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For the Home Moving

Want to Get Organized for a Move? Here’s 4 Ways to Do That

Do you want to get organized for a move? If so, then you have come to the right place. This guide will show you what to do to get everything in order. Then, you don’t have to deal with stress and clutter on the big day.

Download an App

One of the first things you need to do is download a moving app before you are due to move. Harnessing the power of technology is one of the best ways to make your move easier overall. There are apps out there that help you to find homes, purge clutter, and hire a moving service. If you do need a reliable moving service, then be sure to check out Allied Van Lines.  

When organizing all the services, it is helpful to document all moving receipts and contracts. You also need to consolidate your moving documents into a place where they are easy to find. If you can do this, you can keep your documentation organized for when the time comes.

Get Organized for a Move
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Print a Checklist to Get Organized for a Move

Moving to a new house can be stressful. You will have to deal with a moving company, handle any financial obligations, and keep track of numerous details along the way. You will also have to figure out how to keep track of family and pets during the move. Believe it or not, one of the best things you can do here would be for you to download a moving checklist. When you do, you can then tick off things as you go.

Color-Code your Boxes

Labeling your moving boxes is a beneficial way to spot the ones you need to unpack first. It will make it easier to unload things on the moving truck and put them in the correct rooms. You can create your system here or buy stickers. When you do, you can feel confident knowing you will get the best result from your move.

Choose a Packing Strategy to Get Organized for a Move

Don’t just pack up your stuff and hope for the best. Instead, take the time to develop a packing strategy to help you with each room. To get a start, you must decide which rooms to work in first. Start with rooms that contain items that are not essential or that you don’t use very often. It could include your guest bedroom or your guest bathroom. If you do this, you can use that room as a storage area for your other rooms.

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Buying a Home For the Home Moving

Five Smart Tips to Make your Next Home Move a Breeze

Make your Next Home Move a Breeze

Moving to a new home is both exciting and stressful. Leaving your home move to the last minute is a recipe for a moving day you would rather forget. But, with the right planning, it can be easy, and you can reduce stress while increasing enjoyment. Here are some helpful tips to make your next home move a breeze:

Make your Next Home Move a Breeze
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Make your Next Home Move a Breeze

Start Planning Early 

You should start the planning process as soon as you decide to move. Even if you haven’t secured a property or decided on a new location, you can begin the moving process by considering what you must do. Buy a notebook to use as a moving journal and make lists. 

When it comes to staying organized for your moving day, lists are your friend. You will have many ideas and information to write down, so make categories such as household services, paperwork, and packing. Planning helps cover everything for a stress-free move.

Book a Removal Firm 

Some people choose to move home themselves using their vehicles and some help from their friends and family. While this can be a low-cost solution, it is also a high-stress one that can be risky. Without training, amateur movers can damage your furniture and belongings. 

Unlike planning, booking a removal firm can happen closer to your moving date, but don’t leave it too late. If you plan to move on the weekend or a holiday, you might find a firm hard to book or overpriced. Contact North American Van Lines about the proposed moving day. 

Smart Packing Systems to Make Your Next Home Move a Breeze

Moving to a new home can be stressful mainly because people fail to plan correctly and encounter avoidable obstacles. Some common moving obstacles include broken boxes and furniture that won’t fit through new or existing doorways. Again, a removal service can help you with furniture packing and new installation.

After you declutter your home, it’s time to pack up your rooms systematically. Invest in new boxes of various sizes for individual rooms, then pack the rooms up according to categories. It allows you to shift the rooms to a new location and find everything easily.

Declutter the Home 

Moving is a chance to declutter and downsize the home, something many try to do every Spring with mixed results. As you pack up your home, you might come across items and belongings you haven’t used for some time. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable. 

Whether it is clothing you haven’t worn in some time, toys and games your kids have grown out of, or books and magazines you have read and are unlikely to return to, now is an excellent time to offload them. Consider selling them or giving them away online or in local secondhand stores.

Manage the Kids 

Moving day is stressful, especially when you have kids. Their energy levels will be up and down as usual, but you will still have to manage the logistics of the move. The secret to a stress-free moving day is to find ways to occupy the kids with entertainment and pre-planned meals.

Recap: Make your Next Home Move a Breeze

Moving to a new home can be stressful, but these tips can make your next home move a breeze. Do you have any other ideas to add? Leave a comment and let us know.

Categories
For the Home

6 Useful Things Every Homeowner Should Have Around the House

Things Every Homeowner Should Have

Owning your own home is a big responsibility. Houses are expensive to run and maintain, but you must do so because they are also your biggest asset. Plus, more importantly, they are your much-loved home. With that being the case, it is a good idea to have everything you need to keep it in the best possible condition. Here are some key things every homeowner should have around the house:

Things Every Homeowner Should Have
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Things Every Homeowner Should Have

Level or Stud Finder

Levels and stud finders are one of those things a lot of us forget to put in our toolboxes along with the nails and screws from Fastenere.com. But, it is a valuable tool that can help prevent accidents when hanging pictures or shelves by finding the studs quickly and effectively.

A plunger and drain snake

Some of the most common issues in any home are plumbing issues. No one wants a blocked toilet or drain. Having a plunger and drain snake on hand is so useful. These tools can help you deal with minor blockages quickly, so you don’t have to call a plumber.

A fire extinguisher is one of the Things Every Homeowner Should Have

A fire extinguisher is an essential safety item that every homeowner should have. Keep one in your kitchen, as this is a common area for household fires. Ensure you know how to use it properly and regularly check its expiration date.

A smoke and carbon monoxide detector

Although you must have a fire extinguisher in your home, you can prevent fires by having a smoke alarm. It will alert you as soon as the first signs of fire appear.

It’s also good to have a carbon monoxide detector to alert you to any gas leaks. Then, you can get your family to safety and secure your home. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Ladders

Even if you happen to be tall, you want to have a ladder on your property. From replacing light bulbs and pruning hedges to hanging holiday ornaments or clearing debris from the eaves, ladders provide a practical and secure solution compared to balancing on chairs or piling objects on top of one another.

Screwdrivers

Having at least one flathead and one Philip’s screwdriver is a good idea. It will enable you to make many repairs, like removing and replacing electrical sockets and tightening loose shelving units. Screwdrivers are a basic tool, and the more you have, the easier your DIY will be.

Recap: Things Every Homeowner Should Have

If you do not already have these things in your home, it would be a good idea to stock up on them as soon as possible because the better prepared you are for any eventuality, the safer your home will be in your hands.

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Healthy Living Mental Health

5 Simple Ways to Bring More Calm Into Your Life

Bring More Calm

Creating more calm in your life might seem like a bit of a stretch – after all, it can be pretty tough to be calm 24/7 when there are so many demands on your time and efforts. However, you can do little things each day to ensure you have moments of peace. Some things you can do to bring more calm into your life include the following:

Bring More Calm
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How to Bring More Calm

Mornings 

Mornings can be one of the toughest times of the day. You and everyone else in your home have to get ready, make sure bags get packed, lunches get prepared, and breakfast is eaten – not to mention the adults need to prep too!

Mornings can be a busy, stressful rush. 

To make the mornings run smoother, getting up early, starting with some stretches, and then making a to-do list is highly recommended by those already enjoying a more peaceful and calm day.

Evenings

Adults tend to stay up much later than they should to get peace and calm. But that can negatively impact the following day. So what can you do? Change your evenings. Once everything gets done for the day, instead of trying to stay up even later, start a nighttime wind-down routine.

Start with having a calming cup of tea, making a list of what you need to do tomorrow (if you don’t like making morning to-do lists), getting into some loungewear, and trying to avoid using your phone.

For those who have trouble sleeping and getting into sleep mode, a CBD spray or gummies from Redeem can help to support your sleep system and help you drift off. Other people find success with camomile tea and lavender pillow spray. 

Reactions

One way to gauge your stress level is to consider how you react to situations. If you instantly respond, and your responses are typically short and sharp – you might be causing damage.

Pay attention to how you respond to situations and ask yourself if it is a measured and considered response or if you are instantly reacting negatively.

Keeping an eye on how you respond can show you your mindset. And when you recognize the patterns, you can start to change them.

Coping Habits to Bring More Calm

Unless you naturally head for healthy coping mechanisms – you might notice you have a few that might be problematic. Healthy coping habits for stress include resting, reading, exercising, and doing things to help you relax. 

Unhealthy ones are reaching for alcohol, drugs, food restrictions, and other things that negatively impact us. Bringing more calm into your life can help you to form healthy coping habits. 

Task Switching 

Even if you pride yourself on how much you can take on, how much you can do at once – and you do it well, task switching is high-stress. Not only will all the tasks take longer because you need to refocus between each one – but you will also have a lot of clutter in your mind as you focus on everything. 

Try to get out of the habit and mindset that doing everything all the time is healthy. Instead, recognize that doing things one at a time is better. And further that you don’t need to multitask to be successful and productive. 

Recap: Bring More Calm

Bringing more calm to your life can make you feel happier in general. Here are some other tips to help you achieve that goal: 3 Unique Ways To Care For Your Mental Health And Achieve Greater Happiness. 

Categories
Buying a Home Moving

4 Reasons Property Searching is Better in Spring

Property searching is better in spring when the days start getting longer. It is a good time for viewing homes and getting a feel for the property. The changing weather is a huge help, and many other factors can make your experience more positive.

Property Searching is Better in Spring
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Why Property Searching is Better in Spring

The Weather is More Favorable

The spring weather is often unpredictable, but it is much better than in the winter. Additionally, the days get longer, so many sellers are open to allowing you to view a home later in the day. This is great if you have work commitments but are serious about moving. Finally, you can get hold of a reputable moving company on sites like iMOVE much easier than in the winter. Movers are more open to jobs when the weather is bright and dry.

Owners Want to Sell

Spring is known to be the best time to sell a home. And just like you are eager to buy, many owners are eager to sell. And when a homeowner is ready to sell, you will often have a better cushion for negotiating a better deal on the price. It is because, just like you, a homeowner is probably also looking at another house and is eager to move in quickly and easily. You can take advantage of this if you think they will accept a lower offer, meaning more for decorating.

Property Searching in Spring is a New Beginning

As you are aware, spring is the time for new beginnings. New life and plants spring up all around us. And this can give you the sense of wanting to start something fresh, hence the spring cleaning and redecorating rush. But a new home will help get your spring off to a great start. Because of this, you can begin thinking about all the new possibilities a new home affords you, such as having family around for long BBQ dinners.

You Can Get Your New Home Ready for Summer

Summer will be amazing if your new home has yard space, a garden, or patios and decking. You can relax in your private oasis, with no distractions, in maximum comfort, and with many conveniences. However, gardens and patios aren’t always cared for, and your home’s backyard may need some TLC. It means spring is great for getting it ready for the warmer weather. And you can also take advantage of DIY store spring sales on garden stuff.

There is More Choice

October is officially the worst month to list a home. But spring months are also the best. More buyers and sellers are eager to look at properties and accept offers. So, there is a lot more choice in the spring regarding property listings. It can be excellent for negotiating a better price. But while looking at the many more homes on well-known property sites, be aware that competition among sellers can raise prices.

Recap: Property Searching is Better in Spring

You can often find a better deal or what you are looking for when property searching in spring. The weather is better, it’s a fresh start, and you’ll have more choices.

Do you have any other tips for property searching? Leave a comment and let us know.

Categories
For the Home Home Summer

5 Simple Tips To Keep Your Home Cool For The Family

Keep Your Home Cool

As the warmer months roll around, it’s essential to do everything possible to keep your home cool for the family. There’s nothing worse than feeling hot and sweaty, unable to cool yourself down. There are many tips to keep your home cool this summer, especially if you’re expecting a heatwave or two.

Here are some helpful ideas to keep your home cool for the family. 

Keep Your Home Cool
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Get Your HVAC Checked

How well does your HVAC perform? If it’s prone to breaking down or having problems throughout the year, then it’s worth considering some HVAC services. Why? Well, it wouldn’t be ideal if the air conditioning suddenly went out during the hottest days of the year.

You’ll thank your past self for ensuring your HVAC is performing well. It’s best to get it checked out rather than hoping for the best, even if you haven’t encountered problems. You can prevent it from breaking down if you schedule regular maintenance.

Keep Your Blinds Closed to Keep Your Home Cool

A great way of keeping the home cool during the warmer months will be by keeping your blinds closed. It is essential, especially when you have areas of the home that get a lot of sun exposure through the windows.

Keeping the blinds closed or down during the day can help block out some of the heat. That way, when you get home in the evenings, you’ll hopefully return to a more bearable home temperature.

The same goes for your curtains, keep them closed, and you’ll notice a difference in the heat. You will also find that some curtains are much more effective at keeping the home cool than others – such as pinch pleat curtains made of thick fabric, for instance. If you look at any pinch pleat curtain buying guide, you will find that there are many to choose from, but whichever you go for, they are bound to help in this way.

Make Sure The Ice Box is Full

The ice box will become your best friend over the summer. You can use ice in your foot bath to cool your body temperature. Or, put it in a cocktail or iced beverage. It helps ensure you and all your family are keeping cool when it comes to your body temperature.

If the ice isn’t enough, keep plenty of popsicles in the freezer for the hottest days.

Switch to Cotton Sheets

Cotton sheets are a godsend for those who struggle to sleep at night. If you haven’t already, switch over to cotton sheets during the warmer months. You may also find that you’ll benefit from getting a lighter duvet too.

Reduce The Use of Your Oven

Finally, try to reduce the use of your oven. While it may be hard for certain meals, you can opt for cold dinners or barbeques in your backyard.

Recap: Keep Your Home Cool

These tips can help keep your home cool this summer. Do you have any others to add? Leave a comment and let us know.

Categories
For the Home Home

How To Make The Exterior Of Your Home Look New Again

The Exterior Of Your Home

With time, the exterior of your home can start to look old and worn out. However, there are several things that you can do to make the exterior of your home look new again. The following blog post will discuss some of the best ways to refresh the look of your home’s exterior.

The Exterior Of Your Home
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Improving The Exterior Of Your Home

1. Painting The Exterior

One of the quickest and most effective ways to make the exterior of your home look new again is by repainting it. Not only will this give your home a fresh look, but it will also add value to your home. However, it is essential to choose a color that complements the architecture and surrounding landscape of your home. Remember, darker colors tend to fade faster, so opt for lighter shades if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. 

2. Soft Washing to Improve The Exterior Of Your Home

Soft washing is another effective way to clean the exterior of your home in a short amount of time. Unlike high-pressure washing, soft washing involves using a low-pressure water spray combined with special cleaning solutions to gently but effectively remove dirt, grime, and other unwanted debris from the surface of your home’s exterior. If you decide this is the right option for you, make sure to find the best soft wash company in your area to ensure that it is done correctly. 

3. Repairing Your Roof

If your home’s roof has seen better days, it might be time to consider a repair or complete replacement. Not only will your new roof enhance the look of your home, but it will also protect it from leaks or weather-related damage. Investing in a new roof can also increase your home’s overall value if you want to sell it. When choosing a roofing material, consider the climate in your area and opt for energy-efficient options that can help you save money on your energy bills in the long run.

4. Updating Your Front Door

Your front door is one of the first things people notice as they arrive at your home. By replacing your old front door with a new one, you can instantly refresh the look of your home’s exterior completely. Choose a door that matches the style of your home and compliments its color scheme. You can also consider updating your door knobs and door hardware to complete the look. It is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to make your home look more inviting.

5. Landscaping

Your home’s curb appeal is not just about the exterior of your home but also about the surrounding landscape. So, take care of your lawn, flower beds, and shrubs. Trim the trees and bushes, add some new plants, and consider adding outdoor lighting to highlight the beauty of your landscaping. By doing so, you can truly transform the look of your home’s exterior.

Recap: The Exterior Of Your Home

There are several ways you can make the exterior of your home look new again. From repainting the exterior to landscaping, there are plenty of ways to refresh the look of your home without breaking the bank. Remember to focus on simple updates that will enhance your curb appeal. Choose colors and materials that fit your style and taste. With a little effort, you can make your home look new again.

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Family Activities Health Healthy Living Life

6 Fun Creative Outdoor Activities To Maintain An Active Lifestyle

Living an active lifestyle is necessary for a healthy lifestyle, as it helps you relax, sleep better, and be happier. However, many are unclear about where to begin to be more active. Although some people like working out at the gym and training for marathons, it is not for everyone. This article highlights some outdoor activities one can indulge in to stay physically active.

Tips for Living an Active Lifestyle

1. Swimming

Living an Active Lifestyle

Swimming is an excellent way to stay active, whether you can access a pool or live near a lake. It raises your heart rate and develops muscular strength like running, but without joint strain. If lap swimming isn’t for you, try water aerobics or treading water. However, practicing water safety is essential to prevent drowning or other related injuries. Better yet, go for swimming lessons before venturing into the water alone. 

2. Hiking

Hiking is a physically demanding sport that requires walking long distances on trails or highways. This activity ranges from modest half-day sessions to elaborate itineraries spanning more than 20 days. Hiking is a recreational activity that can be done alone, with a companion, or as part of a group. All you need are your legs and a great pair of shoes. Peak bagging, long-distance hiking, and day hiking are the three styles. It has a long-term positive impact on your health and should be on your leisure to-do list.

3. Horseback riding for Living an Active Lifestyle

Horseback riding is a more comfortable alternative to more risky leisure hobbies. However, don’t ride without first consulting with an experienced rider. Registering for a guided trail ride is essential. Even if you have prior experience, chatting with a professional about the specific horse’s qualities will be beneficial.

4. Zip lining for living an active lifestyle

One of the numerous action-packed outdoor leisure activities is ziplining. It comprises riding a steel rope on a protected seat or a belt between two points, generally in a beautiful valley. The zip line is a terrific outdoor entertainment sport because it blends thrill, speed, and nature—zip lining pleasures adventure.

5. Ocean surfing

Surfing is a surface water activity in which a surfer rides the forward section, or face, of a moving wave of water, which usually delivers the surfer to the beach. Surfing is a terrific way to get some exercise. It exercises almost all your muscles, balance, heart, and lungs. This exercise also enables you to improve your intellect because it requires concentration and commitment. A less strenuous ocean pastime is boogie boarding.

6. Rides in an all-terrain vehicle

Outdoor enthusiasts may occasionally desire an ATV ride, but it can be dangerous, especially for children. In some cases, dishonest ATV vendors sell adult-sized ATVs to minors, resulting in injury. If you’re on an ATV trip with your family, ensure each child has an appropriate-sized vehicle. If you are inexperienced, seek supervision, retain the services of a personal injury lawyer, and wear suitable clothes and safety equipment.

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Food Meal Plan

5 Delicious Family Meals From Around the World to Add to Your Meal Plan

If you are a globe-trotting family, you can expect your family’s tastes to change more often. You can keep things interesting by adding meals from around the world to your regular meal plan. Here are five family meals you can try in your home today. 

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Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese, Meals From Around the World
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Spaghetti bolognese is a classic recipe from Italy enjoyed by families for generations. No wonder. Spaghetti bolognese is simple and delicious.

Whether you can’t think of something to make for the family or you want to combine the traditional with the modern, look to spaghetti bolognese recipes for the answer. You can level up your spag bol by adding some olives, chili, and parmesan.

Sukiyaki from Japan is one of the Best Meals From Around the World

There are many mysterious things about the country of Japan, including the customs, the culture, the festivals, and the food. You have to see it to appreciate it. But you can delve into the culture from the comfort of your home with a famous Japanese family meal called sukiyaki. 

Sukiyaki is a hot pot meal, a little bit like a stew, but with a difference. The hot pot contains slices of beef, tofu, and vegetables warmed up and flavored with soy sauce and mirin. In Japan, locals crack an egg on top of the stew and cook it on the surface.

Kofta Kebabs 

Kofta Kebabs, Meals From Around the World
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Kofta is a loan word from Urdu that means pounded meat. Families in Turkey have enjoyed Kofta kebabs for generations. You can make them using meatballs on a skewer and covered in a delicious sauce coating for flavor.

You can make meatballs for kofta kebabs from any meat, but traditionally, people make them from beef or lamb. Try lamb kofta for your next family meal. Kebabs are super for a special occasion or a summer BBQ. 

Tacos al Pastor 

If you want to treat your family to a global food experience, you can’t ignore the food of South America. Famed for its rice, wraps, and meats, Mexico and other nations in the region have a way of creating delicious food from simple ingredients. Don’t miss tasty tacos al pastor.

Like the gyros in the Mediterranean, you can make tacos al pastor with spit-roasted meat carved off and placed into a wrap with vegetables, sauces, and rice. Since you probably don’t have a spit-roaster in your kitchen, you can grill or BBQ the meat for an authentic family meal.

Butter Chicken 

You could feed your family with butter chicken from India. Families from North India have enjoyed this dish for generations. It consists of marinated chicken, yogurt and spices, cream, and curry. Serve it with nan bread.

Recap: Meals From Around the World

Your family will love these meals, and they’ll help your kids get a taste of food from other places. Do you have any favorite meals from around the world? Leave a comment and let us know. 🙂

Categories
Buying a Home For the Home Home Moving

5 Ways to Make Your Long-Distance Move A Little Less Crazy

Long-Distance Move

Moving to a new home is always going to bring some stress. It can compound when the move gets longer than usual, especially when moving to a new country. However, there’s a lot that you can do to make your long-distance move less crazy and more manageable. This post discusses the prep work you can do to take some pressure off your shoulders.

Make Your Long-Distance Move Less Crazy
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How to Make Your Long-Distance Move Less Crazy

Start tidying things up early

Even before packing begins, you can take steps to make the process a lot easier on yourself down the line. Start by eliminating the clutter around the home, and selling your unwanted goods to make more space. Keep a moving box in each room in the weeks approaching moving day. Then, you can begin packing away the little things you don’t need immediately.

Get your moving services ready early

Don’t wait before you call up the moving services you need. The longer you leave it, the sooner your moving day. When you wait, there is an increased chance that other people will have already booked the service. Then, you must rely on second-rate movers. Get an idea of how much stuff you need to move and the distance you need to take. This way, you can ensure you can find the team with the vehicles and equipment to handle it.

Know you might not be able to bring everything in one trip

If you can’t manage your move in one trip, you must deal with the possessions you can’t bring immediately. Until you can get your home ready and get settled in, you might want to look at hiring mini storage units. Returning for the second leg of the move can be more convenient when things are less hectic.

Pack an overnight bag to Make Your Long-Distance Move Less Crazy

After a long trip, you likely want to spend most of the time in your new home resting. You might even be ready for bed as soon as you arrive. While you need to unpack a place to sleep, at the very least, you should have an overnight bag full of the stuff that will help you get through that first night without worries.

Check out the area beforehand

A new neighborhood or town can feel alien and alienating. Take a walk or a drive around it beforehand, acclimating yourself to its layout and sights. If you can’t do it before you move, try to prioritize it shortly after you arrive. It eliminates the “stranger in a strange land” feeling.

Recap: Make Your Long-Distance Move Less Crazy

A long-distance move is going to feel a little hectic. You have limited preparation before making a big trip and ensuring you get everything right. You can get started now to ensure you have the easiest long-distance move.