It’s that time of year again: time to get focused and commit to your New Year’s resolution. As you’ve probably heard, it’s not an easy feat. Most people give up by the first week of February. If you’d like to make your resolutions stick this year, NSA Storage is here to help. Use these tips to meet your goals with simple planning and small steps!

Start with a Single, Clear Resolution

The biggest pitfall in the New Year is trying to make too many changes at once. This can often be overwhelming and unrealistic. Instead of trying to make many big changes, choose one relatively small goal that matters to you. To make your resolution even clearer, use the SMART goal technique. Ask yourself if your goal is:

• Specific– Having the goal “read more” is good, but it would be better if it was “read 10 books.”
• Measurable– Can you measure your progress easily? For example, the goal “I want to be happier” isn’t really something that can be measured.
• Achievable– Is your goal realistic for you? If you’re at the beginning of your exercise journey, running a marathon by the end of the year may not be achievable. Set your sights on something realistic but still challenging.
• Relevant– Will this goal have some positive impact on your life? If you reach the goal, what will have changed for you? You’re most likely to strive to reach a goal that matters to you.
• Time-Bound– Having a time frame is important because it holds you accountable. New Year’s resolutions tend to have a deadline of the end of the year, but you can break your goal down into even smaller steps with shorter deadlines so that you see progress throughout the year.

By focusing on a single, meaningful resolution, your chance of successfully seeing it through will increase!

Break that Resolution Into Smaller Steps

Resolutions can be overwhelming at the beginning of the year. If that’s how it feels with your New Year’s resolution, break it into smaller, more easily accomplished steps. This lets you celebrate wins along the way to your end goal.

• If your resolution is to lose 20 pounds in a year, set a goal for how much you want to lose each month.
• Want your home to be more organized in 2026? Organize one room at a time rather than trying to organize your entire home at once.
• If your resolution is to save more money, use a financial app to automatically deposit a weekly amount into your savings account.

By breaking your resolution into smaller, easier-to-digest steps, you’ll keep moving forward towards your ultimate goal. This may be the best way to actually reach your end goal.

Set Up a Consistent Routine

Studies say that, on average, it takes 66 days of consistency for something to become a habit. Practicing something consistently eventually forms a routine, and once something is routine, you no longer have to remind yourself to do it everyday.

Creating a routine that fits into your lifestyle is one of the top methods of staying on your resolution track! Here are a few suggestions to use it successfully:

• Set up reminders on your phone, a calendar, or whatever device you use most.
• Schedule the tasks attached to your resolution at the same time every day, or the same day every week. For example, if you’re learning to crochet, sit down everyday at the same time for a hour of crochet practice.
• Connect your new habit or task to one that you already have. Stretching after your morning coffee, for example, or putting money in your savings account every payday. That way one habit helps form another.

Use Simple Tools to Track Your Progress

Making New Year’s resolutions today is much easier thanks to new and easy ways to track your progress. A few of the best resolution tracking tools include:

• Streaks or another habit tracking app
• A wall calendar hung where you see it every day
• A whiteboard also hung where you see it every day
• A small notebook you can carry in your pocket or purse

Human brains love the gratification of pressing a button or checking a box. Tracking your resolution’s progress gives you a nice ego boost that helps you keep your momentum going. Plus, if you miss a day or week, you can hop right back into the fray with less guilt.

Stay as Flexible as Possible

Adding a New Year’s resolution to your already busy schedule can be difficult. On top of a busy schedule, life sometimes throws curveballs, making it necessary to adjust course.

Staying flexible in your goals is important. Many people give up by February because they’ve stumbled, and it feels like too big a failure to keep going. The good thing about personal goals, though, is that you’re the only one you’re accountable too. You can recommit yourself at any time and pick up where you left off.

If needed, you can also change your goal or your approach to be more realistic. Here are a few examples of staying flexible so that you meet your 2026 goals:

• Change the time, or day, you work on your resolution.
• Reduce the amount of time you work on your new habits.
• Be prepared to meet your goals even if you’re traveling or won’t be home for some reason.
• Don’t be shy about asking for help.

Get Organized in The New Year with NSA Storage

At NSA Storage, we help folks keep their decluttering and organization resolutions every year! That’s because we offer affordable, safe, and secure storage units that free up space in your home! 

Using a storage unit from NSA Storage can:

• Give you much more closet, cabinet, and garage space.
• Keep clothing and seasonal items in perfect shape.
• Help you turn a spare room into an office or other usable space.
• Make organizing holiday decor a breeze.

A storage unit gives you more room to breathe, so to speak. Even better, it will help you stay organized and uncluttered throughout the year. Happy New Year from all of us at NSA Storage, and best of luck with all your New Year’s resolutions!

The post How To Meet Your New Year’s Resolution in 2026 appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Hosting the holidays can be a big undertaking. If you’re looking forward to hosting this year but want to ditch the chaos and stress, use these tips from NSA Storage for smooth sailing into the New Year! With a little preparation, a stress-free Christmas is possible.

The Most Important Tip: Keep a Positive Mindset

Even if you’re a planning and organizing pro, Christmas can still be stressful. You might run into kinks or mishaps along the way. If you do, the best thing to do is stay positive. 

Nobody is looking for holiday perfection. If your Christmas plans get upended, interrupted, or co-opted, keep these things in mind:

• Take breaks to step away. A moment alone with your thoughts can be very calming.
• Focus on having a good time instead of being hypercritical of yourself.
• If your guests want to help, let them. Some people truly love to pitch in on Christmas.
• Don’t overcommit your time or effort. That goes for shopping, decorating, volunteering, or planning the menu. 

Planning Tips to Stay Ahead of the Christmas Chaos

Professional party planners all agree that, for a stress-free Christmas at home, planning ahead is a must. That includes starting early so that you don’t have to scramble at the last minute. 

Below are some tips designed to help you plan ahead and be ready when Santa arrives:

1. Make a List, and Check It Twice

Using a pen and paper or an app, make a master list of all the tasks you need to complete. Shopping, wrapping, decorating, organizing, the dinner menu, etc. Then check things off as you get them done.

2. Plan the Menu Early

Knowing ahead of time what you plan to cook on Christmas can be extremely helpful. That way, you’ll be able to buy your ingredients, get your kitchen tools organized, and have everything ready.

3. Confirm Your Guests and ask for RSVPs

Cooking for a large number of people takes extra time and effort. Knowing how many will be coming ensures you don’t waste time, energy, or food on Christmas day. How do you do that? Ask everyone to RSVP!

4. Put Together a Timeline

Take the list you made and create a timeline of what you need to do, and when, leading up to Christmas Eve and day. That way, you won’t have to try and do everything in the last one or two days.

Tips for Decluttering and Making Extra Space for Guests

If your home is already filled to the brim, making space and decluttering is a must. After all, your guests need room to breathe, eat, and relax. The tips below will create that extra space:

• Clear out high-traffic areas in your home. That includes the entrance, kitchen, living room, and den.
• Make extra space for everyone’s shoes, coats, hats, gloves, and other clothing items.
• Remove and store anything that isn’t needed on your kitchen counters.
• Clean out your fridge, freezer, and pantry to make room for ingredients and leftovers.

Save Time and Effort with Meal Prep Tips

Unless you’re a seasoned chef, cooking for a large crowd can be a bit overwhelming. If you’re stressed about making Christmas dinner, the meal prep tips below will be very helpful:

1. Prepare Some Recipes and Ingredients Beforehand

Anything you can prepare before Christmas day will help lower your stress levels. Cakes and pies, for example, as well as hors d’oeuvres and side dishes. Many ingredients can be prepped ahead of time, also. This will leave you more time to focus on the big stuff.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

On the days leading up to, and including, Christmas, if you need help, ask for it. Many of your guests will no doubt be eager and happy to help you.

4. Keep Christmas Breakfast Simple

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are when many families are busy serving their biggest meal of the year. On those two days, do yourself a favor and serve a simple breakfast to your guests. Buy some fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola for easy yogurt parfaits, or cereal and milk.

Tips for Preparing Your Guest and Common Rooms

Here are a few tips for prepping your guest rooms and keeping family and friends comfy during Christmas:

• Put out fresh linens
• Make a small basket with common toiletries
• Leave extra TP in the bathroom
• Leave a note with the Wi-Fi and Internet passwords 
• Purchase an air mattress with a built-in air pump

Top Holiday Organization and Storage Tips

Staying organized and keeping things stored correctly is a must during the Christmas holiday. These tips will help:

• Keep everything to wrap and decorate gifts in one spot
• Label everything that’s not easy to identify
• Stock up on reusable plastic food storage containers
• If your home or apartment is truly full of stuff, consider renting a storage unit for a month or two. It’s easy, convenient, affordable, and will free up oodles of space! You can even rent a storage unit to hide Christmas presents.

Store with NSA Storage for the Holidays

Using the tips above should help you stay focused, energized, and, hopefully, less stressed this Christmas. More than that, they will help you to better enjoy yourself and all your people-pleasing preparations. 

At NSA Storage, we can help you prep for Christmas with safe, clean storage units to store all your stuff. Decorations, gifts, extra furniture and more, we can safely store it for you both short or long term. Rent a storage unit today at your local NSA Storage facility or reserve storage units online. Once you do, they’ll be ready to help you make the most of the holiday and magically reduce your stress! Until then, all of us at NSA Storage wish you and yours the Merriest of Christmases and a Happy New Year!

The post Hosting the Holidays: Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas at Home appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

The gift-giving season has a way of sneaking up on you, and it’s easy to have a false sense of security around Thanksgiving time. But before you know it, Christmas is less than a month away, and you still need to do your gift shopping. If you’re strapped for time or ideas, don’t worry. NSA Storage has a list of last-minute gift ideas to help you please every friend and family member this year.

What To Do When You’re Running Out of Shopping Time

Running short on time during the holiday season is something almost everyone has encountered. If that’s you, and you’re not sure what to do, these tips will help:

• Choose gifts that are easy to buy and put together.
• Look for gifts that are personal, matching the receiver’s hobbies and lifestyle.
• Keep it simple! It’s the thought that counts.
• Add a heartfelt message or note to each gift. These are often enjoyed by friends and family more than the gift itself!

DIY Gift Ideas

Incorporating the tips above, here are several last-minute gift ideas that you can easily and quickly make yourself at home. A homemade gift is always meaningful because of the time and effort that went into it!

1. Scented Bath Salts– Combine Epsom salt with a few drops of the recipient’s favorite scent such as lavender, peppermint, or almond. Place in a small jar and decorate for a last-minute gift that’s soothing and sensual.

3. Cozy Night Kits– Using a small basket, fill it with a mug, hot cocoa mix, fuzzy socks and some microwave popcorn packages. When it’s done, you’ll have an instant cozy kit they can use on a cold winter’s night!

4. Decorated Candles– Buy some simple, plain, and inexpensive candles at your local discount store. Then decorate them with bows, glitter, holiday stickers, and whatever else floats your holiday boat. Done and done!

5. Painted Pots with Plants– Purchase some plain, terracotta pots with drainage holes and paint them with holiday colors or designs. Then, plant a houseplant inside and gift to your green-thumbed loved one. Many houseplants require little care and flourish in a variety of climates, making them an easy and versatile gift.

6. Personalized Notebook– Ornate journals and notebooks are a fun and practical gift, and making one for your loved one makes it even more special. Buy a plain notebook or journal, some Mod Podge, fabric, and any other decorations you want. Use the Mod Podge to add a custom fabric cover to the notebook, then decorate and personalize.

Edible Gift Ideas

These last-minute gifts are cheap to make and delicious!

1. Infused Olive Oil

• Using a small glass bottle, fill it with your choice of olive oil. (Or any cooking oil your recipient likes.) 
• Next, add spices and herbs like chili flakes, garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, etc. 
• Label and decorate the bottle(s).
• If possible, let the oil mixture sit for 4 or 5 days before giving.

Note: If your olive oil has contains garlic, be sure to let your recipient know that it should be refrigerated and used within three weeks.

2. Candies Nuts

• Using any nut your recipient likes (or several of them), add brown sugar, the white from one egg, and cinnamon to taste. 
• Mix well and bake for 25 minutes at 300℉.
• Let the nut mix cool.
• Package in a holiday tin or decorated mason jar.

3. Mason Jar Goodies

Take any size mason jar and fill it with treats like Hershey’s Kisses, M&Ms, lollipops, jelly beans, etc. Then, decorate and pop on a bow! Voila! You’ve got an easy, tasty, colorful gift to give your favorite person.

Gifts that Deliver an Experience

If you’re buying for someone who doesn’t need any material things, buying them an experience might be the way to go. Here are some ideas for that person who has everything:

9. Subscriptions

Unlike yesterday’s magazine subscriptions, today there are subscriptions for just about anything. That includes, for example, audiobooks, movies, restaurants, and even “treats of the world”. Not only will these last-minute gifts give thrills when opened, they give them again each month!

10. Events and Classes

Concerts, shows, classes, and more; if your gift recipient loves live events of one kind or another, a ticket to one will be the perfect gift! The memories made at the event are worth more than any material gift you could give.

11. Customized Gift Cards 

Gift cards, as some say, are “too easy” and lack any real thought. When you customize a gift card, however, you raise it to another level! For example:

• Put a restaurant gift card into a holiday card that’s been decorated and labeled as “Open In Case of Emergency Date Night”.
• Research local businesses where they live and purchase a giftcard from there. That way, your gift shows thought while also supporting a local business.
• Wrap a box of microwave popcorn packages and place a movie (or streaming service) gift card on top. 

How To Keep Your Gifts and Wrapping Supplies Well Organized

When the holidays are over, most gift wrapping supplies get shoved in a closet or under a bed, leading to wrinkled or ripped wrapping paper that isn’t usable next year. To keep your supplies in good condition and out of the way, try these tips:

• Purchase a long, plastic storage container for wrapping paper. 
• Reuse when possible! Save sturdy boxes and beautiful bags in a large, clear plastic bin to use next year.
• Keep tape, bows, and ribbons together in a small container or sealable bag.

If you truly have a lot of holiday supplies, or decorations, consider renting a small self-storage unit. You’ll save lots of space at home while knowing that everything is safe, secure, and accessible.

NSA Storage Can Give You Extra Space This Holiday Season

Hopefully these last-minute gift ideas have given you the inspiration and collaboration you were looking for today. More importantly, we hope they lower your holiday stress and lock-in your gift-giving plans! 

If you need extra space before, during, or after the season, NSA Storage is ready to help. Our secure storage units are safe and convenient, and come in several sizes to fit your needs perfectly.

Reserve a storage unit online today and you can start using it ASAP! Until then, best of luck finishing your holiday shopping on time!

The post Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

As Christmas approaches, many parents are buying presents and wondering how to keep them secret until Christmas day arrives. It’s not always easy, especially with curious kids snooping in every corner when their parents aren’t looking. You might need to get creative this year, and NSA Storage can help. These Christmas present hiding spots are sure to stump your kids and keep your gifts a secret.

7 Christmas Present Hiding Spots They’ll Never Guess

1. Use a Decoy Box

Many of us keep the boxes from things like electronics or appliances. Wherever you stash your Christmas gifts, put them inside one of those boxes as a decoy. A new toy in the box from your toaster? Perfect! Kids who are searching for presents won’t look any further into boring boxes under the bed.

2. Hidden Storage in Furniture

Do you have furniture with a hidden compartment, like an ottoman or bench? Use that hidden storage space to hide your gifts, as long as your kids don’t know about it. You can also:

• Put gifts on top of tall furniture, like a dining room hutch, bookshelf, or buffet.
• Hide gifts behind or under a large sofa or love seat.
• Place gifts under blankets in a blanket chest.
• Slide flat items (like a poster) behind a dresser.

3. Store in a Suitcase

If you travel you likely have at least one suitcase, if not several. These are great for hiding Christmas presents as they’re usually stored in a closet, attic, or basement, and don’t need to be opened unless you’re getting ready to travel. Here are a few gift hiding tips using suitcases:

• Use the zippered pocket inside the suitcase to hide small gifts.
• Put the gift in a small suitcase and then nest it into another, bigger suitcase for extra protection
• If possible, lock your suitcase.
• Put the suitcase you used on the bottom of the suitcase pile.

4. Hide in High Places

This hiding spot is best when you have small children that can’t climb or use a step-stool yet. Here are a few suggestions:

• On the highest shelf in your closet.
• Above the cabinets in your kitchen.
• On top (and towards the back) of your refrigerator.
• The attic, if it’s accessible and not extremely hot or cold.

5. Make Fake Labels for Your Hiding Spots

In some homes you need to throw curious kids and nosy family members off the gift trail. To do that, use false labels! For example, mark a storage container with label that says “Halloween Decorations” and stash your presents inside.

6. Use an Everyday Item as a Hiding Spot

Here are a few everyday items that would make a perfect spot to hide Christmas gifts until the big day:

• Place a small gift inside a folded towel, and place that towel at the bottom of the towel pile in your linen closet.
• Hide a present inside an old board game that’s never played.
• Using a large container to hold food for a pet? Put the gift in a plastic bag and bury it under the food!
• Stash gifts under summer clothes that are going into storage until next year.
• Hide a Christmas gift inside a large pot in the back of your kitchen cabinets.

7. Keep Track of Your Hidden Gifts

The last thing you want after going through all this effort to hide gifts is to forget one or more of them. To avoid this, use these tips:

• Create a list on your phone as you go.
• Write down everything and hide your list in a book on your bookshelf.
• Share your completed list via phone with a friend. If you’re worried about your kids looking through your phone, delete the message and have your friend send it back to you on Christmas Eve!

Renting a Self-Storage Unit to Hide Christmas Presents

Frankly, most folks won’t need something as spacious and secure as a storage unit to hide their Christmas gifts. On the other hand, renting a storage unit might be the perfect solution if:

• You have large gifts to give, like bicycles, exercise equipment, a canoe, or even a new car.
• You buy your gifts far in advance and don’t have options to hide them successfully at home.
• Keeping a large number of gifts organized as well as hidden is your goal.
• You live in a small house or apartment and simply don’t have the space.

If you’re facing one of these challenges, reserving a storage unit might be the perfect solution. You’ll have all the space you need in a safe location that nobody can access but you! With NSA Storage, you can rent a storage unit for as many, or few, months as you like. For example, if you only want it for November and December, you can get a storage unit for only those two months.

If these Christmas present hiding spots have been helpful, get hiding! From our family at NSA Storage to yours, Happy Holidays!

The post Top 7 Christmas Present Hiding Spots appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Every Thanksgiving host wants their tablescape to impress. A beautiful and festive centerpiece is a great way to spruce up the spread, and the best part is, you can make one yourself to save on the cost of an extravagant centerpiece.

If you’re wanting to create a magical DIY Thanksgiving centerpiece this year, this blog is for you. It’s brought to you by NSA Storage, and filled with tips on setting a memorable table! Follow along and make your Thanksgiving masterpiece with these easy how-to guides.

Natural and Rustic Thanksgiving Centerpieces

If an all-natural centerpiece is what you want, the ideas below will be perfect. They bring the colors of the season indoors, as well as the textures and scents. 

• Table Runner Made from Colorful Autumn Leaves

This table runner is easy to make and costs almost nothing except a little bit of your time. Gather colorful leaves and spray them with shellac to keep them in good shape. Then, glue them together, end-to-end, making sure to twist and turn them. Use as many leaves as you need to go from one end of the table to the other.

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• Pinecone Candle Centerpiece

Pinecones are abundant in fall so grab a few of them for this easy, attractive centerpiece. Then, spread them around a tall pillar candle (or several), and you’re done! If you like, you can spray paint some of the pinecones different fall colors, or leave them natural.

• Mini Pumpkin Bowl Centerpiece

Using an extra-large bowl, fill it with mini pumpkins and gourds. Mound them in the bowl and, voila, you’re done! Super easy, this centerpiece is also strikingly attractive.

• Mason Jar Wheat Bundles

Using mason jars, stuff them with dried wheat stalks that have been bundled together. Three or four of these quick, inexpensive jars and you’ll have a centerpiece that looks amazing!

DIY Thanksgiving Centerpieces Using Everyday Items around the House

Like the rustic, all-natural centerpieces above, these use everyday items to help you save money. Most of the supplies you’ll need are probably already in your home!

• Mini Chalkboard Place Holders

Everyone wants to know where they’re sitting at the big table on Thanksgiving. Using mini chalkboards, you can make place holders to show them! Plus, if you have kids (or want to be artsy) you can color them with fall designs.

• Corn-filled Candle Vase

Using a vase, fill it ⅔ full with dried kernels of corn. Then, gently stick a tall candle in the center. In less than five minutes you’ll have DIY Thanksgiving centerpieces that look beautiful!

• Multi-colored Mason Jars

For this centerpiece you’ll need mason jars, several colors of paint, and tea lights. Once gathered, paint the mason jars in festive fall colors. When dried, stick in your tea lights! Done!

• Thanksgiving-themed Cake Stand Centerpiece

If you have a cake stand you can use it to build an awesome Turkey Day centerpiece! Just layer mini-pumpkins, leaves, pinecones, and maybe some dried apples and pears. In minutes you’ll have a colorful, rustic display your guests will love!

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DIY Thanksgiving Centerpieces that the Kids Can Make

If you have kids and want to get them involved, these centerpieces will do the trick. They’re easy to make and, when finished, will give your child a sense of joy and pride.

• Pinecone Turkeys

Adorable and fun to make, pinecone turkeys are also a lot of fun to look at and play with! You’ll need;

• Pinecones of varying sizes
• Googly eyes
• Paper to make “feathers” and “beaks”
• Pipe cleaners for “feet”
• Kid-safe glue

Once gathered, let your kids go to town, glueing everything in place to make their turkeys. 

• Handprint Turkey Jars

Spread water-based paint on a safe surface, and let your kids put their hand down into it. Then, let them grab a jar to leave a “turkey” print on the side. Once dry, put in tea lights for a fun, festive display.

• Gratitude Mini Pumpkins

Let your kids write the things they are grateful for onto mini pumpkins and place them around the table. It’s easy and also gives your kids a good lesson in gratitude.

How to Store Your DIY Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Many centerpieces get thrown away for donated after the holiday is over. After all, some are made from natural components that will eventually fall apart or rot. But, if you want to save a few for next year, here are a few tips that will help:

• Use clear, plastic bins so that you can see what’s inside.
• Wrap fragile items in packing paper.
• Place natural items in bags you can seal to keep out pests.
• Store everything in a place that’s cool, dry, and away from the sun.

Store Your Centerpieces with NSA Storage

Hopefully the ideas above have given you plenty of inspiration for decoration! As promised, they’re easy, inexpensive, and should look amazing on your Thanksgiving table!

If you need extra storage for the holidays, whether to make room for guests, to store decorations, or more, NSA Storage can help. Our clean, safe storage units are available nationwide, ready to store practically anything.

You can reserve a storage unit online and it will be ready when you arrive. Until then, everyone at NSA Storage wishes you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving and wonderful holiday season.  

The post How to Make DIY Thanksgiving Centerpieces appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Thanksgiving is the biggest and best dinner of the year, with most folks pulling out all the stops. In many households, though, Thanksgiving leftovers are where the true magic happens. After all, there’s so much of all your favorite foods that giving them a 2nd (and 3rd, and 4th) act is a must!

Turkey sandwiches are great, but if you’re ready for something different, this blog is for you! It’s a list of creative Thanksgiving leftover ideas your whole family will love, brought to you by NSA Storage!

What Makes Thanksgiving Leftovers So Special?

The best thing about Thanksgiving dinner is that it includes so many of our favorite foods. Turkey and ham, glazed carrots, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes; the list goes on and on, with every household serving their most cherished treats!

Leftovers are great for after the holidays when you’re feeling wiped out from all the cooking. All of those foods are now cooked and ready to use as leftover ingredients in something quick, easy, and tasty! That saves you time, effort, and money, and allows you to experiment on a budget and discover new flavors!

Classic Leftover Recipes for Turkey

There’s no denying that, in many American households, turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving meal. That also makes it the star of your leftover cavalcade of concoctions, including the delicious ones below:

1. Grilled Cheese with Turkey and Cranberry Sauce

This easy and tasty treat combines turkey, cranberry sauce, and a slice or two of your favorite cheese. Place everything between two slices of heart bread and grill them for a new kind of grilled cheese!

2. Fried Rice, Thanksgiving Style

For this leftover recipe, chop some turkey into small bits. Then scramble two eggs and toss in any leftover vegetables from Thanksgiving dinner. Add rice and fry it all up in a wok for a Thanksgiving take on fried rice!

3. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Like traditional shepherd’s pie, this is the ultimate comfort food, especially on a cold November or December day! It’s easy, too! Simply combine chopped turkey, vegetables, and gravy, then pour them all into a pre-made pie crust. Cover with a layer of mashed potatoes and bake for about 20 minutes. Delicious!

4. Turkey Soup

A recipe the whole family can enjoy on chilly autumn days, turkey soup is an annual favorite! Gently cook your leftover turkey, including the bones, along with leftover vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery. As that’s cooking, boil a pot of your favorite noodles, and combine the two when ready. It’s super easy and can stay in the fridge for up to a week, keeping you and your family warm, well-fed, and satisfied!

Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas for the Kids

Leftovers and kids can often be a difficult combination, especially when your kids are picky eaters. That said, there are several kid-pleasing recipes you can create with thanksgiving leftovers, including the ones below:

1. Mashed Potato Pancakes

Kids love pancakes and mashed potatoes, so this combination is a no brainer. Combine mashed potatoes with some flour, shredded cheese, and an egg. Then, shape them into “pancakes” and fry in butter until both sides are golden brown.

2. Turkey Sliders

Dinner rolls are the perfect “bun” for turkey sliders. Grease a pan, place the base of a bun down, and cover with a slice of cheese. Then, place slices of turkey on top, and more cheese, before covering with the top of the bun. Bake for about ten minutes for a quick snack while watching the game!

3. Stuffed Muffins

Muffins made from stuffing? Yes, please! First, scoop some stuffing into a muffin tin. Next, crack an egg over the top of each muffin, then bake until the egg is cooked through. Fun to make, these muffins are also full of protein and very satisfying.

4. Turkey Tacos

Tacos are a treat kids love. Making them with leftover Thanksgiving turkey makes perfect sense, and using leftover lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole even more. The kids can then top them with leftover cranberry sauce or gravy for an easy snack or light lunch! 

How to Store Thanksgiving Leftovers Safely

The most important thing to remember when making your Thanksgiving leftover plans is to store them safely right away. After all, you can’t enjoy the fruits of your labor if they spoil. To be sure they don’t, follow these leftover food storage tips:

• Don’t Wait to Refrigerate– Germs and bacteria can form quickly on food, especially turkey and other meats. Experts recommend refrigerating everything within 2 hours after your Thanksgiving meal has ended, if not sooner. 
• Use the Correct Containers– Airtight containers are the best way to store leftovers, especially if you plan to freeze them. If you use plastic wrap, be sure it adheres firmly so your food doesn’t dry out. Vacuum food storage devices are also a good way to store Thanksgiving leftovers.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Freeze– If you have too much turkey, mashed potatoes, and other foods to eat, don’t be afraid to freeze some of it. Most Thanksgiving food will freeze just fine in the correct containers and help you create easy leftover meals weeks after the holiday ends!

Store this Holiday Season with NSA Storage

Thanksgiving features some of our favorite comfort foods, making it the perfect time for some creative leftover recipes. Using the Thanksgiving leftover ideas above, turning this year’s leftovers into delicious new meals is easy!

If you need extra storage space for your holiday decorations, party furniture, and summer clothes, NSA Storage has your back! Our clean, safe storage units also feature top security measures, to make storage easy and convenient.

You can reserve a storage unit online any day of the week and it will be ready to use right away and help you free up some space at home. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, and safe travels!

The post Creative Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas the Whole Family Will Love appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

On Veterans Day, America reflects the sacrifice and courage of the brave men and women who have served in our military. This holiday is the perfect reminder of how much our veterans matter, and what they’ve given for our freedom.

While you prepare to celebrate Veterans Day this year, you might be thinking about how to involve the entire family. This guide will give you all of the ideas you need to get your family involved in the day’s celebrations, brought to you by NSA Storage.

What Makes Veterans Day Important to Celebrate with Family?

Veterans Day is one of the best days to celebrate with every generation of your family, especially if you have a veteran in your family. It’s truly a day when parents, their kids, and their grandparents can all reflect together. For example:

• You can teach kids about history in a way that has true meaning for them.
• Your family memories can, in time, become family traditions.
• You can connect with your community through a shared respect for veterans.

When you intertwine family traditions with Veterans Day, your children will learn values like respect and gratitude.

How To Teach Kids about Veterans Day

Every parent knows that the hardest part of teaching children anything is keeping them engaged in the process of learning. Short attention spans can be difficult to combat, but here are a few ways to get them involved and hopefully keep their focus on the holiday:

• Watch videos about the meaning of the day. You can find age-appropriate videos online that explain the holiday and make it fun!
• Visit local memorials in your town. These bring history to life in a way most other things can’t.
• Share stories with your children about family members who served. This makes it much more personal for them.
• Crafting and art projects can be a great hands-on way to celebrate.

Honoring the Veterans in Your Life

Many families have someone who has served. On Veterans Day, honoring these folks is beautiful and kind, even if it’s just a small gesture. Here are a few ways to do exactly that:

• Create a scrapbook– Scrapbooks filled with pictures, letters, medals, and more, are a wonderful way to honor a veteran.
• Give a vet a call– Getting a phone call from someone saying “thank you for your service” is always a treat for any veteran.
• Invite a veteran to dinner– Cook a nice meal and share it with a local veteran.
• Have a Veterans Day party– Getting together with family, friends, and veterans to celebrate is the perfect way to celebrate.
• Write personalized letters to veterans– This is a fun and interesting activity for your kids. They can write their “thank you’s” and create drawings to lift a vet’s spirits.

Simple but Meaningful Veterans Day Plans for the Family

There are many events and activities you can enjoy on Veterans Day with your family. Many of them are fun and exciting enough to put on your annual “to do” list, including:

• Fundraisers– Fundraisers support veterans while also giving you a chance to spend meaningful time with your family.
• Community Programs– Many communities invite veterans to speak to the community about their experiences.
• Charity Walks or Runs– Get some exercise while raising money to support veterans in your community.
• Memorial Ceremonies– They may be solemn but these ceremonies often are the most powerful and memorable, especially if you have lost a family member who served.
• Veterans Day Parades– Parades are fun while also keeping our veterans in our thoughts.
• School Programs– Many schools across the nation have programs to teach youngsters about the sacrifices made by our veterans.
• Donate Clothes– Many veterans need help buying basics like clothes. Donating gently used (or new) clothes to a veterans shelter can help them greatly.
• Send Care Packages– Who doesn’t like receiving a care package filled to the brim with goodies?
• Deliver Meals to Vets– There’s nothing better than a nice meal for a veteran, especially one who’s having financial stress.

How To Create Your Own Family Traditions

Like other holidays, you can create your own traditions for Veterans Day. Not only will they give everyone something to look forward to, they also reinforce important values like duty, honor, and sacrifice. Below are a few excellent ideas to create your own traditions:

• Light a candle for each fallen hero in your family.
• Volunteer. Soup kitchens and shelters always need people to lend a hand.
• Cook a patriotic meal for your family and invite local veterans you know to come and enjoy it.
• Watch the National Veterans Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery together with your kids.
• Gather family and friends for a flag hoisting ceremony on the morning of Veterans Day.

Store This Season with NSA Storage

Veterans Day, at its heart, is a day to express our gratitude for veterans everywhere. Doing it as a family is even more powerful thanks to the lessons and memories it can create. Together, these traditions bring families, friends, and communities closer, while also supporting veterans.

If you need a storage unit this holiday season, contact us today. You can also reserve a storage unit online at hundreds of locations across the United States. Happy Veterans Day from NSA Storage!

The post Celebrating Veterans Day With The Whole Family appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

November is a month often filled with fun fall activities and time spent with family. For those of us fortunate enough to have a roof over our heads and food on our tables, it’s easy to forget that the days are getting chillier and harder for those less fortunate. If you’re looking to give back this month, volunteering is a great way to do just that. Volunteer opportunities are available in most cities, big and small, and they’re almost always looking for more helping hands. Plus, when you volunteer with your children, they learn valuable lessons about gratitude, empathy, and kindness towards others. 

To that end, NSA Storage put together the following volunteering ideas for families. The ideas below will help you give back and build up your community, all while spending time with your loved ones.

What Makes Volunteering as a Family Worth the Effort?

Volunteering is worthwhile no matter if you’re alone or with a group. When that group is your family, however, the lessons learned are even more impactful. For example;

• Volunteering teaches gratitude, and helps your kids appreciate what they have.
• You’ll create strong memories that you and your kids will cherish when you volunteer together.
• Children learn empathy when volunteering, increasing their emotional awareness and understanding.
• Volunteering together helps your kids learn cooperation, teamwork, and good communication skills.

Simple Volunteering Ideas for Beginners

If you’re new to volunteering and want to “get your feet wet”, the ideas below will be perfect. They’re on the smaller side, no doubt, but are just as helpful as larger tasks. These volunteer opportunities include:

1. Community Gardens

Volunteering at a community garden together can be a lot of fun and teach kids about the value of fruits, vegetables, and other plant life. Many community gardens provide a food source for people struggling with food insecurity.

2. Family Food Drive

Organize a food drive with your neighbors, including canned and boxed foods, baby items, cleaning items, etc. Once collected, deliver the groceries as a family.

3. Animal Shelters

Animal shelters always need volunteers to take care of the dogs, cats, and other animals they care for. Plus, it’s a lot of fun for kids who get to play with the dogs and cats!

4. Nursing and Senior Care Facilities

Many senior citizens crave company and connection during the holiday season. Volunteering at a senior home or nursing facility together will bring a smile to their faces and yours.

5. Park or Beach Cleanup

Cleaning up a local park or stretch of beach can be extremely satisfying for the soul. It also teaches your kids the value of keeping our public areas clean by not littering.

6. Local Soup Kitchens and Shelters

Serving folks at a soup kitchen or shelter is a rite of passage for many at Thanksgiving. Like everything else, this volunteering opportunity will make you and your family feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Volunteering Opportunities Tied Into the Holiday Season

Because of Thanksgiving, many organizations ramp up their volunteering efforts in November. A quick Google search should help you find local volunteer efforts you can support in your community. Some of them will no doubt include:

1. Blanket and Clothing Drives

With temperatures steadily dropping, many folks need heavy clothing and blankets. Volunteering to collect these items with your family is a no-brainer! You may even have coats that you or your children have outgrown that would be greatly appreciated by someone struggling with homelessness.

2. Adopt-a-Family

This program allows your family to “adopt,” or sponsor, another during the Holidays. Once you do, you can provide meals, toys, and other essentials to a family that may not be able to afford everyday comforts or special treats during the holiday season.

3. Charity Runs and Walks

These annual events help raise money for all sorts of good causes. Running or walking with your entire family will help raise money and be a fun time, too!

4. Thanksgiving Meal Prep and Delivery

Many local charities cook and deliver meals to both homeless and homebound residents during the holidays. Helping to prepare or deliver the food together as a family is a great way to make an impact on underprivileged members of your community.

5. Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude is a program that sends letters and care packages from grateful civilians to our men and women in uniform. It’s also done for veterans here at home.

Giving Back from the Comfort of Home

Volunteering doesn’t have to mean braving the cold. You can make a difference from the comfort of your own home. Here are ways you can help people in your community from home:

1. Baking Homemade Treats

If you like to bake, you and the family can bake cookies, pies, rolls, or anything else! Then, deliver your treats to your local police station, fire department, or hospital.

2. Creating Care Packages

Just like Operation Gratitude, you can make care packages for folks living at local shelters. Let your kids write nice notes or draw something for the recipients.

3. Crafting

If you sew, knit, crochet, or other craft, you can make things for your local shelter or nursing home. Socks, hats, sweaters, scarves, you name it! The kids can do the same using any craft materials they like.

4. Virtual Fundraiser

There are many sites online where you can host a virtual fundraiser. The kids can get involved at school, letting students and teachers know to donate.

Teaching Children Gratitude Via Service

November is a time for gratitude, which is an important value to teach children. The following family volunteering ideas are a great way to start:

• Keep a gratitude jar on the kitchen counter. Then have the kids fill it with one note a day about what they’re grateful for.
• Have the kids write thank you notes and give them to, for example, their teachers, garbage collectors, delivery people; anyone who makes a difference in their life.
• Make time for reflection after volunteering. This can help your kids vocalize what they learned and felt when volunteering.

Store with NSA Storage this November

November is a time for giving thanks and giving back to your community. By volunteering with your family, you’ll help those in need while also helping your kids to grow into kind, caring people.

If you need extra storage during, or after, the holidays, NSA Storage can help! We offer clean storage units across the country that are safe and secure! You can rent a storage unit in person or reserve a storage unit online.

The post Giving Back This November: Volunteering Ideas for the Holidays 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.

Autumn is the magical time of year when the leaves suddenly burst into color and the air gets crisp and cool. For many, this goes hand-in-hand with a burst of creativity, thanks to Mother Nature’s inspiration.

Indeed, fall is the perfect time of year to get the family together for some DIY fall crafts and projects! If you’re on the same page but not sure which crafts to choose, you’re in luck! NSA Storage rounded up a bushel-full of DIY fall crafts for the whole family, below! Read on to see them all and make this fall a fantastic and fun time for everyone!

What Makes DIY Fall Crafting a Great Choice for Family Time?

The annual onset of fall means summer is over, the days are getting shorter, and kids are back in school. It’s also the start of the holiday season, a time filled with gratuities, warmth, and togetherness. DIY crafting fits in perfectly with this scenario for several reasons:

• Crafting together as a family builds lasting memories and strong bonds
• You can make low-cost decorations for the upcoming holidays
• DIY projects spur creativity in both children and adults
• You get more family time, which can be sporadic once school starts

Six Best DIY Fall Crafts

1. Leaf Garlands 

This garland is great for decorating and easy to make. You’ll need:

• A bunch of colorful leaves
• A few lengths of string
• Small clothespins
• Some push pins

Gather the leaves and, using the clothespins, attach them to a string. Then use the push pins to place your fall garland on a wall, over a door, or wherever you like. Not only are they pretty but, within minutes, your kids will have a decoration they can be proud of. 

2. Pinecone Owls

Pinecones are a natural decorative item that can be made into a variety of DIY crafts. They’re also free and, unless you live in the city, easy to find. For these adorable pinecone owls you’ll need:

• Several pinecones of different sizes
• “Googly eyes” which you can find online or at a craft store like Michael’s
• Felt sheets in whatever color your child likes
• Glue (or a glue gun)

First, clean the pinecone if needed. Next, cut small “wings” from the colored felt and glue them in place. Lastly, glue the googly eyes in place. Done! You now have an owl, or a family of them, to place on a shelf, windowsill, or mantel.

3. Pumpkin Painting

Carving pumpkins is fun but not recommended for smaller children due to sharp edges. Instead, paint those pumpkins! You’ll need:

• Several small pumpkins or gourds
• Washable, water-based paint
• Some paint brushes
• Newspaper or an old sheet to protect any surfaces

Once you’ve got everything, tell your kids to let their imagination run free. Funny faces, cool designs, whatever they want! Plus, if they’re not happy with the result, they can wash off the paint and start again.

4. Leaf Rubbings

Children have been making fall leaf rubbings for ages! They’re fun, easy, and can be done in many different colors! Here’s how:

• Take a large, intact leaf and place it under a plain, white sheet of paper.
• Using any crayon color, rub it over the leaf gently to bring out the leaf’s veins.
• Cut out the colored “leaves” and use them to make a wreath, garland, or other decorations.

5. Fall Lanterns

This DIY fall craft is one of two that needs a couple of store-bought items. The resulting lanterns, however, are simply beautiful and can be used throughout the year. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Several mason jars with lids
• A battery operated string of lights or “tea” light
• Leaves
• Glue

To start, glue a few leaves to the front of the mason jar, making sure that it will still stand up when done. Next, pop in the string lights or tea light and put the lid back on. That’s it! You now have an attractive lantern that will create a beautiful glow all season long!

6. Fall Harvest Log

This is a fall take on a traditional Christmas decoration. It’s a bit more complicated than the first five, with some steps that should definitely be handled by an adult. You’ll need:

• A medium size log. Birch is preferred for its beautiful white bark.
• Two or three taper, pillar, or dinner candles
• Small pinecones, dried berries, acorns, and leaves
• Some twine or a small amount of burlap
• A drill with a drill bit sized to your candle’s base

First, find which side of the log sits flat the best. Then, on top, drill equidistant holes for the two or three candles you’ve purchased. Next, glue your decorations, including leaves, berries, acorns, etc. Attach your burlap or twine and place the candles in their holes and you’re done! 

You can use your harvest log as a centerpiece, or place it on your mantel. Burn the candles with caution and enjoy the warm glow of your DIY crafting!

How To Store Seasonal Crafts for the Following Season

If you want to keep your DIY creations in good shape for next year, follow these tips:

• Wrap them in plain, white packing paper.
• Place them in clear, plastic bins to see what’s inside.
• Store them in a clean, dry, dark space. (The basement is not a good choice as most are too damp.)
• If you have a lot of seasonal things to store but not enough space at home, consider renting a self storage unit.

Store this Fall with NSA Storage

Crafting together is a great way to stay close as a family and let your creativity run free. It’s also a good way to decorate on a budget, especially with all the spending to come for the holidays.

If you need space to store your decorations, ornaments, or anything else, NSA Storage has your solution. Reserve a storage unit online for a clean, safe, and secure place to store almost anything! 

Until next time, have a blast creating all of the DIY fall crafts we talked about today! The time spent together and decorations you’ll make will be sure to brighten up the long nights to come!

The post 6 DIY Fall Crafts for the Whole Family appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.