Zippy Shell of the Piedmont Triad Archives

February 25, 2020February 25, 2020

How to Store Your Belongings During a Piedmont Triad Move

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!

February 13, 2020

Best Restaurants in the Piedmont Triad

In recent years, the Piedmont Triad has become an increasingly popular place for people of all ages to move to. It is a great location that gives you access to explore the three major cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point without ever leaving home! This area also has numerous trendy restaurants that explore all types of foods to satisfy your cravings. If you are moving to the Piedmont Triad area, here are some restaurants you need to try out while you are exploring your new city.

Crafted – Art of the Taco

Crafted offers a variety of tacos with interesting flavor combinations using the freshest local ingredients available. They have locations in both Greensboro and Winston-Salem.

Emma Key’s Flat Top Grill

In what used to be a 1950’s barbershop in Greensboro, Emma Key’s serves incredible burgers with names like Hotel California and Big Kahuna, and toppings like slaw and guac, chili and grilled onions, grilled tomatoes and all the regular condiments.

The Tavern in Old Salem

This family operated restaurant features dishes inspired by the Moravian families living in Salem in the 19th century. Waitstaff wearing historic Moravian attire serve locally farmed food and drinks in an upscale casual environment.

Smith Street Diner

Serving all-day breakfast and diner food, they pride themselves in providing patrons with scratch-made food put together with lots of love and talent. Smith Street Diner is conveniently located near all of the downtown Greensboro hot spots, including Elm Street, LeBauer Park, the Downtown Greenway, and First National Bank Field, the home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers.

Claddagh Bar and Restaurant

Visit an Irish Pub located in High Point where you can find Irish favorites like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and bangers and mash. For a real weekend treat, pop in on a Sunday to try the traditional Irish breakfast from their brunch menu.

Southern Roots Incorporated

Located on the outskirts of High Point in Jamestown, the exterior of this restaurant looks like an old general store which adds to the rustic charm. They have the coasts covered with numerous seafood treats like fried oysters and seafood risotto. Of course, the North Carolina original shrimp and grits also make an appearance.

Hops Burger Bar

If the award-winning burgers don’t convince you just how epic this Greensboro restaurant is, their ten different types of fries will!

Green Valley Grill

Connected to and located right beside the O. Henry Hotel, this cozy restaurant offers a neat fusion of southern food with a modern, upscale twist.

Sushi Republic

Located on Tate Street, Sushi Republic is an award-winning sushi restaurant in the heart of Greensboro. The folks here will be happy to tutor you in Sushi 101 as they wrap the extensive menu items in seaweed sheets or allow you to create your own roll.

Osteria

This Greensboro restaurant boasts an extensive selection of handmade pastas including traditional items such as ravioli, strozzapreti, tagliolini, gnocchi and fettuccine with sauces that are made fresh daily.

Blue Water Grille

The cuisine here blends influences from France, Asia, the Caribbean, and Cajun country making it the perfect place for a special night out in High Point.

There are so many restaurants in the eclectic Piedmont Triad, each of them unique and very, very delicious. What are you waiting for?

January 31, 2020

Make Your Piedmont Triad Move Easier with a Portable Storage Container

When it comes to moving into or out of the Piedmont Triad area, you have a lot of decisions to make. And it’s only natural to have some anxiety over the moving process. The team at Zippy Shell knows all too well how stressful moving across the street, across town, or across the country can be for families. To help ease the burden, we want to explain how ditching the moving truck rental and using a portable storage container instead can make the whole moving process easier and less stressful.

Pack at Your Own Pace

Zippy Shell can deliver a portable storage container or containers to your home at your convenience. You will be able to take your time loading them up and let go of the feeling of being rushed. Delivery dates and storage dates can all easily be rescheduled when you use a portable storage container.

Ease of Loading

Unlike moving truck rentals, portable storage is loaded at ground level. This eliminates the need for difficult and dangerous loading ramps. The innovative design of our containers allows for placement in tight spots and at tough angles. And if you need assistance, we can even recommend professional help to get your stuff loaded into the Zippy Shell container.

Leave the Driving to Us

Leave all the worries of sad fuel mileage, uncertain safety, and being unaccustomed to driving a large, unfamiliar vehicle behind! You have more important things to attend to during a move. And if you are moving to or from an area with intense traffic, you really don’t want to be weaving in traffic with a worn-out truck full of your precious things. When using a Zippy Shell portable storage container, all you need to do is load and unload your container. Leave the driving to us! After we pick up your loaded container, we’ll take it to a secure storage facility or transport it directly to your destination.

Added Flexibility

Portable storage containers give you added time during your move. Send the things you need right away to the new place and then put your other things in storage. Doing this will mean you have less hassle on moving day and you can leisurely unpack all the extra stuff. The added flexibility of being able to move some things while storing others is a convenience not provided when using a moving truck rental. And if you need temporary storage between move-in and move-out dates, the Piedmont Triad Zippy Shell can take care of that as well.

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 make your Piedmont Triad move much easier.

January 9, 2020January 9, 2020

How to Properly Clean Out a Fireplace in Your Piedmont Home

Curling up in front of a wood burning fireplace is one way to stay cozy when the weather turns cold in the Piedmont Triad. If you are lucky enough to own a wood burning fireplace, you know that the comfort and warmth it provides requires a bit of maintenance from time to time. The National Fire Protection Association recommends both your chimney and fireplace be inspected for safety and cleaned annually. Creosote, which is an oily wood-tar by-product that can cling to chimney walls, can cause fires to flare out of control. If you are searching for a potential new property in the Piedmont Triad, be sure to ask for details about recent chimney inspections and cleanings.

In addition to the annual heavy duty cleaning of the chimney, you will want to regularly clean out your fireplace to keep it looking tidy and keep it burning cleanly. These steps can take it from filthy to flawless!

Wait at least 12 hours after your last fire before attempting to clean a fireplace in order to give all of the ashes and embers a chance to fully cool down.
Wear old clothes or an apron because this can be a messy task. Also, it is a good idea to put on gloves, a face mask, and protective eyewear to keep the soot from irritating your lungs and skin.
Lay a plastic tarp or old sheet in front of the fireplace to catch the mess.
Using a handheld broom, sweep any soot and ash from the floor and walls of your fireplace and collect it into a dustpan. Dump the ash into a heavy duty paper or plastic bag as you work. Do this gently to keep as much dust as possible from flying around. Pro tip: Sprinkle a handful of used coffee grounds on the ashes to minimize flyaways.
For good measure, you may want to vacuum the area to catch any remaining dust. But don’t forget to clean the vacuum brush attachment afterwards – you don’t want to spread soot around the rest of your home!
Now it is time to scrub! Water and hearth cleaner work well for the brick and iron parts of your fireplace. But if you have brick front or facing that’s more than 50 years old, just use water with a light scouring. Old brick is more susceptible to crumbling. For marble and stone, scrub with water and dishwashing detergent. Use old rags to wipe each area after scrubbing.
If you fireplace features glass doors, they can be cleaned with a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar. You can also put the discarded ashes to good use by sprinkling some onto the towel to act as a light, natural abrasive.

Once everything is clean and back in its place, you will need to decide what to do with your ashes. If you would prefer a professional clean your chimney, make sure they are a certified specialist before hiring them. You can find a certified chimney sweep technician near you by visiting the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s website and search for a pro today, as well as get other helpful tips.

If you’re looking for a place to dispose of your ashes and your Piedmont Triad home has a garden, we recommend spreading them there. Ashes are a great source of calcium, potassium, and other nutrients for plants and they also repel some garden pests! If you are making plans on moving to a home in the Piedmont Triad area that has a nice fireplace to curl up by, then give Zippy Shell of the Piedmont Triad a call! We would love to make you moving and storage needs simple!

December 6, 2019December 5, 2019

How to Acclimate When Moving to the Piedmont Triad Area

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!

November 15, 2019November 15, 2019

4 Steps to an Organized Garage in the Piedmont Triad

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

October 31, 2019

Finding Your Dream Home in the Piedmont Triad

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.

October 11, 2019October 8, 2019

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!

September 24, 2019September 24, 2019

How to Boost the Curb Appeal of Your Piedmont Triad Home

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!

September 10, 2019September 10, 2019

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.