Posted on

Top Questions from Our Customers: The “How”

Couple unpacks and uses a checklist

Have you ever wondered how the Zippy Shell process works? How does one receive their container or how does our storage process work? We have the answers to some of those frequently asked questions for you!

A recurring inquiry is a pretty basic one: “How does your process work?”
It’s so easy! You pick the appropriate size container for your project and we will deliver it in our Zippy Shell, which is our trailer on wheels. We bring it directly to you, and you are allotted three days to pack it full. The container has a convenient ramp that pulls out for easy loading. Then, when you’re all done, we’ll swing back by to pick it up and store it at our secure, climate-controlled facility.

Deliveries are usually between 8:00am and noon. Zippy Shell process may vary location to location. To find out the hours of your local Zippy Shell, give us a call at 888-947-7974!

We should add that for insurance reasons, we only allow our certified drivers to move the Zippy Shell. We park it for you and then we place a block on the hitch so that no one can hook up and steal your belongings.

Lots of customers also ask, “Can I just bring my belongings to your facility?”
Sure thing! We can pull a container for you at our facility for you to load on site (and this will save you a delivery fee, too).

Now the big question: “How does payment work?”
Zippy Shell secures 50% of your fees two business days prior to your initial delivery date. The other half is billed once your portable storage container arrives at the Zippy Shell destination warehouse, or on the 31st day after your initial origin delivery date, whichever dates comes first.

Finally, “What if I get the one container and I need another one?”

We will be happy to bring another one to you. We can let you fill up that first one, and when we come to pick that up, we’ll bring an empty Zippy Shell with us for you to load. Just give us a call and let us know what you need and we will make it as simple as possible for you to meet your needs.

So, there you have it! Moving and storage with Zippy Shell is super convenient. Your first step is getting a quote. We are eager to hear about your upcoming move, so that we may provide an affordable quote!

Posted on

9 Tips to Help You Move with Houseplants

A woman cares for plants in home.

According to Webmd.com, houseplants act as natural filters to catch allergens and other airborne particles. In layman’s terms, rooms with houseplants have less dust and mold than rooms without. Other benefits of houseplants, besides aesthetic appeal, include first aid, relaxation, air purification and more! So, whether or not you have a green thumb, you have a reason to make a trip to your local nursery! But now that you have a move scheduled, there are steps to take to ensure your houseplants arrive at the new destination safely. Here are nine tips to help you before, during and after a move.

  1. Transfer into plastic holders: Transfer plants from decorative pots into plastic holders to avoid breaking. Wrap breakable decorative pots in paper, bubble wrap or linens and pack tightly away for the move.
  2. Inspect plants: Inspect and treat any plants with pests. You don’t want to transfer them to your next destination.
  3. Prune away: Keep your plants healthy and looking better by trimming back any dead or protruding limbs.
  4. Large plants: The safest way to move with large plants is to use packing paper or sheets to gently cover them. This will help protect leaves, limbs and branches from bending or breaking during the move. If moving during chilly temperatures, this will also help protect the plant from the cold.
  5. Pack in boxes: To help avoid plants from falling over, place them snugly in appropriately sized boxes. Place newspaper or bubble wrap around the base of the plant so it won’t shift during the move.
  6. Extended travel: If traveling more than a few days for your move, avoid putting plants in the trunk of your vehicle. Keep them near a window if possible so the plants have sunlight and fresh air to keep them healthy.
  7. Unpack first: Unpack your plants first when you arrive to your new destination. Remember plants are living things so they need to breathe and adjust to the new environment.
  8. Remove from box: If a large plant is stored in a box, cut the bottom of the box and carefully lift the box over the top so it will slide with the grain of the leaves and branches to avoid breakage.
  9. Adjustment period: Once you have moved in and established a location for your plant, water it on a regular basis and give it time to adjust to its new environment. It should recover and acclimate to its new surroundings in a few days and continue to thrive.

Continue enjoying the many benefits of your houseplants by reducing the risk of damage during a move with these nine tips. And remember, if you need to store some items that aren’t making the move with you, consider a climate-controlled facility with Zippy Shell! We can also help you make a local or long-distance move possible! Whatever you needs, Zippy Shell makes moving and storage simple.

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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. 

Posted on

De-Stress Your Move to the Piedmont-Triad Area

happy moving couple

The Piedmont-Triad area of North Carolina is made up of three major cities: Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem. And we understand why you would want to move here! It is a fast growing, economically thriving area with a wide array of entertainment and recreation options.

After the initial excitement of making a move, the emotion that sometimes takes over is stress. Zippy Shell aims to make your move to the Piedmont-Triad as stress free as possible with the following tips:

Accept the inevitable: Let’s make it clear from the beginning that at some point along your moving journey, you will feel stressed. Recognize the stress, but don’t let it overwhelm you or deter you from the tasks at hand.

Plan ahead: There are many steps involved in the moving process and you need to give yourself adequate time to devote to each one. The more you leave to the last minute, the more stress you’ll inevitably feel.

Stay organized: Make a detailed list of all the tasks you need to complete by the day or the week. Keep all the important documents required during a move organized and in an easy to access place. Devise a system for packing and labeling boxes that will make your belongings easy to find when needed. There is no such thing as too many labels! You can also consider an inventory list for this task.

Ask for help: 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! Also, lean on your family and friends for emotional support when you feel overwhelmed.

Take care of yourself: We know it feels like the moving process takes over your life, but don’t let your healthy habits suffer. Continue to eat a balanced diet to give yourself energy and make time for an adequate amount of sleep.

Zippy Shell wants to help de-stress your move to the Piedmont-Triad area. We offer affordable and convenient options that will simplify your move. Having someone in your corner who cares about your belongings just as much as you do should definitely cut down on your stress level!  

Posted on

Tips for Moving to Philadelphia, PA with Kids

moving with kids

Philadelphia, PA is a great city with a lot to see and do for families with kids. If you are moving to Philadelphia, there a few ways to make it easier on the kids before, during and after your relocation.

Involve your kids early in the process: This is especially important if you are moving from one type of area to another. For example, if you live in a rural area or a suburb but are moving to one of the urban Philadelphia neighborhoods, help them understand the differences.

Show them what they can look forward to: Philadelphia is a grand city! Show them videos of what they can expect to see and do in Philadelphia. VisitPhilly.com has a lot of great things listed and the Mommy Poppins blog is specifically geared to kids in Philadelphia. You can check it out here.

Make room for their loved stuff: One of the best things about using portable storage units is that you can moving and keep your things in secure storage until you need them! This offers you and your family time to decompress with what you need in the new home and then have the rest of your things delivered to you when you are ready. Your kids can have their beloved objects in the home now and you can have other items delivered later.

Stick to a routine: ChildMind.org suggests keeping your kids on a regular routine after you are in the new home. You may have a big desire to push ahead with unpacking, having your storage unit delivered, etc. but it might be better to keep the kids on an established schedule.

Moving with kids doesn’t have to be stressful and we are here to help at the Philadelphia Zippy Shell location with the flexible moving and storage solutions you need. It’s one less thing to worry about during a move.

Posted on

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.