After a long winter, your home might need some help getting ready for a new year. The process of de-winterizing can seem overwhelming, with a lot of small aspects of your home needing attention, but Spring is the perfect time to tackle this project. NSA Storage has a checklist to walk you through every step.

Why De-winterizing Your Home?

Getting your home ready for winter means turning some things off, putting others away, and buttoning everything up to stay warm and cozy. De-winterizing reverses all of that stuff so that, as warm weather starts again, you’ll be able to enjoy it fully.

Here are a few reasons why de-winterizing is a good idea:

• You’ll see, and be able to fix, any damage caused by winter weather
• You’ll save money by preventing possible problems caused by that damage
• You can prepare your home’s important systems (HVAC, AC, gutters, etc.) for the rain and heat to come
• Outdoor living spaces can also be prepped for gatherings and good times 

In effect, de-winterizing your home gets it ready for the more active days of spring and summer and ensures everything works properly when you need it. 

Plumbing and Water Systems

Your home’s plumbing is a vital system that can suffer damage in winter, even if you haven’t noticed a leak or had a pipe burst. Checking, and repairing, that damage is a must, including:

• Checking all exposed pipes for damage
• Testing your sump pump
• Checking under sinks for leaks
• Turning on outdoor spigots and checking for damage

Be sure to check for any damage to pipes in crawl spaces under your home and in your basement. These areas can go unnoticed until a major problem occurs.

HVAC and Ventilation

Staying cool and comfy in summer is a must, and you don’t want your HVAC to fail on a sweltering day. To prevent that, be sure to do the following:

• Replace your HVAC air filter(s)
• Check all vents and registers to be sure they’re not clogged with dust and debris
• Test your AC to make sure it’s working correctly, including the thermostat

If your HVAC was having any problems last year, scheduling a professional inspection is a smart idea. If your vents are looking a little dusty, it might be worth it to have a professional come and clean them so that the air you and your family are breathing is as clean as possible.

Safety Devices

Safety devices like fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide and others don’t typically get damaged in winter. They can, however, lose their pressure, or the batteries can expire. Be sure they’re all working by:

• Testing all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Checking fire extinguisher pressure and expiration dates
• Inspecting any power cords or strips, especially ones used outside

Be sure to replace any batteries and, if your extinguisher has low pressure, recharge it or replace it; smaller extinguishers are usually cheaper to replace than recharge.

Roof, Gutters, and Drainpipes

Keeping water from intruding into your home prevents damage that can often be devastating. That’s why checking your roof, gutters and drainpipes is a must, including:

• Clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly
• Make sure downspouts are directed away from your home’s foundation
• Inspect your roof for shingles that have cracked, curled, or been torn away

If you can, going up into your attic to check for water leaks is highly recommended.

Doors, Windows, and Insulation

Keeping cold air out of your home is the goal in winter. Keeping cooled air in is what you want to do when warmer days start. To do that, be sure to check:

• Window seals and caulking
• Weatherstripping on all exterior doors
• Window tracks to be sure they’re clean
• Screens for any damage or holes

If there’s condensation between window panes and your energy bill is being affected, experts recommend replacing the glass unit only, as it’s cheaper than a full window replacement.

Backyard and Outdoor Areas

De-winterizing your backyard and other outdoor areas can save you from major repairs. Plus, you’ll be able to prep everything for the spring fun to come, so be sure to:

• Turn on your irrigation system to make sure it’s working well
• Check your driveway and walkways for damage or cracks
• Inspect any decking to be sure nothing is rotten, loose, or dangerous
• Thoroughly clean all outdoor furniture
• If you have a fence, check that posts haven’t shifted or loosened

Repairing any issues you find now, before summer, will save you from having to do it in sweltering heat.

Garages and Sheds

It’s a smart idea to de-winterize your garage and, if you have one, your shed. More importantly, you can check for damage to the items you have stored and prep items you’ll use during spring and summer. Here’s that checklist:

• Inspect garage door seals
• Look for any leaks or water damage
• Safely store any winter equipment and tools 
• Organize your gardening and lawn maintenance tools

Pest Issues 

This last checklist focuses on pests like rodents and insects, which can cause a lot of damage during the winter. To ensure they don’t continue to cause damage, be sure to check:

• Your attic and basement for nests or animal droppings
• Insulation, which rodents like to use for their nests
• Vents and chimney caps, where critters love making nests

Be sure to seal any small openings where pests can enter your home. Also inspect for wood damage caused by insects, and chewed wires, which can increase the risk of fires.

You might be unaware that you have a pest problem, as many insects and rodents hibernate during the colder months, but as the days get warmer, they’ll become more active, and you might start to see signs of an infestation. If you find signs of pest activity, it’s best to get it evaluated by a professional and start pest control efforts immediately.

Need Spring Storage? If Yes, NSA Storage Can Help

If you need extra storage space for all your winter gear, tools, decorations, and more, count on NSA Storage. With safe, clean, secure storage units available in several sizes, there’s one that will fit your needs perfectly. You can reserve a storage unit online and it will be ready when you arrive. Use it for as long or short a time as you need to protect your belongings and free up space at home for spring fun.

The post De-Winterizing Your Home: A Spring Checklist appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

As the holidays approach, many are preparing for large family gatherings and the joy that comes with them. That joy, however, can quickly dissipate if your home is cluttered and unorganized. If you’re feeling holiday stress because your home is a mess, don’t cry in your hot cocoa. NSA Storage has a present for you: our top nine stress-reducing tips for decluttering your home before the holidays! Read on to make this season a clutter-free time of fun, family, and frivolity!

Why is Decluttering Before the Holidays Important?

The holiday season is typically one that’s filled with frenetic activity. There are presents to wrap, food to cook, homes to decorate, and so much shopping! 

If your home is a cluttered mess to start with, adding all the holiday activity can create chaos and confusion. By decluttering, however, you’ll get several benefits before (and after) your guests arrive, including: 

• Less stress- When your home is organized your stress levels will drop (or at least not go up).
• Decorating will be easier- When there’s no clutter in your way it’s easier to put out all your holiday decorations 
• More space for your new stuff- Unless you live with Scrooge, you’ll likely be getting new stuff during the holidays. Having a decluttered home will give you the space to display and store them.
• More space for guests- Guests need some breathing room, and a decluttered house will provide that room.
• A sense of pride- Inviting family and friends into your well-organized home will make you feel good!

1. First, Focus on High-Traffic Spots in Your Home 

High-traffic spots are the spots in your home where guests gather and clutter can be annoying and bothersome. To avoid this, start with those areas first, including:

Entryway

• Put away unused coats, shoes, jackets, bags, and anything else that can get in the way. 
• If possible, add some hooks to hang all the jackets to come.

Mudroom

• Store, toss, or donate anything you don’t need, use, or want.
• Put away detergents, dryer sheets, baskets, etc.

Kitchen

• Clear clutter from all countertops so you’ll have more space for all the cooking to come
• Go through dry goods and toss anything over its date.
• Remember to buy any spices and other ingredients that you’ll use most

Living Room

• Clear off books, magazines, and anything else on coffee and end tables
• Clean and fluff sofa cushions. (Don’t forget to clean underneath the cushions!)
• Store everyday decor that will be replaced by holiday decor
• Clean, dust, and vacuum everything

Guest Room

• Organize closets and dressers to provide extra space for guests
• Clean all linens, especially bed sheets and towels
• Clean up any desks and sitting areas so guests can use them

2. Have Plenty of Containers and Boxes Ready

Decluttering is, essentially, putting away, throwing away, or giving away the stuff you don’t need, want, or use. To do that with less stress, you’ll need containers. They can be boxes, of course, but plastic bins and strong bags also work.

If you have a lot of stuff to store, boxes or plastic bins are best for one reason: they can easily be stacked.

3. Before You Decorate, Un-Decorate

Holiday decorating, for many folks, is one of the most fun and joyful events of the year. Before you start, though, it’s best to take down the decor that’s already there, especially inside your home. That can include things like:

• Pictures and paintings
• Fake plants
• Items on a fireplace mantel
• Throw pillows
• Decorative plates and sconces
• Banners
• Hanging items

4. Prepare a Space for Your Guests

Like you, any guests staying at your place over the holidays will need their space. It doesn’t have to be expansive, but should be at least sufficient. 

A guestroom is best, of course, but not all of us have that luxury. A space in the living room or den works, especially if you have a hide-a-bed. A few things you should have on hand include:

• Fresh sheets
• Bath and hand towels
• Hand soap
• A small table or desk
• A lamp

By the way, if kids are coming, you can always declutter a large closet for them to use. That way they’ll have some space, too, and a place to have some holiday fun!

5. Be Sure to Have Enough Chairs

The last thing you want during a holiday gathering is that some guests have to stand, especially when eating. That’s why making sure you have enough chairs is important. 

These can be regular kitchen chairs, folding chairs, or even bean-bag chairs for the kids. Placing extra chairs in the living room and den is also a good idea. That way, when the after-dinner sleepiness starts, everyone has a place to relax and loosen their belts.

6. Declutter Your Fridge and Freezer Ahead of Time

One last thing about the holidays you need to prepare for is all that food! If you’re like most families, several members will bring their “special” holiday dishes to your gathering. 

Knowing this, it’s best to declutter your fridge and freezer before your guests start arriving. That almost-empty ketchup bottle? Toss it. Leftovers from the last month? In the garbage or the compost pile.

The more space you have before the festivities begin, the better. You’ll find items faster, have room for large serving dishes, and have better access to all those delicious leftovers!

Use NSA Storage for Your Holiday Prep

No matter which holidays you celebrate, having an organized and decluttered home before they begin is extremely helpful. The tips on our list today should help you prepare your home like a pro.

If you find you don’t have enough storage space, a storage unit from NSA Storage can help. Clean, secure, and convenient, we offer storage units in a wide variety of sizes for every need.

Reserve a storage unit online today to start decluttering your home right away. Until then, all of us at NSA Storage wish you the happiest of holidays!

The post Top 9 Tips for Decluttering Your Home Before the Holidays appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Moving into your first apartment is one of life’s biggest milestones. It marks the moment you start living on your own terms, an exciting and empowering time indeed! It can also be just a bit overwhelming, whether this is your 1st, 2nd, or 10th time. Besides physically hauling stuff, there’s planning, packing, and a laundry list as long as your arm of other things to do.

To help make your big move as stress-free as possible, NSA Storage put together this quick, handy guide. It’s got seven must-know tips for moving into your first apartment that will make it feel like home faster.

Tip 1: Get Fully Prepared for the Move

Nothing beats good preparation, especially when it comes to moving into your first apartment. There’s a lot of different tasks to get done, and some need to be set in motion well before moving day. For example:

• Setting up new utilities, including gas, electric, water, internet, and garbage.
• Changing your address with your bank, credit cards, online accounts, drivers license, etc.
• Renting a moving truck. Depending on when you plan to move, you should reserve a truck at least 2 weeks in advance. 
• Getting packing supplies, including boxes, tape, packing paper, indelible ink markers, a razor knife, and bubble wrap. 
• Sell, toss, donate, or give things away that you don’t need, want, or use. This will save you money and storage space in your new place!

Tip 2: Use Boxes Made for Moving

Unless you’re moving very little stuff you’ll need to pack most of it in boxes. When you do, experts recommend using moving boxes. The reasons for this include the following:

• Moving boxes are made to stack, even if they’re different sizes.
• Dish pack boxes, mirror boxes, and wardrobe boxes make it much easier to move fragile items, mirrors & pictures, and clothing, respectively.
• New moving boxes will be strong, and durable. When packed well, they provide long-term protection.

Tip 3: Put Together a Box of First-Day Essentials

After you’ve moved all your stuff into your first apartment you’re going to be exhausted. The last thing you want is to have to search high and low for essentials like toothpaste, soap, bed sheets, or a frying pan.

Instead, put together a box filled with those essentials ahead of time. That way, when you need them on moving day, you’ll find them all in one convenient place. Here’s a list of what you should include:

• A change of clothes
• Frying pan
• Spatula
• Set of silverware 
• Bowl and plate
• Durable plastic cup
• Salt and pepper packets
• Dish soap
• Scrunge
• Bed sheets 
• Bar soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Bathroom hygiene items (Toothpaste, Q-tips, floss, etc.)
• A shower curtain (Most apartments don’t provide them.)
• Snacks like fruit and cheese. 
• A large, filled water bottle

Tip 4: Organize the Kitchen First

Moving involves a lot of physical exercise, which means you’re going to get hungry and thirsty as you go. For that reason, the kitchen should be the first room you organize when you move into your first apartment. 

Why? Because once the kitchen’s done, you’ll be able to, for example, make a meal, eat a snack, or enjoy a cold beverage. That will make unpacking, organizing and decorating the rest of your new apartment a lot more enjoyable.

Tip 5: Look for Second-Hand Furniture on Facebook Marketplace

Having your own apartment means you’ll need at least some furniture. If your budget is tight, consider looking for furniture on Facebook Marketplace (FBM). FBM is local, you can find practically everything, and there are no fees. If you don’t mind buying 2nd-hand, it’s a treasure trove!

Tip 6: Shop for Kitchen Essentials, Decor, and More at Goodwill

Just like furniture, there are 2nd-hand resources where you’ll find everything you need to live comfortably in your first apartment. One of the best is Goodwill, where glasses, pans, plates, cutting boards, toasters, and more are all much cheaper than buying new.

Tip 7: Don’t Feel the Need to Fill Your New Apartment Right Away

This last tip is simple: take your time turning your apartment into your new home. The thing is, many first-time renters feel the need to make their apartment “perfect” right away, and that’s OK. 

Taking your time to find furniture and decor that reflects your unique tastes and wants, however, can often lead to more satisfying results. Plus, you’ll no doubt have interesting stories about some of your purchases, which can be great conversation starters!

Bonus Tip: Share a Storage Unit with Roommates or Friends

Every year thousands of young adults rent their first apartment. If that includes some of your roommates and friends, sharing a storage unit with them can offer several benefits:

1. You can take your time unpacking and decorating while your things are safe in storage
2. You can store seasonal items, sports equipment, and more, to save space in your new apartment.
3. If you haven’t found one yet, you’ll have more time to search for the perfect apartment.
4. You get to share the cost of the storage unit among several people.

Get an NSA Storage Unit for Your Move

Your first apartment is a special place where memories will be made and your new life will revolve. We hope the tips and advice provided today will make the transition into your new living space easier, more enjoyable, and less stressful.

At NSA Storage, we help first-time renters across the country to ease into their new apartment and lifestyle. You can reserve one of our clean, safe, and secure storage units online, and find it ready when you arrive!

The post 7 Must-Know Tips for Moving Into Your First Apartment appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

For many families, the end of summer means one thing: a new school year is starting. With that school year comes a lot of new school supplies, from books and backpacks to new clothes and more.

Of course, all the stuff from summer is still strewn all over your house. That can be a problem, as many families struggle with storage space. Your best bet? A “seasonal swap” to store that summer stuff and make room for the new supplies!

If you like the idea of a seasonal swap but aren’t sure where to start, the information below is perfect! Brought to you by the storage experts at NSA Storage, it’s packed with space-saving tips and hacks! Read on to make your seasonal swap, and new school year, a success!

What is a Seasonal Swap?

A seasonal swap is when you swap out all your summer stuff for fall and winter stuff! First, you pack up and store summer things like swimsuits, goggles, pool toys, and summer games. When you’re done, you’ll have space to store the books, school supplies, musical instruments, uniforms, and other school stuff. 

In short, a seasonal swap frees up room to store school supplies well, so you don’t end up with a big, messy, frustrating pile. More importantly, it will make the school year easier on everyone in the family, especially your kids!

Decluttering to Make Space

The first step in a successful season swap is to declutter. This will help you organize, store, donate, and possibly throw away summer items. This, of course, is what also helps free up space for the new school supplies to come. Here’s how:

First, Create Three Piles for Your Summer Stuff:

1. Items to KEEP– These will be stored until next year.
2. Items to DONATE– Items you no longer use or want, but are still in good enough condition to give to Goodwill.
3. Items to TOSS– Broken, damaged, and otherwise useless stuff that can be tossed.

Next, Pack The KEEP Items

• Pack pool toys, games, and floats in large boxes
• Hang goggles, fins and snorkels in mesh bags
• Store summer clothes and swimsuits in plastic bins
• Hang bikes, skateboards, and other gear from garage rafters

Be sure to label everything well so it’s easy to find next summer

Create Spaces Geared Towards Student Success

Now that you’ve decluttered and made space, it’s time to put that space to good use. The goal is to turn it into a space geared towards your child’s success at school. Here are a few tips and hacks to do just that:

• Create a Drop Zone

Drop zones are zones where things can be quickly dropped or hung when arriving home. They include jackets, backpacks, books, etc. Pick a spot close to the main door your kids use when coming and going. That way, the same spot can be used to grab everything as your kids leave for school every morning.

• Make a Supply Station

Students need certain school supplies and tools more than others. Make sure you have them ready with a supply station. This can be a small table, extra cabinet, or rolling cart. Fill it with things like pencils, paper, glue sticks, rubber bands, pens, etc.

• Set Up a Homework Zone

Like a drop zone, a homework zone is where homework is worked on, reviewed, and finished. It can also be left here to be taken in the morning. The zone should be quiet and apart from busy areas to reduce distractions. Good lighting and a comfy chair are also a must.

Tips for a Successful Seasonal Swap

1. Make the Swap a Family Affair

Taking ownership is when anyone, including a child, does something on their own. When they do, it makes it easier to use, enjoy, and appreciate that thing. 

Letting your kids help, for example, set up drop and homework zones, shop for supplies, etc., will give them ownership. It’s a great way to teach them responsibility and instill a sense of pride in what they do for school.

2. Have Boxes, Bins, Tape, and Markers Ready

Organizing before the swap and after means having containers, including boxes, plastic bins, or something else. Tape for the boxes and markers to label everything well are also important to have on hand. They will make your seasonal swap easier and more successful.

3. Create a Central Donation Pile

If you have several kids and a lot to donate, make a central pile somewhere convenient in your home. A big box or heavy-duty garbage bag you can fill are good choices. Then, when anyone has something to donate, they can toss it onto the pile.

Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

Not all homes will have an abundance of storage space, but that’s OK. With a little effort and creativity, you can make room for school supplies even in the smallest of spaces. Here’s how:

• Use low-profile plastic containers with wheels to roll under beds.
• Over-the-door organizers are great for school supplies. (You can even repurpose a shoe organizer!)
• Use stackable plastic bins. That way, you can stack them and use less floor space to store supplies.
• Use a pegboard with hooks and baskets. Your kid(s) can then store their everyday school items off of their desk to have more space to do homework.
• Hang shelves, baskets, and hooks to store and hang stuff like backpacks, supplies, and projects.

NSA Storage Can Help With Your Seasonal Swap

The transition from summer to school is a tough one for everyone. We hope the information provided today will help you and your family ease into the school year without any major issues.

Renting a storage unit for the school year is something many families do these days. When you do, you’ll have a lot of extra space to store your summer stuff. NSA Storage has storage units of all sizes that are safe, clean, and secure. Stay organized this fall with the help of NSA Storage!

The post Seasonal Swap: Making Room in Your Home for School Supplies appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Why is Back-to-School Organization Important?

The thing about organizing for back-to-school is that it reduces stress for everyone in your family. For your kids, being organized means fewer days being tardy, homework being done on-time, and better overall grades.

For parents, being organized can save you time and energy, reduce sibling rivalries, and ensure your kids do well in school. You’ll spend less time searching frantically for school forms, clothing, backpacks, snacks, books, and all that other school stuff. 

In other words, when you’re organized for back-to-school, you won’t find yourself running around like a silly goose every school day! 

1. Start a Before Bed Preparation Routine

Organization experts agree that preparation is the key to making school mornings less stressful. To do that, one great idea is to start a before bed preparation routine for your kids. For example;

• Have your kids set out the clothes they will wear the night before
• Let the kids pick their snacks 
• Check homework to make sure it’s done and ready
• Have backpacks and water bottles filled and ready to go
• Check and fill-in any important school forms

The better prepared you are before the school day starts, the easier your mornings will be!

2. Use Checklists

Checklists are a parent’s best friend. They help your kids stay on track and help you to know that everything that needs to be done is done. Below is a basic checklist you can copy.

Morning Checklist

• Get out of bed on time
• Shower and brush teeth
• Grab any homework or school forms due that day
• Pack backpacks with books, lunch, and snacks
• Eat a healthy breakfast

3. Set Up a Family Command Center

The larger your family, the more important a “command center” becomes. This is a spot in your home where you can keep track of everything related to school. Using a large whiteboard or pinboard you can;

• Post school start times, and bus pick-up times
• Keep track of after-school activities and sports
• List upcoming special school events and dates
• Have a spot to place finished homework for checking
• List chores that each child needs to handle
• Have a count-down calendar until the next school break

4. Carve Out a Homework Zone in Your Home 

Let’s be honest; most kids don’t like homework. That said, homework is an important part of school. It will help your child do well, get better grades, improve their intelligence, and accomplish more in life.

To help, setting up a “homework zone” can be very helpful. It doesn’t have to be fancy or, frankly, cost you anything, but should;

• Be in a well-lighted area
• Be quiet and away from distractions
• Be stocked with basic school supplies like paper, pencils, scissors, glue, etc.
• Have good access to wi-fi.

Also, let your kids help you set up the homework zone because ownership empowers children. If they set it up, your kids are more likely to use the H-zone rather than avoid it.

5. Put Together a School Supply Station

Once you’ve purchased all of the supplies your kids will need for school, your next task is to set up a supply station. That way, when someone needs something, they don’t have to search, stress, or interrupt your busy day to find it. Your supply station should be stocked with:

• Pencils, pens, crayons, markers, and colored pencils
• Paper
• Glue sticks
• Scissors
• Scotch Tape
• Folders and notebooks
• Stapler or paper clips

6. Have a Designated “Drop Zone” for Backpacks and Finished Homework

Like the supply station, having a drop zone for backpacks and homework is a stress-buster. Again, it doesn’t need to be fancy, but should include:

• Plenty of hooks to hang everyone’s backpack
• A tray or other storage device for homework, permission slips, and other forms
• A rack for shoes and boots

Your drop zone should be near an entrance that everyone uses. That way, as soon as they get home, your kids can drop everything but still stay organized. 

7. Prepare Lunches and Snacks Ahead of Time

Unless your kids get all their food from school, this tip is a no-brainer! By preparing their lunch and snacks the night before, you save yourself a lot of time in the morning.

That’s time you can use to help your kids get dressed, practice for a test, or eat a good breakfast! Here are a few food prep tips to help:

• Have plenty of low-cost plastic food containers on-hand
• Pre-portion snacks like apple slices, grapes, crackers, etc.
• Prep several things and let your kids choose what they want.
• Prepare sandwiches and other time-consuming lunch items the night before.

NSA Storage Can Help You Stay Organized

Going back to school is a rite of passage for kids and their parents every year. We hope the seven back-to-school organization tips provided today will make it easier on everyone, and less of a chore. If you need more storage space this school year for sports equipment, school supplies, holiday decorations, etc., NSA Storage can help! Our clean, safe, and secure storage units come in a wide variety of sizes to suit every need.

You can reserve a storage unit online or visit your local NSA Storage center to get your storage unit today. Until then, best of luck helping your child thrive this school year!

The post 7 Time-Saving Back-to-School Organization Tips for Busy Parents appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

There’s no denying that a road trip can be one of the most memorable adventures you can enjoy during summer. Road trips are a fantastic way to see the United States while making life-long bonds with your family and friends. Before you hit the road, though, it pays to take the time and effort to pack your car correctly. Packing correctly will add to your fun and, more importantly, reduce everyone’s stress level. 

To help you pack your car for maximum fun, NSA Storage put together this handy guide! Read on to pack like a pro for your next road trip and enjoy it to the fullest!

Why Packing Your Car Right is Important

Not convinced that packing your vehicle correctly is important? Well ,if you’re travelling a long distance with several people, and especially if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to stay organized so that things like electronics and snacks are easy to find during the trip. That way, everyone stays happy and entertained. It also minimizing the chances of forgetting something at home if you pay close attention to what you’re packing and where. Plus, you’ll be able to maximize the space in your vehicle and bring everything you might need for vacation fun!

How to Pack Your Car: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Make a Packing Plan

As with most activities, making a plan before you start is an excellent idea. When packing your car for a summer road trip be sure to:

• Make a checklist of everything you’ll need. (See below!)
• Separate daily use items from things you won’t need until you arrive at your final destination.
• Group your things into categories like snacks, toys, electronics, clothes, etc.
• Re-check your checklist before leaving!

2. Skip the Suitcases

Suitcases are great when you’re traveling by plane, boat, or bus. For a road trip by car, however, they can be bulky and often don’t always fit well into your vehicle. Instead, use:

• Duffel bags for clothes. You can often squeeze these into tight spaces.
• Soft-sided coolers rather than hard-sided. Like duffel bags, you can squeeze these into tighter spaces more easily.
• Clear plastic bins for things like first aid, snacks and small toys.
• An over-the-seat organizer for items you use the most

Unlike most suitcases, the containers above can be squashed or smooshed into place and help you maximize your space!

3. Load the Heaviest Items First

If you do take large suitcases or a large cooler filled with food, be sure to load them into your vehicle first. They should be towards the bottom and center of your car, to keep it more stable while driving. Also;

• Don’t place heavy items on top of lighter, more fragile items.
• Try to keep your car balanced on both sides.
• Never block windows or mirrors with anything.

4. Make Essential Items Easier to Grab

Having to dig through a bag or bin to find something can be stressful, especially for smaller kids. Instead, keep the following items towards the top or somewhere more accessible, including:

• Phone chargers
• Baby wipes or paper towels
• Water bottles
• Snacks
• A first aid kit
• Travel games

5. Use All Your Car’s Space

Packing your car for maximum fun on your road trip means maximizing all of your vehicle’s space. Here are a few examples of efficient car packing:

• Use the footwells below seats for snacks, activity bags, shoes, etc.
• Fill empty spaces wherever possible with soft items like jackets, pillows, and blankets.
• As mentioned earlier, use over-the-seat organizers
• If necessary, purchase a cargo box to attach to your car’s roof. These are great for things you’ll need when you arrive at your destination.

6. Involve the Entire Family

Since it’s summer, the kids will be on vacation, so be sure to get them involved in packing your car. One excellent way to do this is to give each child their own backpack and have them fill it with:

• Their favorite stuffed animal or toy
• A pillow
• Headphones
• Coloring books
• Travel games
• Their favorite snacks

7. Pack Your Car for Safety

Just like any other car ride, safety should come first when packing for your road trip. Below are a few tips to help you and your family stay safe on the road:

• Don’t stack anything above the back seat. This will keep the driver’s view clear.
• Secure anything loose with bungee cords or cargo nets.
• Keep emergency items in easy to reach places including a flashlight, first aid kit, jumper cables, etc.
• Don’t bury safety gear under other stuff.

8. Have Fun Packing!

Let’s be honest; packing a car isn’t exactly the most fun activity. However, if you get the family involved it can be a little more fun (or at least less boring). Here’s how:

• Create a “packing playlist” of your favorite music
• Have a race to see who can pack their bag the fastest.
• Depending on the bags you use, let your children decorate them using magic markers, stickers, or crayons.
• Give each of your children their own, designated space in the car to use. 

Road Trip Checklist

As promised, here’s a comprehensive checklist to use when packing your car:

• Chargers for all of your devices
• Snack and drinks
• A first aid kit
• Any necessary medication
• Blankets and pillows
• Bug spray
• Sunblock
• A roadside emergency kit
• Trash bags
• Toys and games
• Entertainment devices like tablets
• Summer shoes and clothing for your final destination

Store Your Gear with NSA Storage After the Trip

The most successful road trips, as we’ve seen, begin with packing your car correctly. If you do it right your road trip will be more fun, less stressful, safer, and infinitely more enjoyable. We hope the guide above empowers you to do exactly that!

If you need to store your stuff after your trip, NSA Storage can help. Our clean, safe, and secure storage units are located in many cities and towns across the United States. You can rent a storage unit from NSA Storage as long, or as short, as you like. Until next time, have a wonderful, memory-making time on your next road trip, and be sure to send a postcard!

The post Road Trip Ready: How To Pack Your Car for Maximum Fun appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Summer is a time for pool parties, barbecues, and spending time with loved ones. Before the activities get underway, however, prepping your outdoor space is a must. You don’t want to entertain friends and family in a space that’s cluttered or dirty.

Whether you have a small patio, a poolside lounge, or a comfy firepit hangout, the following prepping tips can help get your space ready for entertaining! They’re brought to you by NSA Storage, the storage specialists. Start your summer off on a high note with these easy tips.

Why Prep Your Outdoor Space for Summer?

Preparation is the key to success for many tasks, especially prepping your outdoor space for summer fun and good times. Below are a few of the best reasons to prep your yard, pool, patio and any outdoor space you plan to enjoy:

• A prepared, organized outdoor space will help you and your family stay safe during summer activities, especially if you own a pool
• Prepping will help you keep pests, especially mosquitoes and flies, under control.
• Your outdoor furniture and other gear will last longer if you prep them well.
• A fully prepped outdoor space is more fun and relaxing for you, your family, and your guests.

Which Tools Do You Need to Prep Your Summer Space?

Prepping your summer space means having the right tools and equipment. Some of the most important include:

• An outdoor vacuum or a heavy-duty broom
• A power washer for hard surfaces
• A lawn mower and other lawn care tools
• Outdoor storage bins for storing games, toys, etc.
• Heavy duty trash or waste bags
• Help from the family (optional)

Outdoor Space Cleaning Tips

Cleaning and organizing your outdoor spaces is similar to indoors with a few small differences. Here are a few outdoor cleaning tips to get you started:

1. Clean All Hard Surfaces

It’s important to clean all hard surfaces including walkways, pathways, patios, etc. This is especially true around a pool so that there’s no obstructions or slippery areas.

2. Wash All Pieces of Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture can get a bit dirty and grimy while stored for the winter. Wipe down everything including chairs, tables and cushions using mild soap and warm water. Once done, let everything dry completely in the sun. Also, check any furniture for damage or rusty areas that should be fixed or painted.

3. Check Locks and Security Devices around Pools

Check any locks and security devices that keep children away from your pool when adults aren’t around. 

4. Clean the Glass on any Sliding Doors

A beautiful outdoor space can be ruined by a sliding door that’s stained, dirty, or nasty. Cleaning the glass will instantly improve your outdoor area’s overall look and feel.

Summer Essentials to Make Your Outdoor Space Shine

Cleaning is a big part of prepping your outdoor space but not the only part. Once everything is sparkling, it’s time to add, update, or replace any functional items used in your space. That includes:

• Updating or Replacing the Lights– Whether you have string lights, solar lights, or lanterns, check to make sure they’re all working. Replace any bulbs or other parts that aren’t.
• Setting Up a Shaded Area– Some folks are more affected by the more intense summer sun than others. For them, a shaded area is a must. Setting one up with an umbrella, a canopy, or a pergola is a great idea and will keep those folks comfortable. Be sure to add some comfy furniture for relaxing.
• Prepping Your Pool– If you have a pool, be sure to check the filter, test the water, and skim its surface for debris.
• Setting Up a Fun Zone for the Kids– If you have small kids, sitting up a fun zone is a great idea. Stock it with outdoor toys, water blasters  and comfy kid furniture for naps.
• Prepping the BBQ Grill– A barbecue grill is essential for summertime fun. To prep yours, check the propane tank to make sure it has enough for the day. Also, be sure to grab your barbecue grilling tools including tongs, meat thermometers, brushes, spatulas, etc.

Outdoor Space Maintenance Tips

Although summer does tend to fly by, it’s important to keep your outdoor space maintained well the entire time. To do that, follow these tips:

• Sweep or clean hard surfaces weekly.
• Store outdoor cushions in a dry place when they’re not being used.
• Cover your barbecue grill and outdoor furniture with weatherproof covers.
• Check your pool filter regularly.
• Water your plants and remove any dead stalks and leaves.
• Have kids gather their outdoor toys and place them in a storage bin. 

Swapping Winter Stuff for Summer Stuff

If you already rent and use a storage unit, now is the time to swap your winter stuff for your summer stuff. Here are some of the things that you should pull out for the summer season:

• Your barbecue grill and grilling accessories
• Toys and pool maintenance supplies
• Garden tools
• Outdoor lawn games and toys
• Folding tables and chairs, including cushions
• Umbrellas and canopies

While you’re taking out your summer stuff, be sure to swap it for winter items. That includes things like winter sports gear, space heaters, winter clothing, etc.

NSA Storage is Your Storage Solution for Summer

There’s no denying that, for many Americans, summer is the best time to enjoy the great outdoors. By taking time to prepare your outdoor space, you’ll be ready to enjoy the fleeting summer months to the fullest!

At NSA Storage, we help people prep for summer (and winter) every day. Our clean, safe, and secure self storage units can be used to store all your stuff. That includes items for summer, winter and any other time of year! Reserve a storage unit online or visit an NSA Storage facility near you to store your summer or winter items. Until then, have a fantastic summer in your prepped and pristine outdoor space! 

The post Quick Tips to Prep Your Outdoor Space for Summer  appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

If you have a garage or own an outdoor shed, you know that, when summer starts, they become a dumping ground. Lawn tools, outdoor furniture, and pool toys are just a few of the things tossed into garages and sheds. A cluttered garage or shed not only makes it more difficult to find what you need, but it can also be dangerous. Sharp tool and heavy items can pose a danger if not stored properly.

No one wants to spend time searching for their pool toys instead of enjoying the day! Organizing your garage or outdoor shed at the beginning of summer can help maximize your summer fun and family time. To help you do that, NSA Storage gathered these nine summer organization tips for garages and outdoor sheds.

Supplies Needed for Organizing Garages and Outdoor Sheds

Before starting your organization project, it’s best to gather all of the tools and supplies you’ll need. Those include the following:

• Clear, plastic storage bins. 
• Pegboard(s)
• Wall and Ceiling hooks
• Tool organizers
• Bungee cords
• A label maker and labels
• An indelible ink marker (If you don’t have a label maker.)
• Cleaning supplies (broom, mop, scrub brush, etc.)

Step-By-Step Guide for Organizing Your Garage or Shed

1. Clean Everything Out

Professional home organizers will tell you that, when organizing any space, it’s best to start with a blank slate. That holds for garages and outdoor sheds, also, which makes cleaning everything out first a must. For example:

• Take everything out and put it in the yard or driveway
• Toss anything that’s broken or never being used
• Give away or donate things that you don’t want anymore but still work
• Sweep and mop all of the floors
• Dust or vacuum the entire space

2. Sort Things by Season or Usage

Organizing everything in your shed or garage into groups is a great way to get organized and stay organized. You can sort them by season, for example, or by how frequently they’re used. A few other groups you can use include:

• Gardening tools and garden supplies
• Sports equipment and outdoor summer games
• Things for the pool or beach
• Holiday decorations
• Car maintenance tools, equipment, and supplies

Once you start putting things back, you can use these groups to get organized and stay organized. Put things like winter sports equipment and holiday decorations towards the back of your shed or garage. That will leave space towards the front for summer items you’ll be using more frequently as the season goes on.

3. Make a “Grab and Go” Zone for Items Used Often

No matter how you spend your summer, there will be certain items you use more than others. For those, creating a “grab and go” zone is a great idea. That will give you quick access to things like:

• Beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas
• Yard games and toys
• Pool floats and chairs
• Bug sprays and sunblock
• Gardening and lawn care tools and supplies

You can set up your “grab and go” zone using baskets, hanging organizers or shelving units. Wall hooks and pegboard can also be handy to use in these zones. If you have smaller kids, make a zone close to their height with items they use during summer (and store items they shouldn’t touch higher up).

4. Use Vertical Space Wisely

Very few homeowners use the vertical space in their garages and outdoor sheds as well as they could. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your vertical space:

• If you have exposed studs, install shelves as high up as you can reach.
• Hang pegboards as high as you can and then hang things you don’t use frequently higher up. Things you use more frequently can be hung lower.
• Use large hooks to hang things like extension cords, bicycles, and hoses.

5. Consider Buying a Specialized Storage System

Organizing garden tools and some other items can be difficult because of their design or size. For those, a custom storage rack that you buy or build yourself makes sense. For example:

• A specialized rack to hold garden tools like rakes, shovels, hose, etc.
• Mesh bags to hang pool and other toys
• A large toolbox or a workbench with plenty of built-in drawers
• Pegboards and hooks

6. Use the Ceiling for Hanging Items

Just like vertical space, don’t forget to use the ceiling in your outdoor shed or garage. This is especially true if you have exposed beams, which makes it really easy to install hooks and other storage systems. Then you can hang:

• Racks for storage bins
• Hooks for bikes, outdoor cushions, large pool toys, etc.
• Use plywood to make a “floor” above the rafters for even more storage space

7. Store Things in Clear Plastic Bins

Clear plastic storage bins are easy to use, easy to stack, and let you see what’s inside! There’s nothing better for storing things you need regularly during summertime. If you have a label maker, be sure to label all of your plastic bins well. Or you can use masking tape and write labels in marker. That way, you can tell what’s inside with a quick glance. This storage solution will also help you to easily stay organized, an extra bonus!

For even easier access, a metal shelving rack can be used with large plastic bins. That way, you can grab one bin rather than having to stack and unstack all of them every time you need something.

8. Set an Organizing and Cleaning Schedule

For most of us, summer is a blur of hustle and bustle. For that reason, setting a cleaning and organizing schedule simply makes sense. To help, you can use whatever app or device you need to remind you, including:

• Todoist 
• Google Calendar 
• Apple Reminders
• Routine

Professional organizers all agree that it’s easier to stay organized if you stay on schedule. You’ll also lower your stress levels and make summer more enjoyable for the entire family.

9. Get the Family Involved

Get everyone involved in your summer organization project. After all, summer items are for everyone! If you organize together, everyone will know where their stuff is and be able to grab it easily. It’s a great way to spend less time looking for things and more time having summer fun.

Store Extra Items with NSA Storage

Summer is a time of fun, sun, and excitement. It’s also a time when you need certain tools, toys, and games to enjoy yourself. The tips provided today will help you have a stress-free summer, or at least lower your stress levels a little bit.

To lower that stress even more, many folks rent a storage unit in summer to store their stuff. For example, you can store all your winter gear during summer, and all your summer gear once the season ends. You can rent a storage unit online today and start storing things right away to make your summer more enjoyable!

The post Summer Organization Tips for Garages and Outdoor Sheds appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Spring cleaning marks the change from the doldrums of winter to the sunny days of springtime. It’s also a fantastic way to tidy up after a long winter. Besides the obvious benefits a clean, organized home delivers, there are a few more you might not have considered. For example, researchers have found that living in a tidy home reduces stress levels, boosts productivity, and can even improve your overall mental health!

If those sound beneficial to you, keep reading. It’s all about the benefits of having a tidy space and a stress-free spring. Plus, there are tips, hacks, and great advice on how to get tidy and stay tidy. Read on to discover more and have a spring to remember!

Why Does Mess Lead to Stress?

Several studies over the years have shown that having a messy living space causes more stress. For some, a disorganized or untidy home can cause feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious and unhappy. The reason why messes cause stress include:

• It’s more difficult to find things you need when your living space is cluttered and messy.
• A mess in the bedroom or office can trick your mind into feeling “busy” or “noisy” and prevent you from concentrating.
• Living in a cluttered space reminds you that you have many unfinished tasks you need to take care of.
• A disorganized home can cause stress and tension between family members and roommates.

How Can Cleaning Up Your Living Space Create Less Stress?

The thing about a cluttered, unorganized living space is that it overwhelms your senses. For many people, the clutter is so much that they can’t relax completely, with visual distractions everywhere they look.

Having a tidy home reduces these visual distractions, helping you feel more relaxed and at ease. It also helps you to concentrate on more important things, like work, communicating with loved ones, and enjoying life. Below are some of the key benefits of keeping a tidy home:

• Lower cortisol levels. Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone” is lowered when you live in a tidy home. Less cortisol means lower stress levels.
• Improved focus and concentration on other tasks. This can be especially helpful if you work from home.
• An improved and enhanced mood. Researchers have found that a clean living space promotes healthy, positive emotions.
• Better sleep. It’s been found that sleeping in a tidy bedroom helps you sleep better and get more REM sleep.
• Less Anxiety. Studies have found that a clean space can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety levels.

Cleaning Up Offers Mental and Physical Health Perks

Cleaning is one of those chores that most of us don’t enjoy and thus avoid. However, it’s been shown that there are certain mental health perks that come from cleaning. Even more, it can be a form of simple exercise that helps you to feel calm afterwards. For example, cleaning your home or living space can:

• Give your mind a quick boost
• Help you feel more relaxed and calm
• Reduce feelings of stress or sadness
• Keep you active as you get older
• Give you a sense of satisfaction and success

Top Tips for Keeping a Tidy Home 

Depending on the size of your home and the chaos in your life, maintaining a tidy home might seem overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be though! Here are a few simple strategies for keeping a tidy home in springtime and all year round:

• Declutter and tidy up your living space regularly. Tidy up a little every day. This is especially true if you have little ones running around creating paths of destruction all the time.
• Dedicate 15 Minutes a Day to Tidying Chores. Use a timer during your daily tidy-up session and set it to 15-20 minutes. You might be surprised how much straightening you can get done in that short amount of time.
• Turn Tidying-Up Into a Routine. We all have routines for when we wake up, work-out, sleep, etc. Turn tidying up into one of your routines and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to keep your place looking great!
• Use various storage solutions. Bins, shelves, racks, and other storage devices can help you keep your place ship-shape.
• Follow the “Buy Something, Toss Something” Rule. This rule states that, every time you buy something new, you get rid of something old. Whether giving it away, selling it, or tossing it, this rule will help you keep clutter from building up again.
• Rotate Your Seasonal Gear. There’s no need to have, for example, winter gloves and hats around in spring and summer. By rotating seasonal gear and other items, you’ll keep your most important living spaces less cluttered.

How A Tidy Home Can Save You Time and Energy

Besides the mental health benefits, living in a tidy home also saves you time and energy. You’ll suffer less down-time, have less frustration, and get daily tasks done more quickly. Here are a few of the time-saving benefits of a tidying your home in the spring:

• It will be easier to find items you need quickly.
• You’ll be able to clean and straighten your living space faster.
• You’ll keep better track of important items like keys, documents, etc.
• You’ll create efficient routines that save you even more time and energy.
• In the morning you’ll get out the door faster with less hassle and frustration.
• Cooking tasks are easier in a tidy, organized kitchen.
• You’ll spend less money replacing something that got “lost” in your home somewhere.

Use Self-Storage to Help Your Spring Tidying

We think you’ll agree, tidying up in springtime is a must. Clean away the winter blues and improve your health while you’re at it!

If you need more storage space but your home is already bursting at the seams, NSA Storage can help. We feature clean, safe, and secure storage units across the United States. From a single room to an entire home, you can store practically anything in a self storage unit from NSA. That includes seasonal items, winter gear, summer sports equipment, clothing, and furniture. Rent a storage unit today to make your spring tidying chores easier and make your home more open and livable!

The post Stress-Free Spring: The Benefits of Cleaning Up appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

How to Organize a Kitchen

The kitchen is sometimes called the heart of a home. Parents and children alike are in and out throughout the day, grabbing snacks or cooking meals. This can lead to a mess come bedtime, one that you might be too tired to deal with. But just because your sink is full of dishes doesn’t mean your countertops have to be a disaster. Use these easy kitchen organization tips and make life a little easier

Kitchen Organization Tip #1: Sort Your Pantry Items

It’s tempting to just throw your dry goods wherever they fit, but this leads to an unoptimized pantry and confusion at mealtime. Try sorting your food items by what they’re used for and how often they’re used. Baking staples like flour and sugar should be grouped together and put on a higher shelf (unless you use them often).

Everyday items like your family’s favorite snacks should be lower for easy access. Pasta and rice can have their own section, and so on. This strategy is custom to your family and what you need from the pantry most often.

Kitchen Organization Tip #2: Sort Your Dishes

A similar principle can be used to organize your dishware. The things you use every day, such as plates, bowls, and drinking glasses, should be on the lower shelves. That large serving platter that you only use around the holidays can be stored on a higher shelf. The same goes for appliances: if you use your toaster every day, it’s okay for it to have a home on the counter. If not, consider storing it in a larger cabinet or even on top of your cabinets.

How to Organize a Nursery

It’s always a good idea to start planning your nursery organization strategy before your bundle of joy comes home for the first time. Ideally, you should work organization hacks into the building of the nursery. However, if baby’s already here and your nursery is a mess, it’s not too late. Here are some great tips for organizing a nursery at any stage in your parenting journey.

Nursery Organization Tip #1: Getting the Right Furniture

A baby’s room is usually pretty small, so you don’t want to waste space on lots of bulky furniture. Try to find pieces that fulfill multiple purposes; ideally, ones with storage built in. Cribs with slide-out drawers at the base are a great place to keep baby’s clothes, toys, or even extra bottles and diapers.

Dressers and changing tables can take up a lot of space. Luckily, some baby dressers have built-in changing pads on top, combining two pieces of furniture into one. You can store wipes and diapers in the top drawer to make changing quick and easy. Lower drawers can be used for clothes and blankets. We suggest separating stored items with dividers to keep drawers neat.

Nursery Organization Tip #2: Have Dedicated Spaces for Toys

If the nursery doubles as your baby’s play-space, it’s important to keep toys off of the ground and out-of-sight when it’s not time to use them. This will save you from stepping on sharp corners or tripping over stuffed animals, and it will help your baby develop a healthy routine. From a young age, children associate their toys with playing, which is an exciting time. If the toys are always visible, it may make bedtime more difficult. Toys should have a dedicated bin or drawer that keeps them out-of-sight unless Mom or Dad gets them out. Modeling clean-up and organization will also teach your child how to tidy a space as they get older.

How to Organize a Home Office

For people who work remotely, the home office is an important space. It needs to be stress-free so that you can focus and be productive. Studies show, however, that a cluttered workspace can increase stress levels and decrease quality of work, not to mention your overall mental health. Here are our best tips for organizing a home office so that you can work in mental peace.

Home Office Organization Tip #1: Choose Function Over Style

“Minimalism” is a trendy aesthetic, especially for home offices. While we agree with the notion of having less visible stuff, it’s difficult to realistically accomplish that when your furniture has no built-in storage. A sleek, modern desk with no drawers might look nice, but it’s not going to function how you need it. You’ll end up with a cluttered desktop and a stressful workspace.

Go for a desk with drawers and shelves where you can store writing utensils, printer supplies, and chargers within easy reach. If you find yourself stacking papers on your desktop, you might even consider a filing cabinet; it’s not trendy, but it is practical!

Home Office Organization Tip #2: Take Care of Your Cords

One of the biggest struggles for office organization is all of the cords and cables. Lamps, computers, and cellphones all need to be plugged in sometimes, but the cords laying around your home office are both ugly and dangerous. There are some cheap items you can buy that might help with this issue. Cable clips can be installed on the side of underside of your desk to lift cords off the floor and hold them in place. If you use a power strip, cable management boxes can hide them and keep cords from tangling when not in use. If you don’t want to buy new gadgets, you can also go the DIY route. Permanent cords—like a floor lamp cord—can be taped down against the baseboards so they’re hidden and out of the way.

How to Organize a Mudroom or Entryway

It goes by a lot of names: breezeway, foyer, mudroom. It’s the place that everyone has to walk through as they enter your home. That means that it’s the room most exposed to the outside elements. People bring dirt in on shoes and coats, especially if you have kids, and it often ends up here. Organizing your entryway can help keep it clean and stop the mess from getting to the rest of your home.

Mudroom Organization Tip #1: Have a Dedicated Space for Shoes

Shoes are the biggest problem in a mudroom. It’s important to have a clear space for them so that they don’t end up littering the floor. A shoe rack is a great way to dedicate a place for shoes and take advantage of vertical space. A rubber shoe mat can work too. We recommend investing in a couple of quality rubber mats for this area, especially if you live somewhere with a lot of rain or snow. Water coming off of shoes will leave stains on your floors, but mats can hold the moisture and are easy to shake off outside.

Mudroom Organization Tip #2: Store Cleaning Supplies in a Nearby Closet

If your mudroom has a coat closet, it’s a good idea to store some cleaning supplies in it as well. A broom and a mop are a good place to start. Like we said, mudrooms are some of the dirtiest places in houses. When your kids come in from playing outside, you’ll be more likely to clean up after them if the cleaning supplies are close by. You can easily sweep up dirt and leaves and toss them right in the trash—or even back out the front door.

How to Organize a Bathroom

The bathroom is one of those rooms where you need a lot of things to be readily accessible: toilet paper, first-aid, hygiene products, etc. At the same time, you don’t want your personal items on display on the counter, especially if you have company. Proper bathroom organization gives you easy access to the things you need while hiding the things you don’t want others to see or touch.

Bathroom Organization Tip #1: Install Hooks and Caddies

Although every shower is different, there is a storage solution for every type. If you have the right shower head, you can get a shower caddy that hangs from it to hold your hair products and soap. Another option is a tension rod storage system, with shelves to hold everything you might need. This gets those pesky bottles off the bathtub ledge.

Towels can be hung on a towel rod, but if you’re not savvy enough to install one, you can get hooks that go over the bathroom door—no drill or hammer necessary. For extra towels, emergency toilet paper, and air freshening products, a slim bathroom storage cart can roll right in next to the toilet.

Bathroom Organization Tip #2: Save Under-Counter Space for Personal Items

Most modern vanities have some amount of under-counter storage, even if it’s just one cabinet. It may be tempting to store things like towels here, but this space should be saved for things that you don’t necessarily want other people to see: Personal hygiene products, medicines, and cleaning products. This is also important if you’re ever going to have children or pets in the house. Items that could be dangerous to them should be kept out of sight.

How to Organize a Garage

Garages fulfill many roles when it comes to storage. Tools, sporting equipment, and yard decorations often end up in garages alongside your vehicles. Because visitors rarely see the space, there’s less incentive to keep it tidy, but organizing your garage can make it much easier to find items when you need them.

Garage Organization Tip #1: Take Advantage of Vertical Space

The biggest culprit of clutter in garages is storing items on the floor. The floor space should be reserved for vehicles and workspaces. Try to keep tools and stored items off the ground by creating functional vertical storage solutions. For example, a peg board with hooks is a cheap way to store your tools where you can easily access them.

Tall storage cabinets take up minimal floor space and create convenient storage for seasonal decoration, sports gear, and outdoor toys. If you have bikes, consider mounting bike racks on the walls or ceiling so that your bikes can be stored out of the way of your vehicles.

Garage Organization Tip #2: Label Your Bins or Use Clear Containers

There’s nothing worse than going through box after box trying to find an item you haven’t used in a year. An easy way to relieve some of that frustration is to make it clear what each storage container holds. You can do this by either labeling your bins (some masking tape and a marker will work) or using clear containers so that you can see what’s inside. We recommend doing both; that way, you have the best chance of keeping things organized and easy to find.

Self-Storage Can Help Keep Your Spaces Tidy

Sometimes, organization tips can only take you so far. If you have too much stuff for your space, don’t have a yard sale just yet! Instead, rent a storage unit from NSA Storage and free up some space in your home. Self-storage is great for storing seasonal items when they aren’t needed, like warm winter clothing or holiday decorations. You can access your items when you need them and rotate what you store through the seasons.

NSA Storage has storage facilities across the country, providing convenient extra space to individuals and families alike. Visit one of our storage facilities near you or give us a call to find the perfect storage solution for you.

The post Best Organization Tips for Every Room in Your Home appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.