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.

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.

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

Why is Decluttering Before the Holidays Important?

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

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

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

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

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

Entryway

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

Mudroom

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

Kitchen

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

Living Room

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

Guest Room

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

2. Have Plenty of Containers and Boxes Ready

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

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

3. Before You Decorate, Un-Decorate

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

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

4. Prepare a Space for Your Guests

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

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

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

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

5. Be Sure to Have Enough Chairs

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

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

6. Declutter Your Fridge and Freezer Ahead of Time

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

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

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

Use NSA Storage for Your Holiday Prep

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

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

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

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

Fall brings with it crisp air, gorgeous colors, and a renewed holiday spirit. It also brings new outdoor chores and responsibilities, including picking up fallen leaves, cleaning the gutters, and much more.

If you’ve got a yard that needs attention but you’re not sure where to start, this quick guide will help. It’s filled with seven expert tips to maintain your yard, and enjoy fall to the fullest. Brought to you by NSA Storage, If that sounds like the info you need today, read on!

Is Yard Maintenance Important?

Cleaning up your yard for fall isn’t just for outward appearances, it’s also important for your home and safety. For example, leaves can build up and clog your gutters, causing drainage problems and water damage.

Those same leaves can damage your lawn, and create risky slip and fall hazards. Cleaning your yard now can prevent these problems, and several others, including:

• Preventing mold and mildew
• Stopping many types of lawn diseases
• Keeping pests, including insects, squirrels, moles, rats, and more, from nesting in your yard
• Making it easier to get rid of snow when it starts falling
• Protecting your plants and trees during the winter

In short, if you maintain your yard now, you can prevent all sorts of problems, issues, and expensive repairs later.

1. Mow Your Lawn One Last Time

Gras will keep growing into mid-fall in many places. Lawn experts recommend mowing it one last time before winter arrives. Below are a few other tips to keep your grass in good shape until next year:

• Sharpen the blades on your mower first for a clean cut
• Cut your grass lower than usual (about 2 inches)
• Mow when the grass is dry for less mess and easier removal

Mowing one last time reduces the risk that mold will form over the winter. It also improves the air circulation at ground level, which is healthier for your grass.

2. Clean All Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters are an important part of your home. They protect it from water runoff that can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your roof, foundation, siding, and more. Before the weather turns too cold:

• Using gloves, scoop out leaves, twigs, pine cones, dirt, and debris
• Flush your gutters with water to make sure the downspouts are clear
• If possible, add gutter guards to prevent future clogs

Clean your gutters before leaves start falling en-masse. Then, before winter starts, clean them out again. If you can, clean off your roof, also, to remove stuff that might get washed into your gutters later.

3. Store Outdoor Furniture, Tools, and Toys for Winter

Cold weather, including rain, sleet, snow, and ice, can damage and even destroy things left outdoors. Better to take everything inside and store it well for next year. For example;

• Disconnect and store garden hoses
• Stack outdoor furniture neatly in your garage or shed
• Put summer toys together in a large container like a plastic bin
• Put a cover on your barbecue or, even better, move it into the shed or garage
• Put all garden tools away in a cool, dry spot

4. Trim Plants, Trees, and Shrubs

Not only do untrimmed, overgrown plants make your yard look messy, they’re very attractive to critters of all kinds. To keep your yard looking good and keep those critters away, trim back now, including:

• Remove dead flowers and stems
• Any trees and shrubs that touch your home should be trimmed far back
• Cut any perennials down to a few inches off the ground
• Cut dead limbs from trees. Snow could cause them to fall during winter.

5. Rake and Remove Leaves Early and Regularly

One of the biggest chores many homeowners face every autumn is removing fallen leaves from their yard. It’s a big, messy, tiring task, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier:

• Clean up leaves every week until most have fallen
• Rake or blow leaves only when they’re dry
• Consider a mulching leaf sweeper, which will significantly reduce the number of leaf bags you need
• Never rake leaves into a storm drain, which can cause flooding during heavy rains

6. Prepare Your Garden for Winter

If you have a garden you’ll need to prep it for winter, also. Here’s how:

• Remove weeds as well as you can
• Get rid of dead and rotting plants
• Add a layer of mulch to insulate your garden’s soil
• If you live where snow gets heavy, cover your garden with a tarp or burlap

7. Keep Walkways and Driveways Cleared

One of the most common risks you’ll face in fall and winter is slipping on sidewalks and driveways. The cold, of course, can be problematic, with ice being the biggest problem. However, leaf piles can also be very slippery when wet. To prevent slips and falls:

• Sweep or blow all walkways and your driveway as often as needed
• A leaf blower will make this chore easier and faster
• Trim back any bushes or hedges that butt up against walkways
• Get rock salt now for use later when snow starts falling

Helpful Tools for Fall Yard Cleaning

It takes more than a little time and effort to maintain your yard in the fall. To cut down on both, consider having the following tools on-hand:

• Large rake
• Leaf blower
• Lawn mower with “mulching” feature
• Leaf bags
• Compost bin
• Trimmer for weeds
• Edger for walkway and driveway edges
• Gutter scoop

Get Ready for the New Season with NSA Storage

By using the tips provided today, your yard will stay clean during winter and be ready to go next spring! In most cases, it’s simply a matter of regular clean-up until the leaves stop falling.

Some folks might do well to reserve a storage unit and store their summer things until next season. If that’s you, NSA Storage offers clean, secure storage units across the United States. 

You can reserve a storage unit today and start using it right away to maintain your yard and keep your home pristine. Until then, best of luck cleaning up your yard and have a wonderful fall and winter season!

The post 7 Expert Tips for How To Maintain Your Yard in Fall appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

While many Americans spend Labor Day weekend barbecuing or beachcombing, it’s also the ideal time to tackle much-needed home projects. After all, Labor Day is a three-day weekend, which gives you extra time to get projects done without rushing or stressing. If you feel the need to get stuff done this Labor Day but you’re not sure where to start, read on. The ten projects below, brought to you by NSA Storage, are easy to get done in three days, tops!

What Makes Labor Day Weekend a Great Small Project Weekend?

Americans are lucky enough to have several long weekends every year. Labor Day weekend, however, stands out as the perfect project weekend for a couple of reasons.

First, the weather is still warm, which makes tackling outdoor projects easier and more enjoyable. Also, with school, autumn, and the holidays approaching, Labor Day weekend is your last chance to finish any lingering projects. 

1. Power Wash Your Patio, Walkways, or Driveway

Patios, decks, walkways and driveways take a beating from the weather, which can make them look dull and grungy. Labor Day weekend is a great time to get out your power washer and make them look attractive again. Be sure to:

• Wear clothes that can get dirty or stained
• Wear protective shoes
• Use eye protection
• Take your time (You have all weekend!)

2. Organize Your Closets

Labor Day weekend is a great time to organize your closets and make your fall mornings easier. Here’s how:

• Take everything out of your closet first.
• Sort things by type, use, and season.
• Donate or toss anything you don’t use, need, or want.
• Purchase any space saving devices you’d like to use.
• Put things back so that like is with like. (Short sleeves vs long sleeves, summer vs winter, etc.)

3. Prep Your Yard for Fall

While it might still be warm and pleasant on Labor Day weekend, colder weather is on its way. That makes this last weekend of summer a good choice for yard prepping. For example, now is a great time to:

• Trim shrubs, trees, and bushes
• Store plant pots and other summer garden items for winter 
• Mow and trim the lawn and apply any winter fertilizer
• Weed your flower beds
• Store summer garden tools

4. Give Your Kitchen a Deep Clean

With 3 days to do it, Labor Day weekend is the best time to give your kitchen a deep clean. 

• Go through the fridge and freezer and toss anything that’s old or expired. (Or gross.)
• Wipe down all counters, cabinets, and flat surfaces.
• Move appliances and vacuum/clean behind them.
• Clean the crumbs out of toasters
• Organize the cabinets and pantry

5. Donate Unwanted Items to Goodwill

This project is pretty simple; bring anything you want to donate to your local Goodwill. It’s easy, you can get a tax credit for doing so, and it will help people. Plus, once that stuff is gone, you’ll have a lot more storage space in your closets, garage, shed, attic, etc.

6. Refresh Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are usually the smallest rooms in your home, which means they can become cluttered and messy a lot faster. Here are a few tips to refresh your bathroom and make it feel bigger again:

• Throw away old makeup, expired medications, and anything you never use
• Replace old towels with new ones of a different color
• Clean or dust mirrors and fixtures
• Deep clean the entire bathroom

7. Touch Up Your House’s Exterior

A fresh coat of paint is nice, but painting your entire house is a big job. Better to make the job smaller by touching-up rubs, scrapes, and other spots here and there in your home. You’ll need:

• Paint to match each wall’s color
• A good paintbrush
• A wet rag to clean up any drips
• A step ladder for higher spots

8. Clean Out and Organize the Garage

Summer is a busy, often frenetic time for most families, and the garage takes the brunt of all that energy. If yours is like most, it will be a mess by Labor Day, which makes cleaning an organizing a much-needed project. Here are a few tips to help:

• Like your closets, empty the garage as much as possible.
• Sort everything into 3 piles; keep, donate, trash. 
• Donate or trash those items.
• Give the garage a deep clean while everything is outside.
• If you like, purchase organizing items like plastic bins, tool boxes, hooks, hangers, shelves, etc.
• Put everything back in a way that makes it easy to find things when you need them. 

9. Clean Out Your Gutters

This project may or may not be doable for some. If it is for you, though, cleaning the gutters on Labor Day weekend makes a lot of sense. Here’s why:

• They’re probably full after the summer and the debris summer storms create.
• Leaves will be falling soon, so having clean gutters is a must.
• You can put up gutter guards to keep those leaves out.

Be sure to wear gloves and have someone on hand to steady the ladder you use to reach your gutters.

10. Organize Your Holiday Decorations

It might be hard to believe but, once Labor Day arrives, the holidays aren’t far behind. If you decorate for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday, now is a good time to organize your decorations. That way, once your favorite holiday rolls around, you’ll be ready to decorate with less stress and more fun!

Store this Fall at NSA Storage

Labor Day Weekend, as we’ve seen, is practically perfect for pouncing on home projects of all persuasions. It gives you three whole days to get things done, with plenty of time in-between for family fun!

When your project is done, if you find yourself without enough storage space, NSA Storage can help. Once you reserve a storage unit online, you can start storing your stuff right away! Our storage units come in several sizes and are clean, safe, and secure. To all of our customers and friends, we wish you all a fun and exciting Labor Day. Be safe and best of luck with any projects you decide to tackle!  

The post 10 Quick Projects to Knock Out This Labor Day Weekend appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

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

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

Why Prep Your Outdoor Space for Summer?

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

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

Which Tools Do You Need to Prep Your Summer Space?

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

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

Outdoor Space Cleaning Tips

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

1. Clean All Hard Surfaces

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

2. Wash All Pieces of Outdoor Furniture

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

3. Check Locks and Security Devices around Pools

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

4. Clean the Glass on any Sliding Doors

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

Summer Essentials to Make Your Outdoor Space Shine

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

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

Outdoor Space Maintenance Tips

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

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

Swapping Winter Stuff for Summer Stuff

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

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

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

NSA Storage is Your Storage Solution for Summer

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

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

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

As winter finally comes to an end and spring weather arrives, most people are ready for a fresh start. If that’s you, and you dream of having an inviting, clean, more-spacious home, spring decluttering is your solution!

The question is how do you get started decluttering, and what should you keep, donate, toss, or store? Family heirlooms are probably keepers, for example, but what about old toys, electronics, paperwork, sports equipment, and all that other stuff?

To help you with this important task, the storage specialists at NSA Storage put together this handy guide. It will help you decide which of your belongings to keep, and which to donate, toss, and, if needed, store. If that sounds like the actionable info you need right now, read on!

What Makes Spring Decluttering So Important?

Having a clean, uncluttered, and fresh-smelling home is not only a joy but also good for your mental and physical health! For example, a decluttered home:

• Helps clear your mind
• Reduces your stress levels
• Creates a more welcoming living space
• Improves your focus and energy
• Makes you feel good about yourself

You get all of these benefits, and more, when you declutter your living space in the spring. For those reasons, spring decluttering is an excellent choice and recommended by health experts.

How to Decide What to Keep, Donate, Toss, or Store when Decluttering

There’s no doubt that sorting through everything in your home is a large task. For many, it can feel a bit overwhelming, especially at the start. To make it easier, it’s best to break down everything into four categories:

1. Keep– These are items that, no matter what, you’re going to keep at home. Things you use every day or that hold a special place in your heart. More specifically:

• Items you use either daily or weekly
• Sentimental items like heirlooms and wedding photos
• Items in excellent condition that still serve a purpose
• Anything expensive to replace, even if you only use it occasionally

TIP: If you forgot that you owned an item, you probably don’t need to keep it. On the other hand, seasonal clothing and sports equipment, even if it’s not being used right now, should be kept— if it’s in good condition and will still be useful next season.

2. Donate– Gently used items that still function can be donated to help others in your community. That includes Items you might have replaced with a newer version or that no longer fit your style. Some of those things include:

• Clothing
• Tools
• Kitchen items
• Toys
• Books
• Furniture

TIP: If an item works, is usable, can help someone new, and can be cleaned if it’s dirty, you can donate it!

3. Toss– The things you toss are usually items that have been broken or no longer work. Consider things with missing parts, for example, or that are badly stained or ripped. Other items you should consider tossing include:

• Expired food and medicine
• Unsafe items
• Worn out linens
• Damaged cookware and glassware
• Old makeup and toiletries
• Anything that can’t be fixed for a reasonable cost

4. Store– These are items that, while you don’t want to keep them at home, you don’t want to toss or donate them either. Your children’s favorite old toys, for example, or a large stamp collection your grandfather gave you. Here are a few more items you might consider storing:

• Holiday decorations
• Seasonal clothing and shoes
• Collectibles
• Baby clothing and furniture
• Important documents
• Inherited items (even cars)

Top Tips for Successful Decluttering

Most of your decluttering task is going to be sorting all of your items into the four categories we’ve talked about. While not extremely stressful, this can take a lot of time and energy. To help cut that time and energy to a minimum, here are a few top tips for successful decluttering:

• Use a timer: Set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes and take a break when it goes off. This will help you stay focused on the task at hand.
• Start small: Declutter one room, closet, or even a single drawer at a time. If you declutter three or four a day, you can have your entire home decluttered in a week or two without overdoing it.
• Be quick with your decision making: If you can’t decide right away on something, you probably don’t need it.
• Enlist the entire family to help: The more people involved, the quicker the decluttering task will be over. Plus, it can sometimes be fun to get the family involved!

Organizations that Can Help You Declutter

While decluttering is a personal task that you will mostly need to do on your own, there are some organizations that can be quite helpful. Some of them will come to your home and pick things up that you wish to donate, or take away items you wish to toss. The best include:

• Goodwill- Great for donating clothes, toys, books, and electronics.
• The Salvation Army- Similar to Goodwill, and some will even take larger donations like furniture.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore- Perfect for donating furniture.
• Local Animal Shelters– Certain shelters are open to donations of used pet products like leashes, carriers, bowls, and beds.

Self-Storage: The Decluttering Solution

For most people, what they keep will make up the largest of the four decluttering categories. However, that can still leave an awful lot of stuff at home that uses up all of your storage space. For those who want to keep a lot of items but don’t have the storage space for it, self storage is the perfect solution.

Some of the benefits of self-storage when decluttering in spring include:

• Storing items when remodeling or renovating
• Protecting items that are valuable or antique
• Freeing up storage space in your home
• Keeping sentimental or fragile items in excellent condition

For extremely valuable or fragile items, a climate controlled self storage unit is the best choice. These specialized storage units control internal conditions throughout the year. That can protect fragile or valuable items from temperature spikes as well as moisture which can cause mold.

Store with NSA Storage For Your Spring Decluttering

There’s no denying that spring decluttering and cleaning is a big task. We hope the tips and hacks we’ve provided today will help you cut that task down to size. If anything, they’ll help you prepare your home for spring and summer fun to come!

If you need to rent a storage unit to store your belongings, NSA Storage can help. We have clean, safe, and secure storage units across the United States. If you need to store a vehicle, select NSA Storage facilities offer garage storage or uncovered car storage to help you free up some more space. You can reserve a storage unit online quickly and easily! Once you do, you can start storing things right away and make your decluttering task much easier.

The post What to Keep, Donate, Toss, or Store: Spring Decluttering Guide appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

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

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

Why Does Mess Lead to Stress?

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

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

How Can Cleaning Up Your Living Space Create Less Stress?

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

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

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

Cleaning Up Offers Mental and Physical Health Perks

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

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

Top Tips for Keeping a Tidy Home 

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

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

How A Tidy Home Can Save You Time and Energy

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

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

Use Self-Storage to Help Your Spring Tidying

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

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

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

Springtime is all about fresh starts. One way to give your home a refresh is spring cleaning! An annual rite of passage, spring cleaning is the best way to clear away clutter and freshen-up your home or apartment. It’s also a great way to free up extra storage space and boost your mental wellbeing. Researchers say that a clean and organized home can reduce your stress levels and put you in a better mood.

The biggest challenge with spring cleaning, though, is that it can take a lot of time and energy. To reduce both, NSA Storage has some great spring cleaning tips. If you’re wanting that spring-fresh feeling with less hassle and hard work, read on.

1. There’s an App for Spring Cleaning

As with most things today, there are spring cleaning apps you can use to get your spring cleaning chores done. Not only can they keep you organized when cleaning but also motivated and on track. Several of the top apps include:

• Tody- The most popular, Tody Is highly rated by users. It also helps you keep your house clean throughout the year, not just in spring.
• Clean My House- This daily cleaning task reminder app is only available on Android but has great reviews.
• Sweepy- Reviewers say that the Sweepy app is great for couples and families.
• OurHome- A fun rewards system helps this spring cleaning app go over well with kids.
• Todoist- This app can sync across all of your devices, so you don’t miss a cleaning reminder.

2. Declutter First, Clean Second

Spring cleaning is a big chore. What makes it bigger, however, is all that clutter you accumulated during the winter. That’s why decluttering first is a very good idea. Once you get rid of all the things that you don’t want, need, or use, your actual cleaning chores will be easier and get done faster. Several of the best ways to declutter include:

• Selling usable items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace
• Giving gently used but salvageable items to Goodwill or another social Organization.
• Throwing away anything that’s truly unusable.
• Giving cherished but recently unused items to loved ones who you know will enjoy having them.

3. Clean from Top to Bottom

If your home is like most, dust tends to collect in high places during the long winter. As you clean your ceilings, ceiling fans, and high shelves, that dust will fall naturally toward the floor. That’s why you want to clean from top to bottom, so you don’t dirty your freshly cleaned floors, rugs, and furniture. Here’s how:

1. Start in the high corners of every room and remove cobwebs and dust.
2. Next, clean ceiling fans and light fixtures.
3. Dusting shelves and window sills is a good place to clean next.
4. Lastly, vacuum or mop your floors and furniture.

4. Give Your Linens, Fabrics, and Mattresses a Good Refreshing

Most people wash their sheets and pillowcases regularly but don’t really do much to keep their mattresses clean. Health experts, however, say that cleaning your mattresses is a must. Other soft surfaces should be cleaned also, including sofas and chairs. Here are a few select spots to remember:

• Move your beds and sofas to vacuum under them.
• Flip your mattress over and vacuum both sides.
• Pull out your refrigerator and clean or sweep behind it.
• Deep clean your oven and microwave.
• Clean out your vacuum’s filter so that its power is always high.
• Give your washing machine and dryer a good cleaning.

5. Get the Whole Gang Involved

Spring cleaning is a big undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be. If everyone pitches in, it can be an easy and fun family activity. Many cleaning tasks are simple enough for children to help with, and it’s a good opportunity to teach your kids that tidying up is important. Here are some way to get the whole family involved:

• Set up a date and time for spring cleaning and let the family know it’s coming ahead of time.
• If you have children of various ages, assign tasks that are appropriate for them.
• Offer rewards for finished chores to younger family members.
• Put on some lively music and turn up the volume!

6. Use Natural Cleaners and Products when Possible

This tip is for anyone who wishes to use fewer chemicals in their daily life. There are plenty of natural cleaners and cleaning products you can use instead of harsh, bleach-based cleaners. Using natural products is generally safer for households with young children and pets, who have more sensitive skin and respiratory systems. Some of the best all-natural cleaning products include:

• Vinegar and baking soda can lift stains and odors. Perfect for cleaning bathtubs and sinks. Mix the two into a paste and scrub!
• Use lemon juice to discourage bacterial growth and freshen places like sinks and countertops.
• Essential oils like Teatree and lavender have anti-microbial properties and smell great! Be sure to research which are safe for children and pets before using.

7. Give Your Appliances a Deep Cleaning

It’s easy to overlook your appliances when spring cleaning. Experts say you shouldn’t do this, however, as cleaner appliances are healthier for you and your family. That’s especially true for appliances that have filters like your HVAC, vacuum, and clothes dryer. If not properly cleaned, these machines can pose a fire hazard for your home. Below are a few tips for making sure your appliances are as spring fresh as the rest of your home.

• Replace filter filters in your HVAC, vacuum and other appliances that use them.
• Clean out the lint catcher and exhaust for your clothes dryer.
• Take everything out of your fridge and then give it a deep clean, including the freezer.
• If your oven has a self cleaning feature, use it. If not, use a spray-on oven cleaner and wipe it away to reveal a like-new oven!

8. Be Sure to Organize as You Clean

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to organize your home at the same time. That way, everything will be clean and organized when you’re done! For example:

• Organize drawers in your bedroom dressers, kitchen, desk, and so forth.
• Use clear plastic bins and labels to organize winter clothes, sports equipment, etc.
• Clean and organize your kitchen cupboards and cabinets to make it easier to find and access kitchen items.

Still Need Extra Storage Space? Try Self-Storage!

Spring cleaning is an essential, yearly task that also takes a lot of time and energy. The rewards, however, can be great, including better physical and mental health. Plus, who doesn’t like living in a clean, uncluttered home?

At NSA Storage, we realize how important it is to have a tidy home. That’s why we offer safe, affordable storage units across the US to help you with your spring cleaning. Things like holiday ornaments, baby furniture, collectibles, and much more can easily be stored in one of our storage units. Once stored, they will be safe and sound until you need or want them again.

Make this season the start of something fresh—spring cleaning made easy with a convenient storage solution just for you. Come visit your local NSA Storage facility and give your home some extra room to breath this spring. Happy cleaning!

The post Top 8 Tips for Spring Cleaning appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.