5 Tips for Having a Stress Free Moving Experience

 This is a guest post by Alex Berger from The Berger Bungalow.

I haven’t exactly moved a *ton* in my life. However, I’ve done it enough to know the basic dos and dont’s when it comes to moving, and I’m going to have to tune-up my skills very soon, because we are moving next month! I know that a ton of others are moving right now, as well, so I thought that it would be very handy and timely to share all of my best tips for having a sress-free moving experience, because I know that a lot of the time, it is FAR from stress-free. I think that with a little intention, a positive mindset, and of course, lots of handy tips, it can be a relatively stress-free (and dare I say, fun?) experience! Here are some of the tips that I am using for this moving experience of mine, that you can hopefully copy and use for your move, too! – 

Be prepared to spend more than you expect

If you can be prepared about this aspect of the move, that would save you so much trouble! To be honest, it’s been seven years since I last moved and when I purchased our home last time, I really didn’t have many out-of-pocket expenses because 1) we moved ourselves, 2) we were still in college when we purchased this house, so we rolled all closing cost expenses into our loan, and 3) we didn’t spend much up-front on any renovations, additions, etc. With this upcoming move, we are spending much more. I mean, our down payment alone is a huge cost, and although I sort of expected it, I didn’t remember how much all the things added up to be (like a $600+ appraisal, a $1,000+ home inspection, repairs, moving costs, etc. etc. etc.). And as a seller, the agent commissions will also be factored into your budget. Since this is our first time selling, that was news to me! Needless to say, just go into the process knowing what to expect and always prepare to spend more than you are estimating so that you aren’t shocked during the process.

Start prepping as early as possible

So, the timing of our move is a bit crazy. We are headed to Ireland in two weeks, and the day after we get back, we close on our current home. Then, the next day, we close on our new home. Seriously crazy timing! Hopefully, if you are moving, you won’t have as crazy as a timeline as we do, but either way, you will want to start prepping as early as possible. Create a packing plan - don’t wait until the last minute, or else you will be majorly stressed. Trust me on that one! How are we doing it? Well, we are trying to pack up at least one box a day, until we can’t anymore. There will be some things that you just won’t be able to pack up until the week-of, or day-of. But, everything else (like things in your attic, clothes that are off-season, guest rooms, etc.) can definitely be packed away until your move. In addition to the one box a day plan, we are also setting aside each weekend to tackle one major room at a time. Last weekend, we tackled the guest room. Everything in there is packed up now! This upcoming weekend, we asked my sister to come help us with our daughter, and we are packing up the entire attic and garage. Needless to say, prep and pack as early as possible, to reduce your stress in the long-run!

Give yourself flex time

If it is at all possible, give yourself flex time. We have an extra week between the time we get our new home and the time that we have to move out of our old home. This means that we will be able to clean before we move in our things, do any renovations, and slowly move in, instead of having to rush to do everything on 1-2 days. Spreading things out, taking it slowly, and not having to rush or worry DEFINITELY reduces your stress during this process.

Consider pets and kids

If you are moving with pets and kids, you know how stressful things can get, even without a move on your plate. To make sure that you are having a stress-free moving experience, make sure you consider your pets and kids and make a plan. Hire a babysitter, have family help, or board your dogs (or cats!) for a few days. Just think through every scenario and make a good plan based on your life situation, wants, and needs. Thinking this through ahead of time will help you greatly, especially when it comes to your stress. Plus, having someone help with animals and kids will help you get things done faster, too.

Spend the extra money on movers

Last but not least, spend the extra money on movers. I know, I know - it can be challenging to spend that extra money during an already expensive move, but it’s worth it! This time around, we have HEAVY things to move. A washer, dryer, gym equipment, a fridge, beds, couches, etc. etc. I don’t think it will be possible to move it all ourself, with our daughter and 2 dogs. Even if we had a babysitter! I am 30-years-old and I am strong, but I’m not up for moving my entire house anymore (am I getting old?!). You will want to find movers with a great reputation, such as Movin’ which is a moving company that has great reviews. They do commercial moving near Salt Lake City, safe moving, residential moving, apartment moving, packing services, and more. They say, “We are a Moving Company based out of Salt Lake City, UT. We offer white glove moving services which mean we will accomplish any job with the utmost quality. We take pride in our effort to be the best and it shows in our quality of work. Give us a call or stop by our website for a quote today! Combining years of experience in the moving and service industry, Movin’ has established a reputation for quality work and the highest customer satisfaction. Our VISION is to cater to all of your moving day needs personally and professionally. Our GOAL is to provide you with a great moving day experience that will alleviate all the financial, emotional, and physical stress caused by the many challenges of moving. Our CALLING is to serve our community.”

How To Help Your Aging Parents Deal With Loneliness

 How To Help Your Aging Parents Deal With Loneliness

Elder loneliness is a harsh reality in the US since older people are likelier to live alone here than anywhere else in the world. A recent Pew Research Center study discovered that 27% of adults aged 60 and above live alone compared to 16% of adults in the 130 countries and territories examined. The effects of loneliness on elders extend beyond mere social isolation since it puts them at a higher risk of several conditions and even death. Luckily, there's a lot you can do to make your aging parents less lonely. Here's how to help your aged parents deal with loneliness.

1. Keep in touch

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Your parents may not be able to drive or may be afraid of taking to the roads due to more traffic and slower reaction times. As such, you will have to do all the visiting to stay in touch with them as they age. Regular visits can give your parents something good to look forward to, so they are never weighed down by loneliness. You can simply drop by for a chat or a cup of tea or plan fun days out with other relatives to make your visit more memorable. These visits will also help you identify and fix key problems in their home to take better care of them. Alternatively, you can keep in touch through regular phone calls, texts, and video chat if you can't visit.

2. Put them in a nursing home

It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans currently live in nursing homes for various reasons ranging from specialized healthcare needs to assistance with daily living. Nursing homes are also excellent for their social needs since they provide several socialization opportunities that might not be accessible at home or elsewhere. Your aging parents will be surrounded by their peers in a nursing home, so they will always have someone to talk to. What's more, these homes organize fun social activities for seniors like karaoke, board games, group walks, and birthday parties. You can partner with a nursing home advisor to find the right place for your parents if you can't decide on the many available options, so keep this in mind.

3. Teach them about technology

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Lonely seniors enjoy more socializing opportunities with technology, so it is best to teach them how to navigate it. If you cannot teach your parents how to use smartphones, social media, and computers yourself, you can send the grandkids over for a few helpful lessons. The mere act of teaching your aging parents something new is an excellent social opportunity itself, and the lessons will help them be even more social. For instance, you can teach them how to use an ai character chat bot to ensure they'll have someone to talk to at all hours of the day. Seniors can also learn how to reach their family members anytime through video chat to keep them amused and socially connected. Furthermore, they can additionally learn how to use social media, find classes in their area, and join forums to interact with like-minded people. However, the FBI reports that seniors lost almost $1 billion through elder scams in 2020 alone. Therefore, teach your parents about online privacy and how to spot common scams to keep them safe.

Food Prices Are Soaring, But You Still Needn't Get Burnt In The Kitchen

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As food prices increase at rates that we haven’t seen in decades, it’s easy to assume that increases in grocery costs are an inevitable part of life right now. The trouble is that, for families who were already paying a great deal for their weekly food shop, this additional cost can feel like too much to bear.

This is especially true when you pair raising food costs with general inflation of around 7.5%. Luckily, while we can’t impact general inflation and its effects on things like household bills, grocery increases are, at least, something that we can manage if we put our minds to it.

That’s not to say you can entirely overcome paying anything extra in this area over the coming months, but it does at least mean that you can try to keep costs around the level that they were before by simply perfecting priorities like the following. 

Step 1: Pay with the right card

Though it may seem strange to use a credit card to ultimately save yourself money, the fact that many credit card providers offer as much as 2-6% of cashback at nationwide supermarkets means that you can at least reduce the impact of increases by paying this way. By taking the time to consider the best possible options for this benefit with the help of companies like Compare Credit, you can especially ensure that you’re getting almost as much back as the extra you’re spending in the first place. If you pair this with the ability to pay credit card bills as soon as they come through your letterbox, you can at least ease the sting you’ll inevitably feel here otherwise. 

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Step 2: Cut back on meat

With meat currently costing around 21% more than it did in 2021, reducing meat products to one or two meals a week can also significantly help to reduce food expenses overall. This is by no means a new concept, but the cost-cutting benefits of surprisingly affordable protein and iron-rich alternatives like lentils and beans are coming even more into their own right now. Even better, the ability to store these items in the long term can save on food wastage, which will also help to cut back on overall costs here. 

Step 3: Cook in batches

Speaking of reducing waste, cooking in batches is another more financially sustainable way to continue cooking your own meals. As well as saving on the risk of having to throw away food, having affordable meals like chilis and curries in the freezer can especially cut down on the need for shopping trips that leave you at risk of the expensive impulse buys that many of us are guilty of otherwise. And, you’d be amazed how much of a difference that can bring to your monthly grocery outlays overall. 

Cost of food increases are undeniably daunting for those of us with families to sustain, but weathering the change using these simple techniques is guaranteed to make this an easier adjustment than you might be expecting. 

 

Too Busy At Work? Quick & Healthy Lunch Ideas You Need!

 How much money do you spend per week on your working lunches? So many people spend cash every single day buying lunches from the local takeout stands, not thinking about what could be nourishing. A healthy lunch is harder to come by with all of the prepacked options on the shelves, and quick and healthy lunch ideas are absolutely necessary so that you can enjoy your meals and feel energized at work at the same time. 

Almost every day, you can whip up a healthy breakfast and a nutritious dinner, even if you have a slow cooker going all day you can make your evening meal a hearty one. So how can you ensure your lunches are the case? And what are your options? You can batch cook and bring your own lunches as standard - it’s the best option if you want to ensure that you are eating really well! Whether you are whipping up Vietnamese pho from Nourished Kitchen or you are putting on a large portion of chili ready to be frozen, your lunches should make you feel full and nourished all at once. Below, we’ve got some quick and healthy lunch ideas that’ll ensure you are well fed while you’re at work.

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1. Embrace veggies. You don't have to be a vegetarian to really enjoy your veggies, and vegetables don't have to be boring, either. You can enjoy vegetables in a myriad of ways, from a quinoa veggie bowl with a tahini dressing to a delicious vegetable soup. While you’re working, you want to be able to think straight and a big part of that will be in what you eat to get you through the day. If you’re eating foods that make you feel sluggish, you’re going to find it much harder to concentrate. 

2. Bake a batch of muffins. While the muffins at the coffee shops are delicious, we’re talking savory muffins over sweet. Veggie muffins or mini frittatas are the perfect option for work as they’re easy to grab and can be eaten with a hearty side salad. You can even bring that veggie soup you made and use the soup as a dip! Your muffin making skills will show off a little of what you can do and you’ll feel fuller for longer in the office as a result. 

3. Try out loaded potatoes. Slicing up pre baked sweet potatoes and loading them up with your choice of toppings is a good way to go if you want something healthy and filling. Adding fresh salsa, refried beans and greens will ensure that you get the fulfilling meal that you’re looking for - and not a burger in sight!

4. Explore your wrap options. Wraps don't have to be all carb-y and boring. You can do so much with wraps and you can use large green lettuce leaves if you want something more fulfilling than a regular wrap. Veggies with fish or eggs, meats in strips with cheeses and even meatball wraps all work for you.

14 Easy Ways To Spruce Up Your Backyard!

 Your backyard is your own personal oasis - a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the great outdoors. But if it's been a while since you've given your backyard a makeover, it might be time for an update.

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

Here Are 14 Easy Ways To Spruce Up Your Backyard And Make It Look Its Best:

1. Add Some Color

One easy way to update your backyard is to add some color. This can be done by planting flowers or adding colorful outdoor furniture or decor. Adding color will instantly make your backyard more inviting and enjoyable.

2. Create A Cozy Seating Area

Another way to update your backyard is to create a cozy seating area. This can be done by buying an outdoor dining table, adding a patio or deck, setting up a fire pit, or adding some comfortable outdoor couches or chairs. A cozy seating area is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your backyard.

3. Add Some Privacy

Consider adding a fence or hedge if you're looking for ways to update your backyard and make it more private. This will give you some much-needed privacy and make your backyard feel like its own oasis. In addition, privacy will also increase the value of your home.

4. Get Rid Of Weeds And Debris

Weeds and debris can ruin the look of your backyard and make it feel unkempt. To update your backyard, be sure to remove any weeds or debris that might be present. This will give your backyard a neater appearance and make it more inviting.

5. Add Some Lighting

Adding some soft lighting to your backyard is a great way to make it more inviting and enjoyable. You can add solar lights along your walkways, string lights around your seating area, or even install landscape lighting. Adding lighting will make your backyard feel more like an extension of your home.

It creates a more inviting atmosphere, but it can also be used for safety purposes. When adding lighting to your backyard, be sure to choose weather-resistant and durable fixtures.

6. Get Rid Of The Clutter

One easy way to instantly update your backyard is to get rid of any clutter that might be taking up space. This could mean donating old furniture or toys, storing away seasonal items, or simply getting rid of anything that you no longer use or need. Getting rid of the clutter will make your backyard feel more spacious and inviting.

7. Bring In Some New Plants

Another easy way to update your backyard is to bring in some new plants. This could include adding flowers, shrubs, or even trees. Adding new plants will help give your backyard a fresh and vibrant look. In addition, plants can also help to provide privacy and increase the value of your home.

8. Add A Water Feature

Adding a water feature to your masterpiece is a great way to make your backyard more enjoyable and relaxing. Water features can include anything from a small fountain to a large pond. Adding a water feature will help to create a tranquil and serene atmosphere in your backyard.

9. Paint Or Stain Your Fencing

If you have a fence around your backyard, consider painting or staining it. This will help to give your backyard a fresh and new look. In addition, painting or staining your fence will also help to protect it from the elements and increase its lifespan.

10. Add A Fire Pit

A fire pit is an awesome way to make your backyard more enjoyable. Fire pits can be used for cooking, entertaining, or just relaxing. Adding a fire pit will definitely make your backyard stand out.

11. Plant A Veggie Garden

If you love to cook, consider planting a veggie garden. This is a great way to get fresh produce for your family and save money at the grocery store. Planting a veggie garden is also a great way to get your kids involved in gardening.

12. Install An Outdoor Kitchen

If you love to cook outdoors, consider installing an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular and can really make your backyard stand out. Outdoor kitchens can include features such as grills, sinks, and refrigerators.

13. Add A Pergola

A pergola is a great way to add style and functionality to your backyard. Pergolas can be used for shading, entertaining, or even just as a decorative element. Adding a pergola will definitely make your backyard stand out. There are different styles of pergolas available, so checking out COLORBOND pergolas and other similar types, will show you what will fit in with your backyard.

14. Hang String Lights

Hanging string lights is a great way to add ambiance to your backyard. String lights can be hung from trees, fences, or even on poles. Hanging string lights will help your backyard look its best and make it more inviting.

In Conclusion

These are just some of the many easy ways to update your backyard and make it look its best. You can easily transform your backyard into your own personal oasis by following these tips.