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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!

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The Best Tips for Moving in with Your Significant Other

If you are thinking about moving in with your significant other, take a look at these tips to ease the transition. There is going to be a lot of debate over tough decisions that you will now have to make together. There may be an adjustment period to get used to living with one another, but these tips will help ease the transition.

Decide what you both want

This is the time to be straight forward about the lifestyle you each want to live, and the lifestyle you each can afford to live. Be honest with your partner on what you want and be open to each other’s suggestions. If one wants an extra amenity, compromise and see if you can divide up the rent for the desires of each person.

Be prepared for some of the sparks to die

When you occupy the same living space, there’s no room to hide anything anymore. That’s how it’s going to have to work if you want to maintain your relationship. This will be the true test to see how strong your relationship is.

Make sure you are on the same page

If one partner is expecting children in the near future, while the other isn’t planning on getting engaged for quite some time, this will result in a problem. Talk to your significant other about what your current status is in the relationship and where you want it to move forward to. This is a big step in your relationship so you want to make sure you are on the same page.

Plan your time

Make sure you plan real quality time to spend with one another, not just sitting on the couch next to each other. Living together can take away the intimacy of doing things together by assuming that you always do things together just because you live with one another. On that note, also plan time apart, so that you do not cramp each other.

Prepare to purge

You are going to be combining two entire sets of belongings into one household, so naturally not everything is going to fit. This is a good time to cleanse out your items and decide what is really a necessity.

When moving in with your significant other, have Zippy Shell deliver your items! We will pack up your belongings and safely move them to your new location for you! This will be just one less thing you and your significant other will have to worry about when moving.

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3 Tips on Moving Company Prices

It’s no secret that moving from one location to another can be an expensive proposition. When you hire a professional moving company, there are a lot of steps involved, including packing, loading, and transporting your stuff to the new location. Here are three tips to keep in mind when working with moving companies.

First, understand that moving isn’t cheap. If you are interested in the cheapest option, then you may want to call your friends with trucks and try to pack as much as possible into some boxes. The truth is that moving and storage companies work very hard to keep your items safe and secure. If you go into the quote process understanding that quality help has a cost, even when it’s the most reasonable quote, then you are less likely to be surprised by cost.

Second, moving either long distance or local may have delays in picking up and delivering your things. If you are making a trip and will arrive a few days before or after your units, then you should utilize a provider who can store your units securely in the meantime. Talk to your moving and storage representative and ask about packaging multiple units, the move, and even storage all to help solidify a final price.

Third, take advantage of moving and storage specials. Most moving and storage companies have coupons or specials that will help with the cost.

Bonus tip: Do not try to receive the best price from the best quality moving and storage providers via the internet only. Reputable companies know that there are a variety of variables involved with a seamless move and strive to gain all of the information before quoting a price. Talking directly to an agent ensures you receive the best price and the highest quality service.