A Checklist for Preparing Your Home for a New Baby

Posted on August 23, 2022August 23, 2022 by Siera Brown

A new baby is an exciting time for any family, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. There are a lot of things to think about and prepare. To help you get started, we’ve put together a checklist of things to do to get your home ready for your new arrival. Keep reading for a complete list of everything you need to do to get your home ready for a new baby.

Create a birth plan.

A birth plan is a document that helps parents communicate their wishes to medical professionals during labor and delivery. It can include anything from preferences for pain management to requests for specific tests or procedures. Some couples also use their birth plan as a way to record their thoughts and feelings about the pregnancy and birthing process. Creating a birth plan can be a very empowering experience, but it’s important to keep in mind that not everything will go according to plan. Be sure to discuss your plans with your doctor or midwife and ask for their advice on what is realistic in light of your individual situation. Do you want to give birth in a hospital, at home, or in a birthing center? What type of pain relief would you like during labor? These are just a few questions you’ll want to consider.

Make sure your home is ready for the baby.

Making sure your home is ready involves cleaning the entire house and focusing on areas that are likely to be contaminated with bacteria or other harmful substances. These include the kitchen and bathroom floors, as well as door knobs, light switches, and other surfaces that may be touched frequently. Clear out any clutter from living spaces to create a safe and comfortable environment for a newborn. Remodeling your bathroom is also a great way to prepare your home for a new baby. Not only will the remodel make your bathroom more functional and comfortable, but it can also be a fun project to do with your partner in preparation for the new arrival. You’l want to find a reputable company for bathroom remodeling to ensure that everything is designed in a way that suits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to replace your shower with a tub or trying to finish up a bathroom renovation before your baby comes, there are plenty of ways to tackle a home improvement project. Proper planning is key.

Stock up on supplies.

One of the most important things to do when preparing for a new baby is to stock up on supplies. You will need diapers, wipes, and other bathroom supplies. You will also need formula, bottles, and nipples. If you are breast feeding, you will need nursing bras and pads. Be sure to buy plenty of clothes for the baby, as well as blankets, socks, and booties. You may also want to start purchasing baby gear, like a bassinet, crib, and stroller.

Buy or borrow baby gear.

If you decide to buy baby gear, you need to figure out what the baby needs and find the best deals. Baby gear can be expensive, so it’s important to do some research and compare prices. There are many places to find good deals on baby gear, including online retailers and stores that specialize in children’s items. If you decide to borrow baby gear, you can ask friends or family members for hand-me-downs. This can save you a lot of money. You’ll also want to make sure that you know how to use the baby gear. For example, there are a few hacks for using a stroller that can make life with a new baby a little bit easier.

A checklist for preparing your home for a new baby is important to ensure that the home is safe for the baby. The checklist should include tasks such as checking the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, securing furniture and baby gear, and stocking up on supplies. Overall, the checklist is important to ensure that the home is ready for your new family member.

What To Do Before Buying Your First Home

Posted on August 15, 2022August 15, 2022 by Siera Brown

Are you thinking of buying your first home? Before you start house hunting, there are a few things you should do first. In this article, we’ll go over what you need to do before buying your first home. Keep reading to learn more.

Research neighborhoods and find the right one for you.

Researching neighborhoods is important when looking for your first home. You’ll want to find a neighborhood that is safe, has good schools and is in a desirable location. You can use online resources like Google Maps or Zillow to research neighborhoods and get an idea of what they are like. You can also visit the neighborhoods to get a feel for them. For example, if you pick Washington D.C., pick a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle. Then, you can hire high-quality Washington DC movers to safely get your belongings to your new home.

Compare mortgages and interest rates.

When comparing mortgages and interest rates, it is important to understand the difference between the two. A mortgage is a loan that is used to purchase a home. The interest rate is the percentage of the loan amount you will be charged each year for borrowing money. The interest rate on a mortgage can be fixed or variable. A fixed interest rate remains the same for the entire mortgage term. A variable interest rate can change over time, depending on how the economy is doing.

When shopping for a mortgage, it’s crucial to compare each loan’s interest rate and terms. The terms of a mortgage include things like the length of the term, whether or not there is an early termination penalty, and what happens if you miss a payment. It’s also important to ask about any fees associated with taking out a mortgage. These fees include application fees, appraisal fees, and closing costs.

Get pre-approved for a home loan.

If you’re thinking of buying a home, it’s important to get pre-approved for a home loan as soon as possible. This shows that you’re a serious buyer and already approved for a certain amount of credit. It can also help you avoid being taken advantage of in a bidding war. Don’t just go with the first lender that offers you pre-approval. Shop around and compare interest rates and terms. Also, don’t get pre-approved for more than you can afford. Your pre-approval amount should be based on your estimated monthly mortgage payment, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.

Keep in mind that the better your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be. Make sure you’re paying your bills on time and avoid opening too many new credit accounts. When you go to apply for a home loan, the lender will want to see proof of your income, assets, and liabilities. Make sure you have all your paperwork ready so you can speed up the approval process. The lender will also want to know why you’re buying a home, what you plan to do with the property, and how much you can afford to pay each month. Be prepared to answer these questions and others to help the lender determine whether you’re a good candidate for a home loan.

Consult a real estate agent.

When you are buying your first home, it is important to consult with a real estate agent. They can help you understand the process and give you advice on what to look for in a home. They can also help you find the right home for your budget and help you negotiate the best price. A real estate agent can also help you with the mortgage process. They can help you find a lender and help you get pre-approved for a mortgage. They can also help you find the best mortgage rate. When you are buying a home, it’s important to have a good relationship with your real estate agent. They will be with you every step of the way and will help you through the entire process.

Being a first-time homebuyer is an exhilarating experience. By figuring out the things to do before buying your first home, you’ll make a smarter and more informed purchase.

How To Take Care of Your Aging Parents’ Needs

Posted on July 13, 2022July 13, 2022 by Siera Brown

As our parents age, they may need more assistance with activities of daily living and managing their health. It can be difficult to know how to best support them while also maintaining our own lives. However, one of the most important things you can do is to take care of your aging parents’ needs. This can include anything from helping them with basic needs like bathing and dressing to providing transportation and companionship. It’s a good idea to learn more about what to expect early on, so you can take steps to prepare for different situations you may encounter. Keep reading for tips on how to take care of your aging parents’ needs.

How can you take care of your aging parents’ needs?

As your parents age, they may need some modifications done to their home in order to make it more comfortable and safe for them to live in. There are a variety of home modifications that can be beneficial for aging parents, depending on their needs. Some home modifications that can help your aging parents include installing grab bars in the bathroom, adding a ramp or stair lift to enable them to get around, and enlarging doorways and hallways to make them more accessible. Other modifications that can be helpful include adding a wheelchair ramp, modifying the kitchen to be wheelchair-accessible, and adding a bedroom on the first floor.

The older you get, the more you rely on prescription drugs to maintain your health. Unfortunately, as you get older, the cost of prescription drugs rises, and it becomes increasingly difficult to afford the medications you need. If you have aging parents who rely on prescription drugs, you should help them find affordable prescription drugs. Using online or international pharmacies like Canada Drug Store is a great way to get a lower price on many common prescription drugs. You can learn more about their services at CanadaDrugstore.com.

There are many services that provide senior Uber rides, groceries, and meals. These services can save time and money, and they can also provide your parents with access to more activities and social events. Whatever your needs, there’s likely to be a service out there that can help you stay independent and connected to your community.

What are some common health issues older adults face?

Some health issues that older adults face are arthritis, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. These health issues can impact an individual’s quality of life and can require medication, treatment, and/or surgery. It is necessary for older adults and their caregivers to be aware of these health issues and to seek medical help if needed. There are a number of specific conditions that the elderly are most susceptible to, so you should do what you can to educate yourself about them.

One condition you should learn more about is dementia. Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is a common health issue for seniors, affecting an estimated one in eight people aged 65 and older. It can be caused by several diseases or conditions that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and brain tumors. Dementia can also be caused by physical changes in the brain that occur with age, such as reduced blood flow to the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

As you can see, there are a lot of ways you can support your parents as they get older. Your care can even keep them healthier. This is because it can allow them to stay active and socially engaged. It can also give them a sense of purpose and help them feel like they’re still contributing to the family. If you’re not sure how to go about taking care of your parents, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources available to provide guidance. Your parents’ doctor may be a good place to start, or you can look online for support groups or forums specifically for caregivers.

Fun Ways To Keep Kids Busy During the Summer

Posted on April 26, 2022April 26, 2022 by Siera Brown

The summer is a time of fun and games, both indoors and outdoors, with kids getting out of school and parents getting summer holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day off work. It’s a time to cool off with fun times in the water, whether that’s in the pool, at the beach, or slipping down a water slide. Summer nights are a great time for glowstick parties or fireworks (assuming they’re legal in your area). It’s even a great idea to stay inside with the air conditioner blasting and play video games on the hottest days. Here are just a few fun ideas to keep the kids busy when summer comes around.

Take surfing lessons.

The waves are calling and the sun is shining. Summer is the perfect time for some surfing lessons. Kids will have a blast learning how to surf and spend some time outdoors. Surfing is a great workout and a fun way to spend time with friends. Here are some of the greatest benefits of surfing during the summer.

Surfing is one of the best ways to help kids develop their coordination and balance skills. Beginners will certainly fall off the board many times when they start surf school, but with the right supervision, they’ll be able to fall safely in the water and develop the skills they’ll need to stay on the board. Surfing also requires a great deal of strength in the upper body and legs, and learning to paddle on and stay on a surfboard will help kids develop muscles. If they stick with it, learning to surf is also a great way to boost heart health later in life, and it has mental health benefits too.

When seeking private lessons, look for a provider who offers group and family lessons and for instructors who can teach at any experience level. You can learn along with the kids to become the best surfer you can be as well.

Have a picnic in the park or at the beach.

Speaking of healthy outdoor activities, it will do the kids and the entire family a lot of good to have some relaxing picnics during the summer. You can do this at the beach, at a local park, or even outdoors on your own property. You could even help organize a community picnic for the entire neighborhood, which is an excellent way to get all the kids playing and having fun together.

Picnics also come with a host of other benefits, such as the therapeutic effects of fresh air, mood boosts from destressing, and developing stronger bonds with family and friends. You and the kids will also get some free vitamin D while you’re out picnicking, which helps build strong bones and teeth and can even help prevent bone disease.

Make homemade popsicles or snow cones.

If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity that doesn’t involve being parked in front of the TV, making popsicles and snow cones is a great way to keep the kids busy during the summer. Here are some recipes to get you started.

For popsicles, start by pouring fruit juice, Kool-Aid, or similar beverages into popsicle molds or an ice tray. Put in any extras the kids may want as well, such as fruit pieces, honey, or yogurt. After that, simply freeze them for a few hours, and enjoy.

For snow cones, start by filling a bowl with shaved ice. If you don’t have a shaved ice machine or blender, you can simply place ice in a bag and crush it until it’s fine enough. Next, pour your preferred flavored syrup over the shaved ice. If you want, you can top the bowl with whipped cream of fruit pieces before scooping bits out to make snow cones.

Of course, these are just a few of the possibilities for great summer fun. Talk with your kids, other parents, and members of your community to come up with even more great activities.

How To Get Ready for a Special Event on a Budget

Posted on January 4, 2022January 4, 2022 by Siera Brown

Special events are exciting! You get to dress up, try a new hairstyle, and have fun all night while you’re all glammed up. It could be for a concert, party, wedding, graduation, or anniversary. Regardless of where you’re going, it’s important that you look and feel your best! That way, you feel confident, and you can just concentrate on having fun instead of feeling self-conscious. Prepping for an event doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. In fact, you can get ready for a special occasion on a budget. Here’s how you can get ready for your special event without breaking the bank!

1. Start implementing healthy habits.

Feeling confident starts from within. That’s right! It’s easy to put on some makeup and achieve a certain look. But getting ready is also about developing a good relationship with your body. A few weeks before your big event, you might want to start picking up some healthier habits, drink more water, and do some light exercises. Eat a well-balanced diet, and try not to stay out too late. It’s also crucial to your health and your skin that you get plenty of beauty sleep. Plus, taking care of yourself comes at no cost!

2. Find an outfit that makes you feel confident.

A special occasion calls for a special outfit! Start looking early so that you can guarantee it arrives well before your event. Plus, if you don’t like what you order, you need to give yourself time to find other options. Once you’ve browsed a few dresses or pantsuits, check out online heel stores. Is an event really an event without a nice pair of high heels? Whether you’re feeling strappy heels or a nude pump, there are plenty of options for you at Wild Diva that is affordable and cute! Heel sandals also work well if you’re wearing something a little bit more casual. When it comes to any event, you can never go wrong with nude or black heels. They go with absolutely everything!

3. Pamper yourself at the salon.

Life is short. You should take every excuse to pamper yourself! But getting a mani-pedi can be expensive. Look for a local cosmetology program in your area and see if the school offers salon services from cosmetology students. These usually come at lower prices since they’re still in school and learning techniques from an instructor. With these programs, you can take advantage of nail services, skincare, or even hair care. It’s their chance to work with real clients, so why not help them out and treat yourself, too?

4. Do a test run before the big event.

This step reduces the amount of stress you might experience on the day of the event. If you’re going with friends, you can borrow each other’s makeup or accessories to keep your budget on the low end. Take a couple of hours to try out different hairstyles. You can see whether you should wear your hair down with loose curls or pinned together in a purposefully messy updo. Or you can experiment with eyeshadows that really bring out your eyes. Ask them for opinions on lip colors to see which shade complements your outfit and your skin tone best. Go all out! If you do a full test run and end up not liking your outfit, you’ll have time to get a refund and maybe find something more affordable. As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to doing a test run days before your special event.

Attending a special occasion doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With these tips, you’ll feel confident, look your best, and have the best time!

How Do I Prepare My Home for Extreme Weather?

Posted on September 7, 2021September 7, 2021 by Siera Brown

Extreme weather includes heatwaves, tornadoes, hurricanes, ice storms, and blizzards. Extreme weather events can disrupt electrical services, damage buildings, and wash out roadways.

Extreme weather can cost homeowners thousands in repairs. Homeowners can prevent significant damage by taking steps to prepare their homes for extreme weather. The exact steps vary based on your location, but following this guide will ensure you’ve done everything possible to protect your home from extreme storms.

Identify the types of extreme weather you could experience.

Every region of the globe deals with different weather systems. Suppose you live in Miami-Dade County. You’re more likely to deal with hurricanes than blizzards, while Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas experience more hail storms than other locations in the United States.

Each type of weather system carries specific risks and has specific safety recommendations. Kansas typically experiences dozens of tornadoes each year. Several states experience blizzards. The southwestern United States is prone to drought, putting residents at risk of water shortages and forest fires.

Some regions face different storm risks at different times of the year, making it necessary to perform seasonal weather preparations. Identify the common extreme weather threats in your area and make a checklist of event-specific steps to take before a storm.

Take specific steps to protect your home from standard weather systems in your area.

Hurricanes are powerful storm systems with high winds and heavy rains. Although these massive storms can cause significant damage, there are several ways you can prepare your Doral, FL, home for the next storm. Right before a storm, hire experts to prepare your home to withstand the force of the hurricane. Even if you have impact windows, you may want to have your windows boarded up to protect them from debris. You can also contact South Florida contractors at the start of hurricane season and have them assess your home for potential threats. Contractors help property owners determine how to prevent property damage from floods and debris during significant storms. You can also invest in a priority response agreement, ensuring you have a team of experienced professionals who’ll help you restore your property after the hurricane passes.

Perhaps you live in the central part of the country and face a more significant threat from tornadoes. You can use the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommendations to build a safe room where you can take shelter during storms. Installing impact-resistant windows and securing your doors can also help prevent property damage during a tornado.

Your roof can collapse under the weight of heavy snow. Clear your roof before snowstorms to prevent a collapse. Clear snow from walkways and doorways to make it easier to exit your home after the storm. Insulate your attic and seal your doors and windows to prevent drafts.

Adding insulation to your attic and having a programmable thermostat installed can help you regulate your home’s temperature if you experience extreme heat where you live. You can also install fire-resistant siding and shingles to reduce the risk of fire damage if there’s a forest fire in your area.

No matter where you live, a generator can come in handy.

When it’s time to renovate your kitchen, it’s time to install a generator. Generators keep the appliances in your new kitchen operating. You’ll also be able to provide power to your light fixtures and run your furnace or air conditioner because you’ll have power.

Make sure your generator’s installed correctly and has good ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide from building up inside your home. Hire an electrician to connect your generator, ensuring critical systems and appliances have electricity during power outages. Keeping the power running can prevent pipes from freezing during blizzards and enable sump pumps to operate during heavy rainfall, preventing or limiting flood damage.

Extreme weather can damage your home, causing thousands in repair bills. Investing in superior storm-resistant windows, fire-resistant shingles and siding, and installing a generator can help you protect your home from storm damage.

5 Tips for Taking Care of Yourself After You Quit Smoking

Posted on August 27, 2021August 27, 2021 by Siera Brown

The process of quitting smoking is often arduous. Stopping an addiction takes a toll on the body, despite the positive long-term effects. Some people who quit smoking may suffer from the side effects of withdrawal. Often, when people think of withdrawal, they imagine shaking, sweating, and cravings. However, the side effects of quitting smoking are not limited to these symptoms. Nicotine addiction can continue to interfere with a person’s life mentally and physically long after their last puff of a cigarette.

Take extra care of your body.

It would help if you were wary of a few side effects of quitting smoking: headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and constipation. Nicotine is a stimulant, so you likely will feel run down the first few weeks without it. Infusion therapy may be able to help you tackle each of these symptoms all in one. Infusion treatments come in many forms.

Certain conditions may require infusion therapy because oral treatments are ineffective. IV infusion therapy to treat hangovers has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its ability to deliver rapid, healthy hydration. Staying adequately hydrated can combat each of the withdrawal symptoms mentioned above.

Be mindful of your mental health.

Directly after quitting smoking, many people experience insomnia, headaches, and increased irritability. In some cases, mental health conditions like anxiety and depression may be exacerbated by nicotine withdrawal from your bloodstream. Every person is different, so these effects are not universal. The physical and emotional challenges set in motion by the absence of nicotine tend to taper off after several weeks. However, these several weeks can bring about many changes to your body.

For example, many people experience increased appetite and, as a result, may put on extra weight after quitting. The best thing to do for your mental health in a time of transition is to be patient and kind to yourself. Before making a judgment, ask yourself if you would say the same thing to a friend.

You are your own worst critic. Quitting an addiction is a triumph in itself, so try to focus on the positive aspects of it. If your stress becomes unmanageable, there is a variety of mental health services available to help. Consider looking into telehealth support for an extra helping hand.

Avoid temptations.

Specific triggers that may intensify your cravings make staying away from nicotine difficult, such as the smell of cigarettes. Most people associate cigarettes with unpleasant odors. However, for a person recovering from a cigarette addition, the smell of smoke may be tantalizing. If you have smoked for a very long time, the smell of smoke likely lingers in your car or home. A smoke odor eliminator can help rid your surroundings of smoke odors, mitigating your cravings.

This product is also highly beneficial for those who have decided to quit smoking but live with others who continue to smoke, like roommates or a partner. Suppose you were a social smoker or someone who enjoyed smoking while drinking alcohol. In that case, it could also be helpful to cut back on your alcohol consumption to reduce your cravings.

One important thing to keep in mind throughout this process is that most relapses occur within the first 14 days after quitting. If you are within that two-week time frame, it should bring you some comfort to know that the worst will soon be behind you. If you have already surpassed this threshold, congratulations! It may not seem like it, but you have done a fantastic job.

Taking small steps to care for your body, like obtaining adequate hydration and getting enough rest, can help support your health overall. Many people need help getting through addiction, so don’t hesitate to look into mental health support if you feel that you might benefit from it. Every person’s journey will look different. Try a few of these tips to help you find what’s best for you.

Plumbing Jobs You Shouldn’t Do Yourself

Posted on April 23, 2021April 23, 2021 by Siera Brown

We all know you should rarely do your own plumbing or electric jobs. No matter how many times we go on YouTube and watch tutorials, the project almost never turns outright. In the end, it will end up costing you more money and hassle, and you will most likely have to call in the Calvary.

While doing it yourself isn’t a guaranteed bad idea, it’s important that you, as a homeowner, know your limits. There are times when you should just call a professional and let an expert handle the mess, even if you have done a couple of projects successfully in the fast. It’s important to keep in mind that you can risk causing damage to your home or injuring yourself, and no one wants that. Below is a list of projects you should never try on your own.

Cleaning Out a Clogged Sewer Line

Everyone knows that feeling when they go to flush the toilet, and the water starts to rise instead of swirl down. Panic ensues, and you rush for the plunger, but nothing seems to work! At this moment, finding the right plumber is imperative to your toilet’s survival. Since your sewer lines are clogged, this usually means your whole plumbing system will be affected, and no one wants to be in that house whose septic tank erupted on their front lawn.

A sewer backup can often damage your home, and a professional should be there to help fix the issue since it will need special equipment, or else the problem could just be made worse.

Repairing a Burst Pipe

No one wants to deal with a leaky pipe, especially since it can happen at the most inopportune times, and most times, this plumbing repair is an emergency. It’s maybe not like a “the bathtub fell through the ceiling” level of emergency, but it’s still bad. While one small pipe could be tamable on your own, odds are the problem goes deeper, and calling a contractor will save you time and energy. Many of us may choose to use a pipe patch, but that’s only a temporary fix. Most of the time, the pipe is old and will need to be replaced, which is totally the job of a capable master plumber.

Underground Repairs

If you have to go on your hands and knees under a crawl space or into a damp basement, the answer should always be “no.” You’ll absolutely need special working tools for going into the underground infrastructure. You should only attempt to check out the issue in an emergency situation. You may not know that you’ll most likely also need special working permits from your town council, just like you would need a building permit for an expansion. You can get into a lot of trouble if your town finds that you’ve been doing serious repairs without the proper paperwork. Nothing is worse than having a household issue and an unwanted fine from the town.

Faulty Gas Lines

First things first, if you suspect there is a gas leak, get out of your home, and call the gas company. Don’t light any matches nor wait for the proper authorities. Only when a certified inspector appears to assess the situation should you go back near the residence. You should already have your gas lines expected each year, but this situation is when you should have a licensed plumber and reliable professional taking care of business.

If you’re still weighing the pros and cons of hiring a reliable plumber or doing it yourself, take a look at reviews in the local area. While it may save you a few pennies to do it yourself, sometimes the hassle-free and safe option should outweigh the desire to do it yourself.

How to Choose the Best Storage Unit for Your Needs

Posted on April 20, 2021April 20, 2021 by Siera Brown

Have you ever looked around your house and felt you just don’t have enough space? Have you gone in the garage and rolled your eyes at the mountain of clutter? Do you have a small business that needs more than just your home as an operating base?

If you’ve answered yes to any of those questions, it may be time to invest in a storage unit. While you research for a self-storage facility near you, you will also have to figure out just how large enough of a unit you are going to need to make sure that you are taking full advantage of that extra space.

What’s going inside this storage unit?

While you look into storage facilities near you, it is important to consider your storage needs to get a better sense of an estimate on price. If you are putting priceless valuables in that self-storage unit, you’ll want to make sure that you have a climate control unit in a facility that has round-the-clock surveillance to give you some peace of mind.

Consider box size, and the variable of containers when determining your unit size. If you intend to use a self-storage unit to store holiday decor, season clothing, or seasonal equipment, you’ll want something that is just enough to hold those boxes. That’s the best way to assure they are kept safe without having to purchase a unit with too much space that just becomes wasted money on your end.

Is this for business or personal use?

Some storage units are purchased by college students who are clearing out their dorms at the end of the semester. This is where easy access to your storage unit comes in handy, allowing you to easily load and unload when it comes time to pack the car back up and get resettled in. A storage space with drive-up access is in your best interest, as this driveway will save you repeated trips up and downstairs with heavier boxes or larger furniture.

This also comes in handy for people who find that their job keeps them constantly on the go, forced to relocate every so often. It is best to get a reservation put in place, and an understanding that this is either a seasonal stay or will be used for long-term purposes. If there’s a specific item you will find that you need immediately, be sure to have that near the front of your storage unit so are not sent scrambling and searching every time.

How frequently will you need access?

While a trip to a storage unit may be a once in a while trek to grab a box or two, for some people it’s part of a small business operation. Storage unit renters may find themselves spending a good chunk of their day inside assessing inventory levels and filling orders. If this is you, it is important to make sure you are keeping your lungs clean by maintaining a clean unit, sanitized with disinfectant.

It’s recommended in environments like this with limited filtration to wear a mask to encourage healthy breathing. A half mask respirator provides maximum protection and a comfortable fit for someone who may have to wear the mask for an extended period of time. The T-60 half-face respirator comes with a silicone seal that keeps a half-mask stabilized, protecting the wearer from dangerous particles like mold. This is recommended especially in outdoor units where moisture may build up over time. This extra level of protection also comes in handy for use during the current COVID-19 crisis where mask mandates remain in place in some parts of the United States.

Is downsizing in your future?

If you notice a massive amount of clutter taking up your garage, or your business having stacks of boxes blocking the water cooler, it’s time to scale back. A storage unit can come in handy to clear out some space in your household. This especially comes in handy if you are getting ready to move into a new place. Moving is a great time to assess your personal inventory levels, and determine what should make the trek to your new home. A self-storage unit can hold any appliances or furniture that you plan on selling, or even keep what belongs to you safe before you can place it in your new house.

In due time, you’ll see your use of this site start to wane. Small businesses may find a low-cost unit to hold important documents that they have no room for on-site. This is a common procedure for some medical and law offices because of the security features of these self-storage facilities. With round-the-clock surveillance, both video and in-person, those documents are safe under lock and key. This self-storage solution is also easily accessible in the event that it needs to be entered.

4 Tips To Help Capture All Your Special Memories

Posted on March 6, 2021March 8, 2021 by Siera Brown

Life is made up of a series of moments, special ones and general moments of everyday living. When you look back and think of all the great times and special memories, you fill with gratitude. It’s important to look back at the people, places, and things that have made you who you are today. And reflecting on great memories is a way to remind yourself of how happy and joyful you felt during those times.

Of course, everyone chooses to remember and reflect on things differently. Sometimes it’s great to just share stories, other times you may be interested in looking through old photos or scrapbooks, other times you may be able to look through old notes or messages. There are also moments you’re living through that you may not immediately realize will be a huge memory down the line. As you’re going through your daily life, there are the milestones you know you’ll want to remember like weddings, graduations, and birthdays. However, there are also plenty of moments you won’t realize the significance of until they’re gone. Late night trips to McDonald’s with your besties, sleeping in with your significant other, laughing so hard that water comes out of your nose. These are the moments that make you think of that quote from The Office: “I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” You deserve to capture every special moment and memory. Here are just a few tips for how to do so.

1. Snap your photos.

Pictures are one of the best ways you can capture a moment. Pictures last forever and remind you of exactly where you were and how you were feeling on special occasions or at ordinary moments. Several decades ago, a picture was a big deal, whereas now you can snap a photo on your mobile device without even thinking about it. This means there are even more ways to capture memories. Just be sure you have a way to store those moments afterward. Your online photo storage needs to be the best of the best. One hard drive or Dropbox or smartphone storage may not do the trick. Rely on unlimited storage options that will keep every pixel of your photo storage service updated and fabulous. This way you never have to worry about losing those special memories and pictures.

If you are someone who documents and photographs every moment to put away in photo storage, remember to get candid shots as well. Posed images of your life aren’t the messy parts that make it fun and interesting. So take those pictures when you are maybe off your guard a little bit, but feeling genuinely happy. You’ll be amazed at how these kinds of memories will stand out down the line.

2. Write it out.

Another great way to remember your special moments is to document them with your words. While keeping a diary may seem like a habit of a middle school girl, it can actually be a great option to keep a journal or reflect on your own life. It’s like having a subscription to your own life. Looking back you can remember how great it felt to accomplish something or even see how much you learned from a more unfortunate circumstance.

The beauty of having your own journal and a written record is that nothing is too small to write about. If you had some wild-caught gulf shrimp that you absolutely loved, write about it! Have a memory maker that isn’t necessarily blasted all over social media or shared. Writing out your experiences and memories can be a great way to capture a more raw side of things.

3. Take a video.

Pictures aren’t the only media that can help you remember great moments. While you typically think about looking back on favorite photos, taking videos to remember things can also be a great option. People have now started the habit of recording big reveals or surprises that make for an excellent memory. For example, telling your children you’re going through the legal process of a second parent adoption can be a huge moment for your family members. Consider recording the big reveal on your smartphone as the best way to remember that moment in parenthood. By recording a video, you are remembering that exact moment forever.

4. Remember the feeling.

While capturing moments and memories can be important, you always want to be sure you’re still enjoying them in the moment. Don’t be so dedicated to remembering the moment in the future that you forget to experience it in the present. Ultimately, if you are truly engaged with an experience, you can look back on that moment and share stories of the experience and feel the joy come flooding back. Sometimes remember the feeling is the best way to capture the memory.