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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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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5 Ways to Make a New Space Feel Like Home

Congratulations on your new space! Whether you’ve moved into a new apartment, a dorm or a house, making this new space feel more like home means relaxing more quickly, especially after a move.

Start with the closet: Designers and home organization specialists agree that it’s important to handle your personal spaces first, not necessarily the common areas. Making sure that you can put your hands on sleeping clothes, play clothes, or a favorite shirt and pair of jeans means feeling more comfortable. This also includes prioritizing the kids’ rooms, too. The quicker they feel at home, the easier it will be on you.

Unpack a “self-care” box: Pack a self-care box that includes special candles, clean linens, fluffy towels or essential oils. These items can quickly make an unfamiliar space feel and smell more like home.

Keep to your routine: Packing, moving and unpacking really throws your routine for a loop. Try to mimic a familiar routine, at least for the first few days, whether it be when you eat, when you rest, or when you walk the dog. Animals, kids and seniors, in particular, appreciate a routine that makes sense.

Get your Wi-Fi working:  Nothing says home like snuggling up and watching your favorite streaming channel with a bowl of popcorn.

Do a little grocery shopping: Some food in the fridge makes everything feel a little homier. Yes, we know there are a million things left to do but make some time to go pick up something for lunch, dinner or breakfast. Put some snacks in the cupboard.

New spaces can feel overwhelming or foreign, but with a few quick touches, you’ll be on your way to feeling right at home.
Visit www.zippyshell.com today to learn more about the services we offer. 

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Budget-Friendly Seasonal Decor Ideas for Fall

Fall Trees

Fall is in the air! Pumpkin Spice Lattes, cozy sweaters, colorful foliage, bonfires, and college football are sure signs that fall is here. Another favorite of the season is decorating our homes with festive, seasonal décor. Here are a few ideas to display your love of fall décor without breaking the bank.

  • Pumpkins: The holy grail of the fall season! This time of year you can find pumpkins of all shapes in sizes at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, road-side pumpkin stands and even in your own garden! Display pumpkins in your home and on your porch. Carve or paint them to make your Halloween more spooky! Create great family memories by visiting a local pumpkin patch and baking pumpkin pies!
  • Colorful gourds, squash & corn: Again, easy to find at your local grocery store or farmers’ markets. Arrange them in a wide round straw basket for a great centerpiece for your table. Add a few miniature pumpkins for the full fall effect!
  • Fall flowers: For a quick and easy fall decoration, add flowers to your décor. Visit your local nursery or home décor store for ideas to include potted flowers such as mums, pansies and other fall offerings. Give your green thumb a try and plant an autumn garden.
  • Door wreaths: Pick up a fall wreath at your local décor store or get crafty and make your own. Make it a fun fall project by having your kids collect natural items to use such as wheat, leaves, branches, pinecones, acorns and berries.
  • Collect & display fall leaves: For a simple and fun, kid-friendly project, gather leaves of different colors and sizes. Laminate leaves and hang with clear fishing line around your home or doorframes. For a different touch, add a framing mat around the laminated leaves and make a display collection on the wall in your foyer or living room.

For more information regarding storage or moving solutions, please give us a call or visit our website www.ZippyShell.com.

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Follow These Tips to De-Stress Your Move

Couple looks at tablet while searching

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

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

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

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Real Reasons to Ditch a Moving Truck

Couple celebrates move in their home

You’re moving! Congratulations… right?

It’s only natural to have some anxiety over the moving process. After all, it’s one of life’s more stressful events under the best of circumstances. Fortunately, though, there are ways to minimize the anxiety and maximize the efficiency of your upcoming move. One of those ways, believe it or not, is to ditch the moving truck and consider using a portable storage unit instead.

The pricing is rarely what it seems: Budgets are important, and you want to stay on yours during your move. Renting a truck may seem cheap and easy, but the pricing isn’t always it seems. When you see a “rate” on that truck, that’s usually just the beginning. Be sure to check any fine print to determine the mileage rates, the late return rate and more. It adds up fast.

Time is money: One of the most annoying parts of trying to rent a truck for your move is the time it wastes. It’s not like you don’t have a lot of other things going on already. You surely don’t need to waste time picking up the truck (assuming the last person dropped it off and it’s even there), getting the truck back to your home, loading, moving and then stopping to return the truck to a destination that may or may not be close to where you are.

Driving a moving truck isn’t fun: One of the best things about a portable storage unit, aside from its flexibility and convenience, is that you don’t have to drive it anywhere. We come and pick it up when you are ready and drop it off when you are ready. Those rickety moving trucks may have mechanical issues between here and there, are supremely uncomfortable and can be pretty big, too, making them unwieldy for a novice driver. Added tip: If you are moving to or from an area with intense traffic, you really don’t want to be weaving in traffic with a word-out truck full of your precious things.

There is value in everything when it comes to your move, including time and safety. Rather than investing in time, money and effort into a potentially unreliable vehicle, why not explore our portable storage solutions? It will be one less thing you have to stress about. Give Zippy Shell a call today at 888-947-7974 or go online to get a free quote and see how we can make moving and storage simple for you!

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Moving Myths You Can do Without

Young couple and dog unpacking boxes

You’ve heard about popular myths, but have you heard about these moving myths? We’ve taken time to outline a few moving myths that might surprise you–because they aren’t true!

Myth #1 – Moving is overwhelming!

So, yeah, moving isn’t an easy thing to tackle. There are the kids, the dog, the scheduling, the packing, the electricity transfer, and coordinating help. But, with the right planning, a lot of patience, and a great moving partner, you can accomplish amazing things with as little stress as possible. We advise creating checklists! There are lots of great ones online to get you started.

Myth #2 – Moving and storage companies are all the same!

So, cousin Joe stopped by while you were sorting out your moving ideas and informs you that moving and storage companies are the same. Well, he couldn’t be more wrong. Like any other service company, these companies vary by price, services offered, credibility and many other critical factors. It’s important to note that lots of moving companies rent vans and trucks, but Zippy Shell rents portable storage units that you may place on your property and pack at your own convenience. We bring it to you, and we pick it up! The best thing to do is determine what is most important for your move and find a company that works well to meet your objectives.

Myth #3 – I have to move every single thing at one time!

It’s simply not true, especially if you are moving long distance. Portable storage units 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.

Myth #4 – I don’t need to label my boxes.

If you want to create a chaotic moving day, label nothing. However, if you want to minimize the stress, grab your favorite color marker and put a quick label on every single box. You can get really fancy and use different colors for different rooms, but at the very least mark what’s inside the box and which room you would like for it to be placed in. This will save you so much time moving stuff from room to room in your new home!

So, when you get ready to move, tell cousin Joe, “thanks but no thanks” for his advice. And when you get ready to begin planning for your move, take some time to check our website for helpful tips, lists and maybe even a few discounts, www.ZippyShell.com.