SkyFive Properties Blog

One of the most important aspects of preparing your home for sale is to improve your curb appeal. Curb appeal is an important part of the house buying process because the front of your property is the first thing a prospective buyer will see and it can inform their decision of whether to look inside your home or move onto the next listing.

Ensuring that the front-facing side of your home looks clean, tidy, and welcoming can make or break for a sale and today we are going to go through some of the essential steps you should take to make this a reality.

Wash the driveway

The first thing you can do to help improve your curb appeal this week is to clean your driveway with a pressure washer and get it looking bright and fresh once more. Having a clean driveway can make a bigger impact on your home than you think and it should bring some much-needed freshness to your home.

Repave the driveway

One step above cleaning your driveway would be to repave it completely. Over time weeds as well as pressure can change the way your driveway lies and tiles can become loose. It is important for you to have a driveway that looks clean and sturdy because these are the kinds of things buyers are looking for.

Hang a trough on the window

Bringing some curb appeal to your home isn’t only about improving structural elements – it can also be about the design of the space. Bringing some color to the front of your home will make it feel welcoming to bypassers and you’ll often note a much better reaction by doing this. Hanging a trough planter on your window and planting some bright flowers makes your house look more like a home and this is something buyers really will notice.

Go solar

It is important when looking to sell your home to consider what the buyer is looking for. In the modern day, people care a lot about the environment, and having solar panels on the roof of your home may just entice buyers. You can check solar roof price and decide whether this is an investment you think is worth it for your home – but it is worth considering this as an option.

Install a coded gate

One way to improve your curb appeal is to show that your home is protected and secure. A great way to do this is to install a coded gate at the front of your property to keep your vehicles and possessions safe. With an ever-rising crime rate, it is so important for you to consider this not only for your own safety but for the impression it will give.

Keep hedges square

If you have hedges close to your home, one of the ways that you can keep them tidy is to trim them square. Hedges provide a stunning feature for your front garden however when they become unruly they can look messy and wild. Make sure to keep them trim and it will bring an air of elegance to your home.

Image

Do you long to leave the long, icy winters of New York behind for the sparkling, pristine beaches of Florida? Are you tired of exorbitant costs and sky-high rent prices? Well, you’re not alone. Thousands of Americans have been in your shoes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 63,722 people moved from the Empire State to the Sunshine State in 2017. In recent years, this number has only grown larger. It is clear to see why: Florida offers cheap expenses, no state income tax, and balmy, warm weather. For many New Yorkers, this is paradise.

If you’re reading this, relocating to Florida must interest you. We’d like to congratulate you on making this life-changing decision. But before you pack your bags and hit the road, be aware that such a move requires careful planning and thought. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled five essential tips for New Yorkers that want to move to Florida.

Tip #1: Get a car

In New York, public transportation provides an easy and cheap way to get around. This is not the case in Florida. Yes, there will be public transportation in cities like Miami and Orlando, but the rest of Florida is another story. If you want to be able to move freely, owning a car is essential. Depending on where you choose to live, you may have to drive your car to work or school.

If you’d like to explore all that the Sunshine State has to offer, most often, you’ll need to drive there yourself. Florida is definitely a driving state so buying a car is worth the investment! Don’t forget to factor car fuel, insurance, and maintenance into your budget.

If you already have a car, make sure to transfer your title, license, and registration to the Florida DMV. You will have 30 days to do so after establishing residency in Florida.

Tip #2: Move at the right time

The time of your move is also important. People from the north flock to Florida in the winter to escape the cold in their native states. The locals are “snowbirds” for obvious reasons. To avoid the crowds and traffic, we don’t recommend moving in the winter. Summer is also not a good option as it is peak moving season. If you are using a professional moving company, costs can be as high as $8000. Also, you’re more likely to encounter delays on the road because of hurricane season. So, the best time to move would be during the spring or fall. Not only will the weather be nicer and cooler but you’ll also save a lot of money!

Tip #3: Know the weather of the place you’re moving

Make sure you do your research on where you’re moving in Florida. While it is mostly a warm state, there are still differences in the climate depending on where you go. In northern coastal cities like Tallahassee and Jacksonville, temperatures can drop to the low 30s and it can even snow in the winter! Mainland cities like Orlando are more consistent and warmer. As you move closer to the southern tip of Florida, the weather gets hotter with more rainfall in the summer. Southern coastal cities like Tampa and Miami can easily get to the low 90s in the summertime. As you can see, the weather varies depending on your location–so make sure you know what to expect! Nobody wants to move to a place where they hate the weather.

Tip #4: Leave behind your winter clothing

When you’re making a big move, there is always the urge to pack everything you have, even if you might not need it. Resist this urge to bring unnecessary stuff that will take up space and drive up costs. This is especially true of winter clothing–leave that behind! Florida is warm enough that a lot of your New York winter wardrobe will be useless. If you don’t have enough warm weather clothing, make sure to buy some before you leave for Florida. You don’t want to have to stress about buying clothes in the sweltering heat.

Tip #5: Find a reliable moving company

Unless you have planned everything down to the smallest details, chances are that moving on your own will be stressful and a bit messy. Even if you have a great plan in place, things still might go awry! There are many logistics to take care of when you’re moving so far.

That’s why it is recommended to choose a reputable long-distance moving company, such as Piece of Cake Moving & Storage, which has received federal and state moving accreditation and which offers guaranteed flat-rate pricing.

If you are set on moving on your own, give yourself plenty of time. Start packing at least 8 weeks before the moving date. Take pictures of your belongings and label the boxes to keep the process as organized as possible.

And that’s it! Moving to Florida from New York is a big decision that involves a lot of careful preparation. If you follow these five tips, you’ll be all set to begin your journey to the Sunshine State!

Photo by Tessa Wilson on Unsplash

Looking for a locksmith or a locksmith company? Lost your lock key somewhere, and now you cannot go inside your house? Are you finding someone to make a duplicate key? Or are you looking for someone to break the lock? Well, for all of these problems, a locksmith is in demand.

Locksmiths are people who deal with lock-related things. They can make duplicate keys or break locks or make new locks for your houses. It is their profession. So, if something like that happens, it is better that you call them.

Most people find locksmiths from online sites or their small repairing shops. But you never know if they are scammers or not because a scammer does not come with a scammer written all over his face. If you go to the wrong locksmith, they can make an extra key to your house, and when you are not there, they can rob you off of all your money or do the worst. So, it is better than if you are looking for locksmiths online, you should see the reviews of people on their profiles before contacting them.

There is even a better way to call a locksmith for help. There are companies out there that have locksmiths, and those companies are licensed and insured locksmith companies. How to find them? Where to find them? How do you know whether they are reliable or not? How do you know if they are licensed or not? For all we know, they can also be scammers! But here is the catch. When you are looking for some locksmith companies, always check their ratings, customers’ reviews, and policies. It is better to be safe than sorry.

How to find whether they are trustworthy or not?

Finding a trustable locksmith can be hard, but it is not entirely impossible. There are just some things that you need to look after before you call a locksmith over. They are:

Research them:

Before hiring them, make sure you do background research on them and that they are not scammers or frauds waiting for an opportunity to rob anyone. Check about all their details thoroughly and don’t miss anything even by mistake. Because these types of people are not uncommon online or offline!

Look for Family-Owned and Operated Locksmith Companies:

It is better if you look for locksmiths that are family-owned. Some locksmiths are personally hired by some families, so only that particular locksmith is called if any problem arises. Look for this kind of locksmith if possible.

Recommendations from friends and family:

Always consult your family or friends before hiring for a new and unknown locksmith. You never know what these people are capable of doing. Ask your friends for anyone they know or are befriended with.

Visit Locksmith Websites:

If you can’t find any locksmith on the road, then make sure you visit websites containing locksmiths. On those websites, the available locksmiths are not frauds as they have a reputation on their website to maintain. But still, you should look them up and read the comment section before hiring them.

Check Your Locksmith’s ID and License:

When you have hired a companies’ locksmith, make sure you check their ID cards and their licenses. They could be faking for all that we know! When the locksmith comes, ask him to first give his ID card and license, and after you have confirmed about him, you can allow him to fix your problem, be it a damaged lock or prepare a new set of keys for you.

Where to find locksmiths?

It is better that you find locksmiths from various websites. Because, on websites, you can easily read comments and see whether they are recommended by others or not! Some companies have locksmiths. These companies are also called locksmith companies. It is always better that you look up the companies for locksmiths as they only have professional and trustable locksmiths.

Benefits of hiring professional locksmiths from companies:

There are a lot of benefits of hiring a professional locksmith from companies.

• They can easily ensure your safety to maximum levels. As these professionals are skilled at even putting double security locks or even keyless locks, you should hire them instead of cheap country roadside locksmiths.
• They can easily repair the old locks or even remove damaged parts.
• They also give reasonable prices for their work. They don’t overcharge you. The money that they charge is not little, but it is enough for the security they are providing you with.
• They make sure that all your property is safe and no harm comes to your property. They make the best locks that are not easily broken.
• They provide 24/7 service, so you don’t have to worry about the time and circumstances you are under. Just call them at any time if a problem arises, like: you lost your car key or house key, etc.
• They give fast responses and are always available. So, if a problem arises, just ring them, and they will be there at your beck.
• They are mostly certified and licensed locksmiths as they are made to undergo years of training and experience. They have experience of all kinds of locks, so when calling them, just make sure they are professional and certified workers.

Does your insurance cover locksmith:

Unfortunately, most of the houses don’t have locksmith insurance. When you are buying a house, make sure that the insurance includes locksmith insurance because you might get locked outside of your own house or might need a new lock, etc. So, it is always better to find houses that cover all your insurances.

How much does the locksmith cost?

Locksmiths kind of cost a little too much for the small amount of work they do. But, your security is at risk, so paying a little more should not cause you much trouble. Liable insurance often costs $30 per month, but it can be less according to work done.

These were some of the things that may help you in finding a licensed and insured locksmith company!

Image by MasterTux from Pixabay

Image Credit

Anyone living with an older person will tell you that this group dreads changes. Science associates this hatred to fear of losing their normalcy and sense of belonging. Moreover, it’s a known fact that senior people find it hard to adjust, which further accelerates their hatred for change.

By now, you should be aware of the monster that awaits you in convincing your elderly family members to move. Besides the resistance, moving out of town requires changing the healthcare provider of the senior member, which is not easy.

Another demanding task lies in ensuring the new home is safe and has friendly features for the elderly members. You also need to check and ensure the senior members are comfortable and safe during the entire moving journey.

As you can tell, these responsibilities are demanding and may take a toll on you if you fail to prepare well. Arm yourself with the below five tips for an easy time when moving with the family’s senior members.

Communicate the Reasons for Moving

As with little children, open communication is the surest way to win the elderly members of your family. Taking the time to explain your moving decision to them will go a long way in helping them adjust faster than if you bombard them with parking out of nowhere.

The fact that they live in your home makes them part of your family, you should resist doing things without involving them as this bores contempt. Whatever relationship you have with the said senior person, ensure to sit them down and explain why you are moving.

Moreover, inform them of the plans you have made for their medical and social welfare needs. Lastly, don’t forget to assure them that the whole family is coming along to the new town and they can count on your support.

Involve the Experts

Sometimes your efforts to convince the elderly family members to move may not bear fruits. Naturally, old age comes with the fear of being locked up in an assisted living care facility. This leaves your elderly members ever alert, making it hard for them to trust you regardless of your intentions.

When unable to manage the resistance, consider hiring a trained psychiatrist to convince them why moving is necessary. You can also calm the situation by getting professional movers to do the relocation on your behalf. Chances are, such movers, have dealt with a similar situation over the years and thus know how to handle it.

Plan Early

As with everyday life, prior planning is the gateway to success. Moving homes means a change of location, compound, structure and sometimes the environment. At no one time does the amount of care needed for the elderly members of your family change.

For example, if your elderly member had a caregiver, the services should continue even in your new home. Please take note that this is where they need help the most in navigating the new environment. This, therefore, requires that you arrange with your current caregiver to move with you or plan on how to get a new one after moving.

Moreover, check if your senior family member has any medical appointments and checkups coming up. If any, plan with their doctor to get a close-by hospital in the new town to continue with treatment.

Also, remember to engage with your senior family member insurance providers and plan on the way forward. If the elderly member belongs to a social group or club, make arrangements to still connect after moving.

Make the New Home Friendly and Safe for the Senior Members

Although they may not tell you, the elderly members of your family may be dead worried about what awaits them in the new home. Chances are you went out of your way to make the current home safe and heavenly for your senior members, which is why they love it.

Now that you are relocating to a new home, incorporate the same safety features and add more where necessary to safeguard the life of your loved one. You should, for instance, make sure the entryways have no levels and the toilets and bathrooms have grab bars and are elevated.

Moreover, ensure to get anti-slip mats to reduce the frequent falls common in older people. Remember to make their work easier by installing easier-to-use door handles or automatic openers that require less effort.

Lastly, ensure to tell them of these amazing safety features when discussing the moving plan. Knowing that a haven awaits them will warm their hearts, making it easy for the family to relocate.

Take It Easy

Even as you fight all odds to make moving comfortable for your family, do not forget that your health is paramount. Furthermore, it would be best if you had the energy to fight the hectic moving process and manage the unpredicted tantrums from the elderly members.

Try to remain calm when they appear okay with the moving decision one minute and go against it the next minute. Also, avoid taking things personally when plans don’t go your way. As long as you give it your best, relax and wait for everything to fall into place.

Take Away

It’s not possible to avoid changing homes now and then. Make the senior members of your family enjoy relocating by implementing the above five suggestions.

What’s one of the most important things when looking for a new home? The location. You can find a lovely house that has everything that you need, but if it’s in an awful neighborhood, it’s likely that you will struggle to resell it in the future. As well as this, you can change pretty much everything about home apart from the location. This part of your home is static and should therefore be at the top of your priorities when purchasing a home. Whether you are looking for somewhere in the city or mountain property, you should always think about the reasons you are choosing a location for your home.

Let’s have a look at five factors you should think about the location of your new home:

Schools Nearby

Is the home you are looking at in a zone that contains good schools? Consider both public and private. How is the local school district? These are important things to think about when considering your location. This is even more true if you live in a city that is family-focus, and you have children who attend school. You need ot remember, though, that even if you don’t have any children attending schools, if you want to sell in the future, will your future buyer consider this important? Make sure you do some research before you commit.

Crime Rates

Safety and crime should be at the forefront of your concern when you are evaluating the location of a home. After all, no one wants to live somewhere where there are high crime numbers and danger zones. It’s fairly easy to find local crime rates and reports online. This can affect everything from the insurance rates you pay on your home and car to the safety of your family.

Transportation Options And Amenities

One of the main reasons why location is so important is because people need to be near to transportation and amenities. This means having grocery stores, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and dry cleaners nearby. It may also mean a home located near public transportation choices and important roads for commuting. When you are looking for a new home make sure you assess where these are. Unless, of course, you are after a bit of seclusion for something like a vacation property.

The Potential Neighbors

You want to make sure your neighbors are nice and decent people, which is easier said than done when you are house shopping. You can’t change your neighbors, so you need to do as much as you can to ensure your neighbors have the potential to be good. This means you need to try and ensure you stay away from a fraternity house or neighbors with loud, dangerous dogs as these could have a negative impact come reselling. Take a walk down the street, and come back several times. Aim to visit the neighborhood on different days and at different times. As well as protecting the potential to resell, you also need to think about yourself.

What Else Should You Consider Besides Location?

There are many other factors that you should consider when you are house hunting. Some to keep in mind include:

The condition and age of the home – unless you want a project, the condition of the home is important. You don’t want to spend all your savings and what you can afford and be left with a huge project to complete.

The real estate market – How is the current housing market? Are you overpaying for the house you are looking at? Or do you stand a good chance of making a profit in the future?

The price – Your budget and home price are some of the most important factors to bear in mind when you are house hunting. You shouldn’t look at any houses that are out of your budget, even choosing to purchase a home that is a stretch could spell disaster. It’s always important to stay within your means and not fall behind with payments.

Insurance considerations – It’s a good idea to do some insurance quotes before you commit to a house purchase. There are many factors that can impact insurance costs for cars, homes, and others.

After you have considered all these factors and made sure you have chosen the right location, it’s time to purchase your dream home. Hopefully, this has helped you to realize why location is so important when purchasing your next home. Do you have any other reasons? Please share some of them in the comments below.

Searching and securing the perfect property will always come with a couple of challenges. This is especially the case if you are looking at luxurious properties. Fortunately, if you educate yourself, then there’s no reason why you can’t come out on top.

Consider an Exclusive Listing

Not every single seller out there wants to spread the word about their home. There are a number of reasons for this. Some people want to have a good level of privacy, others want to keep their property off the mainstream market. Either way, these homes are usually known as being exclusive listings. Having access to them can really increase the chances of you being able to find that little gem of a property that is everything you could ever want and more. The trick here would be for you to try and work with an agent who is connected with the higher-end market.

Source: Pexels (CC0 License)

Know your Listings

Knowing about any promising or upcoming areas is crucial. It doesn’t matter whether you are seeking a luxurious living space or whether you want to have somewhere close to your work because you have to think about the amenities. This could include everything from green space to nearby grocers and more. Of course, if you are a high-end buyer then you may be seeking a lifestyle that not many communities can offer. You may be seeking high-end schools or even country clubs. The exclusive neighbourhoods that interest you may well help you to find the perfect property. Fortunately, if you work with an agent who knows the market then they can easily help you to find your dream property. It doesn’t matter if it is a penthouse or a grand mansion. If you need some help with your property, then be sure to check out Hugh D. Fuller Jr. as it’s a great way for you to expand your knowledge.

Take your Time

Buying a home is always a major commitment. This is especially the case when you have a large sum of money involved. For this reason, it really does pay to consider your options. If you are a luxury buyer, you need to make sure that you find a property that ticks all of your options. In some cases, there isn’t as much competition for luxurious properties because there aren’t a lot of buyers who can afford them. For this reason, it’s helpful for you to take your time so that you can make sure that you are not rushing into the process too quickly. If you do rush and make a bad decision, then this will ultimately work against you in the future.

Work with the Right Agent

There are a few differences between buying a luxurious property and a standard home. If you want to make sure that you are making the best decision, then you need to make sure that you are working with an agent who has a great deal of experience. Fortunately, there is no shortage of options. You can easily find someone online and when you do, you can then rest assured knowing that everything is going to go to plan and that you are able to reap the benefits.

You Don’t have to Forgo Negotiations

Just because you have the money to afford a luxurious home, does not mean that you need to pay the full price for it. You may well find yourself in a good position to negotiate if you are able to use local data. Of course, rounding up prices for other homes can be challenging when you are dealing with the luxury market. That being said, as a rule, there tend to be fewer properties on the market and each of them may come with its own unique features. If you work with an agent who has the right expertise however then they can help you to find the most relevant information and they can also help you to secure the best possible price too, so make sure that you keep that in mind.

Of course, if you want to have the best experience possible with your property then it is helpful to make sure that you not only take your time but also that you hire someone with experience. You also need to remember that you should never offer full-price for a property, without good reason. If you can follow these rules, then there’s no reason why you can’t end up getting the property of your dreams for a price you can afford.

Let’s set the scene. You bought a lovely home somewhere, and you’ve owned it for a while. But you’ve got a growing family, so it’s time to sell up and move to a bigger house. The problem is, you’re finding it virtually impossible to sell your home.

You can’t understand why because you’ve priced your property well, and it’s in a desirable neighborhood. You may not realize it, but you’re probably trying to sell an unsellable house! One or more of the following reasons could be to blame for your predicament:

Image Source

You Didn’t Get a Thorough Pre-Purchase Inspection

It makes no difference whether you’re buying a newly-built or existing property. Nor does it matter if you buy a house, apartment, or some other form of dwelling. You must always have a thorough pre-purchase inspection carried out.

All Reliance Inspections and equally thorough inspection companies, for example, will always give you a detailed report. Each report will tell you what you need to address if you buy the house. Plus, it’ll list any issues that could become expensive to repair in the future.

You Are Close to Somewhere Noisy

A property might have excellent indoor sound insulation. But, future buyers won’t get past the fact you live next to an airport or something equally noisy! Your house might be convenient for transport purposes, but constant loud noise will put buyers off.

Whenever you look at homes to buy, you should avoid living close to an airport because of the noise factor. Also, avoid living near places like factories, sports stadiums, and anywhere else that can produce a lot of noise.

You Live Next Door to an Eyesore

Some people might assume that “curb appeal” isn’t real and was invented by the real estate industry to control prices. The truth is, curb appeal is one of the deciding factors of buying any house. You’ve likely considered the other homes on your street before buying.

Does any of your next-door neighbors have a lot of trash in their front yard? Perhaps their house looks dilapidated and seemingly attracts undesirable elements? You might not know it, but that could be the reason your house is currently unsellable.

When you review prospective houses to buy, have a look around at the other homes in the street. Are they all kept up to a reasonable standard?

Some Rooms Have No Natural Light

Let’s face it: few people want to live in a cave and call it home. With that in mind, you should never buy a house where some of the rooms have no natural light. That’s because it can put off potential future buyers.

If the light gets blocked in certain rooms due to overgrown trees, have them pruned or cut down. Otherwise, invest in products like Velux Sun Tunnels or skylights in your ceilings. Such products are worthy investments and can even raise the value of your house.

Final Thoughts

The above isn’t an exhaustive list of what to avoid doing when buying a house. But, they are the most common things to consider so you can avoid having an unsellable house.

Are you getting ready to relocate across the country or around the block? Are you wondering how much it will cost to hire a moving company?

Moving by yourself requires a lot of physical labor, as well as the ability to drive and park a large vehicle. While it may seem more cost-effective initially, moving by yourself can actually end up costing you money in the end. Damaged furniture and other items will need to get replaced, and you could end up tired and frustrated.

How much does a moving company cost, and what do you need to know about hiring movers?

Let’s take a look.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Moving Company?

While a local move can cost you anywhere in the range of $80 to $100 per hour. A move that crosses state lines can cost you over $5,000.

The exact cost of your move will depend upon several factors. These include the distance you’re moving, the number of items you’re transporting, and the weight of these items.

Your moving company may also charge you more for other elements that could make your move tricky. These include stairs, long walking distances, and narrow doors or hallways.

You may also pay more to move on a holiday or at the very beginning or end of a month. These are very popular times to move due to when rental agreements usually expire.

You may also find yourself paying more for extra services offered by your moving company. These could include packing, crating, or shuttle services.

Before settling on a moving company, you’ll want to get at least three estimates from local movers. Make sure you give them all the details of what your move will entail.

The best company for you isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest cost. It’s important to think about the quality of the move and the experience of the team as well. Yet you’ll want to know that the price you’ll be paying is reasonable for your job type and geographical location.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Moving Company?

It can be tempting to think about moving yourself initially. However, an experienced mover can make your experience much more organized and enjoyable.

Moving companies have years of experience lifting and transporting heavy items which you may not know how to handle. These could include sofas, pianos, and appliances. Some of these items may be breakable and fragile.

It’s important to transport sensitive items with care. They will require special equipment such as dollies, ramps, and straps. If you don’t want to spend the extra time and money on equipment you may only use once, hiring a professional mover who has everything you need could be a very good investment.

Your movers will have a variety of truck sizes and will know if you need something more custom. They’ll also know how to avoid breakage and personal injury.

Moving can be a stressful experience and you’ve got a lot to worry about. You may need to settle your kids into a new neighborhood or paint and furnish a new home.

Transporting large items can really take your time away from things that need your attention. When you choose a quality moving company, you can be assured that all the details of your move are taken care of, and you can concentrate on other things.

How Can You Choose The Right Moving Company?

Before you hire a moving company, you’ll want to do a little homework. Ask your friends and family for references, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Was the staff friendly and professional? Did they handle your move efficiently? Were there any problems along the way?

It’s also important to check out reviews when you’re moving. There may be testimonials from happy clients on your company’s website, or you can look on crowd-sourced review sites.

Remember that lots of folks write reviews and anyone can get a bad write-up once in a while. What you’ll want to be wary of are several similar negative comments. For example, if several people are saying that the movers were rude, you’re probably getting a good idea of what your experience will be like.

Your mover should also be licensed. This is required when you’re moving across state lines, as well as in individual states such as Texas. You can ask for your company’s license number and check it out before you hire them.

Your mover should also be insured. They should have worker’s compensation, which will protect their employees in case something goes wrong. They may also hold other types of insurance such as cargo coverage and auto liability.

If a worker gets injured during your move, the last thing you need is to get held responsible! Make sure you find out if your mover is insured before you hire them. If you want to be very thorough, check out the policy number with the insurance company first.

Make sure you look up your mover first and verify that they have a physical address. You should also be able to ask them questions about your move and be confident that they know what they’re doing.

A Fresh Start

When you’re ready to hire a moving company, no ordinary movers will do. You’ll want to make sure you’re getting a quality company at an excellent price. Once you’ve done your homework, however, you can be confident of a smooth move.

Don’t stop getting smart about your home and lifestyle now. For more great advice, read our blog today.

Photo by Handiwork NYC on Unsplash

Did you know that moving house is reported to be the second most stressful event in your life? The first is the death of a family member. This means that moving homes is more stressful than divorce!

And yet, despite the stress, almost everyone ends up moving a few times in life. Luckily, as hard as it may be, a stress-free move is possible. By taking a little time for yourself, and following a few helpful tips, you can move homes without stressing out.

If you’re looking at a big move, read on to learn about our top tips to reduce stress as you go!

Plan Ahead!

When you move house, one of the biggest stressors is not having enough time. While you can’t avoid stress entirely, you can lower the amount of stress you feel. Allocate enough time to get the move done, so you don’t have to cram.

Plan for a few days to pack up a small apartment and up to a week for a home. With enough time, you can break everything into bite-size pieces and take on whatever you can handle for the day. The less frantic you are, the less stress you feel as you get the process done.

If you’re renting a truck for a day, try to have all your packing done before the truck gets there so you can streamline the moving day.

Rent a Storage Box!

If you’re not paying for any help at all, you’ll be almost doubling your stress during the moving process. Your car will almost certainly be able to take only small loads of stuff to your new home. You’ll have to drive back and forth repeatedly to move your stuff across town!

Renting a storage box is the best way how to move house. It allows you to have a large container for all your stuff, condensing moving day to one or two trips. These services will make the moving process much lower stress!

Rest and Reset

The more you prioritize your move, and the less you prioritize yourself, the more stress you feel. Take time to sleep and rest, so you aren’t overcome by stress.

Take time to recover both mentally and physically from the moving process. This will make you more efficient, and lower the amount of stress you feel.

After the moving process, and maybe during the move if you’re up to it, take yourself out for a de-stressor. You’ve earned a massage, or a nice evening out to dinner.

Ask for Help

If you’re overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Having an extra set of hands around can help speed the process up, and give you some company to minimize your stress.

Be sure to show gratitude after the move. Take your friend out to dinner, or treat them to something nice. And if they ask you for help down the line, return the favor!

Experience a Stress-Free Move Today!

Now that you’re armed with a few tips and tricks for reducing your stress when moving, your next move is sure to go well! With a bit of planning, organization, and time to yourself and you’ll experience a stress-free move.

If these moving tips were helpful for you, you’ll be sure to love our other posts. Check out our blog for more tips for homeowners!

Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash

Photo by Humphrey Muleba from Pexels

A garage is, or can be, a whole lot more than just a place to store your car. If you make the most of it, your garage can enhance the functionality of your home. It can even add value when you’re ready to move on. With that in mind, here are five ways to make the most of your garage.

Make it look good on the outside

Your garage may be purely functional but it still contributes to your home’s curb appeal. Even if you’re not thinking of selling right now, it’s still worth making sure your home exterior looks good. If nothing else, it can make your life a whole lot easier when you do come to sell.

Maintaining the exterior of your garage can also help improve your overall home security. For example, if you have motion-sensitive lights on your garage, you can pick up on anyone approaching your home.

Maximize the usable space

Use folding doors to eliminate the dead space created by the need to accommodate a swinging door. Then use appropriate organizational solutions to make the most of the whole interior space.

If you’re using your garage for a car, then most of the floor space will probably need to be allocated to that. This means that you need to squeeze every last bit of utility out of the walls (and even the ceiling).

The good news is that the challenge is more in the thought process than the buying process. Garages have become such valuable real estate that there are all kinds of storage and organization solutions for them. What’s more, a lot of them are very affordable. You just need to figure out what works for you.

Think about the floor

In the old days, garages were a place to put cars (and maybe tools and random stuff). This meant that garage floors had to be really strong. To a certain extent, this is still true. Many garages are still, primarily, a place to store cars.

Increasingly, however, they’re being used as multifunctional spaces. It’s also becoming more common for them to be converted into spaces that have nothing whatsoever to do with cars. This means that modern garage floors don’t just have to be strong and safe to walk on. They also have to be attractive.

Put in great lighting

If you’re having a garage installed, you might want to consider including windows. If you put them high up, you’ll limit what people can see while still allowing light to enter. Then boost this with great interior lighting.

If you have a windowless garage then be prepared to invest in the absolute best interior lighting. In particular, think about installing light fixtures with “daylight” bulbs. These give plenty of visibility while still being gentle on the eyes. Yes, task lighting matters. In fact, it can matter a lot. General lighting, however, matters too.

Deal with ventilation issues

If you want your garage to be a multipurpose space then you need to make sure it has effective ventilation. Doors and windows can help a lot here. Ideally, however, your garage should be well-ventilated even when they are closed.