moving help Archives - Zippy Shell Blog

April 9, 2021April 9, 2021

Eliminate Safety Concerns on Moving Day

The average moving day usually passes without incident or injury, but moving can be more physically challenging than most people realize. Protecting yourself and everyone involved with your move should be a top priority on moving day, especially if you have opted for a do-it-yourself move. On moving day, protecting yourself and your loved ones is even more important than protecting your belongings. Find out how to eliminate safety concerns with these top suggestions.

Dress appropriately on moving day. Extra thought should go into your shoe selection for the day. Select fully closed shoes that are comfortable but will also offer protection, flexibility, and traction. While you also want your clothing to be comfortable and flexible, avoid wearing clothes that are too baggy as they can easily get caught on things. Wearing high-quality work gloves will give you a better grip on items and protect your hands throughout the day.
Sturdy boxes are a must. Weak or overused packing boxes can break down when being carried, leading to an injury to the foot or toe. Before packing your boxes, double tape the bottom with strong packing tape to minimize breakage risk.
Don’t overpack your boxes with heavy items. As a general rule, smaller boxes should be used for heavier items such as books. Larger boxes should be used for bulkier items, not necessarily heavier items. Each box should not be packed to exceed over 50 lbs.
Prevent injury by using proper lifting techniques. When lifting a box or other heavy item off the ground, squat down, bending at the knees, never at the waist. Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees, not your back. Carry heavy items close to your body while keeping good posture. Avoid lifting heavy objects above shoulder level unless you absolutely must.
Hand trucks or dollies are a safer way to move boxes or heavier items. When loading a stack of boxes onto a dolly for safety, be sure you have straight, balanced, fully aligned stacks that won’t topple over once you start rolling. Place heavier boxes at the bottom of each stack for stability. Also, make sure the top box is not blocking your view and that it is at least partially resting against the bars so that it won’t slide off.
Eliminate tripping hazards by keeping all hallways and pathways clear on moving day. The outside path leading to the storage container should be kept clear of debris, mud, water, snow, and ice.
If your moving day involves children, pets, or anyone with special needs, arrange for help to keep everyone safe. Ask a trusted neighbor, grandparent, or loved one to care for them on moving day or at least part of the day. Moving a day with a baby can be especially challenging. If baby proofing can’t be done right away, create a smaller space in your new home that is safe for the baby until you can get it completed.

If you have a move coming up this spring, give Zippy Shell a call. We would love to explain how our moving and storage services can help you achieve a smooth and stress-free move. We look forward to hearing from you!

March 18, 2021

6 Tips for Moving in With Your Significant Other

If you have decided to move in with your significant other, you may be wondering how you can combine two households smoothly and peacefully. We have put together a few points you should consider before taking the leap. With some preparation, we know you can work together to plan a pleasant and fulfilling move.

OPEN COMMUNICATION: Before you make any tangible moves toward cohabitation, you should have a sit-down conversation to discuss any aspects of living together that are unclear or causing anxiety. Share your expectations, goals, and boundaries for the new living arrangements. If you enter the experience with open communication and understanding, the process will be more enjoyable, and you are less likely to have unexpected roadblocks.
BE PATIENT: Remember, you are taking two separate lives and merging them into one. This is a big deal. Prepare yourselves in advance to be patient and kind with one another as you traverse this new landscape.
BE READY TO COMPROMISE: Any relationship is going to require a degree of compromise. No two people are exactly alike with identical tastes and ideas. Be ready to make concessions and to work on compromises that will make both of you happy.
EVALUATE YOUR STUFF: When two people each have an entire house or apartment worth of stuff, it will take some honest evaluation to decide what gets kept and what goes. You won’t need two sets of dishes, two sets of living room furniture, and so on. Work together to decide what is going to work best for the both of you. You can sell or donate what you don’t need. If you have any sentimental items that you do not have room for, you can put them into secure storage.
DON’T FORGET TO DISCUSS FINANCES: Maybe even more important than going through all your stuff is going through the finances. Expectations on who is paying what should be discussed before the move. If you intend to share a bank account, you should consider creating a budget you both intend to stick to.
ASSIGN HOUSE DUTIES: Okay, so assign is a strong word. Maybe you and your partner don’t need a chore chart on the fridge. You do need to have, at the very least, a loose understanding of who is doing what around the home. Maybe the house chores rotate based on each other’s work schedules or specific tasks they always do. Determine what is going to work best for both of you to keep the household running smoothly.

We hope these tips help as you prepare to move in with your significant other. If you have any other suggestions that we missed, stop by our Facebook page and share with our online Zippy Shell community and us. When you are ready for your move, give us a call at 888-947-7974 or contact us online. We offer services for local and long-distance moves, as well as storage for every need. We look forward to hearing from you!

March 10, 2021

4 Questions to Ask When Choosing a New City to Call Home

So, you are thinking about moving to a brand-new city? Maybe your job allows you to work from home, or you have the flexibility to transfer to a location of your choosing. Or perhaps you are just in need of a major change in your life. Before choosing which new city to call your home, we have some essential questions you should ask yourself. Take a look!

Is this a permanent move? Do you plan to live in this new city for just a short time? If so, some issues may not be as important to you. But if you plan for it to be your “forever” home, you will want to make sure you cover all your bases before making such a big decision.
Do I have any limitations? What needs do I have? Before choosing a new city to move to, something you should think about is any limitations that may hinder full flexibility. Maybe you do not have a vehicle and will rely on public transportation. Or perhaps, you do not want more than a certain distance between yourself and your family members. Do you have any chronic medical conditions that require a specialist or frequent doctor visits? If so, you need to make sure that there is someone nearby who will accept you as a patient. Do you have kids or plan to have children in the future? If so, you will need to research school districts and childcare in the cities you are interested in.
Which cities might have friends, family, and activities I enjoy doing? You may want to consider cities where you have loved ones and familiar faces. If that is not a significant deciding factor, perhaps you consider cities where you are close to things you enjoy. If you enjoy museums, theatre, and concerts—this can influence the city you choose to reside in. If you love hiking or biking, you will want to make sure you are near some trails.
Is the cost of living in this area in line with my budget? Different regions of the country can have vastly different cost-of-living expenses. Do your due diligence and research the areas you are interested in before making any decisions. You can do this by looking into rental and purchase prices for the homes in all the areas you are looking at to compare them. Be sure you can afford to live there first!

We wish you great success as you do your research and choose a new city to call your home. When you are ready to move, be sure to give Zippy Shell a call at 888-947-7974 or contact us online. We offer a variety of moving and storage options for local and long-distance moves. We can create a move customized to your needs, timeframe, and budget. For more information or to receive a free, no-obligation estimate, give us a call today! We look forward to hearing from you!

February 23, 2021

How Social Media Can Help Your Move to a New City

A recent survey by LendingTree shows that nearly half of Americans are considering making a move within the next year. Many of those looking to move are wanting to reduce living expenses. Plus, those who work permanently work remotely now have the flexibility to move closer to family or move to an area of the country where they have always wanted to live. If you are among the many who have decided to move to a new location, we have a list of the many ways social media can help you make a move to a new city.

Research – From low crime rates, climate, affordability, to a great education system, there are many variables to consider when choosing the perfect place to live. Social media can help you research cities and neighborhoods before making your ultimate decision. Twitter is a great news source, and by using a Twitter List, you can create a personalized news feed of information for a specific location. Look for news about local crime, transportation issues, property costs, the housing market, local events, and environmental risks.
Downsizing – When getting ready for a move, it is always a good idea to downsize your belongings. You certainly don’t want to end up making an effort to move items you no longer want or need to your new home. Selling items online on social media sites like Facebook Marketplace has gained a lot of popularity because of its effectiveness and practicality.
Moving Supplies – Reaching out to your circle of friends on social media is a great way to score free or reduced-price moving supplies. Plus, neighbors will post about moving boxes that can be picked up for free in local online neighborhood, trade, or garage sale type social media groups.
Decorating – One of the best things about moving is the opportunity to decorate a new place! You can find all the home decor and design inspiration your heart desires on Pinterest. Create a “dream home” pinboard and visually organize all of your ideas in one place.
Getting Settled – Nearly every town and city has its own social media accounts, where you can learn about everything from community events and trash pickup to parks and local history. You can also read customer reviews and learn about the restaurants, gyms, and community centers available in your new neighborhood via social media. Connect with your neighbors using the social media platform NextDoor. This company utilizes address verification to help ensure that the people you are communicating with are actually your neighbors.

Speaking of social media, we would love to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, or LinkedIn. We believe partnering with Zippy Shell for your relocation will give you the power to customize your moving solution to fit any budget and need. Check out Zippy Shell today for assistance with moving or if you need temporary or long-term storage.

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021

A Moving Playlist: 10 Songs You Must Add for the Big Day!

It is just a fact of life that music makes everything better. Music can improve your mood by reducing anxiety and providing comfort. It can also help with coping and is a great way to express your feelings. To help your move be as calm and stress-free as possible, we have compiled a list of ten songs you must add to your moving day playlist.

“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham! This 80s classic will start your moving day with a burst of energy and serve as a reminder to not leave anyone or anything behind on the big day.
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash. You already know the answer, it is moving day after all. But just for fun add this one to the list to remind yourself if you go, there will be trouble, but if you stay it will be double.
“I Like to Move It” by Reel 2 Real. There couldn’t be a more fitting song for moving day. Singing “I like to move it, move it” all day as you are literally moving box after box from one location to another will never get old, well probably never get old.
“Bust a Move” by Young MC. If you do get tired of moving your boxes to “move it, move it”, you can always bust a move while pretending that Young MC is actually talking about moving all those boxes.
“Moving Out” by Billy Joel. Because that is exactly what you are doing today and because Billy Joel is an icon.
“Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles. When you are all packed up and ready to hit the open highway, play this song and play it loud. Leave all your worries behind and look forward to your bright future.
“Life Is a Highway” by Rascall Flatts. Unless you are just moving down the street, chances are you will be riding the highway during your move. You might not want to drive it all night long as the song suggests, but sometimes it is necessary on moving day.
“Takin’ Care Of Business” by Bachman–Turner Overdrive. This song will motivate you to take care of business once you arrive at your new home and begin the unloading/unpacking process. And yes, you probably will be working overtime.
“Home” by Phillip Phillips. You are ready to make this place your home! Turning your new place into a home that will feel welcoming to both your family and visitors can be both exciting and overwhelming, but take time to enjoy the process and the new adventure it brings.

The team at Zippy Shell knows all too well how stressful moving across the street, across town, or across the country can be for anyone. Portable storage units allow you to pack at your own pace, letting go of the feeling of being rushed. We also offer flexibility as delivery dates and storage dates can all easily be rescheduled when you use a portable storage unit. We think our portable storage and moving containers offer tons of flexibility with a predictable cost that will make your move much easier.

January 14, 2020January 14, 2020

9 Tips to Help You Move with Houseplants

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.

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.
Inspect plants: Inspect and treat any plants with pests. You don’t want to transfer them to your next destination.
Prune away: Keep your plants healthy and looking better by trimming back any dead or protruding limbs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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 20, 2019November 21, 2019

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.

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.
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!
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!

November 12, 2019November 12, 2019

4 Tips to Make your Fall Move a Breeze

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!

Tag: moving help