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When you are preparing your home for a showing in the hopes of attracting the right buyer, you want to showcase it in such a way that allows those viewing it to see its positive qualities. However, potential buyers can be distracted from those qualities by a number of various things. Even if your house is a quality property that is priced fairly, most buyers will be deterred from making an offer if such things are amiss.

Thankfully, there are some easy fixes to the distractions that might be present in your home without you even realizing it. It is important to address these matters prior to showing your house to any potential buyers. With that in mind, here are three things about your house that might very well be distracting potential buyers and standing in the way of you receiving the offer that you need.

1. Clutter

Throughout the years that you have lived in your home, it is very likely that, like most people, you have acquired your fair share of items and personal belongings. You might have hung such things on the walls of your home, or perhaps you have displayed them on shelves and tables throughout your home. Even if, to your eyes, these items all seem to have a clear place, they can seem like clutter to potential buyers.

The fact of the matter is that when someone comes to view your home, you want them looking at the property itself. Too many personal belongings on display can distract a potential buyer while at the same time making it difficult for them to picture their own belongings in the house.

Take the time to clear out all of your displayed items and paraphernalia in order to allow the space to speak for itself. Even if you don’t yet have a new property in which you can move these items into, you can find more info about renting a self-storage unit for an affordable price.

2. Overgrown Bushes

It might seem like a small matter, but the condition of the landscaping outside your home is important when it comes to attracting potential buyers. First impressions are incredibly important, and anything that you can do to increase the curb appeal of your home is going to work in your favor.

The most important thing to do is ensure that the exteriors of your home are clean and tidy. Trim the bushes, cut the grass, and make sure that all walkways and driveways are clean and free of debris.

Overgrown bushes give the impression to potential buyers that you care little for the appearance of the property. Therefore, before they have even stepped foot into the door, they might already have decided not to pursue a viewing.

3. Poor Quality Photos

No matter how lovely your house is, it simply won’t appear to its best advantage if you have poor quality photos showcasing the property online. If the lighting is bad, it can make a house look dingy and unwelcoming, even if this is not the case normally. Likewise, if you choose to take the photo at the wrong angle or only provide one angle, potential buyers might think the space is smaller or larger than it appears or that you have something to hide.

Prior to taking photos, ensure that all blinds and curtains are open and that you have tested the best angles of the room. It might help to bring in a professional photographer to help you out with this.

Most people nowadays lead chaotic lifestyles and rarely have a chance to pamper themselves and de-stress – hence the reason why pamper parties are rising in popularity. They are a hit with people of all ages and genders, promising a relaxing, memorable time for everyone in attendance. Here is everything that you need to know if you are looking to plan a pamper party for your own birthday or to celebrate a special occasion for a loved one.

Pick your pleasures

There are many different types of pamper parties to choose from and lots of pamper party ideas from which to generate inspiration online. For instance, you might decide to book a few massage therapists to treat your guests to aromatherapy massages and perhaps some reflexology or facials. Or maybe you’ll opt to hire a nail technician or two to give everyone manicures and pedicures? Or a hairdresser to offer to cut, color, or style your guests’ hair? The options are endless and entirely up to you.

Keep the drinks flowing

What’s a spot of pampering without a glass of bubbly, a sinfully sweet cocktail, or an ice-cold beer to complement the experience? Consider hiring Event Bartenders to keep the drinks flowing and your guests’ glasses full. You will be able to select from a variety of bartending packages based on your budget, the length of your event, and your personal preferences.

Think carefully about your guest list

Unless you have saved up for the event well in advance, it is best to keep the guestlist for a pamper party small. This is because most beauty treatments tend to be quite expensive – probably significantly more than what you might pay for entertainment at a regular birthday party. Before sending out invites, take the time to calculate how much you are willing to spend and then request quotes from pamper specialists or pamper party companies. From there, you’ll be able to work out how many guests your budget will cover.

Consider the venue

Due to the fact that most pamper parties have minimal guests, it is indeed possible to host them at home or out in your yard. However, if you want to invite a few more people or you are keen to make the event as special as can be, you might want to think about hiring a suitable venue. Some pamper party companies can provide you with the whole package – access to pamper specialists, as well as a venue – which can prove more cost-effective. In these cases, you will usually only have to worry about supplying your own food and drinks.

As with all other events, remember to start planning your pamper party well in advance to ensure that you’re able to book the best pamper specialists and set everything up with as little stress as possible. Also, be sure to send out ‘save the date’ notices to your guests about six weeks ahead of the event and official invitations four weeks beforehand. Most importantly, enjoy every moment of the celebration!

When you were young, Valentine’s Day was always a fun holiday. You enjoyed exchanging cards and candy with your classmates and playing Valentine’s Day-themed Bingo at school.

As you got older, the enjoyment level of February 14 was pretty much dictated by your relationship status. When you had a plus-one, the day was typically a romantic holiday that included traditional Valentine’s gifts like flowers and chocolates. When you were solo, it was like any other day on the calendar — except maybe a little lonely.

This year, you are both single and bound and determined to have a great time on Valentine’s Day, despite it being a day devoted to couples and love. To help celebrate your empowered attitude and make this February 14th a total blast, consider the following ideas:

Treat Yourself to Some Serious Pampering

How long has it been since you’ve pampered yourself? If it’s been awhile, vow to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day. Manicure and massage? Yes please! If social-distancing guidance prevents you from going out, consider staying in with an at-home spa day. Start with a long and luxurious bubble bath while wearing a DIY coffee face mask. Then paint your own nails and toes!

Host a Galentine’s Day Slumber Party

Another memorable way to enjoy Valentine’s Day is by inviting some of your other single gal pals over for an old-fashioned slumber party. Consider hosting a themed gift exchange, such as lingerie or beauty products. Who says Valentine’s gifts need to come from guys? Stock up on everyone’s fave flavors of ice cream, chips, cookies and wine. You can watch a movie together—maybe a rom-com or, if you want to do the polar opposite, a scary horror flick—and stay up late giggling, eating snacks, playing Truth or Dare and reminding each other you don’t need men for a fun holiday.

Help Others By Volunteering

There is something very healing about helping others to soothe any sense of sadness you might feel on Valentine’s Day. Tap into a cause that you are passionate about and then offer to volunteer on February 14th. For instance, if you are an animal lover, give a local shelter a call and ask about playing with, walking, brushing and/or petting the adoptable dogs and cats on Valentine’s Day. The library, if it’s open, may welcome help with re-shelving books. You could bring a few boxes of cookies to a local assisted living residence or maybe a women’s shelter could put you to work for a few hours helping to organize donations.

Avoid Social Media and Text Your Loved Ones

Since Instagram and Facebook will probably be chock full of mushy posts and pics of your friends with their significant others, do yourself a favor and go on a social media fast that week. Instead, use the power of your smartphone for good and call your folks to catch up and let them know you love them, text your close friends to say you adore them all year, not just on Valentine’s Day, and call or email your grandparents to catch up on what you are all up to these days.

The Day of Love Does Not Require a Significant Other

Clearly, you don’t need a boyfriend or hubby to enjoy Valentine’s Day. The day is about love, after all, so you can definitely find ways to pamper and love yourself, enjoy the company of girlfriends who you adore, and touch base with the friends and family who mean the most to you—no guy required.

One may think that women have unlimited amounts of female energy that they can just tap into – simply because they are women. However, that is not exactly the case; you may have been born with woman parts (or not), want to be more feminine, but end up releasing the energy of a man. You feel like a man, and sometimes, you may even look like a man. Shakuntali teaches how to discover your femininity.

This is because, no matter if you are a man or a woman, your body and spirit can release both types of energies. It all depends on which one you focus on “feeding.” That energy is within all of us, and you just need to go through the right activities to awaken it and make it grow. According to the teachings of Shakuntali, here are the best ways for you to awaken and nurture your female energy.

  1. Keep Moving

Feminine energy is, in fact this is what the shaman Shakuntali says, moving energy. Have you noticed how all hurricanes seem to have the names of females? This is because hurricanes, oceans, and pretty much every weather pattern is the metaphor for female energy: always moving and constantly changing. This is why, if you work in an office, you might want to get yourself moving if you wish to awaken your female energy.

  1. Create a Flower Garden

According to Shakuntali, women have always been associated with flowers, due to their delicacy. This is why, in order to awaken your female energy and keep it steadily rising, you might want to consider bringing flowers into your life. This includes both actual flowers and the nurturing of your “soul flower.”

“By awakening your feminine essence, you will begin to nourish the roots of the flower of feminine power. Everything will be filled with natural harmony. You will look beautiful. You will feel the external and internal transformations.”

The more you tend to those flowers, the more your soul will suck up that energy – and in the end, you’ll be the one becoming a flower.

  1. Learn to Receive

Masculine energy will penetrate. However, feminine energy is meant to receive. To awaken and fill your female energy fountain, you must learn how to receive. This should turn you into a delicate flower that is more womanly with each day.

“Like any plant that is not watered, the flower of female energy just withers and dries up completely. The woman literally becomes a cactus – prickly, unsociable.”

To wake up your female energy once more, you need to learn how to receive love and attention. This does not necessarily mean sex (although it sure helps), but it can also mean something like getting a massage, a nice dress, or a pedicure. Shakuntali said this should provide you enough relief so that your feminine energies can roam free.

  1. Have Some Female-Only Time

When you spend your time surrounded by males, it is not always easy to awaken your female energy. You are practically trying to act like them, suppressing your female side so that you may be more like them. However, this feels very restrictive on your soul and simply does not allow you to express yourself in the way that you are supposed to.

Bella, a student of Shakuntali was constantly surrounded by men. And even though she had a very impressive physical appearance, she barely had any social life. She did not feel feminine in the slightest, and she was not used to giving or receiving love.

“Even if a woman is naturally beautiful, she repels potential partners.”

When she joined Shakuntali Siberia’s classes, she learned how to harness the energy from the females around her – awakening the woman within her. She could have tried to awaken her feminine energy herself – but in the end, it was Shakuntali’s seminars that allowed her to be herself. She found this shamanic workshop, and her life changed.

Some amazing things happen when you surround yourself with people of your gender. You can let go of the mask and be yourself, without having to hide a thing. And such people, first of all, you can meet at the Shakuntali’s seminars.

Final Thoughts

Awakening your female energy can be easily done, as long as you nurture it with the right things. These may be physical or spiritual – but if you do everything right, as Shakuntali teaches you, you should be able to feel more feminine than ever.

A new year means a new you. With 2021 stretching out before you, you can take up something brand new and track your progress as you go.

But what if you can’t think of a hobby to pick up? Well, if you’re stuck for ideas, look no further. We’ve put together a list of hobbies for you to try in 2021. Whether you’re looking for a new sport or a creative outlet, there’s sure to be an activity here that you’ll fall in love with.

1. Baking

A lot of people ended up spending 2020 baking, but that’s no excuse not to pick it up in 2021. With bread, cakes, muffins and more, there’s no end to what you can make.

Pick up a bag of flour during your next shop and start baking and decorating to your heart’s (or budget’s) content. You’ll be able to find plenty of free guides on blogs and YouTube to get you started, or you can even sign up to a class or two.

2. Painting

Whether you’re looking to paint in more traditional media like watercolours and pastels or you want to go down the mess-free digital route, it has never been easier to pick up painting as a hobby.

Perfect for those looking for a creative outlet, you can find tutorials all over the internet as well as a whole host of magazines. Just remember: you won’t perfect this hobby straight away, so have some patience and watch your skills grow.

3. Video gaming

If you’re looking to blow off a little steam while having heaps of fun, you should look to video gaming as a hobby for 2021. There’s something for everyone, from action-packed franchises like Call of Duty and Fortnite to strategic games like the Portal series and Crusader Kings.

The good news here is that it doesn’t take much to get started. If you want to foray into console gaming, you just need to weigh up the pros and cons of each one – remember that they don’t have the same games on offer, too. For those who want to venture into PC gaming, the world is your oyster.

4. Fibre arts

Creativity takes many forms, and that’s just what fibre arts show. Encompassing knitting, crochet, felting, macrame, cross stitch and more, you’re bound to find the perfect craft for you.

While the techniques can be tricky to get to grips with, perseverance is key. Start off with a beginner’s kit – there are plenty available on sites like LoveCrafts – to learn the basics and keep at it throughout the year. By 2022, you’ll have a new skill firmly under your belt and finished blankets and more.

5. Photography

If you have a smartphone, you have a camera. So why not spend 2021 taking photos? Get snapping on walks, trips or just around the house. You’ll be able to look back and remember the year, or even turn your photos into a calendar or give them as gifts to friends and family.

If you want to go more professional, take a look at DSLR cameras. You can also look into photo editing with free and paid software.

6. Gardening

Whether you’ve got a green patch out the back or a space at the local allotment has opened up, why not take up gardening as a hobby in 2021? It doesn’t matter if you want to grow veggies and herbs you can use or if you’re looking to spruce up your garden with tulips – improve your mental health this year with a brand new hobby.

7. Music

If 2020 is anything to go by, we might be spending a lot of time indoors in 2021. What better time is there to pick up a musical instrument? Whether you want to take the classical route and learn the piano or violin, or something more modern like the ukulele, there’s an instrument to suit every style.

Getting started is simple – YouTube is a great place to begin, with free tutorials for every instrument in every genre imaginable. You can also pick up plenty of instruments second-hand so your new hobby doesn’t have to break the bank.

8. Sports

Getting fitter is usually one of most people’s new year’s resolutions – but it doesn’t have to be as boring as going to the gym or taking up running. Why not see if there are any other sports clubs near you? You could take a look at local football or rugby teams, or contact archery and tennis clubs. Find a sport you enjoy and stick with it.

9. Languages

While it’s hard to travel abroad at the moment, that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for when the world opens up again. Learning Spanish, French, Italian or even Dutch can help keep your mind sharp and come in handy when you visit other countries.

If you decide you learn more than one language, try to make sure they’re not too similar. It’s all too easy to get mixed up between Dutch and German or Spanish and Italian.

Which one will you choose?

There you have it – some of the most exciting hobbies you can take up in 2021. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but taking up any one of these in 2021 will lead to a year full of fun and learning.

A year of tier changes, lockdown, and a constant need to adapt has meant we have all had to create new routines. Like everyone else, my world today is very different to how it was 12 months ago and as a result I have had to be kind to myself, remember that I am not operating at the same level I was pre-COVID-19 and adjust my wellness routine to reflect this.

Making small changes to your daily routine can help boost your emotional wellbeing and support your mindset in tricky times. Here are my top five wellness routines to help get you through lockdown.

Slow Mornings

Gone are the days of dashing for the train to work and grabbing a coffee on the go. Make the most of being at home and create a slow morning routine that will set you up for the day and put you in a calm space. Wake up at the same time but instead of spending 90 minutes commuting, use that time for a workout or to make a tasty nutritious breakfast. Plan your day with a cup of tea in bed, write down your to-do-list and set your intentions for a dose of clarity and positivity.

Tune out

Tune out from all the negative news and instead get lost in a good book. Reading relieves stress as it diverts your attention and stops you from thinking too much. Try and take some time out over lunch to read a few chapters and relax.

Taste the World

While we currently cannot travel, experience new cultures through cuisine. Use your evenings to cook up delicious, dishes from around the globe. Recreate that amazing Paella from Seville or transport yourself to a bustling Jamaican beach bar with some home cooked Jerk Chicken. Cooking is also great way of being mindful as it requires you to focus and be present. Global cooking might even inspire you to book your next trip.

Exercise to Reflect your Mood

WFH can leave you sedentary so getting 30 mins of exercise a day is essential to boosting your wellbeing. Build your exercise around your mood and listen to your body. If you need to wind down after a busy day then try yoga or if you are feeling tense from back-to-back Zoom calls, lace up your trainers and hit the street for a run.

Night Walk

After dinner wrap up and take a brisk 45-minute walk. This is a great way to decompress and clear your head. Listen to a positive podcast, some of my favourites include On Purpose with Jay Shetty or Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations. If you do not fancy a podcast use the walk to focus on all the things you are grateful for. A night walk will help you wind down and tire you before bed.

During this pandemic, couples have been forced to spend a lot of time together and the lucky ones who have made it through without killing each other really deserve a medal! After such a long period of time being cooped up in the house with no time to themselves, there may be many couples you know that deserve a gift just to remind them of the light at the end of the tunnel. When it comes to choosing the ideal gift for your favourite couple, you might not know where to start. Choosing a gift that suits both of them is the best way to do it but can also be quite tricky. Whether these lovebirds are foodies, adventure lovers or enjoy spending time in their home, there’s an option for everyone. There’s never been a better time to send them a gift to improve their living rooms, such as accessories like pillows, blankets and lamps. If you don’t like the idea of buying them home items or you don’t know what will match their style, send them food, like chocolates, sweets or cakes. A present like this is never too hard to find and is always well received. No matter what your budget is, the list of our favorite couples’ gifts below is guaranteed to give you some options!

Game Mugs

In a pandemic, games become the best way to bond and keep your sanity. They’re not only fun, but they can also help keep tensions down. If you’re looking for a thoughtful and inexpensive gift that will bring the couple together during an anxious time, consider picking up a game mug from fanfitgaming.com. It’s perfect for couples looking for something to do together. A game mug is a novelty item that can be purchased in many novelty stores and in online stores.

Personalized Games

During the pandemic, one thing that has really been brought back to life is board games. So many of us spent lockdown playing games with the family to pass the time while we waited for the restrictions to be lifted. Well, why not gift this idea to that special couple or family? We all know the popular childhood game Connect Four. Some of us may know better than others if we have children or even if Connect Four has been brought out of the cupboard to pass time during the recent chaos. There are many sites online that offer to take these classic games and personalize them to match the receiver! We also love personalized monopoly, which is available with new names, key dates and even photographs! These games will not only help to pass the boredom we are all experiencing but will be cherished due to the personal touch. However, the gifts don’t always have to be personalized. There are many of our old childhood games that have been modernized for the new generation and even for adults to enjoy. Games such as Giant Jenga would not go a miss while we have all this spare time together in our homes.

Food Gift Card

Daily cooking for two people is hard work and there will always be days that neither half of the couple can really be bothered to do it. You can take that pressure away by getting them a Just Eat or an Uber Eats gift voucher. These gift cards can be bought online in seconds and sent via text message or email instantly, making sure you can send your gifts with social distancing still in place. This is an easy and quick way to send a thoughtful pick-me-up for both people during such a difficult time.

Custom House Number Plate

This is one of our favourite gifts for couples, especially couples that live together or have just moved into their first home. Available online with delivery to their door, you can choose the size, colour and design of their plate to say their address and even their name. This idea is so thoughtful and is guaranteed to be the most unique house-warming gift they will ever receive. During a time when we are all restricted to life inside our homes, a gift like this could not be better.

His and Hers Sets

You can find many ideas in stores and online when looking for gift sets for couples. Many items are available in a “His and Hers” or “Mr and Mrs” design, which is perfect for new couples or newlyweds. Some of the best items you can give at this time are His and Hers mugs, wine glasses, slippers and other cozy items. Any set that would make our time at home that little bit easier will definitely be well received during this pandemic.

Monthly Alcohol Subscription

For a couple you know that loves a glass of wine when they get home, now is the best time to give them a membership or gift card for a monthly wine or gin subscription. Every month, the couple will receive an exciting delivery full of new wines or gins and fun extras such as gin toppings or syrups etc. This is a perfect gift if you’re not sure what their favourite alcohol is and it is extremely helpful now that we are restricted from giving gifts face-to-face. You can easily prepay for three, four, six, or twelve months of wine deliveries for them to enjoy.

Gifts for couples can be really fun to look for, and we all have the time to really search online for the perfect gift while we are stuck at home. The best gifts for couples are definitely things they can enjoy together, so remember to shop with both of them in mind!

If your 2021 goals include healthier and happier living despite Covid, civil unrest, and the challenges that dawn daily, keep on doing what you’re already doing to live a healthier, happier life: Discover bicycling or up your game and ride more. Follow our tips, and you’ll be in the best mental and physical shape of your life.

According to Alek Asaduryan from YesCycling, these are the six basic steps to adding bicycling to your life.

1. Get your hands on a bike and schedule short trips, increasing your distance slowly, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

2. Enlist a cycling partner. It’s harder to skip a ride when you know that someone else is depending upon you to show up for scheduled rides.

3. Master easy bike maintenance tasks. You’ll feel smarter. More independent. Safer, too. Keep reading to find out which tasks are the most important to learn.

4. Sign up for an easy bike race in a category that feels comfortable. No 24-hour ultras until you’re ready!

5. Change up routes and terrains. Terrain unfamiliarity will shock your muscles, test your cardio, and you’ll be introduced to new scenery.

6. Promise yourself a sexier bike once you’re hooked. Need motivation? Hang an IOU on your ‘fridge to remind yourself of that promise.

Eat more local produce

Getting your butt onto a saddle is just the first step to increasing your health and happiness. Why work hard to tone your temple when you fill that sacred space with crap? Registered Dietician Liz Amisson wants to convince every health-conscious person on the planet to eat local. You’ve probably been dining on produce that has been trucked from far distances, most likely in excess of 100 miles away.

Not only does produce begin to lose nutrients after it is picked, but within the first 24 hours, fresh fruits and vegetables continue to bleed nutrients. Not many people know that produce on display at supermarkets are picked before ripening, so add that extended time to the equation when evaluating “fresh foods” on store shelves. Instead, enjoy completely ripened fruits and veggies at local farmer’s markets.

Here’s another reason to stick to farm-fresh produce: Variety. Every season has its superstars – summer peaches, fall apples, and seasonally-grown grape varieties. You’ll stay healthier, save money and please your taste buds if you stick to just-picked varieties. Because they ripen more slowly, you get extended benefits when buying green bananas and hard avocados, super fruits that play major roles in a healthy diet.

Knowing how to fix your bike makes you happy and healthy, too.

Admit it: When you overcome challenges and prove to yourself that you’re capable of mastering skills like diagnosing and repairing a bike, you feel invincible. That’s what education can do for you. Acquiring repair skills not only ups your self-confidence but boosts your self-esteem, too. These seven basic skills are critical to know:

1. Fix a flat tire. It’s easier than you think.

2. Learn to change your brake pads. Turn to YouTube for instructions.

3. Replace a broken spoke. Let your bike shop pro show you how.

4. Undertake a chain cleaning and suspension. Supplies? And old toothbrush and chain lubricant.

5. Adjust derailleurs. Here’s a tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkZxPIZ1ngY.

6. True a wheel. Stop the wobbling. Yes, it helps to own a truing stand to get the job done, but it’s not required.

7. Repair a broken chain. Start by learning to replace a few links and graduate to the entire chain.

What tools should you own? Your kit should include a spare tube, a few plastic tire levers, a hand pump or CO2 cartridge, bike multi-tool, and zip ties or ski straps. Don’t have a tool budget? Put these items on your wish list when your birthday rolls around.

Read more books

According to a University of Liverpool study, folks who read regularly have higher self-esteem levels and are better at dealing with challenges. Think about that. Biking gives you self-esteem. Learning to repair can help you grow even more confident once you realize that feeding your mind is as critical as feeding your body.

Where to start? It’s easier than ever – GoodReads announced the winners of the 12th Annual Goodreads Choice Awards, the only major book awards decided by readers. If you’re already into reading about cycling, check this collection of the 101 Books Every Cyclist Should Read.

If none of these work for you, might we suggest putting in more hours in on that bike, especially if those rides get you to farmer’s markets where healthy foods await?

Relocating can be quite stressful. You’d have to uproot your life, leave your home, adjust to a new way of living, and form new relationships at work. Besides this, you’d have to deal with the mixed emotions of packing and moving your belongings.

However, while all these can seem overwhelming, the transition can still be a pleasant experience. With a few moving hacks and tricks, the endeavor can lead to a positive result.

Tricks For A Smooth Moving Day

While moving isn’t necessarily fun and easy for everyone, there are some ways to help you make it less exhausting. For many couples and families, hiring professional movers to pack and carry their furniture and belongings is a great initiative to ease the burden.

You don’t have to tackle this project alone. Working with moving experts helps you minimize the amount of work and forego lifting activities so you can experience a stress-free move. They can also help you arrange and assemble your upholstery so you and your family can settle quickly into your new space.

Apart from working with the right moving professionals, below are more simple tricks to help you achieve an easy-breezy move.

  1. Visit Your New Home

Be acquainted with your new home. Visualize and plan where you’d arrange and put your items. While at it, check your home’s safety features. Contact a locksmith ahead and have your entire door locks changed, especially in your front and garage doors.

Likewise, contact the utility providers. Doing all these ahead can certainly help you settle comfortably in your new space.

  1. Create A Moving Checklist

Make an inventory and consider how much time you have to pack your things. Then, set a schedule to avoid last-minute scrambling and manage the stress of moving. For a lot of homeowners, a checklist allows them to stay on schedule. This list allows you to stay organized and break down huge tasks into smaller, doable ones.

For instance, at least two weeks before your moving day, pack the bulky and time-consuming items first. Then, block off time during the weekdays to sort through small tasks and pack belongings you often don’t use. These can be your books, linens, off-season sports gear, decorative objects, and a bunch of non-essentials. Stay organized by categorizing boxes according to their assigned rooms or purposes.

Working your way down can help you stay efficient and get more things done earlier. Incorporating this insight into your moving checklist will certainly help you prepare everything days approaching your moving day.

  1. Cut Back On Clutter

Naturally, as you sort through your items, you’d realize you have things you haven’t used for a while. Suppose, an item hasn’t seen the light of the day for six months or so; chances are, you might not need it anymore. If this is the case, consider disposing of it.

Decluttering can certainly help you lessen the load and mental burden of packing and carrying your belongings. Likewise, this allows you to clean your rented property gradually before you move out.

Getting rid of things allows you to create more space for the essentials. You’ll begin life in your new home with a clean slate. To start the process, go through each room and determine items that need to be tossed, donated, or sold.

Take a long hard look at your wardrobe and identify outgrown pieces and accessories that no longer suit your style. Examine your pantry and throw expired condiments. Do the same with the other areas in your home.

While at it, consider swapping pieces with family and friends. Instead of buying new décor for your new home, you can use these newfound treasures to spruce up your space. This can certainly help you save money and minimize the amount of rubbish ending up in landfills.

  1. Color Code Your Boxes

While labeling your boxes is the easiest option, color-coding them is far more efficient. By assigning a color, you won’t have to search for your marker and jot down labels for the nth time on all your boxes. Instead, you can simply stick on colored stickers to determine which packages correspond to a specific area or room in your new house.

Apart from helping you stay organized, color coding your boxes allow you to unload and arrange home pieces in their designated areas easily. This trick can certainly help you settle in your new home quickly.

Since each room will typically have plenty of boxes, consider taking photos of the contents of each package. This lets you know where you’ve put a specific item as you arrive in your new home.

Wrapping It Up

Moving to a new home might seem unpleasant, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the simple tricks above, you can control and make the entire experience a breeze.

Having an unused garage can be quite beneficial if you’re trying to run a home business. While you may not need any extra physical space in the beginning, knowing that you can count on your garage for that in the future can be great for planning your company’s growth. Converting a garage for business use might sound like a lot of work, but it’s actually quite straightforward if you know what your requirements are from the start. The biggest potential issue that you’ll want to pay attention to is getting in trouble with the government due to a lack of appropriate permits. And that brings us to our first, and most important point.

Ensure Your Work Will Be Permitted

Any modifications to your home must always go through the appropriate government agencies, and be explicitly approved in writing. This is especially true when converting a part of your home for business use. Since a garage is typically not meant for occupation, you might also be required to make some specific changes to be allowed to use it in this manner. This may or may not be expensive and difficult, and the only way to know is to apply for the appropriate permits as early as you can.

Invest in Quality Heavy-duty Equipment

Business use typically implies heavier requirements towards your equipment, making it more important to invest in high-quality products and tools. Working with a commercial electrical supply store is mandatory for any electrical equipment, for example. This isn’t just about having access to a good selection of products. Commercial equipment comes with some additional safety measures and regulations that are necessary to keep things safe in more advanced use cases like yours. These products typically cost more than their consumer variants, but for a good reason – and this is not a corner you ever want to cut.

Keep It Secure!

Running a business out of a garage comes with some additional safety risks that you might want to consider before committing to any expensive equipment. A garage is typically easier to break into than the rest of your home, so you’ll want to invest in some additional security equipment, especially if you’re going to be working with expensive tools that will draw a lot of attention. If you’re not using the area in front of the garage, and don’t plan on allowing customers to park there either, try to prevent vehicles from coming too close to the garage door – this is another measure that will inconvenience potential thieves.

Don’t be quick to start using that space after converting it either. Sometimes your home business won’t actually need any extra room for the first few months or even years. But it can be very useful to have that space already prepared and ready for utilisation. You never know when your business might go through a period of rapid growth, requiring you to make important decisions on short notice. Knowing that you’ve at least sorted out any issues with your physical property will go a long way towards simplifying things for you.