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Monthly Archives: December 2015

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16
Dec

Small Town vs. Big City: Which Is Right for Your Family?

Posted on Categories Lifestyle Author By Robert Sabo

Have you heard of Aesop’s fable “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse”? One mouse believes city life is the most luxurious life, while the other mouse feels comfortable with a simple country lifestyle.

You may envy the decisiveness of each mouse. Which is better-city, or country? You would like to move your family to a new area, but you’re not sure whether to move to a smaller town or a bigger city.
We’ll go over some of the most important factors for you to consider as you make your decision.

Cost of Living

If saving money on your housing costs is a big priority, you’re likely to find much lower prices in a smaller community. Big cities have the highest cost of living; in fact, in April 2014, the average monthly cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan was $4,042. Compare that to an apartment in upper-state New York, where housing costs are 30% than they are in the city.

However, consider how much money you’ll make in your new place. You might nail a high-paying job in a big city at a salary you wouldn’t find in a smaller town.

Job Market

There are more total jobs in a big city, so you’re likely to find more opportunities that fit your training and interests. A city is a better choice if you hope to work for a high-paying, top-level corporation.

However, in a big city, you’ll face more competition, so it might take a while to find your dream job. Depending on your line of work, you might find the perfect small-town job with less competition.

Making Friends

Does your family prefer a close-knit, friendly atmosphere? Many people enjoy smaller communities where they can socialize with friendly people who like to reach out.

In a big city, you’ll still make friends at work and other places you frequent, but you might feel lonely and outnumbered.

Medical Care

You’ll likely find basic medical services in a small town. But keep in mind that you might have to drive for hours to the nearest specialist. In a city, you’ll have access to most types of medical care in your immediate vicinity.

The same goes for other services like high-end clothing stores and restaurants. Can you live without certain services? Consider this before you move to a small town.

Nature

In general, you’ll feel closer to nature in a small town. For one thing, you can enjoy the stars at night and feel safer outdoors than you might in a city.

But don’t rule out a large city entirely. Large cities often have parks and recreational areas where you can enjoy the outdoors.

Entertainment

Thousands of people flock to large cities for entertainment options. In the largest cities, you’ll find sporting events, theaters, historical sites, and plenty of other things to do and see.

That’s not to say that there’s nothing to do in a small town, though. Many small towns still have movie theaters, museums, and other attractions.

Before you choose between the two, keep your family’s needs in mind. As you search for places to live, think about the kinds of entertainment you enjoy and whether you’ll find them in your new place.

Safety

You might think small towns are safer because they’re quieter and less crowded. However, a study by the University of Pennsylvania found that the risk of injury-related death is 20% higher in a small town than it is in a large city. This may because of limited access to immediate medical care.

On the other hand, crime rates tend to be lower in smaller communities, and many people report that they just feel safer in the country than they do in a city.

Whether you live in a big city or a small town, you can keep your family safe. Look for housing in a low-crime area.

Weigh all these factors in consideration as you decide where to move. You’ll find pros and cons in both big cities and small towns, so choose what’s best for your family.

Tagged in: Big City, Family, moving, Small Town

07
Dec

The Home Stretch: Unpack with a Plan

Posted on Categories Organizing Author By Robert Sabo

You planned, packed, ran last minute errands, and journeyed for a long time. When you eventually arrive at your new home, the adventure will continue on, only this time, you’ll have to unload everything and set up your house. Luckily, we have some simple tips to help you unpack with ease.

Items in their proper place help you feel at home. Unfortunately, most people arrive in their new home only to find piles of cardboard boxes. How do you avoid feeling overwhelmed?

Unpack Essentials First

You need a plan to unpack the smart way. Stop and take a moment to think about each room, including the kitchen, living area, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Which ones do you spend the most time in?

Next, consider what you’ll want access to first. Many people wisely pack an “open first” box, which provides immediate use of essentials. Apply this same philosophy to your entire strategy: unpack the essential rooms first.

The Kitchen

Most people use their kitchen more than any other room. After all, you and your family need to eat, and takeout only satisfies for so long. You can take advantage of a nearby drive-thru for the first couple days, but an organized kitchen relieves stress and helps you feel at home.

Begin with the most breakable items first, such as dishes and other glassware. Try to imagine where you’ll want things, such as hot pads near the oven and glasses near the sink.

Next, unpack your pots and pans. Then proceed to arrange your dry goods and other pantry items. You now have the bare minimum needed to craft quick and simple meals.

The Bedroom/Bathroom

First needs include food and rest. You’ve dealt with food already, so unpack the essentials to prepare your bed for the night.

Now that you’ve unpacked your bed, don’t worry about the rest of the bedroom for now. Bathroom toiletries represent your next need. When you have these hygiene items at your disposal, feel free to rest until a new day dawns.

Start Big, Then Go Smaller

If you have copies of them, use floor plans beforehand to make decisions about where you would like larger furniture to go. Once you know where you want larger items, you’ll know how to arrange the rest of your things. Furniture, linens, and the TV should come before pencils, tissues, and other small objects.

Alternately, you can also start with a large object and focus on the smaller items that fill it. For instance, decide where your bedroom dresser goes, assemble it, and then focus on clothes assembly in each drawer. This “big, then smaller” tip works for an office desk, the living room ottoman, and even the china closet.

Also, watch out for distractions. Distraction from one task comes easily as you walk by other things you need to set up or unpack. Focus on small areas to accomplish one task at a time. Such focus prevents wasted minutes or hours while you try to do many tasks simultaneously.

Let Yourself Enjoy the Process

Avoid exhausted or otherwise negative attitudes, especially in your new home. Plan your new space and have fun doing it. Think about convenience and accessibility.

A new space presents many possibilities for comfort and organization. Take advantage of the chance to have your home exactly as you want it. If you want to keep your skis right next to the front door, indulge and put them in the front coat closet. Focus on the freedom you have to make this the most enjoyable part of your move.

For more tips on efficiently and safely moving from one home to a new one, check out the rest of our blog.

Tagged in: planning, tips, unpacking

02
Dec

Make Moving with Your Dog Easier

Posted on Categories Children Author By Wheaton World Wide Moving

When you decide to move, you give yourself a chance to start over in a new and exciting location. However, if you have a dog, you have to do a little extra work involved to make sure it enjoys the move, too. Most dogs are quite adaptable, but use the tips below to keep your furry friend as happy, healthy, safe, and secure as possible during your move.

1. Choose Pet-Friendly Housing

It might seem like a no-brainer to secure “pet-friendly” housing when you look for a new place to live. But just because a landlord allows dogs doesn’t mean your pooch will like the place. Look for a home or duplex with a well-constructed privacy fence. Especially after a big move, your dog might try to dig or break through a fence to return to familiar surroundings.

You should also see what kind of flooring the home has. Choose a home with mostly tile or wood flooring instead of carpet. Muddy paws have less of an effect on these surfaces. And lastly, ask your landlord if you can install a doggy door for easy access to late-night potty runs. Chances are good that a pet-friendly landlord will welcome the free upgrade, but double-check to make sure.

2. Update Pet ID Information

You do everything in your power to keep your pet from getting lost. You have microchips and ID tags to help it return safely home if it gets out for any reason. Remember to update these identifications to reflect your new address and home phone number.

Your pet’s microchip should have an online registration. Simply log in to your account and update your address. And you can pick up a new ID at a local pet store. Have your pooch wear both tags for a while just to be safe.

3. Travel Safety

When your moving van is all packed and you drive to your new home, follow these safety tips.

If possible, drive your dog in your personal car prior to the road trip to your new home to help get it used to the car. Dogs should sit in the back seat either in a crate or a harness. You can buy a backseat harness that clips to your dog’s collar. The collar allows your pet to freely move side to side, but your dog can’t fall backwards or forwards if you make a sudden move.

Remember to never leave your dog in a parked car while you pack or unload the moving van. Find a safe spot for your pooch, such as a bathroom or a bedroom. Keep your pet in the room with its bed, toys, food, and water so it doesn’t escape while you attend to other tasks.

4. Settle In

Once you get to your new house, take special measures to make your dog comfortable. Some dogs don’t adjust well to new places and need to be eased into them. Set up a dog area immediately and fill it with all the comforts of your old home, plus a new toy as a reward and distraction. Go on a long walk around the neighborhood to see where other dogs live and let your pooch sniff around.

5. Ask for Help

When you move with dogs, the process doesn’t have to be hard. Bring in a team of family and friends to help you relocate so you can save time and energy to care for your dog correctly. Talk to your vet about ways to ease your dog’s transition to a new home. Add a professional team of movers to your list of helpers to shorten the move time. Your dog will thank you later.

Tagged in: Dogs, Moving Tips, Pets, relocating, Travel