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5 Ways to Ramp Up the Curb Appeal of Your North Texas Home

Whether you are getting ready to put your North Texas home on the market or are simply looking for ways to make it look fresh and cheery for spring, now is a great time to tackle a few outside-the-home projects.

Spruce Up the Landscaping with Color Mulch: This is an easy one. Your local big box home store or locally-owned nursery probably is already bursting with fresh annuals and greenery. Take time to update/upgrade your beds or adding a couple of well-placed planters or window boxes. North Texas is blessed with amazing year-round weather. Think about upgrading to some perennials so they come back year after year.

Update Your Mailbox: Often, the mailbox is the last thing we think about, yet it’s one of the first things someone sees! Consider installing a new mailbox or painting the old one so it looks clean and new.

Clean Up: Do you have leaves in your gutters? Visible trashcans? Toys strewn about the lawn? Dirty fencing? Sometimes simply picking up the clutter and trash around the front area can make all the difference. If you have excess toys or outdoor furniture you no longer use, consider storing that until you need it.

Repair It: Easy spruce ups also include repairing or replacing torn window screens, touching up peeling trim around front windows and doors and even replacing bulbs.

Paint It: What about that front door? A fresh new color can take a ho-hum curb appeal house to a wow house! Ask your paint experts about best colors to match your existing exterior and trim colors. Be sure to choose paints that will stand up to the North Texas heat.

You don’t have to break the bank this spring to update the curb appeal of your home! Just a few simple changes can make a dramatic difference.

Looking for some extra storage space to clean up the outside of your home? Zippy Shell of North Texas has onsite and portable storage solutions perfect for the job! You can learn more by visiting www.zippyshell.com today!

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Why Do Moving Quotes Vary?

Are you in the research and quote stage of finding the perfect and most cost-effective way to move and/or store your stuff? We get it! It can be confusing when trying to compare apples to apples when there are so many choices. We asked our team of experts to offer a primer on why moving quotes vary and what goes into giving you the most accurate quote.

Who is packing? One of the biggest variables is whether you will be packing your contents and loading the container or if you are looking for help to do so. Zippy Shell partners with a variety of trustworthy companies to help you with your packing and loading; however, this is an additional cost.

How much does your stuff weigh? The weight of your belongings can influence your moving cost, too. Many full-service long-distance movers will quote based on a certain weight, but the actual costs or extra fuel will be impacted by additional weight. Be sure to read the contract carefully and ask your account manager about overage policies and fuel policies, especially if you are choosing a full-service company.

What is the distance between the old location and the new location? Zippy Shell offers the added option of storing your stuff in one of our secure warehouses in between your destination, but distance still matters for all movers. When you are asking for a quote, know that your representative will need specific zip codes and addresses to provide the most accurate quote. The larger the distance, the higher the quote.

In summary, we are often asked why we can’t simply offer quotes via chat or other digital avenues. The answer is there are several key variables and even private information required to give you the most accurate quote. These variables can make a big difference in the quote and the execution of the move. Customer service is our number one priority and we want your move to be flawless!

Get your free moving quote from Zippy Shell! Visit www.zippyshell.com today to get your free moving quote!

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5 Tips for deciding what furniture to move or donate

Whether you are upgrading or downsizing, you most likely will not want to keep all of your old furniture. There is certain furniture that just doesn’t work for you anymore, but it could work for someone else! So how do you decide what to move with you or donate? Follow these easy tricks to help you get the job done!

Size

This is the easiest factor to immediately decide if you are even capable of moving a piece of furniture with you. Get the dimensions of the rooms you want to fill and determine which furniture will actually fit!

Decor

Depending how important style is to you, this may be a make or break decision for you. Compare the trims and colors of your walls to see if the furniture you own would work in that room, with a little bit of paint if necessary. If not, donate it.

Lifestyle

Be honest with yourself about where you are in your life. If you are ready to purchase a bigger bedframe and don’t have a spare room to put that old bedframe, it may be time to donate it.

Needs vs. wants

Do you really need new furniture, or do you just want new furniture? This is a classic problem many people face when moving. Often the answer is they just want new furniture.

Priorities

Sometimes finalizing your budget can help you decide which furniture you must buy first, and what can wait to be added as decor later on once you get settled in.

Once you decide what furniture you want to move with you, have Zippy Shell help move it for you! We will safely deliver all of you items from your previous location to your new location with no worries!

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What are the different ways you can move?

Zippy Shell Mover

When it comes to moving, whether local or long distance, you have a lot of decisions to make. Evaluating all your relocation options before signing a contract can save you money and stress when the time comes. Fortunately, the experts here at Zippy Shell understand all the relocation options and have gathered the pros and cons of each for your consideration.

Full Service Moving Companies

Pros: Full service moving companies are one-stop options. They majority of the work is done for you. You pack your belongings; the company loads and then drives the contents to the new location and unpacks the boxes.

Cons: Full service moving companies have tight schedules, especially during peak months like May, June and July. If you are one to make last-minute decisions or changes, it might not be the best option for you. Plus, you must have all your packing complete and ready the day the movers show up.

Moving Containers

Pros: Moving containers are delivered conveniently to your location and picked up when you are ready. You can take your time loading them, thus not feeling rushed. Once they are picked up, they can be transported to a secure warehouse until you are ready to have it delivered to your new location.

Cons: Depending on where you live and the access, the container may not be delivered as close to your location as you would like or there may be HOA or city ordinances covering where they may be placed. There is also a monthly fee associated with the storage of the unit.

DIY Moving with Rental Trucks

Pros: This is the most affordable option and can be done on a relatively short timeline. There are probably several rental truck options near you.

Cons: This is the least stress-free option of all discussed. You may have mechanical issues with the truck during your move that put you in a time crunch. Additionally, you must make time to pick up and return the truck, thus eating away at your moving time line.

Whatever you choose, take the time to evaluate every option, along with in-depth pros and cons.

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How to Boost Your Curb Appeal During the Winter

Winter can be tough on your home, but that’s not an excuse to let your curb appeal go. There are some quick things you can do in the Winter to keep your home looking great all season long. Here are our favorite tips and tricks to boosting your curb appeal in the Winter.

Fresh paint

Stay up to date with the exterior of your home. Repaint your front door, as well as your shutters when necessary to give your home a fresh new look. Choose a nice color to make your home stand out in the darkness of winter.

Keep Snow Cleared

Keep your sidewalks, driveway, and front porch clear from snow to prevent any damage to the pavers underneath and accidents that could cause injury. Clearing the snow off will help keep your walkways and driveway looking their best.

Clean up Debris

Clear out all of the leaves from your gutters that have accumulated from the fall, and additionally, always make sure there is no debris in your yard, such as leaves or fallen branches. Clean gutters will stop water from overflowing the gutters and running down the side of your house spreading dirt and mud all over the exterior of your home.

Feed the birds

Install a bird feeder in your front yard; any size will do. Attracting birds to your yard will make your yard a more inviting place.

Illuminate your home with a warm glow

The winter cold can give a harsh white color to the world. Make sure the lights in your front yard are a soft yellow color to give your home a warm appearance.

Add some greenery

Although it is hard for most plants to thrive in the winter weather, adding just a little bit of life to your front yard will make your home look less lifeless. Add something like a mini pine tree that can withstand the cold.

Once your home has been purchased, have Zippy Shell help you safely move your items to your new home. Get a quote here today!

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4 Ways Families in North Texas are Using Portable Storage

Portable storage containers are used for all sorts of projects both for families and businesses in Denton County, but when spring rolls around, folks in North Texas get creative. Because these movable units are so easy to use, families find them a preferable option for big storage projects. The biggest benefit is the unit is delivered directly to your location and then you can pack your portable storage unit at your own pace. So easy!

Check out these four ways North Texans are Using Portable Storage:

Home repair: Save what you can. Things happen. Things like flooding, fire, and smoke damage can really turn your world upside down. Portable storage is an ideal way to move undamaged goods out of the way while your home is undergoing repairs.

Spring cleaning: Let’s get rid of the clutter. Spring cleaning can be like an adventure or a treasure hunt. It’s amazing–you’ll find things you’ve been searching for all year. It’s also a fabulous time to purge the mess. Using portable storage containers to sort and store items until you find a place for them is a great option to clear distractions and make your home a happier, cleaner place.

Remodeling: Done with the stress. If you’ve ever done any home remodeling, you know that it can be messy and stressful. And worse, it can sometimes take a really long time. That’s when portable storage can come in handy. You can move your belongings out of the way for safe keeping while you speed up the renovations.

Moving and selling your home: Less is more. Showcasing your home to potential buyers means getting rid of the clutter and other unnecessary items. Portable storage units are a great way to keep your belongings close but place them out of the way while buyers check out your home.

Looking for a storage solution? Zippy Shell of North Texas makes storage easy and affordable. Learn more about our storage solutions by visiting www.zippyshell.com today!

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Preparing to Move to the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina

New Home

The Piedmont Triad is centrally located halfway between Washington DC and Atlanta and also halfway between New York and Florida. According to the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, the Triad encompasses a 12-county region and is home to approximately 1.6 million people. The area is made up of three major cities: Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem. It’s a fast-growing area that offers a lot of opportunity to families, college graduates and retirees.

If you are preparing to move to this thriving area, that boasts beautiful vistas, amazing culture and cutting-edge technology, keep these things in mind.

Prepare to enjoy the outdoors: The Piedmont Triad is also half way between the mountains and the ocean! Within three hours you can be at either destination.

Plan on taking advantage of academics:  Some of the best research and education happens within three miles of Greensboro’s center, thanks to five colleges: The University of North Carolina, NC AT&T State University, Bennett College, Guilford College and Greensboro College.

Look for ways to take advantage of the economy: Many research facilities and international companies call High Point, Winston-Salem and Greensboro home, bringing with them emerging industries that include distribution, biotechnology, health care, logistics and more. Expect to be a part of a growing economy.

Begin house or apartment hunting now: It’s a hot housing market! Begin your house or apartment hunting early to ensure you find what’s best for you and your family within your budget. Consider storing some of your belongings to give you more time to find the perfect location. It may take some time to locate the best options for you in the growing Piedmont Triad area. (Check out our article on what to look for in a home here.)

Hire Zippy Shell: Zippy Shell of the Piedmont Triad makes moving simple and affordable. Learn more about Zippy Shell’s services by visiting www.zippyshell.com today!

A central location, thriving economy and vibrant culture and history makes the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina a great choice for career and lifestyle!

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Experience Spring in Montgomery County, Valley Forge and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Moving to Philadelphia

So, you are moving to the Philadelphia area? Lucky you! Spring in Philadelphia, Valley Forge and the Montgomery County, PA, area really is something to behold. Our experts at the Philadelphia, PA Zippy Shell location love their community and suggested some great activities to keep you busy learning more about your new home!

If you’re athletic, consider the annual Valley Forge Revolutionary 5 Mile Run in April. Held at the Valley Forge National Historic Park, this run takes participants through some of the most beautiful and historic acreage in the park. Not ready for 5 miles or have little ones? No problem! There is a shorter Fun Run designed just for you.

The Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival is held at the University of Pennsylvania and takes full advantage of the mid-April Cherry trees in bloom. Coupled with the beauty of the blooms are plenty of activities centered around rich Japanese cultural influences, including drumming, Japanese art and more.

If you are looking for something a bit more rustic, consider the annual Sheep Shearing Day at the Peter Wentz Farmstead, which is a colonial-era farm. Happening mid-April, you, friends and family can watch the farmers shear the sheep and enjoy a variety of colonial toys and games. Additionally, there are tours and historic arts and crafts.

Learn more about Pennsylvania German culture in May at the annual Penn Dry Goods Market. The market, held at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, offers an antique market focused on textiles, quilts, needlework and more.

Immersing yourself in the culture of the community can ease the stress of a big move. Take some time to enjoy all that the Philadelphia, Valley Forge and Montgomery County area of Pennsylvania have to offer in the spring!

Don’t miss out on scheduling your move with Zippy Shell of Greater Philadelphia! Zippy Shell makes moving simple affordable, whether you are moving from out of state or across town- Zippy Shell has you covered. Visit zippyshell.com today to learn more!

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The Holy Grail of Moving: Get Yourself Organized

Ever had anyone tell you that next to getting married, moving is probably one of the most stressful events in life? Well, it can be for many people, but the one thing that can save a move is being organized. From selling your house to the effect of the transition on your family, to the cost of the move and the time spent, moving is extremely difficult on everyone involved. But alas! There are things you can do to minimize the anxiety and bring your blood pressure back down to normal. Being organized is the holy grail of any move, whether it’s across town, to the next state or, especially, to other side of the country. Zippy Shell has outlined a few moving tips to help you make the most of your organization skills and keep your move on track for the sanity of your entire family.

Tip 1: Maintain a detailed list of your belongings.

If you decide to go with the benefits of portable storage, you have the luxury of packing and loading your household items at your convenience, and even better you don’t have to pay additional moving truck fees.

Tip 2: Know the differences in cost.

Calculating costs are probably the number one stressor, especially if you uncover hidden fees at the end of your move. Make sure you ask questions to determine if there are any additional moving charges that can affect your bottom line when the contract is completed. Zippy Shell portable storage containers are great options when you prefer to move at your own pace. They can be dropped off and picked up from your location at your leisure. Once they are filled, they can be shipped to your new location or they can be stored until you’re ready for them later.

Tip 3: Be sure to pack a suitcase full of survival essentials for the first night in your new place.

When you decide to use a portable storage option, moving becomes much less stressful. Still, there are always some helpful organization tactics to make it even smoother. Keep a suitcase on hand to specifically pack those items you’ll need for your first night in your new place. Things like: bathroom toiletries, a spare pair of clothing, phone chargers, paper supplies, snacks and don’t forget the coffee!

Don’t let moving get you in a funk.

It can be an exciting time to create memories with those you love. Remember to make it fun and, most of all, remember to be organized. Zippy Shell can help. Call us for a free quote at 888-947-7974!.

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First Time Home Buyer Checklist

Buying your first home can be stressful, and without having any previous home-buying experience, you can miss a lot of crucial necessities. Use these tips to help make buying your first home as easy as possible!

Check your availabilities

The first step to take before buying a home is to see what your options are. Check your credit score and see what your options are for the type of home you are eligible to buy. Don’t forget that the purchase price of the home is not the only amount of money you will be spending on your house per month. You will also owe insurance, homeowners association fees, taxes, and much more.

Don’t modify your current lifestyle

When making a giant purchase like a house, it is important to keep your savings intact. Do not make any huge life changes such as buying a car or big furniture,

Take into account where you are in life

Figuring out the style of life you want to live is very important before you make your down payment on a house. Decide if you are planning to have a family soon so that you can base the style home you need, the number of bedrooms. Additional factors such as if you hope to have guests over can affect the size of the living room or basement that you are looking for.

Day one shopping list

You don’t need to buy everything that you will need for your home, but on moving day, you will need these items on hand. Check out this article to help you get your belongings organized.

Use a trusted mover

Once you find your perfect home, make sure it can remain perfect by filling it with all of your belongings. To effectively do this, you need to have a trusted moving company help move your belongings for you. Call Zippy Shell today to get a quote for helping you with your moving needs!