Author: ION

Do you dream of owning your own home? Just five decades ago, the average cost of a house was $11,900 but, today, the median price is $226,800. With the cost of living soaring, it’s almost impossible to save enough to even think about such an investment. What if I told you that you could build a dynamic home for just a few thousand dollars? Thanks to tiny home showcasing on “Living Big in a Tiny House” and “Tiny House Nation,” the world has become captivated with small living design concepts. Hiring a drafter and building it yourself will get you a quality home.

1. Customized Tiny House Drafting

Tiny homes are not as small as they seem, but when you hire a drafter, you can create a stunning living space that includes everything you need for a comfortable lifestyle. Instead of buying a design concept from someone who built their own tiny home, customize your tiny house by working with a Superdraft professional who will design a small two-story structure with immense innovation, complete with multifloor layouts, large master bedroom capabilities, full kitchens and beautifully designed bathrooms. From open spacing to solar-powered renewable energy, a customized two-story tiny house is innovative and affordable. You will have the blueprints and diagrams to duplicate it. 

Important tips:

• When looking for a professional drafter, It will be a good idea to go with someone who not only has experience designing tiny houses, but someone who has completed several projects near your location. Such experienced tiny house drafters will very likely be familiar with any existing building codes or homeowner’s association regulations when it comes to tiny homes. A drafter who has done work in your area will be a treasure trove of knowledge that will spare your tiny house project from any potential snags that you may encounter along the way.

• While it is tempting to “mini-size” as many things as possible in your home, ask your drafter to prioritize multi-functionality instead. Remember that living a tiny house lifestyle does not necessarily mean that you have to forgo comfort, as well. Don’t scrimp on areas where you may need a bit more extra space such as the bathroom or the sleeping area. Make sure that most of your furniture pieces such as the stairs or beds have multiple-functions.

2. Homesteader’s Cabin

One of the more popular concepts online is the homesteader’s cabin. Traditional styles of yesteryear include rickety wood frames and high ceilings, but drafters are helping tiny homeowners reinvent this simple living concept. You also have an experienced tiny home drafter who can include the must-have living space along with luxurious extras.

With a well-designed homestead, you can have lots of comfortable amenities. With a beautiful view, working with a drafter to add accommodations like extended decks, picnic tables, covered patios, stunning vegetation, outdoor hot tubs and fire pits can help tiny cabin owners bring in annual five- and six-figure short-term vacation rental income. 

Important tips:

When drafting a homestead-style tiny house, it will be a good idea to keep the whole concept of this type of dwelling in mind. While going tiny means that you have to get rid of stuff that you don’t need, the idea of a homestead, on the other hand, dictates that you have adequate space for things that make you more self-sufficient for extended periods. This means that when drafting, you’ll need to assign an ample pantry and storage space for canned food, grains, seed banks, medicine, herbs, toiletries and emergency items such as batteries, water, candles and flashlights.

If you plan on going off-grid, make sure to factor in the important utilities during the planning stage. Have a separate utility room for your tools for good measure. Plan properly for the following utilities that will be essential to your homestead.

• Electrical breaker box
• Water heater
• Water filtration
• Water collecting systems
• Propane tanks
• Alternative energy sources
• Composting areas
• Solar panels, battery bank, inverter and charge controller
• Wood stove

3. Tiny Bungalow Drafting Ideas

With about 800-square feet of living space, two full bedrooms ― including a master suite ― and one full bath, the tiny bungalow design is all about stylish charm. It’s also the perfect design concept to apply drafting ideas like eco-friendly modernization, renewable energy production, dynamic outdoor spacing and sustainable construction material usage. 

Important tips:

• One of the main advantages of going with a tiny house is that it cuts down on your utility bills and thereby reducing your carbon footprint. You can take this a step further when drafting your bungalow-inspired tiny home. Windows accentuate the design of a bungalow and you can use this to your advantage by adding more and larger windows to your design. More windows means that you’ll allow more ambient light inside the home, which in turn reduces your need to flip on the lightswitch more than necessary. The extra windows will also allow adequate ventilation for your home, which can be a lifesaver during hot summer days.

• Drafting a tiny house bungalow may be a bit tricky if you are keen on keeping your floor area to a minimum. In this case, you may want to explore a high ceiling design for your bungalow, as it will give your home the illusion of having more space. This will also go well with the previous tip as higher ceilings allow you to install larger windows.

4. Small Cottage Drafting Ideas

Small cottages are about rustic storybook living concepts, so you want to work with a professional drafter who will bring that world to life on a smaller architectural scale, both aesthetically and symmetrically. Using natural building materials to create lower-level living appeal and upper-level loft-like bedrooms leave space for offices or reading rooms.

Important tips:

• Cottages come in a host of different designs and this makes it important that you discuss your plans carefully with your professional drafter or your contractor if you are drafting your own tiny house. The styles of cottages can range anywhere from a charming log cabin-style cottage to a fairy tale-inspired design. Collect pictures of your design inspirations that you can use as a reference during the planning stage. Don’t forget to discuss with your contractor your preferred materials for your cottage-style tiny home, as you can easily go over budget with some styles.

• You stay true to the concept of a tiny house if you used recycled or salvaged materials. Keep this in mind when drafting your cottage-inspired tiny home as some salvaged materials may not suit the look that you have in mind. This does not mean that your cottage design options will be restricted if you used salvaged materials. The key is to give yourself ample time when planning things out with your professional drafter and taking a gander at the materials that you’ll use when planning your design.

5. Tiny Loft Drafting ideas

Tiny loft drafting ideas can bring all the exclusive home concepts into this type of smaller rooms by utilizing space-saving innovation like cathedral ceilings, above floor sleeping lofts and ladder accessibility connecting the first and second floors. Adding on a few architectural touches like dormers and compact furniture will bring this design together.

Important tips:

• Higher walls and higher ceilings also work well in a loft-style tiny home. This will give you more head space  for your bedroom, which nine times out of ten will be located on the, well, loft.

• Pull-out cabinets and shelving on loft stairs are almost a given in most loft-style tiny houses. However, if you are limber enough, you may want to explore using a ladder instead to give you more free space to work with should the need for an extra space comes up.

Achieving your tiny home dream is much easier today, thanks to affordable drafting fees and cheaper building materials. It’s also an opportunity to design with a unique approach to building.

Window shutters have been around for a long time and gained popularity over the past few years as it is not only aesthetically appealing but also highly functional. What was once used as a security measure to provide defence from human and natural intervention has now become a great decorative option for home improvement.

Window shutter has become an integral part of the home decor irrespective of the architectural design. If you are still not sure why to use window shutter, here are some of the benefits it offers.

Why choose window shutters?

Makes your house look different: Perhaps, the greatest advantage of using a window shutter for the exterior or interior of your house is, it increases the curb’s looks. Charlie Jones from Shuttercraft says that updating your window treatments is an easy way to increase the value of your home. It helps your house look distinguished from the rest of the homes in your neighborhood. Moreover, these shutters come in various designs and styles and enhance the appearance of your home. Also, these shutters are an inexpensive option when compared to other decoration ideas and thus a homeowner can renovate it without getting set back by a huge amount giving your house a great makeover which will be any neighbor’s envy. 

Protection against elements: One of the other major functional benefits of installing an exterior shutter is protection from elements like wind, storms, etc. Modern windows are usually made of glass and are unable to protect your home from things that can crash into windows and break the glass when there is a huge storm or high winds. Using exterior shutters in such areas where there is a high likelihood of such occurrences will help in protecting the home against such elements. It also protects the windows from damage due to weather. 

Helps in air circulation: Natural air is essential for good health and air can circulate through the living space only when the windows are kept open. But keeping windows open means, there is no privacy and the easiest solution is to use shutters for good air circulation without needing to have your privacy compromised. 

Help reduce energy bills: Installing shutters, exterior or interior is a very effective way to reduce energy bills. Power consumption is greatly reduced all year long because closing the shutters during winter provides double insulation and helps to keep the living space warm. On the other hand, during the summers, the windows can be opened to allow fresh and cool breeze to come in and reduce the need for air conditioning. Having window shutters is an environmentally friendly option and also helps in reducing power bills. 

More security for your home: Installing window shutters adds another layer of security for your house. Windows are the main target for thieves, especially old homes are more vulnerable to such attacks as they can be easily broken into. By having protective shutters that have a locking system it becomes more difficult to break the windows and enter the house. Protective shutters also discourage theft attempts. 

How to choose a window shutters?

Before you delve into how to choose window shutters for your home there are a few things you will have to decide if you want only shutters for the inside or for the exterior of your house. 

• Interior shutters: These can act as an alternative for the traditional curtains that are hung on the windows in the room. It also helps in increasing the privacy of the room and blocks out light providing a great sleep environment. The drawback of having internal shutters is they may not provide great aesthetics to the room. 
• Exterior shutters: These are highly functional as they add privacy, provides protection against elements like wind, storm, etc and also block out light. It also greatly improves the curb appeal of your house. The only drawback is that it needs regular maintenance as it is exposed to harsh weather.

Types of shutters

Exterior stationary shutters

Louvered shutters: These are shutters that have horizontal slats and allows air and light to enter but prevents rain and sunshine from entering. It has a tilt rod that is placed vertically to lift the slats up and down to adjust the amount of light that enters the room. These are decorative options and is made of vinyl or wood. They come in various styles like

• Batten
• Raised board
• Plantation 

Hurricane shutters: These shutters are coverings to the window to protect from hurricanes that hurl flying objects. These shutters are sturdy when compared to other shutters and are manufactured from wood or aluminum. The hurricane shutters can either be fixed permanently or can be stored for future use. It comes in styles like

• Roll-down
• Accordion
• Storm

Interior shutters

Plantation shutters: This is the most popular choice of homeowners as it is aesthetically appealing and also allows light when opened and blocks when closed. One can choose wider slats to get more light or narrow ones to block it. 

Cafe style shutters: It is named so as it is used in French Cafes. These shutters are louvered and cover the bottom part of the window to give privacy while sitting. 

Solid shutters: These give the feel of a French house and can be installed as a single unit that can be folded to allow light or as a lower-slatted combination which allows light even when the shutter is closed. 

Ways to open shutters

• Panel fold-back: All the panels of the shutters can be folded back to get a full view of the outside world and also get sunlight.
• Tilting the slats: The slats are tilted in an angle so that it allows the needed light to trickle into the room. Useful for people who are looking for privacy but also want fresh air and light. 

Various shutter colors: If you think that window shutter colors are restricted to white then it is not so. It comes in numerous colors and ranges from subtle to bold or even custom-painted to suit your needs. 

Shutter maintenance: Just like how you should maintain the blinds of your windows by cleaning, the shutters will also need to be maintained to ensure longevity. But having said that it also depends on the material used and the location of the shutters. Indoor shutters will need less caring when compared to the exterior shutters. Exterior shutters will need to be cleaned weekly and also repaired after a storm or high wind event. The quality and materials are factors that will determine the amount of maintenance needed. 

Tips on how to select a shutter

• Select based on your home decor and your preferences
• Vinyl shutters are affordable and come in different shades and long-lasting. Wood is attractive and adds to curb appeal.
• Consider energy-efficiency when selecting shutters as that can save you money as well as eco-safe
• Don’t opt for the least expensive shutters as they may have compromised on quality.
• Measure the windows both inside and outside for the frame before selecting the style
• Compare various options before you decide.
• Match the color of the shutter with the existing window frames

Shutters are not only a great way to improve the curb appeal of your house but also has many functional benefits like adding security and privacy. Ensure that you choose shutters that suit the design of your house also consider the shutters that are easy to maintain without making a huge investment. 

To help guide you through the process, with ease and confidence finding a professional company that can help you make the right decision is recommended.

Your home is probably the largest investment you will ever make, but that doesn’t mean, once you settle down the work is done. There are a lot of things that can be done to enhance your home’s exterior.

One of the few outdoor features that have immense value in a home is the garage door. It can make or break your home’s first impression as it takes up almost 40% of your home’s façade. But did you know that your garage door can also help boost your home’s value?

Here are 5 ways your new garage door can add value to your home.

Enhanced Curb Appeal

Whether you want to take on your next home remodelling project or sell your property, improving the look of your exterior is an excellent idea. Most prospective buyers decide their next home based on the appearance of the property.

So, complement your home’s colour scheme and windows for a brighter look, or opt for bolder colours to make a garage door statement. Colouring your garage door is the perfect opportunity to create a contrast between the interior and exterior of the house. To further enhance the look, choose a unique panel style that matches the theme of your home.

Increased Energy Savings

New garage doors from Associated Garage Doors are sealed, insulated, and designed for energy efficiency. Did you know that an insulated garage door can increase your home’s value by 4%? Yes, you read that right. Installing an insulated garage door can help you save money on energy costs by maintaining the internal temperature of your garage and keeping outside air out. Insulation is especially essential for houses that have an attached garage. Furthermore, insulation can block the outside noise, as a result of which, your home and garage, can be more private and peaceful.

Improvements in Safety and Security

A safe home is of great value to you, your family, and of course, potential buyers. That being said, new garage doors come with newer features and technology that can keep your home safe and secure for years to come. Not only can you choose the material that your garage door is made out of, but you can also include photosensors that can prevent the door from closing when something or someone is in the way.

In addition, a garage door with up-to-date technology comes with fascinating security features such that not only keep intruders out but also give you instant updates on your smartphone.

Accommodating The Style Of Your Home

The type of garage door you must install depends upon the style of your home. For instance, if you have a Victorian or Colonial home, steel or wood carriage house doors will suit the best, as do iron hinges, handles, and other decorative hardware. Similarly, your new garage door should complement your home’s design. A modern garage door with stained wood and pebble and powder-coated glass is more suited for a contemporary home, while Craftsman homes featuring garage doors with arched, divided windows or double-hung wood windows can be more valuable.

Better Return on Investment

Unlike other home remodelling projects, installing a new garage door can increase the offer and asking price of your home. However, the return on investment that your new garage door will offer depends on numerous factors. It is, therefore, important that your new garage door has a great design and can be easily maintained.

Bottom Line

There is no doubt about the fact that installing a new garage door can get you the best value for your dollar. In fact, it might as well cost you less than most of the home improvement tasks.

Additionally, installing a modern garage door can increase the value of your home, boost its curb appeal, and help you sell your home faster (if you are planning to sell).

If you often find yourself working in remote locations where it is hard to carry multiple machines for various functions, an all-in-one machine can come in handy depending on your profession. Miners, for instance, are required to dig down deep or cover a wide area where they cannot carry all of their equipment.

As a welder, you will also find yourself working in a remote location where it would be cumbersome to carry many tools. Multi-function welder that can perform various functions will come in handy in such a scenario. The challenge comes in finding the best all-in-one welding machine that will enable you to carry out your activities effectively. Here are a few tips that can guide you in finding one.

Budget

Before you settle on a particular welding machine model, it is first important to determine what your maximum budget is, so that you can work within that range. You can then compare the machines that fall within your budget and determine which has features that would be of use to you the most. You must also consider the cost for accessories like helmets, jackets, gloves, gas and other consumables that you will be required to buy with your machine. Your budget will help you narrow down your options, then focus on the essential elements.

Welding Types

There are various types of welding. These include tig welding, stick welding, and mig or flux-core welding among others. Each particular type of welding has its type of welding machine. You will often find welders with several welding machines in their workshops for the different types. You can, however, invest in a welding machine that can perform multiple welding types instead of buying several welding machines. Just identify the type of welding you do the most and get an all in one machine.

Power Requirements

You need to understand and ask yourself what your power requirements will be. Remember, this is an all in one tool that will need enough power to perform various functions. It could be that you will need the machine for both welding and as a power source. You need, therefore, a tool that can conserve power and still perform to its optimum best. Power requirements also guide you to the type of energy to utilize with your machine. There are gasoline and battery-powered machines. Your choice will depend on the activities you will be using your machine for.

Machine Area of Operation

Consider the area that you will be using your machine the most. If it is within your workshop or generally around areas where you can easily find a power source, then you can go for one that does not need a large battery while not plugged in. Such will come at a cheaper price. If your work entails working in remote areas where it is impossible to find any plugged power source, then g for one with a battery large enough to hold as much charge as possible. It should be one with several functions to ensure that you do not have to tire yourself carrying an assortment of other tools.

Property management companies deal directly with prospective and actual tenants. These companies save you time and concern over advertising your rentals, gathering rent, supervising maintenance and repair issues, replying to tenant complaints, and pursuing evictions. 

Quality property managers easily can apply broad skill sets to unique situations they encounter on the job. Property managers ease with simplicity into situations that require secure communication, negotiation, customer service, and organizational skills. They should be knowledgeable and have the ability to manage more particular property-related concerns, like maintenance and repairs. 

When choosing the right property management company, you will be asking various questions to assess if the company or manager is the right fit to look after your rental units. While looking for the best property management companies, you also want a management team with a skilled and knowledgeable property manager. Here are five critical qualities that excellent property managers should possess. 

1. Solid Communication Skills

When looking for a quality property manager, you need one that can communicate with various types of people. A property manager will be dealing with tenants, property owners, vendors, and co-workers daily. If there is weak communication from your property manager, it could translate negatively on you. You want someone who can respond and answer questions in a timely matter. A property manager should communicate clearly, and easily accessible. Keeping lines of communication open with yourself and a property manager to build and maintain a strong relationship with tenants.

2.  Exceptionally Organized

Property management companies require managers that are incredibly detail-oriented and need high levels of organization. Handling multiple property owners, rental units, tenants, and administrative work can be overwhelming. An organized property manager can stay calm under pressure and the ability to multi-task while remaining detail-oriented. For example, a leaky roof might have been avoided if the property management company kept open communication with tenants and maintenance staff and had conducted a yearly evaluation of significant maintenance concerns such as the reliability of the roof and safety of stairs and railings. 

3. Superb Marketing Ability

Marketing is one of the responsibilities of a great property manager. Writing an eye-catching property description requires knowledge about the amenities of the rental unit and surrounding areas, as well as an understanding of how those conveniences will attract a specific tenant. Property managers need to have the marketing ability to write about properties, add information to your listing and your website, and develop the site itself so that the listing attracts reliable groups of tenants. A property manager with marketing experience will assist you in developing a website, and listing your properties for rent to make sure your advertising in the correct avenues to attract positive tenants. 

4. Provide Outstanding Customer Service

Excellent customer service and communication go together. For tenants, when they are communicating a question to the manager, they want an answer right away. Property managers can manage tenant inquiries, concerns and can problem-solve on the spot. Your property manager must provide excellent customer service to anyone they are dealing with. For example, if a tenant contacts the property management company about a possible leak in the roof of their apartment, the property manager needs to take urgent responsibility for this inquiry and treat the hole as an emergency and respond promptly. 

5. A Level of Experience

A quality property manager is aware that they are in the business of managing rental properties which means they understand while managing rental property units. There has to be a lever of professionalism in everything they do. 

Property managers need to be able to separate their emotions from decisions and situations and aim to do right by their clients. Property managers should be able to stay firm when it comes to the rules, and are not quickly taken advantage of by tenants. 

In Conclusion

A property management company will be able to successfully help you with your rental properties if they have a quality property manager leading the team. When you are searching for a company that matches you, be sure to question the company on their manager. You deserve a skilled team of experts in numerous fields such as human resources, engineering, training, and accounting to support the property manager to deliver the best service for your properties. 

If you’re going on a trip, you know how important it is to be prepared. Nothing’s worse than arriving at your destination and finding that you’ve packed the wrong clothes. You also don’t want to be caught without enough money to cover baggage fees if you’re flying, especially if you’ve packed more clothes and toys than you really need. In this article, we’ll talk about a few packing tips that will help you pack only what you need and be prepared for things like airline baggage fees.

Check the weather forecast for your destination

Image via Flickr by CHeitz

Nothing’s worse than going to Florida during winter thinking it’s going to be sunny, and you get hit with a rainstorm or freak snowstorm. Checking the weather will help you pack the correct clothes. It’s always good to have at least one outfit for unexpected weather.

Make a list of things you need for your trip

Where are you going and what do you plan to do while you’re there? Make sure you make a list of things you’ll need to take on your trip. Outside of clothes and underwear, this could include things like:

• Any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’ll need. Depending on the time of year, you might want to take allergy or cold medication in case your allergies act up or you start coming down with a cold while you’re on vacation.
• Anything you think you might want to have during any downtime on your vacation. This could include things like magazines, games, or e-books to keep yourself or other travelers occupied.
• Anything you’re going to need when you’re on the way to your destination. If you’re traveling on a plane for a long time, be sure to take ear plugs to block out engine noise, and maybe take a travel pillow with you.

If you’re flying, check baggage fees for the airline you’re using

Be sure to check the baggage fees for your chosen airline. You want to make sure you have enough to cover them — if you don’t, you might want to look at ways to reduce what you’re taking so all you need is a carry-on bag.

Pick out what you think you’ll need and reduce it to the essentials

It may sound insane, but when you reduce what you’re taking to the absolute essentials, you’ll save a lot of space and a lot of money. There are a lot of things you can buy once you reach your destination.

Use packing cubes or Ziploc bags

Packing cubes can help save a lot of space in your suitcase. Be sure to buy a good set so they last a long time. If you can’t afford packing cubes, you could always use large Ziploc bags instead.

These are just a few tips that will help you on your next trip. Following them will ensure that you don’t pack too much, that you have space in your suitcases for anything you might get while you’re on vacation, and that you don’t pay too much for airline baggage fees.

No single kitchen is complete without a sink. It is a necessary commodity that makes doing a lot of work in the kitchen easier. Even if you are not an avid chef or baker, it is important to invest in a good quality sink that will last you for many years to come. 

There are many options out there to select from, and as such, picking a good sink can be tricky. Ariel Sinks are always a great choice to go for, as they do contain several benefits that we will highlight below.

1. They are durable

Ariel kitchen sinks are quite long-lasting, as the majority are made of stainless steel. This material is of high quality which will enable you to enjoy your sink for a long time. Stainless steel is also great because it will not show any scratches and will retain its vibrant color.

2. Add a touch of elegance

The benefit of investing in a sink made of stainless steel is that it will help to add some class to the kitchen. Your sink or any other household appliance does not have to look like some piece of junk in your kitchen but can be used to add décor and elegance. Getting an ariel kitchen sink will achieve just that. BarterDesign.co has put together a list of some of the best sinks for your kitchen. Check them out and make your selection.

3. Soundproof

Ariel sinks are the best since they are designed in a manner to reduce noise while you are using them. The engineers took their time to create soundproofed sinks to ensure that you have an easier time in the kitchen, and you will be able to wash your dishes or do any other activity quietly.

4.Has a few accessory perks

The sink will contain a strainer that holds back little bits of food and prevents your sink from getting all clogged up. You will not have to contact your plumber more than you need to. Also, the Ariel Kitchen sink will have an allowance to include a garbage disposal feature, enabling you to remain eco-friendly.

Now that we have analyzed all the benefits of an Ariel Kitchen sink, the next step is to figure out how to use it. If you are remodeling, reconstructing your house or simply want to get a new sink, you have two options when it comes to installation. You could do it yourself, or you could get an expert to do the job instead. If you choose the former and do not know how to, worry not as there are many tutorials and videos online that will show you. However, if you are not sure, it is better to have it done by somebody else instead.

After proper installation, you should figure out all the features that the sink has and utilize them fully. Since your sink will be made of stainless steel, it will be quite easy to clean. Ensure that you do so regularly to retain that shine. Always use the strainer when doing dishes to prevent food particles from passing through. All in all, you are bound to have a great kitchen experience.

Moving is such a huge responsibility. For some, it is one of the most stressful things to do and a lot of people tend to feel overwhelmed. From packing and coordinating with movers to the unloading of boxes and setting up your new home, there are so many different tasks that you should keep organized. 

However, when you are preparing to move, there are also some hazards that you should avoid, as well as things you can do in making it much easier. In this article, written in collaboration with John Darnell a Washington DC real estate agent, we will guide you in making your move go a bit smoother and a bit easier. You will find that once you have done some planning and organizing, you will have time in enjoying various forthcoming changes in your life.

How to Organize Before a Move?

Here is a timeline on how to prepare and organize before a move. Use it in making the transition from your old home to a new one smoothly and stress-free.

Six Weeks before the Move

• Throw away, sell, or donate anything that you have not used during the last 6 months unless it is a useful tool or something that’s sentimental to you.
• Host a garage sale or make donations to get rid of any unnecessary items from your home.
• Take some measurements and pictures in your new home, in order to plan where the key pieces of furniture will go.
• Contact an insurance company so you can set up insurance in your new home or renter’s insurance if you are signing a lease contract.
• Create a binder or the moving folder where you can keep all your moving documents in one place.
• Buy essential packing supplies. Buy twice as much as you think you need.
• Notify the bill collectors off your new address.
• Make some travel arrangements if necessary. Book flights and hotels.
• Create a moving budget.
• Get estimates for movers and check their availability. Make sure that the company is insured, licensed, and has great references.

Four Weeks before the Move

• Arrange for your medical records to be sent to a new health-care provider or get copies of them. Ask for any referrals.
• Notify important parties like newspaper or magazine you subscribe to, utility companies, insurance, credit card, employer’s human resources department, brokerage firms, and banks about your new address.
• Go to your local post office and then fill out a change-of-address form. In the case of stragglers, it is always clever that you ask a close neighbor to look out for any mail after you have moved. Check them after the move, and again 2 weeks after.
• Choose your mover and get a confirmation of your moving date, costs, and some other details.
• Start packing the stuff that you use most often. While packing, you should note the items of special value, which may need additional insurance, form the moving company. Make sure to declare any items that are valued above $100 per pound, just like a computer.

Three Weeks before the Move

• Secure the movers and organize with friends and family if they are going to help with the move.
• Plan the layout of your new home so you might be able to provide clear and concise direction on a moving day.
• Download a moving planner application on your phone, which lets you take pictures of boxes and write short descriptions of what is in them.
• Prepare garage items first as they are not regularly used, dispose of paints and cleaning chemicals properly, drain liquids from small engines, and break down toys.
• Start to pack the things that you do not use regularly. Number or label them. Use your moving planner application for you to stay organized all the time.
• Ask for a day off from work to move.
• Call the utilities to shut off their services a day or two following the move date. You should give yourself extra time from work to move.

Two Weeks Before The Move

• If you have access to your new home, consider painting the walls and getting the carpets cleaned.
• Get serious about your packing. Pack bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets leaving out just what you need for the next two weeks.
• Check the freezer, begin to plan meals, based on what is left, in order to eliminate waste and to save money.
• Back up necessary files on the computer or tablets, in case something bad happens to them in moving.
• Take everything off your wall, wrap it if needed and pack it up.
• Separate the valuables. Anything that has high value, like antiques or jewelry, is something that you might want to put to one side and move by hand.

One Week before the Move

• Make some final donation. You may find some more stuff that you should get rid of.
• Refill the prescriptions that you need for the next month so that they are not forgotten.
• Address any minor repairs, which are necessary before moving, in order to get your security deposit back, when applicable.
• Pack the suitcases for every person at home with clothes for several days.
• Pack your kitchen –group them by the task. Mark the boxes that you must unpack first with any symbol you want.
• Pack your living room –put the hardware in labeled plastic bags for easy access,
• Confirm the moving date with your chosen movers.
• Schedule utilities to come on at your home.

Two Days before the Move

• Move the boxes into the main room and give each room of the house the last cleaning.
• Make sure that everything is off the walls and out of cabinets and closets.
• Disassemble furniture, in case the movers won’t do it.
• Make a kit for the things you will be needing right away after moving, just like:
• Comfort items for your kids
• Small electronics
• Phone numbers of movers
• Towels and dish soap
• Razors, shampoo, soap
• Shower curtain
• Small tool kit
• First aid kit
• Cellular phones and chargers
• Paper plates, paper towels, and toilet paper
• Trash bags
• Food for several days
• Medications
• Bedding
• Give the initial payment to the movers’ service. You may also wish to get cash out, which you can use to tip the movers.

Moving Day

• Break down the beds.
• Wrap the mattresses with plastic wrap, to preserve their cleanliness.
• Give the movers a tour of the home.
• Finish cleaning the home.
• Supervise the movers while they move your stuff.
• Do one last walkthrough. Look into the closets, cabinets, and drawers, in order to make sure that you have everything.
• Start to unpack your new home!

With this moving timeline, you might be able to move your stuff from your old home to your new ones stress-free! Furthermore, you will also be certain that everything will be alright. After all, knowing how to organize before a move is better than cramming during the moving day.  

Final Thoughts

Moving might be such a huge leap in your life, but it is a big responsibility. Further, it’s one of the most stressful things to do. From packing and coordinating with the movers, to the unloading of boxes and setting up your new house, there are so many tasks that you must keep organized. But once you are done with the planning and organizing, you will have time to enjoy the amazing impending changes in your life.

Take time in planning and organizing your move, surely, this will lead you to a much better, lesser stressful, and more enjoyable moving. Planning and preparing to move from your house to another will involve a lengthy to-do list, but you have a lifespan to set up your new house the way you want it to be. We wish you all the best and happy moving!