Cooler weather is finally here. It's time to put away your summer sun dresses and get out those boots and sweaters. If you live in Bronx, NY, finding room to store your seasonal wardrobe can be a challenge. Extra household space is a luxury that you may not have. Fortunately, you have a great storage option outside of your small home or apartment. Simply contact the nearest residential and business storage facility in your area, and rent a self storage unit to hold your summer treasures safely while you ride out the winter. To ensure that your shorts and bikinis are in top shape when you're ready to retrieve them, here are a few tips from Safeguard Self Storage for storing summer clothes. 

Essential Summer Wardrobe Storage Tips

• Browse through your summer wardrobe, and remove items you never wear. If you didn't wear it this past summer, you probably won't wear it again. Donate these items, or offer them to family members. Don't force them to take up room in your tiny Bronx, NY space.
• Organize your clothing by type and then by fabric, so you'll be able to store them properly and find them quickly later.
• Before storing any item of clothing, wash and dry it thoroughly. Even if you’ve only worn it for a few minutes, residue from body oil, sunscreen, deodorant and colognes can degrade the fabric after the item has been stored for several months.
• Avoid using chlorine bleach, fabric softeners and starch products on your clothes before storing them.
• If you're using wardrobe boxes, hang garments on well-shaped hangers. Heavy fabrics that tend to droop or stretch and light, delicate items that become misshapen easily should be folded neatly instead of hung.
• Don't store your clothing in nylon or plastic bags. It encourages mildew growth and can cause yellowing of fabrics. If you need extra protection, use a garment bag, or drape a cotton sheet over vulnerable items.
• To protect delicate folded items, place them inside a cotton pillow case.
• Avoid using moth balls to keep insects away. The smell can be difficult to remove and may even be toxic. Try cedar chips or lavender blocks instead.
• Be sure to remove dirt and smudges from your sandals, flip-flops and sneakers before storing them.

Climate-Controlled Bronx, NY, Home and Business Storage

To keep your clothes fresh and intact, consider renting a climate controlled self storage unit for winter and summer storage. With around-the-clock control of temperature and humidity levels, you'll never have to worry about extreme cold or heat damaging synthetic fabrics, and you won't find disgusting mold or mildew on your favorite sun dress. Check local rates today, and keep your seasonal clothing changeovers easy and affordable.  

Most people think of storage facilities when they're planning a move or remodeling their homes, but self-storage units are essential to the holiday season, too. Whether you own a home or a small business, temporary storage offers a great solution for everyday problems. If you're not taking advantage of home and commercial storage in Hollis, NY this year, you could be missing out on making the holiday season less stressful and more fun. Here are five great ways to utilize Safeguard Self Storage this year.

How Storage Facilities Can Make the Holiday Season Easier

1. A storage unit is a great place to hide surprise gifts until Santa Clause arrives. Curious little ones who sneak into closets and basements will never suspect a thing. Keep the magic and mystery intact by storing your gifts out of reach. You can even use the space to wrap presents privately.
2. Lights, trees and inflatable lawn ornaments can take up a huge amount of space in your attic or basement. Pack them away safely in a storage unit until it's time to decorate. If you rent a climate-controlled unit, you'll never have to worry about temperature extremes or moisture causing damage to your most valued decorations, gift-wraps and cards.
3. Holidays often involve overnight guests. If you have a small home, it can get crowded quickly. A storage unit gives you a place to store large items, like exercise equipment, so that you have more room for your visitors. It also provides a place to store air beds, extra linens and folding tables when your guests leave.
4. The holiday season is all about good will. It's a perfect time to reach out and help those less fortunate. If you want to collect items to donate to charity or give to homeless people in your area, a storage unit is a perfect place to keep them safe until it's time to distribute them.
5. If you own a business, you can use extra storage space to hold promotional materials for holiday events, bulk gift items, office decor, party supplies and off-season merchandise or marketing materials.

Check Out Storage Facilities in Hollis, NY

Whether you need home or commercial storage, affordable options are available near you. The holidays are just around the corner, so don’t wait until the last minute to contact your top local storage facility for details about available unit sizes and types, facility hours and monthly rates.  

December 13 marks International Children's Day; a perfect day to celebrate the joy that children bring into your life. One way to observe the holiday is to make their lives better by optimizing health and safety conditions in your New Hyde Park, NY home. Here are a few tips to help you childproof your home and make it both safe and fun for your little ones. 

Tips for Childproofing Your Home

Check out this quick-tip list for safety so instead of worrying what your kids can get into, you can enjoy your time with them.

• Place safety screens around your fireplaces, radiators and heaters.
• Install childproof covers on all electrical outlets.
• Make sure that all toxic chemicals, including household cleaners and painting supplies, are out of reach.
• Move couches, chairs and other furniture away from windows.
• Be sure that step stools and kitchen chairs aren't close to your stove top.
• Use corner bumpers to protect your children from sharp edges on tables and other structures.
• Keep houseplants out of reach.
• Lower the temperature of your hot water.
• Make sure your bathtub and shower floors aren't slippery.
• Never leave lighters, matches or tobacco products where children can reach them.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms outside your children's bedrooms.
• Shorten the length of blind and curtain cords.
• Place locks on your bathroom medicine cabinets.
• Unplug small electrical appliances after using them.
• Keep all firearms and ammunition securely locked away from children.
• If your home was built before 1978, have it tested for lead paint.
• Keep kitchen knives and other sharp utensils out of reach.
• Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when children are in the kitchen.
• Install side railings when transitioning from a crib to a standard bed.
• Never leave heating pads or electric blankets unattended.
• Develop a family fire escape plan.
• Install ground-fault circuit interrupters on electrical outlets.
• Keep activated charcoal and ipecac syrup on hand in case of poisoning emergencies.
• Install cabinet latches and toilet lid locks.
• Keep gardening equipment and gas containers stored out of reach.
• Stabilize unsteady furniture.
• Keep small glass and ceramic items stored inside a locked display cabinet.

What Can I Do with Leftover Stuff?

While you're making your space child-friendly, you'll probably find a few items that aren't safe to leave in a home with small children. Don't worry, you don't have to give them up forever. Keep them safe in a Safegaurd Self Storage unit until your children are a little older. For a small monthly fee, you can store extra toys, large items, sports equipment, collections and much more. It's easy to find affordable options for home and commercial storage in New Hyde Park, NY. Contact your local storage facilities for availability and pricing details. 

With more than 2.5 million people calling it home in 2014, Brooklyn is the most densely populated borough in New York. If you live in an apartment, your free space may be severely limited. Holidays pose special challenges when friends and family members come to visit. It may be difficult to accommodate overnight guests in such a crowded environment, but it is possible to make room. Here are a few valuable tips from Safeguard Self Storage to help you set up your small apartment and provide a comfortable stay. 

Making Room for Your Brooklyn Visitors

• Buy high-end air mattresses. Some models include electric deflation features that remove all air and produce a flat mattress in about five minutes. They're quick and easy to use, and when deflated, they take up little room.
• With the right furniture, any room can become a bedroom. Replace traditional furniture with multi-functional pieces such as futons, day beds and sleeper sofas.
• Oversize bean bags make great beds for small children. When they're not in use, you can stack them in a corner.
• Keep plenty of folding chairs on hand for extra seating at mealtimes and holiday parties.
• Install shelves on walls above beds and sofas to create additional storage space. Leave them empty or almost empty. Your guests can use them for personal items and holiday gifts.
• Utilize vertical space in closets to make more room for your guests' luggage. Sturdy, stackable plastic bins can help you easily organize the top of your closet.
• If you have space available under your bed, use an under-bed storage box to store extra linens, towels and other guest essentials.
• In a tiny space, privacy can be hard to find. Buy large, folding privacy screens to separate sleeping spaces when you have multiple guests.
• If you have patio space, don't let it go to waste. Encourage guests to spend more time outside by making your outdoor space appealing. Provide a small table and chairs, and create a welcoming atmosphere with outdoor electric heaters, candles and patio lights. If the area is secure, it can also be used as an eating area or a play area for visiting children.

Get Help from Your Local Storage Rental Facility

You don't have to tolerate extra mattresses or folding chairs cluttering your apartment after your guests depart. Affordable storage units are available to store and protect these items until they are needed again. You can also use your storage unit to keep valuable collections and fragile items safe from visiting kids or pets. Contact Safeguard Self Storage to learn more about climate-controlled private storage units available in the Brooklyn area.  

If you're a retiree who is sick of the winter weather in your hometown, become a snowbird in beautiful Miami, FL. The winters are short and warm, and there are tons of resources available to make the snowbird lifestyle easy. Put your valuables in a mini storage facility, and join the flock. 

What Is a Snowbird? 

Snowbird is a term used for retirees who escape cold weather by making a temporary home in a warmer climate. Most live in their hometowns during the warmer half of the year and spend the cooler half in their second homes. Some buy condos or houses in the remote area while others rent apartments, travel in motor homes or stay at RV campgrounds. Because of its great weather, Miami, FL, is a prime destination for migrating snowbirds, so the city caters to them by providing plenty of rental options, storage facilities and great amenities. If you're ready to live the snowbird lifestyle, here are a few pointers to help you get off to a good start. 

How to Live the Snowbird Lifestyle

• Prepare to make a few sacrifices if needed. The longer you live as a snowbird, the easier it gets, but there may be some challenges to overcome.
• Get to know others living the snowbird lifestyle. They are priceless sources of advice and information.
• Make sure you can maintain contact with your grandchildren. You will miss them. Fortunately, all you need is a smartphone to keep them close.
• Don't forget that your pet will need a safe place to live if it cannot travel with you.
• Buy two wardrobes. Leave each in its respective location if possible.
• Consider renting your home to students while you are away for the winter. The extra income can make life easier. When you return in summer, rent out your Miami home for a premium seasonal price.
• If your primary home will be unoccupied during the winter, invest in a good security system, and take steps to ensure that the house does not appear empty. Put porch lights and interior lamps on timers, and have the post office hold your mail.

Storage Facilities Are Miami, FL, Snowbirds' Best Friends

When you're a snowbird, renting self-storage units in two states can make both moves easier. Storing belongings at your home location ensures that burglars won't get your most valuable items. If you're renting out your house while you're away, you won't have to worry about your tenants damaging or misusing your personal possessions. A storage unit is also ideal for keeping lawn furniture and gardening equipment safe in case of severe weather, especially if you're leaving your house empty. When winter is over, keep your patio furniture, summer toys and sports equipment safe in a Miami, FL, storage unit until the next summer. To explore your options, visit Safeguard Self Storage on the web. 

If you're an aspiring sailor, Bridgeview, IL, is the perfect place to call home. It's just a 30-minute drive from the Chicago Park District 59th Street Harbor, and it's equally close to the Chicago Yacht Club. Bridgeview offers a friendly environment and a great community to help you get the most from your seafaring adventures. However, when winter winds start to blow, you'll need to find an overwinter home for your boat. Your driveway isn't the ideal place, and if you live in an apartment, it's not even an option. In most cases, self storage is the best solution. Obtaining a storage space is simple and affordable, and your boat will be in a comfortable place.

How to Prepare Your Boat for Winter Storage

Careful preparation of your boat before winter storage ensures that it's in perfect condition when you're ready to sail again. Here are a few tips to help you get your prized vehicle ready for its winter nap.

• Top off your gas tank, and add gas stabilizer to reduce the risk of condensation. Operate your boat in water for 15 minutes to allow the treated fuel to reach the engine.
• After removing your boat from the water, immediately remove the bilge drain plug.
• Clean your boat thoroughly. Wash the topside, bottom and deck, and add a coat of protective wax. Clean all windscreens, spray hoods and Bimini tops. Be sure all surfaces are completely dry before storing; this will help prevent mildew growth.
• Clean refrigerator lockers, and leave all interior lockers open to increase ventilation.
• Repair any paint blisters and other visible signs of damage. Untreated cracks can get worse during the storage period.
• Change your engine oil, and replace all filters.
• Check all hoses, clamps and belts. Clean strainers, and leave thru-hulls open.
• Flush your coolant system with water. Add antifreeze if needed.
• Treat the propeller shaft with corrosion-resistant metal protectant.
• Drain your water heater and fresh water tanks.
• Seal exhaust flaps with duct tape.
• Remove your boat's battery, and clean all battery terminals.
• Cover your boat with a tarp or boat cover and throw in some moisture-control sheets.

Trust Safeguard Self Storage with Your Summer Vehicles

Safeguard has been storage boats, RVs and other sporting vehicles since 1989. With help from easy online tools, you'll be able to determine your needs find the perfect size space unit in minutes. To learn more about storage options in Bridgeview, IL, contact Safeguard Self Storage 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. 

 Get Organized Week is the first week in October, and Chicago business people should take notice! Before the winter blows in and keeps you trapped indoors, take the time to declutter your office space. Safeguard Self Storage has the tips for organizing your office, and how to use self storage effectively to get excess items out of your way.

Get Rid of Office Clutter

Take on any trash around the office; Styrofoam cups, aluminum cans, left-behind leftovers, get rid of it all! Start with your personal space first, and remove any papers that are doing more harm than good. Use a small trashcan that you can carry as you go. After you’ve gotten your personal space clutter-free, dust and wipe down the surfaces. Then, move on the public areas of your office. Tackle these spaces in teams, sorting items into categorized piles, such as trash, keep and sell. Throw out any broken items and make a shopping list for replacements.

Retire Old Equipment 

Any old equipment that’s gather dust and has been replaced by newer technology should be removed from the office space. If it needs to be replaced before it’s retired, do so. We don’t recommend throwing these items out altogether though. You never know when you’ll need an old computer in a pinch if the new one breaks. Store electronics and other equipment in a nearby Chicago storage unit. Keep in mind when storing electronics that many require climate control (heating and air conditioning) to maintain their condition.

Clean Out the Storage Spaces 

Supply closets and office cabinets can quickly become disorganized. People go in, get what they need, and leave the contents in disarray. Take the time to remove any supplies that you have an abundance of and move these to your business storage unit. You can replenish the supply when it runs out, but these items can take up valuable space and cause unnecessary clutter. Only keep a reasonable amount of supplies on hand. Fifty pens can be a realistic number for a small company to keep on hand, but hundreds of pens is a little pointless. Use bins and labels to organize like items, and keep small items in sets of plastic drawers. Hang a clipboard with a blank list in easy view, and people can write down any supplies that they need.

Backup and Archive Files 

If your company has a lot of documents filling filing cabinets, then you can utilize self storage to archive these documents without losing track of them. Whether you choose to move whole filing cabinets to your storage locker, or prefer to move files into boxes, your office space can benefit from moving these items offsite. Make electronic backups to keep in the office, and transport the physical documents to a secure unit. It’s important to keep the electronic copy and the printed versions in separate places, so you’ll always have a copy of the documents if some emergency happens at either location.

Implement Organization Tactics and Routines 

Set up personal tactics for yourself and routines to help maintain the organization. You can make a list of organization tasks to implement daily, weekly, and monthly, to keep your office space organized. One simple thing to do is to clean out the fridge at the end of every week. It’s easy for people to forget leftovers, but these items can quickly leave your office reeking of rotten food. Check the supply closet organization bi-weekly to ensure everything is stocked and staying organized. If you have different departments, each team can be assigned a different task on the list. 

With so many people in the same space, it’s easy for offices to get cluttered. Take the time to organize your office and set routines in place to ensure it stays that way. And remember, even if you need to hold onto items, but don’t have space for them in your office, you can always keep them in a secure Chicago storage unit. Contact Safeguard today to find out how we can help you declutter your space.

Winter is right around the corner, and while you've enjoyed taking your bike out for joy rides around Staten Island on the weekends and using it for your daily commute, it's time to put it away before the winter elements blow in. New York experiences very cold winters and the weather can be severe. To keep your motorcycle safe during winter − in a state where space and parking is limited – use an affordable storage unit. From the Bronx to New Rochelle, Safeguard Self Storage has a variety of New York locations that can help busy New Yorkers keep their motorcycle protected until warmer weather. 

Choose a Motorcycle Storage Facility

First step to preparing your motorcycle for storage is to find the right storage facility for your motorcycle. Take the time to vet your options, and consider the following thoughts:     

Climate Control. A temperature regulated environment (heated and air conditioned) keeps many belongings in pristine condition, and your bike is no different. By keeping the temperature and humidity levels consistent, you can prevent the possibility of rust.

Security. Motorcycles aren’t inexpensive, and you want to ensure that your investment is protected from theft. Safeguard Self Storage facilities feature computer-controlled access, digital video recording, individual door alarms and a facility-wide intercom system. These features are designed to protect valuables while in storage.

Location. Choose a location that’s near your residence so you don’t have far to travel to store and retrieve your motorcycle. You may also want to visit your baby periodically, for your peace of mind. Choosing a nearby storage facility will help make travelling to and from easier.

Unit Size. Motorcycles can fit inside smaller units, so you have more options than simply outside storage. The unit should be at least 5x10 for an average size motorcycle to fit. You can also utilize outside parking, if that’s your preferred route. But remember, your motorcycle will be exposed to more elements if it’s outdoors.

Prepare Your Motorcycle for Storage

Once you find your bike’s temporary winter home, follow these steps to get your motorcycle ready for storage.

1.    Drain all fluids. Drain the gas and oil from the bike as no flammable items are allowed in self storage units.

2.    Wash the bike. Take some time to wash the exterior of your bike. This removes any dirt or debris that may cause permanent damage. Make sure it’s completely dry before placing it in your unit.

3.    Remove the battery. Don’t leave the battery in storage, take it with you. After disconnecting it from the bike, you can keep it in your home hooked to a trickle charger so it stays charged.

4.    Move to storage. After you’ve drained the fluids, washed the bike and removed the battery, you can move your bike to its overwinter home.

5.    Cover the muffler. To prevent any dust from using your bike as an overwinter home, use motorcycle exhaust plugs or wrap a plastic bag over your muffler.

6.    Cover the bike. A cover adds another layer of protection and added peace of mind.

While there are still a few months before the winter weather really hits, now is the time to figure out your plan for your motorcycle. Waiting until the last minute could mean you’re ill-prepared when winter weather hits, and this could lead to shoddy motorcycle storage. Find a New York storage facility near you, and contact Safeguard Self Storage when you need storage advice.

 In Philadelphia, you never really know what kind of winter you are going to get. Some years it’s milder, but still others bring severe snowstorms. If you're making a move in the winter season, you need to be properly prepared. Use these moving tips from Safeguard Self Storage to ensure a safe and efficient move into your new Philadelphia home – and use storage units when unpredictable winter weather threatens to ruin your move. 

Check the Weather

Because of the inconsistency of Philadelphia winters, you’ll want to stay updated on the weather forecast. Check the days that you plan to move, and make sure there aren’t any impending storms on the horizon. You’ll want to avoid winter storms at all costs. Also, check the road conditions and traffic reports. Choose a safe route that has low traffic to ensure your safety.

Make Sure You Have Help

Recruit some friends and family to help you with the move. The more people you have, the less time you’ll spend moving out of your old home and into your new one. Whether they owe you a favor or you bribe them with payment, you’ll want to round up any able participants – and you’ll want to do it early so there’s time to plan and arrange schedules.

Clear a Path

Snow and ice covered paths are already a danger during regular transit. When carrying and moving belongings, this equation can lead to injuries. Clear the driveway and walkway at both your present home and your new one. Get rid of any and all potential tripping hazards to ensure a safe and efficient move.

Find a Temporary Home for Pets

Pets can get underfoot, so it’s best to find a temporary home for them during move in day. Either find a place to board them or send them to a friend’s house. If you can’t find a temporary home away from home for them, try locking them in a room of your new house. We’d suggest a bathroom since tile and linoleum floors make it easy to clean up any mishaps.

Pack Winter Gear Last and Unload it First

Don’t pack any winter gear that you’ll need for move-in day. Any winter gear you do pack – that you won’t be using on that day – should be packed last and unpacked first. You’ll most likely be making use of these belongings sooner rather than later, so you’ll want to have them readily on hand in your new home.

Be Careful With Temperature-Sensitive Items

Any temperature-sensitive items can be damaged in the extreme cold. This includes items like house plants and china pieces that can crack or get fine lines in extreme cold. Take special precautions with these items, such as packing them last or transporting them in your car rather than the back of a moving truck.

Dress in Layers

Keep yourself warm by dressing in layers. You’re likely to work up a sweat while moving, so having layers that are easy to remove helps you regulate your body temperature.

Protect Your New Home

Trekking in and out of your new home all day can lead to tracking dirt and grime in with you. Place towels and rugs down on the floors to keep them clean. You can also keep towels and rags on hand to wipe down your shoes before going inside your new home.

Prepare for Emergencies

Winter weather can be unpredictable and you’ll want to have some emergency supplies on hand in case your move in day gets ruined by a winter storm. If your new home is a long distance from your current home, consider investing in nearby storage unit to make the transition an easy one. You can move your belongings to a nearby Philadelphia storage unit and unpack periodically rather than taking it on in one day.

Turn – or Keep – Utilities On

Leave the utilities on in your current home until move out day, and make sure to have the utilities turned on in your new home before move in day. You won’t want to be stuck in either home without your utilities in winter – especially heat.

Self Storage Amenities You Will Need

When storing during the winter month’s you will want to select a storage facility that offers Climate Controlled Units. These spaces are heated during the cold winter and air conditioned during the warn summer and designed to protect items from temperature fluctuations while in storage. Also look for storage locations with drive-in loading areas to keep you and your items safe from the elements while loading and unloading. Security items such as computer controlled access, unit door alarms and digital video recording will provide you with peace of mind while your items are in storage.

Moving in winter might not be ideal, but for those looking to get a good deal in the slower season for home sales, it can be a great option. Make sure your move is a good experience by utilizing these tips and Safeguard storage units to ease your transition. Find a unit near you today and start making your move!