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Jumpstart Spring Cleaning with These 5 Tips

cleaning

Although it seems like we just celebrated the holidays, spring is around the corner. This is a great time for a fresh start to ease into spring cleaning without being overwhelmed. If you are considering storing away some items, you will really be glad you got a jumpstart on your spring cleaning to-do list. While the hardest part is getting started, here are 5 tips to help you tackle this chore head on!

Declutter: A good purge always puts someone in a good mood. “Stuff” weighs us down and streamlining your “extra stuff” can be like a weight-loss tool! Focus on your spring cleaning by decluttering so you can attack the deep cleaning. If the item hasn’t been used in over a year, you may want to consider selling, donating, storing or trashing. If you are having a yard sale, put items away from sight or box up, tape up, and label “yard sale.” This will eliminate the temptation to dig back into the box.

Supplies: Keep an eye out for specials throughout the year on cleaning supplies. Stock up when discounts are available. Get a vehicle, such as a shower caddy, to hold the supplies so you can easily take them from room to room. Look for supplies that cover multi-tasks to eliminate lugging too many cleaning supplies around.

Make a plan: Once you have decluttered and made an inventory of your cleaning supplies, make a plan and set goals if you haven’t already done this. Decide what rooms to tackle first. Some professionals suggest clean each room in a circle or from top to bottom. These suggestions can help with the flow of cleaning making it more effective and manageable.

Think outside the routine: Keeping the surface areas clean is important, but don’t forget to think of areas outside the routine cleaning zones. Here are a few suggestions: between refrigerator coils, on top of ceiling fan blades, inside the washing machine, around HVAC vents, inside light fixtures, on and around windows, around door frames and crown molding, behind the toilet, etc. It’s also a good time to check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Lighten up: Many people aren’t jumping up and down to tackle their spring cleaning to-do list. But with a shift in attitude, you can make this often-overwhelming feat much easier to bear. Crank up the stereo with your favorite tunes and jump in. Buy yourself something as a reward when you are finished. Another idea is to get the family involved. Assign age-appropriate tasks for the kids and make it a competition. As long as they aren’t adding to the chore list, the extra help should help you whittle down your spring cleaning to-do list quicker!

We hope these tips will help you attack spring cleaning with a positive, yet productive force. Just pretend that every room you clean will put you one step further to enjoying the fruits of your labor! And remember, if you need to store some items that aren’t being used right now, consider storing your things with Zippy Shell!

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How to Store Your Belongings During a Piedmont Triad Move

zippy shell moving

Do you need to store your belongings during your Piedmont Triad move? Many times a move will require putting some or all of your belongings into short- or long-term storage for a variety of reasons. Maybe you need to move out some furniture or personal items to stage your home for selling. Or maybe your new place will not be available for immediate occupancy by the time you need to leave your current residence. No matter the reason for storage, you will, of course, want your belongings to be safe and secure until reaching your final destination. This is where the friendly folks at the Piedmont Triad Zippy Shell can help!

Consider the following tips when packing your items for an extended stay in storage.

  • Clean everything before it goes into storage. News flash – if you store something while it is dirty, it’s only going to be dirtier when you unpack it one, two, or twelve months later. Clothes, furniture, and all appliances should be as clean and dry as possible before storing them away during your move.
  • Make an inventory list. This is important during any move, but especially during a move that will include some or all of your belongings to be in storage. Take photos and make lists of how and where each item is packed.
  • Pack your boxes with intent. Use as many of the same sized boxes as possible to allow for easier stacking. A fully packed box will provide greater protection than one with gaps, so aim to fill each box without overloading it. Reinforce the bottom and top of each box with secure packing tape.
  • Fill your storage container with purpose. Pack heavier items such as furniture and appliances on the bottom, placing the heaviest items in the center of the storage container. Pack your items from floor to ceiling, creating wall-like layers. Fill any open spaces with boxes and other small items to provide stability. Odd-shaped items can go on top of boxes or near the doors. Furniture pads, blankets, and pillows work well to cushion fragile items. You can wrap couches, mattresses, and other soft furniture with stretch wrap. Taking the extra time and planning to pack your storage container carefully will make unpacking easier and keep your belongings secure while they are being transported and stored.

Zippy Shell storage containers are a particularly good choice when moving items to or from a more urban environment in the Piedmont Triad. We offer “street legal” containers with license plates and wheels, making it easy to park these containers in street parking spots. 

To keep your belongings safe and secure while you move, Zippy Shell storage centers are equipped with climate control and added security. When you are ready, we will redeliver your storage container or move it to your next destination. The Piedmont Triad Zippy Shell provides storage for moving that is convenient and hassle-free!

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How to Store Items During a Home Renovation

Home Renovation

A growing number of homeowners are making the choice to renovate their home instead of relocating. Home renovations are fun and exciting. You get to transform the home you already love into a better version of itself. There is a reason so many shows are dedicated to the process! But unlike the edited version of home renovation on TV, there are messy parts to upgrading to your dream home. One of the biggest challenges you will face is figuring out what to do with all the furniture and other personal belongings that are currently being held in the room or rooms you want to update. You don’t want the added stress of worrying about your possessions getting broken or covered in dust or paint during the process. Have you considered using a portable storage container?

Convenience

A portable storage container is like having your very own storage facility located right on your property. You gain the convenience of packing up your storage unit right from your home as opposed to making several trips driving to and from a storage facility.

On-site storage containers provided by Zippy Shell feature barn-style doors and ground level design making the containers very easy to use. There’s no need to worry about going up and down a ramp! Our innovative design allows for placement in tight spots and at tough angles. Zippy Shells can fit anywhere including city streets. While the containers are on your property, a block will be placed on the hitch that only we can remove to prevent anyone else from taking off with your valuables.

Flexibility

Portable storage containers are a popular option during remodeling because they provide you with the ability to completely clear items out of your home while also maintaining the flexibility of having those items on hand when you need them. If your project is going to take a few months and you don’t want to keep the container on your property, that is okay too. We can pick it up at your convenience and store it in a secure, climate controlled facility until you’re ready to have it back. Of course, any number of things out of your control can cause delays during a remodel. Delivery dates and storage dates can all easily be rescheduled when you use a portable storage unit.

Sounds easy, right? Zippy Shell makes storage during a home renovation simple, convenient, and affordable. You can feel confident knowing that your furniture, appliances, and personal belongings are safe and within easy reach during the chaos of remodeling. Learn more about our storage solutions by visiting www.zippyshell.com today!


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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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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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How to Maximize the Space in Your Bathroom

bathroom

Is your bathroom feeling a little cramped? Small bathrooms can be a challenge and adding square footage through a renovation isn’t always an option. But you can use these tips to make your cozy space feel larger and stay more organized.

Give the Illusion of Space

There are several tips and techniques you can use to provide an expansive feeling in a small bathroom or any small space:

  • A monochromatic color scheme or even varying shades of the same color can make your bathroom feel larger. Soft, pale, neutral colors on the walls and floor will give the biggest illusion of space.
  • Use reflective surfaces like glass and mirrors. Replacing a shower curtain with a clear glass door will open up the shower space giving the appearance of a bigger overall area. Larger mirrors will bounce light from windows and create the illusion of more square footage.
  • Keep your floor space clear and uncluttered. Less breaking up of the floor lines equates to less visual chopping with your eyes. Also freeing up your floor space gives you more room to move around!  
  • Draw the eye upward with a fun light fixture, crown molding, tall window treatments, or high shelves.

Organizing Your Way to More Space

Even a large room that is cluttered will feel small, so let’s get organized:

  • Create storage where there once was none by adding floating shelves to your walls utilizing the vertical space. 
  • An over-the-toilet shelf or storage cabinet is a great space saver and will give you more storage options.
  • Installing floating shelves or recessed storage in the shower can keep all your shower necessities organized. Another option is to use a hanging shower caddy.
  • Use a Lazy Susan or other revolving storage underneath your bathroom cabinet to corral cleaning supplies or hair products.
  • When you are really low on storage options, find an alternate place in the house for things like medicine, first aid supplies, and extra rolls of toilet paper.

Zippy Shell’s portable storage containers are perfect for storing items from the home, giving you more space to renovate, rearrange, and organize. Check us out today for answers to any questions you may have!

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Follow These Tips to De-Stress Your Move

Couple looks at tablet while searching

There are so many emotions to process during a move. There can be feelings of excitement, anticipation, hope, nervousness, and even relief. But the emotion that can infringe on all the others is stress, which can take a toll on your mind and your body. Moving is often ranked as one of the most stressful events in life. Zippy Shell aims to make your move as stress free as possible with the following tips: 

  • We cannot stress (pun intended) enough the importance of making a list or even more than one list. Make a list of everything that needs to be done before moving day comes, during your moving day, and in the days after your move. Seeing a clear outline of your completed and uncompleted tasks will help you stay more organized and less stressed.
  • Give yourself sufficient time to devote to each step of the moving process. The more you leave to the last minute, the more stress you’ll inevitably feel.
  • Lean on your family and friends when you feel overwhelmed. Those close to you want to help, they just might not know how. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
  • Get rid of anything you won’t need before the move. Don’t make more work and stress for yourself by moving unnecessary items. If you won’t have an immediate need for an item but are not ready to part with it just yet, consider storing it for a period of time.

Storage solutions from Zippy Shell can take the hassle and stress out of your move. Your stored items are always safe in our street legal mobile containers because you are the only one with a key and it will be securely stored in a climate-controlled environment. When you are ready, all you have to do is call Zippy Shell to have your additional items brought to your home for unloading and unpacking at your convenience. Visit www.zippyshell.com today to learn more about the services we offer. 

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8 Genius Bathroom Storage Hacks

Modern bathroom with storage space

Your bathroom contains a lot of important items that you use daily to get ready. It is hard trying to fit all those valuables into a small space, so use these tips to fit all your toiletries into your bathroom. Your morning routine will become a breeze and your items will be much more organized!
 

1. SPICE RACKS

All your bottles of shampoo and lotions can fit nicely into spice racks, as spice racks are meant for storing small containers.  Just screw them to the wall to create extra space for them.

2.HIGH SHELVES

Install extra shelves in unused empty space, such as above the door.

3.MAGNET STRIPS

You can use magnet strips to keep track of all the tiny bathroom items you have. They are great way to organize bobby pins, tweezers, nail clippers and most hair clips because these are already magnetic. You can also glue small magnets to the backs of your makeup to keep them organized.

4. COAT HOOKS

Hang up coat hooks instead of towel rods to maximize space. You can hang up multiple coat hooks within the space that just one towel rod would fit. This is great if you are sharing a bathroom with someone.

5.TOILET SHELF

Build a shelf over the top and sides of your toilet.  This extra space doesn’t seem like much, but it can fit a lot of your small items like small hand towels, candles, etc.

6. PVC PIPE

Attach a PVC pipe to your wall to store your hair tools, like a blow dryer.  After using your tool, it is very hot and having the PVC pipe gives it a place to sit and cool down and stay out of your way.

7. SMALL WINE RACK

Use a small wine rack to efficiently fit your hand towels on your sink by rolling them up to fit in each slot.  It is very elegant, yet practical.

8.  SHOE HANGER

On the back of your door, hang a shoe organizer. You will be able to fit countless bottles or items without having to take up any of the space within your bathroom!