6 Ways Things To Keep You Stress-Free When Moving To a New Place

When you get your dream job only to discover it is several hundred miles away, stress is a natural response. No matter how positive moving to a new location might be, it still involves a lot of work and planning for a smooth transition.

One of the first things to do when you know you plan to relocate is contact Matco Moving Solutions. Their moving professionals can give you a few practical tips to follow. Here are a few ideas to help you plan your move.

1. Pare Down Possessions

You do not always realize the amount of stuff you accumulate until it comes time to pack. If you find yourself shaking your head at all the knickknacks you have, do not feel alone.
If you have not touched an item or used it within the past year, then it is likely you do not need it. Try selling what you can online and with a garage sale.
Anything you cannot sell that you just do not need can go to family and friends or donated to a charitable cause.

2. Consolidate Important Papers

Designate one box that stands out from the others in which to place all your important documents.
Consider using brightly colored folders so you will know exactly where your passport is as opposed to your original birth certificate.
Scan your documents to a secure cloud storage area. Another excellent idea is to email yourself with the scanned documents attached.

3. Set Up Utilities, Internet and Telephone Connections Early

In an effort to save a few dollars many folks do not set their utilities up in advance for their new residence. This is very short-sighted.
Sometimes utility services need manual connections, requiring a technician to come out and hook it up. Often, this cannot happen on demand. Contact utility companies at your new place and set up services early.
You may require an as soon as you arrive. Transfer your existing internet service to your new residence or arrange for a new service.

4. Plan Before Packing Begins

Experts at Forbes Magazine suggest having a strategy and plan in place before you pack your first box.
Methodically packing one room at a time before starting on the next is an effective packing technique.
Label each box with the room it came from, and the room where you want it to go. Consider color-coding your rooms with your boxes.

5. Organize Packing in The Order You Need Items

Pack your items so that the largest items come off the moving truck first.
If you want a place to put your clothes, you need your dresser waiting in your new room.
When you start unpacking your books you have no place to put them if your bookshelves are not set up in the correct room.

6. Keep Unpacking Essentials Within Reach

While the moving truck unpacks your possessions, you need things to help set things up at your new place.
Keep a small tool kit with nails, a hammer and screwdriver to hang pictures as they come off the truck.
A utility knife and heavy-duty trash bags are critical items during your move. Keep them close at hand.

Planning and preparation make a residential move relatively stress-free. Do not forget to celebrate with pizza and a movie when your move is complete.

Five Reasons That You Need a Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a Home

At Express rooter plumbing in Toronto, we want you to know that there are five great reasons to have a home’s plumbing devices inspected before you buy the property. Hundreds of individuals make offers on older homes each day, and many of these potential buyers have no experience with plumbing fixtures. You can hire our plumbers to inspect a home before you make an offer on a property.

Plumbing Inspection Reason 1: Finding Problems With the Exterior Sewer Lines

A knowledgeable plumber can inspect a property’s exterior plumbing lines to find problems that can cost you a lot of money for repairs. The signs of having sewer line problems are often difficult for a property owner to see. The plumber will check a home’s lawns for standing water that is leaking from the sewer lines. In some cases, this type of leak is slow, but it will create soft spots on the lawns above the sewer lines, and the plumber may also notice a foul odor from raw sewage.

Plumbing Inspection Reason 2: Checking For Water Pressure Problems Inside a Home

A plumbing company has equipment to check for water pressure problems that can make it difficult to use the faucets in a home’s kitchen and bathrooms. A water pressure problem can indicate that one or more pipes in a home are degrading, and in some cases, a home requires a total plumbing system replacement so that a homeowner can have enough water in the sinks, toilets and bathtubs.

Plumbing Inspection Reason 3: Finding Leaks From a Home’s Pipes

When someone is selling a home, she can paint over the water damage. If you aren’t a plumber, then you won’t know how to check each exposed pipe for a leak. In addition, a plumber understands how to look at a home’s drywall, wood paneling and other surfaces to find water damage from severely degraded pipes. You may not want to buy a home that has leaking pipes because it can take several weeks to fix the different problems.

Plumbing Inspection Reason 4: Poorly Functioning Water Heater

After moving into a home, you will want to have hot water for cleaning and bathing, but if the building has a malfunctioning water heater, then you will need to pay for an expensive repair. A plumber knows how to check a water heater’s thermostat, pipes and holding tank to make sure that it is in good condition. He can also determine if the water heater is energy efficient or if its holding tank is filled with sediments. When there is a problem with a home’s water heater, you can inform the current owners to have the appliance replaced before you make an offer.

Plumbing Inspection Reason 5: Checking a Home’s Water Quality

A plumber can check a home’s water quality to determine if it is contaminated with pathogens from a backwash of sewage or to determine if the pipes are leaching metal into the water. You won’t want to live in a home that has dirty water that can make you ill or that has a foul odor, so you should arrange a professional plumbing inspection of a home before buying it. Tell the current homeowner or the real estate agent that you want to arrange an inspection of the home’s plumbing devices.

5 Things To Check Before Hiring Any Moving And Packing Company

When Richard Johnson hired the moving company claiming to charge the lowest rate, little did he know what he was signing up for. Only when he found that the company has actually moved all his items to a warehouse a few miles from his place and asking for a hefty charge to shift it to the designated destination, that he realized his mistake. He ended up hiring a separate team of movers and paying over five times the cost to get his things finally moved to the new place.

Incidents such as this are not uncommon and many will narrate such tales of harassment experienced while dealing with movers. Do not make this your experience as well.

Finding the right movers and packers such as Matco moving needs proper research. It can be a little time consuming, but will save you from frauds and unnecessary harassments. Whether you are looking for movers to shift your residence or workplace, keep in mind a few points and check few things before taking the final decision.

What should you check before hiring a mover and packer?

Here are a few pointers that should help keep you avoid unnecessary troubles and allow you to pick only the best.

1. Check all available options and background

This requires maximum effort and you will need to prepare a list of probable choices. Only when you have a list should you progress and check out the background of the company. There will be information available with the registered association of packers and movers in your country. The American Moving and Storage Association or the Canadian Association of Movers will be a good place to start researching. You will find details of consumer complaints as well.

2. Verify their credentials

Even though a company might declare on their website that they meet all the necessary compliances, make sure that you check and re-verify them. The US Department of Transportation provides a DOT registration number to carriers operating between states. It is possible to check the status with the help of the DOT and Motor Carrier Number and ensure that you are indeed dealing with a legitimate mover.

3. Check their insurance policy

Insurance is important when you are moving your items. If anything is damaged during the transport, it is insurance that will ensure that you are covered. However, there are two different types of cover available. The default one is the full value (replacement) protection. This will require you to pay for the insurance policy. However, this provides maximum coverage and ensures that you do not suffer any monetary loss in case there is any damage to the item. The alternate coverage will provide 60 cents per pound per article. With costly items becoming lighter, this isn’t a smart choice, though this is free of cost and you will have to mention beforehand that you wish to opt for this.

4. Check quote and estimate

A good mover will provide an exact quote only after properly checking what needs to be moved. Be wary of companies that provide quoted without creating a proper estimate. Also, make sure that the estimate is as close to your estimate as possible.

5. Check out the location of the mover

It is better to get a local mover as it becomes easier to trust and lowers the chance of being conned. However, even if you are hiring a mover after checking from the internet, make it a point to visit the office and talk in person. That way you will have a better idea about the people you are hiring.

Take out some time and ensure that you get only the best and most reliable. This short checklist should be of help.

6 Extremely Important Things To Consider Before Buying A Tankless Water Heater

When you are accustomed to an old-fashioned water heater that has a large tank, you will want to learn more about modern tankless water heaters. These devices are the newest way to heat water in a building, but there are several things that you must consider before investing in a tankless water heater.

Consideration 1: Do You Have Access To Natural Gas Lines?

Tankless water heaters typically require natural gas to work, but you may not have natural gas lines that are connected to your home or business. In some geographic areas, it is impossible to install natural gas lines while in other areas, you can install the lines, but it can cost thousands of dollars to complete the job. If you can’t use natural gas to power a tankless water heater, then you must consider your other options.

Consideration 2: Can You Afford a Gas-powered Tankless Water Heater?

Gas-powered tankless water heaters are extremely expensive, and you may not have the money to install one of these devices. However, you will save money by heating water with tankless water heating systems. It will take several years to begin receiving any financial benefits from having a tankless hot water heater. You should consider if the installation of a tankless water heater is a good financial decision.

Consideration 3: Can You Install an Electric Tankless Water Heater?

A few companies manufacture electric tankless water heaters, but the devices are expensive, and you must have the correct type of electrical wiring in a building. In addition to paying three times as much for the tankless water heater, you will need to hire an electrician who can upgrade the wires in your home. The installation of wires can lead to damage to drywall and paneling, so you may also need to have these materials repaired.

Consideration 4: Are There Tankless Water Heater Technicians In Your Region?

In order to have a tankless water heater installed, you must find a technician who understands the equipment. Tankless water heaters are new devices, and many technicians have no experience with the installation or repair of the equipment. If you want to install a tankless water heater system, then you may need to hire an expert who lives in another location, and this can lead to problems when you need a repair to the device.

Consideration 5: Will Your Other Utility Bills Increase?

If you live in a region that has expensive electricity or natural gas, then you may see an increase in these utility bills. A tankless water heater uses more power than a traditional water heater does, so you may actually pay more for heating your water each day.

Consideration 6: Will the Tankless Water Heater Work Fast Enough?

When you need a lot of hot water at various locations in a building, a tankless water heater is often not the best choice. A tankless water heater requires more time to create hot water, so you may want to continue using an old-fashioned water heater.

Basic Steps to Keep Furnace Repair Issues at Bay

Nobody wants to contend with a broken furnace in the dead of winter. This is peak season for most heating companies, so it may be several long hours or even days before a heating company can respond. During this time, you and your loved ones may grow increasingly uncomfortable in the home. In addition, you will be responsible for paying unexpected repair bills that can eat into your budget. The good news is that there are some easy steps you can take to minimize the number of furnace repair services you need throughout the year, and these steps may even delay the need for a new furnace installation by promoting excellent longevity of your system.

Keep Your Thermostat Properly Adjusted

One of the primary reasons why a furnace breaks down is because of wear and tear on its components. The more heavily or frequently you use the system, the greater the amount of wear and tear. With the use of a programmable thermostat that is properly set, you can prevent the unnecessary extra heating of your home during the times of day when you are typically not at home or while you are sleeping at night. This ensures that your furnace only operates on a truly as-needed basis.

Clean Your Air Filter Regularly

While over usage is a primary factor leading to unnecessary wear and tear on your furnace components, your air filters also play a critical role in this. When air filters are dirty, the system must make an extra effort to force air through the filter to circulate in the home. In addition, the system may need to run for longer periods of time than it otherwise would need to because of diminished airflow. When you change your air filter regularly, you promote optimal efficiency of the system. This can lead to reduced wear and tear as well as diminished repair services.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance Service

While these regular efforts on your part can go a long way toward keeping furnace repair services to a minimum, another great step to take is to schedule preventive maintenance service on your furnace regularly each year. This service cleans the components of your furnace. Just as a dirty air filter can affect efficiency, dirty system components can have the same effect. Preventive maintenance also can identify worn out components that may be causing reduced efficiency, and these can be replaced.

Even when care is taken to keep your system operating at peak efficiency, some furnace repair needs will develop. After all, all machines will break down at some point. However, by following these helpful tips, you can keep repair needs to a minimum.

5 Advantages of Stucco as a Home Building Material

Stucco, otherwise known as Portland cement-based plaster, is a versatile building material comprised of a thin shell of mixed sand, cement and lime. This mixture is then applied overtop of framed wall structures or concrete masonry.

There are Canadian homeowners who mistakenly believe that stucco is inappropriate for use in construction this far north. Somehow people have the idea that it isn’t a suitable home building material for use in predominantly cold climates. However, studying the architecture in Germany, we find that cement stucco is implemented successfully there despite issues with repeated freezing and thawing. For Canadians who are willing to buck the conventional wisdom, this is a building material offering numerous advantages.

1. A Luxurious, High-End Look

With 43% of the total market share, stucco is the top choice for exterior siding that’s used on residential architecture valued at more than $750,000 US dollars. Even if your home is valued at far less than this, a plaster style exterior can make it look more valuable.

2. Numerous Artistic Options Are Available

You can choose a wide variety of plaster textures and colours to customize your home’s appearance. Earthy colors and neutrals are the most popular options right now, but your choices are virtually unlimited.

Siding and walls aren’t your only options. You also have the option to create an interesting textured ceiling or customized cornice moulding details with this material.

3. Protection From the Elements

The possibility of fire damage is a concern to all homeowners. If you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires, concrete masonry offers you the advantage of superior fire ratings.

Portland cement-based plaster is also resistant to moisture damage, which makes it an ideal building material for use in construction projects in areas prone to hurricanes, humidity and frequent precipitation.

4. Low Maintenance

This material is easy to maintain, and the maintenance doesn’t require any special expertise. Plaster’s greatest downside is a tendency to crack, but the cracks can be repaired.

5. Best Long-Term Value on Siding Overall

While stucco seems expensive to install if you compare it against vinyl siding or fiber cement, it actually offers you the best possible long-term value on exterior siding. According to manual # STP1269, Exterior Insulation Finish Systems published by ASTM International, it is the siding material that has the lowest cost overall when rated over a lifespan of 30 years.

Quite a few homeowners with older homes can attest to the longevity of this building material. There’s a market for popcorn ceiling repair services, since it is sometimes preferable to repair a stucco ceiling rather than replace it.

As you can see, stucco offers home builders and buyers numerous advantages when used in residential construction. These advantages are well worth considering when you decide on the building materials you’ll use for constructing or renovating your home.

The Importance of Prompt Air Conditioner Repair

Air conditioning is one of those creature comforts that you do not want to live without during the hot summer months. The cool, comfortable air that circulates through your home creates a relaxed environment on even the most torridly hot days. Without air conditioners working in homes at night, you may be hard-pressed to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, and you may toss and turn all night long. There are some days when the temperature is so high that you may even put your health at risk if your air conditioning is not functioning properly. Nonetheless, many homeowners delay scheduling air conditioner repair service until the last possible minute. There are a few good reasons why you need to schedule prompt AC repair service.

Your Repair Issues Could Grow
When a broken AC system continues to run in your home, other AC components must function overtime in order to keep up with your demands for cool air. This means that added wear and tear is occurring, and this could lead to more problematic issues with your AC system. This additional wear and tear can even impact your system’s longevity and cause a premature need for a costly replacement.

You May Be Wasting Electricity
When your system works overtime to make up for broken components, it may be running for longer periods of time or turning off and on more frequently. When this happens, your AC unit will consume more electricity than it otherwise would if your system was properly maintained. In some cases, this increase in your electrical energy bills can be sizable, and this can impact your budget until the repair work has been completed.

You Are Risking a Complete Breakdown
Air conditioners that continue to work in overdrive when they are broken may ultimately suffer a complete breakdown. This is because your system may be working so hard to cool your home on very hot days that it simply cannot keep up. When this happens, your home may be without air conditioning for several hours or more while you wait for air conditioner repair service. In the event a complete AC unit replacement is needed, you may even be without the use of AC for several days.

Many homeowners notice signs that their AC unit needs service well before they schedule repair work on it. They may overlook the issue until it becomes worse, but you can see that this is the worst thing you can do. You can save energy, repair costs and more when you schedule repair service at the first sign of an issue. If your AC unit is not functioning well today, now is the time to reach out to a qualified AC repair company for service. The Climate Experts website may be able to provide additional insights.

Choosing the Right Location for a New Storage Shed in Your Yard

Storage sheds provide homeowners with the functional ability to access more storage space on their property. They eliminate the stress of having a cramped, cluttered garage, and they eliminate the need to invest in an off-site storage unit that has recurring monthly expenses. You may have taken considerable time to carefully review all of the models available that are suitable for your specific needs and for your budget. Now that you have selected a great shed for your needs, you are now tasked with the important decision of the placement of your shed in your yard. As you compare different locations of your yard, consider each of these points carefully.

The Slope of the Land
Some homeowners are blessed with a perfectly level yard, but many others struggle with the challenge of having a sloped yard. If your yard is graded, you may have noticed that water runs down some areas or even puddles during and after a rainstorm. Water can cause rusting with metal storage sheds as well as rot with wooden features. It can also flood the interior of your shed, impacting the contents inside. If your entire yard is sloped, you may consider building an elevated area through terracing to protect your shed.The Ability to Access the Door
You must also consider your ability to access the door when thinking about placement. Some sheds have one door, and some have two doors on opposite ends. Some doors swing outward, and some slide open. In addition, some sheds have stairs or a ramp. When thinking about your ability to access different types of doors, consider the use of the shed as well. For example, with storage for gardening tools, you may not need a large access area. However, if you are storing a large riding lawnmower in the shed, you will need a considerable amount of space to pull the equipment out.

The Convenience of Use
If you have a very large yard, the convenience of use in different locations should be considered. Some people prefer their shed to be located close to their home for easy access, but others prefer that it is relatively removed or not visible from the house. Consider how you plan to use the shed and where you will use most of the contents in the shed. For example, if you need storage for garden tools, placing the shed by the garden makes sense.

Your placement of your storage shed on your property will impact usability, convenience and even the condition of the shed for years to come. It can be difficult to move a shed after it has already been constructed, so carefully consider each of these valid points before finalizing your decision. You may be able to find more information online.

A Guide to Choosing the Right Moving Company

Moving or relocating can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right moving company that you can trust with your valuable personal belongings. You ought to put in some legwork in order to weed through the myriad available options of moving companies so as to be guaranteed of getting the best moving services in your area. Here is a guide on how to go about settling for the best company:

Search mover names

Use the phone book directory to check for movers in your locality. You can also do a random online search on major search engines such as Google or better still ask for recommendations from close friends and family members. Conduct some background checks about the names you found so that you get to narrow it down to just a few candidates that you will contact and review.

Contact the movers

At this stage, you can evaluate the company’s customer service and get an idea of the kind of people you will be dealing with. Don’t rush to getting a quote, the only valid quote you can take up is one that the mover will give you when he comes to your home to assess the amount of work that needs to be done. Ask the movers about how long they have been in the moving industry, whether they are licensed or certified to offer moving services in your area, and if they are members of the American Moving and Storage Association.

Although negative answers shouldn’t disqualify the movers, they will help you greatly in evaluating the abilities and credentials of every mover as you keep narrowing your search until you find a credible option. There is a great source of information available on the Hudson Movers website.

Plan for in-home assessments

Remember an estimate is also a factor to consider when choosing the right mover. Don’t settle for the cheapest available option but instead the best moving services that your budget can accommodate. Plan for about three in-house assessments from different companies so that you can ask any further questions and consequently get an accurate quote.

There are certain factors that can affect the overall moving costs such as availability of stairs which can complicate the move. Hence, if there are such factors in your current home or where you are moving to, you should let the mover know about them. Disclosing everything during assessment will help you in avoiding surprises upon payment. This is a perfect way to weed out scam companies who may dupe you into losing your hard earned cash. Once you are satisfied with the analysis, choose the most reliable mover, set a date for the move, and sign a contract.

Three Reasons to Use Professional Junk Removal Service for Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is an often in-depth process that requires you to go through your entire home room by room. Each area will be thoroughly cleaned. This includes a top to bottom cleaning session that covers everything from your baseboards to your ceiling fan blades. It also includes ample time going through your drawers, cabinets and closets. You will need to pull out a lot of items that you no longer need or use, and this can create more usable space in the home. The end result is a home that is more organized and livable. Professional junk removal is often required for a major project, and a closer look will reveal why this is true.

The Significant Amount of Waste Produced
There is a cost associated with a dumpster rental, and you may be wondering why you cannot simply use your garbage bins for curbside pickup. Your garbage bins may serve the important function of collecting your regular waste, but the waste produced from a spring cleaning project can be enormous. In many rooms, you may have a large pile of items to donate to charity as well as more items that you want to toss away entirely. You must have a plan in mind for removing that waste, and your garbage bins likely will not do the job.

A Convenient Way to Remove Waste
Your primary options when dealing with a large waste removal project include hauling your trash to the landfill on your own or booking a dumpster rental for junk removal. Transporting your trash to the landfill requires you to have a large truck or trailer available, and you may even need to make multiple trips to the landfill. The landfill will charge you money for each trip you make, and you may also need to rent the truck or trailer. Therefore, there is a cost associated with doing this project on your own. Most find that professional junk removal is an affordable and convenient solution.

Making Your Cleanup Project Faster and Easier
As you go from room to room in your home, you need to manage the waste that you produce. In many instances, you may have charity and junk piles in each room of the home. While you may need to haul your charity items to the donation site on your own or schedule pickup, you can quickly remove the junk piles when you have a dumpster rental on-site. You simply take your trash out to your rented dumpster, and you will not have to think about it again.

Spring cleaning is a major project. It can be even more monumental if you have not done spring cleaning for a few years. A dumpster rental is a great way to get your project off on the right foot.

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