How Can DIY Home Projects Help Create a Feeling of Home?
Engaging in DIY home projects can enhance the feeling of comfort and familiarity in your living space. By personalizing your surroundings, you create a unique environment that resonates with your style and preferences. This sense of ownership and accomplishment not only adds character to your home but also fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere. DIY projects allow you to infuse your personality into every nook and cranny, resulting in a space that truly reflects who you are.
DIY Home Projects
Moving to a new house is an opportunity for a new look. If there’s things that need repairing, updating, or just a few nails in the wall, ask yourself if you’re up for doing a few DIY home improvement projects.
Tools list
Having a good supply of tools in your toolbox can help you achieve many simple DIY home projects and repairs. Here is a list of some basic tools that many experts recommend every DIY enthusiast have. Once you become more advanced, make sure to invest in a drill; It’ll be your favorite power tool on the upcoming move.
1. Hammer – In addition to using a hammer to insert and remove nails, it can also be used to knock things down, or to knock things in place.
2. Screwdrivers – There are two types of screwdrivers: flathead and Philips. You will want to have different sizes of each.
3. Wrench – Use a wrench to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. Having an adjustable wrench is best.
4. Utility Knife – For the use of a sharp knife, a utility knife is great and safe, it folds up into the handle.
5. Pliers – Pliers can be used for an assortment of things, especially when you need to grip an object and turn it.
6. Tape Measure – Having a good tape measure is a necessity.
7. Flashlight – You might find yourself working with little, or no light. Always have a flashlight and extra batteries.
8. Tape – Tape can be a savior, fill your toolbox with: duct tape, painter’s tape, electrical tape, and plumber’s tape.
What Can I Do to Make Moving with Horses Easier, like I Did When Moving with Cats?
Moving horses safely requires careful planning and preparation. Before the move, ensure your horses are comfortable with loading and travelling in a horse trailer. Provide ample bedding, food, and water during transportation. Choose a reputable horse transport company or hire experienced loaders. Make sure to acclimate horses to the new environment gradually, following a familiar routine. Patience and attention to details will help ensure a smooth transition for your equine companions.
Moving your cat
When moving cats to a new home, firstly, it has to be decided how they will be transported. Most common methods of transport are in a car, or by airplane. Either one, they will need to be prepared for their upcoming journey.
Before moving, take your cat to the vet for a full medical check up, and obtain a certificate of health. They must be healthy for long distance travel. You’ll want to confirm all vaccinations are up to date, especially if you’re moving to a different state. Visit the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) to view vaccination requirements and registration forms for the state your moving too. You will also want to check with the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) if you’ll need to provide proof of immunizations at state crossings. Some cats might suffer from anxiety; discuss this with the vet as they might have travel suggestions.
Finding a collar
In the event your cat gets lost while in transit, there is a greater chance you’ll be reunited if the cat is microchipped. If your cat is not microchipped, make sure your contact information is on the collar.
In order for moving day to go smoothly, start preparing the cat ahead of time by having the crate around the house. Leave it open, maybe with a blanket or pillow inside, even a favorite toy. This way they can explore and hopefully feel comfortable in what will be their home for the duration of the move.
9 Tips for Selling Your Home During Coronavirus
The coronavirus has affected so many aspects of our lives – from how we work to how we exercise, communicate, and so much more. It has also affected the housing market and how we now buy and sell homes. If you’re thinking about listing your home you may be wondering what you can do to attract homebuyers during this unprecedented time? While executing on curb appeal ideas and implementing strategic home staging are all still worthy endeavors in appealing to homebuyers, an ideal home office or an entertainment-worthy backyard may have found renewed interest for today’s homebuyers. Here are 9 tips to help you sell your home during coronavirus.
Start by prepping your home to sell in a virtual world
Due to coronavirus, developments in virtual home tours, 3D walkthroughs, and the ability to close remotely with online notaries have made home buying and selling process easier than ever. Along with these advancements in real estate technology, services such as virtual staging, virtual home inspections, and even virtual interior design have grown in popularity.
1. Make your home shine online with virtual staging
Whether you’re listing a single-family home for sale in Atlanta, GA or a duplex for sale in Sacramento, CA, staging your home is one of the most integral parts of the process. It gives potential buyers an opportunity to visualize themselves living in your space, which can make or break a deal. So, unless you have experience staging homes, consider consulting with a professional home stager.
Given the current climate, however, not everyone necessarily wants a professional stager to enter their house. That’s why virtual staging services have become such a popular alternative. The advent of virtual staging has allowed stagers to create comfortable and aesthetically pleasing atmospheres for potential buyers to view a home without ever setting foot inside. While in-person staging will likely return post-coronavirus, virtual staging will remain a convenient and favorable option that should be considered when getting your house ready to sell.
2. Organize your interior with a virtual organizing and decluttering service
As with virtual staging, many have found virtual organizing services to be an affordable and convenient way to receive advice on how to organize and declutter their space. Some organizers even claim that working virtually allows them to have longer organizing sessions with their clients, resulting in more in-depth appointments. However, one of the most compelling reasons to try a virtual organizing session is that you get to work hands-on with your space. By allowing a professional organizer to virtually guide you through the organization process, you can practice and integrate your new skills long after your session has ended, and having a functional space will give your home a leg-up when it’s time to sell.
3. Invest in professional photography to help your home stand out
Nowadays, with the ability to buy and sell almost entirely online, it’s more important than ever to make sure your home’s online appearance is top-notch. While it may be tempting to forego the expense of professional real estate photos and do it yourself, it’s important to note that your house will likely sell faster and for more money, if you go with a professional. Investing in a real estate photographer will ensure that your home is presented in its best light when you list.
In the case that your home is located on a large plot of land or has a spectacular view you want to show off, consider having aerial photos taken of your home. With advancements in drone photography, this service is more affordable than ever and is able to capture your home’s most prominent features from a whole new perspective.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when selling your house during the coronavirus pandemic?
When selling your house during the coronavirus pandemic, there are key mistakes to avoid. One common pitfall is overpricing your property, as buyers may be cautious due to economic uncertainty. Neglecting virtual tours or low-quality online listings also hinders success. Furthermore, failing to adapt to safety measures like social distancing and sanitization can deter potential buyers. To ensure a smooth sale, avoid these selling your house mistakes.
How Can I Make Moving Less Stressful During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Moving during a global pandemic can be overwhelming, but with these tips for a smooth relocation, you can minimize stress. Start by creating a detailed plan, utilizing virtual tours to find a new home, and packing strategically. Research local guidelines and hire professional movers to streamline the process. Prioritize your health and safety by practicing proper hygiene throughout the move.
Make sure your home addresses all the needs of today’s buyers
4. Turn unused space into a home gym or office
For many people, things like working and exercising from home have been a completely new experience that they weren’t entirely prepared for. Prior to coronavirus, many hadn’t considered the importance of having a dedicated workspace that promotes productivity while remaining separate from their day-to-day lives. However, now people have begun to recognize the value of additional space.
If you have an unfinished basement, a spare bedroom, or an insulated garage, take the time to transform it into a usable and desirable space. Whether it functions as a home office, gym, indoor garden, or something else, having a bonus area that buyers can customize to their individual needs will certainly provide value to your home in the eyes of today’s homebuyers.
5. Make your backyard a horticulturist’s dream
As many may have noticed, when the coronavirus initially struck, produce and even proteins were in short supply at the local grocery store. This shortage ultimately gave people a greater appreciation for being able to grow their own food from the comfort of home. Taking the time to build a garden bed in a previously unused part of your backyard will bring life to your outdoor space and be an added bonus in the eyes of the buyer.
6. Create a space to grow food indoors
Why limit your gardening to the outdoors? Indoor gardening has also seen a rise in popularity since the beginning of the pandemic. Having a proper place for an indoor garden within your home can be a bonus from a buyer’s perspective. Not to mention, building an indoor garden can be a fun, rewarding, and educational project for the whole family to be a part of. Start by finding the right space in your home. Keep in mind that the ideal location for an indoor garden receives a lot of natural light and has an average temperature of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, choose vegetables and herbs that thrive indoors such as lettuces, carrots, tomatoes, arugula, etc.. For more in-depth instruction, refer to these expert tips on how to create the ultimate DIY indoor garden.
Turn your backyard into a personal getaway
With all the time that’s been spent at home, a beautiful space for outdoor entertainment has taken on a whole new level of importance. Investing a little time and money into your outdoor space will provide a range of benefits to you as a homeowner while adding value to your home when it comes time to sell. Create the ultimate gathering space in your backyard by incorporating elements like a wooden porch swing, lawn games, outdoor lighting, or even a DIY fire pit.
Originally posted at selling Your Home During Coronavirus
What Should I Consider When Setting Prices at a Garage Sale?
When planning a successful garage sale, pricing your items strategically is crucial. Consider the condition, age, and demand for each item. Research the typical prices for similar second-hand goods and be prepared to negotiate. Clearly label each item, using removable stickers or tags. Create attractive displays and organize items by category to make the browsing process easier. Remember, setting reasonable prices will help attract more buyers and increase your chances of selling everything.
Receiving your belongings
Before the movers can deliver your items, a few things will need to be prepared. Firstly, ensure the moving company has all the correct information, delivery address, and contact numbers. It is best that you’re home for the unloading of your items, however, if this is not possible, have someone there who can accept the delivery. Inform the moving company.
You will need to make sure ahead of time that the moving truck can park without any problems. Obtain parking permits if needed. The closer the moving truck is to your home, the easier and quicker unloading will be. It will also lessen the chance of any additional charges, such as long carry. If you live in a building with an elevator, it might need to be reserved. Speak with the building manager to ensure the elevator will be available for your use on the delivery date.
Moving with kids
If small children and babies will be present on the day of delivery, it is advised to have a babysitter to watch and keep them out of the way of the delivery crew. This will prevent any accidents and allow you to focus on your delivery. Older children often like to be involved, there are plenty of little jobs to keep them occupied.
Many moving companies provide unpacking services. If you would like to add this to your estimate, make sure you do so prior to delivery day.
What Is the Best Way to Organize and Unpack Your Belongings After a Long Distance Move?
After a long distance move, getting your items organized and unpacked efficiently is crucial. Start by labeling boxes according to rooms to make it easier when unpacking. Prioritize unpacking essential items first, like clothes and toiletries. Utilize storage solutions such as bins and shelves to keep things tidy. Take your time, stay organized, and create a functional and comfortable living space.
What Should I Do With the Food During the Moving Process?
During the moving process, it's important to consider what to do with long distance food. In order to prevent spoilage, perishable items should be consumed or donated. Non-perishable items can be boxed up and transported to the new location. Alternatively, consider giving surplus pantry staples to friends, neighbors, or local food banks. Properly planning for your food supplies ensures a smoother transition to your new home.
Unpacking After Your Long Distance Move
Your long distance move is almost complete. The only thing remaining is to unpack your belongings in your new home.
First, check inventory to make sure everything has arrived. Once it is confirmed you have all your boxes and furniture, start by unpacking some essentials. If you prepared a first day essentials box, locate this. It should have the basics for you and your family while you organize the rest of your stuff.
It is best to unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first. This way you and your family have a place to eat and sleep, allowing you to continue your daily routines, such as work, school, etc. while you unpack the rest of your home. Once you have these basics in place, create an unpacking plan. If you have children, their stuff should be unpacked after the basics, this way they can be surrounded by their belongings, which will create a sense of familiarity. If you have the space, use one room for all the boxes, you can then unpack them, as you need them. Alternatively, place boxes in the corresponding rooms. Ideally, each box will be labeled clearly.
Home sweet home
Next step is to decide where you want to place your large pieces of furniture and make your new home, feel like home. If you’re feeling creative, sketch a rough floor plan and draw a layout of where you would like your furniture placed. This will save you time and energy when it comes to lifting and moving any heavy pieces.
unpacking-plan
David Barroso
Jan 10, 2025
CA NY Express Movers and Eric Rummel, the account executive, provided exceptional assistance during my move. They ensured that I received the best price and that the entire process Read more testimonials
Katelyn R.
Jan 16, 2025
We used CA-NY Express last month to move from NYC to LA and had a great experience. We had never made a cross-country move before and didn't know what to expect, Read more testimonials
Daniel Zaltsman
Mar 17, 2025
Second time using them for a cross-country move, and would use them the third time too. Solid, communicative, fairly priced. Thanks to the whole team! Read more testimonials
Before moving, take your cat to the vet for a full medical check up, and obtain a certificate of health. They must be healthy for long distance travel. You’ll want to confirm all vaccinations are up to date, especially if you’re moving to a different state. Visit the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) to view vaccination requirements and registration forms for the state your moving too. You will also want to check with the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) if you’ll need to provide proof of immunizations at state crossings. Some cats might suffer from anxiety; discuss this with the vet as they might have travel suggestions.
Given the current climate, however, not everyone necessarily wants a professional stager to enter their house. That’s why virtual staging services have become such a popular alternative. The advent of virtual staging has allowed stagers to create comfortable and aesthetically pleasing atmospheres for potential buyers to view a home without ever setting foot inside. While in-person staging will likely return post-coronavirus, virtual staging will remain a convenient and favorable option that should be considered when getting your house ready to sell.
In the case that your home is located on a large plot of land or has a spectacular view you want to show off, consider having aerial photos taken of your home. With advancements in drone photography, this service is more affordable than ever and is able to capture your home’s most prominent features from a whole new perspective.
If you have an unfinished basement, a spare bedroom, or an insulated garage, take the time to transform it into a usable and desirable space. Whether it functions as a home office, gym, indoor garden, or something else, having a bonus area that buyers can customize to their individual needs will certainly provide value to your home in the eyes of today’s homebuyers.
Originally posted at 
First, check inventory to make sure everything has arrived. Once it is confirmed you have all your boxes and furniture, start by unpacking some essentials. If you prepared a first day essentials box, locate this. It should have the basics for you and your family while you organize the rest of your stuff.
It is best to unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first. This way you and your family have a place to eat and sleep, allowing you to continue your daily routines, such as work, school, etc. while you unpack the rest of your home. Once you have these basics in place, create an unpacking plan. If you have children, their stuff should be unpacked after the basics, this way they can be surrounded by their belongings, which will create a sense of familiarity. If you have the space, use one room for all the boxes, you can then unpack them, as you need them. Alternatively, place boxes in the corresponding rooms. Ideally, each box will be labeled clearly.
