To help you simplify your process, speed things along, save money and move more efficiently, we’ve compiled 10 moving tips that will make the biggest impact on your moving day. Whether it’s choosing your moving date wisely or ensuring that you arrive at your new apartment home with your essentials readily available, there are simple ways to streamline your move and help reduce your stress along the way.

Here are our favorite moving tips to help make this your best move yet.

Find free boxes at recycling drop off locations or local ABC, wine or grocery stores. Save money right at the start by seeking out free boxes in the sizes you’ll need. Visit your nearby ABC store, your local recycling center or wine and beer shop. Even grocery stores and large retailers often get deliveries each week, and are usually happy to pass their boxes along.

Schedule a donation pickup. Save yourself time and money by packing up the items you no longer need or use and donating them. Make sure to get a receipt for your donations, as you’ll be able to write those off when tax season rolls around.

Get moving quotes from 2-3 moving companies. When getting quotes from moving companies, make sure to get at least two or three different quotes to compare. You’ll be surprised at what a large difference in cost moving companies charge. Some companies offer incentives if this is your first move with their company, while others can give you added guarantees for transport of your fragile or precious items.

Schedule a mid-week, mid-month move to save money. As a rule of thumb, most moving companies charge less if you schedule your move in the middle of the week and in the middle of the month. You will pay more for trying to schedule your move on the last saturday of the month, and you might encounter more traffic and difficulty in finding parking for your movers once you arrive.

Color code moving boxes to make sure they end up placed in the correct rooms. Help speed your move along and stay organized by color coding your boxes with post its or colored washi tape. This way, when it’s time to unpack, your boxes will already be placed in their correct rooms, saving you from lifting and moving countless boxes around your home.

Pack heavy items in small boxes. Avoid loading down large boxes with an entire shelf of hardback books, as these can be both dangerous to lift and at risk for being dropped or breaking. Use smaller boxes to pack books or other heavy items in your home. Save the large boxes for lighter items.

Use pillows, blankets and sheets to stuff boxes with fragile items. Rather than pack boxes of sheets, pillows and blankets, use these items as packaging material and save money along the way. Layer picture frames and other decor in between thick blankets or small throw pillows, keeping your breakables protected and your unpacking easier.

Have cash on hand to tip movers. In the hustle and bustle of moving day, it’s easy to forget to bring cash to tip your movers. Grab cash the day before you move, and keep it readily available to tip when your movers are finished.

Pack a moving day essentials box. Make sure you pack a box of essentials to keep with you for easy access on your moving day. You’ll want to include important documents, pet food, medications, wine and beer openers, a small stash of dish ware, bottled water, snacks and changes of clothes.

Make plans for pets and small children on the day of your move. Plan to have your pets and young children cared for away from your move on moving day, to keep them safe and separated from the chaos of moving.

The post 10 Moving Tips to Simplify Your Move appeared first on The Pearl at Marina Shores.

To make the most of your time beside our waterfront pool in Virginia Beach, VA, it’s important to stay safe and be courteous to others.

Making sure to supervise children, wear sunblock, maintain distance from others outside of your group and avoid bringing glass to the pool deck can help you and your neighbors swim more safely and peacefully.

Here are swimming pool etiquette and safety tips to help you make this your best swimming pool season yet!

Supervise Children
When you bring children to the pool, it’s important to supervise them at all times. Even when a lifeguard is on duty, keep your eyes on your child while they swim, and take them with you if you need to visit the restroom or leave the pool area. It’s equally important to begin investing in swim lessons as early as possible for children and any beginner swimmers in your life. Living in Virginia Beach, VA means being surrounded by water, and knowing how to swim is crucial.

Save Your Skin
If you plan to spend any length of time at the pool, make sure you apply sunscreen. When swimming, you’ll want to reapply every two hours to prevent sunburn. Even on slightly overcast days, the Virginia Beach sun can wreak havoc on your skin if you aren’t protected. Save your skin and wear sunblock!

Maintain Distance/Be Courteous to Others
Be courteous to others at the pool, and maintain distance both outside and inside the pool. Avoid crowding others while swimming and horseplay is strictly not allowed. Maintaining space from others is important to preventing any spread of Covid 19, but it is also important to swimming safety.

Avoid Swimming & Drinking
If you decide to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine by the pool, it’s best to do so when you are no longer swimming and are not in charge of supervising anyone swimming. While a cool drink in the afternoon sun can be refreshing to have with friends, drinking and swimming can be a dangerous combination. Approximately 10-30% of all drowning deaths are estimated to be alcohol related. Stay safe, and don’t drink and swim.

No Glass
Keep glass off the sun deck or near the pool at all times, and the bare feet around you will thank you. If glass breaks inside the pool, you can expect the pool to close as it is cleaned to prevent injury or harm to other patrons. Stick to plastic or stainless steel, and drink safely.

The post Swimming Pool Etiquette & Safety appeared first on The Pearl at Marina Shores.

You don’t have to go big to transform your patio space into an inviting oasis. With the right furniture and accessories, your patio can be ready for dining al fresco or savoring saturday morning sunrises in no time.

Textiles and Plush Decor
A bright, colorful rug, a few throw pillows and plush floor poufs can instantly bring a patio space to life. You’ll want to be sure that you choose a rug designed for outdoor use, and choose pillows made of fabric that can withstand the elements. Even your pouf should be able to handle high humidity and be easily cleaned after a good pollen drop.

Brighten Up Your Lighting
If you plan to enjoy your patio well into the evening hours, you’ll need to think about how to light it up in the dark. String lights, purchase large LED lanterns or even a small, sturdy lamp. Avoid using actual candles or other flammable items, as these can be dangerous to have in an uncontained space.

Abundant Seating
You want to be able to relax and enjoy your patio space, and that means inviting friends and family members to join you, from time to time. Invest in seating that can accommodate up to four people, and don’t be afraid to choose floor pillows or soft ottomans if space is an issue.

Multifunctional Furniture
To keep your patio from getting cluttered, choose furniture that can serve multiple functions, like an ottoman that can be a side table or a seat. Ottomans that come with storage inside can help you to store your throw pillows when inclement weather approaches. Modular couches and sectionals can be moved around to create various social settings, depending on your crowd.

Go Gaga for Greenery
Wrap up your patio design by investing in plant life that will add both texture and life to your space. Hang plants or place standing plants in empty corners. If your space can accommodate a small plant shelf, go for it. Decorate with succulents and hardy plants that will add to your space without adding to your workload.

The post Patio Decor Ideas We Love appeared first on The Pearl at Marina Shores.

As the pandemic carries on, more and more employees and their employers are choosing to work from home indefinitely, and searching for ways to make their home workspaces truly work for them. Here are simple tips designed to help you craft a work environment at home that is both comfortable and functional, and can sustain your professional and personal life goals as you move ahead.

Comfort Matters
Whether you’re in your office or at home, you need a space that is both comfortable and easy to work in. Pick up an ergonomic chair to sit in or invest in a stand up desk. Make sure you have good lighting, a quiet space of your own and you can move around freely when you need to. Decorate in ways that encourage your happiness and productivity. Place plants near to your work area, use scented diffusers or invest in serious desk storage that will keep your workstation clear.

Distraction-Free Zone
Working from home can be extremely productive, and studies have shown that for many workers, a work from home environment dramatically  increases their productivity. Part of the reasoning for this is being free from distractions in the office, but it’s good to remember that working from home can come with its own distractions as well. Try to maximize your focus in your work area by keeping your workspace as tidy and organized as possible. If you have kids home too, it may be hard to eliminate distractions completely, but try to create a schedule that allows you to work continuously without interruption as needed. You might find that you get more done and in less time – a win-win for you and your employer!

Stock Up
Make sure you have the office supply products you need to do your job well and without interruption. Be sure you have a solid internet connection, scanning and printing capabilities and a filing system to help you stay organized. You may find you need to upgrade your computer’s camera or invest in better lighting for long days on Zoom. Investing in a desk and comfortable chair may be necessary, too.

Functional Furnishings
For smaller spaces, setting up a work from home space may require investing in transitional furnishings that can be used for your work area during the day and your personal life at night. It may be worth investing in a standup desk that can be placed over your dining room table, rather than spending money on a heavy, oversized desk that won’t fit properly into your space. You may find that a low profile desk that attaches to the wall is your perfect fit, and gives you a designated space without limiting your space. Evaluate your apartment, room by room, before choosing which furnishings to adjust or modify. Be sure that whatever you do maximizes your productivity and keeps your living spaces functional and comfortable.

Mix It Up
One of the perks of working from home is that you can be flexible with your work space, and mix it up when you need a mental or physical change. If appropriate, take brainstorming calls with your team while on a brisk walk. When you have to dive deep into research, close yourself off in a spare bedroom or walk-in closet to block out all distractions. Keep your work area flexible and movable, so that you can adjust and adapt to your daily and weekly needs.

The post Simple Tips for Creating Your Home Workspace appeared first on The Pearl at Marina Shores.

As the year comes to a close, we’re highlighting living room design ideas that inspire, from textured furnishings and 3D living room art to enormous rugs and accent walls. As we enter a new year, making your space feel like your own and letting your creativity flow has never been more important.

Here are simple, stylish and truly inspired living room design ideas we love.

Go Big on Your Rug
No matter what size living space you have to work with, go big on your rug size to help visually enlarge the space and bring together your design motif. Choose to go wall to wall or just large enough to contain your seating area, and you’ll find that it truly does give your space a warm, spacious effect.

3D Living Room Art
Who says living room art has to be as basic as framed prints hung squarely on the wall? 3D living room art can help to add dimension to your living space without having to break your bank account. We’re especially fond of stylish living room mobiles and bold light fixtures that act as works of art.

Embrace Texture
Texture is the new black when it comes to living room spaces, and we’re loving the way that bamboo, rattan, travertine stone and other textured furnishings are making a major design comeback. Adding texture furnishings to your room can give your space a subtle warming effect, no matter what overall design motif you choose.

Accent Walls for the Win
Adding an accent wall is a simple way to give your living room space color, dimension and style, without having to lug furniture around and commit to a major design change. We’re loving accent walls in dark colors like navy blue or gray for creating a bold contrast in bright, airy living room spaces.

The post 4 Living Room Design Ideas We Love appeared first on The Pearl at Marina Shores.

While there is still much to celebrate about this upcoming holiday season, it’s important to pay attention to your emotional health as you move ahead. You’ll want to be prepared if you find yourself feeling depressed or anxious, and have a plan in place and people to call if your mental health begins to feel compromised.

If ever a holiday season were designed to take extra loving care of yourself, it is this one. Tune into your emotional needs, give your body the exercise and sleep it needs and rally your support system early to keep yourself feeling connected.

Here are simple tips to help you manage stress during this unusual holiday season.

Daily Movement
During stressful times, the first thing to go can be our fitness routines. If we’re tired or anxious, paralyzed and overwhelmed, it can be difficult to get up and get moving. During this unusual holiday season, be sure to give your body the movement it needs, every day – even if only for 10 minutes. Studies that show that even small amounts of exercise can get your heart rate up, improve your mood and get blood flowing.

Practice Mindfulness
If you’ve never practiced meditation or mindfulness, this might be just the season to start. Developing a personal mindfulness routine doesn’t have to be overly complicated. You can begin by finding a place to sit or lie down comfortably and practice listening to your breath for as little as 3 minutes at a time. Download popular mindfulness apps like Headspace or Calm for guided meditations that will do the work for you. Research shows that a daily breathing practice can do wonders for your immune system, mood and overall mental health.

Get Your Zzs
When it comes down to it, nothing helps to restore your body to a state of equilibrium quite like consistent rest and sleep. Oftentimes, in the midst of change or stress, sleep is the first thing to go and the last thing to get back. Prioritize your sleep schedule right away, by making sure to stay off all devices at least one hour before bed. Avoid drinking caffeine in the afternoon or evenings, and monitor your alcohol intake. Try drinking soothing teas or taking a long, calming bath just before bed. Establish a bedtime routine that will set you up for solid, restorative sleep and your body will thank you.

Emotional Check In
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by emotions this holiday season, take time to check in with what it is that is triggering you. Is it financial strain, fear of the pandemic, family strife or feelings of loneliness and isolation? Whatever it is, take time to tune into yourself and your feelings. Oftentimes, identifying the source of stress can help lead you to a solution. Start a daily journaling practice to help you get to the root of things, and if you find that you come up empty-handed, reach out for support from a trained professional, close friend or trusted family member.

Support System Roll Call
During times of stress, it’s important to call on your support system and rally your village. Tell the people you love and trust that you’re struggling, and ask them for the help you need. Trying to manage stress all by yourself can oftentime perpetuate feelings of isolation and being overburdened. Let the ones who love you most give you extra love and support, and make your way to the other side of this season feeling surrounded and supported.

The post Managing Stress in an Unusual Holiday Season appeared first on The Pearl at Marina Shores.

While this fall includes the need to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of Covid 19, it is still an excellent time to enjoy outdoor activities that are naturally socially-distanced. Picking and decorating pumpkins, hiking trails, preparing your favorite fall foods and indulging in pumpkin-flavored drinks and treats galore are just a few pandemic-friendly ways to welcome this new season into your life.

Here are a few of our favorite, fun ways to celebrate Fall in Virginia Beach, VA.

Pumpkin Patch
Pack up your family and head to one of several local pumpkin patches in Virginia Beach, including Cullipher Farms and Cavalry Pumpkin Patch. Don your favorite sweaters and boots, wear a mask and enjoy gathering gourds for decorating and pumpkins for carving.

Decorate/Carve Pumpkins
Once you’ve picked your pumpkins, bring them home and begin your favorite, timeless tradition of pumpkin carving. If you’ve never carved a pumpkin before, or want a few extra tips to get you started, here are a few to help you carve it up perfectly.

Hike the Trails
Step outside your front door and walk just minutes to a variety of gorgeous trails at First Landing State Park, a beautiful and scenic environment filled with changing leaves and crisp breezes.

Pumpkin Beer
Move over, pumpkin latte, because pumpkin beer season is here, and for Virginia Beach locals, it’s easy to get a cold glass of the good stuff now that autumn is here. Visit nearby breweries we love, like Commonwealth Brewing Company or Pleasure House Brewing Company for a local selection of your favorite brews.

Prepare Your Favorite Fall Foods
Nothing says fall like roasted root vegetables, pumpkin muffins and your mother’s chili recipe. Cool weather signals the start of stove season, and you can happily heat up your home with the smells and flavors you cherish from the dishes and meals you’ve been craving.

The post Fun Ways to Celebrate Fall in Virginia Beach, VA appeared first on The Pearl at Marina Shores.

When seasons change, it’s important to be mindful of the impact these transitions will have on your pet. From coat care and preventative tick maintenance to changing products and lifestyle habits inside your home, you’ll want to be aware of how best to care for your pet’s health along the way.

Living in Virginia Beach means having beaches, state parks and gorgeous, sunny days at your fingertips, all year long. Here are simple health tips to help your pet feel their best this fall.

Coat Care
In summer months, you may have your dog’s coat cut back by a groomer to keep him cool and comfortable on walks. As the weather cools down, consult with your groomer about their coat and how best to care for it as it gets cold.

Beware of Ticks
Fall is still high tick season in Coastal Virginia, and that means you still have to do tick checks after taking your pup out for romps at the state park or in high grass. If your dog isn’t on a tick preventative medication, now is the perfect time to consult your veterinarian and get them started.

School Supplies and Holiday Decor
Fall brings with it the start of school and the cue to begin holiday planning. This may mean that your apartment becomes stocked in an abundance of school supplies like shiny markers and pens, quirky erasers and other fun supplies that can be harmful or dangerous to curious cats and dogs. Try to keep supplies and holiday decor out of your pet’s reach. Keep smaller supplies stored on top shelves or inside closed cabinet doors.

Mushrooms
Fall is mushroom season, and while most growing fungus is harmless, some mushrooms can be toxic for your dog if consumed. Be mindful of where your pup’s snout lands while on walks, and keep him away from strange mushrooms or other mysterious growth that he may want to explore with his mouth.

Rodenticides and Antifreeze
Pesky critter season and cold weather are on their way, so be cautious about keeping poisonous products within reach of your dog or cat. Keep rodenticides safely locked up in a cabinet, and if you must store antifreeze in your home, find a safe, locked storage space for that as well.

Changes in Routine
When seasons change, so do our routines, and this can sometimes throw our pets for a loop. If you have a sensitive dog or cat, changing routines can be stressful and even scary. They may begin barking excessively, leaving surprises for you inside your home or hissing or growling unexpectedly. Try to take it slow with your pet, and give them extra TLC during times of transition. Consider visiting your vet for a checkup to make sure that your pet is feeling their best, and make the season change as comfortable and smooth for them as possible.

The post Fall Health Tips for Your Pet appeared first on The Pearl at Marina Shores.

Knowing what supplies to have on hand, how to evacuate yourself and your pets safely and what to do before a storm arrives will help to keep you, your loved ones and personal items safe. Making sure to stock up on necessary items to last you three days will help to make power loss much more manageable. If you must be evacuated, you’ll want to have your pets and your loved ones packed and ready to go quickly.

While our community takes extra precautions to keep our residents connected and safe in the event of an emergency, we recommend our residents stay closely tuned to the national weather service or NOAA as hurricanes track in our direction and that they take every precaution to keep themselves and their pets safe and dry until the storm passes.

Here are hurricane weather preparedness tips to ease the stress of another hurricane season in Coastal Virginia.

Supplies

• Water for 3 days
• Food for 3 days
• Flashlights
• First Aid Kit
• Batteries
• Battery-powered radio
• Medications
• Pet Food/Medications/Supplies
• Personal Hygiene Products
• Rain gear

Before the Storm

• Secure all outdoor furniture
• Close and lock all windows
• Fill up gas tank in cars
• Listen closely to weather and NOAA for storm tracking and progress
• Turn up your refrigerator and freezer to the highest setting and keep doors closed as often as possible
• Have an emergency go back ready in case of evacuation

Pets

• Ensure pets have identification tags
• Have medications and supplies packed and ready if evacuated
• Never leave your pet at home alone during evacuation
• Confirm that your evacuation location can keep your pet

The post Hurricane Preparedness Checklist appeared first on The Pearl at Marina Shores.

We know you take your leisure time as seriously as you do your work. With a convenient commute that puts you just 10 minutes away from I 64 and I 264, you’ll have more time to make the most of your time off in your seaside location in sought-after Shore Drive. Grab your morning coffee at Lynnhaven Coffee Company, enjoy a beach or trail run before work, and immerse yourself in the night life at Hot Tuna, Ballyhoos and Chic’s Oyster Bar.

Spend your weekends biking to the beach with friends, soaking up the sun at the Bay or along the North End of Virginia Beach’s gleaming oceanfront. Celebrate the convenience of waking up in the heart of Virginia Beach’s ultimate, waterfront lifestyle at The Pearl.

The post Luxury, Waterfront Apartments in Virginia Beach, VA appeared first on The Pearl at Marina Shores.