You transformed your Bridgeview home into a masterpiece this holiday season, but now the festivities have ended. It's time to dismantle the lights, take down the tree and store everything safely in your Safeguard Self Storage unit until next year. Although a self storage unit is one of the safest places to keep your holiday treasures, it's important to pack and stack them properly if you want them to remain in pristine condition. Here are a few tips for keeping them safe, intact and ready for next season.

Expert Tips for Storing Holiday Decorations

• Find proper storage materials; these include sturdy boxes or plastic bins, divided compartment boxes for tree ornaments and plenty of bubble wrap or tissue paper to protect fragile items.
• As you work, create an inventory; it will be helpful to know exactly what you have when the season rolls around again.
• Organize boxes by weight. Never place heavier boxes or bins on top of lighter ones.
• Be sure that all items are completely clean and dry before storing them; this includes holiday linens and towels.
• Don't store leftover holiday candy with other items. It may disintegrate and ruin decorations and ribbons, and it could also attract insects.
• Be sure that paper items such as folded gift-wrap, books and cards are stored flat and in a waterproof container. Special vertical containers are available for storing rolls of gift wrap.
• Unless you want a major headache next year, store your string lights carefully. If you don't have the original packaging, wrap them around a piece of cardboard in single file, or gather them into a circle, and secure them with clips or wire ties.
• Organize your decorations by placing like items together and accurately labeling boxes. You won't regret it.
• Insert delicate candles into old socks to prevent scratches.
• If you have many small ornaments, you can store them neatly in an egg crate.
• Before storing an artificial Christmas tree, remove all decorations including icicles and garland.
• Wreaths are easily crushed. Place your wreath in an oversize box with plenty of soft packing material or a container designed specifically for wreaths.
• Wrap holiday dishes in bubble wrap, and place them in a sturdy container or box.

Find the Right Self Storage Option in Bridgeview

Self storage is never one-size-fits-all. It's not necessary to pay for space you're not using. You can choose the size and type of unit that best meets your needs. If you don't know how much space you need, create an inventory of the items you intend to store, and talk to the storage experts at your local Safeguard location. Find the storage unit that works for you today so holidays are a breeze in years to come. 

Up-cycling is a positive, fun and environmentally friendly trend that has taken the nation by storm. Believe it or not, you might find the perfect item to up-cycle in your Lyons, Illinois storage locker. One of the most versatile and useful items to up-cycle is the wooden pallet. Pallets are flat transport structures used to stabilize merchandise or large items while they're being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack or similar device. Because old pallets are periodically discarded by local retailers, they're easy to find. One popular and simple way to use pallets is to create storage containers from them. Here are two of our favorite examples of how you can transform a plain wooden pallet into a cool, trendy storage solution. 

Easy Pallet Bookshelf

You only need one pallet to make this simple bookshelf that you can hang on your wall. It's perfect for storing children's books or magazines face-forward.

1. Pry the center strip off of your pallet, and set it aside. You will later attach it to the side of the pallet, which will be the bottom of your bookshelf.
2. Measure and mark a straight line about two inches above the highest wood strip on one side of the pallet.
3. Using a jigsaw, cut straight across.
4. Attach the center pallet strip onto the bottom of the cut pallet; this will hold stored items upright.
5. Sand all sharp edges, and stain or paint your bookshelf in a color of your choice.
6. Hang the bookshelf using drywall anchors, and fill with favorite books, magazines or other flat items.

Simple Pallet Storage Bin

Simple storage bins with or without handles are great for storing just about anything. You can paint or stain them to match your decor, or leave them plain for a rustic look.

1. Use the base of an assembled pallet to serve as the bottom of your bin.
2. Gather and cut pallet wood strips to match the length and width of the base. For larger bins, you may need to acquire wood from additional sources.
3. Using nails and wood glue, attach the pallet boards together to form a rectangular shape that represents the dimensions of the base and the desired height of the bin.
4. With the bin inverted, attach the base.
5. Attach handles or a hinged lid if desired.

Using Pallets Inside Storage Lockers or Units

Wooden storage bins made from pallets are perfect for your Lyons self storage unit. Use them to store books, collectibles, holiday decorations and more. To provide extra protection for fragile items, create bins with hinged wooden lids. Unaltered pallets can be used to increase ventilation; simply place boxes, furniture or lightweight appliances on top of them. This provides great airflow and allows your items to be protected from liquid spills. To rent a convenient and affordable self storage unit, contact Safeguard Self Storage today. 

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.