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.

Lucky for you, NSA Storage put together the handy winter prep checklist, below, with tips about what to do around the house before the cold sets in! If you’re looking to save money on utilities, keep your family comfy, and prevent damage to your home this winter, read on. 

Why Prepping Your Home for Winter is Important

Your home is probably you biggest financial investment as well as the roof over you head, making it top priority to keep it in great condition. That makes prepping a must as winter approaches.

Not only will prepping for winter help keep your family comfortable and safe, it will save you money on your energy bills. Prepping your home also prevents costly repairs to, for example, the roof, frame, and foundation. Lastly, it makes the change from winter to spring easier and faster next season. In short, prepping your home for winter:

• Lowers your energy costs
• Prevents damage to your home
• Extends the lifespan of large home appliances like your HVAC
• Prevents stressful situations like having no heat or water pipes busting when the temperatures drop below freezing

Outdoor Winter Prep Checklist

With cold weather weeks, or days, away, starting outside makes sense. That’s especially true for chores that involve water, so that it doesn’t freeze. Here are the most important chores and tasks to prep your outdoor space for winter:

Check Your Roof

Your home’s roof is the primary source of protection for your and your family. Making sure it’s ready to do its job all winter is a must, including:

• Check for any cracked or missing shingles and replace them
• Clear debris like twigs, leaves, and anything else off your roof
• If you see any gaps, use caulk to seal them

Inspect Your Siding

After your roof, your home’s siding is its next best barrier against extreme temps and wicked weather. Before winter begins, be sure to:

• Check for missing or cracked siding
• Replace any missing pieces
• Seal any cracks with caulk

Clean All Gutters

Clogged gutters can freeze and cause dangerous ice dams as well as damage your roof. Cleaning them thoroughly is a must before winter sets in, including the following:

• Clean all gutters and downspouts
• Check downspout outlets to make sure water is being led away from the foundation
• If it’s in your budget, consider gutter guards to prevent clogs next year

Store and Protect Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture should be stored indoors if possible, preferably where it’s dry and dark. If you don’t have the storage space, here are a few tips to keep your outdoor furniture in good condition:

• Clean everything well and let it dry completely
• Cover with a waterproof tarp and use bungee cords to keep the tarp in place.
• Store under an overhang and off of the ground so that your furniture isn’t in standing water.
• Spray metal parts with lubricant to keep them from rusting and make them easier to use again next year.
• Rent a storage unit for your furniture and other summer stuff

Drain and Store Hoses

Wrestling frozen hoses in January is no fun for anyone. To avoid it, be sure to:

• Disconnect all hoses from outdoor faucets
• Drain each hose completely 
• Wrap the hoses and store them in a dry place out of the sun

Indoor Winter Prep Checklist

After you’ve prepped outdoors, indoor preparation should be your next task. That way, when the temperatures drop off a cliff, your home will be fuel-efficient while your family is safe and warm.

Have Your HVAC or Heating System Serviced

The worst time to find out your HVAC or heating system needs to be replaced is when it’s freezing outside! Instead of that family disaster, be sure to:

• Schedule an inspection and, if needed, HVAC cleaning
• Test and replace your thermostat’s batteries
• Have your chimney cleaned if you plan to use your fireplace
• Replace the air filter. (Buy a couple of extras to replace it again in 1 to 2 months.)

Seal Any Drafts Around Doors and Windows

Warming air inside just to let it escape outside is bad for your budget. Better to seal any drafts around doors and windows and keep that heated air in the house! To do that, you should:

• Apply caulk to any small gaps between windows and frames
• Use quality weather stripping to seal large gaps
• Add a door sweep to any doors that lead outside

Check and Improve Insulation in the Attic

Your attic can lose a lot of your home’s heat if it isn’t insulated well, wasting your money and raising your utility bills. Before the temperature drops, be sure to:

• Check if there are any spots where the insulation could be added or improved
• Add insulation over your ceilings
• If you’re not sure, have an insulation expert check your attic and give you their recommendations

Reverse the Direction of Ceiling Fans

This easy step will help push warm air down from the ceiling while lifting colder air upward. That not only improves circulation but can lower your heating bill substantially.

Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

You’ll be spending a lot more time indoors so be sure your detectors are all in working condition with fresh batteries. 

Winter Storage Tips

These last winter prep tips are for storing things you won’t need again until next year.

• Clean everything well and let it dry completely before storing.
• Label every box or plastic bin to find things later
• Optimize your garage or shed with storage accessories like bicycle hooks and rafter storage racks

Store this Winter with NSA Storage

Winter in many parts of the United States is cold, long, and harsh. We hope the winter prep checklist provided today will help make your winter experience one that’s cozy, warm, and wonderful. If you need extra storage this winter, NSA Storage can help. Reserve one of our safe, secure storage units online! Do it now before winter gets the drop on you!

The post Winter Prep Checklist: Things to Do Around the House Before Winter appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

After many years in the same home, renovations can add a much-needed new look, feel, and ambiance to your living space. That’s especially true for kitchens and bathrooms, where an update can make all the difference!

The problem, of course, is that home renovations cause a lot of mess. Dirt, dust, grime, paint, sawdust, glue, tape, and more aren’t just messy, they can damage or even ruin your stuff. That includes things like furniture, appliances, clothing, rugs, and curtains, among others.

To prevent damage, as well as loss and theft, many homeowners turn to self storage when renovating. If you’re curious how self-storage can help, read on. NSA Storage has the answers and info you seek about the many benefits of using self storage during home renovations, below!

How Can a Self Storage Unit Help Me During Home Renovations?

Here’s a quick list of the many ways renting a self-storage unit during home renovations can be helpful and safer:

1. More Space to Work

Contractors, no matter their specialty, need ample space to be able to do their jobs well. If your kitchen, bathroom, or other room is packed with furniture and belongings, they won’t have that space. Renting a storage unit, however, will let you clear out a room completely so that your contractors can do their jobs correctly and safely. 

2. Less Chance of Accidents

Accidents happen for many reasons. Too much stuff around, things under foot, etc. By removing your belongings during your home’s renovation you remove many of the things that cause these accidents. That’s good news for both you and your contractors.

3. Protects Your Belongings from Dirt and Damage

As we mentioned earlier, renovations caused an awful lot of dirt, dust and debris. If your furniture, clothing and other items are home, they will likely get dirty. By putting everything in a self storage unit, you reduce the chance of your stuff getting dirty and damaged to zero.

4. Easier and Faster Clean-Up

With no furniture and other belongings in the way, cleaning up after the renovations are finished will be easier and faster. That could potentially mean a lower bill for you as it will help the contractors get done more quickly.

5. Stress Reduction

Not having to worry about your belonging getting damaged can reduce your stress significantly during renovations. A decluttered and organized space can also help you feel more focused and calm.

6. Home Renovations Stay On-Track

With fewer things to move, cover, or protect, your contractors will stay on track and your renovations on time.

7. Less Theft and Loss

Theft and loss are a small but real threat when renovating. By storing new items, supplies, and appliances in a storage unit, you reduce the risk of loss and theft to a minimum.

What Items Should I Store During Home Renovations?

Besides things like flammable items and perishable goods, many things can be stored in a self storage unit during home renovations. That’s what makes storage units invaluable; you can protect practically anything until the renovations are complete. That includes:

• Furniture, including sofas, dressers, tables, beds, etc.
• Appliances like refrigerators, washer, and dryers
• Home decor like mirrors, paintings, lamps and more
• Clothing
• Rugs
• Curtains

The thing about home renovations is that many items will be replaced. That includes bathtubs, sinks, flooring, appliances, cabinets, ceramic floor tiles, and much more. These new items can be quite valuable but might not be needed right away. To keep them safe, storing them in your storage unit until they are needed is a great choice!

Top Tips for Choosing and Using a Storage Unit During Home Renovations

If you’ve decided to rent a self storage unit ruling your home renovations, great choice! Below are a few top tips to help you get the most out of your extra space.

1. Pick the Correct Size Storage Unit

Storage units come in several sizes from 5’ x 5’ all the way up to 20’ x 30’ and even larger. If you’re only storing a few items during your home renovation, you might not need a very large storage unit. However, if you’re renovating your entire home, and wish to store most of your items, a larger unit might be necessary.

Here’s a tip; you can fit a small room into a 5’ x 5’ storage unit if you pack correctly. For each extra room, get at least 5’ x 5’ more space.

2. Don’t Overpack

Remember, your things will only be in storage for a few months, if that. You don’t need to pack them as if they’re going to be stored for years. Packing lightly will save you time, energy, and the cost of packing materials.

3. Use Moving Pads to Protect Furniture

Even though your furniture won’t be moving while it’s stored, protecting your nicest pieces with moving pads is recommended. That way, if something drops, slides or slips, your tables, dressers and other nice furniture won’t get damaged or destroyed.

4. Make a Path in the Storage Unit Through Your Stuff

Being able to access your things while they’re stored is a must. To make it easier to get your things, be sure to leave a path through the stuff in your storage unit. That way you can access things in the front, middle, or back of the unit.

5. Stack Things with Care

When stacking things, be sure to stack heavier things on the bottom and lighter things as you go up. Also, don’t stack so high that your piles become unstable. This could cause things to fall and get damaged or destroyed.

6. Consider a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

Climate controlled storage units keep the temperature and humidity stable throughout the year. If you have valuable items that could be damaged by humidity or temperature extremes, a climate control storage unit is recommended.

Store with NSA Storage During your Home Renovations

We think you’ll agree that there are definitely some excellent benefits to renting a storage unit while renovating your home. That includes everything from protecting your furniture from damage and dust to keeping things safe and secure.

If you’re starting a renovation project soon you can reserve a storage unit online quickly and easily. Once you do, you can use it as you see fit to store things, keep them safe, and take them out of storage when you need them.

The post The Benefits of Self-Storage During Home Renovations appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.