Tips on Moving to the Countryside: How to Start Your New Life

If you're considering moving to the countryside, there are a few things you need to know before taking the plunge. Moving is always a big decision, and when you add in factors like changing your lifestyle and leaving behind all of your friends and family, it can seem downright daunting. This blog post will give tips on starting your new life in the country.

1) Do your research: 

The first step to making any big decision is doing your research. When it comes to moving to the countryside, you need to think about things like what kind of lifestyle you want, where you want to live, and how you're going to make a living. There's a lot to consider, so take your time and really think about what you want before making any decisions.

If you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online and in libraries that can help you learn more about country living. You can also talk to people who have already made a move and get their insights on what it's like.

2) Build a sustainable house:

One of the great things about moving to the countryside is that you have the opportunity to build your own sustainable home. If you're not familiar with sustainable building, it basically means using materials and construction methods that are environmentally friendly and will help reduce your carbon footprint.

There are a lot of different ways to build sustainably, so do some research and find out what would work best for you. You can also talk to local builders and get their input on what's possible in your area.

Find a team of Home Builder Commercial that will help you to design and construct your dream home.

3) Start a vegetable garden:

Another great way to be more sustainable is to start your own vegetable garden. This can be a great way to save money on groceries and eat healthy, fresh food that you've grown yourself. It's also a fun project that the whole family can get involved in.

If you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online and at your local library. You can also talk to experienced gardeners and get their tips on what works well in your area.

4) Raise chickens:

If you're interested in sustainable living, you might also want to consider raising chickens. Chickens are a great source of fresh eggs and meat, and they can be a lot of fun to take care of. Plus, they make great fertilizer for your garden.

If you're not sure how to get started, there are plenty of resources available online and at your local library. You can also talk to experienced chicken owners and get their tips on what works well in your area.

These are only a few of the many things you need to take into consideration before moving to the countryside. Think carefully about what you want and need, and don't be afraid to ask for help from those who have already made a move. With a little planning and preparation, you can make your transition to country living a smooth and successful one.

How To Find Out If Your Home Is In A Nice Area

Everyone wants to live stress-free, and the area that you live in will have a profound effect on your quality of life. The idea of a nice area is subjective, of course. However, it is necessary to find out more about the type of area you live in when you sell your home.

There are several factors you can assess to learn about the type of area you live in and how it affects your property value. So, whether you are looking to buy or sell your home, use this guide to explore what contributes to an area’s reputation.

Crime Stats

Safety is a core part of living in a society. It doesn’t matter whether you live in a rural area or an urban sprawl, everyone wants to be able to walk around their neighborhood without the threat of danger. There is a lot that can affect the level of crime in an area. Societal pressures can lead to a rise in drug-related crimes, and a lack of a police presence can drive up the crime rate. However, you can check whether these issues are likely to affect you by researching your area’s local crime stats.

Every police force should publish a list of crime stats for the year, and these will be broken down into several categories. Therefore, any resident can find out what crimes occur in their area and how often. This information should give you a comprehensive insight into how this activity is likely to affect your life in the area, if at all.

House Prices

The prices of the surrounding houses are probably the best metric to use when trying to find out your own property’s value. Since location is such an important factor when determining the worth of a house, the homes around you are likely to be priced similarly to yours.

With today’s technology, it is even easier to discover the price of homes for sale in your area. All it takes is a quick google search or a chat with professional real estate agents at EZ Home Search. While some of your neighbors may have increased their property value with maintenance work or an extension, but the price will never exceed or fall out of a specific range. Therefore, you can use these property values to estimate the value of your own house.

 What’s more, homes in desirable locations are likely to sell for more. This means that you can determine whether your current area, or one you hope to move to, is of a certain standard.

Building Plans

While the house prices in a location will help you to work out the type of location you are moving to, things can change in an instant. As expected, these changes will affect the price of houses in your area.

For example, a big supermarket is going to draw attention to the area resulting in an increase in traffic. With traffic comes noise and pollution, which means that the houses in the immediate area are likely to be affected by these issues. Unfortunately, this is going to reduce the price of the homes nearby. As such, it is wise to stay up to date with current building plans and discover what you can do about them before they affect the homes in the area.

Amenities

New infrastructure isn’t always a bad thing, however. You will find that many people find an area desirable because of the amenities available on their doorstep. For example, if you're moving to Blue Bell in Pennsylvania and you love dining out, you'll want to research all of the best restaurants in Blue Bell, PA before you decide to move there. Similarly, many elderly people will welcome a shopping center on their doorstep as it means that they do not have to travel as far, whilst new parents are often on the lookout for the best schools. It is always nice when there is already one nearby.

The type of amenities in your area will affect people differently, and what you see as a negative will be greatly appreciated by someone else. Therefore, you may be able to use the elements as part of your negotiations whether you are buying or selling.

Flood Risks

The weather is capable of many things in the United States, but most events come and go without many people noticing. Sadly, there are still weather effects that can reduce the quality of life of people in the local area. One such effect is flooding.

An area situated near a canal, river, or reservoir will be susceptible to flooding after heavy rainfall. However, different areas receive varying levels of rain throughout the year. Therefore, you are not at direct risk of flood just because you live in an area near a water feature. What’s more, residential areas that happen to be at high risk of flooding have defenses in place.

Unfortunately, these defenses can put some buyers off from moving to the area. a flood is still a massive inconvenience, after all. That is why it is important to research flood risks if you are concerned about your property’s value.

Pollution

It is natural for an area to be exposed to a certain level of pollution. These levels are perfectly normal, and you won’t suffer any ill effects from the air pollution in your neighborhood. However, times are changing.

Sustainable living is now a big topic among the public, and climate change is an issue that many young people have become passionate about. While there is very little you can do about the pollution levels in the area, demonstrating that you are willing to make a change can be enough to sway someone’s opinion of the area. This is especially true if your surrounding neighbors are also taking steps to become more eco-friendly. It is unlikely that pollution levels will affect the area you live in too much, but you can still make changes to increase your negotiating power when selling your property.

Street View

Technology has opened many avenues for people looking to invest in property, as mentioned above. Perhaps the best tool for people looking to move to a new area; however, may just be Streetview. 

This global map tool allows the user to zoom into any street in the world and take a digital journey through pictures. It might not seem like a big deal, but it is great having a virtual tour of an area at your fingertips. You will still have to visit the area to get the vibe of the place, but Streetview is a great tool to get a quick first impression.

Conclusion

A nice area is great for both home buyers and sellers. Therefore, it is important to undertake this research if you are one of these individuals. At least now you know where to begin.

NYC Apartment Hunting Guide: How to Save Money & Stress When Looking for a Rental

Finding the perfect apartment in New York City is always exciting! With the right know-how, uncovering the perfect place can be easier than ever. Leave stress out of the equation by using these practical tips to move into the apartment of your dreams.

Get an Early Start

Early prep is essential when looking for apartments in NYC. Begin your search about a few months before your projected moving date, if possible. 

This will give you plenty of time to explore New York’s communities and find the neighborhood that best suits you. Verifying quality-of-life factors will save you time and money in the long run. When you visit each neighborhood, verify how close you’ll be to grocery stores, public transit options, and your place of work.

It's worth mentioning that spring and summertime are the highest-demand seasons for apartment searches in NYC. If you'd like to avoid the competition, start in the fall or winter. There may be fewer options, but there'll be less competition from other apartment hunters. 

Lock in Your Budget

Establishing a realistic housing budget is essential to success. 

Before you begin your apartment hunt, we strongly suggest you research the cost of living in New York City to determine how much you can afford on your salary/savings, especially if you're moving from out of state. Use that number to budget what you'll be able to afford for rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, and other necessities before you sign on any dotted lines.  

If you can't make it work in the area you want to live or want to make your dollar go farther, consider getting a roommate. Finding someone to share expenses with may help you expand your options.

Be sure to agree upon expenses and establish ground rules for sharing your space. Also, be sure to vet and do a background check on any potential roommate you don't already know well. 

Do the Legwork

Internet searches are fine, but they’re the first step of the process. Once you've established a ballpark idea of where you want to live and how much you can afford, you should consider partnering with an apartment broker. 

Apartment brokers have years of experience finding the best apartments in the city, and they can help you find the perfect place for your needs.

Brokers know all of the best buildings in the city, and they can help you find an apartment that fits your budget. They can also help you navigate the complicated rental market in New York City and advise you on what neighborhoods are best for you.

If you choose not to work with a broker, you should be aware that you might be paying for one anyways. Unless an apartment is listed directly by the owner or landlords, you'll likely have to pay a broker fee when you sign the lease. On average, these broker fees can cost 8% to 17% of your annual rent just to view the place and sign the lease. It’s best to take full advantage of their insight by working directly with a broker.

Schedule Viewings & Pay Attention to the Details

When you find an apartment you like, act fast to exchange contact info and schedule a viewing. There will often be competition for NYC apartments, and sometimes timing makes all the difference.

When you get there, pay attention to everything from storage availability and water pressure to your cell and Wi-Fi reception. Don't be shy about opening cabinets, exploring closets, asking about pest control, and any other experiences that past tenants might have had. 

Come Prepared with Completed Paperwork and Fees

When you schedule an appointment to view a place that you suspect could be "the one," it's always a good idea to come prepared. Bring paperwork (a copy of your ID, bank statements, a job offer letter if applicable, etc.) and a check for the first month's rent and security deposit. 

Again, competition is high for renting an apartment in NYC. If you check it out in person and love the place, chances are everyone else in the city does, too, so get a jump on it.

Finding an NYC Apartment Can Be Easy

There’s nothing quite like living in New York City. Whether you’re hunting for your first NY apartment or you’re a long-time New Yorker, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the best practices. Approaching your apartment hunt with a strong strategy and the best advice will ensure a stress-free move. 

10 Best Ways to Save You Money on Airport Parking

Traveling can get really expensive really quickly. You’ve already paid for your airline tickets, hotel and have allotted funds for food, sightseeing and souvenirs. You shouldn’t have to also worry about how much leaving your vehicle parked at the airport will cost you. Planning for parking fees doesn’t have to be a hassle. We’ve come up with the 10 best ways to save you money on airport parking. We’re taking a look at some of the cheapest airport parking around the country.

1. Reserve in Advance

The number one way to say money when you’re going to be parking at the airport is to book in advance. Most airports offer this service and most will allow people to book parking as far ahead as 60 days.

Booking in advance not only allows you to get cheaper parking, but it guarantees that you will have a space waiting for you when you arrive – even if the lots are listed as “full”. Most of the time, these bookings are fully refundable as long as you cancel or modify within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival. There’s nothing to lose here.

2. Seek Out Discounts

This one might seem obvious, but a lot of times, you can find a discount code for parking if you are booking online. Check websites like Groupon or Retailmenot for current discount codes. Alternatively, many airports offer discounts for members of certain programs such as AARP or AAA. Also feel free to call and ask about discounts for Veterans or First Responders. It never hurts to ask!

3. Check for Park & Ride options

Some airports offer cheaper parking at a lot that is a bit further from the airport grounds. Usually these parking areas allow you to park your vehicle at a cheap rate and provide a complimentary shuttle service to take you to the airport from the lot.

For example, the parking at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers ecopark. Ecopark is a separate parking area off the airport property that offers a discounted parking rate. You have the choice of covered and uncovered parking and a shuttle to bring you to the terminals. This is an especially great option for someone who will be parking their vehicle long term.

4. Follow & Check Social Media Accounts

Most airports have social media pages. Before booking your parking, check for any special promotions the airport may be offering. The discounts posted to the pages will be time sensitive so don’t take too long to book. Savings may vary, but any savings amount is better than none!

5. Enroll in a Frequent Parker program

A lot of airports offer a special program for people who travel often. Enrollment is free and it’s easy to rack up points. Points will get you either free or discounted parking for future trips. Even if you don’t travel as frequently as some, it may still be worth it to sign up.

6. Stay at a Local Hotel

Do some research especially if you’ll be staying at a nearby hotel before your trip. There’s a good chance the hotel offers a parking incentive to stay with them. This could be discounted parking at the airport or it could mean leaving your vehicle parked at the hotel at a cheaper rate. Normally, the hotel will provide a complimentary shuttle to the airport.

7. Travel in the Off-season

Obviously, travel around the holidays and in the summer can get pretty chaotic. These are the busiest times of travel during the year and, as a result, you’ll see the pricing reflect that fact. Parking prices tend to see an upward trend during busy times because they are in high demand.

If it can be avoided and your dates are flexible, opt to travel in the Fall or in Spring. The rates are generally cheaper during less popular travel times.

8. Skip the Airport Parking Completely

You always have the option to skip parking at the airport altogether. Instead, opt for a Lyft or Uber to and from the airport to save money. In some areas, taxicabs are an option and some areas have a bus line that will pickup and drop off at the airport. Alternatively, you can look for car parks for rent Parramatta or wherever it is that you're flying from to find a secure car at a more reasonable price. It’s definitely worth it to explore alternative options.

9. Location is Key

If you absolutely must park on airport property, make sure you check the different prices for the different lot options as available on On Air Parking. The general rule of thumb is the closer you park to the terminal, the more expensive parking will be. If you don’t need to pay for the convenience of being close, opt for one of the lots that are further out. Most of the time, there will be a complimentary shuttle available to transport you from the lot to the terminal.

10. Book with a Credit Card

Many credit cards offer some kind of rewards program. This is usually in the form of a statement credit or rewards points. Sometimes these points can be applied to purchases like parking or airline tickets. The Discover it Miles card is a popular choice, as is the Capital One Venture card. Research some different rewards credit cards to find out which will give you the most bang for your buck.

The Bottom Dollar

There are a lot of ways to save money and get cheap airport parking and these methods are just a few. A little research will go a long way to make sure you get the best deal on parking. Make sure to start your research well before your trip. Planning for

parking doesn’t have to be stressful. Doing comparisons of different options is key and

booking in advance will definitely save you money in the long run.

How Can Custom Printing Benefit Your Business?

Advertising your company's services locally or internationally is an expensive endeavor. The TV, radio, and massive billboards are incredibly quite costly for business marketing.

Luckily, custom printing is an affordable alternative to large-scale advertising campaigns. Here, marketing can be as simple as creating custom brochures, custom sticker printing or putting your logo on every product you manufacture.

Custom printed products convey a message to engage potential customers through an appealing slogan, logo, color scheme, or font. Today, we will discuss the benefits of custom printing for startup ventures. Let's get started: 

5 Benefits of Custom Printing 

Custom printing has become one of the most commonly used marketing strategies due to its numerous advantages. Customized logos and designs cater directly to target audiences, thus allowing you to attract more customers.

1. Increasing Brand Awareness

In today's intense competition, standing out from the crowd is imperative. You will lose your competitive advantage if you do not make your brand distinctly recognizable. You can also check General Label for printing services. An ideal way to make your brand more recognizable is to render each product with a unique logo and brand design. 

Any venture, regardless of its size, can benefit from custom printing. Customized brand printing on the free items you offer with your products can immensely assist startups that try to make a name for themselves. 

Choose a professional custom printing service for your business to make your brand stand out and become easily recognizable.

Investing in premium DTF transfers for your logo can also significantly enhance the visibility and appeal of your products. By using premium quality printing materials and methods in your custom printing strategy, you ensure a high-quality, durable print that resonates well with your target audience.

2. Budget-Friendly Marketing

Extensive advertising campaigns are not an option for businesses with limited marketing budgets. It mainly impacts small businesses that are relatively new to the market. However, you should not compromise your marketing owing to a low budget because your brand may never get the recognition it deserves without it. A printing strategy can be highly beneficial to a business in this situation.

Just your brand logo and slogan can easily convey your message. The best part is it is not expensive. It is easy to establish your brand with custom metallic foil sticker printing and your logo on each product and the freebie you offer. It will increase your exposure to a broader audience. 

Incorporating custom coroplast signs into your marketing strategy can be an effective way to enhance brand visibility, especially for outdoor promotions and temporary signage needs.

3. Client Loyalty

Maintaining a loyal client base depends on your brand development. A popular brand is essential, but a brand delivering quality is equally crucial. Use high-quality materials when printing custom items. A leaking cup or poor-quality apparel will not benefit your brand.

Brand names associated with quality products are more likely to retain consumers. People engage with your company when they receive high-quality memorabilia items. 

Only a first-rate product will increase the probability that buyers will return to buy from you again and recommend it to their friends.

4. Exposure to a Larger Audience 

We all see billboard ads during driving and television commercials at home. While they are effective, they are not long-lasting. The time it takes for a company to convey its message through TV ads is only a few seconds or minutes. Once the commercial is over, the viewer's mind diverts to another thing. 

If you attach your brand to an item that customers can hold, carry and use repeatedly, they are more likely to remember your brand for a long time. For instance, if you have a food business, you can give cups, napkins, tissue paper, and cutlery kits with your brand logo or print. Some of these things will likely remain in your customer's possession even after using them. 

Moreover, when a customer carries your customized product, anyone who sees it will be tempted to purchase it. Consequently, you will gain more exposure and attract more sales.

5. A Stronger Alternative to a Business Card

Most of us are familiar with business cards or name cards, but in most cases, they are tossed in the garbage. The majority of people tend not to consider a card until they need a service or help from that business. 

Conversely, custom-made items, such as pens, coffee mugs, or showpieces, guarantee more exposure. Compared to business cards, customized printed items are more likely to stay in people's minds.

Conclusion

Custom printing can be beneficial to a business in several other ways, as well. You should take into account custom printing to achieve the five benefits we mentioned above. 

If you still haven't invested in custom printing, now is the time to do so; better late than never. Ask your designers and marketing teams to design your custom printing strategy today. 

Office Essentials To Help You Cultivate A Productive Working Environment

Working from home has become the new normal for many of us. Some of us have converted our spare rooms, garden sheds, and dining rooms into a home office. However, there's one issue that many struggle with when working from home, and that is being productive.

Over time, our productivity levels can drop the longer we spend working from one place. Many of us are looking at how we can transform our home office space into a productive environment. Fortunately, there are some changes that can be made – some of which are small office essentials to invest in. If you are curious about what office essentials can help cultivate a productive working environment, keep reading to find out more.

Designing Your Office

When designing your office, ensure that you look at the space overall. Consider the size, the layout and the windows (if there are any) in the room. Keeping the space in mind when planning what you want to do will help you be more effective in your design planning to renovate your office space.

If you are unsure where to start, here are a few key factors to consider when designing your office.

• Decide On Layout - Look at the current layout of the room. Envision where you would have a desk put into what will soon become your office. With an area of the space in mind, measure the space to see what size desk could fit. Think about what else you want to have in the room. Is your office doubling up as a spare room? If so, consider what size bed can fit in the space. You want your office to feel open and spacious. Consider a pull-out bed to help save space and keep your office feeling open rather than crowded. You might even consider investing in storage solutions for the room, such as bookshelves or wardrobes. As mentioned, try to keep the space feeling open and spacious. A crowded and compact room could hinder your productivity levels – the opposite of what you are trying to achieve.

• Think Of The Desk – After deciding on the layout of your office space, consider the desk you want to use. When looking at desks, remember the measurements you have for the area you want your desk. If you find a desk you like, but it does not fit the space you envisioned, you can either see if there is another area in the room the desk can go or look for another option. Select a desk with the space to fit all the items you need to work productively from home. Ensure that there is plenty of space to help avoid an overcrowded desk. A crowded desk can appear cluttered, which does not help productivity levels.

• Choosing The Right Chair – Aside from the desk, consider the chair you want for your office. Sitting in an uncomfortable chair while working will not help you be productive. Instead, it will affect your posture, and you might experience back pains. Select an ergonomic chair that will support your back whilst you work. Of course, many will want an aesthetically pleasing chair that fits the space's vibe. However, comfort is far more important than style, especially when working from home. You might find that ergonomic chairs are also aesthetically pleasing. It is essential that you ensure they are comfortable enough to work from.

Items For Your Desk

Whether you clear your current desk or choose to invest in a new one to gain additional space or one that allows you to stand, now you have to think about what features are on your desk. Of course, your desk will feature your most used items, such as your laptop and computer, but there are other items that are worth investing in. These items could help to make your office and desk a productive space to work from.

Here are a few essential items you should consider investing in for your desk.

Wireless Devices

You might already have a mouse and keyboard. However, are they wireless, or do you have to plug in each cable to your laptop or computer manually? Wired devices can make a desk appear cluttered. Switching to wireless devices removes the wires that came with wired devices, helping to create a cleaner-looking desk. Additionally, they can be moved easily without worrying about cables getting tangled up.

Incorporate Plants

Bring the outdoors inside by investing in houseplants. Plants in your office can help cultivate a productive space and reduce the stress felt. Another benefit of houseplants in your office is that they can help to improve the air quality, depending on the choice of plants you purchase. You can shop online today at The Stem to see the vast range of houseplant options they have available. The smaller ones could make an excellent addition to the side of your desk, whilst the larger indoor plants could feature elsewhere in your newly renovated office. Adding indoor plants to an office space is a simple and effective way to breathe new life into a room.

Computer And Laptop Stands

Hunched over at your desk all day can impact your spine and posture. Investing in an ergonomic chair or a standing desk can help you improve your posture and reduce the chances of you working hunched over at your desk. However, another effective way to do this is by investing in a stand for your computer or laptop. Bringing your laptop or computer screen up to eye level helps you to work from your desk effectively without having to crouch to see the screen. This can help reduce any back pains you experience when working from home.

Wire Organiser

You might choose to invest in a wireless keyboard and mouse to remove how many cables feature on your desk. However, you still might have multiple other wires on your desk. These could be the charger cable for your phone, laptop, computer cable, HDMI cables and so on. All of these cables could be needed to help you work from home. However, they can make your desk appear cluttered. Look at what cable organisers are available. These can help you keep all the cables together without getting tangled up. Many cable organisers come in decorative boxes, meaning that you can hide the mass of wires on your desk. Reducing the appearance of cables is another effective way to help make your desk space a more productive place to work.

Water Bottle

Hydration is essential in being productive. It is recommended that we consume between 6 to 8 glasses of fluid every day. When we are dehydrated, our productivity levels drop. Being productive is challenging when working from home. If dehydration further fuels your lack of concentration and low productivity levels, ensuring that you consume enough fluids is crucial. Keep a bottle of water or a preferred liquid on your desk. You can purchase water bottles with the time printed on the side, which shows you how much you should have drunk at different times in the day. This can help ensure you consume the recommended amount of liquids.

New Productive Space

After time spent renovating your office, you will now have your ideal space to do your work. Ensure that you keep the space clean and organised, as a messy office space can impact how productive you are. Remember to keep your plants and yourself hydrated, and welcome as much light into the space as possible. Implementing these changes can help you create a productive environment. You might even look for additional ways to help you make the same even more productive.