We’re Open for Business! Tips for Moving During the Coronavirus Pandemic

No one needs to tell you that the novel coronavirus pandemic has made a significant impact on virtually every sector of industry and society in both the U.S. and abroad. The spread of the virus and its accompanying disease (COVID-19) has ramped up in previous months, and while it appears that the spread could be trending down soon, even the world’s leading experts are not sure of what the next several months will entail.

What’s more, the CDC director, Robert Redfield, has recently warned that the coronavirus could return next winter alongside a flu epidemic. And a second wave of the coronavirus combined with the flu could prove even more dangerous than the circumstances we are experiencing now.

All this to say that there could be significant economic uncertainty well into 2021, and the impact that will have on businesses across the country is not hard to imagine. Already, all businesses deemed non-essential have been ordered to close their doors, forcing companies of all shapes and sizes to dramatically adjust their day-to-day operations or otherwise shut down completely.

So what does this mean for people who need to move to a different home? Fortunately, moving companies are considered essential businesses, meaning that most are allowed to keep their doors open, though some may choose not to. Here at T-N-T Moving Systems, we are open and fully operational, ready to serve Charlotte with its moving needs—long or short distance, planned in advance or suddenly.

Below we will discuss several factors concerning the moving process during the coronavirus pandemic. This will include Governor Roy Cooper’s COVID-19 executive order for businesses and residents of North Carolina, how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting moving services, and general moving advice for residents amid the coronavirus pandemic. Let’s get into the details concerning these factors:

THE EXECUTIVE ORDERS 
North Carolina’s stay-at-home order and Mecklenburg County’s order both deem professional moving services a critical trade. This is largely due to the assistance that moving services provide for residents to shelter in place. After all, if you have no other option than to move, and you don’t have family or other household members to help, then you would be put in a precarious situation amid a worldwide pandemic.

Because moving services are considered a critical trade, companies are free to keep their doors open despite the stay-at-home orders. Nonetheless, T-N-T Moving Systems are following strict protocols so that we can serve customers effectively and safely.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC PROTOCOL 
Some moving companies across the country, particularly smaller franchises, are choosing to close either temporarily or indefinitely. While we are taking this pandemic very seriously, we have opted to stay open so that we can continue to serve Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Because of this decision, we have adjusted our operations and customer service practices to help ourselves and our customers combat the ongoing spread of the virus.

For example, we are abiding by all federal and local guidelines when it comes to social distancing and sanitization. Not only are we practicing social distancing with customers, but we are also practicing it within our team as much as it is practical. Moreover, we are frequently disinfecting all of our company vehicles and equipment, along with keeping hand sanitizer and other preventive supplies (e.g., gloves, masks, etc.) on hand. If you have any questions about our coronavirus policy as a company, be sure to contact us directly so that we can answer those questions.

PREPARING FOR A MOVE 
Even with the coronavirus pandemic in full swing, there are basic moving practices that can make your whole experience go much more smoothly. From estimating the costs of moving to packing efficiently to preparing your new home, here are some factors to consider as you are planning your move:

Determining Whether to Move 
Though our company is fully operational, it’s important to be certain that moving is the right decision for you at this time. Ask yourself, ‘Is this move essential?” If your moving timeframe is flexible, it’s worth considering holding off on your relocation until there is more information available on the coronavirus and the spread is more controlled. This is especially the case if you are considered to be in a high-risk group.

However, a lot of people don’t have much choice. For instance, maybe your lease is ending or you have a closing date set in stone for a home you just sold or bought, among other possible scenarios. In that case, you will need reliable services to help you follow through with the move in a safe and timely manner.

Figuring Up the Costs
Before arranging your move, go over the costs associated with relocating to make sure you can budget appropriately. Along with professional moving fees, be sure to factor in the costs of packing supplies (e.g., boxes, tape, padding, etc.), cleaning supplies and/or services for your previous home, storage services, vehicle maintenance, and travel expenses (e.g., gas, food, lodging, etc.).
Additionally, it can help to create an emergency fund for unexpected incidents or accidents that could occur during the moving process. Having money set aside for such occurrences will help you to avoid additional financial stress in an already stressful situation.

Getting the Necessary Supplies
Having the right supplies on hand is essential to conducting a smooth relocation. Here are some items that you will want to be sure to acquire:

• Boxes of various sizes
• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper or linens
• Packing tape
• Scissors
• Box cutters
• Permanent marker
• Labels

Typically, it’s a good idea to look for free packing supplies on sites like Craigslist or groups like Freecycle. However, considering the current pandemic, this is not advisable. This is primarily because the coronavirus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours. Instead, look for new boxes and other supplies from retailers. If you can order the supplies, that’s the best option; but if you need to visit a store in person, try to use self-checkout when you purchase.

Hiring Professionals
While we would love to have your business, we still think it’s important for each customer to research their options and make an informed decision about who to hire. Look for online reviews of various moving services in the area, confirm that any company you’re considering is licensed in the state you are traveling, and make sure to review each company’s insurance policies. We are confident about what you will find when you look up T-N-T Moving Systems, and we are even more confident about the top-notch services we can offer you!

Enlisting the Help of Family Members
Getting help from others for your move is critical, even if you are using a professional moving service. From packing belongings to lifting or moving furniture, from watching the kids or pets to unpacking and arranging items in the new home, help from others can prove invaluable. Under normal circumstances, it would be advisable to enlist the help of all the family members, friends, and acquaintances that you can for a relocation. However, these are obviously not normal circumstances. If possible, try to limit those who help you with the move to only the people in your household.

Mapping Out the New Home
If you know the dimensions and layout of your new home, make the most of them. If possible, study them before you pack up all your belongings for the move, and draw up a plan for where you will put your belongings and how you will arrange everything. This will not only help you know how to pack more efficiently, but it will also help you to avoid keeping items that you won’t be able to use or unloading heavy furniture in your new home and realizing that you can’t put it where you want it.

Getting Your New Home Ready for the Move
As early as possible in the process, try to inspect your new home for any repairs, upgrades, or other types of improvements that will be necessary. That way, you can come up with a plan for fixing them in a timely manner. If you will have access to the new home before you need to leave your previous home, use the time to make the changes so that you don’t have to deal with it while you’re unpacking. But even if you have to wait until you move in, having a plan of attack will help the process feel less overwhelming.

Labeling Boxes and Cleaning As You Go
One way to save tons of time and energy when packing is to label each box thoroughly. Nothing can make unpacking annoying quite as fast as not knowing where a particular item is and having to search through boxes until you find it. Not only will labeling help you, but it will also help anyone who is helping you unpack.

Furthermore, as you’re packing, clean and disinfect each item as you go. This will make the moving experience safer for everyone involved and reduce the likelihood of taking the virus to your new home.

Designating Essential Items
Finally, think about which items you will be using the most when you arrive at your new home. Then, place those items in the moving vehicle where they will be the first you can unload. For example, you don’t want to have to unload your out-of-season clothes and seldom-used kitchen appliances before you can get to your bed and other essential items. Also, put together a travel kit with items that you might need while in transit. This kit could include things like toiletries, an extra set of clothes, medications, and so on.

ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS TO CONSIDER 

There are a few more precautions to think about when moving during the coronavirus pandemic. For instance, be sure to contact your moving service if you need to cancel your arrangements, and try to give them as much notice as possible. If you are planning to move, then contact your movers ahead of time to discuss what the process will look like on moving day, including the protocols that the company will be implementing as well as the ones they expect you to implement.

Also, if you or anyone in your household are having coronavirus symptoms, it’s essential to let the movers know. Lastly, try to finish all your packing at least 24 hours before your movers are scheduled to arrive. Even though the movers will be following a safety protocol, this will ensure that none of the boxes or other items have the virus on them. And it’s also a good idea to leave out some disinfectant wipes/spray and hand sanitizer for the movers.

Conclusion
The coronavirus outbreak doesn’t stop people from needing to move. Fortunately, here at T-N-T Moving Systems, we are able to keep our doors open and are fully operational. Whether you need to move long-distance or locally, and whether you plan well in advance or need to move in a hurry, our company would love to serve you. Just give us a call at (704) 523-1455 to discuss arrangements, and remember to consider the moving tips mentioned above.

T-N-T Storage Facility Solutions

There are mind-blowing differences between storage facilities around the Charlotte area.  Our team of online researchers did not find a facility that we would rank BEST, but we did find many personal preferences to consider in self-storage shopping.

Online ReviewsThe biggest take-away from this research is that it pays to read the 1-star reviews.  There is great advice and earnest warnings from previous customers on the rental pain-points. With that said, Charlotte storage companies have, on the whole, done and excellent job in serving their communities.   There were many more good reviews than bad.

Of note, Google Reviews are brutal and often very unfair to small companies that cannot afford reputation management.  Competitors and angry customers can destroy a reputation with the click of a button.  Please take this into consideration when reviewing this list.

Company	Google Review Rank	Website
ExtraSpace Storage	5	https://www.extraspace.com/
Cube Smart	4.9	https://www.cubesmart.com/
Life Storage	4.8	https://www.lifestorage.com/
Smart Stop Self Storage	4.8	https://smartstopselfstorage.com/
Noda Self Storage	4.7	https://www.nodaselfstorage.com/
Public Storage	4.7	https://www.publicstorage.com/
Morning Star Storage	4.6	https://www.morningstarstorage.com/
OutBox Self Storage	4.4	https://outboxselfstorage.com/
South End Self Storage	4.4	https://www.southendself-storage.com/

Desired Features
Reviews indicated that the following features were most important:

• Climate Control- This was a feature that was available at every facility.
• Rent Online- Online rental and payment was absolute must-have for 90 percent of the people that left reviews. Some websites were better than others.  In particular, we liked Outbox Self Storage and SmartStop Self Storage.  Outbox even had a clickable UHaul Reservation button!
• Surveillance – Every site mentioned video surveillance and 24/7 surveillance. There were only a couple that mentioned staff solutions and that seemed to change often.  If security is important to you, this is definitely worth a phone call to find out exactly what kind of surveillance is available.  Many storage facilities have multiple methods of surveillance. 24-hour surveillance can refer to the individual unit alarms, the electronic gate codes, or the monitored video surveillance. The in-person surveillance would be more on property guards and the monitoring of video surveillance. These features varied widely by location.
• Some offer in-person security guards, while others offer high-tech video surveillance.
• Access - Extended Access Hours, Electric Gates, Keypads and On-staff Assistance was one of the top three features that customers complained about. Being able to park, access your unit, and connect with a real human customer service representative
• if something goes wrong was a huge concern for most.  Electric Gates and Keypads solved a lot of those issues.
• Website Database – Storage unit pricing changes more often that the stock market! Having an online, searchable database to find the best unit for the least amount of money is really important.  ExtraSpace and Outbox both did an excellent job of finding that information instantly.
• Inside vs Outside Units- The differences depend on your needs for storage. Indoor units are located in multi-level buildings and can be accessed by an elevator and usually have wide hallways. Outdoor units are usually found on a single level and have drive-up access.
• Fencing- If a storage facility has outdoor units, there is fencing surrounding the property. This is where renters would use their gate access to enter. If a storage facility is mainly indoors, you may not see a fence; building security codes are used to gain access.
• Drive Up Access- Most drive-up access is found when renting the outdoor units. All outdoor units are a single level. Indoor units are in multi-level buildings. Storage facilities like Life Storage offer the convenience of loading and unloading directly from your car.
• Electric Gate Access- This allows renters to access their storage unit anytime they desire. During these hours, anyone with your code can access your unit. If you are in need of extra hours, you just need to contact the property manager.
• Lighting- All facilities are fully lit inside and out. The lights are there for safety and for convenience. Contact the facility manager for other specific questions.
• Wide Driveways- At many facilities, such as ExtraSpace Storage, Out Box Storage and many others, are prepared for renters to park RVs, boats, and cars. Many of these require large driveways to maneuver, so yes, if they have storage and parking available, they will also accommodate you with wide driveways.
• Month-to-Month Rentals- Storage facilities are known for their ability to meet short-term needs. Most offered upgradable sizing and month-to-month rental agreements.  There were; however, significant price breaks for long-term commitments.
• Military Discounts- Some storage facilities offer military discounts. You must call the desired location to see what discounts are available.
• Tenant Property Protection Plan Available- Protection plans are offered at all storage facilities. They work with your insurance provider to find plans that are affordable and offer excellent coverage. Tip: Check your homeowner’s insurance before you buy.  It may be possible that you are already covered for rental.
• Long Term Self-Storage Units- Because self-storage units are on a month-to-month basis, you may extend your rental as long as it is needed. No contracts keep you in charge of the length of your stay.
• Wide Aisles- Your storage unit’s door is as wide as your unit. The aisles are made to fit anything that can be brought indoors. In some cases, the ceilings are also extended to help fit those larger items you would like to store indoors. This special feature can be found at Noda Self Storage. If more room is needed, look into renting an outdoor, drive-up unit.
• Computerized Keypad Access- These are used at most facilities to manage the traffic coming in and out of the facility.
• Distance to Your House- It is also important that you find a storage unit that is close to you house. Sometimes the deciding factor isn’t the price of the unit, but the easy access a closer location might offer. Storage facilities like Cube Smart, Morning Star Storage, and many others allow you to enter your address to help you find the closet facility to your home.

Common Complaints
Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad. This can be said about some of the complaints related to storage facilities. No business can go without some negative comments. Clearly not every arrangement is the right fit and there were a few personal preference related complaints.

• Access Hours- Some customers were unhappy with the access hours provided by their storage facility. It’s important that you know in advance if you need access 24 hours a day.  Most restrictions were listed primarily for the safety of their customers. If you need special entry during certain hours, speak with the location manager before you buy.
• Reservations- Complaints about reservations were really more about communication. When booking a reservation, make sure that the facility you select corresponds via your favorite method.  Maybe you only text?  Or perhaps you like to speak with someone in person.  If phone communication is necessary, call in advance to be certain that the phone system is always attended.  Tip:  If you make a reservation online, call before you arrive with your things to be certain that your payment and reservation have been received.
• Lock fees- A few folks complained about “hidden lock fees”. Again, this was a lack of communication prior to lease.  Facilities may require you to purchase a lock from them due to the different types of doors. The locks for sale at the facilities will fit your unit door and they have a separate selection for locks with extra protection.
• Admin fees- Read your agreement! Most storage facilities fees are covered in your rental amount, but there may be other costs depending on the time of year or the popularity of the location. Check your local facility to see about rental fees and more.
• Aisle access- There were a handful of complaints about dollies and carts. During popular moving times in the spring or on weekends, this equipment may be hard to find.  If you know you are going to need a cart, you might want to bring your own, or arrive at a less popular time.

 Storage Facilities to Check out
In looking at a few different storage facilities, we have some suggestions. When it comes to the website and being able to find what you need quickly and efficiently, SmartStop Self-Storage and OutBox Self Storage are in the top. They provide very helpful information that is easily found and accessed. They also have dedicated buttons for U-Haul rental and some of the best prices around.

As you do more research, you may need some helpful tips for storage and packing. Public Storage and Cube Smart have excellent blogs on decorating and packing tips. They also provide a high standard in quality seeing that they are national facilities.

When looking for the right storage facility for you, make sure you have done your research. Our team found that pricing was not significantly different from company to company but amenities varied greatly!  T-N-T Moving Systems will be glad to help you move items into your storage unit no matter which one you select.  We’re open and ready to help you make the next move!

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Breaking Up, and Packing Up: Tips for Moving After a Divorce

Divorces can be tough, but moving doesn’t have to be. TNT Moving Systems has you covered on how to plan for a move during or after a divorce, peacefully separate your belongings, and make it through the days and weeks leading up to the big move.

What kinds of divorces are there and how could they impact your move?

1. Hostile takeover of the house

This could entail a locksmith coming to your home, changing the locks, and leaving one partner locked out suddenly. In a hostile takeover, it’s to be assumed that this is a high-conflict and malignant divorce.

2. Semi-peaceful separation

In this case, both parties have agreed to the moving plan, but there still may be issues to iron out, such as the separation of items in the house.

3. Peaceful separation

A peaceful separation entails both parties are in agreement, and are amicable with one another enough to settle the divorce.

Before the Divorce Move:
Settle any major legal issues before starting with your moving plans.
From legal affairs to custody battles, and boundless stress, a divorce isn’t easy for anyone involved. Moving out before major legal issues are settled can bring about even further chaos down the line.
If you are moving out of state, your lawyer will need to be aware of your plans. Moving states prior to the finalization of a divorce can complicate the proceedings. If you have custody of children and plan to move out of state, failing to appropriately inform the spouse about your move can lead to that partner filing objections or changing the original custody agreement. Some states even require you to file a petition to move out of state.
Talk to your lawyer about the timeline of these processes, and make sure you can meet all of your legal obligations before the moving day.

Sell the house. Find a new place?
You may be the one who keeps the house, or you may be the one moving out. Sometimes, both parties agree to sell the house and move on. You might move in with a friend or back in with family, move cities or states, or perhaps into a new apartment. In any case, a divorce entails lifestyle changes.
A house previously shared by you and your partner may be too much financially or emotionally in the next phase of your life. Moving can entail downgrading the style or space of the house.

7-8 weeks out from the move is the important timeline for:

• Preparing to tell your children that will be moving or a partner will be leaving the home
• Informing the children’s schools that they may be moving, and giving yourself time to find another school for the children to enroll in
• Increasing your chances of moving on your preferred date when scheduling with a moving company
• Hiring professional packers and house cleaners, if wanted

Work with a professional to sort out high-stake items and who-gets-what.
The rush for one partner to leave the house isn’t worth the headache of getting to the day of moving and arguing over a bedroom set. Meet with a legal professional or mediator and take the time to have both parties agree on who will take, leave, or sell the items in the home. It may seem tedious, but with the stress of a divorce and the emotional toll on both parties, neither partner wants to spend the moving day arguing over the items in the home or later regretting giving away something sentimental or expensive for the sake of keeping the peace. If you’re paying a moving company, this will ensure that their labor the day of is as efficient as possible.

5 or 6 weeks before the move is a good time to begin sorting your belongings, splitting items with your partner, and agreeing on who gets what. Consider the space you’re moving into, be practical about what you absolutely need and want, and decide what you can do without. If you have items to sell, donate, or toss, you’ll have plenty of time to handle them. If there are items you may need to wait on due to a lease or if you’re planning to temporarily move into a smaller home, you might consider renting a storage unit.

Ensure you start packing at least 4-5 weeks out and label boxes clearly.
What has worked in previous, conventional moves to label your belongings may not work in a divorce move. If both partners are leaving and labeling boxes as vaguely as “Bedroom” or “Kitchen,” then there’s bound to a mix up. Break out the bold Sharpies, and be extremely meticulous in your labeling and sorting, even if it means assigning one color to one partner’s boxes, and an opposite to the other. Write on the top and two sides of the box to increase ease of visibility.

Start packing by finishing one room at a time before moving on, and boxing similar items together. Make sure you don’t pack away items you’ll need prior to the move, but be mindful of how you can minimalize your lifestyle leading up to the move.  Having an essential items box can be handy for your first night in a new home.

During this time, you may want to start cleaning your house as you clear the rooms. Empty your lawn mower and weed eater of gasoline. Areas and items that may take a while to clean could be your windows, the oven, and garage; you’ll be glad you tackled them ahead of time, instead of on moving day!

Make important notifications regarding any change of address.
Your bank, insurance, driver’s license, and other state and federal agencies should be notified of your change in address 3 weeks out before moving. You’ll also want to set a disconnect date for your utilities, and a connection date for your new move-in.

Here are few to keep in mind:

• Gas
• Water
• Electric
• Phone/Landline
• Internet
• Trash/Recycling
• Cable
• Mail-forwarding
• Bills
• Doctors
• Subscription services
• Retirement accounts

Reach out to your support system.
Reach out for help from the people in your life who care about you, like family and friends – and of course, the people at TNT Moving Systems (who will definitely be of great help on moving day). Having people help you move can make the day go by faster, and keep your spirits lifted during a difficult time.

Decide how the moving day will proceed, based on the type of divorce.
Based on how the legal affairs are settled and how splitting the items are going, you’ll probably have a fair idea on whether you and your spouse should both be home during moving day. If you truly can’t get along for even a day, you may want to plan to move when your spouse isn’t at home. If there is potential for violence during your move, request a police presence on your moving day. Keeping yourself safe is the main concern, and you should not be afraid to have a police presence – this is not an uncommon practice.

During the Divorce Move:
Set ground rules for behavior and expectations for the day, and ask that all people involved in the move hold themselves accountable.
Having a friend or family member with you on the day of the divorce move can be great, but more people can also mean more chances for snarky remarks, confrontations, and provoking comments if both partners are present. It can help everyone involved to start the day by asking everyone there to keep the peace, despite how uncomfortable the situation may be. Of all the tips, we know this may sound like the most insurmountable feat, but asking for one day of peace and sticking to it can lead to an all around better moving experience.

If there are children in the relationship, this may be a good time for a family member or friend to take the children out of the house for the day.
Moving out of a childhood home or witnessing a parent who’s in emotional distress leave a house can be jarring and traumatic for a child, no matter the age or maturity. If it’s within your budget or you have the resources to lean on, consider having someone take the kids out for the moving day.

Furry pets will also be happier staying with a friend or in boarding.
We love our pets dearly, and the emotional support they provide in trying times is absolutely unparalleled. However, in the urgency and chaos of a divorce moving day, pets will not understand what’s going on.
Pets can undergo a lot of stress whether they’re experiencing the packing, moving, and unlikely schedule, the scariness of strangers coming in and out of the house, or just the noise that comes with tearing down, packing, and moving items out of a house. A divorce move is the last possible time that you want your pet to be in danger of running out of the house, getting in the way or stepped on, or becoming stressed out from the situation. Boarding your pet with a friend, vet, or daycare can ease your mind that they are safe and happy, as well as simplify your moving day.

Final Pro-Tips
Don’t be too quick to toss your marital keepsakes.
When it comes to sensitive items like marital keepsakes, wedding photos, or mementos from dating, it can be tempting in the divorce move to toss them and move on. However, letting your post-divorce emotions settle is important. There may come a day when you want to look back on that time in your life or share it with those who are important to you. Consider boxing it away safely, and returning to it at a later time.

Personalize your new home.
Moving is always a great opportunity for a fresh start. When you’re moving somewhere new after a divorce, it’s important that your space invites healing and positive energy. It may be a good time to switch up the furniture, rearrange, and have a fresh outlook on the newest phase of your life.

Be kind to yourself during the process.
The moving day during a divorce can feel like insanity, finality, happiness, and sorrow all at once. The first day out of a house, or in a new home can be the hardest. Be kind to yourself. Utilize your time throughout the move to practice self-care, such as making sure you eat two to three meals a day, exercising, catching up on rest, or meeting up with a friend.

No matter the circumstances of your divorce, we’re here to help.
It’s important that you honestly communicate your moving situation to TNT Moving Systems, especially as it may affect your moving day. If you would like to discuss with our moving professionals about how to keep your move discreet, such as in the case of domestic violence threats, we can talk with you about our options to keep your move low-key, organized, and safe. Your safety is very important to us at TNT Moving Systems.

Find a Good Moving Company in Charlotte, NC
Going through a divorce move? You don’t have to do it by yourself. Make sure that you choose a reputable moving company that is fully licensed and insured, has reliable, trustworthy employees, and affordable packages. Let TNT Moving Systems help you move on by contacting us today.

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T-N-T Moving Systems has made a move! We are now located at 6012 Old Pineville Rd. Suite K in Charlotte, NC. Come see us and let us help you make a move. Whether it be a short distance move or a long distance move, at T-N-T, we are the movers to get the job done! Call us today at 704.523.1455 or get a quote now!

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