storage tips Archives - Zippy Shell Blog

May 21, 2020

Differences Between Portable Storage and Self-Storage

There comes a time in everyone’s life when you need extra storage space. Maybe you are in the process of preparing for a move, carrying out a home renovation or home repair project, decluttering, downsizing, cleaning out a loved one’s home, preparing for an estate sale, storing excess business inventory, or any other number of exciting happenings! Before getting started, it is important to understand the differences between two of the most common storage options: portable storage and self-storage.

What is self-storage?

Self-storage refers to rentable space such as lockers or garages in a building or warehouse that’s used to store items for a short or long-term period. Access to units will vary from facility to facility, with some available 24/7 and some limited to specific hours. Generally, you’ll sign a month-to-month lease and keep your belongings there for as many months as you need.

What is portable storage?

Portable storage units are delivered on-site to your home or business for packing. You can keep these personal storage units onsite as needed, filling them up and emptying them out as you choose. You can generally either keep the portable storage unit on your property or have the storage facility pick it up and store it for you in a climate-controlled warehouse.

Similarities

Both portable storage and self-storage offer multiple storage sizes so you can choose which size, or sizes, best fit your individual needs.
Your belongings are secure and safe in both options.
You have full control over what is stored in your unit and how the items are arranged.
Both come with the ability to remove items from your storage unit or add new ones, as long as they fit in the space.
Generally, both options offer a climate-controlled environment to store your belongings.

Differences

With portable storage, you can forego the hassle of having to drive your belongings to a storage location. The unit will be delivered to your home or business where you can load your belongings into it directly. Plus, portable storage is loaded at ground level, eliminating the need for difficult loading ramps.
You can cut your work in half by only loading and unloading one time into portable storage containers, versus multiple times with self-storage.
Portable storage has the added benefit of working with your unique schedule. You can keep the portable storage unit at your home and take your time loading it up. If you chose to keep the portable storage unit at home, you can access it whenever you need to.

If you are looking for some extra storage space for the exciting events happening in your life, check us out for a free quote! Zippy Shell’s portable storage units and onsite storage containers are perfect to serve any of your storage needs. We can provide onsite storage right at your home for easy access to your items or provide portable storage units that we can store in our climate-controlled storage facility.

April 16, 2020May 8, 2020

Moving and Storage Made Easy and Safe

Zippy Shell makes moving and storage easy and safe. During the COVID-19 pandemic safety and social distancing are essential. Zippy Shell puts the safety of our employees and customers first by following the CDC’s guidelines on sanitation and by providing our drivers with necessary protective equipment while in the field. Click here to watch our latest video to learn more about the safety measures that Zippy Shell is taking.

One of the biggest advantages of using a mobile moving and storage company during COVID-19 is being able to follow social distancing guidelines. Your sanitized portable storage container will be dropped off at your location, you will pack your items into the container, and only you will have a key to the container. When you are ready to schedule pick up, your container will be delivered to its next destination with minimal contact. Our warehouse employees and drivers are using sterile gloves while handling your container.

Zippy Shell is open and ready to serve your moving and storage needs in the safest way possible. Call today or click here to get a quote!

March 20, 2020May 3, 2020

ZippyU with 1-800-PACK-RAT Is Offering 30 Days of Free Storage to College Students

ZippyU with 1-800-PACK-RAT Is Offering 30 Days of Free Storage to College Students

With Many Colleges Across the Country Closing Campuses Early Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), ZippyU Looks to Help Students Move out Quickly and Easily

ZippyU, along with 1-800-PACK-RAT, LLC, a leader in the portable storage and moving industry, has announced today, it will give college students 30 days of free storage. With campuses closing early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ZippyU and 1-800-PACK-RAT want to help students and families being affected. 1-800-PACK-RAT provides all-steel, secure, portable storage containers that can be delivered directly to a location. Students can pack the container at their own pace, lock it up with their own lock, then call 1-800-PACK-RAT for pick up. The container will be stored at a secure storage facility nearby until the student returns in the Fall. Alternatively, the container can be transported and delivered to a different location within the 1-800-PACK-RAT service area.

ZippyU and 1-800-PACK-RAT are currently reaching out to universities across the country to see how they can help alleviate some of the stress college students and their families are experiencing during these unprecedented times. “Our goal is to make moving and storage simple; that is what we do at ZippyU and 1-800-PACK-RAT. We are already working with some universities, and we know the services we provide will help both the universities and their students with their move-out process. We make it simple – we deliver storage right to the customer, they can pack it, and we will store it until they’re ready. When the Fall comes around, we can bring their storage container right back to them. This eliminates multiple car/moving truck trips to a storage facility and having to unnecessarily load and unload their items multiple times,” said Andy McDade, President of ZippyU.

“Helping college students and their families through this difficult period is a top priority for us all. It is incredible to have Andy McDade leading ZippyU with his extensive experience working with colleges and universities across the country,” said Mark Kuhns, Chief Executive Officer of 1-800-PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell.

1-800-PACK-RAT will provide 30 days of free storage to college students within their service area. For more information about this program, contact 1-800-PACK-RAT at 888-282-3022 or commercialsales@1800packrat.com and mention promo code COLLEGE.

February 10, 2020April 24, 2020

4 Tips for Successfully Storing Your Stuff

Sometimes you simply have more stuff than you have room. Or, maybe you are simplifying and decluttering, and stuff needs to be out of the way. Whatever the reason, from time to time most people have the need to move stuff to another location for a period of time and store it. Look no further than our Zippy Shell experts for the best tips to help you store your stuff more successfully.

First, evaluate your options and your needs. Zippy Shell locations can be found throughout the United States, making the option to store your stuff convenient. Figure out how much stuff you have and what size container you will need. A Zippy Shell 10 foot container can hold up to one or two bedrooms. Our 15 foot container can hold up to two or three bedrooms. Take a close look at how much you need to store and then choose the appropriately sized unit for your needs.

Second, create a list of everything you’ll be storing and how it is labeled. You may even want to take photos of the items, boxes, and labels so when you start looking for that swimsuit, you’ll know where it is stored.

Third, pack your stuff to maximize storage container space. Our Zippy Shell storage containers hold a lot of stuff and they can hold even more if you are a savvy packer. For example, bundle pictures and frames with bubble wrap and stand them up. Pack clothes in plastic containers with clip-on lids, label the contents (shirts, pants, etc.) and stack them. Think vertically, because that is typically under-utilized space in a storage unit. If you will be storing anything with height, like a bookcase or a piece of furniture, use those extra shelves to maximize your container.

Fourth, create walkways and prioritize your stuff in the container. When you pack your Zippy Shell storage container, leave room for walking and put anything you think you will need towards the front or top.

Finally, sleep soundly knowing that:

you can take up to three days to load your Zippy Shell at your location
we can drop off your unit in virtually any location (driveway, city, street)
your stuff is stored safely and securely at one of our Zippy Shell locations
your stuff is only a phone call away
we deliver it back to you when you are ready

With just a little planning, you can maximize your storage dollars. We look forward to answering your questions about the convenience of Zippy Shell.

January 31, 2020April 24, 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 29, 2020April 24, 2020

How to Store Items During a Home Renovation

A growing number of homeowners are making the choice to renovate their home instead of relocating. Home renovations are fun and exciting. You get to transform the home you already love into a better version of itself. There is a reason so many shows are dedicated to the process! But unlike the edited version of home renovation on TV, there are messy parts to upgrading to your dream home. One of the biggest challenges you will face is figuring out what to do with all the furniture and other personal belongings that are currently being held in the room or rooms you want to update. You don’t want the added stress of worrying about your possessions getting broken or covered in dust or paint during the process. Have you considered using a portable storage container?

Convenience

A portable storage container is like having your very own storage facility located right on your property. You gain the convenience of packing up your storage unit right from your home as opposed to making several trips driving to and from a storage facility.

On-site storage containers provided by Zippy Shell feature barn-style doors and ground level design making the containers very easy to use. There’s no need to worry about going up and down a ramp! Our innovative design allows for placement in tight spots and at tough angles. Zippy Shells can fit anywhere including city streets. While the containers are on your property, a block will be placed on the hitch that only we can remove to prevent anyone else from taking off with your valuables.

Flexibility

Portable storage containers are a popular option during remodeling because they provide you with the ability to completely clear items out of your home while also maintaining the flexibility of having those items on hand when you need them. If your project is going to take a few months and you don’t want to keep the container on your property, that is okay too. We can pick it up at your convenience and store it in a secure, climate controlled facility until you’re ready to have it back. Of course, any number of things out of your control can cause delays during a remodel. Delivery dates and storage dates can all easily be rescheduled when you use a portable storage unit.

Sounds easy, right? Zippy Shell makes storage during a home renovation simple, convenient, and affordable. You can feel confident knowing that your furniture, appliances, and personal belongings are safe and within easy reach during the chaos of remodeling. Learn more about our storage solutions by visiting www.zippyshell.com today!

January 14, 2020January 14, 2020

Get Solutions for Your Toy Clutter Struggles

Parents play with their children and their toys

Do you have too many toys in your home or do you not have enough storage? Both issues can lead to feeling overwhelmed by the toy clutter. We have good news – the constant clutter of toys doesn’t have to rule your life! Let’s look at these two scenarios separately to provide you with the solutions you need to get the toy clutter under control. With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to get a handle on your children’s toy collections before you add more to them!

Too Many Toys

The first step to deal with too many toys is to sort all of them into groups. Your groups will look different depending on the interests of your children, but sort them into categories such as games, puzzles, dolls, automobiles, books, arts and crafts, building blocks, dress-up… you get the picture. Now that you have a clear impression of all the toys in each category, it is time to do some purging. Set a limit as to how many items your child needs in each category. Help them choose their favorites within that limit and set the rest aside.

The toys you have set aside can be donated if your child has outgrown or no longer uses them. The rest can be put into a toy rotation bin. Toy rotation is simply storing some of your toys for a time. Then at regular intervals, you’ll swap the current toys for and the ones you stored away. Each rotation is like getting a new set of toys, which brings excitement back to play and helps with clutter!

Too Little Storage

Quite often, clutter is caused by simply not having enough storage or not having the correct type of storage. The first step is to allocate a play area. It doesn’t have to be an entire room, but toys need a designated place to land at the end of every day. Whether you choose to store toys in a basket or bin, on a shelf or in a cabinet, out in the open or hidden, toy storage needs to be practical and easy. Using cut out pictures taped to the appropriate box, bin, or shelf will help children who can’t read yet identify where items belong. Because the ultimate goal is to have your kids put their own toys away.

Once everything is organized, the key to eliminating clutter is to stay on top of it on a daily basis. At the end of each day, set a timer for five minutes. Have your children race to put everything they’ve been playing with back in the appropriate place.

If you are in need of some additional storage, give Zippy Shell a call! We not only offer moving services but can give you flexible storage options to fit any needs you might have. Check us out online or give us a call today at 888-947-7974 for more information.

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!

Tag: storage tips