The weather isn't always predictable in Metairie, LA. One minute it's sunny; the next it's raining. The seasons change and bring cold temperatures deep into the South. If you keep your valuables outdoors, it's important to protect them from the elements. Safeguard Self Storage has a few tips on how to prevent unnecessary damage during the colder months.

3 Ways to Protect Your Things in Bad Weather

Invest in a portable shed.

Portable sheds are the ideal option for those who have enough space in their backyards and need to keep their items protected from the elements. They come in many different sizes to shield everything from a lawnmower to a truck. You can select from easy-up sheds with plastic coverings or invest in a metal or resin shed if you have the budget. A shed will keep everything protected from heavy winds, rain and other inclement weather situations.

Use weatherproof tarps.

If you don't have the budget for a shed, nothing beats a tarp for protecting your valuables outdoors. Weatherproof tarps keep the rain off your mower, gardening equipment, and vehicles while allowing the air to flow beneath, preventing mold and mildew from growing on your items. They come in different colors and sizes and sometimes include eyeholes to keep them tied down when the wind picks up speed.

Make temporary space in the garage.

Sometimes you have to bring your items indoors when bad weather strikes. Maybe a hurricane has targeted the area or a cold front has dipped and brought frigid temperatures. You'll want to move things aside in the garage to make room for your outdoor items. You don't want hurricane-force winds to blow away your things or the cold to damage temperature-sensitive equipment. Bring them all inside until the weather gets back to normal in your area.

No Space? Try Climate Controlled Storage Units

If you don't have the space or your budget doesn't allow it, consider keeping your stuff nice and dry in our climate-controlled storage units. Safeguard Self Storage has indoor units that are air conditioned and heated to keep your items at a consistent temperature and protect them year-round no matter what Mother Nature has in store for Metairie, LA.

Are you moving but don't have any cardboard boxes? Don't worry. There are plenty of ways to pack up all your belongings even if you only have a box or two. Whether you're moving out of town or to a new place in Massapequa, NY, Safeguard Self Storage has some tips on how to handle your moving with ease.

How to Pack Without Cardboard Boxes

Use your dresser drawers.

Don't just put the dresser on the moving truck. Take out all the drawers beforehand and fill them with your belongings. Obviously, you can store your clothes in the drawers, but you can also store various kitchen supplies, knickknacks, and more. Once the dresser is on the truck, put the drawers back in place and head out on the road.

Plastic tubs come in handy.

Plastic tubs are available in many different sizes and come with lids to help keep your belongings in place. They're also easy to stack in storage and can hold a lot of items without buckling or breaking. If you purchase a few when you move, make sure to buy the clear bins. You'll be able to see your belongings inside, which makes it easy to find what you're looking for if they're kept in storage units for a while.

A pillowcase will hold a lot.

Don't laugh, but pillowcases can be great go-to moving supplies for a lot of people. They're useful for packing up clothes, kids' toys, throw pillows, and other items. Of course, you'll need a lot of pillowcases if that's all you're planning to use. If you've run out of boxes, don't hesitate to strip your pillows of the cases and use them for a few of your belongings.

Still need boxes? Buy them from Safeguard

If you're still having trouble packing up your belongings, you can handle all your moving needs in one fell swoop at Safeguard Self Storage in Massapequa, NY. We have a variety of moving supplies available on-site as well as affordable storage units if you need to store some things for a while. You can buy moving boxes and use our carts and dollies to help make your life easier. Packing Supply Special: Purchase 10 items or more and receive a 10% discount on your merchandise.

It's fall again in East Tremont, NY, and that can means that it's time to winterize your motorcycle. You don't want it to rust over when it sits for months on end. Before you follow our tips for prepping your bike, make sure to take a few bike rides this fall. It's a lovely time of year for riding. Once you're ready to park it, check out Safeguard Self Storage for competitively priced motorcycle storage.

3 Tips for Winterizing Your Motorcycle

Fill the tank with treated fuel.

There are two types of winterizers: People who fill their tanks and those who empty them. We recommend filling your tanks with treated fuel if it's going to sit all winter long. Although a full tank can put stress on the petcock, an empty tank causes dry seals. Fill it up, and have a full tank to hit the road in the spring.

Cover it with the appropriate tarp.

Even if you park your bike inside for the winter, it's a good idea to cover it with a tarp or other breathable sheet. After all, you don't want dust or other debris to build up on your investment. Covering it will also protect the paint and exposed parts from scratches if you have kids playing near the bike or if it's parked near tools or the car.

Plug up the pipes and holes.

You know what else likes to hunker down for the winter? Mice. You don't want your bike to become a haven for mice when it's parked for several months. Make sure to plug up areas like the exhaust pipes and the air intakes to keep mice from building nests inside. If you're worried about rodents, our storage units keep out unwanted pests while protecting your bike until spring.

Motorcycle Storage at Safeguard Self Storage

Self storage is the perfect option for keeping your bike protected during the winter. It'll stay inside where it's protected from the snow and bitter elements. Our storage units in East Tremont, NY, are easy on your wallet and come in handy if you lack the space for storing your bike at home.

NOTICE: Motor bikes may not be run at any time while inside of the storage facility. In addition, motor bikes must be free of any leaks before they can be stored inside of a storage unit.

Storing kitchen appliances isn't a complicated job, but affordable storage units in Chicago, IL, make it easier. Most stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers just need a little pre-move prep. Use our handy kitchen storage guide to make sure your appliances are ready for long- or short-term storage.

Clean the Stove

Don't give bugs a reason to set up house in the stove. Clean it inside and out with a mild detergent before moving it to self storage. Be sure to scrub burner liners, oven racks, and broiler pans. Secure knobs with painter's tape so that they make the move without getting lost.

Drain the Refrigerator

Kitchen storage and wet refrigerator components don't mix. Defrost the freezer, drain the ice maker, and clear the water supply lines. Clean trays, drawers, and the drip pan. Let everything dry for several days. Use a hand vac to clear dust from the motor and compressor on the refrigerator's backside.

Disconnect the Dishwasher

Run the empty dishwasher one last time using white vinegar or bleach. Clean the door gasket with baking soda and water. Leave the door open for at least 24 hours. Disconnect hoses, let them completely dry and then wrap in towels and store inside the dishwasher.

Pack Up the Microwave

Remove and clean the microwave turntable. Clean inside and outside the oven housing. Tape the door shut, put the oven in a sturdy cardboard box, and fill with packing material.

Make a Safe Move

Large kitchen appliances travel best with their doors securely shut and their cords taped to the outside. Protect glass panels with cardboard inserts. Keep appliances scratch-free by covering them with large blankets. Always move them in an upright position. Otherwise, you risk damaging motors and components.

Follow Kitchen Storage Basics

Self storage options in Chicago keep appliances in good shape indefinitely, but even the best storage units need a little help. Follow these appliance storage basics to make sure your kitchen essentials stay in top condition:

• Lease a climate-controlled unit to protect appliances from humidity.
• Maximize air circulation by leaving appliance doors open.
• Keep everything off the floor on wood or plastic pallets.

We're Here to Help

You don't have to store appliances every day, but we're here to help. From multiple move-in specials to choose from to on-site carts and dollies, you can count on Safeguard to have the storage space you need conveniently located in your neighborhood. Safeguard offers the following 16 Chicagoland locations:

• Chicago – Hermosa                        
• Chicago – Uptown            
• Chicago – Edison Park
• Chicago – Beverly
• Chicago – West Rogers Park
• Chicago – Lake View            
• Chicago – South Loop
• Des Plaines
• Palatine
• Lombard
• Darien
• Lyons
• McCook
• Bridgeview
• Arlington Heights
• Addison

Your car really prefers the garage. Too many bad things can happen when it's parked on the street. It's exposed to the weather, vandalism, and bird droppings—to name a few.

The garage is your best bet for car storage, but affordable storage units in Bridgeview, IL give you convenient alternatives. Giving your car a temporary home away from home just takes a little pre-planning.

Size Up Your Options

You might be headed out for an extended vacation. Perhaps you're in the military and need to store the car long-term. You may just want to get it off the street and into a safer spot.

Self storage offers options for every situation. If you want to leave the car in storage for a month or two, our Bridgeview facility features drive in storage units and outdoor parking.

Talk with our facility management team. Ask about their recommendations. They can also fill you in on details about title, registration, and insurance requirements.

Get Your Wheels Ready

The best storage units for cars provide a dependable area for parking. Make sure your wheels are in top shape and ready for self storage with these simple steps:

• Wash and wax the car before putting it in storage. This prevents dirt and air pollutants from corroding the paint.
• Fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Both reduce the chance of moisture forming in lines.
• Top off antifreeze, brake fluid, and change the oil. These steps should keep the car ready to hit the road.

Make Your Car Comfortable

To make your wheels comfortable for the short term or the long haul, make sure not to forget these steps:

• Don't set the parking brake. Pads can fuse with rotors if they're in constant contact over time.
• Prevent flat spots on tires by putting the car up on jack stands.
• Use steel wool to keep pests out of the exhaust pipe and air intakes.
• If you're storing the car in an outside space, protect it with a weatherproof cover.

It's Ready to Go When You Are

When car storage at home gets complicated, trust Safeguard in Bridgeview, IL to take good care of your wheels. Just leave the car with us. It'll be ready to go when you are.

From new base assignments to deployments overseas, you stay ready for the next move. Frequent relocations are just part of the job. That's why military storage in Elizabeth, NJ, is so important. Long-term self storage makes it all a little easier.

Storage Units Hold Everything

As an active member of the military, you know how to travel light. Still, getting ready to ship out shouldn't include getting rid of things. A clean, well-managed storage facility gives you plenty of options.

One 10x10 unit holds several rooms of furniture. A smaller space keeps personal belongings protected. From the car you just don't want to sell to important documents, it all fits in self storage.

You Have Room to Share

Think of military storage as a central location for family and friends, too. It's a better arrangement than asking them to keep your things in their homes. A 10x20 unit can hold the contents of an entire house. Use the space to store your belongings with extra room for sharing.

The Savings Add Up

Sometimes, a base change can put you in a tight position. When housing costs outweigh your finances, keep things manageable with self storage. It's an affordable alternative to living in a space that's bigger than your budget. Most facilities offer military discounts, too, and that adds to your overall savings.

It's Protective and Flexible

You keep your list of military storage must-haves short. You want your belongings to stay protected long-term. You want to know they're monitored. You need flexible options for the future. The best storage units offer it all, including:

• Climate-controlled interiors that protect electronics, paper records, and personal treasures
• High-tech security systems, such as digital video surveillance and computer-controlled access
• Month-to-month or long-term leasing options that fit your needs
• Online account management for making payments and updating contact information

You Deserve Peace of Mind

Leasing a unit gives you peace of mind while you're deployed. Share access codes with friends and family so that they can check on things while you're away. Your unit makes coming home easier, too. You always know your belongings are in good shape and ready to go when you return.

We're Proud to Do Our Part

Here at Safeguard, we're proud to do our part by offering quality self storage in Elizabeth, NJ. It's our honor to serve you while you serve our country. Each one of us salutes you, and we all thank you for your service.

Sometimes, you want something. Sometimes, you need it. Self storage in Darien, IL, is one of those things you often really need. There always comes a time when storage units make better sense than trying to turn the house or garage into a permanent home storage solution.

When Clutter Crowds Your Space

Clutter is a fickle thing. While certain items you own may not bring you much joy, they can still be a challenge to toss out if they hold psychological meaning. Thankfully, you don't have to throw anything away when there's a climate-controlled unit just around the corner. Clear out clutter, and park it until you decide to sell it, donate it, or finally throw it away.

When You Need Room to Remodel

When it comes to home renovation projects, clutter can be a nightmare. Ensure your belongings are out of the way before demo day to make work easier for everyone involved. Don't worry about the contractor accidentally destroying furniture while he adds on that extra room. Keep belongings out of busy work zones with a temporary move to convenient self storage.

When You're Ready to Live Small

Downsizing isn't just for seniors. It's a lifestyle choice that makes sense under the right circumstances. If you're thinking about living smaller, think about units large enough to handle several rooms of extra furniture. Storage facilities offer a wide variety of affordable options.

When You're in Transition

You're so happy to finally sell the house, but the closing date means you must move fast. Bring that stress level down to earth. Lease a unit between the old and new place. Now, you can transition at your own pace.

When the Semester Ends

Whether you're a student or the parent of someone between semesters, put storage units on the summer break must-have list. They're the perfect place between the dorm and home for storing student stuff. They save the expense of long-distance hauling, too.

When You Run a Small Business

Your home business keeps expanding. Space at the house keeps shrinking. Don't bust the bottom line paying for commercial square footage or warehouse space. Move operations to an affordable unit with plenty of room for inventory, equipment, and important records.

When You Need Extra Security

Valuable antiques prefer climate-controlled environments. Often, your treasures are better protected in storage units than they are at the house. Your favorite things deserve to be surrounded by layers of high-tech security 24/7.

When You Want the Best

When you want the very best storage, we're always ready. When the time comes, just come by Safeguard Self Storage in Darien, IL. We look forward to seeing you soon!

It's not hard to put off a big job like decluttering your home, but this is a project that's actually good for you. Nearby storage units in Philadelphia, PA, make it easy to stay motivated, clean up the house, and enjoy these 10 healthy benefits

10 Benefits of Keeping Your Home Free of Clutter

You're Less Anxious

When things pile up all around you, it feels overwhelming. Decluttering your space creates a calming sense of order. Eliminating visual noise eliminates anxiety.

It Increases Creativity

All the rooms in your cluttered home look like overcrowded storage units. It makes you step back, think, and figure out creative ways to establish control and stay on track.

You Build Confidence

You're making decisions and solving problems. Cleaning up the house puts you in charge of the situation. The work teaches you that you can handle tough jobs.

You Save Time

Imagine not digging through messy drawers for that one important thing. Picture breezing through closets as you reorganize clothes. A decluttered house is a big time-saver.

It's Easier to Concentrate

You don't realize how badly clutter creeps into your peripheral senses until it's gone. A clean home sets you free to concentrate on things you care about.

You Set a Good Example

When you clean up clutter, you're showing the kids how it's done. When you get them involved in the process, you're helping them develop organizational skills.

Everyone Is Safer

Too many boxes on closet shelves turn into avalanches. Kids' toys all over the floor turn into tripping hazards. Decluttering helps your family stay safe.

Everyone Breathes Easier

Clutter collects dust, dander, pet hair, and insect debris. Getting rid of it keeps airborne pathogens out of your HVAC system. You and your family breathe easier.

You Can Do Good for Others

Not all clutter belongs in the trash. Donate items you don't need or want any longer to local charities. Area organizations are always grateful for items like clothes, books, and even old knickknacks.

Feeling Positive Feels Great

You've taken control. You've made a huge difference. Clutter doesn't rule your home anymore. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment. You deserve every ounce of pride you feel for taking care of a very big job.

We're Happy to Help

When you're ready to conquer clutter, our Safeguard Self Storage team in Philadelphia, PA, is happy to help. We're always here for you with storage units sized for every type of clutter cleanup project.

Self storage in New Orleans, LA, doesn't have to be big to be a big help. A 5-by-5 storage unit is surprisingly roomy with 25 square feet of storage space. Add a typical 8-foot ceiling, and overall dimensions measure a generous 200 cubic feet. These are just a few ways to make the most of your small unit:

Items To Put In Your 5x5 Storage Unit

Student Self Storage

Why haul things all the way home and back again? Travel light between semesters by parking your desk, chair, and dresser in a 5-by-5 unit. You should still have room for a twin mattress and several boxes.

Spare Remodeling Space

Make room at the house for a decorating makeover. Give your interior design talents plenty of space to work by moving things to temporary storage. Month-to-month leasing options keep storage units budget-friendly.

Seasonal Clothes

Save closets and drawers from overcrowding. Rotate seasonal clothes in and out of your small storage unit. Use a combination of shelves and lidded bins to convert vertical storage into a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe room.

Seasonal Decorations

Scare up space for Halloween decorations inside a compact unit. Celebrate extra room at home by moving Christmas lights, ornaments, and tree stands to secure storage. It's a year-round solution for storing seasonal decorations.

Liberated Outdoor Gear

Sports equipment, fishing tackle, and camping gear get lost in a crowded garage. Keep it all in one convenient storage space. Outdoor gear is easier to find and always ready to go in small storage units close to the house.

Winterized Garden Tools

Why trip over garden tools in the garage all winter? Give them a comfortable, cold-weather home. Everything fits in a 5-by-5 unit with enough room for the lawn mower. Be sure to empty its fuel tank before storing.

Extra Hobby Supplies

Start enjoying your favorite pastime again. Declutter hobby space at the house by keeping extra supplies in your unit. Double storage strategies by using an old bookshelf in the unit to keep supplies organized.

Compact Business Storage

Expand business potential at work or home with an extra 25 square feet of climate-controlled storage. Secure important records, back up inventory, and store extra equipment in your 5-by-5 unit.

Small Spaces That Always Fit

We believe in offering storage solutions that always fit. If you need a small unit, Safeguard Self Storage in New Orleans, LA, has one just your size. Stop by soon and let our storage professionals show you around.

You've both said yes to marriage. You're both ready to clean out your storage units in Holmdel, NJ, and move into a new home together. Before you start the migration from singles with self storage to property co-owners, double-check your budget and expectations. You might want to wait until after the nuptials.

Both Credit Scores Count

Regardless of marital status, a bank or mortgage lender looks at your individual credit scores. Better credit increases the chances of securing a loan with a lower interest rate. Consider these two common scenarios:

• You both have good credit histories - Application as a couple should be successful.
• One of you has a bad credit score - This can negatively impact your application as a couple.

If only one of you can satisfy the lender's requirements, you can take out the loan as an individual. However, you lose the advantage of applying with a combined income. You may want to postpone buying a new house until you've had a chance to get both credit scores on solid ground.

Shared Contributions Work

You aren't used to sharing everything yet. From separate storage units to individual incomes and savings accounts, you have a lot to consolidate. Figure out much each of you can commit towards a new home purchase.

Develop a shared contribution schedule. Factor in all your financial obligations including student debt, credit card debt, and current car loans. Make sure you're both comfortable with the numbers.

Think About More Than Finances

On average, 75% of couples in your position wait until after marriage to buy a home. Still, the two of you are more than statistics and credit checks. Think outside the financial box with these questions:

• Will buying now add to pre-wedding stress?
• If you're not currently sharing an apartment, is that an option?
• Are you both positioned for a smooth transition to a new house?

Take your time. Consider all the possibilities. Don't let outside pressures force your decision. When you and your partner are sure, you'll make the right move at the right time.

Keep Us in Your Plans

Whether you buy before or after the wedding, we're always here to help. Once you've settled in that dream home, we're at your service with the best storage options available. Keep Safeguard Self Storage in Holmdel, NJ, in your plans, and keep your eye on a very bright future together.