What are the benefits of riding a bike? Why is riding a bike good for the environment? Now is a great time to ask and answer both questions because May is National Bike Month. All across New York, people are pulling their wheels out of their Safeguard self storage unit and gearing up for beautiful riding weather.

Why Is Riding a Bike Good for the Environment?

Your bike doesn't run on fossil fuels, so it doesn't emit greenhouse gases. When you ride it out of self storage, you don't have to stop and buy gasoline to fill it up and that helps reduce global fuel consumption!

Riding a bike expands your eco-friendly footprint by keeping you off the city's congested streets. It also helps hold down noise pollution. Every time you take your bicycle instead of the car, you're giving the planet a much-needed break.

What Are the Health Benefits of Riding a Bike?

At its core, riding a bicycle is so much fun! It's also easy to forget that it's great exercise, too. Riding your bicycle helps improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength. The cardio workout keeps your circulatory system in top shape. Think about your bicycle as a gym on wheels. A cruise down one of the city's bike paths lowers stress, increases resistance to heart disease, and even helps you sleep better.

Beneficial Bike Rides with a Bonus

You enjoy knowing that you're doing your best for the environment and your health. Make it even better by adding these extra benefits that come with riding your trusty bicycle out of self storage.

• No fuel costs, low maintenance, and affordable repairs
• Easy parking close to your destination's front door
• Waving at traffic jams as you cruise down the bike lane
• The fun of riding your bike with friends and family

How Can You Raise Bicycle Riding Awareness?

Make the most of May by spreading the word about National Bike Month. Round up fellow cyclists and form a riding club. Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather by exploring new bike trails in city parks. Share the fun with a hashtag that celebrates bicycle appreciation.

Why Do You Need Bicycle Storage in New York?

Your bike deserves a better home than your apartment foyer or the cramped corner of your studio. Here at Safeguard Self Storage in New York, we can keep your wheels in tip-top shape with climate-controlled units and facility-wide security features. We're always just around the corner with 24 convenient New York locations, too. Cruise on by the nearest Safeguard facility to discover our convenient self storage solutions!

The start of every new year means new beginnings. From revitalizing your home to give it a fresh look to giving yourself more breathing room by simply getting things out of the way, downsizing your space can help you achieve bliss. Here at Safeguard Self Storage, we can show you how living with less can lead to more, including eliminating waste especially in the already crowded neighborhood of East Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

A More Popular Solution

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) the average size of new houses fell for the third straight year in 2018. The average square footage of a single-family home has dropped from over 2,500 square feet in 2015 down to 2,320 in 2018. Furthermore, most New Yorkers live in spaces much smaller than that (as anyone who has ever lived in a tiny studio understands).

Combine this with the trend that Marie Kondo and others have popularized—a trend towards minimal living and cleanliness—and it's the perfect storm for downsizing to become popular. As a result, if downsizing sounds like something you want to do, you won't be the only one. You'll have plenty of help and advice in achieving your downsizing dream.

Of course, a smaller space means less work to work with, and you can't keep everything you had in your previous home. That's where self storage comes in.

Assess Your Needs

When downsizing, you should always take a moment and figure out what you actually need and what you can get rid of. It's a task that is easier said than done, though. It's easy to not want to get rid of anything, even if it's probably the most meaningless item in the house. Try not to fall into the trap of "I might need this later," which, let's be honest, can be applied to almost everything. 

If you're having difficulty making decisions on certain items, ask a third party—like a friend or family member—to help you decide if you need an item or if you're unreasonably attached to it (we've all been there). They'll ask how often you use the item, when the last time you used the item was, and why you've been keeping it around if you haven't.

Less is More

There are plenty of benefits to downsizing. A smaller home is both less expensive to purchase as well as less expensive to heat and cool. That extra money can go towards upgrading your new home the way you want it or towards a larger storage unit.

Another benefit? More free time! With a smaller home, you will spend less time with everyday tasks around your house. In addition, less space almost means less of a reason to buy things you don't need, giving secondary savings. If you don't have anywhere to put it you're less likely to buy it.

Downsize With Safeguard

Downsizing is a popular way to save money and simplify your life for a reason. No longer is it seen as a step down in society, but instead as a more efficient way to live. You can't keep everything, but for the things you need to keep but don't have room for in East Williamsburg, reserve a storage unit at Safeguard Self Storage in Brooklyn, NY, to keep your belongings safe. 

It's not the most expensive model on the street, but it's yours. You ride that faithful bicycle through Valley Stream, NY, every day. Whether it gets you to work or around Hendrickson Park, it's a target for thieves.

Three Tips to Protect Your Bike from the Worst

Keep It Secure

It's not enough to just lock up the bike. Public parking puts it out in the open where it's vulnerable to bike thieves.

These strategies can upgrade your bike protection:

• Double your bike's security with a cable and a U-lock.
• Lock the frame and one wheel to something immovable.
• Avoid smash-and-grab thefts by keeping locks off the ground.

Make the Most of Your Locks

Quality bicycle locks give you extra peace of mind. Better equipment also holds up longer to daily use.

Make the most of your locks with simple security tactics:

• Key holes facing down discourage lock tampering.
• Position a U-lock so that its open area is difficult to access.
• Run a cable from the frame through the front wheel and back.
• Secure the rear wheel triangle to a stand with a U-lock.

Look Before You Leave

Look at where you're parking the bike. If you wanted to steal it, would the location make your job easier? Moving it down the block to a busier spot can make a big difference. Most commercial store fronts have outside security cameras. Take advantage of that public surveillance.

Don't leave the bike outside a place that advertises your absence. Thieves notice wheels parked in front of movie theaters. Do lock up your ride in the middle of a crowded rack. It's harder to access, but that works for you because it works against bicycle theft.

Use Our Bonus Power Tip

Our three tips help keep your bike safe while you're out, but we have one more bonus power tip: Give your ride a secure home in self storage.

A storage unit allows you 24/7 access to the bike. Climate control helps it weather our New York winters. High-tech surveillance ensures your bike's security. You have extra room for riding gear and affordable unit space for sharing.

Keep It Secure with Us

You and your wheels deserve a long future together. Keep it secure with storage solutions here in Valley Stream, NY, and multiple locations across the city. When you want the best for your bike, you can count on Safeguard Self Storage!

There's barely room in your garage for the car. You have more seasonal clothes than closets. You might be a student who needs to pack things away over summer break. The reasons for leasing storage space in Valley Stream, NY quickly add up. But if you don’t think you need to rent a unit all by yourself, a storage roommate is a great option.

Sharing Makes It Easier

When you share self storage, you share more than the cost. It's an arrangement that fits your budget, and it gives you storage flexibility. You don't have to worry about getting everything into one small space. Sharing lets you upgrade to a larger unit with room to spare.

You don't have to do all the heavy lifting by yourself either. Two sets of hands get everything moved in faster. Free access to on-site carts and dollies make the job even easier. Once you're settled, it only takes one visit to retrieve things for both you and your storage roomie.

Planning Makes It Work

Go online with your soon-to-be unit roommate and explore storage options. Look for locations close to both home bases. The best self storage facilities provide online tools that let you calculate how much space you need. Review leasing arrangements together and settle on a price that works with both your budgets.

Once you've leased a unit, divide the floor space in half. Check with on-site management for a free or discounted moving truck to handle the first load. You can probably move in with just one trip. Keep keypad access and security information on your smartphones for easy reference.

Roommate Rules Are a Must

Whether you're family or best friends, roomie rules keep you on the same page. Keep the peace by following these simple guidelines for sharing storage space.

• Decide on whose name will appear on the lease.
• Agree on how to pool resources and make monthly payments.
• Consider purchasing additional insurance to cover everything in storage.
• Share housekeeping duties in the unit several times a year.
• Always respect each other's belongings and stay in touch about future plans.

Let Us Bring You Together

If you're still not sure about pairing up, our Valley Stream, NY storage experts stand ready to help. We can answer your questions, show you around, and share tips that keep self storage affordable and simple. When you're ready to team up, you can count on our teams here at Safeguard.

True anglers don't hang up their fishing poles when winter arrives in Massapequa, NY. In fact, they get going in full swing for some cold-weather trout and bass fishing. Every fall, the Freshwater Fisheries Division in Nassau County fills the waterways with 3,500 trout ranging from brown and brook to the rainbow variety. If you're into fishing and don't mind the cold, now's the time to stuff your tackle box with supplies and to head out for a day on the water. You can make your next fishing trip so easy to prepare for by placing all those necessary supplies in a nearby, convenient and accessible storage unit at Safeguard Self Storage.

Winter Fishing in Massapequa Cove

Massapequa Cove isn't just a place to go trout fishing. You’ll also find carp, largemouth bass and deep-hole fish such as stripers. The brackish water has several holes that reach 40 feet below the surface, where porgies, kingfish and blowfish swim. If you prefer to stay near the shoreline, you’ll still be able to reach flounder in depths ranging from six to 15 feet.

What Bait Should You Use?

If you're looking for trout, it's best to go with the traditional garden worm. You might get lucky using lures on newly released hatchery trout, but they're smart and will quickly figure out which food to eat and to avoid. Though you can find some trout in Massapequa Cove, you'll reel in your three-fish bag limit in the larger Massapequa Reservoir.

Flounder is easily attracted with clams on a hood and a live porgy will help you reel in a largemouth bass.

Best Places to Fish Around the Cove

For early morning fishers, the cove has countless docks that offer a great place to toss out a hook. You can usually find a nice spot along a dock to reel in quite a few fish. If you're familiar with the area, anywhere between Jones Creek and Fort Neck Point offers great fishing spots. Nassau County has numerous ponds and other waterways teeming with fish for anglers throughout the year.

Store Your Gear at Safeguard Self Storage

Fishing gear can take up quite a bit of space, especially for serious anglers. Create a fishing locker with one of the convenient storage units at Safeguard Self Storage in Massapequa, NY. Our storage units have enough room for everything from fishing poles to tackle boxes to keep you on the water when space at home is tight.

When it comes to New Year's resolutions, only 9.2 percent of people feel successful in achieving their goals. That's not a statistic anyone wants to hear when making a resolution for a new year. For those living in Thornwood, NY, it's easy and fun to keep your New Year's health resolutions thanks to the Graham Hills Park biking trails and the ease of Safeguard self storage.

Stay Fit and Have Fun at Graham Hills Park

Graham Hills Park stretches across Westchester County and features 10 trail miles. You can load up your bike and reach the park in less than 10 minutes as it sits just 4.8 miles from Thornwood, NY. Once there, you're greeted by spans of beautiful trees and winding trails for adventuring in the Great Outdoors.

Named for Dr. Isaac Gilbert Graham, a Revolutionary War army surgeon, this park is the go-to place for those who enjoy biking in the wilderness. You can ride along these single-track bike trails in both directions as they lead you through diverse habitats. You can either bike or walk the trails and even bring your dog along for the journey.

The Benefits of Biking

Biking through the trails in Westchester County have many health benefits, including the following, among others:

• Burning calories
• Strengthening muscles
• Improving endurance
• Boosting energy

Cardiovascular exercises like biking improve heart health and reduce your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes. Biking is also gentle on your joints, so you can exercise for longer without feeling aches and pains in your legs and feet.

Happy Biking From Safeguard Self Storage

If getting in shape is your New Year's resolution, biking the trails at Graham Hills Park is a great way to get fit while having fun. However, don’t let your space constraints at home get in the way of your health goals. Store your bike and biking gear at Safeguard Self Storage. With convenient, nearby storage units, our facility is perfect to store your bike while you’re not on the trails.

Modern self storage facilities are not a particularly popular target for thieves as these types of structures typically have security features that act as strong deterrents to this type of activity. Security features should include computer controlled access, individual door alarms, digital video cameras and store-wide intercom systems. However, if you intend to store valuable possessions, be sure to select a secure lock for your Safeguard Self Storage Brooklyn, NY mini storage unit. Popular options include disc locks, cylinder locks and closed shackle padlocks.

Disc Locks

Disc locks feature enhanced security elements. This type of lock can withstand attacks involving picking equipment, sledgehammers and drills. A disc lock has a sturdily constructed shackle that attaches tightly around the door latch of a storage unit. This design element makes it next to impossible for would-be thieves to attach bolt cutters to the shackle of the lock. The locking mechanism of a disc lock also has anti-pick components. This kind of lock is the most popular securing device for self storage units.

Cylinder Locks

Cylinder locks are especially secure because they are placed inside of the latch of your Brooklyn, NY mini storage unit. This setup is similar to the locking mechanism found on expensive equipment. Cylinder locks cannot be cut off the door’s latch since they don’t protrude away from it. In addition, they are extremely tough and resistant to being drilled or picked.

Even More Protection

Some home insurance policies may cover the property that you store in an off-premise storage facility, but they may not protect you in all types of loss situations. Therefore, when you place belongings in storage, consider taking out a supplemental insurance policy for extra protection. By placing a disc or cylinder lock on the unit most insurance companies will waive the policy deductible should any issues occur. 

Safeguard’s Hollis, NY storage facilities strive to protect your belongings from temperature fluctuations, moisture, dust and pests. To make sure your unit is extra secure, purchase a lock that will discourage thieves. Before buying any lock, contact Safeguard Self Storage to confirm the securing device’s compatibility with the unit’s latches, or just purchase a high security disc or cylinder lock from Safeguard at a great price. For added peace of mind, take out an extended insurance policy for your stored goods. For your convenience there are different insurance policies available at Safeguard Self Storage with coverage provided by Bader Insurance. Safeguard Self Storage has locations throughout New York. Click here to find a Safeguard New York storage facility near you.