Home organization doesn't have to be a challenge. It shouldn't be something that stays one step ahead of your best intentions. You can conquer it. You just need smart strategies, clever organizing tricks, and convenient self storage. These seven simple tips from Safeguard Self Storage in Metairie, LA, keep even the busiest home organized and clutter-free.

7 Items That Are Great for Organization

1. A Stop at the Door

Start decluttering the house at the front door with decorative hooks and shelves for bags and jackets. Toss keys, sunglasses, and phones into a big, bright bowl on a small entryway table.

2. A Dresser in the Closet

Move an unused dresser into the closet. Position it against an open wall or slide it under hanging clothes. Fill it up with anything that doesn't have its own place.

3. Self Storage Under the Beds

Keep home organization easy and out of sight with rolling under-bed storage. Gliding trays can hold everything from seasonal clothes and bedding to the kids' toys.

4. Drawer Baskets Under the Sinks

Stacked, mesh basket drawers are a perfect storage fit under kitchen and bathroom sinks. Their open construction keeps humidity at bay, so feel free to fill them up with countertop clutter.

5. Restaurant Kitchen Rails

Take a decluttering tip from commercial kitchens. Mount simple, space-saving rail organizers on walls or inside cabinet doors. Hang sliding hooks on the rods and fill them up with kitchen stuff.

6. Ottomans With Room to Spare

Make home organization fashionable, inviting, and comfortable with a cushy storage ottoman. The functional furniture seats extra guests while it keeps clutter tucked away. Storage ottomans are great in the kids' playroom, too.

7. An Easy-to-Use Scanner

Once a week, convert papers that pile up into digital files. Transfer invitations, receipts, insurance documents, and general paperwork to your computer or cloud storage. Be good to the planet by recycling your scanned papers.

Expand Home Space With Self Storage

Now that you're in control of general clutter, give yourself room to spare. A storage unit is perfect for expanding your organizing strategies with these simple tricks.
• Free up kitchen cabinets by storing seldom-used pots, pans, and countertop appliances in your unit.
• Seasonal decorations stay safely out of the way in climate-controlled self storage.
• Set up clutter bins in the unit to catch things you plan on selling or donating.
• A small file cabinet in one corner keeps important papers and documents safe until you need them.
• Give the car room to breathe by moving garage clutter to your unit.

Congratulations on Conquering the Challenge

It feels great to be on top of home organization. We're happy to help with affordable storage solutions that work hard for you. When you need extra space, Safeguard Self Storage in Metairie, LA always has plenty of room.

This is your year. Friends and family will always smile when they remember your New Orleans, LA, Thanksgiving celebration. Your warm hospitality and confidence in the kitchen are a winning combination. With a little pre-planning, smart self storage strategies and our handy checklist, this delicious holiday will be a piece of cake.

Get Ahead of Turkey Day

Your goals are simple. Be prepared, stay relaxed, and make sure everyone has a wonderful Turkey Day. Make it easy on yourself by getting ahead with these pre-planning tips.

✓ Rearrange furniture so that guests have room to circulate.
✓ Declutter kitchen counters and cabinets with a trip to self storage.
✓ Bring home holiday place settings, serving dishes, and decorations.
✓ Review recipes, and check supplies in the pantry and fridge.
✓ Beat long checkout lines by shopping for groceries early.

Embrace the Team Spirit

When family and friends offer to pitch in, say yes with a smile. They can help you get the house ready and streamline everything from guest foot traffic to cooking chores.

✓ Ask your home team to check their storage units for extra chairs.
✓ Enlist their muscle moving furniture and decorating the house.
✓ Designate a friendly crew to greet guests and hang up coats.
✓ Encourage everyone to bring favorite sides, desserts, wine, and beer.

Save Time With Pre-Prep

Don't put off anything you can take care of the day before the big day. You want to give yourself plenty of time to visit with guests, keep an eye on the turkey and tend to last-minute chores.

✓ Write up a detailed schedule and post it in the kitchen.
✓ Cook appetizers, sides, and desserts a day early if possible.
✓ Set out place settings and arrange table centerpieces.

Keep Things Simple and Fun

No one expects a gourmet meal for Thanksgiving. Everyone wants to pitch in and be a part of the holiday. Build on those two simple principles with easy ideas that create festive fun.

✓ Set out your feast on a self-serve side buffet.
✓ Let the kids have fun at their own T-Day table.
✓ As dishes are cleared, temporarily park them in ice chests in the kitchen.
✓ Relax and enjoy everyone's company before asking for cleanup duty volunteers.

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving

All of us here at Safeguard Self Storage wish you a wonderful start to the holidays. Count on us through the season and into the New Year. And if you’re looking for storage units in the New Orleans metro area, look no further. Reserve a unit online today!

Self storage in New Orleans, LA, doesn't have to be big to be a big help. A 5-by-5 storage unit is surprisingly roomy with 25 square feet of storage space. Add a typical 8-foot ceiling, and overall dimensions measure a generous 200 cubic feet. These are just a few ways to make the most of your small unit:

Items To Put In Your 5x5 Storage Unit

Student Self Storage

Why haul things all the way home and back again? Travel light between semesters by parking your desk, chair, and dresser in a 5-by-5 unit. You should still have room for a twin mattress and several boxes.

Spare Remodeling Space

Make room at the house for a decorating makeover. Give your interior design talents plenty of space to work by moving things to temporary storage. Month-to-month leasing options keep storage units budget-friendly.

Seasonal Clothes

Save closets and drawers from overcrowding. Rotate seasonal clothes in and out of your small storage unit. Use a combination of shelves and lidded bins to convert vertical storage into a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe room.

Seasonal Decorations

Scare up space for Halloween decorations inside a compact unit. Celebrate extra room at home by moving Christmas lights, ornaments, and tree stands to secure storage. It's a year-round solution for storing seasonal decorations.

Liberated Outdoor Gear

Sports equipment, fishing tackle, and camping gear get lost in a crowded garage. Keep it all in one convenient storage space. Outdoor gear is easier to find and always ready to go in small storage units close to the house.

Winterized Garden Tools

Why trip over garden tools in the garage all winter? Give them a comfortable, cold-weather home. Everything fits in a 5-by-5 unit with enough room for the lawn mower. Be sure to empty its fuel tank before storing.

Extra Hobby Supplies

Start enjoying your favorite pastime again. Declutter hobby space at the house by keeping extra supplies in your unit. Double storage strategies by using an old bookshelf in the unit to keep supplies organized.

Compact Business Storage

Expand business potential at work or home with an extra 25 square feet of climate-controlled storage. Secure important records, back up inventory, and store extra equipment in your 5-by-5 unit.

Small Spaces That Always Fit

We believe in offering storage solutions that always fit. If you need a small unit, Safeguard Self Storage in New Orleans, LA, has one just your size. Stop by soon and let our storage professionals show you around.

If you’re not sure about an address, you can save time by checking a map of New Orleans, LA. Self storage doesn’t twist and turn like streets through the Big Easy, but you can still feel lost in a crowded unit. Why not draw up a map that makes your storage maze make sense?

How to Draw a Map of Your Self Storage Unit

Start with Your Stuff

Take inventory of the things you have in storage. Draw up another list of seasonal items that rotate in and out. Put together a good overview of how much you keep in the storage unit.

Size Up Your Storage Space

Use your facility’s online space calculator to get an accurate measurement of your unit’s capacity. The numbers can help you draft a sketch to scale so that you can begin plotting your map.

Zone the Space

Divide your unit plan into multiple zones. Designate separate areas for boxes, furniture, seasonal things, and outdoor gear. Keep items you access most often at the front of your layout.

Plot Easy Pathways

As you develop your self storage floor plan, make sure to plot pathways between zones. Leave room for moving large items in and out. Give yourself space to rummage through boxes.

Graph a Colorful Key

Assign a color to each map zone and draw up a small key in one corner of your storage unit map. Use this bright idea to color-label zoned boxes and covered items.

Map Shelves, Too

Draft a vertical map that synchronizes with items stored on shelving. Color works here, too. Assign shelf units unique map key colors that indicate different types of belongings.

Don’t Get Lost

Stay oriented by plotting your plan from the unit’s entrance door towards the back. This keeps the map user-friendly when you’re navigating the space in a hurry. Post a copy just inside the door and save a backup at the house.

Make Digital Files

Have fun with simple drawing software that makes it easy to draft storage maps. Digital files give you flexibility to change floor plans on the fly. They also generate printed maps you can be proud to call your own.

We Keep You on Course

Don’t ever feel lost in your storage unit again. Safeguard keeps you on course with storage strategies that really work. Our New Orleans, LA, self storage specialists are always at your service with locations across the city.

Storage units help people manage space, either on a permanent or temporary basis. From stashing your things while you're on summer break to staying organized when downsizing, off-site storage might be the answer. At Safeguard Self Storage, we provide a place for customers' belongings in New Orleans, LA and other communities. If you're experiencing any of the following situations, a storage unit may be right for you.

You're going through a life transition.

From building families to ending relationships, life events can affect your living situation. Maybe you need to store furniture and other items after merging households. Or you might need a place for your things while studying abroad for the semester. Keep your belongings sheltered in a storage unit for convenience and peace of mind.

There's an entire room in your house that can't be used.

Clutter happens. From the kids' sports gear to several years' worth of holiday decorations, everyday and special-occasion items tend to overtake valuable household space. It can happen before we even notice, especially if the change is gradual or it's a room that's rarely used as a living space. Many of our customers use storage units to keep seasonal items and other home goods out of the way when not in use.

You're neglecting a hobby due to lack of space.

Whether you live with roommates, have a small home, or simply lack the room, you shouldn't have to miss out on your favorite hobby. From crafts to craft brewing, apartment dwellers and homeowners alike can enjoy the activities they love with help from self storage.

There's no space in the garage for your cars.

If your garage has become overrun with everything from out-of-season clothing to boxes of collectibles, your local storage facility offers the space you need. Safeguard your things from theft and the elements while freeing up room for the family's vehicles. Or put away your RV or vintage car at our site in New Orleans, LA.

Your business is losing valuable space to supply storage.

Our residential customers aren't the only ones enjoying the benefits of storage units. Make sure your office, warehouse, or retail space stays tidy by keeping seldom-used equipment, extra supplies, or surplus inventory off site. Keep prime real estate free for essential business activities while protecting your investments.

Safeguard Self Storage, Your Professional Solution

Regardless of your reason for additional space, Safeguard Self Storage is here for you to help with your storage needs. Facilities in New Orleans, LA and other cities offer convenience and a wide range of amenities. Contact us to rent a unit and start your self storage journey today!

When you consider leasing storage units here in Metairie, LA, you have more choices than you might realize. Our outdoor facilities are fenced in and home to some very smart storage options. We can think of at least seven benefits to enjoy with outdoor access to your unit. 

1. Easy Ins and Outs 

Pull in, park in front of your unit, and load or unload. It's that simple with outdoor self storage. Your space is always easy to access, which saves time whether you're in the middle of a move or storing away seasonal stuff. 

2. Facility-Wide Security 

You and your belongings deserve high-tech, site-wide security. Facility access is gated, computer-controlled and recorded. Digital video cameras add extra layers of protection. This surveillance blanket provides 24/7 on-site security you can depend on year-round. 

3. A Variety of Sizes 

When you need lots of space, storage units with outdoor access are some of your best choices, and they come with a variety of square-footage options. Figure out exactly how much room you need with our online space estimator tool. 

4. Room to Move 

Imagine not having to navigate facility hallways while you're moving furniture. Picture off-loading heavy appliances straight into the unit. Treat your back to the luxury of easy loading and unloading with outdoor access to storage. 

5. Extra Parking Space 

Many drive-up units are designed for storing cars, RVs, and motorcycles. When you want long-term parking for extra wheels, simply drive or ride into your unit. When the bass boat needs a spot between Lake Pontchartrain fishing trips, dock it in your storage unit. 

6. Heavy Equipment Storage 

If you run a business that relies on heavy equipment, drive-up self storage keeps the tools of your trade locked up and ready to go. Landscapers, roofers, and handyman services are just a few examples of small businesses that save big money by avoiding the expense of leasing commercial warehouse space. 

7. Flexible Affordability 

Often, units with outside access are less expensive than interior units. The savings add up, but you don't have to sign a long-term contract. Month-to-month leasing keeps storage options flexible and your budget under control. 

Multiple Sites at Your Service 

Online account management and on-site storage specialists are two more great reasons to appreciate outdoor access to storage units. Stop by one of our three Metairie, LA sites, and explore all the easy ways to enjoy self storage. Our Safeguard teams look forward to showing you our great outdoors.

Everybody appreciates the roses here in Crescent City, but most of us would just as soon stop and smell the gumbo. If you know the difference between a roux and a tomato base, you own one of the keys to Cajun cooking in New Orleans, LA, where storage units and busy kitchens keep the good times rolling. 

It's All in the Trinity

Louisiana natives have always been fired up over rustic Cajun cooking, but Chef Paul Prudhomme put it on the culinary map back in the 1980s. Today, blackened, smoked, stewed, and smothered flavors whet appetites in home kitchens and five-star restaurants across the country. The entree star in a Cajun kitchen might be shrimp, alligator, turtle, or a whole hog, but the trinity never changes. Celery, onion and bell pepper form a base that brings out the best in rice, boudin and ham hocks with a little garlic, paprika and ground file.

It's Simply Delicious 

How many ways can Cajun food make your mouth water? It's hard to say. By the time you start counting appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts, you're too hungry to do the math. Just savor this short list:

• Marinated shrimp salad
• Fried crab cakes
• Red beans and rice
• Cajun meatloaf
• Blackened redfish
• Pork jambalaya
• Bread pudding
• Strawberry beignets

One of the tastiest things about these dishes simmers down to their simplicity. If you can manage extra room in the kitchen, you can fire up all kinds of Cajun crowd-pleasers.

It's Really Inspiring Too

Cajun cooking needs a little more space than other culinary styles, so move old pots and pans to a shelf in your self storage unit. Set your inner chef free with some of these Cajun kitchen must-haves:

• Sausage grinders
• Stock pots
• Dutch ovens
• Cast iron skillets
• Turkey fryers

Once you have the keys to Cajun cuisine, it's hard to resist the aroma of inspiration, so hang onto that storage unit. You may need it soon for parking extra chairs and tables from your very own hot new NOLA eatery. 

We Have Plenty of Room

Whether you're cooking up plans for a backyard bash or planning the Quarter's newest Cajun restaurant, our doors are open. Just stop by one of our six Safeguard Self Storage locations, or make arrangements online for the very best storage units in New Orleans, LA. We're always here, and we always have plenty of room for your extra stuff.

It starts 65 miles south of the city, winds through the French Quarter and quietly comes to rest not far from Lake Pontchartrain. Civil War history takes fascinating turns through New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. Savvy history buffs start exploring this trail by staging their adventures out of nearby storage units in Marrero, LA. Put on your touring shoes, and join them on an amazing journey.

Forts, Battlefields and Reenactments

Fort Jackson stands as a monument to brave soldiers who held their ground in 1862. Six days after a fierce bombardment, Confederate forces surrendered, and Union troops began advancing up the Mississippi Delta. Located 65 miles south of the city, this historic fort and museum belongs on your must-see Civil War itinerary. If you thrill at being part of the action, raid self storage for your best reenactment gear. Fall into formation at the Chalmette Battlefield just seven miles downriver from New Orleans.

Museums, Houses and Mints

Head up to the city, and plot a course starting with the Confederate Memorial Hall on Camp Street. This venerable museum holds more Civil War artifacts than any other site of its kind. Swing over to Canal Street, and visit the Old U.S. Custom House where Union generals and Confederate prisoners shared space during New Orleans' occupation. Complete your trek with a tour of historic buildings along Esplanade Avenue. Be sure to stop by the Old U.S. Mint for an inspection of the quarters that served Confederate troops defending their beloved Crescent City.

Squares, Statues and Final Resting Grounds

Slow down, and stroll up Decatur Street to beautiful Jackson Square. Take it easy in the Big Easy enjoying a park that dates back to the early 18th century. At the Civil War's end, this original Plaza de Armas was renamed Jackson Square. The Battle of New Orleans hero still rides high as a magnificent equestrian statue in the park's center. Finally, pay respects to brave souls resting at Metairie Cemetery just south of Lake Pontchartrain. This serene site expresses Civil War history through uniquely artistic headstones, tombs and mausoleums.

Our part of the New Orleans metro area offers a perfect location for launching historic fun. When you want to keep your exploring and reenactment gear in a central location, count on us here at Safeguard Self Storage. Our Lapalco Boulevard facilities stand ready to serve you and fellow history buffs on all of your amazing journeys.

New Orleans is a city that never sleeps, and has a variety of attractions to draw both visitors and new residents. This October, New Orleans residents have plenty to celebrate, and an influx of visitors want to be part of the festivities. Here are some of the events that Safeguard Self Storage wants to highlight, and how storage can help you get ready to party! 

Oktoberfest

First things first, Oktoberfest celebrations are happening throughout the country during October, so it stands to reason there’d be a flurry of events in New Orleans during this month. For the last three weekends in October, New Orleans residents will be enjoying German food, music, culture, and fun. These celebrations are held annually, and will be occurring on October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27. Taking place just ten miles from downtown New Orleans, this event draws attendees near and far. Try your strength at the Masskrugstemmen beer stein holding contest or try authentic German foods like Sauerbraten. There’s something here for everyone!

New Orleans Film Festival

Founded in 1989, the New Orleans Film Festival provides an opportunity for filmmakers to show off their latest works, which can include full-length features, shorts, and documentaries. The New Orleans Film Festival has become one of the nation’s top-ranked film festivals, and attracts thousands of people and industry professionals. This year the festival will be held from October 14-22, starting at Orpheum Theater in downtown New Orleans. There will be more than 170 selections featured during the festival.

Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

 New Orleans is the Home of the Blues, and we’re celebrating at the 10th annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival. This event is free, taking place in Lafayette Square Park from Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18. But it’s not just music and BBQ that you get to enjoy! There’s a huge arts market, with works from the best regional and local vendors.

Voodoo Music & Arts Experience

Another big crowd drawer, the Voodoo Music & Arts Experience is second only to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Like many New Orleans events, this festival started small and has turned into a mega-event. Called “Voodoo” or “Voodoo Fest” for short, over the years this event has drawn more than a million people and booked over 2,000 acts. It’s scheduled to coincide with Halloween, and will take place from Friday, October 30 to Sunday, November 1. Held at the Festival Grounds in City Park, Voodoo has the motto, “Worship the Music.” We suggest that you do! 

Halloween in New Orleans

October wouldn’t be complete without a Halloween celebration, and New Orleans knows how to celebrate! Second only to Mardi Gras, New Orleans residents get wild and crazy for Halloween, dressing up in costumes and partying in the street. And as “The Most Haunted City in America,” we wouldn’t expect any less! Experience haunted tours through the French Quarter or browse through the many Voodoo shops to learn a little history. Thinking of bringing your family out for Halloween? No problem. Audubon Zoo holds an annual “Boo at the Zoo” on October 16, 17, 23, and 24.

Self Storage Makes Celebrations Easy 

Whether you’re an attendee, a vendor, or a filmmaker, Safeguard Self Storage in the Big Easy, can make your life, well, easier. Preparing for the festivities and running out of room for your set up supplies? Find an affordable storage locker to store your stuff. Attracted to this lively city and thinking of making the move? Use self storage to ease your transition. We have locations throughout Louisiana! Contact us today to see how we can help make your life easier – and enjoy the festivities!

If you ask a professional musician here in New Orleans about the importance of personal storage, don't expect him to talk about stashing furniture. Instead, he'll sing the praises of space that keeps the tools of his trade safe when he's not jazzing up the crowds on Bourbon Street. He'll also explain how important it is to properly prep musical instruments for long-term storage in New Orleans.

Baby Your Brass

Every band needs plenty of brass, so keep your horns ready to blow with climate-controlled care in a storage unit rental. Prep each one by taking out the slides, emptying the water and giving the slide legs a good cleaning. It's important to use heavy oil on the valves, casings and bearings because it's less likely to evaporate while your horn stays in storage. A few drops of bearing oil work best in the leadpipe. Snake it clean, and add a few more drops. Grease and replace the slides, and your brass is ready to be stashed.

Store Strings Carefully

Guitars, violins and violas are sensitive to the humidity and temperature extremes in New Orleans, but they stay safe in climate-controlled self storage. Get your instrument ready by detuning the strings down several notes to relax tension on the neck. Clean the body and tuning mechanisms with a dry cloth, and use wax or oil on the fretboard. Be sure to use a polish specially formulated for stringed instruments. Store your strings in a heavy case along with a silica pouch, and slip several plastic bags over the case.

Be Diligent with Drums

Whether you march to the beat of a snare or multi-toms, those skins need the same climate-controlled environment as strings and horns. If you're putting away a full set, personal storage options give you room to spare. Inspect each drum carefully, and disassemble for a thorough cleaning. Wipe everything down with a soft cloth inside and outside the shell and hardware. Reduce tension on the bottom and top heads by half, but make sure they stay tight enough to secure the tension rods. Don’t forget to store your reassembled set off the floor on wood pallets.

From Preservation Hall to Jazz Park, the sounds stay sweet when brass, strings and drums stay in tune. Whether you're new on the scene or a seasoned pro, let Safeguard storage unit rental back up your New Orleans lineup. And no worries, you won't have to live on red beans and rice to treat your favorite musical instruments to affordable self storage.