If your car had a Twitter account, would it be posting sad emojis? How many tweets would you have to read describing the mess in your garage? That trusty vehicle needs room out there, and you can help. It's time to get organized with Metairie, LA self storage.

Declutter That Garage

Storing your car in your garage preserves it from the elements and makes it easier to navigate your driveway or street. And without stuff cluttering everywhere, you can navigate your garage easier, too. Start decluttering your garage with these five tips:

1. Don't try to do it all on the first pass. Start with one corner of the garage or one type of clutter.
2. Clean out cobwebs, shop vac the floor, and haul off trash. If it's old or broken, toss it.
3. Sort through what you want to keep, donate, or turn into cash with a garage sale. Box it all up and label it.
4. Locate affordable storage units near your home. Pay the site a visit, lease a unit, and move your boxes.
5. Finish by establishing zones in the garage. Designate areas for things you really want to keep around.

Put Spare Space to Work

You can use your garage as a home for your car and as storage for you at the same time as long as you use what space you have efficiently. Try one of these smart DIY storage system installations.

• Sliding Box Systems: Parallel tracking racks support bins that slide in and out like drawers.
• Pulley Racks: A fixed pulley system lowers and raises storage racks for easy access.
• Ceiling Racks: These clever storage units hang from the garage ceiling like upside down tables.

Keep Your Car Happy

Reclaiming your garage is only the first step; it can be easy to let clutter creep slowly take back your garage and banish your car outside again. Keep it that way by ensuring the area is permanently organized. Make a promise to stash things like extra lawn equipment and seasonal gear in self storage.

Make another promise to clean out and reorganize the garage twice a year. You always have extra floor space in your storage unit, and that gives you and the car plenty of room to enjoy each other's company.

Keep Loving That Garage, Too

If you finish up with enough space for a new boat, let us take care of it at our Metairie, LA facility. Show that garage some love and park your boat, kayak, or RV at any of our six locations across the area. Here at Safeguard Self Storage, we're proud to always earn your thumbs-up. Start to reclaim your garage for your car by reserving a unit today!

As hurricane season nears its end, Metairie, LA, residents are getting ready to breathe a sigh of relief. However, there's still a full month left, and it only takes one storm to cause serious damage. If you live in the area, you'll want to make sure that your home is ready to handle even the worst possible weather disaster. From educating your family to renting a private storage unit, there are many ways to protect yourself and your home. Create your own disaster preparedness plan using the following tips from Safeguard Self Storage. 

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Your Home

• Trim all overhanging tree branches and unruly shrubs. Consider having dead or unhealthy trees removed.
• If you don't have storm shutters, use pre-cut plywood to protect your windows. Your local home improvement store can offer specific advice about boarding up windows and doors.
• Remove all patio furniture, toys and lawn equipment from your yard. These items can be damaged by flood waters, and they may also cause serious injury or structural damage if they become airborne during a storm. Store them safely in a private storage unit until the danger has passed.
• Eliminate all fire hazards inside and outside your home.
• Secure large, heavy or unstable indoor appliances and furniture that could cause injury.
• Use cabinet locks to secure dishes and cookware.
• If you live in a mobile home, check your tie downs. If a severe storm is expected, consider finding temporary shelter.
• Teach your children and all other family members how to safely turn off electricity, gas and water in case it becomes necessary.
• Create a disaster supply kit complete with water, food, prescription medicines, blankets, clothing, first aid essentials and flashlights.
• If you are forced to evacuate, take all of your insurance policy information with you and leave a note to enable others to reach you.
• If your home sustains significant damage from hurricane winds or flood water, contact your insurance company immediately. Unless you are unable to leave, do not remain in unsafe conditions. While you may be able to fix some damage on your own, your exposure to mold, smoke or biological contaminates in water could cause serious health problems; uncertain conditions should be evaluated by professionals before repairs are made.

Extra Storage Space Can Be a Lifesaver

Besides keeping your outdoor furniture out of harm's way, a self-storage unit can be stocked with extra water, non-perishable food, medications and other essentials. You can even use it to store your possessions temporarily while you make repairs to your home. Contact Safeguard Self Storage for information about affordable, climate-controlled home and commercial storage options in Metairie, LA, Kenner,LA and New Orleans, LA.