Top 5 Items to Include On Your Moving Checklist

by Admin 15. December 2012 07:04

Once you've accomplished the task of hiring interstate movers, it falls on you to pack up all of your belongings to hit the ground running in your new home. Organizing your whole life so it can fit in the back of a truck may seem like a daunting task, but the following tips could make the process a bit easier in your new abode.

1. Clearly Label All Packages. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's one of the easiest ways to categorize where items will go in your new home. Use a black felt pen or labels on the sides of boxes.

2. Stock Up On Packing Materials. Tape, old newspapers, packing peanuts and cardboard boxes will be needed throughout your move, so collect these early on to make the process easier.

3. Use Your Food Effectively. Plan out your menus to ensure that none of your non-perishable foods go to waste before your big move, suggests TLC. Or, make it a festive occasion by holding a pantry-cleaning party with your friends.

4. Move During The Week. If you happen to encounter difficulties on the road or need other forms of assistance, there are far more businesses open to you during the week than if you decided to move on a weekend.

Three Tips for Preparing Your Little Ones for the First Day of School

by Admin 12. December 2012 06:55

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Your children's first day of school, especially in a new town, may be extremely daunting for them, so it's always a good idea for you to help get your kids prepared. Here are some ways that you can get them ready for the big day after your interstate movers have left.


1. Tell Them about Their Schedule

Your children's schedules in school will all be different, and Parents magazine recommends telling your kids about their itineraries so they know what to expect. Tell them when the day will begin in the morning and when they can expect to come home in the afternoon. This will help eliminate any unwanted surprises. You may also want to ask your little ones about any anxieties that they have, and allow your children to vent. You can then give reasonable explanations about why there's nothing to worry about.

2. Visit the School

Before school begins, Parents suggests visiting the school with your kids. This will allow them to mentally prepare themselves for the new environment. The colorful classrooms may also make your children excited to be there.

3. Get Them New Outfits

Fresh clothes symbolize a fresh start. Go to the store with your little ones and let them pick out outfits that they'll be excited to wear. You may also want to pick out new backpacks and some school supplies.

Places Where You can Enjoy the Fall Season in Vermont

by Admin 4. December 2012 06:32

Vermont is endowed with a beautiful landscape that explodes into a fireworks display of red, yellow and orange during the autumn season. Once your interstate movers have finished helping you unpack, you may be eager to see the foliage of the northern New England territory. Here are a few locations and activities that you may want to make the most of this fall.

Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival

Every year, the tiny town of Manchester, Vermont, gets packed with hundreds of artisans looking to display and sell their photographs, sculptures and paintings. The festival also includes local food vendors. According to Foliage-Vermont.com, many families make the Craft Festival an annual tradition, taking the trip and spending the day basking in the scenic environment.

Foliage Bike Tour

You can get your exercise in while seeing the foliage with a bike tour. One favorite route among Vermonters is a 25-mile trek that starts in Woodstock, Vermont, and ends in Quechee. Not only will you get your fair share of bright and beautiful leaves, but you'll see the quaint serenity that your state has to offer as you pass through countryside towns and see landmarks like Hewitt's Corner, Iron Bridge and Taftsville Covered Bridge.

Wildflower Inn

The Wildflower Inn was once a budding dairy farm that's been renovated into 24 rooms of rustic refinement. You'll be able to enjoy the rich fall foliage from the inn's porch and you won't have to worry about the everyday distractions - there are no televisions or phones in the rooms.

Four Tips for Preventing Bed Bugs in Your New Home

by Admin 28. November 2012 06:10

Your international moving venture is bound to be a tiresome journey, and once you're all unpacked, you may need some rest. Unfortunately, bed bugs can keep you from getting a good night's sleep, and getting rid of those tiny pests is never easy. Stop the problem before it starts and consider these preventative tips.

1. Don't Bring them In

When you were on the road, you may have experienced bed bugs in your hotel. Before you enter your new home, Real Simple magazine recommends unpacking your suitcase outside and putting all of your clothes in the washer on a hot wash or dry cycle.

 

2. Keep a Clean Home

A possible bed bug infestation should be inspiration to keep your home nice and tidy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns against clutter because it provides a good place for the bugs to hide. Avoid keeping your clothes in piles on your bedroom floor and dust your house regularly.

 

3. Use a Protective Cover

The EPA also suggests using a protective cover on your bed. It should be a light color so the bed bugs will be unable to hide. You'll know that you have an infestation if there are holes in the cover.

 

4. Seal off Easy Entrances

According to NYC Health, you can prevent bed bugs from entering your home by sealing any cracks or crevices with caulk. This will also be useful in warding off other pests like termites and carpenter ants.

Tips for Hanging Pictures in Your New Home

by Admin 25. November 2012 03:58

Whether it's custom artwork or a family portrait, pictures are a great way to infuse your style into your living space. After your belongings are unpacked and your interstate movers have left, consider these tips for successfully hanging your framed decorations.

Grouping

The arrangement of your artwork impacts the overall aesthetic. DIYNetwork.com recommends clustering smaller pictures in groups of four so they look like one big picture. If you have a larger picture, consider hanging pictures on the left and right side of it for a balanced look.

Wall Space

For walls with large open spaces, the DIYNetwork.com warns against hanging one small picture, and for smaller wall spaces don't overcrowd it - one or two pictures will do.

Pattern

HGTV notes that you shouldn't hang pictures in a straight line. Instead make them uneven for a more lively feel. To create what your pattern, visualize a line that goes through the center of the picture, then put the subsequent pictures slightly above and below the line.

Objects

You can also put other objects on your wall near your pictures to add some variety. HGTV recommends hanging decorative napkin holders as well as potted plants. Add some functionality to your decor by putting up small shelves that match your color scheme that can be used to display leaning framed pictures.

Height

DIYNetwork.com suggests that you hang your pictures at eye level. If you plan on putting one over a couch or chair, hang it three to six inches above.

Four Tips for Preserving the Hardwood Floors in Your New Home

by Admin 24. November 2012 03:52

Hardwood floors are a subtle way to add a refined decorative flair to your new home. If you plan on having them installed once your interstate movers have help you get settled, you may want to follow these four tips so you they stay in great shape for years to come.

1. Keep Them Clean

To ensure your floors keep that new appearance you should be vigilant about cleaning them. BuildDirect.com notes that it's a good idea take care of any spills right after they happen to avoid any stains. When you vacuum, make sure to use an attachment that has a soft brush, and when you mop, make sure that it's damp, not soaking wet. The source also warns against using any harsh cleaning chemicals because they can erode the finish.

2. Monitor the Humidity

BuildDirect.com also recommends keeping an eye on the humidity levels of your home. For longer-lasting floors, keep the humidity levels at 45 percent to 65 percent, which will prevent the wood from expanding and contracting.

3. Lay Down Mats

Another way to avoid constant wear and tear is to put mats down on your floors. For your living room, buy decorative rugs that take up floor space next to furniture where people usually rest their feet. You can also put mats near entrance ways so people can wipe off any dirt from their shoes.

4. Have People Take off Their Shoes

Ask your guests and family members to remove their shoes. The rough treads will wear away the finish faster than socks or bare feet.

Three great Make-Your-Own Meals Your Family Will Love

by Admin 23. November 2012 03:08

Once your interstate movers have left, you may be anxious to use your new kitchen. Make dinner time fun with these three make-your-own meals.

1. Taco Time

Bring some south-of-the-border flavor to your home with a taco night. First let your family members choose between hard and soft shells. Leave out a variety of different beans like regular black beans seasoned with taco flavoring, refried beans and regular pinto beans. For additional fixin's, offer sliced up veggies like green bell peppers, tomatoes and lettuce. Shred up some cheese and have bowls of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole available. You may also want to include a bowl of rice as well.

2. Personal Pizza

Some families never seem to be able to agree on what toppings they want when they order pizza, so with a night of personally-made-pies you won't have to worry. Go to the store and purchase small pizza doughs. Get a variety of great toppings that range from anchovies to pineapple. Keep the oven at 350 degrees and let your family members compile all their toppings onto the dough after they spread on the tomato sauce. Cook each pizza for 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Ice Cream

Everyone will scream with delight for ice cream sundaes. First get a couple cartons of your basic flavors such as chocolate and vanilla. Leave out bowls of toppings that range from chocolate and chewy candies to cherries and walnuts. Also have a variety of sauces like chocolate and butterscotch available, and don't forget the whipped cream! Let everyone pile their plates high and enjoy.

Tips for Making a Good Impression on Your Coworkers at Your New Office

by Admin 19. November 2012 02:53

Moving to a new home means relocating to a new office, and in order for your workplace experience to go as smoothly as possible, it's a good idea to make a good impression on your coworkers. Here are a few workplace suggestions you may want to consider after your interstate movers help you settle in.

Start Off the Day With a Pleasant Attitude

Reader's Digest magazine recommends beginning each day with an enthusiastic greeting. While your coworkers may still be shaking off the morning cobwebs and waiting for the coffee to kick in, the added enthusiasm is sure to be a good start to their day. The more you do this, the more you'll be known as the happy person, and people will be naturally attracted to you.

Attend Workplace Functions

Show your willingness to engage in social activities by attending workplace functions, whether it's a Halloween party or just a small outing at the local bar on Friday. This shows that you are sociable and want to get to know everyone in the office. It'll also allow you to get on friendlier terms with everyone you work with and they'll be more apt to answer any questions you have at the office. Experience.com also notes that food helps people become acquainted, so if you see some people going to grab lunch, ask to tag along - they're sure to appreciate the added company.

Three Ways to Enjoy Football Season in Your New Home

by Admin 18. November 2012 02:47

With the fall foliage comes football. Not only is the action-packed pastime a guaranteed thrill, but it's the perfect excuse to relax on the couch every Sunday (and Monday night). Here are a few ways to enjoy football season in your new home once your interstate movers have helped you settle in.

Play Fantasy Football

Joining a fantasy football league is the perfect excuse to follow all the NFL action, and it allows you to engage in some friendly competition with just a click of the mouse. You can find a league to join by talking to one of your neighbors or coworkers who are fellow football enthusiasts and are part of a league. The more people, the higher the stakes, so you're sure to be a welcome addition.

Make a Social Gathering a Tradition

All of the hits, interceptions, touchdowns and game-saving field goals are best enjoyed in the company of others. Invite your new neighbors over to your home for a day of food, football and fun. While you may cheer for rival teams, it'll only serve to make the environment that much more exciting. Make every Sunday a social occasion and rotate who plays host every week.

Go to a Local Watering Hole

There's nothing like sipping a pint of lager at the bar as you watch the action on a big-screen television. Your local watering hole is the ideal spot to meet your new neighbors, and the game is the perfect conversation starter.

 

Two Great Bed and Breakfasts for Your Visitors to Stay at in St. Paul

by Admin 12. November 2012 10:18

Your friends and family are sure to want to visit you at your new St. Paul, Minnesota abode after your interstate movers have helped you settle in. With all the activity, you might not have the time or energy to play host, so it may be best to find your guests alternate accommodations close by. Here are two great bed and breakfasts in the Midwestern metropolis that your guests will love.

Covington Inn

The Covington Inn is a cozy hotel with a nautical twist - it's a houseboat! This buoyed bed and breakfast sits right on the Mississippi River and it gives guests a majestic view of the St. Paul skyline. The interior is exquisite, with great mahogany, brass and bronze furnishings with decor comprised of salvaged fixtures and beautiful art. The Covington Inn also has a salon, which is ideal for grabbing a drink, eating breakfast or enjoying a fireside evening curled up with a book from the B&B's library.

 

Cathedral Hill

Cathedral Hill, which was built in 1896, stands in St. Paul's historic district. The interior has an antiquated elegance characterized by the wood-carved furnishings, cozy fireplace and stained-glass windows. There is even a carriage house in the back of the establishment.  This old-fashioned charm is offset by the convenience of available modern technology. The bed and breakfast is small enough that all of your guests' needs can be seen to by the dedicated staff. 

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