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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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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. 

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Safety Tips for School in the Piedmont Triad

Mother and her two children going to school

As your children are settled into the school routine once again for another year in the Piedmont Triad area, it is important to review transportation procedures to ensure safe travels. Whether your children will be walking, riding their bicycles, carpooling, or taking the bus to school, it is important to take proper safety precautions.

Walking

The Piedmont Triad area boasts several residential areas in close enough proximity to neighborhood schools to give students the option to walk, especially when the weather is nice! Children usually aren’t ready to start walking to school without an adult until about fifth grade, or around age 10. With your child, plan a safe route and walk on the sidewalk when one is available. Watch for cars at every driveway and intersection and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. 

Cycling

When cycling to school, all riders should follow the basic rules of the road. This means riding on the right side, in the same direction as traffic using bike lanes when available. Teach your children to respect traffic lights and stop signs when riding a bicycle. And always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride. 

Carpooling

Schools often have very specific drop-off and pick-up procedures. Make sure everyone knows and practices these procedures for the safety of all kids. Also, never pass a bus that is actively loading or unloading children when driving to school.

Riding the Bus

Teach bus riders to maintain a safe distance from the bus at all times and to always remain visible to the bus driver. Encourage your children to see the school bus as an extension of the classroom. Following the same guidelines for behavior on the bus as they do while at school will increase safety for everyone.

When children are back at school, it means sharing the road with school busses, car riders, bicycles, and pedestrians. It’s never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school. If you are looking to move to the Piedmont Triad area with your kiddos soon and need a reliable moving and storage partner for the job, give us a call at 336-499-3386 or check us out online today!

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How to Boost the Curb Appeal of Your Piedmont Triad Home

A Well Kept Home's Front Yard

What exactly is curb appeal? It is essentially how appealing your home looks when first viewed from the street, like a first impression. Of course, we all know first impressions can be nearly impossible to reverse or undo. Increasing your curb appeal can add thousands of dollars to the value of your Piedmont Triad home and cut the time it takes to sell. Even if you don’t plan on selling anytime soon, sprucing up your property can provide a more positive first and lasting impression!

  • The simplest way to boost curb appeal is to have a well-manicured lawn. Set the foundation for great curb appeal with healthy, evenly trimmed, weed-free grass. Next put any dead, dying, or sad-looking plants and shrubbery out of their misery and out of your yard. When bringing in new greenery, mix things up with a variety of plants that will bloom at different times during the season.
  • Create an inviting walkway to the door you use as your main entrance. Pavers or stone are extremely popular options for a beautiful walkway. Flank the area with colorful landscaping and incorporate illumination to finish the look.
  • Speaking of illumination, entryway lighting is crucial for setting a welcoming mood and providing security. A combination of pathway, landscaping, and entryway lighting is the perfect recipe for perfect curb appeal.
  • Add a splash of style to your home with bold, vibrant colors. Go big by painting your front door or front shutters with an exciting color or you can go smaller by adding vibrant accessories like flowers, planters or door decorations. Welcome signs, welcome mats and porch furniture are also a great place to incorporate pops of color.

Inspired yet? Just think of the amazing feeling you will get each and every time you drive up and realize that gorgeously maintained Piedmont Triad property is all yours! If you are looking to make a move to the Piedmont Triad area or need local storage services, give your local Zippy Shell of the Piedmont Triad a call at 336-499-3386 or visit our website to learn more!

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Moving to the Piedmont Triad Area with Children

Family with children playing during a move

Whether your new home is in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, or a surrounding city, your new Piedmont Triad home is in one of the most family-friendly areas around! Your children will grow to love this area, but initially moving to a new city or town can be overwhelming for any child. And while you can’t totally eliminate the challenge of moving with kids, there are tips that can help ease the process. Here are our top tips for helping kids transition into your new life.

Give them something to be excited about. In the midst of saying goodbye to familiarity, do some research into the Piedmont Triad area to find events or attractions that will get them excited. There are a variety of family friendly attractions in this area that are open year round. You should have no problem finding something for everyone to enjoy at any age.

Involve them in the process whenever possible. Even the littlest task can make a difference in your child’s feelings towards their new home. Allow them to help you run a yard sale before packing. Give them markers and stickers to decorate their moving boxes. Let them help pick out decorations for their new room or choose where to eat dinner after a day of house hunting.

Give them space to say goodbye. Before your move, make one last trip to say goodbye to some of your child’s favorite places. You can also host a party at your old home as a celebration of the time your family spent there. Invite all of their closest friends for a special goodbye. 

Pack a “moving day” bag for each child. Pack a bag for each child that includes several of their very favorite belongings. Keeping these items close by can provide assurance throughout the move and allow access as soon as you arrive at your new home. You and your family are going to love the Piedmont Triad area! Zippy Shell is here to take the stress out of your move allowing you to focus on your family during this exciting time.

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Showing Appreciation to Your Piedmont Triad Friends and Family Who Help You Move

Mother and daughter pack for a move

Are you moving in or around the Piedmont Triad area in North Carolina? Having help from family and friends during the sorting, packing, and moving processes is a great distraction and more importantly it makes the work go faster. But how do you thank them for sacrificing their time and muscles for you? Follow these tips to help show your loved ones how much you appreciate their help.

So often people want to help, but they don’t know how. Not everyone in your life has the physical ability to help you move a couch up a flight of stairs. Asking friends and family to help in ways that play to their strengths will be appreciated! You can ask for assistance in organizing, packing, providing meals, watching children or pets, bringing supplies, or just providing company during the long hours you have ahead of you.

  • Provide water and snacks for your helpers. For those that are with you for the long haul on moving day, make plans to provide them with a meal or even two. The Piedmont Triad area has delicious food delivery options that can feed your moving crew!
  • If you’re moving, chances are you’re purging also. Offer your helpers first dibs on any items from your donation pile that will not be making the move with you.
  • Once you are settled, throwing a housewarming party is a great way to thank your friends for all the hard work. Nothing says “thank you” like yummy food and drinks.
  • Return the favor. Offering to help your family and friends with something in return is one of the simplest but best ways to show your gratitude. 

Make your move easier on yourself and your helpers by using portable storage units from Zippy Shell. You load up your belongings at your convenience, and we will simply move them for you! Contact your local Piedmont Triad Zippy Shell today to get a quote.

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Don’t Let Mosquitoes Ruin Your Summer Fun

Family having dinner in backyard

Is there any insect more annoying than a mosquito? And central North Carolina definitely has our share of these annoying pests! While there are other insects that rank pretty high on the annoying scale, mosquitoes are infamous for spreading harmful diseases. Meaning they can leave behind more than just itchy, red bites. Your best defense is to make your Piedmont Triad yard as inhospitable to them as possible. Don’t let these pesky pests ruin your summer fun!

Tips to Reduce the Amount of Mosquitoes in Your Yard

  • The number one way to achieve mosquito control is to reduce the amount of standing water on your property. Without water, mosquitoes don’t have anywhere to lay their eggs. Buckets, toys, tarps, watering cans, and other containers that can collect water should be stored indoors or emptied at least twice a week.
  • Clean leaves and debris out of roof gutters so that water flows freely and does not attract mosquitoes.
  • Fight off these pests with strategically placed fans. Flies and mosquitoes are not strong fliers and do not like moving air. As an added bonus, the breeze tends to dissipate all the body odors and the carbon dioxide that people give off which attracts mosquitoes.
  • Place specific plants in your yard to naturally deter mosquitoes. Here are a few to try: lavender, garlic, sage, eucalyptus, mint, basil, citronella, marigolds, and lemon balm.
  • Frequently change the water in wading pools, bird baths, and other outdoor water features. Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.
  • If you have a mosquito infestation that persists despite your best efforts, it is always best to call in the professionals. A reputable pest control service can evaluate and treat your yard accordingly.

Use these tips to enjoy a magical Piedmont Triad summer without the risk of bites and potential infections. We live in a fast-growing area and your local Zippy Shell of the Piedmont is here to meet all your moving and storage needs!

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It’s Time for a Summer Clean Out!

Family cleaning their home

One of the best things about Summer is the longer days giving us what feels like more time to tackle projects. If you have been wanting to take on a big clean out or full force home organization project, now is the perfect time. We have the best tips for getting your home organized at the beginning of the North Carolina Summer, giving yourself time to relax in a tidy home the remainder of the year!

But first, here some positive reasons to get cleaned out and organized:

  • It makes for an easier to clean your home.
  • Everyday life will become less stressful when you know where to find your stuff.
  • You may save money by not shopping for items you already own.
  • You will be able to use the space in your home to its full potential.
  • An organized home just feels peaceful.

Make a plan.

Sometimes with less glamorous projects such as this, the tendency is to let it fall to the wayside after the initial excitement wears off. A plan will help you stay the course and see this project to completion. Think about the work that needs to be done in each room of your home and make a master list. Remember this list whenever your enthusiasm wanes and check items off to fuel the feeling of accomplishment!

Commit to a timeline.

Look over your plan and realistically set a start and end date. You can even break your to-do list down into smaller sections with a deadline set for each. Refer back to the positives listed above when procrastination rears its ugly head.

Find motivation in a playlist.

Create a playlist of fun, upbeat, energy inducing music to play for the sole purpose of cleaning out and getting organized. Figure out the amount of time you have each day to devote to this project and choose the amount of songs needed to cover that time. Crush your organizing plan by playing this list loud and proud during each clean out session. Did you know: Zippy Shell’s portable storage units are perfect for storing items from the home, giving you more space to clean and organize. Check us out today for answers to any questions you may have and a free quote!

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It’s Time for a Summer Clean Out!

Woman carrying picture in home

One of the best things about Summer is the longer days giving us what feels like more time to tackle projects. If you have been wanting to take on a big clean out or full force home organization project, now is the perfect time. We have the best tips for getting your home organized at the beginning of the North Carolina Summer, giving yourself time to relax in a tidy home the remainder of the year!

But first, here some positive reasons to get cleaned out and organized:

  • It makes for an easier to clean your home.
  • Everyday life will become less stressful when you know where to find ALL the things.
  • You may save money by not shopping for items you already own.
  • You will be able to use the space in your home to its full potential.
  • An organized home just feels peaceful.

Make a plan

Sometimes with less glamorous projects such as this, the tendency is to let it fall to the wayside after the initial excitement wears off. A plan will help you stay the course and see this project to completion. Think about the work that needs to be done in each room of your home and make a master list. Remember this list whenever your enthusiasm wanes and check items off to fuel the feeling of accomplishment!

Commit to a timeline

Look over your plan and realistically set a start and end date. You can even break your to-do list down into smaller sections with a deadline set for each. Refer back to the positives listed above when procrastination rears its ugly head.

Find motivation in a playlist

Create a playlist of fun, upbeat, energy inducing music to play for the sole purpose of cleaning out and getting organized. Figure out the amount of time you have each day to devote to this project and choose the amount of songs needed to cover that time. Crush your organizing plan by playing this list loud and proud during each clean out session. Did you know: Zippy Shell’s portable storage units are perfect for storing items from the home, giving you more space to clean and organize. Check us out today for answers to any questions you may have and a free quote!

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Decluttering Tips to Turn Your North Texas Home into a Sanctuary

A clean and immaculate kitchen

Keeping a tidy home feels like an impossible task at times, especially if you have kids! Our homes should be our sanctuaries, a place to rest and relax after a hard day. A cluttered home can make relaxing out of the question. It’s time to bring peace back to your North Texas home! Continue reading to discover how to tackle your clutter once and for all.

A Place for Everything

If every item in your home does not have a designated space, guess what is going to happen? It is going to end up as clutter. Try giving items that normally turn into clutter an assigned place, and then adjust as you learn more about what works well and what doesn’t.

Identify Clutter Traps

Kitchen counters, night tables, coffee tables, entry halls, and bathroom counters can all be a battleground for endless, visible clutter. Consider using attractive baskets and containers in these areas to house items you like to have at your fingertips. Just remember to purge these containers frequently to avoid pile-up.

Purge Again and Again

Don’t take up valuable space and mental energy with items you no longer use. As you are purging, think about the last time you really used the item and the emotional reasons you may be hanging on to it.

Baby Steps

If your house is extremely cluttered, it might be easy to get discouraged. Make it a point to deal with a little clutter every day. Dedicate 15-30 minutes each day to clutter busting with no distractions. Focus on one area at a time. Set up a box for donations and haul it away as soon as it is full.

Out of Sight

If you own items that you don’t have room for, but you want to keep – a mobile storage unit may be the answer you seek. Pack your extra items in a Zippy Shell and send them off to a secure, climate-controlled storage center. Then sit back and breathe a sigh of relief in your clutter free sanctuary of a home!

If you are looking to declutter your home and need some extra storage, give Zippy Shell a call today to see how we can help you!