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3 Problems with Moving Van Rentals

Moving boxes

You’ve heard a thousand times that moving is one of the top ten stressful events during a lifetime. The team at Zippy Shell knows all too well how hectic moving across the street, across town or across the country can be for families. To help ease the burden of decisions that come along with this time of your life, we want to take a look at one of the major decisions: moving van rentals vs portable moving containers. Below are several of the most common difficulties with moving truck rentals. We hope this outline will help to make the decision easier.

Aggravation when you have reached your limit. They say prepare for the worst and hope for the best, but it’s hot outside! Your help is probably late. The dog just got out. And you’re just plain irritated. Only thing that can add insult to injury is going to be problems with your moving truck. You’ll need to factor in a useless reservation number, a hike in price when you go to pick it up, sad fuel mileage, uncertain safety, and being unaccustomed to driving this large vehicle and more. At any other time, these mounting issues might be easier to deal with, but when you’re moving mole hills are mountains. You’re fussing, tired, anxious and probably sweating. Your stress level has peaked. And the setbacks with the moving truck could very well be what sends you to the moon.

“Sorry, we’re all out.” Surely, you’ve heard that tale of horror. You get to the rental place and guess what? Your moving van has been rented to someone else, or better yet, they can’t find your reservation. Just like the friendly skies, moving companies will often over book during a busy time of year to ensure they are maxed out. Fortunately, lawsuits have stopped this practice for the most part, but there’s nothing stopping John Doe from returning his truck, which happens to be your truck, late (or not until the next day)!

Changes in rates. This is probably the most important warning of all. Sure, you see those promotional rates for moving trucks stamped all over billboards, flyers and bus benches. However, they fail to mention the added fees like mileage, fuel, hitches, weekends, etc. And my goodness, for those out-of-town moves, the rates can jump even more during peak moving periods (the beginning and end of the month and the whole summer). Moving vans/trucks simply cost more to rent.

We invite you to compare Zippy Shell to moving truck rentals. We think our portable storage and moving containers offer tons of flexibility with a predictable cost that will leave you with a lot less stress. No move is going to be perfectly stress free, but when it comes to the big decisions, make the smart one.

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How to Make Moving Less Stressful

zippy shell moving

Moving is routinely cited as one of the most stressful life events, right up there with divorce, death of a loved one, financial problems, chronic illness and marriage. Fortunately, though, unlike many of life’s other stressors, with a little forethought and planning, you can remove a lot of the stress surrounding a relocation by following these tips.

Remember how to assemble stuff: If your furniture or other knick-knacks are disassembled for packing, will you recall how to reassemble them at your new location? Take pictures of the furniture so you have an idea of what goes where. As you disassemble, put the parts into zip loc bags and label them.  (You’ll thank us later for this one.) 

Organize your boxes and label them: As you pack your container, put the things you will need first to the outside and the things you will need last to the inside. Also consider color coding with markers or tape where the boxes go. For example, blue markers could mean for the bathrooms and green for outside or in the garage.

Think About Your Electronics: If you are like most people, you have all sorts of electronic equipment that fits together in a bundle of crazy wiring! Take videos or pictures here, too, of the backs so you will know that component plugs in where. Better yet, color code the wires with Velcro.

Make a Checklist for Each Move Event: Checklists are lifesavers when it comes to moving! Using them means reducing stress. Rather than trying to capture everything into one checklist, consider a checklist for each leg of the move. For example, consider a checklist for each family member to use when packing (how to label boxes, how to prioritize boxes, how to pack valuables or glass), a checklist for cleaning, or even a checklist for walking through the house to ensure you didn’t forget anything.

There are enough stressors in life without moving having to be one of them. A little pre-planning and help from trusted partners, like Zippy Shell, can mean the difference between a stress-free move and a nightmare of a move.

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Uncover Some Moving Costs Hidden in the Fine Print

Whether it’s local or long distance, your number one concern when considering a move is going to be the cost. Most people want to weigh the services of a professional moving company against doing things yourself. There are lots of places you can get a free online moving quote, and although these numbers are a good first step, you may find that some of them leave out fees and surcharges that are buried in the fine print. Little fees can add up to a huge difference in your bottom-line budget and send your blood pressure through the roof!

Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing your moving budget:

Don’t forget the tape!

It’s probably the most common thing people forget to add to their moving budget. Determining how much packing material you will need can be difficult. There’s tape, plastic wrap, boxes, markers, packing peanuts and paper, blankets and more. You don’t want to run out, but how much is too much? Remember to include this expense on your moving spreadsheet!

You don’t know it all – Include a professional in your plans.

We’re guessing you are not a moving professional, but it might be a really good idea to invite one into your home. Sure, you can mention to a moving rep how many rooms you need to pack, or you can key that number into an online service, but it’s a guess at best. To get a better idea of cost, you may want to consider making an appointment with a professional mover to more accurately account for your belongings.

Stuff they don’t tell you about expenses on the road.

Did you know that moving companies charge for mileage, fuel, tolls, and even windshield wipers? Well, many do. You need to ask what you may be responsible for as your belongings make their way across town or across the country.

Get a Zippy Shell Moving Quote today!

Zippy Shell makes moving simple and affordable. Get your free moving quote today 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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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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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.