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Preparing Your House or Apartment for Winter

2016-06-08T18:20:24.814Z

April may be the cruelest month – the poet T.S. Eliot said so, anyway. But winter is probably the harshest season of the year for your house. Before the weather gets too bad, there are a few simple things you can do to prepare for winter, whether you own or rent your living space.

Get snow removal equipment

Depending on your location, you might see snow this winter, so it's important to equip yourself in advance with the tools you'll need to remove it efficiently. At a minimum, you'll want a good snow shovel to clear your driveway and remove excess snow from your car.

Even if you don't drive, it's important to keep walkways and sidewalks clear. Otherwise, you could get in trouble with municipal authorities or your homeowners association. Maybe even more importantly, you want to reduce the chance of slips and falls – and a costly lawsuit. A de-icing compound, such as salt, can help you melt ice and thus improve the safety of exterior walkways.

Avoid plumbing damage

When temperatures dip below freezing, water inside your plumbing system could freeze, thereby expanding. This can cause pipes to burst, which makes for a costly repair.

Pipes running through uninsulated areas of your home are particularly vulnerable. Use foam insulation to keep them from getting too cold. Also, drain exterior faucets and turn off the water supply to them. If you'll be away from your house for a significant time, it might be wise to turn off your water main just to be on the safe side.

Weather strip windows and doors

During winter, the cost of heating oil, natural gas or electricity to keep your home warm can be significant. You can save a considerable amount by making sure that your place is adequately insulated, as well as by making sure that your doors and windows are properly weather-stripped to eliminate drafts and other air leaks.

First, how do you know you have a problem? Many people use incense sticks to check for air leaks. If the smoke moves horizontally rather than vertically, there is a leak.

What do you do if you have a leak? Rope caulk is an excellent material for weather-stripping. You may also wish to install storm windows and storm doors for additional protection. Also—consider replacing your windows if they are cracked or damaged.

The best part about improving insulation is that it requires less energy to heat your place, which would enable your house or apartment to run more efficiently on alternative energy, whether you go through one of the many providers in the United States or Edmonton energy service in Canada.

Roofing

Much like your doors and windows, your roof can allow cold air to enter your property. Unlike your doors and windows, there are certain hazards that come with roof work, so you may wish to enlist a professional for any fixes.

First off, check your shingles to make sure they're not damaged. You also should take a look at the flashing around your chimney and other parts of the roof and seal any leaks. It's important to make sure that your gutters are properly fastened and aren't clogged with debris. They'll play a vital role in removing water from your roof when snow melts.

And, if your roof is in a state of severe disrepair, you may also consider contracting a roofing specialist to assist you.

HVAC system maintenance

You rely on your heating system for comfort and safety during frigid winter months, so it behooves you to make sure everything's in order well before the temperatures start dropping. Test the thermostat, furnace and other parts of your heating equipment and fix anything that doesn't work properly. Be sure to put a clean air filter in your furnace for maximum efficiency.

You probably won't use your air conditioners at all during the winter, so you should remove window-based units or use insulated liners to cut down on heating costs.

9 Tips to Help You Move with Children

2016-05-17T18:39:41.365Z

Moving at any stage can be a challenge, but when you add children into the mix, it becomes even more difficult. In addition to regular moving tasks, you also have to consider packing your child’s books, toys, clothes, and other necessary items. You will also have to devise a plan to keep your children entertained and fed during the move and ensure that you get them enrolled in school and their normal activities. While it’s a lot to take on, you and your children can move with ease by taking advantage of the following 10 tips.

#1. Enroll Your Child in School Prior to the Move
Contact the new school that your child will be attending and make sure that you have all necessary documentation sent to the school before the move including paperwork, immunization records, etc. You may also want to ask for a tour of the school so that your child can see the campus and meet his or her new teacher.

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Moving's hard enough on adults: There's too much to do and too little time to do it. But think about it from a child's perspective. In many cases, the child is leaving the only home he or she has ever known, not to mention leaving friends.

But there are steps you can take to minimize the effect on your child. Check out these suggestions:

Plan your move early
Plan ahead for your move by hiring a reputable moving company to assist you with many moving tasks. Your move will be more efficient and stress free with trained movers to assist you. Unpakt offers a unique way to compare quotes from local movers so that you can make the transition to your new home with ease. With Unpakt, you can let your movers worry about the move while you take care of the kids.

Change your address
Since mail forwarding often takes a few days to kick in, make sure to plan in advance to have your address changed with the USPS. You may even want to call and see when they recommend having your mail forwarded to your new address so that you will have one less thing to worry about on moving day.

Find someone to watch the kids on moving day
Moving day will undoubtedly be a little hectic, so finding someone who can watch the kids or help you with them on moving day will make for a safe, easy, and stress-free moving experience.

Read the local newspaper
You can stay up-to-date on everything going on around town, including fun family events and activities for children, with the local paper. Your child will feel more excited about your new town by getting them involved in the community.

Unpack your child’s room first
Getting your child’s new room set up and organized will help them feel more at home after your move, and it will help your child stay calm while you begin to unpack the other rooms.

Keep all important documents and papers organized
Instead of throwing important documents and papers haphazardly into random boxes, make sure that they all end up in one box that is properly labeled so that you can easily access anything you need quickly.

Get the kids involved with packing
Get the kids involved with packing by giving them stickers and labels that they can use to organize their own belongings. You can also let them pack up some of their toys, clothes, and books so that they can feel involved and help you in the process.

Use one box for your child’s belongings
Keep your child’s belongings all in the same box if you can and keep this box close to you so that your child can open it as soon as you move in to your new home.

Pack two days worth of essentials for your child
Since unpacking can take time, make sure that you have at least two days worth of essentials for your child packed in a box that you will be able to open as soon as you get to your new home.

The above article is brought to you by Unpakt. Visit Unpakt.com to find reputable moving companies, compare exact prices, and book online instantly.

Image Credit: Thinkstock/iStock

Landscaping After Moving Into a Home

2016-05-17T18:18:09.760Z

Landscaping isn’t always something people think about in great detail when purchasing a home. Most of the focus is usually on the interior. But there will come a time when new owners will also want to make their mark on the exterior, and they will have many decisions to make.

There are three ways to go about landscaping. The first is to do a massive overhaul, uprooting everything in sight in favor of something different. For example, it may be necessary to tear up any bushes and flowers in the yard if you want a huge lawn.

The second, more conservative approach would be to do regular upkeep and wait a year or so to see what types of vegetation pops up that you may want to keep. After all, purchasing a home in the summer means you may have missed out on what grew in the spring, such as rows of bulbs that have since wilted away. Once you have a better idea of what’s actually there, you can decide how to proceed.

The third approach is to incorporate a little of both.

Whichever method you choose, keep in mind some of the following low maintenance tips so taking care of the yard can be an easier and more pleasurable experience.

It has taken time, but you have the inside of your house looking the way you want it. Stuff's in the right room, arranged tastefully, boxes are unpacked, artwork is up, you're perfectly happy. Until you step outside and see the lawn.

There's still work to do turning the grounds into something you can be proud of. Here a few tips to help get you started:

Tools of the trade
Even if you occasionally hire help to trim and cut things back, one of the first things to consider is investing in good yard tools so you'll have them when it’s your turn to do the chores. Durable tools will be safer to use and may prevent injury on the more physical tasks.

Just make sure you have a clean, dry spot in your garage or shed to store them, whether you live in a dry climate such as Austin, TX, or a wetter region such as Bridgeport, Conn.

Perennials, yes; problems, no
Planting perennials, such as alfalfa and red clover, is one of the best choices you can make for the simple fact they will come back every year. That means making one investment – of money and work – instead of annual ones.

How dry they are
Drought-tolerant plants can be especially useful for one obvious reason – you won’t have to worry about watering them so often. A side benefit of that is a slightly lower water bill and more time to concentrate on other things.

Time to go native
Plants that are native to your area tend to do better than species that aren’t. This includes everything from fruit trees down to the blades of grass in the lawn.

Spread the love
When choosing any perennial, check if it spreads easily and how best to contain it. For example, herbs are great perennials to have around the yard, but some – mint, for example – can quickly expand beyond the area they were planted in and become a nuisance to control.

It's OK to be a drip
Drip irrigation systems are pips strategically placed around a property that, when turned on, provide the least amount of water necessary to plants. They can be automated or run manually by turning on the spigot with your hand.

These systems are worth considering for both water conservation efforts and because they aid in feeding plants without much effort. You may even want to install a rain barrel to collect water that these systems will access.

Made in the shade
Some homes have very little shade, and this can impact outdoor activities, particularly in warm weather. If you find yourself in this position and are interested in planting some trees to provide shade, research which trees are low maintenance so you’re not constantly raking leaves and branches.

One other factor to consider: Don’t plant trees too close to the home, as they could eventually affect the foundation and siding.

Level working field
Planning to put in a new lawn? Make sure to flatten out the land so it’s easy to cut. Mowing a lawn on land that’s not level can be dangerous – not to mention difficult. You'll also get better drainage with a level surface.

A heaping helping of plant love
Composting is a great way to dispose of organic matter and turn it into amazing nutrients to be used in the garden. Choose a spot to build a compost heap. Doing so also cuts down on trash and trips to the local landfill, and it may even inspire neighbors to make their own.

Natural-born killers
Finally, when it comes to pests and weeds, homeowners all too quickly settle for poisons to kill them off. These chemical pesticides and herbicides are environmentally unfriendly and unhealthy. They easily can get absorbed into soil and trickle down to water resources. They also are unsafe for children to be exposed to, so think twice before letting kids play on a sprayed lawn.

True, it’s hard to know what the previous owner used, but you can make a fresh start by trying out natural methods before resorting to harmful substances.

Jakob Barry is a green living journalist for Networx.com. Networx.com helps homeowners save time, money and frustration by connecting them with home improvement professionals. From roofers and carpenters to exterminators and electricians, Networx simplifies the process of locating a reliable professional.

Image Credit: Thinkstock/Creatas

The Move is Over: What Should You Do Now?

2016-05-16T21:07:40.548Z

Once you’ve moved into your new home, you may be wondering what you should do first. Should you start unpacking, take some time to enjoy your new home, or go to the grocery store? It really all depends on what you feel is the most important thing to do. After a long day of moving, it may help to just relax for a few minutes in your new home and enjoy it before you begin unpacking, or you may want to go ahead and start settling in. Regardless of the order that you choose to do these things, use this list to make sure that you don’t forget anything after your move is over.

Unpack
Start with the most important boxes first and then unpack one room at a time. Instead of unpacking little by little in each room, you can feel more accomplished through the unpacking process by taking out all essentials first and then moving to each room individually to unpack.

The last box in the house, the furniture's in the right room and you can't wait to start settling in to your new house or apartment. Not so fast, my friend. Before you get too settled in your new place, there are a few things you need to do.

A key decision
The people who used to live in your house or apartment turned in all their keys, right? Or did they? You have no way of knowing – heck, they might even have forgotten to retrieve keys from every neighbor who had one.

The solution: Change the locks. Right away. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, hire a locksmith. You'll feel much safer knowing exactly who has access to your place.

Things are a little tougher if you rent, but you should definitely ask your landlord for some relief on this front. Some modern locks allow for easy re-keying, so that might be an option as well.

Update your insurance policy
This is important: Update your homeowners or renters insurance policy as soon as you move so you'll have coverage in your new place in case of fire, theft or if your dog bites a new neighbor. Otherwise, you won't be covered.

How important is it to have home insurance in effect? Take that dog bite scenario – the average payout for a dog bite claim exceeds $30,000, according to the Insurance Information Institute. You don't want to pay that on your own.

What's the immediate financial effect of the change? It's hard to say. Home insurance premiums are based on a number of risk factors and moving from one location to another could make a big difference either way.

Change your auto insurance, too

This might come as a surprise. After all, you're still driving the same car with the same driving record. Why should the address matter? Insurance companies base premiums on your risk of having a wreck. If you move from the city to the country, you might encounter less traffic, which lowers your risk. But your commute to work might be longer – the more you drive, the greater your risk.

Premiums also could change if you park on the street vs. in a garage. Bottom line, let your carrier know you've moved.

Find your circuit breaker box and main water valve

Don't wait until you need to know where these are. Learn their locations now. You'll be glad when a pipe bursts and starts flooding a bathroom with water or when the power fails in some part of your house.

There's much more to do, of course, but these are three tasks that can be overlooked. They should be accomplished right away!

The above article is brought to you by Unpakt. Visit Unpakt.com to find reputable moving companies, compare exact prices, and book online instantly.

Image Credit: Thinkstock/Jupiter Images

Space-saving tips for small apartments

2016-05-16T14:37:59.603Z

Downsizing? Moving out of your folks' house and into an apartment or dorm for the first time? Either way, you'll need to figure out how to fit your life into a smaller space. Here are a few tips.

Before storing anything, consider whether or not you really need the items you are about to store. The following guidelines will help you clear the clutter.

Yeah, you'd love to have a 2,500-square-foot home – or larger. But you don't. For the time being, you're stuck in a small apartment. You've put away everything - stored stuff in every cranny. But still things just feel cramped.

What can you do about it? We're glad you asked. We can't make your apartment bigger, but we do have ways to make it feel bigger. Keep reading for some ideas:

Go digital

Get rid of physical media such as CDs, DVDs, magazines and books. , except for items that have sentimental value to you. Most media can be found, purchased or stored in digital form.

The one exception could be vinyl albums. Whether they have sentimental value to you or you're one of the true believers who insist the sound from them is "warmer" than the digital versions, you may want to keep them.

You also should make digital copies of documents and certificates. Store them in the cloud or on backed up hard drives, so you'll have access even if there's a computer disaster.

Don't be trashy

Face it, one reason your place feels cramped is because there's too much stuff in it. Some guidelines for pruning your possessions.

If you haven't used it in a year, throw it out. Clothes, too.
Can't bear to throw it out? Have a garage sale.
Keep a bin by the door to toss unused or unsellable items in, and every month bring donate those items to charity.

Make more efficient use of your space

After you’ve cleared out the junk, start storing! Choose function over décor. Find items that can double as storage rather than just something that looks pretty. Sometimes you get both – check out the photo above of the combination ledge for knickknacks/hanger for pots and pans.

In fact, use any wall space you can as storage. You can even shelve an entire wall from floor to ceiling! Plenty of everyday items you might have lying around can be made into shelves (even some of those old books that you couldn’t part with).

Other ways to use your space:

Make use of your stairs! You can convert each stair into a drawer or use the space under the stairs to put even more shelves.
Store your clothes in rollaway plastic containers under your bed. Plenty of companies make containers that are just the right fit for this space!
Put risers under your bed’s frame. This can double and even triple your under bed storage capacity.
Make use of cabinet space in your kitchen. Install a pull-out trash can to save floor space.
Use lots of wall hooks. You can use hooks in every room of the house to hang a multitude of things from potholders to jewelry.

RELATED: Tips for Small Space Design

Install bars suspended from your ceiling to hang clothes or pots and pans.
Consider turning one of your closets into an office, if you need one.
Get a stackable washer and dryer.

With limited space, make sure to de-clutter on a weekly, if not daily basis. Such items as grocery bags and junk mail can pile up quickly in your small apartment and become overwhelming.

This article was contributed by Unpakt.com, the first online price comparison and booking site for reputable moving companies. Find, compare and book a reputable mover instantly.

What Knot(s) to Do When Moving

2016-05-16T13:38:18.209Z

It’s moving day! Everything is in the boxes, the truck is out front, and your bowling club buddies finally showed up to help you move. All you have to do now is throw everything in and off you go, right? Not quite.

Even if you have awesome Tetris skills when it comes to packing your moving truck , you still need to tie down your stuff. It doesn’t matter if you're moving down the street, or from Boston to San Francisco, securing your stuff is necessary. There is nothing worse than getting to your new house and finding your big screen TV is broken because things were shifting around in your truck. With these easy knots, you’ll soon be on your way with peace of mind that your stuff is secured.

Any latent knot-tying skills will never be more helpful than when you're moving. You can secure stuff in transit and make sure it arrives at your new place in the same condition as when it left.

Don't have knot-tying skills? Then keep reading – we'll explain some helpful knots and show you how to tie them.

Bow line
This knot is a great anchor that will not slip or bind. Tie the bowline to a rail or anchor and then use the trucker’s hitch (see below) to tighten and secure the load.

Sheet Bend
If you need to join two pieced of rope together the sheet bend is the knot to do the job. It’s great for tying rope of unequal thickness or works just as great for two ropes of equal thickness.

Trucker’s Hitch
The trucker’s hitch is a little more complicated than the first two knots, but it’s essential for cinching down and securing a load. What makes the trucker’s hitch so great is that it will actually get tighter if the load starts to shift.

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Tying it all up

Make sure is new and you know how much weight it can hold. Though rope has been used for millennia and is less expensive, you might want to consider buying a couplecam straps or ratchet straps for heavier items.

For the most peace of mind consider hiring a professional moving company.

Kyle McKay is an avid writer with experience in real estate, entrepreneurship, and finance. When he's not busy pounding away at his computer, he can be found camping and hiking, a pastime he has learned to love since being in the boy scouts.

Top image credit: Simon Carrasco.

Relocating Overseas: What Should You Do with Your Stuff?

2016-05-13T19:50:11.411Z

Relocating overseas can be an extremely busy. Not only do you need to organize visas, finances, accommodation and work, you also need to organize what’s going to happen to your own stuff. Do you ship it all? Put it in storage? Sell it or leave it with a friend? There are many choices, each with its own consequences and costs. It’s important to know which is right for you!

Storage
Putting your belongings in storage is probably the most common way to deal with your stuff while living overseas. It’s safe, pest, damp-free, and out of the way, so not a burden to anyone else. That said, storage can be pricey. You may want to look at the various options.

Moving is hard. Moving across the country is harder. Moving to another country? Hardest of all. One of the big questions: What to do with all your stuff?

The easy answer is to take it with you, but do you really want to do that? For one thing, the more things you move, the more your move will cost. Shipping alone could run $20,000. And are you really attached to everything you own? Wouldn't it be cooler to start over with some new stuff in your new country?

That gives you a couple of options: Store it until you return to the U.S., or get rid of it. Let's take a closer look at both.

RELATED: The 6 Keys to Moving Abroad

Storing your stuff

Consider your choices wisely before committing. We'll run down some pluses and minuses of each type of storage:

· Long-term storage: This is where you lease space in a storage facility and have access to that space throughout your lease period. For a one-bedroom apartment, you’d be looking at about 400 cubic feet. Depending on location, you could be pay anywhere from $200 to $300 per month. A question: Is access that important, since you'll be in another country?

· Pallet storage: This is an excellent option if you don’t need to access your things while you are away. Essentially, the company will drop off a pallet, you will fill it up and the company will then take it away and store it in a warehouse. You will have no access to your things until you ask your storage company to deliver the goods back. You could store the same amount of furniture as above for about half as much.

· Storage at a friend's: If you are strapped for cash, this might feel like your only option. Unfortunately, this often backfires. Basements and under-the-house facilities can be damp and filled with pests. You may come home to infested or unusable belongings. Your stuff also could become a burden to your friend – you don't want to deal with that when you're in another country.

Selling your stuff
This sounds like a tempting solution, but it may not always be the best one. Selling your stuff will bring you that extra cash you in the short term to start your new life. But the cost of purchasing new furniture could far outweigh the cost of storage, plus you'll face the same decision about what to ship when you return to this country.

That said, if you are relocating for several years or an indefinite period or for good, this could be your smartest choice. Just be prepared to spend a lot of time and effort when selling your stuff, and consider that you might not get as much as you'd like for it. You also should think about donating items to charity or giving them to friends.

Bottom line, there's no cookie-cutter answer – you have to decide what's right for you and your situation.

Tom is a relocation expert at Walker Removals and a keen contributor to relocation forums and blogs. Over the last five years, Tom has helped numerous people successfully manage their relocations and enjoy their new lives overseas.

Home Safety Tips for Women Living Alone

2016-05-13T19:14:43.323Z

Single women are purchasing homes in record numbers, accounting for 22% of all homebuyers. This fact should be embraced, but we must also acknowledge the reality that female-headed households are very specific crime targets. As a young woman living alone, I know all too well the anxiety involved with approaching an empty house late at night, and the fear that persists even once I’ve made it indoors. It’s hard to know, though, when simple awareness becomes paranoia, or when rational fears turn into unrealistic worries.

This post aims to bolster your confidence as a single woman choosing to move into a new place alone. What follows is some simple advice for securing your safety, as well as tips to consider both before and after your move.

They don't always admit it, but many women living alone harbor fears. That's nothing to be ashamed of. The dangers are real, but there are ways to minimize them.

Consider the following ways to make your situation safer:

Before the move
Conduct some reconnaissance and investigate the neighborhoods where you want to live. Visit during both day and night hours. Ask your neighbors – look for people doing yard work or walking dogs – how safe they feel living there. You’ll get much more candid advice from folks on the street than someone trying to sell you on a house or apartment, and you also might make a friend. That's important because you’ll want trusted neighbors to look out for you after the move.

Another step you should take: Get crime statistics from the local police precinct. Regional statistics aren’t as reliable, since they tend to cover a broader area than will be useful to you, so stick to the local numbers.

Secure your home
Be sure your door and window locks are secure and cannot be "bumped." If possible, contract with a reputable company to install a home security system. If you can't afford a security system, consider the following:

Install a door intercom. Many intruders will pose as salesmen to persuade residents to open their doors. An intercom allows you to interact with strangers from a safe place.
Buy a wireless panic button. This is an affordable way to give you a sense of security. Even if someone gets in, you can alert authorities to send help and perhaps scare the intruder off.
Don't forget your car alarm. Keep your key fob nearby – the panic alarm could scare an intruder.

Use common sense
Be smart when you schedule a service call from someone you don't know. While most service workers are trustworthy and professional, there have been crimes traced to individuals dispatched to homes on a routine service call. Arrange for a friend to be with you during the call.

Additionally, women living alone should always keep personal protection items handy – pepper spray and Tasers can discourage would-be attackers.

These are just a few ideas, but they'll hopefully spark further inquiry about ways women living alone can stay safe. Go forth and live single!

Image Credit: Thinkstock / Digital Vision.

5 Things First-Time Home Buyers Should Know

2016-05-13T18:35:46.457Z

Thinking about jumping into the world of homeownership? That's great. Even though the recent housing market crash threw things for a loop, it's still typically one of the best investments you can make. But all is not cream and honey when it comes to owning your own home, and there are several things you need to be aware of, especially if you're a first-timer.

RELATED: Get a Moving Quite Today

1. A Lowball Offer Won't Cut It
In a strong buyer's market, you might be able to get away with submitting an offer of 20% less than the asking price. But right now the market is weak—take that route, and you'll be almost ensured of pricing yourself right out of the game.

Relax, first-time home buyers. When you're spending more money in one chunk than you ever have, nervous is normal. But we can calm your nerves with five easy-to-remember tips on how to go about finding and buying that house.

Be realistic with your offers
Many a buyer wants to be a master haggler – lowballing the seller with the first offer and seeing how much the price might drop. And many a buyer loses the opportunity to purchase his or her dream house by employing this strategy.

Our advice: If you see a property you like, don't make your offer more than 10% below the asking price – for example, on a house listed for $170,000, your offer should be at least $153,000. That way the seller will take you seriously – it gives you both room for counter-offers.

Save for a robust down payment
Why? Because it can translate into a savings two-fer with benefits spread over several years. Here's how (numbers based on Zillow's mortgage calculator for that $170,000 house):

You'll owe less in the first place. A 20% down payment - $34,000 – means you're borrowing $136,000. On a 30-year mortgage, you'd pay roughly $843 a month (counting taxes and home insurance). If you only put down 10%, or $17,000, you're borrowing $153,000. Under this scenario, your monthly payment, including taxes and home insurance, would be roughly $919. Over the life of a 30-year mortgage, you'd pay $27,360 more on your note than if you'd put down the higher down payment.
If you make at least a 20% down payment, you won't have to purchase private mortgage insurance (to protect your lender in case you default). In the preceding example, you'd pay about $75 a month more for PMI when making the smaller down payment. You must maintain PMI until you have at least 20% equity in the home.

Shop your mortgage with several lenders
Mortgage interest rates and closing costs can vary among vendors. Shop your mortgage with at least three lenders, and avoid relying solely on your real estate agent's recommendation. Before striking out on your own, be sure to seek mortgage company recommendations from family and friends.

It's a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage so you can adjust your search to your price range. Just keep in mind that most pre-approval letters are valid only for about two to three months.

Don't skip a professional home inspection
Chances are, your lender will require this. But even if it doesn't, never purchase a home without having one. Check the American Society of Home Inspectors website to find an inspector, and be sure to attend the scheduled inspection. You'll get a better idea of the scope of any problems that way.

Budget for post-move costs
You're making a huge purchase when you buy a house. But the spending doesn't stop there. You could need furniture, for example, and at the very least you'll have to rent a moving truck. And you'll certainly need to plan for ongoing maintenance – things break. Other typical purchases: lawn mowers, grills, knickknacks, appliances (if not included with the house) and more.

Are these the only issues to consider? Of course not. But they give you a good start as you begin your search. Now breathe and track down that perfect house for you!

Will Carter is a homeowner living in Atlanta. He writes about tips for real estate, home maintenance, and personal finance.

Turn Your New Yard into a Refuge

2016-05-13T18:24:35.982Z

Have you just moved to a new area and found yourself unsure of what to do with all of your new space? When most people move into a new home, they tend to focus primarily on the indoor space—deciding where to put certain items, who gets what bedroom, what new furniture you need, and all of that fun stuff. However, it is important not to neglect your home's outdoor living space. Your backyard can be just as valuable asset to you as the rest of your home.

Find Out What's Best for Your Yard
First things first: What is it that you’re passionate about? Determining this will help you to better figure out how best to make use of your outdoor living space. Are you the kind of person who prefers to use your home space as a source of decoration and aesthetic beauty? Maybe you like to make your house as comfortable as possible, to provide a place to rest and relax from your daily life. Or, perhaps you enjoy throwing parties for your family and friends. No matter what your preference, you can enhance your outdoor living space to accentuate the feel of your home.

After a long, stressful day at work, who wouldn't want a calm place to decompress? Maybe you could transform your yard into that place. The first step – add a gazebo. Then you can relax there just as easily as in your living room.

What can you do in your gazebo? Read, paint, write – whatever you enjoy doing during your free time, including nothing. The point is to have a place to enjoy the outdoors while keeping protected from the sun or rain..

Gazebos come in a variety of styles to match your home. If you enjoy a more traditional image for your house, you could opt for a wood structure. But if you want a more modern, stylish image, you could go for vinyl. If you want to learn more about how to personalize your gazebo, check out this handy guide to choosing the best gazebo.

Beyond the gazebo
A gazebo, of course, isn't the end-all when it comes to creating a refuge in your yard. Consider a pergola – an archway covered by climbing or trailing plants such as rosebushes, vines and more that grow around the pillars. Because of the open roof, you can plant a variety of flowers around and underneath the pergola with confidence that they will get the right amount of sunlight and rain.

Another way to make your yard more picturesque is to install a waterfall, a wishing well, a pond, a miniature windmill or lighthouse or a small bridge. When it comes to ways to beautify your lawn, the only limitation is your imagination.

Be the life of the party
Do you love to entertain at your home? Then why not make your backyard just as enjoyable as any other part of your home? Adding a deck to your backyard gives you plenty of space for such outdoor events as summer holiday celebrations and cookouts. You'll have ample space for your grill and to set up a picnic table and chairs.

RELATED: How to Decorate Your Balcony

For an even more lavish outdoor area, install a full outdoor kitchen, complete with a grill, stove, sink and more to give you the full outdoor cooking experience. Building this kitchen under a pavilion provides protection from the elements.

Step 1, of course, is to have a plan. What do you want to accomplish, given your budget and expertise? Then you can set up a beautiful – and functional – structure to accomplish your goals. You decorate the inside of your home to fit your style and needs. Why not do the same for your yard?

Image credit: Thinkstock/iStock

Considering Home Automation? Factors to Consider

2016-05-13T18:02:21.426Z

For so many of us, there simply aren’t enough hours in a day between commuting, work, sleep and other responsibilities. We rush everywhere and everything. Rushing, of course, can lead to forgetting tasks such as turning off lights when you leave home or leaving the front door unlocked with the security system unarmed. All have serious consequences.

Thankfully, technology can solve some forgetfulness issues. Home automation systems increasingly are commonplace, and of course, moving into a new home provides the opportune time to install a system or upgrade it. But with so many options available, how do know you which one is right?

Do I need a home automation system?

Think of a home automation system as a central command center allowing you to control some things in your home. Even basic systems allow you to lock your doors, arm your security system and turn off lights remotely through your cellphone and through the main system itself. More advanced systems sync with other electronics such as your TV, stereo and HVAC system.

You likely don't need home automation to live, but it's nice to have, especially for busy people who are out of the home frequently or forgetful.

What kinds of systems are offered?

There are dozens of systems on the market with more to come. This gives you options in terms of what each system does, so it’s important to do your research to decide which is right for you.

· For the eco-friendly: Home automation systems can reduce energy usage thanks to their ability to adjust thermostats when you're not home. The Nest automated thermostat probably is the best known model for this. Nest models also can be equipped with cameras and smoke detectors for further protection.

· For the tech junkie: If you’re the type to line up for the next iPhone or have had a heated debate about operating systems, then the TaHomA system by Somfy could be up your alley. This system syncs with almost anything Z-Wave compatible (a popular remote control standard) and is controlled mainly through apps on your tablet or smartphone. Warning: This system can be costly compared with DIY options.

· For the technologically challenged: Of course, we're not all gifted when it comes to technology - many of us can't figure out which remote is which! No problem. Many systems can be professional installed for you. ADT's Pulse system also offers monitoring and customer support.

· DIY options: DIY home automation products cost less – if you can do the installation. For example, the Iris system controls lights, climate and security from your phone, tablet or computer. A similar system is iSmartAlarm, which can be controlled by Apple and Android devices.

There are dozens more options out there at many price points. For most of us who spend more time running around from one thing to another, the peace of mind these systems provide is worth their expense.

Image credit: Thinkstock/iStock

Living With a Coworker? How to Keep Your Roommate Relationship Fun and Professional

2016-05-13T15:54:32.427Z

Considering living with a coworker? Go into it with your eyes wide open.

Think you have a good idea of what your coworkers are all about after spending 40 hours a week with them? Most people are different at work than they are at home. Even friends outside of the office can find it's not the same as living under one roof 24/7.

However, affordable housing is hard to come by, and sharing a house or apartment with a fellow employee can help, especially if you have similar schedules and budgets. But you must stick to some basic rules.

Lay out the expectations

Even the most accountable, driven workers may let loose in their personal lives. That's why it’s important to be open about roommate expectations, as well as considerate of shared spaces. Some important things to talk about: Cleaning up after yourself, sharing household duties, overnight guests, parties and more. Both roomates should feel comfortable and relaxed, so make sure everyone is on the same page.

Realize this, though: The perfect roommate arrangement simply doesn’t exist. Conflicts will arise, and preparing a roommate agreement in advance is the best way to keep small issues from blowing up.

It should include things such as overnight guests, quiet hours, specific cleaning and maintenance responsibilities and when to lock the door. Don’t forget to address how to split bills and when to pay them.

Consider carpooling

One great advantage of a “workmate?” Sharing transportation to work. Carpooling can save you money and could benefit the environment. If you and your roommate work similar schedules and don’t mind carpooling, create a plan a simple schedule indicating who will drive on what days. If only one of you owns a car, work out reasonable compensation for gas and vehicle maintenance.

Understand you don't have to be best friends

Though roommates can be friends, a roommate relationship isn’t always same as a friendship. If you and your roommate live together with little conflict, sometimes that’s all that matters. In many cases, it’s better not to be best friends with your coworker/roommate. You spend a lot of time with him or her at work, and everyone needs space.

Keep work and home separate

One big danger of living with a coworker is blurred boundaries. If you and your roommate get in a spat about dirty dishes or guests overstaying their welcome, don’t discuss it with other coworkers. And try to keep work issues out of the home, too.

Don’t gossip about other coworkers with your roommate. While there may be coworkers you both dislike or work issues that affect the two of you, keep these types of discussions to a minimum. You both need to fight your own battles at work in a professional manner. Moreover, it’s unhealthy to vent constantly about work.

Finally, if a roommate moves out, it’s important to try to end your partnership on peaceful terms. Of course, many coworker/roommate relationships do succeed. The trick? Clear expectations, open communication and respect.

Abby Perkins is Editor in Chief at Software Providers, where she writes about jobs, workplace culture, and HR solutions.

The New Home Move-In Checklist

2016-05-11T17:48:20.890Z

From your movers to your friends to your parents, nearly everyone wants to tell you how to prepare for a move – but what about once you arrive in the new home. What should you do first? Here are some ideas to help you start on the right foot.

Check things over

Before you unpack in full force, check to see whether anything is damaged. Start by examining appliances that came with the apartment or house to make sure they function properly. If not, your next move depends on whether you rent or own the new place. If you rent, let the super know right away. If you own, your homeowner's warranty may cover repairs.

Now examine the appliances you brought with you to ensure they weren't damaged during the move. That could be on the movers – keep a copy of your contract around – or, if you are a DIY-er, on you.

Next, inspect your furniture for nicks, scrapes and damage. Contact the moving company immediately to report damage.

Now you're ready to unpack. Many movers begin with boxes for the bedrooms and kitchen because they're likely to be the first rooms you'll need.

Get registered

If you have kids, register them for their new school. Getting your kids in school is one of the best steps you can take to help them settle in. You'll need to provide academic records from the old school and, in many cases, immunization records.

Now let's look at you. You should update your voter registration to reflect the new address. And even if you just moved across town, you need to contact your state's DMV to change your address for your driver's license and registration. In some cases, you only have 10 days to make these changes.

And about that car – you'll also need to let your auto insurer know that you've moved. Your premiums could change when you do. If, for example, your commute is significantly shorter, they could go down. If you've moved to an area where wrecks are more common, your premium could increase. Failure to notify your provider about a move could result in denial of a claim.

Make connections

Now that you've got everything in the new place and attended to the various registrations, it's time to make the new digs home. Try to make connections from the first day you move into the home.

Yes, your to-do list is a mile long, but that should not stop you from running next door and saying 'hi' to your new neighbors. It's up to you to reach out first. You also can learn more about the community by joining Facebook pages or attending local meet-ups. It might be worth it to subscribe to the local newspaper.

Don't take too long to make professional connections, either. You'll need to choose a doctor, dentist and optometrist, for example. Learn the location of the dry cleaner, post office and other services you use regularly. Choose a bank, and get your accounts transferred. Depending on your preferences, check out the local library and places of worship. These types of connections can help you feel settled in your new home.

Broadcast your new location

The Change of Address form you file with the post office only reaches so many people and forwards mail for a year at most. Notify credit card and other companies you have an account with that you have a new address.

It also may be helpful to send a 'We've moved ' notification – whether by email or regular mail – to family and friends who might need your address. When December rolls around and you are not getting any holiday cards, it may be because no one knew you moved! Compile a change of address checklist to help ensure that you have contacted everyone.

Want to do things in a different order? Go ahead. The point isn't the process – it's that you should set a strategy for settling in.

Vicky Clary is the Marketing Director at Curtis Homes, a semi-custom home builder of Southern Maryland Communities. For over 50 years Curtis has been providing premium homes and townhomes while making the transition into their new home as easy as possible.

A Beginner’s Guide to Using a Storage Unit When Moving

2015-09-24T15:29:44.013Z

Moving is always a hectic process, and it’s usually not as easy as just packing all your possessions into a U-Haul and transferring them to your new place the very same day. Many people who find themselves needing extra space while they’re in the process of moving turn to storage units.

Of course, the long rows of commercial storage units and variety of options can be daunting for someone who has never had to store their belongings during a move before. As long as you go in with a game plan, though, there’s no reason to worry. Here are some tips to help you be a storage unit pro during your move.

RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Things to Look for in a Storage Unit

Figure out what you need from your storage unit. You shouldn’t have to just pull your U-Haul over at the first storage unit business you can see from the highway. Do your research. First of all, you want a storage unit that will be in a convenient location when you move into your new place. Secondly, you need to know what size units are available, if they offer insurance, what kind of security they have, and whether or not they have climate-controlled units (if you have belongings that will be sensitive to climate change).

Measure your largest belongings. If you need to store, say, a queen-sized mattress, you’ll need to measure it out ahead of time and make sure that you rent a storage unit large enough to hold it. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a storage unit with all your belongings and discovering that there’s no way you can fit everything in, despite your awesome stacking skills (thank you, Tetris).

Carefully read the storage facility contract. Although we’re all pretty used to clicking through Terms of Agreement forms online without fully reading them, it’s important to actually pay attention to any storage facility contract. You’re storing important belongings, and it would be too bad to discover too late that, say, the facility won’t offer any insurance on valuable items. Make sure that you know what you’re getting out of your storage facility and that they’re able to offer what you need.

Find out about discounts and deals. It never hurts to ask a storage facility about any discounts or deals they might offer. Some facilities will even offer a moving truck free of charge after you pay for a rental unit.

Label everything. When you’re boxing up your possessions, make sure you clearly label them. You might think now that you’ll remember where everything is, but you’ll more than likely end up digging through a lot of random stuff to find the essentials when it comes time to clear out your storage unit.

Geographically organize your possessions. Don’t let boxes lie wherever they land in the storage unit once you pull them off the moving truck. Try keeping the more important everyday items (the ones that you’ll need direct access to more quickly) at the front of the unit with less important items at the back. Some people also choose to organize their possessions based on the room that they will go in—so, for example, all bedroom items are grouped together, as are all bathroom, kitchen, and living room items). Be careful not to leave any really valuable items right at the front of the storage unit. While the space should be secure, you don’t want to make it any easier for a potential thief to grab the stuff you care about.

Optimize your space. You’re already paying for the unit, so you want to make the most of the space. Stack boxes, but don’t pile them up to the point that they’re heavy enough to crush whatever’s on the bottom. If you’re storing an awkwardly-shaped item, try to pack other items around it as best as you can. If you are storing shelves or bookcases, you can use these to elevate other items. One word of warning: don’t create a perilous Leaning Tower of Possessions that could come crashing down on you when you re-enter the storage unit.

Protect against climate change. Some storage units will offer climate-control, but even if you do have one of these units, its best to bundle up any items that might be damaged by sudden temperature changes. Electronics, photographs, antiques, musical instruments, and vinyl records can all be damaged by unexpected climate change. Make sure you’ve wrapped these items in multiple layers or use a good insulating material.

This post provided by the storage experts at Next Door Storage.

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Getting The Most Out Of Your Kitchen Remodel

2014-11-06T15:44:42.364Z

Whether it’s to increase your home’s value before you sell or to finally have the kitchen of your dreams, remodeling a kitchen is a renovation project with a lot of potential payback. Not only would you enjoy a renovated cooking space as long as you live in your home, but your home’s next buyer will enjoy it too. In fact, most buyers today want updated kitchens, according to reports where both minor and major kitchen remodels ranked in the top 10 home renovations for costs recouped.

Along with bathrooms, kitchens are one of the first features buyers notice when they’re shopping for a home. So what’s the secret to getting the most of your kitchen remodel? How do you know what to invest in when you’re looking to make a profit when you decide to sell? The bottom line is this: you need to know what to change and how. With that in mind, here’s a look at the best kitchen renovation projects to take on when you’re looking for the highest returns.

New Countertops: A whopping 94 percent of homeowners surveyed by Houzz in 2013 said they planned to update their countertops, according to CBS News. The same article says the costs of updates like these can be recouped by as much as 75 percent. What countertops are popular right now? According to HGTV, people like to see eco-friendly composite, granite, quartzite, soapstone, stone, butcher block and solid-surface. Also popular are stainless steel counters and upscale-looking versions of laminate.
Bright Cabinets: You don’t have to shell out for all new cabinets unless they’re truly shoddy. To give your kitchen cabinets a fresh look, try painting them and updating the hardware instead. This budget-friendly update infuses new life into your space without costing a fortune.
Stainless Steel Sink: In a 2013 Forbes article about top kitchen renovations to avoid, farmhouse sinks were dubbed a trend that seems to be subsiding. Recommended instead is the ever-popular stainless steel, called “the workhorse of sinks” by an expert quoted in the article.
Updated Appliances: According to an article at FrontDoor.com, since “the kitchen’s primary function is for preparing and cooking meals … the room is only as good as its appliances.” In fact, some experts rank new appliances as the most important home improvement for the kitchen accordingly. Before you think swapping out appliances will cost too much money, though, consider this: the biggest mistake you could make in a kitchen remodel is overspending. So rather than picking the most expensive option for new appliances, go for mid-range, high-quality appliances in stainless steel. These will look good, add value and give your kitchen updated efficiency and style.
Timeless Style: No matter what renovations you select, remember to think longevity. Even if your favorite color is bright red, for example, think twice before painting all your kitchen cabinets that color. Generally speaking, when it comes to kitchen finishes, “aim for classic or neutral colors and styles,” says Carl Vogel at This Old House Magazine. In other words, go for natural colors that will still look attractive in five, 10 or 20 years. Classic styles will stand the test of time and won’t run the risk of becoming an eyesore in the future—and even if you’re planning to sell soon and think a certain trend will last a year or so, know your buyer will likely care about resale value farther down the line, too.

According to U.S. News, the average cost of a minor kitchen renovation was $18,856—but sellers can expect to recoup an average 82.7 percent of the project’s cost when they sell; a similar article from HGTV said minor kitchen remodels average around $14,913—but bring in 98 percent of that when resold. In either case, the key to making the most of your remodel’s value is choosing cost-effective updates that will appeal to the broadest range of buyers. By putting in a manageable amount of money toward renovating your kitchen, you set yourself to add value to your home when it’s time to sell.

Darryl Crosby is a home renovation blogger and the Senior Director of Marketing at Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. Darryl and his team work with their customer and make sure they are getting the maximum value of every dollar they invest in a kitchen remodel.

Garage Maintenance Checklist

2014-07-30T14:50:35.446Z

Frequent residential garage maintenance can spare you from unexpected repair and replacement costs that result from neglect. It’s worth your while to stick to a regular maintenance schedule—from general cleanliness to more in-depth maintenance—so that you don’t overlook any single area over time.

Below is a garage maintenance checklist broken down into manageable intervals throughout the year.

Daily

Sweeping. You should sweep away dust and dirt in heavy traffic areas to prevent it from being moved throughout the house. It also prevents insect infestation. More thorough sweeping should be part of your weekly routine.
Trash cans. Scan your trashcans each day so that you can quickly remove any loose food particles that attract rodents.
Door movement. Each time you open and close your garage door, keep an eye out for abnormalities, such as unusual sounds or poor performance. If you catch problems early, you can correct them without breaking the bank.

RELATED: Building Storage in the Garage

Weekly

Steps. If you have steps leading out of your garage, check them out on a weekly basis to make sure there are no loose boards or any other issues that could cause an injury.
Operations. On a weekly basis, take a closer look at whether your garage door is closing properly. Is it touching the ground? Is it opening completely? Is it secure in both open and closed position?
Sweeping. As mentioned above, do a more complete sweep weekly to remove anything that might attract bugs and rodents.
Carbon monoxide. If you keep a carbon monoxide detector in or near your garage, be sure to test it weekly.

Monthly

Tidiness. Each month, do a more thorough inspection related to the items mentioned above.
Floors. Clean the garage floor monthly to remove grime, oil and other chemicals and fluids that can cause injury or permanently damage your garage.
Lubrication. Lubricate garage doors on a monthly basis to extend the life of the door and the motor. This is an important step as it can save you a lot of repair costs in the long term.
Light fixtures. Many garage doors include affixed light fixtures. On a monthly basis, check them to be sure they are working properly and safely.
Vegetation. If you have a garden or any type of landscaping near your garage, do monthly checks to be sure nothing is intruding or pressing against your garage. Likewise, watch for weeds and other plant life that can come up from through the ground and cause serious damage over the long term.
Fire protection. If your garage includes smoke detectors or a sprinkler system, be sure all equipment is working properly.
Windows, doors and walls. Each month, inspect all openings of your garage for leaks or damage.

Six Months

Walls. Every six months, do a close inspection of walls. A close semi-annual inspection can be especially effective because you might spot damage that occurs as temperatures change throughout the year.
Floors. While monthly floor cleanings are highly recommended, a semi-annual deep cleaning is also crucial. Use a degreaser (closely follow degreaser instructions related to polished concrete) and shore up any structural damage you suspect of becoming worse in a six-month period.
Lubrication. Compared with your monthly lubrications, go even more in-depth semi-annually, making sure every component of your garage door moves properly.
Climate control. If your garage is air conditioned or heated, then check your vents and air ducts every six months. Be sure they are clean and functioning properly.
Metal. Inspect every metal component of your garage on a six-month basis. If you catch rusting early, you can prevent long-term expenses that can result from moisture control issues in your garage.
Paint. If your garage door is painted, do touch-ups semi-annually. Similarly, do touch-ups inside the garage itself, as walls in a garage are particularly susceptible to grime and dirt buildup.
Roofing. Inspect the roof of your garage for leaks or any signs of insect infestation.
Waterproofing. From roof to walls and floors, check your waterproofing measures every six months and re-treat as necessary. Look specifically for any leaks that will damage the walls and the door.

Yearly

Stairs and railing. Do a close inspection of any stairs and railing in your garage on a yearly basis.
Wiring. Inspect all wiring and electrical panels in your garage to be sure there are no fire hazards. Look for damage caused by yearly use or damage that might result from pests.
Door operations. Every year, take a close look at how your garage door is performing. Be sure it is responsive and opens and closes exactly as it should.
Painting. In addition to six-month touchups, re-paint your garage door in its entirety each year.

Justin White currently serves as Marketing Director for Garage Door Repair, LLC, which helps home and business owners in the greater Washington DC area, as well as Maryland, Virginia, & Pennsylvania with repair, installation and maintenance services.

Image credit: Thinkstock/iStock

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago

2014-06-25T17:42:44.635Z

As a new mom, I’m always looking for fun things to do as a family in my neighborhood. I’m lucky to have parks with swing sets and dog runs, hiking trails, museums, and a library all within walking distance. Key to a family-friendly neighborhood are conveniently located retail shops, public transportation, entertainment and schools.

If you’re considering renting in Chicago and you rely on family-friendly resources, check out this infographic by the Apartment Guys. They chose five family-friendly Windy City neighborhoods and break them down by average cost, renter/owner occupancy, conveniences, historical highlights, and charm.

Do you live in one of these neighborhoods? What do you like least/most about it?

4 Tips for Feeling Settled After You Move

2014-06-18T15:10:01.970Z

Regardless of whether you’re just moving down the road or across the world, it can be difficult to get acclimated and adapt to a new home and neighborhood. It can require time, patience and a great deal of feeling lost and confused before you finally feel comfortable and settled. But with the right mindset and some help from us, you’ll be feeling at home in your new city before you know it.

1. Walk. Walk everywhere.

Sure, you probably have a car, and driving to the store is so much more convenient, but you can see so much more when you walk. You can take in the atmosphere of your surroundings, as well as have more time to experience what is directly around you. You don’t need to focus on street signs, directions, traffic lights or anything else to make sure you’re heading in the right direction. Instead, notice the little cafe that’s near your house, walk through the big shady park, and explore side streets and anything else that takes your fancy. You don't have to worry about finding parking, you can stop whenever you want to, and it will really help you to find your bearings and learn your way around the town, city or neighbourhood. If you have a dog or children, take them along!

2. Use the internet.

Just about everything you need to know when you move to a new city can be found on the web. Google Maps becomes an incredibly important resource when it comes to not getting lost, and Yelp is unbeatable for finding the best local restaurants, hair salons, doctors, grocery stores, gyms, and just about anything else you could think of. You can read reviews of what people loved and hated, and use them to make up your own mind about which deserves a visit. When you don’t know people in your new area, the internet is the next best thing to having the locals tell you where you should and shouldn’t go.

3. Find courage!

Making the decision to move in the first place takes a lot of courage, and you might as well embrace being outside your comfort zone. This will make it so much easier to explore new places, start talking to your neighbors and people you see around the place, and in doing so find friends. Because really, what’s life without friends?! Whether it’s a new home in a sub-division or rental unit in an apartment complex, take chances, talk to strangers, be brave and see where it can take you.

4. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Moving is a huge transitional period, and there’s a lot going on in your life. Don’t stress or beat yourself up if you don’t feel perfectly settled in after a week or so, it can take a long time. Deal with the move one step at a time, and gradually everything will come together. Make sure that you recognize that there will be challenges, and take the victories and successes when they come. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and the next phase of your life!

Kurt Jacobson is a surfing enthusiast with a background in real estate. Having moved 10 times in the past 7 years, he thrives on helping others learn from his experiences. When he’s not out shredding waves he writes about Norman Oklahoma rental homes.

Image credit: Thinkstock/Fuse

An Infographic of Moving Horror Stories

Packing Your "First Night Box"

2014-04-11T17:44:44.097Z

We pulled up to my brother’s new house around 9 p.m. It was dark and we had been on the road for over 12 hours, the end of a three-day, cross-country journey from Norfolk, Va. to Los Angeles. We got out of the truck, stretched our legs and looked forward to a good night’s rest before unpacking everything tomorrow. I grabbed my suitcase and went inside to check out the place.

Then it hit me. “Where are we going to sleep?” I asked.

We had been crashing in cheap motels and friends’ couches during our trip, and we now realized that all our pillows and blankets were somewhere in the pile of 100 or so boxes. We had nothing to sleep on but the floor. After going back outside and rummaging through the truck for nearly half an hour, we came up with a couple of pillows, blankets, an air mattress, and some couch cushions. We found ourselves having to run to the store to grab some toilet paper, soap and shampoo even though we were already exhausted.

For every move since then, I have made a point to make sure that everything I need for my first night is easily accessible. Foresight would’ve been nice in this situation, but with everything going on during a move, little details can be missed. One thing you do not want to forget is a dedicated “first night box.” Here are some things to include in it.

Pillows and blankets
Air mattress or make sure your bed mattress is easily accessible.
Change of clothes
Toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, washcloth, towels, tooth brushes, toothpaste and toilet paper
First aid kit with band aids, pain killers, and prescription medication
iPod/MP3 player and stereo or speakers
Boxcutters
Food and snacks like bread, peanut butter, jelly, chips, and cookies
Disposable plates (go green with compostable plates, cups, and utensils)
Coffee maker
Pet food, toys and leash
Water bottles and/or soda

Remember to pack this box last so it’s easy to get to when you pull into your new home. You don’t want to be in a situation where you have to rummage through countless boxes to find an item. It’s the little things like this that can make moving less stressful. Comment below if you think anything else should be added to the list.

Kyle is a small business enthusiast and writes for two leading franchises, You Move Me and 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. He enjoys sharing his experiences in business and moving.

Image Credit: Robert S Donovan.

Infographics: Top 10 Cities People are Moving to and From

2014-04-04T15:29:01.896Z

Peak moving season is fast approaching. That means people will soon be flocking in and out of the country's biggest cities. Wondering which places see the biggest ebb and flow? Our friends at NorthStar Moving have put together these two infographics that show the top cities in the country that people are moving to and from. The graphics are based on data from the American Moving & Storage Association, which tracks inbound and outbound shipments across the USA.

The rankings reflect the total number shipments, not movers as a percentage of the city's population. They overlap quite a bit. Strangely enough, the same place tops both lists. Why do you think that is? Let us know in the comments.

Top 10 Cities Americans are Moving To

Top 10 Cities Americans are Moving From

Are You Sabotaging Your Home Sale?

2014-03-28T16:12:12.237Z

If your house is not selling, stop blaming the markets and take a closer look inside. Are you sabotaging your sale? Does the arrangement of the furniture in your home prevent buyers from really viewing it? Is your front yard turning them away before they even stop? Sellers can do many things to keep people from finding their homes appealing, and you need to avoid these if you want to sell yours quickly. Here are some important tips to remember when you are trying to sell a house.

Don't Make It Personal
Your home is your castle—but only until you are ready to start selling. If your home is too personal, it won't sell. The pictures your kids colored for you at school and the portraits you had taken of them are important only to you, and they can detract from the seller's experience.

Have you ever toured a model home? This is the look you want to recreate in your current home. The generic, anyone-can-live-here look will sell your home more quickly. Your goal should be for potential buyers to walk in and feel “at home.” If the first thing they see is your family picture over the mantle, they won't. De-personalize and de-clutter your home by taking away these family mementos, storing them for your new place, and putting up neutral décor that will make buyers instantly comfortable.

Make Them Stop and Stare
When people drive by your home, do they stop and take a closer look? Curb appeal can mean the difference between someone calling your agent to ask for a showing and driving away without a second glance. Make your home look stunning from the road with a few simple changes, such as planters with newly planted flowers, trimmed trees and shrubs, and a fresh layer of mulch.

As you address curb appeal, focus much of your effort on the door. Make the entryway look inviting, and you'll be surprised at how many more people will schedule a showing. Keep your walkway clear of leaves and other debris so potential buyers have a clear path to your home.

Give Them Room
Once buyers are inside your home, do they have room to move around? The home needs to feel spacious, even if it is a small property. Buyers should feel as though there is ample room inside for all of their things.

Even if you are moving because of a need to upsize, there are ways to make the property look spacious. First, remove any bulky furniture or non-essential pieces and keep them in a storage unit for a period of time. This will free some space for you, even if it makes life slightly less convenient. Remember, it's only temporary.

Then, consider the way the furniture is arranged. Does the home have a logical traffic flow? Can the buyer see where to walk and how to get to and from the most important rooms? Open the flow of the property by rearranging the furniture you are keeping, and you will see that the home garners more interest.

Keep It Accessible
Keeping your home accessible means more than putting a lockbox on the door. Are you available when a realtor calls for a showing, even if it's not at a convenient time for you? Did you put a key that works well in the lockbox, or did you rush and make a new one without testing to see that it works? Is the front door easy to open, and is the screen unlocked? If a buyer can't get into your home, you won't see a sale.

As you are working to make the home accessible, remember to consider your pets. Pets are a deterrent for many people. Allergies and fears can keep them from feeling comfortable walking into a house with pets. Confine the pets, or if possible take them away from the property when you have a showing. This will help the home be completely accessible to buyers, even if they are not pet lovers.

You have loved (or hated) your home for many years, and now it's time to pass it on to the next family as you move on with your life. Take these tips to heart, and you will not sabotage your home sale. In fact, you just might see it sell more quickly than you thought possible.

Phil Henderson is the president of Henderson Properties, a full service real estate agency that focuses on home sales services, HOA management, and property maintenance in the Carolina area.

Image Credit: Thinkstock/Digital Vision

How to Choose an Internet Service Provider

2014-04-11T13:55:17.093Z

Moving out of one area and into another often requires the painful process of changing Internet service providers. Even if you choose to stay with the same company after you move, it may not offer the same packages and rates in your new home as it did in your previous one. Most Internet providers offer different services in different regions, and few regions have the same services. Living in a rural area also brings its own unique problems.

Switching service providers requires some research and evaluation of what your needs will be in your new home compared to what is offered.

Types of Service
The first step in choosing an Internet provider is to determine what kind of service is offered in the area. Your first, and most basic, option is the dial-up internet. This isn't as common as it used to be, but basically this service runs very slow speeds through your regular phone line using a dialer. You’re probably familiar with it if you had Internet in the 90s and knew the struggle that often took place between using the Internet and making a phone call. Then there's Direct Subscriber Lines, or DSL service. This is broadband service that is also provided through phone lines, but won’t tie up your phone like dial-up.

Another popular way to connect is cable Internet. This service is provided through your local cable company and hardwired into your home. Many cable providers offer Internet in a “bundle” along with their cable television packages.

The final option is satellite Internet, which is often the only option in the many rural areas that don’t have hard-wired access to cable lines. Satellite Internet is just what it sounds like, providing access to a data network that’s delivered via satellite in the same way as satellite TV services like DirecTV and Dish.

Broadband Speed
The different types of service will provide different levels of speed. Dial-up is obviously the slowest and is rapidly becoming obsolete. DSL is a subscriber service, which means that the amount of bandwidth you are allowed is determined not only by your location to the nearest transfer switch but also the number of subscribers who are online at that time. This means you can experience slower speeds during high traffic times of the day.

Cable Internet generally offers some of the fastest speeds available and is pretty reliable. It is not subscriber-based like DSL and doesn't use phone lines, which allows for continual service as needed. Satellite Internet from Hughesnet and other providers varies in bandwidth capabilities and is limited to the direction of the receiving antenna. Many services are equivalent to the amount of bandwidth given by that of a 4G connection of a cell phone. The benefit of satellite Internet in rural areas is that you don’t have to worry about anything (except for the odd tree) blocking your signal like you would in urban settings.

Different Packages
Price is definitely a factor in choosing the right provider for a majority of households. Most Internet service providers will offer a range of packages that are broken down into levels of Internet capabilities and speeds. Thus, the faster the download speed, the more costly the package will probably be.

Basic Internet packages can come as low as $29 per month, but you will sacrifice in the level of broadband speed available to you. The best way to determine the level of service you need is to evaluate how much activity you anticipate. Those who do an exceptional amount of media streaming will likely want to choose a package that offers more bandwidth. Many choose a package thinking it will be fast enough, and then realize they aren’t able to use Netflix or Hulu due to slow streaming speeds. Those who simply use the Internet to access email and do simple browsing might not need as much bandwidth, however, and can get away with the cheapest options for connecting.

A common mistake is to simply go with the provider with the least expensive offer. While that low price is obviously very appealing, you could be making some big sacrifices to get that low price—some of which you may not even realize at first. You’ll find most providers want a contract, which often lasts a year, so you might end up stuck with them. Others will want you to bundle other services, which can be either a good deal or not that great a deal depending on the specifics of the bundle. No matter what choices are available, the right provider is the one that gives you what you need.

Image credit: Thinkstock/iStock

Online Resources to Help You Scope out Your New Neighborhood

2014-03-04T20:08:40.774Z

The parent mandate: to ensure your child’s physical and mental safety. This means that we must guarantee a safe environment on and offline. But a sudden move can make finding a secure home environment difficult.

Thankfully, you can use online tactics to check that your new area will be the safe haven you expect it to be. You can now confirm the safety of a future home before you even show up for the initial house viewing.

Cyber Research

View the full safety infographic from ADT, which includes Manhattan, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia.

Many government and commercial sites provide easily accessible crime statistics online. You can weed out the dens of crime and pinpoint the safe harbors. Here are a few potential types of sites to look into:

Many national sites (like Neighborhoodscout and Spotcrime) collect crime statistics and set up crime maps.
Once you know where you must live, you can check out your local police site. The police sites often offer crime statistics and updates. For example, one Idaho site offers crime mapping of the area that the police force covers. The map pinpoints how many crimes took place, where they happened, and what the offense was.

Many safety-dedicated websites construct articles and host content, like the above infographic from ADT, that report on the safety of the neighborhoods and states.

Cyber Stalking Neighborhood and Neighbors

This is the digital age. Any tech savvy individual knows that you can use social media to do more than tweet about your breakfast and connect with family. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ can all be used to scout out if a neighborhood is safe. Social media can illuminate the safety of the neighborhood on a deeper level. After all, crime maps only include reported crimes. Individuals see far more.

Here are a few tips:

Check out the social media accounts of high-profile individuals, organizations, or neighborhood associations in the area you are contemplating moving to.
If you don’t find anything, look at who's following the larger local organizations. Check out their followers social media. Don’t be afraid to contact a few people who live in the area to get their opinions on the safety of the neighborhood.
Use hashtags on Twitter to search out key phrases that can help you locate unsafe areas. Examples include #unsafeneighborhood or #crime.

Apps
The smartphone era has led to a rise in useful apps. You can now determine how safe a neighborhood is with a few taps of a button. Here are a few of the neighborhood safety apps that you might want to check out. To find them, search the app store on your phone.

Safe Neighborhood is an android app that pinpoints all of the registered sex offenders in the area.
Be Safe! is an iPhone app that provides real-time crime maps in New York, Paris, and London. For $1, you can unlock more than 230 other areas. It shows the level of risk in these areas and which crimes happen there.
Suburb Scout is an Android app that allows you to pinpoint potentially dangerous areas in your prospective neighborhoods. Don’t be unpleasantly surprised by prisons, rail crossings, landfills, or nuclear plants that could provide hidden dangers to your children. This app requires a $5.99 purchase.

Moves can be stressful. Between finding a solid school system, an affordable home, and a nice looking neighborhood, it can be difficult to ensure that all of our safety standards are met. This problem is compounded when you move out of state, because you lack any knowledge of the area. Happily, technology has created a ton of resources that parents can use to guarantee the safety of a neighborhood before moving in.

Naomi Broderick is a mother of three and a professional writer. She spends her free time wrestling with the kids, writing about or prepping for disasters, or resting from all of it. Phew! If you'd like to get in contact, you can reach her at Naomi.Broderick87@gmail.com.

Image credit: Thinkstock/iStock

How to Turn Your House into a “Smart Home”

2014-02-19T16:26:34.458Z

Raising your home’s IQ doesn’t have to be as difficult—or as expensive—as you might think. With more smart devices on the home market every year, smart technology has become affordable and mainstream.

Here are a few smart home appliances that can make you more efficient.

1. Nest Thermostat

The evolution of the home thermostat has brought us one that can program itself based on your habits. Plus, programming the Nest Thermostat is as simple as adjusting the temperature. Nest learns your routine and changes temperatures accordingly.

Over time, the company estimates that users can lower heating and cooling bills up to 20 percent.

Google acquired Nest’s Thermostat and Protect products in January 2014. With the search engine juggernaut’s support, expect to see more Nest-line products in homes soon.

Cost: $249

2. Nest Protect

We couldn’t mention the Nest Thermostat without talking about Nest Protect, the most intelligent smoke and carbon monoxide alarm on the market. Nest Protect’s best feature is, without a doubt, its nonintrusive way to alert you of smoke or carbon monoxide.

Unlike today’s smoke detectors, Nest alerts you with a Heads-Up—a yellow light and a human voice that tells you if there is smoke or an increase in CO levels. If you happen to burn tonight’s dinner, the Nest Protect detector won’t immediately start screaming until you frantically wave away the smoke with a dish towel.

And speaking of dish towels, you won’t need those to stop the Nest Protect. A simple wave of the hand lets Nest know you have the situation under control.

Cost: $129

3. Kwikset Kevo

Ever struggled to find your keys in your purse, or accidentally locked yourself out of the house? Thanks to the Kwikset Kevo lock, such scenarios are a thing of the past. Kevo interacts with a free downloadable app for your iOS or Android smartphone to lock and unlock your home’s deadbolt.

Don’t have a compatible smartphone? Not a problem. Kwikset also offers a Kevo Fob that lets you lock and unlock your doors with touch-to-open technology.

One of Kevo’s most convenient features is its ability to let you share eKeys with friends and family that they can access on their smartphone, instead of a physical key to your home. Although eKeys never expire, you can disable or delete eKeys any time.

Cost: $219

4. Philips Hue

Smart lighting is usually the first thing that comes to mind when most people think about smart homes. Intelligent lighting that senses movement or an empty room has been around for a while. Philips Hue personal wireless lighting takes this concept a step further.

Hue lets you light your home with nearly any color. Love that shade of turquoise water from your Caribbean vacation? If you have a picture of it on your smartphone, Hue can capture the color to light up your home.

Hue can also prevent you from hitting the snooze button in the morning. With the option of a timer, you can set your lights to slowly brighten—so you can wake up naturally. You can also control your lights remotely so you never have to enter a dark house.

Cost: $199.95

5. Petnet SmartFeeder

For pet lovers with a busy schedule, the SmartFeeder can be a lifesaver. Not only can you control your pet’s feeding schedule in real time through the SmartFeeder app on your smartphone, you’ll also have access to your dog’s or cat’s calorie intake, so you can compare it to similar breeds to see if you’re over- or underfeeding your pet.

With the SmartFeeder, you’ll also receive reminders about feeding time, if your pet’s food supply is running low, as well the SmartFeeder’s battery status.

For frequent travelers, late-night workers or for a weekend out of town, the SmartFeeder is a reliable method of ensuring your pet receives his/her meals on time and in the regulated portions you set.

Cost: $199 preordered now. The price will increase to $249 when the SmartFeeder goes on sale in Q2 2014.

These are just a handful of gadgets that can turn a regular house into a smart home. The recent International Consumer Electronics Show saw the debut of many upcoming smart appliances that we’ll see on the market in the next year or so.

Image courtesy of Nest.