Spring is a time of renewal, when the flowers bloom, the birds sing, and the weather turns warmer. Not surprisingly, it’s also a time when many folks refresh their homes, and that includes their decorations. Winter decor is stored while new ones are taken out of storage. If you’re into DIY projects and want to update your home’s look for spring, try some of these easy-to-make DIY spring decorations for you and your kids, brought to you by NSA Storage.

The Beauty of Crafting DIY Decorations for Spring

If you’re into decorating your home and DIY projects, crafting DIY spring decorations will be a perfect fit. That’s because they’re fun to make, look great, and make excellent conversation starters.

Here are a few more reasons to make your own spring decor:

• DIY decorations are typically less expensive to make than purchasing new ones
• Your entire family can get involved in the project(s)
• Crafting decorations makes for a fantastic weekend activity
• You can customize your decorations to match your personal colors and style

One final reason to make your own decorations is that, if you love them, you can store them and reuse them. That goes for the materials and tools to make more next year, also!

DIY Spring Decorations Perfect for Adults

These DIY projects are geared more towards adults. They’re relatively easy, low-cost, and look beautiful when finished. They’re also nice enough to look store-bought. 

Decorative Lanterns

Using faux flowers, a string of mini lights, and mason jars you can make a beautiful, lighted display. Simply place the lights in the jar and then place the flowers inside.

• These can be used indoors or outdoors
• You can reuse them for other seasons and holidays with some slight changes
• Use different-sized jars for a bigger visual impact

Mini lights that can be programmed to change colors or lighting patterns are a great choice for this project.

Botanical Wall Art

Using cheap frames from Goodwill or garage sales, you can display beautiful pressed flowers on your walls! (Just FYI, this project takes a little longer as you need to press your flowers first.)

• Use your favorite flowers
• You can use faux flowers, also
• Mix sizes, flowers, and frames for a dramatic display

The finished frames look amazing and, even better, can be easily swapped. Plus, several can be stored together in a single box.

Spring Wreath for Your Front Door

Wreaths aren’t just for the holidays anymore but can be enjoyed year-round. You can DIY a wreath with basic materials using either fresh flowers or greenery.

• You’ll need a foam or metal base from your local crafting store.
• Use flowers like eucalyptus, tulips, or greenery stems.
• Lay out your design before starting
• Attach everything with hot glue or floral wire
• Adding a bow is optional

Want to keep your wreath for next year? If yes, be sure to store it lying flat with nothing on top to crush it.

DIY Spring Decorations Ideal for Kids

Depending on the age of your children, these decorations will be fun to make and very colorful. Even better, they don’t have to be perfect, giving each one its own, unique look.

Garlands of Paper Flowers

Some colorful construction paper can be turned into a wonderful garland your kids will be proud to display! It’s easy and fun, but be sure to give them kid-friendly scissors.

• Grab construction paper, string, glue, and scissors
• Cut out flower shapes
• Glue the flowers onto the string
• Hang in front of windows, on a wall, or over the mantel

You can use a hot glue gun for these, also, if your kids are old enough to use it safely. Also, use push pins to hang them easily and quickly.

Egg Carton Flowers

This DIY decoration is great for smaller kids, although they might need help cutting with scissors. 

• You’ll need cardboard egg cartons, paint, sticks, and glue
• Cut out the individual egg cups
• Paint them in bright colors and paint the sticks green
• Glue them onto the sticks and display in a small vase

For some kids, painting the egg carton before cutting them apart might be easier. Also, you can use straws instead of sticks.

Butterfly Hand Art

This is a classic decoration that you might remember from when you were a kid. It’s easy as pie and the results will make everyone in the family smile.

• Kid-safe paint is needed, as well as construction paper
• Paint your child’s palm and fingers (just on one side!)
• Press both hands down flat, next to each other, to form the “butterfly’s” wings
• Cut out a long, oval shape (the “body”) with extra construction paper
• Glue the wings to the body, and glue 2 pipe cleaners for “antennae”

Should You Store Your DIY Spring Decorations in a Storage Unit?

If you like to decorate your home for every season, you might have a lot of decorations and not a lot of space to store them. A self-storage unit might be a solution so that you can easily rotate your decorations throughout the year. Some other benefits include:

• A storage unit provides safe, secure storage for almost anything
• You can rent a self-storage unit short or long-term, it’s your choice
• You’ll have more storage at home, but know your other stuff is safe and sound until you need it again

If a storage unit sounds like the best choice for you and your family, count on NSA Storage. You can reserve one of our storage units online in minutes. Use them as you see fit, and organize all your decorations and other household items any way you like!

The post DIY Spring Decorations: Projects for the Whole Family appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

If you long for a home refresh but don’t want to make a big financial investment, a hardware swap might be just what you’re looking for. A hardware swap means updating the hardware in your home’s kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas, including knobs, handles, hooks, etc. This DIY hardware swap guide, brought to you by NSA Storage, will help you pick the right hardware to give your home a fresh look for spring!

What’s So Great about a Spring Hardware Swap?

Replacing the hardware in your home might not sound like much, but the difference it can make is surprising. Compared to a full remodel, a hardware swap is an affordable way to make a noticeable, attractive difference in your home.

Some of the best reasons to do a hardware swap in spring include: 

• It’s a low-cost but high-impact DIY home refresh project.
• Most folks can finish a hardware swap in a day or a leisurely weekend.
• No demolition, major tools, painting, or expensive contractors are needed.

What Common Hardware Types Can You Swap?

In home improvement, hardware can refer to a lot of things, but in this case it refers to the functional or decorative metal fixtures in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.

Here’s the hardware you can swap throughout your home:

• Cabinet knobs or pulls
• Drawer knobs or pulls
• Cabinet and door hinges
• Towel bars and rings
• TP holders
• Faucets
• Showerheads
• Shower curtain rods and hooks
• Vanity knobs and pulls
• Door knobs
• Laundry and entryway hooks 

Choosing the Right Hardware

Before starting your DIY hardware swapping project, you’ll want to choose your new hardware. There are a few things to consider when making your choice: finish, size, and compatibility. 

Let’s take a look at all three:

Finish / Aesthetics

The finish on your new hardware can be anything you like. Your choices might be limited by the style of home you already have, or the one you’d like to copy.

• Matte Black is best for modern, farmhouse, or industrial-style homes.
• Brushed Nickel is versatile, hides wear, and fits both traditional and modern homes.
• Chrome is bright, clean, and goes well with traditional homes.
• Brass / Gold Tones will give your home a warm, vintage, upscale look.
• Oil-rubbed Bronze is a good choice for rustic homes as well as traditional.

Size / Proportion

Size and proportion refer to the traditional sizes of most home hardware and what they work best with. 

Here are a few facts about size and proportion to help you choose correctly:

• Knobs work best on small cabinets with small doors.
• Cabinet pulls are usually 3 to 6 inches long and look best on larger doors.
• Longer pulls are the preferred choice for oversize drawers.
• Bathroom towel bars are typically 18 to 24 inches long.

Installation Compatibility

Installation compatibility is an important factor to keep in mind during your swap, for several reasons. 

Here are a few real-world examples to help explain:

• If new hardware isn’t compatible, old holes might be visible, off center, or too small / large.
• Some hardware like towel bars use drywall anchors. Taking out the old hardware might leave you with a repair job when installing the new.
• Hardware is often mounted to a stud, which is the best scenario for removal and installation.

How to Avoid the Biggest DIY Hardware Swap Mistakes

Swapping hardware is a fairly easy project, but there are a few things that can go wrong and make the project more difficult or time-consuming. 

Here are a few things to watch out for when removing / installing your new hardware.

• Don’t overtighten screws. This can crack your new hardware or damage other surfaces.
• Be sure to use a level and check frequently, especially with towel bars.
• Be sure new hardware has the same hole spacing as the old.
• When possible, install towel bar holders into studs for maximum strength.

Last but not least: don’t throw your old hardware away too quickly. You never know when you might want to use it again. Plus, if you rent, your landlord might want you to switch things back to the way they were. That could cost you a pretty penny.

Let NSA Storage Help with Your Spring Projects

As we’ve seen, a DIY hardware swap involves mostly small hardware like knobs, pulls, towel bars, etc. But if your hardware swap is part of a larger project, like renovating a kitchen or bathroom, a storage unit might be a great choice for you. Here’s why:

• You can store new appliances, cabinets, flooring, etc., while the renovations are ongoing.
• Storing your nice furniture and valuable belongings in a storage unit will keep them safe and clean.
• If you’re selling, you can use the storage unit while you “stage” your home.
• If you’re a seasonal swapper, you can store things you don’t need until next year.

If renting a storage unit would be helpful to your situation, NSA Storage is here for you! You can reserve a storage unit online, and it will be ready when you arrive. With month-to-month leases, you can rent for as short or long as you need. Your spring renovations are in the right hands with NSA Storage.

The post DIY Hardware Swap for Spring appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

If you’re looking for a kitchen upgrade that’s both low-cost and high-impact, look no further than a backsplash. A backsplash is installed on kitchen walls under the cabinets and behind the sink and stove to add a layer of protection and a pop of texture and color. If you’re ready to tackle this project yourself, follow this NSA Storage guide to get you started on your DIY kitchen backsplash.

Why Installing a DIY Backsplash is a Good Idea

Many kitchens lack backsplashes, increasing the risk that their walls will be damaged by water, heat, grease, and flames. Also, installing a backsplash is an excellent opportunity to show off your unique taste and style. The right DIY backsplash can turn a lackluster kitchen into one that impresses. 

Backsplashes deliver personality, flair, and wall protection at a much lower cost than a full kitchen remodel. Your kitchen will look new and different, but your budget won’t get battered in the process. Even better, backsplashes have a very high ROI (Return On Investment) when selling your home!

What Does It Cost to DIY a Backsplash?

As with most home improvement projects, you can find backsplashes in different materials, styles, and price ranges. For example, peel-and-stick backsplashes are relatively affordable. Tile backsplashes, on the other hand, can get pricey depending on the material.

Below is a simple breakdown of the cost to DIY a kitchen backsplash, based on an average area of 15 to 30 square feet.

Tile Backsplash:

• Tile: $5 to $25 per square foot
• Mortar, grout, spacers, and sealer: $1 to $3 per square foot
• Tools (if you don’t already own them): $50 to $200 
• Average cost: Between $300 to $800+

Peel-and-Stick Backsplash:

• Peel-and-stick tiles: $4–$12 per square foot
• Minimal extra supplies (razor knife, level): $10–$25
• Average cost: $100 to $300

How Much Time, Effort, and Skills are Needed to Install a Backsplash?

Before installing a DIY kitchen backsplash, it helps to know how much time, effort, and experience you’ll need. That way, you can choose the backsplash that matches your vision and skill level.

Below we break down all three to give you a clear idea:

DIY Backsplash Time Investment

Traditional Tile Backsplash:

• Prep: 1- 2 hours
• Tile installation: 4 – 8 hours
• Drying time before applying grout: 24 hours
• Grouting: 2 – 3 hours
• Cleanup: 1 – 2 hours
• Total project time: 2 – 3 days

Peel-and-Stick Backsplash:

• Prep: 30 – 60 minutes
• Installation: 1 – 2 hours
• Drying time: None
• Cleanup: 30 minutes
• Total project time: Under 4 hours

DIY Backsplash Skill and Effort Investment

Traditional Tile Backsplash:

• Requires measuring, cutting, leveling, spacing, and grouting
• Physical effort: Moderate to high
• Skill level: Intermediate 

Peel-and-Stick Backsplash:

• Requires measuring, peeling, and pressing into place
• Physical effort: Low
• Skill level: Beginner

It’s worth noting that mistakes with DIY tile backsplashes are harder to fix once the mortar sets. With peel-and-stick, however, mistakes can usually be corrected easily and quickly.

Traditional Backsplash Vs. Peel-and-Stick

Knowing the final results of your DIY backsplash project is helpful when making your final choice. For example, if you’re renting, you might not want to invest in upgrades that will last beyond your move-out. If you own, however, tile might be a better choice.

Traditional Tile Backsplash:

• Lasts for 15 to 30 years or longer
• Is highly resistant to heat, water, grease, and more
• The tile grout needs occasional cleaning and possible re-sealing
• More or less permanent
• Increases your home’s value

Peel-and-Stick Backsplash:

• Last for 3 to 5 years
• Not as resistant to heat
• Not as durable
• Easy to remove and replace
• Needs very little maintenance
• Looks nice but doesn’t increase value

Should You Choose Traditional Backsplash or Peel-and-Stick?

Now that you’ve seen the main differences between tile and peel-and-stick backsplashes, which is best for you? Your final choice will be affected by several factors, including whether you own or rent and the time and money you’re willing to invest.

A Traditional Tile Backsplash is Best If:

• You own your home
• You want something durable and permanent
• You’re interested in increasing your home’s value
• You have the tools already
• You’re confident in your DIY skills

A Peel-and-Stick Backsplash is Best If:

• You’re a renter
• You don’t want to invest a lot of time or money into the project
• You want something that’s easy to remove or replace
• You don’t have the needed tools
• You don’t have a lot of DIY experience

Should You Rent a Storage Unit for Your Kitchen Renovations?

If your backsplash project is part of a bigger kitchen renovation, you might need more space until the project is finished. A self-storage unit is a great solution for these reasons:

• You can store valuables and fragile items to protect them from theft or damage.
• Supplies, materials, and new appliances can be safely stored until they’re needed.
• You’ll be able to free up space to complete the project without extra stuff getting in your way.

If renting a self-storage unit sounds like a smart choice, NSA Storage can help. Our safe, clean, and secure storage facilities offer storage units in several different sizes to fit your needs perfectly. You can also reserve a storage unit online, and it will be ready to store your stuff safely when you arrive. We’re here to help you with all of your DIY and home renovation projects!

The post DIY Kitchen Backsplash: Adding Color to Your Kitchen appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Working out regularly is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. Millions of people make the resolution every new year to get in shape, but they’re often discouraged by a few obstacles. A gym membership can be expensive, and finding the motivation to drive to the gym adds an extra layer of difficulty. A home gym is the solution! With a home gym, you can work out when you want and save time, money, and frustration. If you’re looking to DIY your home gym and need some tips to get started, NSA Storage is here to help.

Where Should I Set Up My Home Gym?

You might think you don’t have the space to set up a home gym, but you might just need to do some organizing and rearranging. Some of the best home spaces for home gyms are:

• A spare bedroom- If you’ve got a spare bedroom, you have the perfect workout room. It’s convenient, quiet, private, and the temperature is easy to control. Move the bed out of the way and put it back when company comes over.
• A garage- Garages are great because they’re usually pretty big and have a concrete floor. That makes them a great spot to place heavy workout equipment without fear of damaging your house. You can also open the door to enjoy fresh air and sunshine when the weather’s nice.
• A basement- Although not always perfect due to humidity issues, a basement can make a good home gym. They’re usually quite large, very private, and stay cool even during summer heatwaves. Add a dehumidifier if needed.
• The dining room- For many, dining rooms are only used when guests are over. If that sounds like you, simply move your dining table to the side (or to a storage area) and use it for a workout space.
• An enclosed porch- Enclosed porches are great for people who have warm to mild weather year-round. Porches provide good airflow and a sunny environment to work out in.

Essential Workout Equipment for a Home Gym

The equipment you get for your home gym depends on your fitness goals, your age, and several other factors. Keep in mind that you do not need to get everything all at once. In fact, spreading out your workout equipment purchases will be easier on your budget.

Essential Home Gym Equipment:

• An exercise mat
• An adjustable, multi-use workout bench
• Resistance bands
• A medicine ball
• Free weights

With just these few items, you can do strength-training, weightlifting, HIIT exercises, or yoga. This is a great place to start if you’re at the beginning of your fitness journey.

Strength Training Equipment:

• Kettlebells
• A barbell with various weight plates
• A pull-up bar
• A squat rack

If you’re looking to tone or grow specific muscle groups, you might want to invest in more weight-lifting equipment. When using these in your home, make sure to take precautions to protect your floors and walls from damage.

Cardio Workout Equipment:

• Stationary bike
• Treadmill
• Rowing machine
• Elliptical trainer
• Ski trainer
• Stair stepper 
• Jump rope
• Heavy bag

Jogging is great for cardio, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate. This equipment will elevate your heart rate and get your cardiovascular system in shape! If you’re not ready to commit to a treadmill or spin bike, a jump rope is a great place to start.

Best Accessories to Improve Safety 

Whenever you’re exercising, safety is important. When you’re at home alone, it’s even more crucial to plan ahead. After all, weights are heavy, floors are hard, and accidents happen. To stay safe while you work out, use these safety accessories:

• Rubber floor mats if the floor is concrete
• Fans to keep cool during hot weather
• Heaters to stay warm during cold weather
• Dumbbell stands
• Weight plate “trees”
• Adequate lighting
• Wall hooks for bands, jumpropes, etc.
• Tape to tape down chords
• Drink water throughout every workout

When lifting weights, it’s always a good idea to have a spotter to help you bail out if necessary.

Best Accessories for Comfort and Form

Working out is great for your health, but you also want to keep your spirit in mind when exercising. Being able to check your form and perform exercises correctly is equally important. To keep an eye on both, consider these accessories for your home gym:

• A bluetooth speaker for music while you work out
• At least one large mirror, either wall mounted or free standing
• A progress or goal board to track your progress and keep your stats
• Plants; they reduce stress, improve mood, and make the space feel intentional
• A timer or clock
• Recovery equipment like foam rollers, therapy cushions, ice packs, etc.

Use a Self-Storage Unit to Free Up Space for a Home Gym

If you want a home gym but don’t have that space, a self-storage unit can be the perfect solution. Just clean out your spare room, garage, or porch and store the extra stuff in a storage unit until you need it and use that space to meet your goals this year. NSA Storage is here to help our customers make space for what matters in their home. You can reserve a storage unit online in minutes and it will be ready immediately. 

The post Tips for Making a DIY Home Gym appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Restoring vintage furniture is a satisfying, intricate, and often lucrative hobby. Taking the time to hunt for unique pieces and return them to their former glory is truly a labor of love. If you’re just getting started restoring vintage furniture, the tips below can help guide you through the process, brought to you by NSA Storage, the place where millions of Americans store their furniture and other belongings!

Before Starting, Evaluate the Vintage Piece

Knowing what you’ve got in front of you before you start restoring can save you time, money, energy, and headaches. 

Before you begin, ask these questions:

• Is the piece vintage or an antique? Antiques, generally speaking, don’t need restoration, they need preservation.
• Are any joints loose or broken?
• Are there deep scratches, dents, or stains?
• Is the upholstery in okay shape, or is it in need or repair or replacement?

Answering these questions will help you evaluate your needs, prioritize repairs, and help you gather tools and materials.

If Needed, Stabilize Before Restoring

It’s not unusual for some vintage furniture to come with blemishes, which are typically easy to repair. Structural damage, however, is something you need to address before fixing cosmetic issues. If you try to make repairs to a vintage piece that’s unstable, you could damage it even further.

Structural repairs will likely fall along these lines:

• Loose or damaged joints
• Wobbly legs
• Wood that’s started to split due to rot or stress
• Damaged or missing hardware

When gluing together wood parts, use clamps and let the glue cure before starting the restoration. Keep in mind that you might need to tighten nuts and bolts, also. 

Clean Vintage Pieces Well Before Stripping

When you pick up a piece of vintage furniture it will often be in need of a deep clean. That grime, grease, dirt, dust and debris can usually be removed with minimal effort. Once clean, you may find that your restoration job has been cut in half! 

In short, before using a strong stripping product, first:

• Wash the item with mild soap and warm water. (Damp cloth, not dripping wet.)
• If there’s grease, use a grease removing cleaner like Greased Lightning
• For carved or intricate areas, use a soft brush or old toothbrush.

After cleaning, your piece may not need stripping after all!

Only Strip Vintage Furniture When Absolutely Necessary

Chemical stripping products are very aggressive in removing paint, stain, shellac, etc. One problem with vintage furniture is that, if you use too much or the wrong product, you can damage or even ruin it. 

The same goes for sanding, which can damage a piece’s finish and make your restoration project more difficult. For those reasons you should only strip a piece when there’s no other choice.

Some of the options you have when stripping vintage furniture include:

• Chemical strippers for pieces that can’t be sanded
• Light sandpaper for those that can
• Scrapers for large, flat surfaces

Also, keep these rules in mind when stripping vintage furniture:

• Use coarse sandpaper first and then progress to finer and finer grits
• Sand with the grain, not against it
• Once done, clean your piece fully before painting or staining it

Repairing Veneer

Veneer is fragile and tends to separate on vintage furniture, but if you handle it correctly, it’s no biggie. Here are a few tips to do it right:

• If the veneer is simply lifting off, use the correct glue to put it back, and clamp it down until cured. (Wood glue works best.)
• Use wood filler of the same color to fill missing patches of veneer.
• For small chips and cracks, use a marker of a similar color.

Matching the Piece’s Finish and Color

Matching the color and finish on a vintage furniture piece is more about blending than finding the perfect color match. If you can blend consistently, you should have a good end result.  

To blend and finish sell, use:

• Gel stains, which give good control
• Layer stains to add depth
• Use glazes for an aging effect

Reupholster with Care and Purpose

Reupholstering is a bit tricky, especially for newbies. That said, it can also completely modernize and revamp a vintage piece while keeping its charm and allure. 

Here are a few reupholstering tips to help you do it well:

• Be very careful when removing old upholstery so you don’t damage the item
• If needed, replace the padding or stuffing
• Carefully cut a new piece of fabric to the correct size. (Measure twice, cut once.)
• Use either a heavy-duty staple gun or tack to attach the new fabric
• Smooth wrinkles as you go
• Finish the edges

Storing Restored Vintage Furniture

If your plan is to restore a single piece of vintage furniture, you probably won’t need to store it. If, however, you plan to restore many, or plan to sell your pieces, a self-storage unit can be very helpful.

Furniture, whether vintage or new, takes up a lot of space. If you have lots of restored pieces waiting to sell, you’ll need somewhere to put them so your home doesn’t fill up!

A storage unit solves that problem. Here’s how:

• You can store your restored pieces there, not at home
• You can organize them in storage
• Taking photos to sell them online will be easier
• You can store your tools and materials in your storage unit
• They will be safe and secure in storage

Do Your Restoration Work in an NSA Storage Unit

Hopefully you got some great tips for restoring vintage furniture today that will help you on your journey. It’s a fun hobby, no doubt, and can be a great side hustle, too.

As we mentioned, if you need to reserve a storage unit for your restored vintage pieces, NSA Storage can help. Our clean, safe, and secure storage centers are all around the country, ready to help you store vintage furniture today!

Visit us online or visit your local NSA Storage facility in person to rent a self-storage unit. Until then, best of luck restoring vintage furniture for your own pleasure or profit!

The post Tips on How to Restore Vintage Furniture appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be stressful. The last thing you need after your guest go home is a cluttered and messy house causing you even more stress. Usually, giving your space a fresh start is as easy as decluttering. Follow these five steps, brought to you by NSA Storage, to declutter after the holidays and make your home a post-Christmas sanctuary.

What Makes Decluttering After the Holidays Worth Your Time and Effort?

The holiday seasons always brings a lot of stuff with it. Presents, extra furniture, and decorations are just some of the items that can clutter up your space after the festivities are over. That stuff, if left out and about, can get in the way and stress you out. Decluttering eliminates those stressors and provides other benefits also. Here’s how:

• An uncluttered home is a calm home. It brings peace and contentment, especially after holiday chaos. 
• Your productivity will be higher. When your home is decluttered, you can concentrate on more important tasks.
• Your relationships will be stronger. Studies show that a decluttered home is a happier home.

We think you’ll agree, those are some good benefits, and great reasons to declutter your home once the holiday season ends.

Top 5 Decluttering Strategies

1. Create a Simple Decluttering Plan

Before you dive into the task, make a simple plan for what to do, when, and how. Here’s one you can use if you like:

1. Collect, sort, pack, and store all holiday items. 
2. Sort new gifts and find space to store them (and their packaging).
3. Donate, toss, or give away items you don’t want, use, or need.
4. Clean up common areas like your entryway, den, mud room, and guest room(s).
5. Sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy your decluttered and tranquil home. 

2. Sort and Store Decorations First

Whether you have a small amount of decorations or enough to fill a storage unit, getting everything down, sorted, and stored away is a big job. That makes it the obvious choice to get finished first. The following tips will help:

• Sort everything into categories, including lights, ornaments, garland, etc. Make sure you separate the indoor and outdoor decorations too.
• Label everything clearly.
• If it’s in your budget, use large, clear, plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes. They’re much more durable and also waterproof. If your basement floods or your summers are humid, your favorite decorations will be better protected.
• Store usable bows, tape, ribbons, gift tags, etc., to use next year. Keeping them will save you time and money!

3. Donate Old Things that were Replaced by New Ones

Did you get a new blender for Christmas? Maybe a new sweater or vacuum? If so, consider donating your old things to charity. If they’re still in working condition, somebody out there might love them as much as you once did! Clothes and blankets are especially appreciated during the colder months.

4. Declutter Room By Room

Trying to declutter your entire home all at once is certainly possible but not exactly recommended by organization experts. That’s especially true if you have a larger house. Instead, do this:

• Start in a specific room. Your bedroom might be a good place to start, or any room that you’d like to be able to relax in.
• Using a basket if needed, grab anything that shouldn’t be in that room. Clothes, trinkets, toys, shoes, bathroom items, books, magazines, etc.
• Bring everything to a central location. The kitchen table would work well for this.
• Go through those items and either store, donate, or toss them.
• Move on to the next room and repeat the process. Remember, you don’t have to clean the whole house in one day!

5. After Decluttering, Deep Clean

Performing a deep clean after the holidays isn’t fun but will definitely give your home a fresh, sparkling start. Some areas to remember include:

• The fridge and freezer. Many will be a mess from days (or weeks) of frenetic use.
• Clean and vacuum under the furniture. 
• Strip all beds that were used and wash the sheets and blankets.
• Wash all towels and, if possible, bathroom rugs.
• Dust everything.
• Clean the floors thoroughly, especially if guests have been coming in and out for days.
• Organize your kitchen and pantry.

Consider a Storage Unit to Save Space and Keep Organized

If you’re someone who goes all-out on decorations, or someone who’s hosting their whole family this year, you might need some extra space before and after the holidays. All of your decorations and extra furniture can take up a lot of valuable storage space at home, which is why many homeowners use a storage unit instead. 

Below are a few benefits of storing holiday stuff in a storage unit after you declutter:

• Everything will be safe and secure in a well-lit location. 
• You’ll have much more space at home that you can use for anything you like.
• Your home storage spaces won’t be stuffed full of things you don’t need for 11 months out of the year.
• You can organize your decorations in any way you like, to make decorating next year easier.

You can reserve a storage unit online today for your holiday haul (or anything else), and it will be ready when you arrive. Until then, we at NSA Storage wish you a happy and prosperous new year!

The post 5 Must-Know Strategies for How to Declutter After the Holidays appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Everyone knows that Black Friday is one of the best days of the year for deals, but Cyber Monday is a close second, especially for online-only sales. Like Black Friday, Cyber Monday sees retailers offering incredible deals on a wide range of items from toys to clothes but especially electronics. Like Black Friday, there are so many sales on Cyber Monday that keeping up is nearly impossible. And if you can’t keep up, you might miss the deals you want most!

To help you get those doorbuster deals, NSA Storage put together the following guide to help you save money. We have expert shopping hacks and tips and some helpful storage ideas for after the holidays, too!

Why Cyber Monday is a Great Shopping Day

The best thing about Cyber Monday is that you can get great deal from the comfort of your couch. Instead of having to go to a store, you can save money shopping online! Whether it’s your PC, laptop or your phone, getting deals on Cyber Monday is easy! For example:

• You don’t have to wait in line at stores
• There’s no “feeding frenzy” to get the in-store deals many retailers offer
• There are no big crowds to deal with
• You can browse as long as you like without sales associates becoming bothersome
• You can stay in your sweats

Start Preparing for Cyber Monday Shopping as Early as Possible

If you want to be sure to score the best deals on Cyber Monday, preparing is a must. Most shopping experts recommend starting during the first week of November. Those same experts also recommend that you:

• Identify Your Top Stores

Let’s say you want a new blender. To get the best deal, choose three retailers who sell the blender you want. Then keep an eye on those three to see who gives the best deal.

• Make a Shopping List

Knowing what you want to give to family and friends can be very helpful when shopping on Cyber Monday. Having a list will help you save time and find the best deals on everything you need.

• Sign Up for Text and Email Alerts

Many retailers reward shoppers who sign up for their text and email alerts, usually with their best discounts. Signing up also gets you early access to exclusive deals and money-saving coupons.

• Download Store Apps

Just like email and text alerts, downloading a retailer’s app gets you some great deals! Plus, you’ll get notified before everyone else when a deal goes live.

• Follow Retailer Social Media Accounts

A lot of brands today have flash sales, promo codes and more on their social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, X, and more.

• Shop Early in the Day

Surprisingly, many deals drop between the hours of Midnight and 6:00 AM. Set an alarm to wake up and grab them!

The Best Tools to Track and Compare Cyber Monday Deals

Cyber Monday has so many deals that keeping track of them is difficult. If you need some help, there’s an app for that! In fact, there are several, including:

• Rakuten– Get price comparisons and cashback from hundreds of retailers.
• Google Shopping– One of the best Cyber Monday deal-comparing tools out there. You can filter all your deals by price, customer ratings, the store, and more!
• Honey– This browser extension automatically finds the best coupon codes and applies them to your total when you check out.
• ShopSavyy– This app (and browser extension) helps you instantly compare prices on an item across multiple retailers. Nice.
• CamelCamelCamel– This free browser extension is an Amazon-specific price tracker!

The Top Hacks for Cyber Monday Cashback, Coupons, and Bundles

Apps and extensions are helpful on Cyber Monday, no doubt. Even better, tough, are these pro shopper hacks that will save you even more cash. Before you spend a single cent, check these hacks out:

1. Check Out Quickly– Some retailer websites only hold onto your deal for a short time. To avoid losing it, check out as soon as your cart is ready.
2. Use Multiple Devices– Some stores limit deals and coupons and display different deals depending on your device. To beat their system, use multiple devices, like a laptop and smartphone.
3. Shop Bundles– BOGO and other “bundled” deals are everywhere on Cyber Monday so be sure to take advantage of them.
4. Stack Savings– Many retailers today allow multiple coupons, cashback, and even store rewards together. Stacking your savings like this can lead to truly amazing deals!

Storage Tips for After the Holiday Shopping Weekend

Once Cyber Monday has passed and you’ve gotten all the deals you want, you’ll likely need some extra storage space. The fact is, there’s nothing worse than forgetting a present for that special someone because you misplaced it. To avoid this holiday horror, use these storage tips:

1. Set Up a Storage Area– If possible, dedicate a closet in your home for gift storage. Be sure it locks (to keep prying eyes out), and keep receipts in there as well.
2. Store Large Items in a Safe Space– If you’re buying a new sofa, canoe, or even a car on Cyber Monday, a self-storage unit can be very helpful, especially if it’s a secret gift for someone else.
3. Separate Gifts Based on Recipients– This will help you keep track of your holiday shopping so that you don’t forget anyone.

Make Room For Your New Stuff with NSA Storage

Cyber Monday isn’t really a one-day event anymore but more of a week-long opportunity. You’ll save big while also saving time, gas, and energy. Plus, using the tips and hacks provided today, you’ll save even more!

If you need to rent a self-storage unit to hide all your holiday goodies, NSA Storage can help! We offer safe and secure storage units across the United States, ready to use at a moment’s notice!

Reserve your storage unit online today, and best of luck this Cyber Monday! Here’s hoping you get the very best deals on all of the wonderful presents you buy this holiday season!

The post How to Score the Best Cyber Monday Deals in 2025 appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Industry insiders agree, Black Friday 2025 will be one of the biggest shopping events in years!  Retailers are set to pull out all the stops this year, with incredible deals on everything from toys to TVs, fashion, housewares, jewelry, and electronics. Everyone loves a good deal, but searching for the deals you want most in a virtual tsunami of them can often feel like a full time job.

To make it easier, below is a curated collection of must-know tips for how to find the best Black Friday deals in 2025, brought to you by NSA Storage. Use them to rack up the biggest savings and get all the deals you deserve this year!

Will Black Friday Deals in 2025 Be Bigger than Usual?

It’s no secret that retailers push back the start date for Black Friday deals every year, and 2025 is no different. Many of the country’s biggest retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon, are making plans to start launching “doorbuster” deals as early as mid-November!

What that means for you is that you’ll have to start looking, comparing, and researching earlier than ever in 2025. The earlier you do, the more success you’ll have scoring super deals on Black Friday 2025.

The Best Black Friday Deals Demand Planning and Research

If you truly want to get all the best Black Friday deals, planning and researching is a must. A good plan based on solid research might take some time and effort, but will pay off with awesome deals that save you large sums of money. Here are some great tips to get started right away:

Make a Wish List

Going shopping on Black Friday without a wish list is like going to the grocery store without a shopping list; you end up buying a bunch of stuff you didn’t want or need. Instead, make a wish list of all the items you want, so you know exactly what you’re looking for once the sales start. 

Bonus tip: Take notes of the regular price of the items you want to purchase on Black Friday. That way, you’ll spot good deals when you see them!

Use a Shopping Comparison App to Compare Prices

As with everything today, there’s an app for finding Black Friday deals. As a matter of fact, there are several of them! Below are several top rated price comparison apps you can use to get amazing Black Friday deals in 2025:

1. ShopSavvy– Great for brick and mortar shopping deals
2. PriceSpy– Offers store comparisons and price alerts.
3. Price.com– The trifecta of coupons, price comparison, and cash back.
4. CamelCamelCamel – Perfect for Amazon shoppers; it tracks price history so you’ll know if a deal is genuinely good.
5. Rakuten – Earn cashback on purchases at hundreds of retailers and stack this with sales for double savings.
6. Slickdeals – A community-driven app where users share and rate the best ongoing deals.
7. Shopkick – Earn gift cards for browsing and buying from your favorite stores.

How To Get the Most Out of a Price Comparison App

• Set-up App Alerts and Watchlists– The app will then notify you when a price drops to your target.
• Compare Total Cost– Don’t forget shipping, taxes, or membership fees when comparing.
• Scan Items In-Store– Use barcode scanning when you’re in a physical store to see whether buying there or ordering online is better.
• Combine with Coupons or Cash-Back– Sometimes the lowest sticker price isn’t the best deal once discounts are added.

Browse Comparison Shopping Websites to Compare Deals

If you’d rather use a website than an app to compare prices on Black Friday 2025, you have plenty of choices. Shopping comparison websites, like their app cousins, allow you to directly compare several retailers at once. The best of them include:

1. PriceGrabber– This comparison engine that helps you quickly find the lowest prices across hundreds of trusted online retailers.
2. ShopSavvy– A powerful barcode-scanning app that instantly compares in-store prices with online deals while you’re shopping.
3. Google Shopping– One of the best and easiest to use price comparison engines. Offers several excellent features like price comparison, price alerts, total cost with S/H, and even online vs retail prices.
4. BlackFriday.com– Previews of leaked and confirmed Black Friday ads early, to help you plan your shopping strategy.
5. TheBlackFriday.com– Collects Black Friday ads, store hours, and deal “roundups” from major retailers in a simple, easy-to-browse layout.
6. Honey– This browser extension automatically finds and applies coupon codes and cash-back rewards to maximize your savings at checkout.

Say “Yes” to Newsletters from Your Favorite Stores and Brands

Retailers try very hard to stay in communication with their customers, and many use newsletters to do it. If you’re a hardcore shopper, you probably get asked to sign up for a newsletter at least once a week. Although they can get annoying, newsletters often include insider deals and sales. If you really love a brand and want to get their best deals, sign up for their newsletter and forget the rest. And remember, after Black Friday ends, if you don’t want to keep receiving a newsletter, you can always unsubscribe. 

Make More Room in Your Home with NSA Storage

When the shopping is over, if you need a place to store items and make more room for new ones, NSA Storage can help. We offer clean, safe self-storage units around the United States, and have the highest security standards, also! You can rent a storage unit today or reserve storage units online and they will be ready when you arrive. Good luck getting your best deals on Black Friday, 2025!

The post How to Find the Best Black Friday Deals in 2025 appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Moving is an exciting but also a stressful and physically demanding task, especially if it’s long distance. Moving with a pet is even trickier. There are several different requirements for moving a pet, and more planning and preparation is usually necessary.

If you’re moving soon and need help keeping your precious pet safe, happy, and unstressed, the information below is gold! It’s a list of 9 stress-reducing tips for moving with a pet, brought to you by NSA Storage. Read on to discover how to keep your fur, fin, or feather-baby happy while moving to your new home! 

1. Pet Preparation is Key

Preparing your pet for your upcoming move can help reduce their stress, and yours. A few of the ways you can do this include:

• Sticking to feeding, walking, and exercise routines you already have.
• Practicing with a crate if you’ll need one for the move. (Flying, long-distance driving, etc.)
• Put together an essentials bag with pet toys, snacks, meds, food bowls, etc.

2. Create a Quiet Space for Your Pet While the Actual Move is Happening

On the days the movers are there (packing, loading, and unloading) create a “safe space” for your pet. This can be anywhere that there’s less noise, commotion, and strangers. A spare bedroom or mud room work well, or in their crate with a light cover on top.

Be sure to place your pet’s favorite toys, bedding, and a snack in the space you create. You can also play some peaceful music or “white noise” to help your pet stay calm.

3. Provide Your Pet Plenty of Hydration and Ventilation

During the move, it’s important to keep your pet hydrated and ventilated. A dehydrated pet will be more stressed and uncomfortable. The same goes for one that’s too hot because there’s no air-flow. Here are a few tips to prevent problems caused by dehydration or heat:

• Have a water bottle or bowl handy at all times.
• Bring a small, battery-powered fan for in the car.
• If you’re driving long-distance to your new home, make frequent stops to let your pet drink and do their duty.
• Check frequently to make sure your pet is comfortable and happy.

4. Gather All Pet Supplies in One Box Before the Move Starts

The last thing you want if your pet is stressed is to have to search high and low for something they need. Their favorite toy, for example, or their meds, a snack, their leash, a blanket, etc. 

To avoid this stressful situation, gather all your pet’s essential items and put them together in one box. (More than 1 if needed, but try to stick to just one.) That way, when your pet needs something, it will be easy and fast to find it.

5. Have Pet-Specific Safety Devices Available and Ready

It’s critical that you keep your pet safe while traveling to your new home. This is especially true if you’re driving a long distance, or flying to your new town. Some of the devices you might need include the following:

• A crate or pet carrier to keep your pet confined while traveling.
• A strong, long leash
• A specialized harness or seat belt.
• A shatter-proof, leak-proof tank or other container for fish

6. Consider Veterinarian-approved Calming Aids if Necessary

Many pets become highly stressed when their daily routine is changed or interrupted. Moving, not surprisingly, can cause a huge change to this routine, and thus lots of pet stress.

If you know your pet gets anxious or scared easily, a vet-approved calming aid might be a good choice. These are typically given to your pet a few hours before a stressful situation begins. Also, be sure to get them ahead of time to keep your stress level low.

7. Update Your Pet’s ID Tags

In the rush and commotion of moving many pets will run away and hide if they’re scared. This can happen at your old or new home, so have their ID tags updated right away when you arrive.

If your pet is “chipped” and has a microchip for identification, update the information connected to the chip. That includes your new:

• Address
• Phone number
• Contacts
• Veterinarian

8. On Moving Day, Don’t Give Your Pet a Big Meal

Many pets don’t do so well in a moving vehicle, and will become queasy and possibly vomit. To reduce the risk of this happening, feed your pet less than usual on moving day. That way, if they do get sick, there will be less chance they will make a huge mess.

9. Ask Your Vet for Copies of Your Pet’s Health Records

Not all pets have veterinarian records, it’s true. (We’re looking at you, Mr. Goldfish.) For those pets that do, however, it’s important to have their records to give to your new vet if needed. That can include:

• Vaccination records
• X-rays if they’ve ever been injured
• A list of their medications
• Any other health records of note

Helping Your Pet Acclimate to Their New Home

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll need to help your pet get used to their new surroundings. Here are a few tips to do just that:

• Start with one room and place their food, bed, toys, etc. there.
• Stick to your normal feeding and walking routines.
• Stay calm and patient with your pet. Pets can often sense your stress, which can make them stressed.

Let NSA Storage Help with Your Move

Moving is already stressful but, with a pet, can be even more so. The tips provided today should help you to help your pet stay calm, happy, and safe. That way, everyone arrives at your new home with a smile on their face.

If for any reason you need storage space while moving, NSA Storage is ready to help. Our clean, safe storage units can be found across the United States, providing secure storage for almost anything. You can reserve a storage unit online today and it will be ready when you arrive. Happy moving!

The post 9 Stress-Reducing Tips for Moving With a Pet appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Whether it’s summer vacation, the holiday season, or another time of year, having overnight guests in your home can be exciting and memorable. Being able to spend quality time with friends and family is always a treat.

Truth be told, though, having guests can also be stressful, especially if you’re not prepared. Too few towels, not enough toilet paper, or a lack of sheets can be problematic, especially at the end of a long day.

To prevent this stress and keep your guests happy and comfortable, NSA Storage presents the following guide. In it you’ll discover how to prep guest rooms for family and friends. Read on to make sure their visit is joyful, and your stress levels stay low.

Stock Up on Essentials Before Guests Arrive

Having guests over increases the need for a few very specific items in your home. To keep everyone happy and comfy, it’s best to stock up on these items before your family and friends arrive. These include:

• Toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels
• Bath towels of various sizes
• Fresh linens and blankets
• Toiletries like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste

Add Personal Touches to Make Guests Feel at Home

The nicest thing you can do for your guests is make them feel “at home” in your home. One way to do that is to add some personal touches to their temporary living space. These will make your guests feel wanted and loved, including:

• A scented candle or an essential oil diffuser
• A heavy blanket for chilly nights or to cozy up on the sofa
• Some books or magazines that focus on things they care about.
• A pretty flower arrangement

Declutter Your Guest Room and Closet

If you don’t have many guests you might end up using your guest room to store stuff, or as a catch-all. If that’s the case, you’ll want to declutter before everyone arrives. For example:

• Make some room on the hanging bar(s) in the guest room closet.
• Empty a few drawers for guests to use in any dressers or night stands in the guest room.
• Clear off the guest room desk if you have one, so your guests can work, study, or set up a laptop computer.
• Box up things like toys, sports equipment, loose clothes, etc., and stack them out of the way.
• If needed, vacuum, dust and otherwise clean the room.

Special Touches You Can Make to The Guest Room

What we’ve provided so far are good but, to be honest, rather mundane tips. The special touches we talk about, below, will take your guest room prep to the next level!

-Provide Guests a Charging Station

Most folks these days travel with at least one electronic device, if not two or three. Providing a charging station for their devices is a nice touch that will be much appreciated.

-Make Your Guests a “Welcome Basket”

Wherever you live, there are no doubt some local places with local goods such as farmers markets and flea markets. Making a basket filled with local goodies will be a wonderful treat for your guests.

-Offer Several Types of Bed Pillow

Some people love a nice, soft, squishy pillow. Others prefer one that’s more firm, or flat, or fluffy. Whatever they like, if you offer several pillow types to your guests they will sleep better while visiting.

-Have Sleep Aids Available for Noise or Light-Sensitive Guests

Some family and friends will no doubt have sensitivity to light, sound, or both. For them, providing a few sleep aids will go far toward making their stay comfortable. For example:

• A white noise machine to cover up nighttime noises
• A “blackout” curtain to minimize both natural and manmade light 
• A night light
• A bluetooth speaker

-Frame the Wi-Fi Password and Hang It on the Wall

Everyone wants to be online, including your guests. To help them get there, print out your Wi-Fi password, frame it, and hang it where it will be easy to spot. That way, they won’t have to keep asking, bother you late at night, or miss their favorite podcast.

-Provide a Foldable Stand for Suitcases

Depending on how long they stay, some guests might “live out of their suitcase”. To make that easier, have a foldable stand ready. That will bring the suitcase up to a comfortable level and make getting dressed easier and less stressful.

-Fill a Large Bowl With Their Favorite Snacks

If you know your guests well, you probably know some of their favorite snacks. If that’s the case, fill a bowl or other container with those snacks, including drinks. This special touch is even better when your guests are children, tweens, or teens.

Rent a Storage Unit to Free Up Even More Space

If you live in a smaller home or apartment, you know that space is at a premium. Having guests over in this case will still be enjoyable but might be extremely cramped and uncomfortable. To free up space, consider renting a storage unit for a month or two. That way, you can move a bunch of extra, unneeded stuff to your storage unit and have lots of extra room at home.

At NSA Storage, you can rent a storage unit for as long, or short, as you like. Why? Because we don’t have long-term storage contracts. You can rent for a single month, two months, six months, or whatever you need. That means you won’t ever be stuck in a contract that you don’t need. See our FAQ page for more information.

Hosting friends and family in your home is one of the great joys of life. Being prepped to host makes that time together more enjoyable and comfortable. Free up extra space with NSA Storage and have a stress-free holiday season!

The post Guest-Ready Home: How to Prep Guest Rooms for the Holidays appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.