgfield storage unit rental makes it all easy. Spring is finally in the air, so put things in order with
Safeguard Self Storage, and go enjoy that ballgame.

Tiny Houses in the United States

A person holding a miniature model of a house in their hands.

If it seems like space is limited in your home, you should take a look at the many tiny houses that have been springing up around the country! You may have a pressing need for Darien, IL household storage, but the owners of these homes probably need it even more. With Lombard, IL extra storage, the owners of even the tiniest houses can have their cake and eat it too. Tiny houses are incredibly cute; they're also delightfully affordable. Owners can easily afford to store their extra belongings in Chicago, IL self storage facilities.

We've rounded up five great examples of tiny houses for your enjoyment:

  1. ProtoHaus - Located in Longmont, Colorado, this 125-square-foot abode is about as tiny as it gets. Built mostly out of recycled materials and decked out with solar panels, this itty-bitty house is also very energy efficient and eco-friendly.
  2. Painted Lady - Clocking in at 312 square feet, this charming little home in Round Top, Texas, packs lots of features into such limited space. Dotted with uniquely shaped stained glass windows and front and back porches, it's a great example of tiny home architecture.
  3. Shotgun Shack - Despite only being 320 square feet in size, this tiny house has full-size appliances. It's located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and also features a built-in sofa that converts into a guest bed.
  4. Rancher - Featuring two cozy lofts, this 336-square-foot home is a real gem. You'll find it in Wheelock, Texas. Perhaps its best feature is its screened-in back porch.
  5. Gingerbread Cottage - This ultra-adorable, 240-square foot home is made out of reclaimed lumber. Located in Canyon Lake, Texas, it also features a round loft bedroom and antique wood floors.

As cute as these tiny homes are, you'd probably like more space – not less! Chicago, IL self storage offers an easy solution. By taking advantage of Safeguard’s Illinois storage facilities, you can free up much-needed space in the home without spending a fortune. If you're tired of feeling crammed in with too much stuff, find a Safeguard Self Storage facility near you and start packing.

 

 

Choosing a Storage Unit Without Seeing it First

A blindfolded woman shrugging her shoulders with her palms facing upward.

What happens if you need Bronx, NY personal storage but don't live anywhere near New York City? You're not alone. People rent Safeguard Self Storage units sight unseen all the time, and they do so for all kinds of reasons. A long-distance move is a possible reason for people to choose a storage unit without seeing it first. Regardless of why you need a Bronx, NY storage rental sight unseen, take heart: It's a lot easier than you probably think. You just need to take your time and do a little research beforehand.

Find a Bronx NY Storage Rental from Afar

Thanks to the internet, it's easy to find the different self storage options available in various parts of the country. Don't choose the first facility to pop up on the list, though. Make a list of the top contenders, and then perform more in-depth research to figure out the kinds of amenities and features that are offered by each. Price comparison can also be done online but make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Determining the size of unit you will need can be trickier. Safeguard Self Storage has a variety of tools online – including a
space estimator – that can help you determine the best size storage unit for your storage needs.

Contact Top Self Storage Facilities

Contact the top
Bronx, NY personal storage facilities on your list before choosing one. The staff can help you decide the appropriate size of locker or unit, and they can answer any questions you may have about the available security and convenience features. This will also give you a clearer idea about the quality of the services that are provided. Some of the questions to consider are:

  • Does the storage facility have air conditioned & heated units?
  • What kind of security does the facility offer?
  • Where is the facility located?
  • What are the terms of the lease agreement? Are leases long-term or on a monthly basis?
  • Is the storage unit equipped with a unit door alarm?
  • Does the facility provide a drive in loading area to keep you and your items out of the elements?
  • Does the facility provide carts & dollies and cargo elevators to make it easy to move your items in and out of the property?
  • Does the facility offer payment plans and\or online payments?

By taking a methodical approach, you'll find that choosing a storage unit without seeing it first is actually quite simple. Safeguard Self Storage units can be reserved no matter where you are. Contact your near-by Safeguard Self Storage facility and rent a storage unit today.

 

Making Your Perfect Craft Room

Tubes of paint, paint brushes, buttons, paper, and craft flowers resting on a table.

Has your arts and crafts hobby outgrown your home? If it feels like your home is being overrun by crafts supplies, or if you just need a more peaceful setting in which to practice your trade, a New Orleans, LA storage rental is your solution. Crafters like you use Metairie storage facilities to enable their hobbies.

 Whether you opt to store spare supplies in a nearby storage unit, decide to store completed projects for sale in the future or turn a Metairie, LA self storage unit into a full-fledged craft room, you'll be delighted by how versatile and affordable self storage can be for crafters.


Reorganize Your Crafts with Metairie Storage Facilities

Maybe you have a spare room at home where you enjoy working on crafts. The problem, however, may be finding space for all those supplies and completed projects.
Find a nearby Kenner storage facility and move extra supplies and projects there instead. You’ll create a safe home for your various craft supplies and will be able to focus on the task at hand. As an added bonus, your home will be a lot less cluttered.

The whole family is sure to appreciate all the space your Metairie self storage unit frees up, so locate a conveniently located storage facility and get started today. Contact Safeguard Self Storage for unit availability and move-in specials and start getting your crafts in order!

Combining Households: Storage Basics for Cohabitation

A smiling man pushing a moving box while a laughing woman sits in it.

People generally combine households for happy reasons, with marriage being the most common example. Even during such a happy time, however, there are logistical issues that must be addressed. Most notably, you need to figure out what to do with double the stuff.

There are often many duplicate items, from small stuff like cookware to big things like appliances and furniture. Instead of rushing to unload unneeded, redundant things, consider using Philadelphia, PA self storage as a temporary holding place for them. This will reduce stress and allow you to make more effective decisions, and enjoy the excitement of living with your significant other.

Assess the Situation

Consider the size and layout of the home before deciding what to do with duplicate items. If you're buying an entirely new, much larger place, you may not need to store quite as much stuff in Philadelphia storage units. On the other hand, if one person is moving in with the other, or if the new place is the same size or smaller than the previous two residences, odds are that you will need to unload considerable amounts of stuff. By finding the right Philadelphia, PA self storage facility, you won't feel pressured to make these decisions quickly, and you'll be able to lay out your new place more effectively.

What Stays? What Goes?

Deciding what to keep and what to unload when combining households can be tricky. Sometimes, it even becomes contentious. The process will be less stressful for all involved if Safeguard Self Storage Philadelphia storage units are used. You can make quick, initial decisions to simply get the ball rolling and store the unneeded stuff until the dust settles and you can make more rational choices about what should be sold, donated, thrown away or kept.

Simplify Your Life with Philadelphia PA Self Storage

The last thing you need when starting a new life with someone is to argue about inanimate objects. The best and most diplomatic approach is to temporarily keep duplicate or unneeded belongings at your neighborhood Safeguard Self Storage until more strategic decisions can be made. This lifts pressure from everyone's shoulders and allows you both to begin your new life together on the right foot. Safeguard Self Storage has seven conveniently located self storage facilities in Philadelphia to choose from. Get started on your self storage hunt today and ease the transition to cohabitation.

Small Bedrooms Need Major Organization

People flock to the Sunshine State all year long, and as the largest city in the state, Miami, Florida has its fair share of residents. At the center of the Miami metropolitan area, Miami has the 8th largest population in the United States. With so many residents calling this city home, living space is a hot commodity and these citizens are no strangers to living in small spaces.

Small bedrooms are especially challenging since most people store a large portion of their belongings in their bedroom. This lifestyle is not for the timid; you must keep clutter to a minimum and embrace your inner organizational expert.

A few tips can help you use space efficiently and effectively, and if you can’t, Miami, FL storage units are available when you need a little extra help.


Maximize Your Bedroom Space 

To use the space in a small bedroom effectively, you’ll need to take advantage of every cubic foot. For instance, lift your bed onto supports to store some of your belongings beneath it, or purchase a bedframe that features storage drawers. Place the possessions that you intend to store under your bed in containers to make these items easily accessible. Make sure that the containers are large enough to hold your Miami, FL
household storage but small enough to slide underneath your bed. 

When your home’s bedrooms are small, you’ll need to use every section of each closet. Assess the space to see if you can obtain more room by adding shelving above and below your hanging rods. Also, consider installing extra clothing rods and door hangers to get more stowing space. 

Buy Furniture That Multitasks 

Instead of purchasing traditional nightstands, buy small storage cabinets to place next to your bed. This type of furniture item will give you more stowing space. Be sure to organize your Miami, FL household storage articles properly. Recommended organization methods include using drawer dividers and tight folding techniques. In addition, vacuum pack clothing items that you wear infrequently to free up space in small bedrooms. 

Rent More Space 

If you’ve used every inch of extra stowing space in your bedroom and still have clutter overflow, consider the benefits of renting a
Safeguard Self Storage unit. This type of extra space is ideal for stowing the articles that you don’t use every day. For instance, store important keepsakes, formal apparel and coats, and seasonal belongings. Safeguard’s Miami, FL storage units are conveniently located in your neighborhood and they are available in a variety of sizes. Renting a self-storage unit gives you a way to free up some space while keeping the items that are important to you. 

Hosting a Book Drive with Self Storage

Four children of various ethnicities smiling and holding books.

If you're looking for a way to honor Read Across America Day that happened in the beginning of March, you should consider hosting a book drive. Whether you'd like to collect books for a specific organization or plan to donate them to a variety as needed, it's a great deal of fun and much easier than you probably think. That's especially true if you use Arlington Heights self storage as a staging ground. After all, there's only so much room in your home, and you will probably need to store the books before you can disburse them. With this in mind, the first step to hosting a book drive should be investigating Palatine storage facilities and renting a unit that suits your needs.

Start Publicizing Your Book Drive Now

The more people who participate in your book drive, the more books you will collect. It pays to start publicizing your event as early as possible. Thanks to the Internet, this is easier to do than ever. Social media in particular is a big help. You will need to find a place to hold your book drive, and it should be relatively close to the Arlington Heights, IL storage lockers you've rented for convenience. In fact, by renting a unit with plenty of space, you can even accept donations well after the event is over.

Keep Your Books Safe

After running a successful book drive, you'll need to bring the books to the Arlington Heights self storage unit you have selected. Pack them into fairly small cardboard boxes so they are easier to manage, but sort them into categories first so they will be easier to disperse later. Climate controlled
Palatine storage facilities are ideal because books are susceptible to moisture, heat, humidity and other elements. While arranging boxes in Arlington Heights, IL storage lockers, make a path for easy access later, and avoid stacking boxes too high – shoulder height is best.

By following these steps, the books you collect during your drive will stay in tip-top shape, and you will be able to donate the fruits of your labor from when the time is right. Safeguard Self Storage has locations throughout Illinois, which feature climate control storage units, drive-in loading areas and top notch security devices such as computer controlled access, unit door alarms and digital video recording. Contact Safeguard Self Storage to find a neighborhood storage unit to make your book drive base.

New Renters' Guide to Self Storage

A woman peeking out of a box inside a storage unit.

New renters often find that the available space in their new home or apartment does not allow enough room for everything that they have acquired over the years. While downsizing is one solution to this problem, you might be wary of getting rid of personal belongings that hold deep sentimental value. Fortunately, a Safeguard Self Storage unit can help you keep everything close at hand without having to clutter up your rental space.

Tips For Efficiently Using Storage Units

Holmdel, NJ self storage offers you the opportunity to keep your prized possessions without pushing the storage limits of your new rental home or apartment; getting everything to fit without piling it all in is another matter. These
storage tips will help you keep everything easy to access while optimizing the space.

• Place your smaller items in boxes to protect the items during transit and to keep the storage unit organized. You can also stack the boxes to help maximize the cubic footage inside of the storage unit. Click here to find a full list of moving and packing supplies available at your neighborhood
Safeguard Self Storage Location.

• Label everything. When you are sorting through your belongings that will be stored away, make an inventory list for each box. Keep like items together, and create a short label that reflects the type of items that are contained in the applicable box. An itemized list can be kept in a spreadsheet to make it easy to find exactly which box to pull out when you head to your unit.

• Take furniture items apart before storing them to make sure that you can fit more into the space.

• Store your items an inch or two away from walls to allow for better air circulation, and avoid the temptation to stack your items right to the ceiling.

• When everything is put away, map out your unit so that you can navigate it easier.

Take Control of Your Space with Holmdel NJ Storage Units

If you need storage space after moving into a new place,
Holmdel, NJ self storage gives you the space you need to get some breathing room in your home. Safeguard’s Holmdel, NJ storage units come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs, and your personal belongings are always close at hand. There are even climate controlled options to protect your belongings from temperature and humidity changes. Safeguard Self Storage has locations in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Find a location near you and start creating the household space you need!