Backyard Design Ideas for the Best Summer Yet

A backyard patio dining set at night, surrounded by string lights, lanterns, and potted flowers.

 

You're tired of Zoom meetings. You're ready for real face time with family and friends. Backyard organization and upgrades can help make it happen. Say goodbye to being cooped up and hello to a personal summer oasis with these great backyard design ideas from Safeguard Self Storage.


Brighten Up Your Outdoor Space


Let new walkways inspire your makeover plans. New pathways help organize and define outdoor space. Give outdoor space a sense of direction by laying down roll-out pathways. Hardwood plank walkways are portable, affordable, and keep feet dry on rainy days.

 

Fresh colors and fragrances also work magic on large and small backyards. Plant a garden bed dedicated to perennials. Choose beautiful flowers with dramatic good looks, like lilies of the valley and bleeding hearts. Graceful lavender is a fragrant choice for completing the floral atmosphere.

 

Building a trellis is another simple small backyard idea. Get crafty with an old headboard or fishing net stashed in your storage unit. Set a vertical backyard stage for sweet honeysuckle, Boston ivy, or purple passionflower.


Decorate a Perfect Summer Patio



Backyard organization turns tired, cluttered spaces into lively gathering spots. Make room for these easy summer patio decoration ideas by moving old patio stuff to self storage.

 

Use an inviting porch swing to expand patio seating options. Hammocks make comfy guest accommodations too. Give the kids fun chair options with single-seat swings suspended around patio edges.

 

Finally, for some added privacy and a bit of flare, hang up sheer curtains. Lightweight materials make this project a breeze, and even simple tiebacks give you control over soft translucent walls. Patio sheers hold back hot summer sun, too.

 

Keep Your Patio Bright and Cozy

 

Enjoy spending time outdoors after the sun sets? Illuminate backyard entertainment by stringing globe lights over the patio. Mini lanterns and fairy string lights are also sparkling choices. Don't forget extra Christmas lights in your storage unit.

 

In addition to keeping your patio bright, make things comfortable with decorative outdoor rugs underfoot. The fade-resistant throws combine style and function with beautiful patterns and weather-resistant materials in patio-friendly shapes and sizes.


Design an Entertainment Destination


Turn your outdoors into a backyard entertainment destination with fun backyard ideas. In addition to being a grill master, become known for your outdoor oasis by creating a venue that keeps everyone happy even after the burgers are gone.

 

For after-hour hangouts, keep summer nights bright with a fire table. The evening glow of these modern campfires always warms up conversations. They're also perfect for roasting hot dogs and toasting s'mores.

Additionally, you can turn your backyard into a movie theater. Mount a white sheet on wooden dowels, or drape it down an exterior wall. Connect your favorite streaming device to a projector and speakers.


Achieve Your Backyard Design Goals with Safeguard

 

It's fun to upgrade your great outdoors, but it takes some organizing skills, too. When you want to make room for your best backyard design ideas, let us help. Safeguard Self Storage has room to spare in a wide range of storage unit sizes, and we're always open year-round.

 

Whether you’re sprucing up your sprawling yard in Larchmont, NY, or making the most of your square foot garden in Chicago’s South Loop, you can find the space you need at Safeguard Self Storage. Visit one of our facilities in New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Florida, or Illinois today!

Organize Your Junk Drawers Once and for All

The best intentions don't work on junk drawers. You try, but they always fill back up. Figuring out how to organize junk drawers shouldn't be that hard. That’s why the storage experts at Safeguard Self Storage have put together a selection of helpful junk drawer organization ideas. Discover more below!

Using the KonMari Method to Tackle Clutter

The KonMari Method is a great source of inspiration for organizing your junk drawers and keeping them tidy. Combine that discipline with determination, and add nearby self storage. You're ready to reclaim valuable drawer space with the following six steps:

1. Get Everything Out

You can't start organizing junk drawers until each one is completely empty. As you clear everything out, use a little KonMari visualization. Imagine the beauty of rescued drawer space.

Toss obvious trash. If it's broken, expired or just beyond practical use, pitch it. Don't try to sort through the rest. Instead, step back for an overview of what you're dealing with.


2. Dust, Clean, and Measure


Clean junk drawer interiors with a microfiber cloth. Dust outside edges, glides, and hardware. Lightly spray interiors with vinegar and water, wipe clean, and let the drawers dry.

Your tape measure is probably somewhere in that pile you emptied out earlier. Grab it, measure each drawer's dimensions, and make notes. They'll come in handy when it's time to compartmentalize your project.


3. Sort With Purpose


When you know how to organize junk drawers with purpose, you're following the KonMari path to decluttering. You're ready to let go of stuff you don't really need, and that's liberating.

Items that get to stay are things you use on a regular basis. They might be scissors, tape, spare keys, or extra chargers. Now, visualize it all in simple drawer compartments.

 

4. Organize Your Storage Options

Make the most of recovered space with junk drawer organizers. Reference your earlier measurements, and stock up on mini boxes, stackable organizers and drawer divider systems. Try a mix of these DIY junk drawer organization ideas with a number of items, such as:

  • Small muffin tins
  • Flatware or makeup trays
  • Zip-top plastic bags
  • Ice cube trays

 

5. Keep It Simply Sensible

 

Simplicity is a basic tenet of KonMari. Focus on that with simple drawer layouts that make sense. You don't need staplers in the kitchen drawer or grocery coupons in office drawers.

The best storage ideas for junk drawers turn them into easy-to-access storage units. Streamline grouping strategies so that newly reclaimed drawers work for you and your entire household.


6. Stay in Control


You've conquered junk drawer clutter, so make it a permanent change. Regularly check drawers to be sure they're staying organized. It's a simple routine that pays off with space where things never get lost.

When items that don't belong start to sneak in, set them aside for your next trip to self storage. You're in control of those former junk drawers, and that's a positive change for the better.


Enjoy Expandable Space


Whether it's drawers, closets or the garage, all your space is valuable. The determination you put into keeping it organized deserves to be rewarded. Once you’ve reorganized your junk drawers, you can create even more deserved space with a storage unit from Safeguard Self Storage.

From Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, NY, to West Rogers Park in Chicago, IL, our storage facilities feature a wide selection of storage unit sizes and features to help you make the space you need when you need it.

Visit one of our locations in New York, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey and let us make it easier for you to stay organized.

Breathe Life Into Your Small New Orleans Living Space With These Houseplants

A houseplants sitting on a desk and window sill of a small apartment.

It's fun to refresh your New Orleans home or apartment with a touch of green. Indoor plants make small rooms seem bigger. Transfer tabletop clutter to self storage, and make way for these easy plants to grow indoors.

Don’t have the greenest thumb? No problem! There are plenty of low maintenance houseplants that are perfect for your busy schedule. Plus, if you tend to be forgetful, many low maintenance plants only require watering a couple of times a month.
Discover how to brighten up your space with Safeguard Self Storage on Erato Street! We’ve tracked down a wide variety of fun, low maintenance plants to welcome into your home or apartment.

Best Easy House Plants for Full Sun

A jasmine plant with white blossoms sitting on a window sill.

Jasmine

Jasmine does well in windows with southern exposures. This indoor version of the outdoor vine fills a room with sweet fragrance. Give jasmine a small trellis, and watch it grow into a beautiful climber.

Hibiscus

This is another outdoor plant that does well inside. If you keep it on a sunny windowsill, the hibiscus produces gorgeous blossoms. Its vividly colored flowers liven up any room.

Sweet Basil

Sweet basil thrives in sunny kitchens and supplies fresh flavor year-round. Move seldom-used countertop appliances to your storage unit, and replace them with a miniature herb garden.

Low Light, Low Maintenance Indoor Plants

A polka dot plant with green leaves covered in pink speckles.

Polka Dot Plant

This little hybrid is a showy standout in rooms with limited natural light. Its spotted leaves are rainbows of reds, pinks and whites. The diminutive polka dot plant fits perfectly on shallow shelving.

Lucky Bamboo

You don't need a sunny corner to get lucky with this woody favorite. It's considered by many to be a Feng Shui must-have. Lucky bamboo is one of the best indoor plants for water-filled containers.

Christmas Cactus

It's not really a cactus, but its rounded leaves resemble the spikes on prickly outdoor plants. Each fall, the Christmas cactus adds a festive touch to interiors with cascading crimson blossoms.

Safe Indoor Plants for Pets and Kids

A zebra plant with spiky tendrils covered in white, compact, horizontal stripes.

Zebra Plant

This non-toxic succulent is one of the best easy houseplants for busy lifestyles because it only needs watering every three or four weeks. The zebra plant does require plenty of sunshine to maintain its charm.

Parlor Palm

Even the smallest home has space for a coconut tree's relative. The parlor palm has been gracing shady corners in tight spaces since the Victorian era. It's completely safe around children and pets.

African Violet

If you love kid- and pet-friendly indoor plants with flowers, you'll adore colorful African violets. The elegant little plants are surprisingly low-maintenance, but they do prefer lots of sunlight.

Unique Indoor Plants for Small Spaces

Air Plant

Of all the easy plants to grow indoors, the air plant holds a special place. It doesn't need soil to grow. Just set it out in a shallow bowl, or suspend it from a shelf with a fishing line.

Golden Pothos

A small, humid bathroom is ideal for the golden pothos. Yellow variegation adds a pretty pattern to its green heart-shaped leaves. Golden pothos plants only need minimum sunlight.

Spider Plant

Every indoor plant decoration idea should be this easy. Fill a hanging basket with a spider plant, and watch it mature into a cascading room accent.

Enjoy Storage Space That Grows with You at Safeguard

Indoor plants can breathe life and color into even the smallest rooms. Your only problem may be finding a spot to securely perch your plants. When you need to make room for your plants, Safeguard Self Storage on Erato Street can help you expand those tight spaces.

In addition to our facility on Erato Street, we have convenient storage facilities throughout New Orleans and Louisiana. When you need room to grow, we have room to spare. Determine how much room you need with our helpful space estimator, and find a Safeguard Self Storage facility near you today!

How to Create Passive Income by Buying a Second Home in Plainview, NY

Miniature houses resting on stacks of coins.

Have you outgrown your Plainview, NY, home, or do you simply want a change? You’re not alone—there are lots of reasons to look for a new home, from downsizing to upsizing to providing a better location for you and your family. Plus, historically low interest rates provide quite the incentive.

While most people simply sell their old home and use the proceeds towards a down payment on the new one, that’s not the only way to make use of your old property. Here at Safeguard Self Storage on Old County Road, we’re experts at providing storage for movers and renters alike, and we’ve got the tips you need to figure out how to create passive income by buying a second home. 

Why You Should Consider Renting Your Plainview Property

With many benefits to renting your property, it’s no wonder why so many people are doing so. A few of the benefits include:

  • Passive income generation—Earn money without working for it. A good deal!
  • You can sell at an optimal time—By renting, you can choose to sell when it benefits you most.
  • It provides a safety net—Should you need to move back or sell for fast cash, you can do so.

How to Buy a Second Home and Rent the First

There are few steps that can make the process of renting out your first rental property a little easier. After all, if it were straightforward and didn’t require planning, everyone would do it. 

Save, Save, Save

Normally, when you sell your home, you can use the proceeds towards a down payment for your new home. Depending on how much equity you have in your old home, the proceeds could account for the entire down payment on the new one.

Of course, if you’re renting your first home out, you won’t be able to use that money for a down payment. That makes it absolutely crucial to save as much as you can for your second home’s down payment.

Use Non-Conventional Loan Methods—Literally

A conventional home loan requires you to spend 20% of the price of the home as a down payment. Spend less, and you’ll be forced to add PMI, or private mortgage insurance, to the loan.

But did you know that the traditional 20% down isn’t your only option? Conventional loans actually just require a minimum down payment of 3%, and while you’ll have to pay PMI, that could easily lower the required down payment by tens of thousands of dollars. If you don’t have good enough credit or a low enough debt-to-income ratio to qualify, another option is an FHA loan, which has a minimum requirement of 3.5% and fewer income/credit requirements.

Get Self Storage to Help in Plainview, NY

When you’ve got your plan set for acquiring your second home and renting out your first, there’s logistics to deal with. One of the best ways to make your move easier and conquer your logistics problems is through the power of self storage. With a storage unit near you, it’s possible to store extra belongings, tools, and more for your rental property and your second home (especially if you downsized).

At Safeguard Self Storage in Plainview, NY, we have affordable storage units and convenient features and amenities to help you create the storage solution you need. Find your Plainview storage unit and get started with your passive income today.

Moving back in with your parents? Here’s how to keep a level head.

A young walking into his parents' home after moving back.

Traditionally, the expectation of young men and women is to become independent of their parents after certain milestones, whether it’s graduating college, becoming financially self-sufficient, or reaching a certain age. As of July 2020, however, 52% of young Americans live with their parents or other family members. And now, in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, even more young people have had to move home during or after college for safety.

Moving back into your parents’ home may not have been in your original plan, but  it does come with benefits—you can use money that would have gone to rent to pay student loans, create a stronger bond with your parents, and more! Discover how to keep a level head while living with your parents with tips from Safeguard Self Storage.

Communicate and Establish Boundaries

After being away from home for college a gap year, or just becoming an independent adult in general, your dynamic with your family will likely have changed. Both you and your parents have gotten older, which could mean that expectations for chores, running errands, and generally helping around the house have changed. That’s why it’s important to have a conversation to establish boundaries and set expectations. Agree on rules, chores, and other responsibilities you’ll have around the house.

Make Your Space Your Own

Whether your parents have left your room untouched since you moved away or converted it into an office or gym, it’s probably time for a little rearranging. Your room is your sanctuary, so spend time decorating it and making it feel as peaceful and comfortable as possible. Need a place to store your childhood keepsakes and other belongings? Give them a home away from home in a self storage unit.

Create a Plan and Set Goals

If living with your parents isn’t something you want to do long-term, it’s important to take active steps toward saving your money and finding a job to provide for yourself. Things you can do to move closer to finding your own space include:

  • Applying for jobs
  • Searching job sites for available positions
  • Opening a savings account
  • Freelancing to build up savings 

Keep Enjoying Your Hobbies

Just because you’re living with your parents doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Video call your friends, enjoy your hobbies, and stay active as often as you can. Staying cooped up in the house may lead to some less-than-sunny moods for both you and your family. Get out and have fun! In the event that your sports gear, or other equipment for your hobby take up space, you can find a 5x5 storage unit near you o keep them close by and out of the way. 

Store Your Belongings With Safeguard 

Now that you’re condensing your space to one room, you’ll probably have to do some decluttering. Your parents probably already have furniture, kitchen appliances, and other household items, so you’ll need a place to store them. 

Safeguard Self Storage has the right storage solution for you! From our flexible month-to-month rentals to our climate controlled units, we make your moving experience as easy as pie. Visit us and find out why Safeguard Self Storage is the simple choice today!

How to Renovate Your Living Space on a Budget

A recently renovated living room with new decor.

Thinking about sprucing up your living space? You’re not alone. As people spend more time at home—either through necessity or desire—there may come a point where you look at your surroundings and decide to make some changes. Whether your renovation dreams involve drastic shifts in color or a complete refresh of your decor or aesthetic, you should know that even the smallest of budgets can make a big impact.

Of course, your options may be fairly limited based on some factors; homeowners generally have more flexibility when it comes to home improvements than renters. If you’re looking to make sweeping changes to your home’s style without breaking your budget, these tips can help.

Three Cost-Effective Ways to Drastically Change a Living Space

Give your walls—or just one—a fresh coat of paint.

Hands down, the absolute biggest change you can make to a room is also one of the most affordable. Painting the walls (or ceiling) of a room can completely change the mood. Give your ceiling a fresh coat of white paint to really open up the space, or consider using a light color on the walls. Don’t want to completely break away from color? Choosing one focal wall as an accent wall and painting it a saturated color—like dark blue—can make a big visual impact.

Use window treatments, pillows, blankets, and art to add visual interest.

Not too keen on buying new furniture to reinvigorate your space? That’s okay, because you can still make adjustments with prints, fabrics, and textures. Hang new curtains that complement your choice of wall colors and add a couple of pillows to a sofa or chair. If you’re not in love with said sofa, you can always take measurements and purchase a slip cover to give it a facelift.

If the fresh coat of paint wasn’t enough for you, consider getting creative with art. Thanks to Etsy, there’s no shortage of accessible bespoke artwork that you can buy online and have shipped directly to you. Find something that reflects your taste and support small business at the same time!

Minimize furniture and get creative with storage.

Most people tend to look at adding furniture as a way to change the appearance of a room, but there’s a lot to be said for taking furniture away. Instead of buying bookcases, consider adding floating shelves to your living space. Given the convenience of smart TVs and streaming services, you can look at mounting your television on a wall and do away with the TV cabinet. Storage ottomans can provide both seating and a convenience space to stow items away when not in use.

Keep Items Out of the Way When Renovating with Safeguard Self Storage

If your renovation involves swapping out the furniture in your home for an aesthetic such as minimalism or cottagecore, you’ll need a convenient place to keep furniture and other belongings out of the way. At Safeguard Self Storage, we provide plenty of storage space. From small closet-sized spaces to whole-home storage units, our facilities offer clean, affordable storage with great amenities.

If you plan on becoming a home improvement weekend warrior or need extended storage space for your renovation, visit your nearest Safeguard facility today.

Your Essential Guide to Living Near Temple University

An illustration of Temple University's bell tower.

From fun student life events on campus to cheering for your team during a basketball game, there’s a lot to look forward to when you go to college. Moving to college is one of the most exciting milestones in many people’s lives, but it can also be overwhelming—especially if you go to a university in a big city, such as Temple University of Philadelphia, PA.

Whether your first year at Temple University begins this fall or you’ve already been enrolled for a few semesters, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your college town! Fortunately, you can educate yourself on all things Philadelphia and Temple University with Safeguard Self Storage.

The History of Temple University

In 1884, Russell Conwell, a well-known minister in Philadelphia, began tutoring one young working man at night. Soon, however, Conwell’s class of one student transformed into spending his evenings teaching multiple young working people determined to become educated.

By 1888, Conwell, having brought on several volunteer faculty members, established “The Temple College,” with the mission to “provide superior educational opportunities for academically talented and highly motivated students.” 

With each decade, the college continued to grow, eventually blossoming into a full-fledged university with 400+ academic programs and a student body of 40,000 (2019). Temple University also has six campuses, two of which are in Japan and Rome.

On-Campus Living

An illustration of a residential hall.

The cost of living when you attend Temple University will vary depending on your preferences. If you want to live on-campus, you’ll have your choice of the following undergraduate residential halls:

  • Johnson and Hardwick Hall
  • Jame S. White Hall
  • 1940 Residence Hall
  • 1300 Residence Hall
  • Temple Towers
  • Morgan Hall

Depending on the residence hall you choose to live in, room rates per semester vary from $4,318 two-bedroom dorm rooms to $6,590 one-bedroom apartments. Graduate housing is also available, with semester-based apartment rates ranging from $4,999 to $7,255. Other costs you’ll need to consider when choosing on-campus housing at Temple University include your meal plan, which ranges from $546 to $2,254.

Off-Campus Neighborhoods

Prefer to live off-campus? There are plenty of neighborhoods near Temple University that you could call home, including Olde Kensington, Yorktown, Norris Square, and more. Each neighborhood features diverse, historic communities that are perfect for college students. Olde Kensington, once composed of abandoned factories, is developing into creative, unique housing options for students and young professionals.

Cost of Living Off-Campus

The average price for a one-bedroom apartment near Temple University is around $1,525, which is a 14% decrease from 2020. It’s important to note, however, that living off-campus entails other expenses that an on-campus meal plan would have covered.

The overall cost of living in Philadelphia is slightly above the state and national averages at 101.2 In fact, the only living expense that is below average compared to Pennsylvania and the United States is housing, at 66.3.

Transportation

Transportation is an important topic for college students, especially when the length of your commute could determine how long you can sleep in or how much time you’ll spend trying to get to class on time. As a university based in the city, Temple University has plenty of transportation options for students. The Bike Temple program encourages the Temple University family to take advantage of the bike-friendly campus and provides a bike lane map and bike education courses.

During the colder months when riding a bike isn’t the most enjoyable way to get to class, you can use Temple’s shuttle program or Philadelphia’s public transit system to get to class on time without breaking a sweat.

Things to Do Around Philadelphia and Temple University

An illustration of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

From on-campus activities and sporting events to exploring the city of Philadelphia, there’s always something for Temple University students to do when they’re not studying or in class.

Looking for some comfort food after a stressful exam? Grab a bowl of pho from Yummy Pho, one of Temple University’s staple restaurants, or sink into one of Saige Café’s cozy couches with a coffee after a long day. 

Prefer to re-energize yourself after a long day of classes? Take a stroll around Beury Beach or get involved with Campus Recreation to sweat out all the stress.

Other activities and experiences you can enjoy on and off Temple University’s campus include:

Solve Your Student Storage Needs with Safeguard

From its scenic environment to its historic, diverse housing options, Temple University and its surrounding neighborhoods are perfect for undergrads, graduate students, faculty, and alumni. The only issue with living in the bustling community of Philadelphia? Finding the space you need to comfortably store your belongings. 

Fortunately, Safeguard Self Storage has you covered; just down the road from Temple University, you’ll find our North Broad Street storage facility.

A young student loading boxes into a storage unit.

Whether you need a spot near campus for your college belongings during the summer or a long-term home for all your things during a move to a new apartment, you can rely on our friendly team of storage professionals to find the storage solution that’s right for you. We offer air-conditioned and heated units, 7-day access to the facility, a convenient drive-in loading area, and more.

Talk to our team on North Broad Street in person or rent or reserve your unit online today!

Your Essential Guide to Living in Lansdowne, PA

An illustration of a movie theater with a marquee that says Lansdowne Now Showing.

Situated in Delaware County, Lansdowne is a historical borough that combines small-town charm with a tight-knit community. Located just 6 minutes southwest of the city center of Philadelphia, the borough of Lansdowne sits at just over 1 square mile—but don’t be fooled by its small size. This area features no shortage of things to do, see, and explore for people of all ages.

No matter if you’re planning a big move to Lansdowne, or you simply want to learn more about its rich history, this essential guide will help you get to know this countryside staple of Pennsylvania.

The History of Lansdowne

While Lansdowne was incorporated as a borough in 1893, its history dates all the way back to the 1600s. When Europeans first arrived in the 17th century, the Lenape (or Delaware Tribe) called the area home. In 1682, however, William Penn opened the area to European settlement, and it was named “Lansdowne” after the English estate of Lord Lansdowne. After settlement, Lansdowne became an agricultural community that persisted well into the 19th century.

From 1850 to 1881, the Philadelphia and West Chester Railroad laid two tracks through the Lansdowne area, which facilitated new economic possibilities and passenger travel. During this time period, Lansdowne experienced major growth. With Victorian homes being built, as well as businesses popping up around the train station, Lansdowne began its journey to the thriving borough it is today.

Lansdowne in the Modern Age

From its rich architectural heritage to its shops, restaurants, and schools, the Lansdowne we know today is a wonderful place to visit or call home. Below, you can find information on things like Lansdowne’s cost of living, school districts, neighborhoods, things to do, and more.

Cost of Living

Overall, Lansdowne’s cost of living—including groceries, health care, transportation, and utilities—sits just above the national average. However, housing costs sit below the national average, with the median home price around $164,400. Additionally, the average cost of rent in Lansdowne is slightly higher than the national average, as well as averages in the Philadelphia metro area.

School Districts

Lansdowne (including East Lansdowne, Yeadon, Aldan, Colwyn, and Darby) is located in the William Penn School District (WPSD). The WPSD has schools located in each municipality, but Lansdowne is home to the district’s administration building, the district’s only High School (William Penn High School), and Ardmore Elementary, one of the WPSD’s three elementary schools.

Neighborhoods

In general, Lansdowne is broken up into three main neighborhoods or areas, including:

  • Borough Center
  • North Lansdowne Avenue/East Greenwood Avenue
  • West Baltimore Avenue/Mansfield Road

While each neighborhood falls under the same 19050 zip code, all three feature unique characteristics and quirks.

The borough center, for example, is a more urban area due to its population density. It’s also primarily made up of studio to two-bedroom apartments, three- to four-bedroom townhomes, and a wide selection of apartments and high rises. This area also features a wide range of ethnic diversity, an abundance of row houses, and an eclectic community.

North Lansdowne Avenue to East Greenwood Avenue is still a densely populated area, but it is primarily made up of small- to medium-sized apartments and single-family homes. Within proximity to Delaware County Community College and the University of Pennsylvania, many college students call this area home—especially due to its walkability and public transportation options.

West Baltimore Avenue to Mansfield Road is also a densely populated area with small- to medium-sized apartments and single-family homes, with most of the residential real estate being owner-occupied. Many of the homes in this area are historic, as they were built in the early 1900s.

What to Do in Lansdowne

While Lansdowne may be small, it features plenty of activities and experiences the whole family can enjoy. Residents and visitors alike can walk along Lansdowne’s wide tree-lined streets, viewing the area’s historic Victorian homes while heading into the center of the borough.

On Lansdowne Avenue, you can find a plethora of shops, restaurants, and local businesses that make the area unique. On Baltimore Avenue—which is a major east-to-west roadway connecting Lansdowne and Delaware County neighborhoods—is also a popular shopping destination that moves through the heart of the borough.

Lansdowne is also home to the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra, which is a large ensemble that has held performances in the area for over 50 years. Additionally, Lansdowne is host to many cultural events, including:

  • Lansdowne Folk Club
  • Lansdowne Farmers Market
  • "Rhyme, Rhythm, and Reason" poetry readings
  • Film Screenings at Vinyl Revival
  • Arts on the Avenue Festival
  • Arts & Craft Show
  • A Bit of the Arts Holiday Art Sale
  • Lansdowne 5k Harvest Run
  • 20*20 House Art Gallery
  • Historic Lansdowne Theater
  • Ballroom Dancing events
  • Yoga studios

Lansdowne is also proud to offer eleven recreational parks, with one that includes a 400-year-old Sycamore Tree germinated in the 1600s.

Make Your Move to Lansdowne Easy with Safeguard

Lansdowne, PA, is a borough filled with rich history, beautiful scenery, and great housing options for individuals and families alike. If you’re planning a move to Lansdowne, or you’re a longtime resident or business owner in need of breathing room, Safeguard Self Storage is here to help.

An illustration of a young man moving into a storage unit.

Located on South Union Avenue, our new storage facility provides access to all the space-saving solutions you need under one roof. With heated and air-conditioned units, drive-in loading areas, and month-to-month leasing options, you can rent a unit that fits into your lifestyle with ease.

Reach out to our friendly storage experts in Lansdowne today, or feel free to reserve your space online at your convenience!

 The exterior of Safeguard Self Storage in Lansdowne, PA.

Avoid Storage Shed Dread With These 26 Organization Ideas

When it comes to your storage shed or tool shed, the last thing you want to deal with is an unorganized space. From accessing your lawn care tools to storing seasonal belongings, you need a place that’s organized and streamlined to ensure lawn care, gardening, and home improvement projects are a breeze. Fortunately, with these 26 storage shed organization ideas, you can tackle your tasks without clutter getting in the way.

How to Organize a Storage Shed: 26 Tips That Really Work

1. Round-Up Hoses

Picture of Hoses

Wrap extra or unused garden hoses around the outer edges of galvanized buckets mounted to your shed’s walls. This will keep your hoses contained and prevent any tripping hazards.

2. Utilize Wheeled Storage Carts

Metal storage carts with caster wheels become portable storage wherever you need it. These are perfect for items in your shed that you need to access often. Plus, if you need multiple items from your storage cart at once, you can wheel the entire storage system anywhere.

3. Install Corner Shelves

Turn wasted space into smart shed storage with floor-to-ceiling corner shelves. These shelves can help you save precious space while staying out of your way. 

4. Go Over Doors

Stash seldom-used items on shallow floating shelves installed over shed door frames. Not only should the door frame provide extra support for heavier items, but it also gets your small, unused belongings out of the way for good.

5. Keep Shelves Flexible

Adjustable shelving lets you rearrange storage options with just a few quick moves. Consider installing a shelving unit that allows you to change the distance between each individual shelf for the ultimate convenience.

6. Repurpose Bookshelves

Give old bookshelves new life as repurposed shed organizers. These shelves could be used to store smaller lawn care items, pool accessories, or paint cans.

7. Hang Things Overhead

Explore how to organize a storage shed ceiling with overhead shelves suspended on pulley systems. This allows you to keep items like luggage, bicycles, kayaks, and more out of the way when you don’t need them.

8. Reassign Tackle Boxes

Fishing tackle boxes are perfect for sorting and organizing shed clutter. From nails and screws to washers and other hardware, tackle boxes help you keep small items or knick-knacks organized and easy to find.

9. Reclaim Mason Jars

Large mason jars can hold just about everything, from small hand tools to paintbrushes. Consider adding rows of mason jars to shed shelves for see-through storage convenience.

10. Keep Drawers Rolling

Keep shed tools portable inside multi-tiered, rolling tool chests or boxes. These sturdy storage units can also double as shelf space if you get one with a solid top.

11. Tote Small Stuff

Garden totes come in handy for holding tools close while you work or while they sit in your storage shed. Just make sure you get totes that are study enough to store gardening tools and other outdoor accessories.

12. Label and Stack

Stash bulky items in lidded bins stacked under shelving. Make sure to label each one clearly for quick and easy access to the belongings you need. 

13. Sort With Plastic Pails

Lightweight plastic pails make it easy to store and retrieve small tools. These pails typically come with moveable metal handles, which makes them easy to hang from industrial hooks, too. 

14. Park Tools With PVC

Park long-handled tools—such as rakes, shovels, and more—in wall-mounted, angle-sliced sections of PVC pipe. This makes it easy to grab the tools you need and go while preventing them from falling over or getting in the way constantly.

15. Get Wheelbarrows Up

A heavy-duty rail and hook system frees floor space by keeping wheelbarrows out of the way. This system could also hold bicycles and other large recreational belongings.

16. Hook Up Camping Equipment

Dedicate one shed wall to heavy utility hooks for camping tents, chairs, fishing poles, canopies, and more. With all your core camping equipment in one place, you won’t have to scramble to find things you need before your next adventure.

17. Hook onto a Pegboard

Versatile pegboards organize a shed wall with custom hook and shelf combinations. These pegboards give you the freedom to shift your shelves to your liking while accommodating different-sized items.

18. Store and Decorate with a Slat Wall

Like pegboards, slat walls upgrade shed interiors with horizontal storage slots that are practical and provide good looks.

19. Stick With Magnetic Strips

Use wall-mounted magnetic strips to hold things like pliers, trowels, screwdrivers, and more. Simply grab your tools right off the wall when you need them and hang them back up with ease. 

20. Store on Shed Doors

Hanging cubbies or shoe caddies make the most of your shed door's interior surface.

21. Divide With Muffin Tins

These inexpensive kitchen essentials double-down as shed organizers for small stuff. You can easily slip these tins into a drawer or on a floating shelf in your shed.

22. Conquer With Drawer Dividers

Like muffin tins, you can easily conquer cluttered drawers with dividers. These dividers help you optimize space so you can find things fast.

23. Round-Up With Spice Racks

Upgrade your glass jar storage with large spice racks that keep it all within easy reach.

24. Slip Things Into Photo Albums

Slip seed packets, gardening notes, and equipment documentation inside photo album sleeves or pockets. Then, you can organize your albums along shelves or tuck them away in storage cabinet drawers, bins, or cubbies.

25. Section by Season

Say goodbye to digging around in the shed by designating different sections to seasonal storage. Keep your most-used seasonal belongings readily available and in plain sight while storing lesser-used items in harder-to-reach places.

26. Stay Organized Year-Round with Self Storage

No matter how disorganized your storage shed is, Safeguard Self Storage is here to help. With a wide selection of storage unit sizes and types, as well as air-conditioned, humidity-controlled, and heated units, you can store your unused seasonal belongings with confidence. Plus, with great rates, month-to-month leasing options, and industry-leading discounts, you can get extra storage space without breaking the bank.

Swing by your local Safeguard facility in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Yorkor Pennsylvania to meet with our friendly staff or take a tour of our property. Additionally, you can reserve your unit online at any time for ultimate convenience. 

Don’t go at self-storage alone!  Contact Safeguard Self Storage

 

Sowing Seeds: Can I Seed My Lawn in Early Spring?

No two lawns are the same. Depending on where you land in the latitudes, that’s especially true. The further you live north or south, the more your lawn’s personality will change—and different methods will be needed to maintain it, provide it with essential nutrients, and prepare it for a healthy manicure.

For all the aspiring owners of beautiful yards asking, “When should I seed my lawn in the spring?” and other overwhelming questions, here are some key takeaways to know as you start tending to your lawn this year.

When to Plant Grass Seed

If you call the North home, it’s recommended you seed your lawn in autumn. At this time, the soil is still warm from summer, the air is cooler, and because most trees will start losing their leaves, your lawn will receive ample sunlight.

If you forget to seed in autumn, don’t hesitate to seed in the early spring. This is still a viable option if you don’t wait until temperatures really start heating up. However, if you’ve forgotten to seed in autumn before, you may want to set a reminder in your calendar for next year, designating a specific day for seeding.

Because grass needs warm soil to flourish, everyone who lives in the South would be better seeding in late spring and into the summer. This gives your lawn the chance to thrive under the ideal germinating circumstances provided by warmer temperatures.

Types of Seeds and Grasses

The type of seed you select for your lawn and climate is important. The wrong seed type could lead to a dead lawn or bare spots if you aren’t careful, whereas the right seed type could lead to a beautiful lawn if handled properly.

In general, there are two main types of grasses, including cool-season grasses (perfect for the extreme temperature fluctuations found in the north) and warm-season grasses (perfect for warmer climates in the south).

Cool-Season Grasses

Northern lawns tend to be thin, so to accommodate cool-season grass types, you’ll want a seed that specifically thickens your lawn and keeps it hearty through the changing seasons. Cool-season grass types include:

  • Bentgrass
  • Fine Fescue
  • Kentucky Bluegrass
  • Ryegrass
  • Tall Fescue

Warm-Season Grasses

Southern-lawns tend to be dense, so to accommodate warm-season grass types, you’ll need a seed that will maintain its thick, carpet-like feel and thrive in warmer climates all year long. Warm-season grass types include:

  • Bermuda Grass
  • Centipede Grass
  • Dichondra
  • Augustine Grass/Floratam
  • Zoysia Grass

Scotts has a variety of grass seed mixes to choose from, as well as support for figuring out which type of grass you have if you aren’t sure yourself.

What to Do with Your Seasonal Tools

Not all lawn maintenance tools are used year-round, and sometimes it can be a hassle to store them at home. Fortunately, Safeguard Self Storage has been helping people protect their seasonal tools for over 30 years. If you have shovels, a snowblower, or any other winter tools that would best be out of the way until next year, our wide variety of storage units can accommodate your belongings and seasonal storage timeline with ease. 

If you live in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania, find your local Safeguard facility today to start making room for spring!