Hello, World: The Art of Introducing Yourself to New Neighbors

You're excited about moving into your new home. It feels strange to be a stranger, but you can't let that hold you back. You want to get to know your neighbors in Harvey, LA. Do it right and make lifelong friends up and down the new block.

Start on Move-In Day

This is your first chance to practice new-neighbor etiquette. Make sure the moving truck doesn't block anyone's driveway. Don't pile the curb with empty boxes. Keep your new front yard clear of first-day clutter. Transfer unpacked boxes and leftover moving gear to self storage, and sort things out later.

Strike Up Conversations

Introduce yourself to the neighbors by asking for neighborly advice. People enjoy being helpful, and you have a lot to take in. This is a great way to learn about your mail carrier's schedule, the nearest grocery stores and even the best places for gumbo and beignets.

Mind Your Manners

Good timing helps you mind your manners. Don't bother the folks next door during dinner. If they look busy with the kids, wave, and ask for neighborhood tips another time. Keep conversations short. Let them do most of the talking. There's no need to rush budding friendships.

Take It Outside

Enjoy your new neighbors while you enjoy the local outdoors. Greet familiar faces on your way to Harvey Park. Invite folks over for a backyard barbecue. Hang out on the porch in the evening, and wave at people passing by.

Make Friendly First Impressions

As you get to know folks in your area, look for them outside the neighborhood. Give them a warm greeting at the coffee shop. When you run into a new acquaintance at self storage, lend him or her a helping hand. It's easy to build lasting friendships with friendly first impressions.

Enjoy Getting Involved

Become a part of your new neighborhood by joining local groups and attending area events. Volunteer at the library or Harvey Community Center. Offer to help out at the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter. Make new friendships even stronger by making a positive difference in your new community.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

As you settle in your new home, it feels good to be in a place where you really belong. As long as you're introducing yourself, why not stop by our Harvey, LA self storage facility? With six locations across the Crescent City, we're always here to welcome you to the neighborhood. We can help your move easier. Contact us today!

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.