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.

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Prevention is the key to pet safety at all times of year. Follow these simple summer safety tips for your pet, so you two can make the most of another beautiful season in Virginia Beach, VA.

Pets can get dehydrated quickly. It’s important to keep fresh, cool water available to them at all times on hot, humid days. When outdoors, keep to the shade. On extremely hot days, avoid spending any unnecessary time outdoors.

If your pet usually likes to accompany you on errands or on visits to friend’s houses, be mindful to never leave them alone in the car – not even for one or two minutes. It can lead to fatal heat stroke within minutes, and in many states, it is illegal.

Never leave your pet unsupervised around a pool. Not all dogs know how to swim, so be sure to introduce your dog to water slowly and always with a life vest on. If your dog does enter a pool at some point, make sure to rinse all chlorine off his fur after he exits the pool.

Have your dog groomed accordingly, but never shave them and avoid having their hair cut too short. Dog’s coats help to protect them from sunburn and excessive heat. Even in the heat, they need their coats to keep cool.

When out on walks, try to avoid hot sidewalks or asphalt as these can burn your pup’s paw pads. Stick to shady, grassy areas as often as possible, and when you must walk on hot asphalt, do so quickly and don’t linger.

Keep your pups safely at home and in their comfort zone during July 4th celebrations. Fireworks can be loud and terrifying to many animals, and can cause your pet to become disoriented or lost if they aren’t safely kept at home where it is quiet and escape-proof.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Keeping your apartment clean with a dog, particularly a dog that sheds a lot, can seem tricky. With a few tried and true tips, you can keep your pup from tracking in dirt and debris and prevent his dander from building up on every surface in your home. Simply covering your furniture, investing in a robot vacuum and wiping down his paws after sandy or muddy beach walks will go a long way to keep your floors and couches clean.

Here are 5 tips for keeping your apartment clean with a dog.

Cover Your Furniture
While some dog owners don’t allow their pups on their furniture, many love to snuggle and cozy up to their fur babies on the couch. Most dogs shed, and some dogs shed more than others. If you don’t keep your furniture covered, you’re bound to end up with a layer of dander on your couches, chairs and bedding. Grab a few old sheets and cover the areas your pet chooses to cozy up in most. You won’t have to spend any extra cash, and you can easily wash and reuse to keep your apartment clean and dander-free.

Roomba for the Win
Depending on your dog’s breed and coat, he can grow to be a major shedder – leaving dog hair everywhere he goes. It can be exhausting to keep up with shedding by using a handheld vacuum, but a robot vacuum can get after their fur with little effort on your part. Invest in a Roomba and consider running it once a day, particularly if you have a dog that sheds often. It’ll save you time and elbow grease, and keep your apartment from becoming overloaded with dust and dander.

Invest in Rugs
Rugs can be really helpful for older dogs who are already house trained. They provide traction for their feet and make it easier for you to keep floors from becoming scratched and dirty. Smaller, washable rugs are especially useful, as you can pick them up and throw them in the wash any time your pup tracks in dirt or they become covered in pet hair. Avoid investing in anything expensive or high maintenance, though. The lower maintenance and easier to clean, the better.

Trim Your Pup’s Nails
Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is important to his healthcare routine, and it will go a long way to help prevent your floors from becoming scratched up. You should aim to keep his nails trimmed short, but not too short. This will help him to walk better and prevent his nails from snagging on carpet or rugs. Overall, he’ll feel better when his nails are trimmed properly, and so will you and your flooring!

Wash His Feet After Walks
Your pup loves to romp in the sand, dirt and grass, and taking long walks together is good for both of you. Dogs can track in a ton of the outdoors on their paws. If you and your dog walk frequently or during rainy seasons, it can be an uphill battle to prevent dirt and debris from ending up all over your apartment. Rather than cut back on walks, rinse or wipe down your pup’s feet before he comes through your front door – especially after walks on the beach or after heavy rain.

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Even if you don’t have much experience caring for plants, there are several varieties that can thrive with minimal care. If your work has gone virtual due to the pandemic, it’s likely you’re spending more time at home than ever before. Spruce up your living spaces with any one of these beautiful, easy-to-maintain houseplants.

Pothos
These low maintenance, easy to care for plants can live just about anywhere. They look especially beautiful in a bathroom or office space, and can thrive in spaces with lower light. They can also be placed in brighter lit spaces, and grow well in both water or soil. Even those with zero plant care experience can celebrate keeping a pothos plant alive and thriving at home.

Philodendron
The Philodendron plant is a go-to, low maintenance houseplant that is as lovely to look at as it is hard to kill. Hang them from baskets, weave their long tendrils across your mantle or place them anywhere you like – chances are, they’ll survive. They can thrive in any light and just need regular watering when their soil becomes dry.

Jade Plant
Jade plants are bright and beautiful, and require little to no maintenance to help them thrive. They prefer bright light and occasional watering, and otherwise will grow happily on their own. These plants look beautiful in windows, as table centerpieces, on side tables or anywhere that their bold leaves can have a spotlight in your home.

FIddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf fig plants are extremely popular for their beautiful leaves and bold green coloring. These plants require bright light, so they’ll need to be placed near to a window. They also need to be watered just after their soil turns dry. These are somewhat higher maintenance plants, but do not be deterred. If you follow their care instructions properly, they can grow and expand beautifully.

Spider Plant
A longtime favorite in both homes and offices, the spider plant is a low maintenance plant that requires indirect light. These plants look gorgeous in hanging planters or on pedestals placed in those empty corners of your rooms. You can water them inconsistently, or just when their soil begins to feel dry.

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After packing up your holiday decorations and taking inventory of new appliances or gadgets you’ve added to your apartment, it’s time to start with a thorough decluttering of each and every room. Once you’ve purged the crowded spaces in your home, give them a deep clean. Follow up the cleaning with organizing, and bring functional flow into your furniture layout. Once you’ve put everything into its perfect place, set yourself up to maintain your space throughout the year.

Start the new year off right, with a clutter-free home and mind, and make 2021 your best year yet. Here are 5 simple steps to get you started.

Declutter
Before you can clean, you have to clear out the crowded spaces in your apartment. Start by taking it room by room. Create three piles to help you determine where you’ll put the items you purge – donate, sell, trash. Beginning with your kitchen, you’ll want to comb through your junk drawer, pantry and cabinets. Clear out your refrigerator and old cleaning supplies. Tackle linen closets, the coat closet, your desk, coffee and side tables, under the bed storage items and finally, your bedroom closet. You’ll be surprised by how much you’ve been storing and keeping around that doesn’t get used or no longer serves a purpose. As a bonus, any cash you earn from selling or consigning can be applied to purchasing new decor or furnishings to suit your now clutter-free apartment.

Dust, Vacuum, Mop
Once your space is cleared out, you can get in and tackle the dust and dirt of the last year. Vacuum, mop, dust and scrub the rooms of your apartment. Give fan blades and baseboards a wipe down, wash drapes and curtains and spot treat any stains on carpeting. Give your bathroom a thorough disinfecting, and sanitize door knobs, light switches and remotes.

Get Organized
Now that you’ve purged and brought the sparkle back to your apartment, it’s time to get organized. Pick up a large basket to store blankets in your living room, create an orderly electronics corner in your kitchen and pick up a hall tree or storage system to store shoes, coats, keys and umbrellas at your entryway. Pick up a small tray to store remotes, folders to house paperwork and canvas bins to store dog or human toys.

Furniture Flow
Now that you’re restored order to your home, assess your furniture layout and decide where you might need to move items to create a better flow. If your big, bulky couch is crowding your living space, consider downsizing, or moving it to a back wall to give your room more open space. Adjust your furnishings so that they don’t block doorways, windows or air vents. The rule with furniture layout is that your furnishings should feel comfortable and functional, and they should always fit the space they’re in.

Maintenance Plan
Once your space is set, you’re done! Almost. To keep your space feeling clean, organized and functional throughout the year, you’ll want to set yourself up for maintenance success. Store easy-to-access cleaning products under the sink in your bathrooms, and keep dusting wipes available at the ready, for quick wipe downs throughout the month. Purchase organizers for your drawers and closets to help keep clutter from crowding in. Set up a schedule to help you stay on track, and enjoy a clean and clutter-free 2021 at home.

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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.

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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.

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