There's barely room in your garage for the car. You have more seasonal clothes than closets. You might be a student who needs to pack things away over summer break. The reasons for leasing storage space in Valley Stream, NY quickly add up. But if you don’t think you need to rent a unit all by yourself, a storage roommate is a great option.

Sharing Makes It Easier

When you share self storage, you share more than the cost. It's an arrangement that fits your budget, and it gives you storage flexibility. You don't have to worry about getting everything into one small space. Sharing lets you upgrade to a larger unit with room to spare.

You don't have to do all the heavy lifting by yourself either. Two sets of hands get everything moved in faster. Free access to on-site carts and dollies make the job even easier. Once you're settled, it only takes one visit to retrieve things for both you and your storage roomie.

Planning Makes It Work

Go online with your soon-to-be unit roommate and explore storage options. Look for locations close to both home bases. The best self storage facilities provide online tools that let you calculate how much space you need. Review leasing arrangements together and settle on a price that works with both your budgets.

Once you've leased a unit, divide the floor space in half. Check with on-site management for a free or discounted moving truck to handle the first load. You can probably move in with just one trip. Keep keypad access and security information on your smartphones for easy reference.

Roommate Rules Are a Must

Whether you're family or best friends, roomie rules keep you on the same page. Keep the peace by following these simple guidelines for sharing storage space.

• Decide on whose name will appear on the lease.
• Agree on how to pool resources and make monthly payments.
• Consider purchasing additional insurance to cover everything in storage.
• Share housekeeping duties in the unit several times a year.
• Always respect each other's belongings and stay in touch about future plans.

Let Us Bring You Together

If you're still not sure about pairing up, our Valley Stream, NY storage experts stand ready to help. We can answer your questions, show you around, and share tips that keep self storage affordable and simple. When you're ready to team up, you can count on our teams here at Safeguard.

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.

The City of Brotherly Love is a city that loves its art scene. Museum, stage, and club doors are wide open in Philadelphia, PA. Whether you paint, perform, or play, this is the place to be. Stay ready for anything, and keep the tools of your craft ready to go in self storage.

Historic Art Collections 

Imagine an exhibition of your latest work in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The world-renowned institution has shown the best in the city since 1876. Picture your canvas next to a Cezanne or Matisse at the Barnes Foundation. You'll be in good company with collections established in 1912. Until you're ready to hang your first show, protect the tools of your budding art career.

• Climate-controlled storage units keep canvases, stretchers, and easels in good shape year-round.
• Paper, sponges, and brushes last longer in air-tight containers stored in your unit.

Performing Arts Venues 

Perhaps you plan on auditioning for the Kimmel Center's next production. You might be the city's top tailor or seamstress ready to dress performers in small venues along Broad Street. This stretch became Philly's Avenue of the Arts through a miraculous revitalization during the early ‘90s. When the curtain goes up, be ready to hit the stage. 

• Wardrobe boxes are ideal for protecting costumes in your storage unit.
• Use wheeled shelving for organizing stored wigs, makeup kits, and small props.
• Keep sound and lighting equipment in storage until the next production.

Philly's Best Music Scenes 

If you sat in the Philadelphia Orchestra's original violin section, you were playing in 1900. Today, its musicians share the city's love with a different set of sounds. You might be one of those new talents lighting up the DJ scene along Vinyl Row on Fourth Street. Whether you're into tradition or electronics, take care of your equipment. 

• Climate-Controlled storage units are perfect for instruments like violins, guitars, drum sets and pianos.
• On-site security features such as computer controlled access, unit door alarms and digital video recordings add layers of protection for expensive turntable setups.
• Make it easy to make the next gig with extended access hours to instruments and equipment.

Your Personal Staging Space 

Wherever your talent shines in Philly, we're here to back you up with seven locations across the city. You can always count on Safeguard Self Storage as your personal staging space, with the best storage units available Philadelphia, PA.

Long Island has produced some amazing things and people over the years, from Billy Joel to the historic Long Island Rail Road. It's the largest island along the contiguous U.S. and would rank No. 1 in terms of population density as a state. It has abundant and diverse neighborhoods and helpful, hardworking residents all the way from Flatbush and Flatlands to Massapequa. Besides your local self storage experts at Safeguard Self Storage, nothing has worked harder than the Long Island Rail Road.

Safeguard Self Storage Celebrates the Long Island Rail Road

With the rise of the automobile, many railroads across the country have closed over the years, but the Long Island Rail Road continues to carry passengers as it has since the 1830s. In fact, it's the oldest railroad in the U.S. that still operates under its original name and charter.

The track stretches for more than 700 miles and has 124 stations along the way. Nearly 340,000 passengers travel the railroad on a single weekday, making it the busiest passenger railroad in North America. On top of that, it runs 24/7 and provides year-round service to everyone on the island.

Overall, the Long Island Rail Road has 11 passenger branches and three main truck lines: the Atlantic Branch, the Main Line and the Montauk Branch. These three lines branch off into eight smaller branches, each of those lines branch off into different sections to serve specific areas. The main passenger lines are the: 

·      Main Line
·      Atlantic Branch
·      Montauk Branch
·      Oyster Bay Branch
·      Far Rockaway Branch
·      Port Jefferson Branch
·      Central Branch
·      Long Beach Branch
·      Port Washington Branch
·      West Hempstead Branch

The LIRR: First at Almost Everything

When it comes to innovation, the Long Island Rail Road has led the way since 1832. Today, railways across the country use hooked track spikes, but the LIRR was the first to implement them in 1836. It was also the first railroad that featured a locomotive with a steam whistle. By 1905, it was the first to have an all-steel passenger car and main line electrification.

Through the early 1900s, the LIRR became the first to have remote-controlled electrical substations, to use a diesel locomotive and to install electronic rail defect detectors for spotting flaws along the rails. In 1958, it installed the first automatic inventory control system and changed how railroads handle their logs.

The LIRR updated to automatic systems thanks to the successful installation of a fully electronic and automatic speed control system in 1951. As the railroad continues to thrive, it adopts technologies and sets an example for all other railroads in the country.

Take a Ride on the LIRR

If you've never taken a ride on the LIRR, it's not too late to hop aboard. Whether you live in Flatbush or plan to move to Flatlands or Massapequa, the LIRR can get you anywhere on the island, including a trip to Safeguard Self Storage. We're only a train ride away when you need affordable and convenient storage units for your belongings. Like the LIRR, our storage units are open and available year-round to serve customers in Long Island.

Chicago, IL is known for many things, like pizza, the Bears and the Cubs. Those who love horse racing also know Chicago for its legendary tracks and rich racing history. Since the 1830s, Chicagoans have sat in the stands and watched some of the best thoroughbred racing of all time. The Breeders' Cup is held on November 4 and 5 this year in California, but people everywhere from Uptown and Beverly to Lake View and West Rogers Park will drag their good luck charms out of their Safeguard self storage units before watching and placing bets on the race.

A Brief History of Horse Racing in Chicago, IL

In the early 1830s, horse racing came to the Chicago metropolitan area. One hundred years later, the city had six racing tracks, more than any other city in the country. Legendary tracks such as Brighton Park and Dexter Park opened in the 1860s, paving the way for the illustrious Washington Park in 1883; it hosted many racing events until it closed in 1977.

Today, horse racing is still alive and well in Chicago. In fact, the Hawthorne Race Course opened in 1891 and still operates every spring and fall. Arlington Park, which opened in 1927, has hosted, and continues to host numerous races, including the Breeders' Cup in 2002. Racing fans from the Chicago suburbs, such as Lake View and Beverly, piled into Arlington Park to watch this prestigious event.

2016 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park

The Breeders' Cup may not be in Chicago this year, but it doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy the fun from your couch in Uptown or West Rogers Park. Sports bars across the area will televise the event, or you can tune in to NBC and watch at home. You can also log on to the Breeders' Cup website and place bets without leaving your house.

Safeguard Self Storage Welcomes Horse Racing Fans

When you're in town for the races, store your items at a nearby Safeguard Self Storage facility. We have short-term storage units available to house your belongings while you're at the track. We also provide long-term storage units for those who fall in love with the area and want to make the Windy City their home.

In your role as a teacher, there's nothing more satisfying and joyful than knowing that you're really connecting with the kids. Take a cue from the Brooklyn Center of Performing Arts, and put the power of music to work in your classroom. Add a collection of tunes to your teaching supplies at a Safeguard Self Storage facility here in Brooklyn, NY, and join the chorus of educators expanding young minds with a little music.

Local Resources for Teachers

Children and music have always been natural partners. Educators recognize that bringing songs into the classroom plays on that wonderful relationship. This isn't a new concept, but it's quickly moving from performing arts classes to campuses all across the city. Local teachers embrace tips from diverse programs like the Brooklyn Center's Target Family Fun program and SchoolTime series. The school's downloadable Performance Study Guides are excellent resources for connecting music to classroom time.

Why Tunes Work

From controlling a room of noisy kids to building a sense of community, music can be one of your best teaching aids. Children and adults respond to a good song with the same sense of enjoyment that opens up minds to creativity and critical thinking. It simply puts everyone in a good mood, and that fires up neurons that turn on the learning process. Used correctly, tunes in the classroom raise energy levels, increase attention and improve memory.

Music as Your Teaching Tool

Today's digital world makes it easy to introduce your students to sounds from around the globe. If you want a half hour of classical to quiet things down, selections are at your fingertips. Music for kids in the classroom today has become a compact, inexpensive and very effective teaching tool. Instead of storing vinyl and bulky record players in self storage, you can fill your unit with textbooks, notebooks and binders. Whether you use songs to teach vocabulary, explore poetry or set the mood for creative writing, a good tune makes the classroom experience more enjoyable.

The sound of happy kids learning and having fun creates a beautiful melody that never grows old. Our Flatlands storage facility is just down the street from the Brooklyn Center of Performing Arts and supports local educators with affordable, convenient options. You do a great job every day, and our teams here at Safeguard Self Storage applaud your dedication to inspiring young minds all across the city.

Zombies, ghouls and ghosts – oh my! It's Halloween once again in Chicago, IL. It's a time for vampires to prey on greedy trick-or-treaters and witches to cross the moonlit skies from West Rogers Park to Beverly. For those who thirst for excitement and fun, Safeguard Self Storage has some spooky suggestions of festivities happening in Chicago and the surrounding areas leading up to All Hallows' Eve. 

5 Can’t-Miss Events in Chicago This Halloween

Halloween Festival in the Chicago Botanic Garden

Don't miss the Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns starting on October 20. This festival takes place at the Chicago Botanic Garden and features everything from 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins to food and drinks. It ends on October 23, so put on your best costume and come join the fun.

Downtown Halloween Festival & Parade

The Halloween Gathering Festival & Parade takes place on October 22 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can watch live performances, take part in family-friendly crafts and view an amazing parade to close the event.

Halloween Flea Market

Put on your favorite costume, and head out to the Wheaton Haunted Halloween Flea Market on October 22. This event starts at 3 p.m. and lasts until midnight, giving you plenty of time to watch live performances or to take a hayride with your family. You can also play games and get autographs from various celebrities.

Boo! at the Zoo

Treat your kids to an early Halloween party at the Brookfield Zoo on October 22-23 or 29-30. The festivities, which include zoo chats, costume parades, haunted hayrides and more, start at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. This spooky event welcomes kids and adults of all ages.

Halloween Costume Party in Schiller Park

Be one of over 400 people to attend the annual Halloween Costume Party at the Galaxy Banquets across from O'Hare on October 28. If you're over 21, you're invited to attend the party and meet, mingle and dance with everyone in attendance. This entertaining party starts at 8 p.m. and lasts until 2 a.m. and features everything from food and drinks to music and contests.

Store Your Halloween Decorations with Safeguard

Once Halloween has come and gone, don't cram your costumes, decorations and supplies in the closet. Make more room in your home while keeping your belongings safe in a Safeguard storage facility. Whether you're in Uptown or in Lake View, we have self storage available to keep your supplies protected and as good as new

If you're daydreaming about a plate of stuffed fresh flounder, take a look at the calendar. October is officially National Seafood Month, so your appetite is on the mark for delicious dining this time of year. You can head for the local fish market and stock up, or you can really get out there and celebrate. Retrieve your rods and reels from a nearby Safeguard self storage unit, fish the Massapequa, NY area waters, and enjoy cool-weather angling fun here on our beautiful south shores.

Long Island's Favorite Fishing Pond

Whether you're setting a hook for stocked trout or native carp, you can always find plenty of action at Massapequa Reservoir. Anchoring the southern portion of the Nassau County Preserve, this fishing spot is a year-round favorite. The reservoir's outlet dam earns its reputation as a productive perch for catching crappie, catfish and bullheads. Leave your bass boat at the storage facility because waters here are reserved for bank fishing only.

The Best Docks on the Shore

Head south from the reservoir to the shores between Biltmore and Alhambra beaches. Bait your hook for carp, trout and largemouth bass. Cast into the waters of Massapequa Cove, and take in a bayside view that extends south all the way to Jones Beach. Hit the dock at sunrise, and tease up blues with your best lures. Stretch out the day with serious striper action, and wind down with a bounce off the bottom for big, hungry flounder. You can always find a fisherman-friendly dock around this scenic cove.

Boat Fishing on the Bay

Celebrate National Seafood Month by launching your luck on the open water. Get that boat out of your storage unit one more time before winter sets in, and head out for some fishing on South Oyster Bay. This time of year always sees a big increase in bass, bluefish and albacore. Be prepared for big pickerel too, but be willing to stretch out your day. Boat fishing on the bay always picks up when the sun starts going down.

With so many hot spots here in southeast Nassau County, you can make fishing daydreams come true year-round. With our Massapequa, NY storage facility east of the reservoir, you can make it out on the water every day. Just stash your gear with us here at Safeguard Self Storage, and you're always ready to cast your net for the big ones.