Another business expands in Tehachapi

Carefree Moving and Storage is alive and well in Tehachapi. Carol and Debbie Gerdl want everyone to know that the same family owned and professionally run moving and storage company that Tehachapi has come to rely on is still here, but with some new and exciting additions.

For those that don't already know, the business has been operating in Tehachapi since 1984 when Carol and her husband, Bob, established Carefree Moving and Storage as a DBA of Gerdl Enterprises, Inc. By 1991 they had expanded their services by opening the only professional furniture warehouse in Tehachapi. It became a true family business in 2014 when daughter Debbie Gerdl and Carol's son-in-law Chris Lodrup entered the business. Over the last couple of years, Carol had been thinking about retiring and had even listed the business for sale when, out of the blue, she received a phone call that changed everything.

Last August, Steve Coburn was visiting his brother who lives in Tehachapi and works for The Spaceship Company. Steve has been involved in the moving and storage business since he graduated from high school in 1984. Just out of curiosity, he picked up the phone book, looked up "Moving & Storage" and found Carefree. He called Carol and struck up a conversation that has blossomed into a partnership. He said he always wanted to live closer to his brother and partnering with Carefree will allow him to do that as well as create an opportunity for his company and Carefree to become nationwide carriers.

Carol said that Carefree began with a statewide license, which later expanded to a 600 mile range. They just recently received their nationwide license and can now operate anywhere in the country although she said that most of their contracts have been south of the I40. They have also expanded their storage space from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet at their new Bailey Ct. warehouse. Like their prior facility, the new warehouse is climate controlled to maintain a safe temperature for their customers' valuables. It has 24/7 video surveillance and only Carefree employees have access.

Steve began his own transfer company in Columbus, Ohio after high school. His dad had been a truck driver and Steve learned from him. After just seven years in business, he was employing 70 people. He sold that business in 2004, took a couple of years off and then went back into corporate relocation. He opened his current business in Fort Myers, Florida in 2010. His goal was to offer great service at reasonable prices. Steve says that it is his firm belief that, "Success is directly related to how well you treat people." In 2014 he opened a second location in Okala, Florida. His new partnership with Carefree gives both companies a base on both the east and west coasts.

Steve will be bringing some new services to Carefree, as well. Carol and Debbie said that coming soon will be the COW (Container on Wheels). Although it is similar to a POD, it is smaller and more maneuverable and can be pulled behind a pick-up truck. Its flexibilty allows it to go anywhere in Tehachapi that a trailer can go, even Bear Valley Springs. Carefree can pack the unit or the customer can do it. The COW can go to the warehouse or be shipped to anywhere in the country, making relocation easier. Smaller yet will be the Zippy Shell containers that will also be available through Carefree.

Carefree is known for their quality and integrity. They combine big-city-know-how capabilities and small-town standards to provide customers with the best possible service. They understand that moving can be a stressful time and, whether large company or normal family, they take every step to ensure the moving process is executed smoothly and carefully. As a result, Carefree Moving and Storage has a large referral and repeat customer base. As always, they can be reached at (661) 822-6441 or (800) 649-6441.

Carol, Debbie and Steve will be on hand at a Coldwell Banker Meet the Realtors event in Stallion Springs on Nov. 3 from 6–8 p.m. held at the Stallion Springs Community Center 27800 Stallion Springs Dr. Chris Morales and Doreen Burr will pass out swag bags and answer questions about buying a house in Stallion Springs and Tehachapi. Coffee, water and appetizers will be served. They look forward to meeting new friends and catching up with old ones.