Blog | City Closet Self Storage

The Ice and the Brine: A Clifton Driver's Guide to Winter Vehicle Storage

Here in Clifton, we’re a hardy bunch. We know how to handle a Jersey winter. We know which roads ice over first, we have our "parking spot" etiquette down, and we understand that our weather isn't just cold—it's complicated. We live in a unique pocket of Passaic County that toes the line between a humid subtropical climate and a humid continental climate. For us, that means winters aren't just cold and snowy; they're often damp, slushy, and punctuated by brutal freeze-thaw cycles. While we pull on our boots and hats, what about our vehicles? That classic car, the summer convertible, the boat, or the RV that brought so many summer memories? Leaving them exposed to a Clifton winter is a recipe for rust, rot, and expensive repairs come spring. The salt brine that coats our roads is a corrosive nightmare for a car’s undercarriage. The relentless moisture in the air finds its way into every nook, promoting rust and mildew. The freezing temperatures wreak havoc on batteries, thicken fluids, and create "flat spots" on tires. A simple tarp in the driveway? That often does more harm than good, trapping moisture against the paint and creating a cozy home for rodents. If you want to protect your investment, you need to get it out of the elements. The "At-Home" Gamble vs. The Professional Solution Many of us in the 07011 area simply don't have the space. Our garages are already full, and our driveways are needed for the daily drivers. This is where dedicated Vehicle Storage Options become a necessity, not a luxury. But not all storage is created equal. You don't want to just stick a valuable car in a standard drive-up unit. Given our specific humid winters, you need options. This is where a local facility that understands our climate is key. I was looking at options right here in town, and a place like City Closet Self Storage is a perfect example of a facility that "gets it." Their location at 1 Ackerman Avenue is ...

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October 22nd, 2025

From the Rahway River to the Watchung Reservation: Storing Your Outdoor Gear in Vauxhall

Vauxhall, New Jersey, a gem within Union County, offers its residents the best of both worlds: a close-knit community feel with easy access to stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're an avid kayaker gliding down the Rahway River, a hiker exploring the trails of the South Mountain Reservation, or a family that enjoys weekend picnics in the Watchung Reservation, you know that our corner of the Garden State is an outdoor lover's paradise. But with great adventure comes great gear, and as any seasoned enthusiast will tell you, storing that gear can be a challenge, especially in a place with a climate like ours. Here in the 07088, we experience the full spectrum of four distinct seasons. Our warm, humid summers are perfect for getting out on the water, while our cold, snowy winters offer opportunities for cross-country skiing and other winter sports. This humid subtropical climate, however, can be tough on our expensive outdoor equipment. The dramatic swings in temperature and humidity can wreak havoc on everything from bikes and camping equipment to skis and fishing rods. Humidity can lead to mold and mildew on fabrics, rust on metal components, and warping of wooden items like canoe paddles. The freezing temperatures of winter can cause plastics to become brittle and crack, while the summer heat can degrade synthetic materials and adhesives. So, what's a Vauxhall adventurer to do? Your garage or basement might seem like a convenient option, but these spaces are often subject to the same temperature and humidity fluctuations as the outdoors. This is where a little-known hero for outdoor enthusiasts comes into play: climate-controlled storage. And lucky for us, we have an excellent option right in our backyard. Enter City Closet Self Storage, conveniently located at 2395 Springfield Ave. This isn't just a place to stash your belongings; it's a solution to a problem that many of us in Union County face. City Closet offers a range of climate-controlled storage options, from smaller 5'x5' units perfect for a few bins ...

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September 23rd, 2025

The Artist's Auxiliary Studio: Storing Canvases, Supplies, and Inspiration in Passaic

For the vibrant community of artists calling Passaic home, the creative process is a delicate dance between inspiration, space, and the practicalities of the craft. Your studio is a sanctuary, but what happens when the canvases start to outnumber the walls, when the collection of supplies threatens to overwhelm your creative space? For many artists in the 07055, the answer lies just around the corner: an auxiliary studio, a place to not only store your work but also to safeguard your materials and even cultivate inspiration. This isn't just about finding more room; it's about professionalizing your passion and giving your art the protection it deserves. The climate in Passaic County, with its humid subtropical nature, presents a unique challenge for artists. The warm, humid summers and the potential for cold, snowy winters can wreak havoc on sensitive materials. Canvases can slacken, paper can warp, and paints can degrade when exposed to fluctuating temperatures and moisture. This is where the concept of an artist's auxiliary studio, in the form of a dedicated self-storage unit, becomes not just a convenience, but a necessity. For local artists, a facility like City Closet Self Storage at 1 Gregory Ave offers a solution that addresses these environmental concerns head-on with Climate-Controlled Storage & Self-Storage Options. These units maintain a stable environment, ensuring that your finished pieces and your valuable supplies are protected from the very air that, while fueling our lush New Jersey seasons, can be an artist's silent foe. But let's think beyond the practicalities of preservation. A storage unit can be more than just a space for overflow. It can be a catalyst for a more organized and focused creative life. Imagine reclaiming your primary studio space, not as a warehouse for past projects, but as a pure, uncluttered environment for creation. Your auxiliary studio becomes a meticulously organized library of your artistic journey—canvases neatly racked, supplies categorized, and finished works safely stored and ready for exhibition or sale. This separation of "active" and ...

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September 23rd, 2025

The True Cost of Parking in Long Island City: Storage vs. Garages

Long Island City, a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of Queens County, is a place of constant motion. From the iconic Pepsi Cola sign to the avant-garde exhibits at MoMA PS1 and the historic charm of the Hunters Point Historic District, there's always something to see and do. But with this constant buzz comes a challenge that every LIC resident knows all too well: the nightmare of parking. If you're tired of the daily battle for a spot on the street, you've likely considered a monthly parking solution. But what's the best option? The traditional garage, or a more unconventional choice, like a self-storage unit? For many, the go-to solution is a parking garage. And while there's no denying the convenience of a dedicated spot, it comes at a premium. In Long Island City, the average cost of a monthly parking spot hovers around $337, with prices easily climbing to $500 or more depending on the location and amenities. That's a significant monthly expense, and it often comes with a host of frustrations, from dealing with valets to navigating tight, crowded spaces. But what if there was a more affordable, flexible, and secure alternative? Enter the world of vehicle storage at a self-storage facility. It's a solution that many LIC residents are turning to, and for good reason. Take, for example, City Closet Self Storage, located at 4732 32nd Place, right here in the 11101 zip code. They offer vehicle storage options that are not only competitively priced but also come with a range of benefits that traditional garages can't match. An 8x16 parking space at City Closet, for instance, will run you about $300 a month - already a noticeable saving compared to the neighborhood average. So, what do you get for that price? More than just a place to park your car. At a facility like City Closet, you're getting a secure, indoor space that protects your vehicle from the elements. This is especially important given Long Island City's humid subtropical ...

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September 22nd, 2025

How to Rotate Your Seasonal Wardrobe with a Storage Unit

Living in Brooklyn is a dream, but let's be real—those charming pre-war apartments in Kings County don't always come with sprawling walk-in closets. As the seasons shift from a sweltering summer perfect for a day at Coney Island to a crisp autumn ideal for a stroll through Prospect Park, our wardrobes have to keep up. But where do you put the bulky winter coats when the sun is blazing? And how do you make room for your summer dresses when the temperature is dropping? The answer, my friend, is the art of the seasonal wardrobe rotation, and your secret weapon is a local self-storage unit. Embrace the Seasons, Conquer the Clutter Brooklyn's climate is a tale of two cities. We experience a humid subtropical summer, with average highs hitting a sticky 86°F, and a cold, mild winter where temperatures can dip to 25°F. This means our closets are in a constant state of flux, housing everything from heavy-duty parkas to breezy linen shirts. Trying to cram four seasons' worth of clothing into a typical city closet is a recipe for wrinkles, stress, and a daily game of "where did I put that?". By rotating your wardrobe, you're not just creating space; you're curating your life. Imagine opening your closet and seeing only the clothes that are relevant for the current season. It's a small change that can make your daily routine feel more organized and less chaotic. Plus, it's the perfect opportunity to take stock of what you own, what you love, and what you can donate. The Art of the Seasonal Swap: A Step-by-Step Guide The Great Purge: Before you even think about packing, it's time to edit. Go through your off-season clothes and be ruthless. If you haven't worn it in a year, if it doesn't fit, or if it's damaged beyond repair, it's time to let it go. Clean Everything: This is a crucial step. Moths and other pests are attracted to dirt and sweat, so make sure everything is washed or ...

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September 22nd, 2025

A Storage Guide for College Point Apartment Dwellers

Welcome to College Point, a unique corner of Queens that offers a small-town feel with big-city access. If you're new to the 11356 zip code or a long-time resident of Queens Community District 7, this guide is for you. We'll explore the ins and outs of apartment living in this historic neighborhood, from its rich past to its vibrant present. A Neighborhood Steeped in History College Point has a fascinating history that sets it apart. Did you know the neighborhood is named after St. Paul's College, a seminary founded in the 1830s? While the college is long gone, its name remains, a testament to the area's deep roots. The real transformation of College Point began in the 1850s with the arrival of German-American industrialist Conrad Poppenhusen. He turned the area into a factory town, producing hard rubber goods and creating a planned community for his workers. One of Poppenhusen's most enduring legacies is the Poppenhusen Institute, a historic building on 14th Road that housed the first free kindergarten in the United States. Today, it serves as a cultural center and museum, offering a window into the neighborhood's past. As you walk the streets of College Point, you're walking through a piece of American history. Making the Most of Apartment Living in College Point Apartment living in College Point offers a blend of tranquility and convenience. However, one of the challenges of apartment life can be space. As the seasons change in our climate of hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, so do our storage needs. That's where a local resource like City Closet Self Storage comes in. Located at 2020 129th Street, this facility is a lifesaver for apartment dwellers. They offer a variety of self-storage unit options, including climate-controlled storage that's perfect for protecting your belongings from the dramatic temperature swings we experience.Whether you need to store seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, or even a vehicle, City Closet Self Storage has you covered. Their amenities, such as online bill pay, moving and packing ...

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September 19th, 2025