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Get Solutions for Your Toy Clutter Struggles

Parents play with their children and their toys

Do you have too many toys in your home or do you not have enough storage? Both issues can lead to feeling overwhelmed by the toy clutter. We have good news – the constant clutter of toys doesn’t have to rule your life! Let’s look at these two scenarios separately to provide you with the solutions you need to get the toy clutter under control. With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to get a handle on your children’s toy collections before you add more to them!

Too Many Toys

The first step to deal with too many toys is to sort all of them into groups. Your groups will look different depending on the interests of your children, but sort them into categories such as games, puzzles, dolls, automobiles, books, arts and crafts, building blocks, dress-up… you get the picture. Now that you have a clear impression of all the toys in each category, it is time to do some purging. Set a limit as to how many items your child needs in each category. Help them choose their favorites within that limit and set the rest aside. 

The toys you have set aside can be donated if your child has outgrown or no longer uses them. The rest can be put into a toy rotation bin. Toy rotation is simply storing some of your toys for a time. Then at regular intervals, you’ll swap the current toys for and the ones you stored away. Each rotation is like getting a new set of toys, which brings excitement back to play and helps with clutter!

Too Little Storage

Quite often, clutter is caused by simply not having enough storage or not having the correct type of storage. The first step is to allocate a play area. It doesn’t have to be an entire room, but toys need a designated place to land at the end of every day. Whether you choose to store toys in a basket or bin, on a shelf or in a cabinet, out in the open or hidden, toy storage needs to be practical and easy. Using cut out pictures taped to the appropriate box, bin, or shelf will help children who can’t read yet identify where items belong. Because the ultimate goal is to have your kids put their own toys away.

Once everything is organized, the key to eliminating clutter is to stay on top of it on a daily basis. At the end of each day, set a timer for five minutes. Have your children race to put everything they’ve been playing with back in the appropriate place.

If you are in need of some additional storage, give Zippy Shell a call! We not only offer moving services but can give you flexible storage options to fit any needs you might have. Check us out online or give us a call today at 888-947-7974 for more information.

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How to Acclimate When Moving to the Piedmont Triad Area

Happy couple unpacking in new home

The Piedmont Triad is becoming an increasingly popular place to move to, and we can see why! It is a great community, in a great location, with great employment opportunities. Whether you are moving to Greensboro, High Point or Winston-Salem, North Carolina, you may be wondering the best way to get acclimated to your new city. We are certain you will grow to love this area, but initially moving to a new city or town can be overwhelming. Zippy Shell has tips to help you lay down roots and get to know this exciting area.

Make Yourself at Home

Whether you have already found your Piedmont Triad dream home or you are in temporary housing, you will want to make your new space feel like home as quickly as possible. Set up your personal spaces first, like closets and bedrooms. Being able to find your favorite comfy shirt and having a relaxing place to turn in each night will provide comfort. Hang family photos, fill the fridge with your favorite foods, and try to set up familiar routines in your new space. 

Get to Know Your Neighborhood

Go for walks around your neighborhood to make yourself familiar with the area. As you are walking, make conversation with your new neighbors. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and ask for recommendations and advice for living here. Ask your neighbors about their favorite restaurants and area attractions. If your neighborhood has a social media group, be sure to join for valuable local and neighborhood information. 

Explore Your New City

Make a list of all the fun and exciting things you want to do and try in your new city. It is okay and even fun to act like a tourist when you move to a new place! Don’t forget to add some natural beauty to your to-do list. On the outskirts of the three cities that form the Piedmont Triad there are mountains, lakes, trails, and rivers for you to explore. Power down your devices and soak in the energy of our beautiful region.

A central location, thriving economy, and vibrant culture and history makes the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina a great choice for career and lifestyle! Check out Zippy Shell of the Piedmont Triad today if you need assistance moving to the region or if you need temporary or long-term storage while you are there!

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Prevent Frozen Pipe Problems this Winter with These 7 Tips

Kitchen faucet running in a home

One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is to winterize your pipes to prevent them from freezing. When water freezes in pipes, volume expands and puts pressure on pipes from the inside. The result of this pressure will cause the pipes to crack or rupture entirely, causing expensive damage to your home.

Here are 7 tips to help you avoid a frozen pipe issue this winter.

  1. Pipe Insulation: Pipes located in unheated areas such as garages, attics and crawl spaces need insulation. Pipe insulation can be found at most home improvement stores for very little cost. It comes in long strips that can be cut to size with a utility knife. You can also consider heat tape for a few dollars more.
  2. Seal Cracks: Look for cracks or openings that might let cold air in on pipes that run from inside to outside the home (i.e. dryer vents, water pipes). Seal these cracks or openings with caulk.
  3. Outdoor Spigots: Turn off the outside water supply, disconnect garden hoses from spigots, and drain any water from the pipes. For optimum protection, purchase an inexpensive insulated faucet cover to be placed around each outdoor spigot.
  4. Garage: If water supply lines are in the garage, be sure and keep the doors closed. If you park your vehicle in the garage, minimize the length of time the garage doors are open to help keep water supply lines warmer.
  5. Kitchen & Bathroom: Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
  6. Faucets: Let your faucets drip to keep water moving through the water system. This will reduce the water pressure and help prevent frozen pipes. If a pipe does freeze, it is less likely to rupture due to the lower water pressure.
  7. Vacation: Prevent frozen pipes by setting your thermostat to 60 degrees or above while away on vacation. Ask a neighbor to check inside and outside your home to ensure your pipes have not frozen and ruptured.

Although you can’t wrap your house in bubble wrap, these preventative measures can help you prevent a costly disaster this winter. If you discover frozen pipes, call a professional plumber immediately. The team at Zippy Shell hopes you don’t encounter a frozen pipe disaster, but if you need to store your belongings, consider Zippy Shell for any short or long-term storage needs you might have!

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8 Kitchen Gadgets You Didn’t Know You Needed

Young woman making food in her kitchen

Holiday gift-giving season is upon us and whether you are purchasing for yourself or others, we’ve got a fresh list of kitchen gadget goodness that will amaze and astound you and your recipients. Feel free to go to any of your favorite online (or sticks and bricks) shopping destinations and pop these items in search to find all of the top brands.

Veggie Spiralizer or Noodle Maker: Paleo, keto and gluten-free are popular diet movements at the moment, which means limited or no pasta in the diet, but you can craft pasta out of sweet potatoes, zucchini or squash. The pre-made squash or zucchini noodles in the market area of your store can be very expensive and they might not necessarily be that fresh, so if you are craving a past-like experience minus the carbs, this may be the gadget for you.

Sparkling Water Maker: Interested in ensuring that your sparkling water is fresh and free of additives? Make your own! There are several CO2 infusers on the market. Grab some recipes off the Internet and create your own flavored sparkling water.

Ice Ball Makers: What, you didn’t know that ice balls were a thing? Cubes melt quickly, diluting those expensive beverages. Ice balls not only look really cool, but they take much longer to melt, thus keeping your beverage cooler longer.

Insta Pot: We’ve been told by Insta Pot addicts that it can replace up to 8 of your other small kitchen gadgets. There are a variety of these pressure cookers on the market, but these aren’t the pressure cookers your mom had. Oh, no. These new cookers take only 20 minutes to do what once took an hour and wash only a pot and lid, as opposed to multiple pots and pans. Some even come with pre-programmed recipes!

Griddle: Yes, we know that griddles aren’t a new thing, but these aren’t the griddles of the past. Today’s griddles are streamlined and loaded with features that make them indispensable on those days you don’t want to stand outside in the rain or cold to grill or use the expensive outdoor cooker. The newer countertop griddles boast a ridged side for a grilled look and snap in, non-stick plates. You could easily make an entire meal in one swoop.

Air Fryer: Air fryers are relatively new and most on your gift list won’t even know they needed one – until you give it. These gadgets use very hot air to “fry” your favorite foods, eliminating fatty oils. Most require no preheating, saving you time, too. Reviews are varied on this kitchen gadget, but for those trying to eliminate traditional frying and fatty oils, an air fryer may just be the ticket.

Electric Jar Opener: It’s ok to admit it – sometimes we have difficulty opening that pickle jar, no matter how many times we hit it with a fork! Fortunately, someone thought of that and an electric jar opener may be a great, inexpensive stocking stuffer for anyone. It’s simple to operate, too: position it, push a button, watch it rotate. Voila, that pesky jar has been opened!

Color-Coded Cutting Boards: Thinking about that cutting board soaking up the chicken while trying to slice a cucumber on it is no fun. Today’s cutting boards are hygienic, color-coded and do not transmit bacteria. They are nonporous and easy to store, too. Many come in their own carrier. They don’t crack and are long lasting. Even better these boards are colored according to the food: meat, cooked, veggies, seafood and more.

New and innovative kitchen gadgets are hitting the market every day. When you move into that new space, toss out the old and consider some new kitchen gadgets to save you time and money.

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3 Step Plan for a Long Distance Move

Young couple eating while unpacking belongings

Long distance moves are a major life event. The key to making sure yours goes smoothly is to make a plan and stay organized. The long-distance moving tips below will help you remember some of the key items you need to do ahead of time in order to have a successful move.

  1. The first step of your plan is deciding who is going to move your belongings. Choosing a moving company can be overwhelming. Our best advice is to get referrals, do your research to look for red flags, and then ask for in-home estimates. If you would prefer to have a little more control over your moving process, consider using Zippy Shell. Whenever you’re ready to move, we’ll drop off our Zippy Shell unit at your home. Then, you can either take up to three days to pack it yourself, or we’ll do it for you. When you’re all packed up, we’ll pick up the trailer and drive it to your new home.
  2. Spend extra time downsizing your belongings before you pack. You should get rid of unwanted items before any move, but especially before moving over a long distance. If you don’t use it, love it, or need it to survive, it doesn’t need to make the move with you. Decluttering can have positive effects on your mood to, as well as making packing and unpacking much easier in your new home!
  3. Create a change of address checklist. Changing your address requires updating your information in a lot of different places – utilities, insurance, doctors, banks, license and registration, post office, etc. And it gets even more complicated when you’re moving a long distance. Make sure to plan ahead and research what all needs to be updated in plenty of time before your move.

Did you know Zippy Shell offers 30 days of free storage for customers who are moving cross country and need to store items until they’re ready to move into their new home? Your items will be stored in one of our secure facilities until you arrive. Call Zippy Shell today at 888-947-7974 or go to our website to get a quote for helping you with your moving and storage needs!

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4 Steps to an Organized Garage in the Piedmont Triad

Woman sits on a box in her garage

With the temperature dropping in the Piedmont Triad area, now is the perfect time to give your garage the organizing attention it deserves. Garage organization presents some unique challenges. The garage is a place that can house automobiles, tools, toys, lawn equipment, cleaning supplies, outdoor gear, seasonal decorations and more. How can you effectively organize all of these different items into one space? The Piedmont Triad Zippy Shell team is here with tips to help you reclaim your garage and restore order.

  1. Remove everything. The only way to begin a major organizational overhaul is to start with a clear slate. As you are cleaning out, you can begin the decluttering process by tossing anything you know at first glance should be in the trash. An empty garage opens up the possibility to do clean-up, maintenance, and upgrades. This is the time to sweep the floors, clean up stains, get rid of spiderwebs, add some extra lighting, and maybe give the floor some love by installing a protective epoxy floor coating.
  2. Utilize the walls. Get the most storage space out of your garage by taking advantage of the available wall space. Pegboards, cabinets, wire grids, and shelving are all options for getting your gear up and off the ground. 
  3. Look up. The ceiling in your garage is also valuable square footage. A garage ceiling is a perfect place to hang bikes or suspend a hanging platform to place boxes of seasonal decorations or rarely used outdoor equipment.
  4. Categorize and group like items. This will save you frustration down the road when you are searching for a particular item. Also, use your garage storage in a way that makes sense to you. Make sure you can get to your most used gear with the least amount of effort. 

If you are working on a big reorganization project in your garage or any other area of your home and need temporary storage, the Piedmont Triad Zippy Shell has options! Visit Zippy Shell online or call your local Piedmont Triad location at 336-499-3386 to receive a quote for all your storage needs.

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4 Tips to Make your Fall Move a Breeze

Couple doing work during a move

Now that we are beginning to say goodbye to summer, it’s time to get ready for that fall move. There are some wonderful advantages to moving in the latter months of the year, but the most obvious is the lack of oppressive heat that can severely impact a productive moving day in many parts of the country. Fall brings a new air of excitement with the leaves changing colors, cooler temperatures, and hints of holidays are starting to blossom.

We hope you find these four tips for a fall move helpful!

Shop to negotiate lower moving expenses. Moving in the fall offers benefits that one may not enjoy in other months of the year. Business for moving companies is traditionally slower in the fall, so you may be able to take advantage of specials and lower fuel costs. Availability of trucks and storage containers is also better, which will better accommodate your moving schedule. Take some time to do your homework and shop around. You will probably find that competitive rates will work in your favor this time of year.

Secure your utilities in advance. Typically, setting up utilities can take a couple of days, especially if a technician must make a site visit to turn the gas on. Be sure to do your research in advance, so that you don’t arrive at your new place and it’s freezing. You may have different utility companies that handle gas and electric. Make sure you consider this when you move to your new home to reduce any unexpected stress when you arrive.

Eliminate accidents by removing fall debris. Before your moving crew arrives, take a moment to check the weather forecast and assess their walking paths inside and out. Wet days can make for slippery floors. Falling leaves and twigs make for tripping hazards. A nonslip mat by the door may be helpful. Consider keeping some old towels around to prevent slippery entrances for your helpers, too. And, be sure that the broom is always on stand-by!

Get rid of the summer clutter. Packing wisely will create much greater efficiency for your move. If you have summer toys that you won’t be using next year, throw them away. While you’re at it, cull all of the items you haven’t used in some time. The general rule is: if you haven’t needed it in the past two years, it can go! Make the most of your moving help and save money by not asking them to transport things that you no longer need.

At Zippy Shell, our goal is to make moving and storage solutions as cost-effective and simple for you as possible. We hope these four guidelines to help you move this fall will make a constructive difference! For information on additional storage or moving solutions, please give us a call at 888-947-7974!

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Ingenious Ways to Make Small Spaces in your Home Bigger

Living room in a spacious home

Whether you’re in a cramped apartment, the kids are home for the summer, or your in-laws are coming to stay for a few weeks, we’ve compiled some creative ways to give your home some space. Goodness knows, we love their personal space.

Consider these top four ideas for enjoying a spacious, clutter-free atmosphere in your home.

  1. Spread out your living space. If you have outdoor spaces that are adjacent to your indoor ones (balconies, decks, patios and porches), consider how you might arrange those areas to compliment your spacing needs. Maybe a decorative cover or an umbrella outside will invite folks to sit there. Add some cozy furniture and a small television and boom! you have a whole new room.
  2. Put the excess in storage. Clutter – it can make you crazy. Even if you’re not having extra people in your home, the clutter has got to go. One quick way to clear it out, is to put it in storage. This way you still have access to your things, but they aren’t in the way. You don’t want to trip on that magazine rack from 1974! Separate what you need from what you don’t and save yourself some space in your home and peace of mind.
  3. Invest in some space-saver bags! These things are amazing. You can find them at most big box or home improvement stores. Put your out-of-season wardrobe, winter coats, extra pillows, and even those crocheted family blankets in these ingenious bags. Pile your stuff in, use your vacuum to suck out the air, and voila! It’s all been reduced to a third the size. Slip the bags under your bed or in a closet and you’re done.
  4. Consider multi-functional furniture. Some people are so clever and the ones who design and manufacture furniture that can be used in multiple ways need to be applauded. Benches that open and can store shoes by the front door. Tables that can be transformed into desks. Even beds that can be turned into tables. Really cool!

Then, when everyone heads back to school and back home, you can bring all your favorite things back in your home. If you think you may want to employ the use of a portable storage container, we hope you’ll think of Zippy Shell, too. Give us a call at 888-947-7974 or go online for a free quote to see how we can make moving and storage simple for you!

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Avoid These 4 Common Moving Mistakes

Couple enjoying time together after move

If you are like most Americans, you will move several times in your lifetime, whether across town or across the country.  There are a few other things Americans-on-the-move also share – common moving mistakes! We’ve seen it all here at Zippy Shell and want you to avoid these mistakes.

Late planning: Like many things in life, planning usually makes things easier. Start planning for your move weeks or even months in advance, utilizing free checklists and apps that will help you get organized and stay on track. Waiting until the last minute could really derail the best intentions.

Choosing a total DIY move: Great planning cannot overcome trucks that break down or aren’t ready when you are, wasting time driving to and from the truck rental place, or attempting to move all your stuff with an old dolly. Decide how much peace of mind and time is worth. Also consider that moving heavy things can be costly physically, as well. You won’t have to worry about rental trucks with Zippy Shell and if your friends aren’t available, we can even recommend professional help to get your stuff into the Zippy Shell container.

Forgetting what you’ll need the first few days/nights: Picture it – you are excited to be in your new space, but you did not mark a box with things like toilet paper, paper plates, salt, pepper, shower items, towels, etc. That can put a damper on things. Avoid this common mistake by marking boxes with essential items so you can scan your unit and pick them out easily.

Ignoring the forecast: The show must go on when you are moving, but keeping a close eye on the weather not only will make for a smoother move, but it will also keep you and your helpers safe. If you see that rain, sleet or snow is forecasted for your moving day, be sure to have tarps and non-slip boots available.

Packing the cleaning materials: After much of your stuff is in the Zippy Shell unit, you’ll want to go back in and start the final cleaning of your apartment or home. But, wait? Where are the cleaning items? Be sure to keep what you will need aside so you can make the final sweep through the space.

When you are ready to move and store your stuff not only can the experts at Zippy Shell help you avoid the most common moving mistakes, we can have your stuff ready when you are. Give us a call today at 888-947-7974 or go online today for a free quote! See how we can make moving and storage simple for you.

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Finding Your Dream Home in the Piedmont Triad

House at dusk

If you are searching for a new home, you have probably envisioned your dream home in your mind over and over. Now is the time to make those dreams a reality! Chances are you will find exactly the home you and your family are looking for in the Piedmont Triad area. This area is a thriving region that features tons of fun things to do including arts, shopping, botanical gardens, breweries.

To follow are a few things to keep in mind when you are looking for your dream home:

Prioritize

Make sure that you have a solid list of priorities in order of what is most important to you. The key is knowing which items on your dream home checklist are negotiable and which are non-negotiable. Coming up with a list of “must haves” will help narrow down the search.

Do your Research

You may already know what part of the region you want to live in, but neighborhoods can be very different across the landscape. To find the perfect community for your family, take some time to investigate the area online and then take a drive or walk through the different neighborhoods. Do you like the schools, restaurants, athletic facilities, emergency services, etc.?

Set a Budget

Before you start looking for homes, it helps to get pre-approved. You want to buy a dream home that fits into your financial situation now and in the future. In addition to the price of your home, you should leave room in your budget for moving expenses, closing costs, and possible renovations to the home.

Be Flexible

Go into the process with the expectation that you probably won’t find a home with every single item on your wish list. You can always add your own style to turn your new home into your dream home. The key is looking past the exterior cosmetic blemishes to the home’s bones. Look for a well-built home that has the space you need, some features you love, a layout that serves your lifestyle and a price point that allows you to make some changes. Stay flexible, be willing to compromise, and you’ll be sure to find your dream home.

Welcome to the area! The Piedmont Triad Zippy Shell is here to make sure your treasured belongings arrive at your dream home safely and securely.