Summer isn't over until it's over here in Chicagoland, and that doesn't happen until September 22. That's the day that the Fall Equinox brings this long, lazy season to an end. Still, you want one last shot at fun in the sun before packing away your favorite summertime toys in self storage. Lyons, IL stands ready to entertain with historic sites, water adventures and acres of beautiful parkland.
Explore the Portage
We take portage for granted today. Back in the 1600s, French explorers Marquette and Joliet considered it essential as they explored this part of Illinois. Without a crossing between the Chicago and Des Plaines Rivers, the adventurers might have taken a different turn. Fortunately, they found their way, and you can follow their trail. Join your friends, and break those bikes out of your storage units for a cycling tour through the Chicago Portage National Historic Site.
Get Wet, Cool Off
After you've taken in plenty of portage scenery, head up Ogden Avenue for a final summer splash. The city's Cermak Family Aquatic Center caters to kids with plenty of wet fun for grownups, too. Get soaked at the splash pad, sail down the water slide, and make waves on the lazy river. Stay cool in the shade of surrounding Cermak Woods before heading over to the quarry. That's where you'll find out if the fish are biting on the last day of summer.
Fire Up a Sunset Grill
Finish off the Fall Equinox over on Lawndale Avenue where two beautiful parks offer fantastic sunset views. Give your backhand a final spin with a game of tennis at Smith Park. Catch up with fellow skaters, and show them your best Casper slide. When you're finally worn out, it's time to cross the street and salute summer with a farewell cookout. Fire up a grill in Veteran's Park, feed friends and family, and then kick back and relax. You've celebrated the last day of summer in true Lyons style.
It's not hard to say goodbye to summer when you know that you're waving farewell to sizzling temperatures. It's easy to enjoy the season's last day with faith that you'll get to do it all over again next year. Between now and then, we're always happy to take care of your summer gear with storage units all across Cook County. Safeguard Self Storage stands ready to keep your stuff secure all year-round.
If your heart soars when you see jets fly overhead in formation, get ready to commemorate one of our military’s most exciting milestones. This September 18, the U.S. Air Force marks its 69th birthday. Whether you fly your own or treasure a toy plane collection stationed in self storage, Miami, FL skies are wide open for celebrating this special day.
From Then Through Now
What started in 1907 as a small Army division wasn’t even fully funded until 1912. That year, our infant Air Force flew nine planes. On the eve of World War I, 12 officers commanded a fleet of only six planes. That rapidly changed over the years as the fledgling Air Service became the Air Corps in 1926. The expansion continued beyond World War II, and in 1947, the National Security Act officially created the Air Force as we know it today.
Our Very Own Homestead
Our area here in southern Florida played its own role in Air Force history with the establishment of Homestead Air Reserve Base in 1942. It stood as a war-time home for officers and enlisted men, but a massive hurricane in 1945 destroyed all operations. The field recovered and served as Dade County’s airport for another 10 years. Its strategic location led to reactivation as a military base in 1955. Homestead demonstrated its importance during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War, and it still plays a vital role in our nation’s defense.
Miami’s Tribute and Showcase
With so much Air Force history just down the Reagan Turnpike, it’s no surprise that Miami celebrates our aviation past and present with a dedicated hangar. The Wings Over Miami Air Museum stands as a tribute to veteran aviators and a showcase for vintage planes. Visitors enjoy a hands-on experience that includes World War I aircraft, mid-century seaplanes and retired jet fighters. The museum is an ideal location for honoring the Air Force on its 69th birthday.
We salute the brave men and women who make our U.S. Air Force strong, and we appreciate their hard work and dedication. Whether you’re a member of the service, a resident in one of our neighborhoods or a local business owner, Safeguard Self Storage shares your pride in our great community. Wherever you are in Miami, FL, our storage facility solutions are always at your service.
Just west of the historic Ebbets Field site, more than 580 green acres extend an open invitation to residents of New York's most populous borough. It's impossible to resist the call of the great outdoors in Prospect Park. Choose your sport, pick your favorite spot, and get your best gear out of self storage. Brooklyn, NY natives are hitting the courts, running the courses and charging the fields.
Hold Your Parade Ground
The Prospect Park Alliance is proud of its recent efforts between Parkside and Canton Avenues. The restored 40-acre Parade Ground serves up tennis matches, fields baseball games and kicks off soccer competitions. Nearby self storage keeps lucky locals in close touch with everything they need to hold their favorite ground and play their favorite sports. If you love competition, you can't beat the action in this southern corner of the park.
Skate at the Lake
Head northeast from the Parade Ground, and get your game on for all kinds of activities in the park's Lakeside area. Duck inside the sprawling Lefrak Center for seasonal play that covers your love for both ice and roller skating. Satisfy casual taste buds at two of the park's best cafes, and then take the fun back out into the sunshine. Lakeside serves up boating, fishing and all kinds of water play with generous sides of jogging and biking around Brooklyn's only lake.
Relax in Dozens of Gardens
Once you've released your inner sports enthusiast, slow down, and stroll up to the park's north side. Immerse yourself in the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Relax, and explore more than a dozen carefully tended garden areas and botanical collections. Contemplate serenity at the Lily Pool Terrace, and treat your senses to a walk through the Fragrance Garden. This part of Prospect gives home to one of Brooklyn's best green spaces. You know that you've found it when you see all the happy, young faces growing flowers and tending crops at the Children's Garden.
Bring your biggest appetite for a barbecue picnic, or try your luck with a little catch-and-release angling. Make plans to party, play and relax outside in Prospect Park all summer long. Keep the living easy by keeping your seasonal gear in our convenient Brooklyn, NY storage facility just east on Empire Boulevard. From our family to yours, Safeguard Self Storage wishes you fun in the park all year-round.
It starts 65 miles south of the city, winds through the French Quarter and quietly comes to rest not far from Lake Pontchartrain. Civil War history takes fascinating turns through New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. Savvy history buffs start exploring this trail by staging their adventures out of nearby storage units in Marrero, LA. Put on your touring shoes, and join them on an amazing journey.
Forts, Battlefields and Reenactments
Fort Jackson stands as a monument to brave soldiers who held their ground in 1862. Six days after a fierce bombardment, Confederate forces surrendered, and Union troops began advancing up the Mississippi Delta. Located 65 miles south of the city, this historic fort and museum belongs on your must-see Civil War itinerary. If you thrill at being part of the action, raid self storage for your best reenactment gear. Fall into formation at the Chalmette Battlefield just seven miles downriver from New Orleans.
Museums, Houses and Mints
Head up to the city, and plot a course starting with the Confederate Memorial Hall on Camp Street. This venerable museum holds more Civil War artifacts than any other site of its kind. Swing over to Canal Street, and visit the Old U.S. Custom House where Union generals and Confederate prisoners shared space during New Orleans' occupation. Complete your trek with a tour of historic buildings along Esplanade Avenue. Be sure to stop by the Old U.S. Mint for an inspection of the quarters that served Confederate troops defending their beloved Crescent City.
Squares, Statues and Final Resting Grounds
Slow down, and stroll up Decatur Street to beautiful Jackson Square. Take it easy in the Big Easy enjoying a park that dates back to the early 18th century. At the Civil War's end, this original Plaza de Armas was renamed Jackson Square. The Battle of New Orleans hero still rides high as a magnificent equestrian statue in the park's center. Finally, pay respects to brave souls resting at Metairie Cemetery just south of Lake Pontchartrain. This serene site expresses Civil War history through uniquely artistic headstones, tombs and mausoleums.
Our part of the New Orleans metro area offers a perfect location for launching historic fun. When you want to keep your exploring and reenactment gear in a central location, count on us here at Safeguard Self Storage. Our Lapalco Boulevard facilities stand ready to serve you and fellow history buffs on all of your amazing journeys.
You can do this. A little smart planning makes it easy to get ready for a new semester. Both Kean University and New Jersey Tech are just a few miles away, so split the distance with self storage here in Elizabeth, NJ. You’re perfectly positioned to rock the new semester with these 10 tips for organizing your dorm room.
- Make the most of limited clothes storage options with plastic slide-out drawer sets. These stackable faux dressers help expand tight wardrobe space.
- Decorate a shower caddy, hang it over your desk, and enjoy compliments on your suspended solution to clutter. No one has to know that your clever wall organizer came from the bathroom.
- Put up inexpensive shelving for books and more. You can find great deals on easy-to-assemble sets at a local DIY store. This portable organizing solution lets you cubbyhole anything.
- Turn an over-the-door shoe organizer into a snack storage zone. The clear plastic compartments give you easy access to packaged munchies while they protect goodies from hungry bugs.
- Stretch small spaces with tension rods. Mount these tough suspension bars where no other storage can go, and turn tight corners into mini closets.
- Keep track of the little stuff with plastic ice cube trays. Put several in a top drawer for organizing everything from paper clips to vending machine change.
- Transition a plain, plastic silverware tray into your favorite desk organizer with a little fabric and glue. If things get really crowded topside, slip it in a drawer next to the ice cube trays.
- Tame chargers and cords by wrapping them with brightly patterned Washi tape. Trade fumbling and figuring out matches with a quick visual reference covering all your gadgets’ lifelines.
- Save limited floor space with a mattress caddy. Nightstands take up valuable indoor real estate, so keep your essentials tucked in a colorful organizer made just for beds.
- Turn wasted space under the bed into extra storage with handy roller trays. These smart catchalls also cut down on room cleaning chores by discouraging dust bunnies.
Stay centrally located with our Safeguard Self Storage facilities right here in Elizabeth, NJ. We’re at your service all year-long with student-friendly units and great amenities. When you store your stuff with us, you can enjoy campus life wherever you go in Union County.
On the first weekend of August, Second City backyard chefs liberate their favorite grilling gear. Storage units across Chicago fly open as frankfurter fans get ready to celebrate our delicious Hot Dog Festival. Here's a tasty overview of the annual event that inspires so much mouthwatering fun.
History Starts at the Museum
Our wonderful Chicago History Museum holds more than 22 million artifacts and documents that chronicle local and national history. Our irresistible Chicago hot dogs trace their flavorful heritage back to hearty locals braving the Depression. The institution and the meal are revered across the city, so it seemed natural four years ago to celebrate them both with an outdoor party at Lincoln Park. Since then, the Chicago Hot Dog Festival has continued to grow and benefit the Museum's ongoing good works.
Ketchup Stops at the Fries
An authentic Chicago-style hot dog wears a bright yellow mustard coat. Some friendly debates try to put ketchup on top of everything, but purists know better. That all-beef frank belongs in a poppy seed bun that looks like it’s been dragged through the garden. Chopped onion, sliced tomato, sport peppers, pickle spears and relish give it a gloriously overloaded profile. This is a dog that deserves the works, and it delivers a satisfying snap with every bite. It's an original, and most natives here in Chi-Town savor the traditions that keep it a culinary classic.
Cooking Options Go Both Ways
Do you keep an heirloom Dutch oven in self-storage? Does your perfectly cured grill winter in your storage unit? The Chicago hot dog prefers a slow simmer, but it's become accustomed to a smoky barbecue. Originally, this street-perfect dish was prepared ahead of time and kept warm in vendors' steam carts. Today, the delicious dog plumps up with a 5 to 7 minute hot bath or gloriously grills in about the same amount of time. Depending on your preference, either technique produces an entree that lives up to its history and goes down best when shared with friends.
We tip our forks to everyone who supports our Chicago History Museum and annual Chicago Hot Dog Festival. If you need a little extra space for organizing your own yummy celebration this year, check out Safeguard Self Storage options for Chicago, IL backyard chefs. We keep your grilling gear in great shape all year-round.
Moving to Brooklyn, NY, is a demanding prospect, especially if you're accustomed to living in a larger space. Existing apartments are significantly smaller than average, and the lack of housing in NYC has led to the construction of many prefabricated apartments that are even smaller than most of the area's studio apartments. The new units range in size from 250 to 350 square feet. Don't worry. If you're planning a move to a Brooklyn apartment, you won't have to face the challenge alone. Safeguard Self Storage is here to serve as a helpful resource.
Check Out Brooklyn Neighborhoods
Before your move, it pays to research Brooklyn's many neighborhoods so that you can find a space that meets your social and family needs as well as your budget. Here are a few highlights.
- Crown Heights is a sprawling transitional area that offers a broad range of rental prices and somewhat larger living areas. But it's a coveted location, so start your apartment-hunting early.
- Bay Ridge has plenty of retail stores and restaurants and a range of housing options including smaller, older buildings and high rises.
- Park Slope is considered by many to be one of the most desirable locations in Brooklyn. Apartments are pricier, but they offer perks like decks, gardening space and historic architecture.
- Kensington and Windsor Terrace aren't as busy or as pricey as Park Slope, but they're close enough that you can easily visit upscale shops and restaurants.
Shrinking Your Stuff: Tips for Downsizing in Brooklyn
- Measure your new space carefully before deciding what you can fit into it.
- Buy smaller furniture, and choose multipurpose items like storage ottomans or sleeper sofas.
- Utilize vertical space. Place shelving instead of artwork above furniture pieces. Use stacking storage boxes to fill empty space in closets.
- Donate or store clothing that you rarely wear.
- If you have sentimental items or collections that you can't fit into the new space, take pictures of them to put on display.
Affordable Storage Units Make Downsizing Easier
Downsizing requires some adjustment, but it doesn't mean that you have to lose your treasured collections, heirlooms or furniture that you may need at a later date. Simply store your belongings in a secure storage unit. Safeguard Self Storage offers great deals on clean, affordable storage units that can make adjusting to a compact lifestyle in Brooklyn NY, much easier. Contact us today for details.
If you have the right equipment and arm yourself with knowledge, Addison, IL and the surrounding area is a great place to hunt. This summer, your friends at Safeguard Self Storage are offering a few tips to help you sharpen your organizational and hunting skills so that you can enjoy the thrill of success.
Optimize Your Summer Hunting in Addison
- Finding the best place to hunt is important. For your convenience, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) lists public hunting grounds near Addison.
- For the best experience, research a hunting location beforehand so that you're familiar with its rules, limitations and layout.
- Knowing when to hunt gives you an edge. At the start of summer, vegetation is less dense, and the clear weather gives you better visibility so that you can survey the terrain more effectively. Check weather reports regularly before making plans.
- The best animals to hunt in the summer months include coyotes, woodchucks and fox or grey squirrels. Check the IDNR Season Dates and Limits Guide for more information about the best times during the season to hunt specific animals.
- If you're hunting coyotes, start early in the morning when their activity level is at its highest. Take advantage of their predatory nature. Using a fawn decoy is a great way to attract them.
- Stay out of trouble. Don’t target an animal if you’re not sure what it is. Check your animal identification guide to identify it and determine if it is a protected species.
- Always check your hunting equipment for safety and proper performance before you begin using it.
- If you're more accustomed to winter hunting, be sure to prepare for the summer heat, humidity and insect activity.
Where to Get Your Hunting License
To hunt legally, you'll need to obtain the necessary hunting licenses from the IDNR. The type of license required depends on a number of variables such as what type of animals you intend to hunt, your age and other factors. You can obtain up-to-date license information by visiting the IDNR License Sales and Information Page.
Storage Units Keep Your Hunting Gear Safe During the Off-Season
If you don't have extra space at home for storing your hunting gear, Safeguard Self Storage can help. Our Addison, IL area storage units can keep your equipment safe and secure during the off-season or any time you need to ensure that it stays out of the wrong hands. Contact us today for details.
Miami, FL is known as the “Magic City.” Its nickname is attributed to its rapid growth, but summer visitors may consider it magical for the seemingly endless list of ways to have fun. When the weather gets warm, people from every state flock to its beautiful beaches and lakes to enjoy a wide variety of exciting water sports and activities. If you're ready for to plan your visit, here is a quick overview of what awaits you in Miami.
Play It Safe
The following activities require the special equipment listed. If you already have sports gear that's collecting dust in your Safeguard storage lockers, check to make sure that it's still viable and safe before using it. Sustaining an injury due to equipment failure is a quick way to ruin your Miami adventure.
Water Recreation in the Magic City
- Snorkeling is a good way to admire the beauty of underwater environments for extended periods of time. To go snorkeling, you'll need a snorkel mask, a snorkel and fins. A wetsuit may be needed in cool water.
- Kayaking and canoeing are similar sports that are enjoyed in lakes and rivers. They are both elongated, lightweight boats, but there are key differences in their designs. Basic equipment needed for either include a stable boat and paddles, a life jacket or personal flotation device, a flashlight and a helmet.
- Boating is extremely popular in Miami, and you don't need to own a boat to enjoy it. Boat rentals and guided boat tours are both available. If you do own a boat, be sure to supply it with flotation devices or life jackets, a working whistle or horn, a visual signal and a fire extinguisher.
- Fishing is a relaxing way to enjoy the Magic City's natural beauty. The equipment needed will depend on where you're fishing and what type of fish you're trying to catch. In general, a fully stocked tackle box, a quality rod and reel and appropriate bait is a great start. Don't forget to bring boating safety equipment, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.
Learn more about Miami, FL outdoor recreation venues, tours, sports events and other opportunities by visiting the Miami and Beaches website.
Self Storage Units Keep Summer Gear Safe and Secure
Unfortunately, the season of water adventures doesn't last forever. If you need extra space for storing your gear during the colder months, Safeguard offers secure self storage units in the Miami area. Contact us today for more information about our clean, affordable storage lockers, and let us help you get a head start on next year's summer magic.
If you love arts and culture, you're living in the right place. The Baton Rouge Arts Market showcases the best of local talent and artisanship. Held on the first Saturday of each month, the open-air event features handmade pottery, jewelry, photographic art, stained glass and much more. If you have a hobby or favorite craft, the Arts Market provides an opportunity to share your talent with the world. This month, Safeguard Self Storage is offering savvy tips for setting up your own booth at the market and becoming part of the Louisiana arts scene.
Creating a Booth That Stands Out
- Aim for an airy, open and welcoming ambiance. Avoid creating a cave-like space.
- Decorate your booth with a variety of colorful, eye-catching materials such as fabrics, balloons, and streamers.
- Cover display tables with a cloth. For the best results, choose a solid color that contrasts the color of your products.
- If you can hang your items on a wall, do so; this makes them easier to examine and the items more noticeable from the street.
- Avoid clutter. Too many items grouped together are distracting and overwhelming to customers.
- Provide business cards. Customers who love your work may contact you later.
- Make sure to provide clear, highly visible signage that employs theme and color as well as text. Your prospective customers should be able to get an idea of who you are and what you're offering from a distance.
Sales and Marketing Tricks
- If your product can be sampled on-site, provide free samples to entice customers.
- Make your prices obvious and visible. No one should have to hunt for them. Offer special deals for multiple-item purchases.
- Talk to everyone who comes to your booth. Be friendly, helpful, and open, and don’t be afraid to sing the praises of your products.
- Take advantage of social media to get the word out.
- Make and distribute flyers ahead of the sale date. Use lots of color, and add a picture of one of your finest creations.
- Get to know other Baton Rouge vendors who are familiar with the market. They can offer even more tips for optimizing your sales and having a great time.
Storage Units Make Your Project Easier
If you need extra space for your crafts, supplies or marketing materials, Safeguard Self Storage has air-conditioned and clean storage units with easy access at prices that won't cut into your profits. Contact us today for more information about rates and availability.