4 Tips for Moving Across the Country

Planning for a big move in the near future? Overwhelmed by everything? Check out this list of the top 4 tips for moving across the country!

While fewer Americans move these days, around 10 percent still make the decision each year.

For many, this means a long-distance move that comes with the stress of figuring out how to transport all their items, learning about their new neighborhood, and getting their documents updated.

Whether your cross-country move is due to a new job, family, or just a desire to start fresh, you should start planning early before you decide to just start packing up. Doing so will save you time, money, and a lot of stress!

Try these four tips for moving across the country.

1. Carefully Choose What to Bring With You

To reduce your moving costs and avoid cluttering up your new place, you need to really cut down on your belongings.

When preparing for a cross-country move, think about which large items to take. For example, if you have an old car and plan to fly to your new home, paying a large shipping fee may not make sense. You'll also want to think about items like furniture and pianos.

In any case, go through all your stuff and donate or sell unneeded items.

2. Learn More About Your New Neighborhood Beforehand

One of the best tips for moving cross country is to get to know your new area in advance. This can mean either visiting before the move or doing careful research online.

For example, you may want to research the job market so that you're prepared to find employment once you move. You'll also want to know about local stores, doctors and dentists, government offices, and schools.

You can see this page for more advice.

3. Pack Your Items Strategically

Depending on which mode of transport you use to move, you may be separated from most of your items for a long time. This means that you need to carefully consider which items to take with you versus those the movers will handle.

While putting away kitchen items, seasonal items, and toys makes sense, you'll want to bring important documents and personal care items with you. The last thing you'll want is to get stuck on a delayed flight to your new home and not have the basics.

4. Find the Right Moving Company

Hiring a great moving company is some of the best moving across country advice when you want your items transported safely and conveniently. While a local move might be easy with a few friends and a truck, a DIY long-distance move can bring more headaches than it's worth. For this reason, consider searching online for “best long distance movers near me”, for example, to find reputable services in your area. This can help you compare different companies, read reviews, and ensure you’re choosing the right mover for your needs.

For the easiest experience, you can hire a distance moving company that packs, loads, and unloads your items. Just check that they have good reviews and will insure your items. You'll also want to make sure they arrive at your new place when you will! Our recommendation is CarsArrive Auto Relocation.

Use These Tips for Moving Across the Country

While a long-distance move likely won't be stress-free, using this advice to plan can allow for a smoother transition.

You can also try even more tips for moving across the country. These include staying in close contact with your movers, updating your driver's license, and handing the address change process.

Our blog has even more helpful advice for your move. Be sure to go check out our other posts.

Boho Decor Ideas to Style Your Home

The world of interior design is full of amazing décor ideas, however, among so many of them, one seems to really pop. Of course, we’re talking about the Bohemian design. Boho is the perfect choice of interior design style for anyone who wants to create a relaxed and cozy environment that not only emphasizes the “lived-in” vibe but also embraces the unique and quirky.

While this is arguably one of the most customizable décor style and no two Boho rooms are even similar, there are still some décor elements that truly enhance the Bohemian vibe. That being said, here are some beautiful Boho décor ideas to help you style up your home and turn it into a real personal oasis. 

Fill your space with unique décor items

As mentioned earlier, Boho is one of the interior design styles that truly leaves a lot of room for customization. What this means is that no element of the décor will feel off or out of place if you just stick to a single rule – try to make your space feel truly your own. What this means is that you should focus on obtaining unique décor pieces that truly reflect your personal aesthetics. Since the Boho style also embraces the mix of different cultures, consider elevating the décor with a stunning décor piece, such as the hand-carved Balinese animal skull lamp. For more inspiration and different design ideas check out skullbliss.com.

Put textures front and center

The mix of different textures is another staple of the Bohemian décor. Choosing to implement different materials of varying textures will easily help you create that cozy, homey vibe Boho is known for. So, when choosing proper materials to fill your space with, make sure you go for a variety of textures and finishes. For instance, pairing a wooden or even rattan table with a fluffy woolen rug and topping it all of with a nice velvet or corduroy sofa will instantly help you create the Boho vibe you were aiming at. Also, mixing different patterns and styles is more than welcome in a Boho setting. Not only will this add some pizzazz to your interior but it will also create a beautiful layered look that will add more interest and depth to your space.

Go for the Boho color scheme

Now, since the Bohemian style has plenty of sub-genres, such as the Boho-chic, romantic Boho and even Boho-goth, it’s really difficult to talk about a single Boho color scheme. That being said, warm, deep and earthy tones are some of the staples of the Boho design. Jewel tones and metallic finishes also play a key role. Of course, depending on the sub-genre you’re aiming at, the hues and staple tones will vary. However, these offer a great base to build the rest of your design upon. 

Make it cozy and inviting

Finally, keep in mind that the Bohemian style puts a lot of emphasis on coziness. That’s why you need to be very picky when it comes to choosing your furniture. Big comfortable sofas and inviting armchairs are just the tip of the iceberg. Aside from them, you should also add plenty of throw pillows and blankets to make your interior scream “comfort”. Also, consider layering window treatments, such as drapes and curtains, to add more depth to your space. In the end, scatter some sitting pillows and ottomans throughout your interior and make anyone visiting your home feel truly welcome to sit back, relax and make themselves at home.

There are plenty of reasons why the Bohemian design style is so popular. However, the customizability of the style and the fact that it really enables you to create an environment that feels warm and welcoming are the main factors that really set this style apart. 

Five Profitable Business Ideas To Do This Year

A business idea is something that can end up forming into something highly successful, and many individuals will go through life trying to bring those ideas to life and having a business that’s profitable, no matter how long it lasts. Not all business ideas can work, but if it’s something you’ve always wanted to try, then it’s worth giving a go. Here are five profitable business ideas to do this year.

Investing In The Property Market

The property market has a lot of advantages, and when it comes to making money, this is a market where you can make a serious amount of it. However, you want to have an idea of where you want to invest in the property market. It might be that you want to flip houses, so you’ll buy them and then upgrade them so that they’re marketed for a lot more and sold for a profit. You may want to go down the route of buying properties to rent out to others and then have the profit come in through multiple funnels of income each month. There’s also the opportunity of investing in property without having to deal with any physical aspect of it. Try and do the research on the property market so that it gives you an idea of what’s out there and what’s available for the money that you have to work with. When investing in the property market, it’s worth having a savings fund available to start yourself off on. You might also want to explore starting a property management company too.

Handmade Gifts

Handmade gifts are a great idea when it comes to starting a business, and this can be anything from handmade soaps to jewelry or clothing. There are great platforms like Etsy and eBay, which can allow you to sell your products very easily online and to a global market. Many individuals have already done and are very successful in it too. When it comes to making these products, as they’re handmade, they’re also unique, which is often the most appealing thing about them. If you’re thinking of making handmade gifts, try to narrow down what you’d want to make and produce.

Clean Beauty

Clean beauty is all the rage nowadays as people start to learn about the impact that we can have on our environment and the influence that the beauty industry contributes to it. That’s why you’re going to see a lot more brands who aren’t animal testing and trying to be vegan-friendly and organic. If you’re thinking of starting a beauty business, then it’s definitely an industry that is thriving and is a billion-dollar market already. There will always be a need for clean beauty, whether it’s makeup products or skincare, so consider what products you’d like to create, the branding, and you can easily get yourself started just by promoting the products via social media channels.

Because you will be working on people's skin and face, you will want to be protected in case they have an allergic reaction or sustain other injuries from your treatments and day-to-day business operations. You can visit https://www.insurebodywork.com to consider insurance types and coverage details before starting your beauty business.

Becoming An Influencer

This is definitely the decade of the influencer, and there’s a lot to be said for those who are influencers and how much money they can make through their social media handles. From YouTube to Instagram, these platforms have managed to turn everyday individuals into superstars and you’ll see that more of the traditional celebrities that were around before social media existed are now flocking to partner up with influencers in order to stay relevant. If you’re interested in becoming an influencer then you are certainly going to want to invest in the right equipment. Many who start off are going to have to do everything themselves from monitoring their social media channels, taking and editing photos for content, and creating business opportunities from themselves. It’s certainly a one-man or one-woman job, to begin with, but if you are willing to put in the effort, it can be very fulfilling financially.

Self-Publishing

One of the biggest benefits that have come from the internet is that there’s a lot more that people can do that might have only been exclusive to certain people before. Self-publishing for instance is much more profitable thanks to the internet, and even though publishing houses are still needed, everyone has an opportunity to publish their own book successfully. If you’re someone who has a talent for writing, then it’s definitely worth pursuing. 

With these five profitable business ideas, you will certainly have plenty to start off with if you’re thinking of doing it yourself. Find out what you’re good at and do the research to find out if it’s something that’s profitable.

Staying legal - tips for new drivers

New drivers have a lot to think about. All of a sudden, there’s no driving instructor seated inches away, proffering constant reminders on the basics. Are we checking our mirrors regularly? Are we signalling before we change lane? Are we travelling at the right speed and observing the correct stopping distances relevant to weather conditions? Eventually, these things become second nature (just like learning to ride a bike or play the drums, elements of muscle memory eventually start to take over). Before new drivers have a need to ask questions such as ‘do you need a lawyer for a DUI?’, we’re going to look at tips for people who are fresh on the roads (hint: never drink drive and you’ll never need to ask the question!). Let’s get started. 

Mirror mirror on the car…

New motorists could be forgiven for not fully appreciating the inherent dangers of a blind spot whilst driving. This can be a little difficult to understand in the beginning, but the tips are as follows. If you can see a car (or anything else in the road such as a traffic cone), the car/object should transition seamlessly from your peripheral vision to being seen in your side mirrors as you pass. If this does not happen, and there is a short gap between seeing the car/object out of the side of your vision and then catching the first glimpse in the mirror, there is a blind spot that must be addressed. In order to improve the situation, adjust your mirrors such that your car seat is no longer visible in the reflection. This means angling your mirrors outwards (you don’t need to see the edge of your own car seat in the reflection, this is a wasted portion of the mirror). Also, the rear-view mirror should be adjusted such that you do not have to move your head very much - most of the movement should be done with your eyes. 

Dry your brakes

Again, this is a tip that many new drivers will not appreciate, but it is potentially life-saving. Driving in wet weather is an occupational hazard that faces all motorists. When the rain beats down and the window wipers are on full speed, we’d all rather be sitting on the sofa at home. In order to make sure we get home safely, we must all remember to dry our brakes after the wet weather ends (or even after driving through a puddle). To do this, press the brake pedal a handful of times for a couple of seconds. This will generate heat on the brakes, drying them quickly. 

But remember … when drying your brakes, your vehicle will slow down, so try to do it in a safe place! 

The top 5 states to visit in America

One of the best things about traveling around America is that each state is so different. From the food to the culture, the weather to the terrain - even the slang! The difficulty with this is having too many to choose from when it comes to planning a trip! 

Florida

The Sunshine State is the perfect destination if you’re a fan of beautiful weather. Of course, for thrill-seekers, or those on the hunt for magic, the theme parks in Orlando are a must-visit, but there is so much more to this beautiful state. Although Miami Beach is iconic, don’t miss out on the museums, art galleries, and even the Zoo! If you are injured on one of your excursions in Florida, head to the Wesley Chapel personal injury lawyer website for more info. 

California

You can’t visit the Golden State without also heading to the Golden Gate bridge, and soaking up all there is to see in San Francisco - from visiting the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, to experiencing history on Alcatraz Island. There is so much to do in San Fran. If you’re looking for a little more relaxation, head to LA and enjoy the glitz, glamour, beautiful beaches, and even more beautiful people! 

Colorado 

There is nothing quite comparable to the natural beauty of Colorado. The majesty of the Rockies, and the luscious rolling hills, not to mention the incredible wildlife, make Colorado ideal for adventurers who enjoy the outdoors. Whether you want to fly fishing or skiing, mountain climbing, or horseback riding, Colorado is the place to be - but be sure not to leave without trying a Honeycrisp apple! 

Nevada 

Of course, Las Vegas is the number one place to visit when you’re in Nevada, but there is more to this state than the gambling and glamor that Sin City has to offer. When you’ve exhausted the casinos and seen all the shows, head across to the Hoover Dam for something entirely different. If you want to soak up a little culture, try the Nevada State Museum in Carson City, or for something more active, a hike around Red Rock Canyon. 

Hawaii 

There are few places in the world, quite as idyllic as Hawaii. One of the most stunning locations, Hawaii, has views that will take your breath away from golden beaches, to luscious rainforests and magical waterfalls. Relaxation is the main way of life on a trip to Hawaii, but if you do want to be more active, there are plenty of opportunities to try a range of water sports, including

Things To Consider When Marketing Your Home

When we look into selling our homes, we are going to want a number of things in place to ensure that it runs smoothly. We will need all the paperwork taken care of first and all your lawyers ready to assist. You may have already looked into a public adjuster for any legalities that don’t quite go right and therefore once these are all taken care of, you will want to start marketing your home in a positive and impactful way.

Marketing the right way…

When you search for any company, service or product online you often read reviews in order to get an honest assessment regarding the item you are considering buying or the company you are thinking about using. Your home should not be any different. Some great testimonials can certainly go a long way even if you think they seem irrelevant. They present a fantastic way of selling your home and the neighborhood, which is a key factor when purchasing. What is the area like as a whole? What is the crime rate like? What amenities are there? What kind of things can you do in the area, and what is the financial progression shaping up to look like over the next ten years. Is it booming, is it struggling economically. This alone will lower the valuation of your home. 

Use your neighbors and friends to work with you to put together some positive testimonials for you. Ensure there is a nice variation about different aspects of the area. Do not only ask for testimonials about your property but also about the local area, the community and the neighbours. You want to paint a picture of the good quality of living the buyer will benefit from if they sign on the dotted line. 

Don’t overpaint it…

You don’t want to put dazzling reviews in always because this feels forced and fake but rather look at the bigger picture. By stating ‘this hose is amazing’ you are not actually providing the buyer with any good quality information, but rather ‘there is plenty of room for expansion and the area is generally safe and secure’. Moreover, don’t only opt for reviews that state ‘this property is amazing, I love the character of the main bedroom and the spacious bathroom…’ Don’t just point out the obvious. Be sure that you include interesting and captivating stories about the area; whether that’s related to children’s growth and development and the new jobs opening in the area from new investments. Any investments made to the area is going to be a great selling point.   

Financial stability of an area will also provide the new buyers with a good standing point in the future if they choose to sell. Buying into a good area economically, is going to mean that more hobs are likely to become available and a higher demand for real estate. If your area is not booming, then it’s good to focus on the things that are working and a possibility for change in the future.