Daylight savings time has arrived once again to usher in more sunlight during the day. On March 12, it's time again to spring ahead and to welcome in the coming spring and summer seasons. With more daylight, the theory was, that you could be more productive. When daylight savings was put into practice, this was a major deciding factor. While electricity and technology now allow us to be productive at all times of the day, we can still take advantage of daylight savings – especially with the help of self storage.

How did Daylight Savings Time get Started?

The practice of turning the clock forward and backward has been around since the early 1900s. Germany was the first country to adopt daylight savings time, with the United States following soon after. In fact, the U.S. repealed this practice in 1919 even though some cities and states continued to manipulate their clocks. It came back in full force during the Second World War and was pushed mainly by businesses to take advantage of the extra daylight hours.

3 Ways to Be Productive During Daylight Saving Time

1. Take Up a New Hobby

 Springtime makes the perfect time to take up a new hobby; like art. Take a tour of the Ancient Sculpture Gallery in Garfield, NJ, and let it inspire you to sculpt and to create artworks of your own.

2. Clean Out the House

 Many people use the extra hours to spring-clean their homes. You can move clutter from the garage and your home into self storage, to make room for a tool shop, more organization, or your new hobby. Storage units are great for storing unused items while spring-cleaning and planning a potential yard sale.

3. Get Outdoors More

 Daylight saving time in March gives you extra hours for biking, walking, or hanging out in your own backyard. Use those few hours to play ball with your kids after work, handle those neglected lawn chores, or to finally build that deck. 

Don't Forget to Set Your Clocks Forward

Before you hit the sack on March 12, set your alarm clock forward by one hour. You don't want to be one of the many people who clock in late at work the next morning. If you're taking the time to spring-clean your home, store your stuff with Safeguard Self Storage. We have affordable storage units in Garfield, NJ for keeping your items stored away for as long as you need.

Just thinking about it puts an easy rhythm in your step. National Jazz Appreciation Month feels right at home here in Queens, NY where storage units and musicians are old friends and professional partners. Let's take a quick look back, celebrate a little history and sing the praises of some of our most famous musical artists. 

Golden Queens

We all smile when folks from out of town think a visit to Queens is all about catching a Mets game at Citi Field. Our neighborhoods have a proud musical history filled with some of the most talented names in jazz. The 1940s marked a golden age for this innovative style, and Queens was one of the hottest scenes in the city. If you wanted to hear Ella Fitzgerald or Charlie Parker, you came to our borough. And Louis Armstrong made his home right here in Flushing. 

The History Lives On

It's hard to say if the Ramones ever walked by Armstrong's house on 107th, but it's easy to imagine Queens' original punk rockers paying homage to one of jazz's biggest legends. Armstrong and his wife, Lucille, lived in Flushing until his death in 1971. She gave their home to the city, and today it's filled with original letters, memorabilia and archived recordings. The Louis Armstrong House is a vibrant, living museum that carries on his musical and cultural legacy with concerts and educational programs. 

Keep It Creative

The line between jazz in Queens and hip-hop in Hollis might not seem very straight, but our neighborhoods are still cradles of creativity. From Run-D.M.C. to LL Cool J, the music continues to evolve. If you're a player on the local scene, treat your equipment with care. Climate-controlled storage units keep strings, skins and brass in top shape and always ready to play. Local legends even hint that some of the greats here got their acts off the ground with staging sessions in self storage. It's an idea worth sounding out. 

We Appreciate Jazz Too

Whether you're playing with a hot combo or staying happily solo, it's very cool to be a part of the musical legacy in Queens, NY. Our Safeguard self storage facility in Hollis handles big line-ups and one-man bands with all types and sizes of storage units. Stop by soon, and let us show you how much we really appreciate jazz too.

Diversity lives and breathes in Chicago, IL; so, what better way to celebrate the city than to attend one of the many Neighborhoods of the World performances this month? Throughout March, Navy Pier hosts an annual tribute to a few of the international cultures found in Chicago. With traditional dance performances, live music, and cultural cuisine, various ethnic communities will be showcased each week. Located less than 10 miles from Hermosa, you're only a hop, skip, and jump away from one of the most elaborate festivals in the city. 

Don't Miss Neighborhoods of the World in Chicago, IL

Neighborhoods of the World plays out over seven weeks and started last month by celebrating the Chinese New Year, on February 12. Every Sunday, it celebrates another culture until March 26.

• On Sunday, March 5, Italy will take the spotlight. With delicious Italian cuisine, various crafts, and culturally significant music, you’ll get a true Italian experience.
• On March 12, Celebrate Lithuania and start the festivities over again, for a new culture. Did you know that Lithuanian is one of the oldest living languages? You can find out facts like this and enjoy many different cultural festivities by attending the event.
• On March 19, Neighborhoods of the World celebrates Mexico, so you can expect lots of Hispanic music and food to go around.
• The festival comes to an end on Sunday, March 26, with the final showcase: Celebrate Greece.

 Whether it's celebrating Lithuania or Greece, all events start at 12 p.m. and cost nothing to attend. This festival will allow you to be immersed in these cultures, without ever leaving the state. 

Discover Your Heritage with Safeguard Self Storage

The Neighborhoods of the World event sparks many people to explore their own family heritage and history. Safeguard Self Storage invites you to break out those old photo albums and to rediscover your family lineage. To store those old photos, documents, and relics, Safeguard Self Storage has climate-controlled storage units that protect sensitive items. From your great-grandmother's antiques to old, black and white portraits, our storage units keep those priceless items separate from the clutter in your attic, basement, or closets.

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

Winter Fishing in Massapequa Cove

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

What Bait Should You Use?

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

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

Best Places to Fish Around the Cove

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

Store Your Gear at Safeguard Self Storage

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

Yankees fans in Wakefield and throughout Bronx, NY are preparing for the coming season. Spring training is right around the corner as the Yankees prepare for their first game against the Philadelphia Phillies on February 24. If you're a die-hard fan, Safeguard Self Storage has a few tips for celebrating the Yankees' return to the grass this spring.

Celebrate Spring Training With These 5 Tips

1. Subscribe to a Major League Baseball package.

Can't make it to the Yankees spring games in Tampa? No worries. An MLB cable package will keep you up to date on all of the action. Alternatively, you can subscribe directly to MLB. com and watch spring games on your computer, phone, tablet, or any other compatible device.

2. Throw a spring training party.

Watching the spring games is more fun with some friends around. Plan a spring training party for when the Yankees meet the Phillies. You can supply a few snacks like bags of peanuts, pretzels with dip, hot dogs and other treats to satisfy everyone's hunger for food and a winning season in 2017.

3. Coach a Little League baseball team.

Coaching makes you part of a team and gives you a chance to teach kids how to play the game with sportsmanship. When the Yankees aren't playing on TV, you can stay immersed in baseball by coaching a Little League team in your area. If you have kids, get them involved, and help them develop their skills and an appreciation for the game.

4. Get out and toss the ball around.

If it's been a while since you visited a baseball diamond, why not take a trip back in time and re-live your childhood? Put on your glove, grab a bat and a few baseballs, and head to the nearest ballpark in Bronx, NY. You can play a pickup game with friends or share your love for America's pastime with your kids.

5. Convert a room into a sports den.

Need your own personal space for watching the games? Turn an unused room into a sports den. Make room for sports memorabilia, cushy chairs, and more with a self storage unit.  

Happy Spring Training, From Safeguard Self Storage

Celebrate Yankees spring training with Safeguard. If you need a place to store your gear, check out our local storage units. We have units available in all sizes for storing your baseball gear or any other belongings taking up space in your home.

It seems like winter break only began yesterday, and now students must, again, focus on classes. For those attending Temple or other surrounding colleges in Philadelphia, PA, now's the time to start the new semester off right. Safeguard Self Storage wants to help students get off on the right foot this school season.

10 Ways to Getting Better Grades

1. Get Up, and Show Up

It's hard to get up after sleeping in during the break. The best way to learn the material and score better grades is to get up and go to class. If you can sacrifice your nightlife a few days a week, waking up early will be much easier.

2. Take It Head On

College is difficult. If you slack off, your grades will fall much quicker. Take charge, and put forth the effort – it will be worth it.

3. Know Your Limits

Overloading is never a good idea. Only take the hours you need. Otherwise, you might take on too much and get overwhelmed.

4. Research Correctly

Thank goodness for the internet. Learn some Google search tips to find what you’re looking for more efficiently. And skip out on the Wikipedia reference.

5. Invest In a Planner

With so much going on at college, it's easy to forget prior commitments or specific details of events. Get a calendar, and keep track of everything.

6. Choose Your Priorities

It's fun to hang out with friends, but if you have an important test the next day, skip the party. Figure out which parties you can go to and which you’ll have to give a rain check for.

7. Take Notes

Whether you work best on paper or on your computer, take notes to retain information. While writing notes is important, it’s not important to write down every word. Figure out how you learn best and only write down what you need to jog your memory. Class will be a lot less stressful, and you’ll actually remember more than you think.

8. Stay Positive

Having a positive attitude goes a long way. If you believe in yourself and your ability, you'll have the confidence to make better grades.

9. Use Your Textbook

Textbooks are dense with information and hard to read. But often, your professor chooses the textbook because it will actually help you grasp the concepts. Studying really does help.

10. Declutter your dorm.

A messy room causes distractions, and for many, causes environmental anxiety. Clean up your room and designate a specific place for studying. You’ll learn better in a fresh space.

Become the Best Student You Can Be

One of the best ways to start off the semester right is to organize your space. Consider moving your clutter to local storage units, where your items will be easily accessible. Our storage units in Philadelphia, PA come in a variety of sizes for packing away your clutter and helping to reduce your distractions this semester, so you can focus on getting your schoolwork done. 

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

Stay Fit and Have Fun at Graham Hills Park

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

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

The Benefits of Biking

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

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

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

Happy Biking From Safeguard Self Storage

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

As an active member of the military, you know better than most how to pack up and move in a hurry. You also know how to make the most out of tight quarters, especially at our nation's largest Navy training station in Addison, IL. We're proud to serve our country’s heroes with our nearby Safeguard Self Storage facilities.

Storage Units for Home and Deployment

When you share living and working spaces with 23,000 other people, you understand the value of staying organized. It's always nice to have extra space for everything from working gear to seasonal clothes. The same goes for when you're looking at deployment. You can start packing and finalizing plans, without worrying about how or where to park your belongings while you’re away serving our country. 

Strategic Tips for Military Self Storage

 Because your job keeps you on the move, you know your way around storage facilities. To get the most of your storage space, take these tips into consideration:

• Protect your belongings from Chicago's freezing winters and sizzling summers in a temperature-controlled unit. This type of storage also helps you comfortably weather the seasons as you move things in and out. 
• Use our handy online Space Estimator to figure out how much square footage you need. It does the math to help you choose the right unit size for your storage needs. 
• Share facility information and access codes with a trusted friend or family member. They can take care of anything that might come up while you're away on deployment.
• Don't use the same boxes over and over. Cardboard eventually wears out, gets moldy or invites insect invasions. Treat yourself to fresh storage boxes every few years.
• Keep personal items, bedding and important documents at the front of your unit for quick, easy access. Operate on the principle that last in is last out, and always leave clear paths between stacks. 

Amenity Packed, Convenient and Affordable

 With three convenient locations south of the base, our modern facilities feature a wide selection of storage units. We offer affordable space, from just a few boxes to bikes, boats and cars. Trust your belongings to our high-tech, digitally recorded video and individually alarmed units, and have the flexibility to manage your account online – anytime, anywhere.

Backup You Can Count On

Whether you're calling the base home for now or positioning for future deployment, our Safeguard teams are always here to back you up. Stop by, and visit with our friendly staff at the Palatine, Darien or Addison, IL self-storage facilities. You have plenty to take care of, so count on us to help make your job a little bit easier.

It's liberating, but it can be a big job. You're excited, but you aren't sure where to start. Your plans include making the move from your current home to something smaller in Mountainside, NJ. With nearby self-storage and a little pre-planning, retirement downsizing is easy to manage and simple to maintain.

You've Made a Great Choice

Mountainside, NJ earns its place on the short list of great retirement areas for so many reasons. You’ll enjoy classic suburban living, tree-lined streets and some of the friendliest neighbors in the Garden State. It's an excellent location for downsizing because the area offers a wide range of housing options and plenty of affordable storage units. Whether you're relocating from outside Union County or transitioning from a larger home, here in the borough, life is good just east of the Watchung Reservation.

You Need an Easy Plan

 Downsizing your way into this lovely community means making decisions about a lifetime of personal belongings. From furniture to holiday decorations, you’ll have to figure out what to do with everything. Successful moves always start with a plan, so consider these simple downsizing strategies:

• Take care of arrangements for leasing a storage unit before you start relocating. This gives you space to transition more easily from the old address to your new home.
• Get things done more efficiently by taking inventory, one room at a time. Compare square-footage differences between old and new living spaces.
• Be honest about what you want to take with you, and turn the rest into cash. Gently used items and furnishings that won't be moving with you will move at a weekend garage sale.
• Belongings with higher resale values often find new homes through upscale consignment shops. Check with different outlets and antique stores in the Mountain Avenue retail district.
• Talk to local charities about their needs, and match their list to things that you need to part with. When you know your donations are helping someone else, letting go becomes a little easier.

Self Storage Keeps Downsizing Simple

 Downsizing doesn't mean giving up everything, and that's where a storage unit fits into your retirement plans. Keep sentimental treasures, seasonal items and extra bedding in a temperature-controlled unit. Park bikes -- for riding around Echo Lake Park -- next to fishing gear, saved for afternoons on Lake Surprise. Our Mountainside location offers 24 hour digitally recorded video surveillance, individually alarmed storage units and easy-to-use online account management. The extended access hours also provides extra time for you to access everything in your storage unit at your convenience.

It's All Yours Now

This northern slice of the Garden State offers so much, and it's all yours when you retire in Mountainside, NJ. Our Safeguard Self Storage family extends a warm hello and an invitation to visit our local facilities. Welcome to the neighborhood. We know you're going to love downsizing here.

With spring semester right around the corner, it's time to move back into your college apartment. Consider living in an off-campus apartment for more room to yourself, but it also means having to fill up your space with the essentials. Before you head back to college in Bronx, NY, use our checklist to help keep track of what you'll need for the semester ahead, and what can stay in storage.

10 Must-Have Items for Your College Apartment

1. Desk Organization

Though you could study on your bed, it's better to have everything organized at a desk. Furnish your desk with a lamp, an ergonomic chair, a dry-erase board and a couple of desk-side storage spaces for an ideal study nook.

2. Dining Room Essentials

If you want to eat, you'll need utensils. An affordable 8- or 16-piece dinner set with matching flatware will keep you and your guests fed. Some glassware, salt and pepper shakers and placemats will complete the look.

3. Living Room Entertainment

Futons are inexpensive and make great furniture for college apartments. You'll also need a TV, a DVD or Blu-ray player, speakers and maybe a video game console to complete your entertainment setup.

4. Closet Storage

Make the most of your closet space by organizing things on hooks. You can also get some stacking drawers, dividers and organizers to help take advantage of every inch of your closet space. Self-storage is also an affordable option to alleviate your closet restraints.

5. Bedroom Comforts

You'll need more than a bed and a few pillows. Make sure to pick up an alarm clock, a nightstand and a lamp. A wastebasket, fan and a full-length mirror are also must-have items to ensure your comfort.

6. Bathroom Necessities

Don't forget the hand and body towels, a soap dish and a wastebasket. Having a plunger on hand will help in case of emergencies.

7. Kitchen Supplies

Unfortunately, you can't order out every night; so fill your kitchen with small, affordable appliances. Invest in a microwave, blender, toaster oven and a coffeemaker, and don't forget the odds and ends like dish towels, utensil trays and a trash can.

8. Laundry Items

It's nice to have a laundry basket or a tote to transport your clothes to the laundry facility. You should also consider buying an iron or a steamer to remove the wrinkles from your clothes before class.

9. Cleaning Products

A clean apartment is a happy apartment, so don't skip out on the cleaning products. All-purpose cleaner, a vacuum and a mop are all important items.

10. Home Safety

Apartments come equipped with smoke detectors, but you should also keep a fire extinguisher within reach. Keeping a first-aid kit on hand is also a good idea.

Safeguard Self Storage Welcomes You Back to College

If your college apartment is short on space, store your belongings with us. We have storage units in Bronx, NY that are perfect for seasonal items, giving you enough room to store extra school supplies, home decor and clothing for the coming spring semester.