Moving: What to Keep, Store or Toss

Before packing everything you own and moving it to your new place, take a good hard look at what you’ve accumulated. While you’ll likely keep much of your stuff, this may the perfect time to part with what you no longer need.

Keep It

Your first instinct may be to hang on to everything you own because you might need it someday. However, when you begin to realize that everything you hold fast to will need to be packed, transported, then unpacked you might become a little pickier about what you keep. When it comes to clothing, consider if it is still fashionable and something you wear frequently. For furniture and decorator items, think about how these pieces will fit into your new home.

Store It

If you have pieces of furniture that just won’t work in your new space, consider storing anything that is in good shape. That way you won’t end up having to purchase new chairs or beds if you later move to a larger place. Storage can also be a good option for out-of-season clothing or keepsakes for which you may not have room. Personal units can be found for storage Petaluma or in an area near you.

Toss It

If something you own isn’t at the top of your list for keeping or storing, it’s probably time to part with it. If it’s is worn out or no longer in style, or if you haven’t even looked at it in years, it’s a great candidate for the dustbin. Before throwing anything away, take a moment to consider whether someone you know would like to have it, or if it’s in good enough condition to donate.
Relocating from one home to another is a great chance to sort through your belongings. Make packing easier by evaluating what to keep, store and toss ahead of your move.

Tips for an Organized Move

Moving across town seems like an easy task at first. Then you start packing your house. Suddenly, you are acutely aware of how much stuff you have. To keep the new house from becoming a dumping ground for old junk, here are a few tips to organize your move.

Find Movers

Once you have a date in mind for moving day, start calling local moving companies in St Louis. Before you call, count the pieces of small, medium and large furniture you will need them to move, and estimate how many boxes you'll have. You probably won't get it exactly right before you've packed, but at least you can give them a ballpark figure on which to base an estimate. Calling in advance also increases your chances of your top choice having a block of time open on the date you need it.

Get Labels

The key to an organized move is labeling everything clearly. Set up a box labeling system. At minimum, your system needs simple, clear directions that anyone can follow with minimal instruction. For example, it's a good idea to pack by room and label each box with a number and the room it belongs in. Use the numbers to compile a master list of every box you pack. Not only will this give you a reliable final tally for the movers but also helps you keep track of everything.

Pack Light

It will be tempting to throw everything you see in a box and promise yourself you'll sort it out later. Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of things that you don't want or need, though. Shred old documents that have expired or become irrelevant. Donate clothes that don't fit and dishes you don't ever use. A little more work in the packing process to sort out what you're keeping makes moving easier in the long run.
Moving is a lot of work. Following these tips can make it go much more smoothly.

5 Tips To Prepare Your Family for a Disaster

Sooner or later, your family could be affected by a natural disaster. Because disasters often strike without warning, it is necessary to prepare ahead of time for the disaster that may come at any time. Here are some helpful planning tips.

1. Consider Your Family's Needs

A general disaster preparedness plan is okay, but try to tailor it so that it addresses the unique needs of your family members. For example, if you have someone in your family with limited mobility, try to find a shelter that offers ADA showers. If anyone in your family takes medication on a regular basis, try to obtain extra beforehand in case you cannot get to the pharmacy for a while.

2. Pack Emergency Supplies

Among the many emergency supplies you may need are:

• Drinking water
• Nonperishable food
• First-aid kit
• Extra clothing and blankets
• Radio
• Flashlight
• Batteries

If possible, make the kit portable so that you can take it with you if you have to evacuate.

3. Be Considerate of Others

You should have a small surplus of emergency supplies in case the disaster lasts for a while. However, do not hoard supplies. Otherwise, your neighbors who are in need may not be able to access them. Be prepared to share, if necessary.

4. Keep Hard Copies

Any important documents you may need should be placed into a waterproof container and taken with you. This includes phone numbers of family members, insurers, etc. You may be used to storing these on your phone, but your phone could become damaged or there may not be electricity to recharge it.

5. Plan for Separation

The goal is to keep your family together during a disaster, but you may get separated by accident. Prepare for this by making a family plan for where you will meet up if you get separated during a disaster.

Can You End Sibling Rivalry? Here Are 3 Tips for Gaining a Peaceful Home

It's mine. Don't touch me. He broke my toy. These common phrases are heard in homes around the country as brothers and sisters express their frustration and jealousy. Although typical, they can be the beginning of a rough spell between siblings, signaling a sign of friction and distrust. Can parents reduce this rivalry, establishing a calmer environment? Life won't ever be perfect, but with patience and interventions, you may be able to re-establish bonds and trust.

Don't Label

It's pretty common to use phrases such as "He's the eldest" or "He's my smart one." When adults begin to use these descriptions, however, they can lift one child above the other. If one is smart, aren't you implying that the other isn't? If you call one so pretty all the time, is the other one below average? Without knowing it, you could be establishing boundaries, pitting one youth against the other. Instead, try to praise choices and actions. You could say something such as "You worked really hard on that project. Well done." Try and remain objective, giving credit when it's due.

Establish Talk Time

Kids should learn to resolve their issues on their own, without nagging parents or tattling on everything. Start modeling proper ways to discuss problems, working out resolutions. This means that each kid should objectively express what is bothering them. You act as the mediator. If you must prompt, try rephrasing what they say, letting them digest the different opinions. If that doesn't work at home, seek out family therapy lafayette, a place that allows for a new environment and safe zone. The professionals can evaluate the situation, offering techniques and exercises.

Practice What You Preach

Little ones are watching. If you are nit-picking and reacting with friction, then they'll pick up on it too. Work on speaking clearly and directly about the issue. You probably can't eliminate all yelling, but try to minimize it. Simply stand firm, directing attention to the party hurt most, condemning the wrong actions and punishing appropriately.
It's not going to happen overnight. Small steps could garner big rewards.

Unique Wedding Gift Ideas

Wedding season has begun, whether you’re attending remotely, or in person, choosing the perfect gift for the happy new couple is always a challenge. Follow this guide for unique ideas to help the couple as they begin their new life together.

A Splash of Color

Getting a new home set up is difficult. Most couples think about what household goods they will need, but may overlook areas that can help transform their house into a home. Try looking into getting handmade paintings online. Artwork can provide a warming touch to any space. With the right piece, you can give a gift that will help liven up their home and can appreciate value over time.

A Personalized Touch

Another great gift is something that will help yours stand out from the mountain of presents they receive. Take the time to review what your friends have put on their registry, and think about adding a personalized touch to it. Many services provide engraving options, illustrations or images to create a unique but memorable gift. When choosing a personalized wedding gift, keep in mind the couple's taste to ensure they love it.

A Luxurious Addition

Sometimes, what a couple needs most is a bit of luxury. However, after a wedding, trying to afford it can be out of their budget. Thankfully, there are a variety of extravagant gifts you can give. Before you decide, think about what the couple's interests are, and their needs, to help guide you as you shop. A luxury wedding gift is a great way for you to give the couple a lavish start to their new life.
As the new couple begins their new life together, your gift will be the one to cherish. With a unique wedding gift, you can be sure the couple will have something special to enjoy the rest of their lives.