THE EDGE Blog

Moving is never the most fun task in the world, and moving in the summer is no joke. But with school out, more flexible vacation time, and less extreme weather conditions, moving in the summer is often the best option. With the heat and humidity that southern summers bring, there are some things you should keep in mind when making your summertime move. Here are some of our best tips for moving in the summer and surviving the southern heat.

Have a plan

First thing’s first: it’s important to have a plan. As with all moves, you should create a plan for yourself and the others you are moving with in order to make sure your summertime move goes the smoothest possible. Consider how the weather will impact your move, whether you will be hiring movers or enlisting the help of friends or loved ones, and how much time you will need to move from your old place to your new home. If you are more flexible with your moving dates, consider moving before the end of May or after Labor Day for the best weather and rates.

Get started early and move on the least busy days of the week

As you create a moving plan for the summer, you’ve got to keep in mind the summer weather and traffic conditions when deciding when to make the big move. By getting started early in the day, you can beat the heat and humidity before the afternoon hits. Additionally, try to plan your move for the middle of the week when roads tend to be the least busy. The weekends, Mondays, and Fridays tend to have the most traffic, as vacationers travel the most on those days.

Don’t risk your health

You should always keep your personal health in mind when moving, but it’s especially important to take care of yourself when moving in the summer heat. Know the signs of overheating and take breaks throughout the day to prevent yourself from overdoing it. Stay hydrated by monitoring your water intake and bring enough water with you to last you throughout the whole move. You can even prepare multiple coolers full of ice to bring with you in each vehicle, and also bring a first aid kit with medicine and sunscreen. You should also wear light, breathable clothing, as you can feel even hotter when moving in the summer.

Turn on your utilities early

As you prepare to move from one home to another, you should make sure your utilities be on so that you can use the air conditioning during the move. Keep your AC on in your old home as you move items out of it, and ensure that your utilities will be on when you arrive at the new home so you can use the AC there, as well. This will make the summertime moving process a lot easier on your body and your possessions.

Take extra care of items that don’t do well in the heat

Summers can bring humidity and heat that isn’t necessarily good for all of your possessions. Things like electronics, batteries, plants, perishables, and other items can overheat easily, expire, or become damaged in heat and humidity. Remember to take precautions when moving these items and make your more sensitive possessions a priority as you move to your new home.

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Realty Executives International. This post was written by Bailee Abell. Bailee Abell is a writer born and raised in California. A graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara, she loves reading classic literature, sipping warm beverages, and visiting theme parks every chance she gets. Find her at baileeabell.com.

In the wake of changing mindsets over large homes and the shift to sustainable living, un-used space has become a “no no” in the home design industry.  These changes emanate from low-impact living and the need to have a cheaper living space that still meets an individual’s needs. Small space living has been the best option for many cities and even suburban dwellers. For this reason, there have been many emerging interior design tricks developed to get the most out of your common spaces. All these tricks come in handy whether an individual aims at increasing the functionality of the room or is looking at living on a smaller scale.

Reducing Clutter and Adopting Storage Solutions

The first step to maximizing space in a small house is the most important; reducing clutter and organizing all items in the space. Clutter refers to unnecessary things, as well as items that are wrongly placed in the house. Reducing clutter is important as it enables a user to have extra space for different purposes. Unfolded clothes, folders and books, shoes, electronics and even utensils should be placed in their designated places in order to reduce clutter and increase space in the house. Additionally, adopting storage solutions that maximize the space left is essential. An example of storage solutions includes utilizing spaces under or behind the bed. These solutions help increase the available space and improve the organization of the house.

Bedroom Space

The most essential space in the house is the bedroom. The bed is obviously a necessity which takes up a large space. There are a variety of methods in which the bedroom can be designed to maximize the footprint available. An interior design trick to achieve this is a platform idea that hides the bed, enabling the user to reclaim all the space. This is possible through the use of retractable beds like a slide-out type. In European countries like Italy, there has been the adoption of space-saving pieces of furniture like fold-down beds and side-tables that have helped cram furniture into a tiny space.

Corners in the bedrooms are wasted spaces. Adopting the high-rise box idea creates a place where items like trophies can be displayed, books can be stored and sound systems can be mounted. As stated earlier, the space under the bed can also be used to store more items that are not currently in use.

Living Room Space

In making the most out of small spaces, the living room is a must. First, it is important to find an innovative way to stash items in the living room, like under a bench that still acts as a seat. You can also find a unit that acts as a seat as well as a book storage location. Moreover, the couch can serve double duty; using couches that have hidden compartments under them serves the same purposes and enhances a lot of living room space.

Alternatively, you can use a wicker trunk in the living room by using as a coffee table while at the same time it could hold your sports equipment, travel items or guest bedding. Mounting the flat screen television on the wall also removes the need for an extra piece of furniture like a television stand in the house.

Kitchen Space

To maximize kitchen space, it is important to first adopt shelving to ensure that items are easily accessible and safe since the kitchen area is very sensitive. Shelving that goes right up to the ceiling is ideal. All kitchen storage places should be utilized. Also, adopting a good kitchen lighting system greatly helps in making the kitchen look and feel bigger. You can also adopt fold-able kitchen tops and retractable furniture to reduce the number of items in the kitchen. In cases where the kitchen is too small, you can reduce clutter in the kitchen by creating alternative kitchen storage in a nearby room.

Augmenting Bathroom Space

It is important to configure the space to allow enough room for minimal bathroom ware, enough shower space, as well as storage for toiletries and detergents. You should set up a corner sink as it eases movement within the room and is more accessible than just using a sink across the bathroom. Secondly, it is imperative to adopt the use of shower curtains as opposed to glass doors if you are having a hard time moving around the space while having the doors open.

Mounting some shelves on one side to store detergents and a towel holder also helps utilize a small space. Using vital spaces can facilitate the storage of bathroom ware in an accessible way.

The tips mentioned above are just some way you can rearrange a small space in your home. Adopting these simple techniques can greatly provide more room for better and more comfortable living, even in the smallest spaces.

Riya is an inspired writer, passionate about traveling, lifestyle and encouraging startups. As a freelancer, she understands the importance of productivity at work. She is also part of the content marketing team behind arthaus Bathroom & Kitchen, a stunning showroom in Brisbane that offers a collection of leading European and Australian brands. Connect with Riya on twitter, @sanderriya.

Fallacies about the buying process keep many renters from exploring the possibility of buying a home, but savvy real estate agents know a little education can go a long way in turning many of these would-be renters into lifelong homeowners. Many renters consider home ownership out of reach, have concerns about economic uncertainty and fear of a housing downturn as reasons to sit on the sidelines, with many preferring to watch the market before making a move to buy.

Millennials are one of the hardest hit consumers, as many have neither a home to sell nor years of savings to leverage for the down payment. Recent studies have shown that millennials, who form the largest cohort of first-time buyers, are significantly behind both baby boomers and Gen Xers in their rate of homeownership. According to a Rentcafe.com study published in USA Today, younger adults are spending a stunning amount of money on rent — $93,000 by age 30. More importantly, rent sucks up about 45 percent of their income during this first, critical decade in the workforce, leaving little left over to save for a down payment and work toward home ownership.

As a real estate agent, you can help turn renters into home buyers by dispelling these five common myths:

1. Renting Makes More Sense Because I May Move in Five Years

Sure, while it may make more sense to rent than to buy over a short term of a few months, the equation can easily flip with buying being the best value for a homeowner planning to stay for at least five years and, in some cases, as few as two years, according to personal finance site NerdWallet.com.

The New York Times, Realtor.com and Zillow all offer online calculators in which renters can calculate how long they need to live in a home before the purchase costs outweighs the merits of renting.

2. I Don’t Make Enough Money to Buy

Income is important but not as limiting as people may think. Just as there are high income earners who are “house poor” (spending more than 30 percent of their income on their mortgage), there are people with modest incomes who are able to live comfortably in their own home.

Also, renters must bear in mind that rent is almost always guaranteed to go up, while the payments on a fixed-rate mortgage will not, making ownership the more budget-friendly approach over the long term.

Of course, many first-time buyers will need to pay down their debt and get their monthly spending organized before they can begin house-hunting. Agents specializing in this segment of the housing market should be willing to work with these clients months before they’re ready to buy, helping them assess all factors that will help make a home’s monthly payments affordable.

3. I Can’t Save Enough for a Down Payment

Most consumers are aware that following the housing crash of 2008, banks tightened their lending requirements. The perception is now you need 20 percent down to purchase a house. That means, bringing $50,000 to a closing on a $250,000 house — a seemingly insurmountable task for most renters.

However, what many are not aware of are the various programs that allow first-time buyers to close on a house with almost nothing down.

4. There’s Nothing in my Price Range

Once a renter has been pre-approved for a mortgage, they have a good idea of their target price range. Then, when they start looking at the entry-level inventory, they find themselves up against a competitive market.

Here’s where agents can really demonstrate their value. An experienced agent will not only guide first-time buyers into areas where homes are more likely to be in their price range, but they can also help them find those rarer listings where a home that’s not necessarily move-in ready yet in a nicer neighborhood is selling for less.

5. The Perfect House is Waiting for Me

Renters who have watched many real estate TV episodes may have unrealistic expectations about buying a property.

First, they may not be aware that every property has pros and cons. It’s important to remind them that finding an affordable home is going to involve some trade-offs, but ultimately, will offer the security and accomplishment of ownership.

Second, good houses go fast, so first-time buyers must be financially, mentally and emotionally ready to act.

It may not be the best time for you to buy your first home, but don’t believe that it isn’t a possibility based on common myths. Start saving and look into what you could do to make those first steps towards home ownership.

Homeowners insurance includes many myths and preconceived notions that can make the home buying process confusing and intimidating for first-timers. However, demystifying homeowners insurance may be easier than you think. Take these five common home insurance myths into consideration before buying your first home to help ensure a smooth process.

Myth #1: The surrounding neighborhood doesn’t affect the price of home insurance.

Contrary to popular belief, the cost of a home’s insurance premium is influenced by its surrounding area. Each neighborhood has a record of multiple factors that insurance companies take note of, including prior insurance claims and crime rates in the area.

Based on statistics provided by the FBI, the state, and other departments, each community is given a grade by insurance companies. The frequency of crimes, like burglaries and vandalism, within a community is compared against the city’s population. Neighborhoods with lower grades are considered higher risk, and homes within these areas will often have higher premiums.

Myth #2: External home fixtures don’t affect the price of insurance.

The physical structure of a home isn’t the only factor involved in home insurance. When it comes to calculating premiums, insurance companies consider every potential risk on the property. Homes with trampolines and swimming pools carry a higher risk of claims due to injury or property damage and are subject to higher premiums.

Dog owners may also be surprised to learn that they could face higher premiums. Although many domesticated dogs are friendly, insurance companies pay close attention to the risk of bites and other injuries.

Myth #3: Older, cheaper homes will have lower insurance premiums.

Though an older home may have a lower sale price, it may have a much higher insurance rate. Older homes are considered high risk to insurance companies for many reasons. Homes built in the ’80s and before may have outdated plumbing, and water damage and leaks are among the most common home insurance claims.

Another concern with older homes is the wiring system. Older homes may have aluminum wiring installed, which is susceptible to fire. Outdated wiring systems also may not be up to current state code, which can further drive up the price of a premium.

Myth #4: Homes within the same neighborhood will have the same premium.

Though the neighborhood a home is located does influence its premium, many factors could cause one house to pay a vastly different amount than even the one next door. For example, brick houses are at lower risk of fire damage than homes with wooden frames. However, homes with fiber-cement siding are fire resistant and have an added benefit of being termite proof.

It’s important to note that homes within earthquake-prone zones are evaluated differently. Brick houses are more prone to damage from earthquakes and will pay higher premiums than homes made of other materials within these areas.

Myth #5: Once a premium is calculated, the price is fixed and can’t be changed.

A homeowner has plenty of options to reduce the cost of their home insurance premium. Updating the roof to hail-resistant shingles, for example, will impress an insurance company. Additionally, installing security features such as a fence or alarm system will decrease both the risk of claims and the cost of your premium. Installing a sprinkler system to reduce the risk of fire damage is another way to make an insurance company happy, and they’ll reward you — by lowering your premium.

Now that you are armed with insider knowledge about the way homeowners insurance works, you can begin the hunt for your first home with confidence. If you have questions about homeowners insurance or are interested in quotes, an independent insurance agent can help you. Visit trustedchoice.com to get matched up with an independent insurance agent today, so they can help you get started on your journey.

Paul Martin, CPCU, is an insurance professional for Trusted Choice with over 30 years’ experience. Throughout his career, Paul’s mission has been to further his knowledge and education in the field, so he can help homeowners better understand their insurance options.

Finding inspiration to update and renovate your home is easier than ever. From tutorials available online to shows centered around the process of home remodeling, more and more homeowners are taking on the task of completing projects themselves. Although conquering these projects on your own may help your renovation budget, it’s important to be conscious of the unexpected dangers that may arise throughout the process. . If you’re thinking about taking on a project like this, here are a few tips to help protect you as well as give your home the upgrade it needs.

Be Prepared From The Start

Despite taking protective measures, accidents are likely to occur and it’s important to be prepared. At the start of your project, make sure you have a first aid kit nearby. Never start your project while tired and be aware of the area you are working in. Your workstation should be equipped with an updated fire extinguisher in case of a possible electrical or chemical fire. For any serious injuries, seek care from a medical professional as soon as possible. Do your research to make sure you feel confident about starting your DIY project, but if you are unsure of what steps to take next, look into hiring professional help.

Have The Right Equipment

At the start of your DIY renovation, research the necessary safety equipment and protective gear to wear. Safety gloves and eyewear will help protect your skin and eyes from irritation. For projects that require sanding, plastering, or painting, invest in a mask to protect your lungs from harmful fumes. Make sure to wear noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs to protect your hearing from loud and noisy power tools.

Power tools make the renovation process easier but can be dangerous when not used properly. Take additional steps when possible to avoid any mishaps or injuries. When you’re not using these tools, make sure to turn the safety on, keep it unplugged and out of reach from small children or animals. Always be aware of the tools proximity to your body and make sure you’re not wearing any loose fabric. Taking extra precaution when utilizing power tools can help ensure your renovation goes quickly and safely.

Protect Furniture and Valuables

Before starting your renovation project, prepare your space with the proper coverage to protect against potential stains or damage. Invest in tarps and plastic coverings that can help keep furniture, flooring, counter tops, and other surfaces neat and clean. This task may seem tedious and unnecessary, but ultimately taking the time to cover your belongings can protect against  possible DIY accidents.

Be Cautious of Harmful Substances

It’s important to know the year your house was built as well as the history of previous renovations completed prior to tackling your new project. In houses built prior to 1980, the natural mineral, asbestos was used in building products such as insulation, floor tiles, plaster, and cement. When asbestos is disturbed, hazardous fibers are released into the air and can cause inflammation as well as tumors to develop within the lungs. This form of lung damage could potentially lead to the rare cancer known as pleural mesothelioma, which can be found in the lining of the lungs. Homeowners should never attempt to remove asbestos on their own. Prior to the start of a renovation, homeowners should seek out a licensed and certified asbestos abatement professional to inspect the home for asbestos containing materials are present.

If you’re working in spaces that are prone to dampness, be aware of the presence and threats caused by mold. Basements, drywall, and bathrooms are a few of the top places mold thrives and are most likely to put you and your loved ones at risk of exposure. Exposure to this harmful substance can lead to future health concerns as well as structural damage to your home. A professional removal service can evaluate the damage caused by mold, as well as formulate a plan to remove the mold safely.

If your house was built before 1978, there is a chance that lead-based paint was used in the interior and exterior of your home. If lead paint chips or dust is ingested, the toxic metals in this paint can cause serious health problems. Although these toxic metals are dangerous for everyone, lead paint can have a significant impact on pregnant women as well as children. If you live in an older home, consider hiring a professional to test the paint, water, and dust in your home for lead.

Common Mistakes

At the start of a project, there is inspiration and motivation to complete the job the best you can. Homeowners often begin to realize their renovation is taking longer than they had planned and begin to rush. Rushing can lead to an incomplete final project  which could be costly to fix and potentially dangerous to you and your loved ones. Take your time and make sure all of the details are in order before moving forward.

Construction projects release a variety of fumes and debris into the air. Breathing in these particles can be extremely dangerous for your health, especially if exposed for a long period of time. Make sure the space that you are working in is properly ventilated with an open window, air filters, or a fan to disperse toxic fumes. Wearing a mask is helpful but you also want to make sure that your space is clear of all dust and smells when your work day is finished.

At the end of your project, make sure you clean up. Leaving behind small materials like nails, glass, or splinters can lead to big hospital trips in the future. Unplug and put away all power tools as well as harmful chemicals that may be fatal if ingested. Taking these steps to clean up your work space can further eliminate the dangers you worked diligently to prevent during the renovation process.

Do-it-yourself projects can be fun, save you money, and be immensely rewarding. For major renovations or projects that affect the overall value of your home, it’s best to seek out the help of professionals. Your home is a large investment and through taking necessary precautions you can do your best to minimize potential risks of a DIY project gone wrong. Do your research and don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional for a quote on a project you might feel unsure about.

Living comfortably during summer doesn’t have to be expensive. There are various ways to protect yourself from high temperatures without having to break the bank. Read below for tips that will help you cool your home and save money while doing it.

1. Keep the sun away from your home

While windows keep your home well ventilated, they also let sunlight inside which raises temperatures inside your rooms. Use blackout curtains and shades to block the sun from streaming into your home.  Placing plants in front of your window and using tainted windows can also be a useful way of keeping the sun away.

2. Check your appliance usage

Electrical appliances such as dishwashers produce heat. Limit the use of these appliances during summer and adopt alternative ways of getting work done such as grilling and drying laundry outside. Doing these activities outdoors will save your home from heat generated by dryers and ovens. Also, ensure that your appliances are unplugged when not in use, as they still produce heat even when not in use.

3. Find a cheap and convenient air conditioner

Find an affordable and efficient air conditioner such as LG 8000 BTU portable air conditioner reviews that serves both as an air conditioner and a dehumidifier thus saving you money.

4. Insulate and ventilate your attic

The attic maintains comfortable temperatures in homes during any season. In summer, it traps hot air and thus keeps your home cool. It is therefore essential to vent this space to let the hot air outside. There are several attic fans available in the market that are effective in ensuring that your attic is well ventilated.

Insulating the walls of your attic is also a convenient way to cool your home. This insulation minimizes the heat that flows to your home from the attic as well as the heat that enters the attic.

5. Use Fans

Fans are cost-effective ways of cooling your home during summer. Make sure to turn off your fan when you are not at home to save energy and money. Since moisture makes cooling tough, ensure that your fan is on when you shower and when cooking.

6. Get a Dehumidifier

Eliminating moisture from air lowers the temperatures in your home and makes it cool and comfortable. Air conditioners work more effectively on dry air than in a humid environment. A dehumidifier will, therefore, boost your air conditioner’s performance and hence cool your home.

7. Clean your air conditioner.

It costs a lot less to maintain your A/C system than to install a new one. Have your A/C professionally checked and serviced annually. Using an electrostatic filter and changing it after every three months is also a convenient way to maintain your A/C as it saves you the high costs of repairing a damaged air conditioner or buying another.

In conclusion, surviving the heat during summer does not necessarily require costly advanced technology. Simple habits such as taking cold evening showers, using cotton sheets and keeping the windows open in the evening can go a long way into ensuring that you stay comfortable.

Making your perfect Pinterest board is easy… buying everything to transfer that board into your living room, not so easy. Doing a makeover of an old space or decorating a new home is fun and refreshing but can also be stressful trying to ensure your vision comes out the way you wanted without breaking the bank. Check out these tips on how you can decorate your home just the way you want on a budget you can afford.

1. Plan your budget

It’s hard to stay on budget if you don’t have one! Set a maximum amount you are comfortable paying and stick to it. Make a list of “must-have” items before you start shopping and plan the look you are going for. This will not only help you stay on track style wise but also within price range. You can also look online for budget items or to see what stores have the best deals and if they have any upcoming sales.

2. Find furnishings to serve multiple purposes

It can be challenging to accommodate every purpose a house serves, including hosting holidays, parties or a small get-together with friends. Having enough seating, surface space and entertaining space can be a struggle, especially for smaller apartments or homes. You can fix this by filling your spaces with multi-functional pieces. Buy seating with built-in storage or tables with removable sections that can be added for more guests and then removed at the end of dinner.

3. Spiff up old or outdated furniture to fit your new look

Your taste and trends may change but that doesn’t mean you have to buy decor or furniture pieces new every time. A coat of paint or re-upholstering can give a new look to an old piece that can fit into your new style. Take something old and make it have a whole new function and work it into your new spaces.

4. Find local treasures

So many items that end up in thrift stores or antique shops can be put to good use with the right space. Old treasures can blend nicely with current pieces in your house. Finding items at local shops will also give you more unique pieces that no one else has and will bring a special personal touch to any room.

5. Don’t rush it

We tend to fall into the mindset that once we move into a new home, that each room needs to be put together and look flawless immediately, but that can get expensive – and fast. Take your time and pick one room at a time to focus on. You won’t get overwhelmed and won’t stretch your budget right from the start. Plus if you finish one room and like how it turned out, you will have a better idea of how you want the other spaces to turn out.

Whether it’s a new home or you are just wanting to revamp your current place, take these tips to get your dream look on your realistic budget.

Real estate investments provide the perfect vehicle for increasing your monthly cash flow, growing your net worth, and achieving financial independence.

But investing in a property is a big decision. Before you make the leap to real estate investor, you need to make sure you’re ready to handle everything that comes with that title.

Here are three questions to ask yourself to help you decide if you’re ready for your first investment property. How many of these can you say yes! to?

1. Are you financially stable?

Unless you’re comfortable taking on more risk with creative financing, you’re going to need to have your finances in lender-ready order before purchasing your first investment property.

Income. Do you have enough verifiable income to qualify for a loan on an investment property?

Savings. To purchase your investment property, you’ll need enough money to cover the down payment and closing costs. Plus any renovations that need to be completed before the property can be rented. And you’ll want some money in reserve to cover vacancy and maintenance issues as they come up.

Debt. Your debt should be well under control before you invest in a property. If you have any high-interest debts (mainly credit cards, but some auto loans and student loans can also have high interest rates), pay those down before you add a new mortgage to your debt.

2. Do you have good credit?

Lenders use a different credit standard for investors than they do for buyers purchasing a primary residence.

Because you won’t have the same attachment to your investment property as you do to your own home, lenders are taking a greater risk in lending for investment properties. So they naturally require more reassurance. Plus a higher credit score offers some reassurance that you will repay the loan.   

Credit requirements vary by lender, but you should aim to have a fairly high credit score (around 720) before applying for a loan to purchase an investment property.

3. Do you have time?

Most real estate investments require a time commitment. But the time commitment largely depends on the property’s use.

Short-term vacation rentals can require a substantial, ongoing investment of time. The high turnover rate means you’re actively involved in preparing the property for each new guest every few days. But you’ll be rewarded with higher nightly rates. In fact, the increased rates may justify hiring a property manager to manage the unit for you, substantially reducing your time investment.

Long-term rentals are another way to reduce your time investment. Once your well-qualified renters move in, your only job is to collect the rent each month and address any maintenance issues.

Many of us mistakenly believe that real estate investing is reserved for the upper class. But if you are financially stable, have good credit, and can invest a little time, you are ready to join the elite group of real estate investors!

Interest rates are rising, so don’t wait to purchase your first investment property.

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. This post was written by Michelle Clardie. Michelle is a professional real estate blogger, specializing in ghostwriting Realtor® blogs. Her engaging content helps real estate agents become more visible online, generate more qualified leads, and increase their revenues. You can learn more at www.michelleclardie.com.

Buying your first home can feel like one of adulthood’s true markers and a dream come true. For today’s millennials, however, that dream may seem daunting, especially when they consider the other financial responsibilities that people their age commonly face. Student loans, credit card debt, and a higher cost of goods are all obstacles to becoming a homeowner today.

But with planning and hard work, millennials can get on the path to buying a house of their own. Here are some expert tips for maximizing dollars and ensuring that homeownership is a reality for every generation.

Set a budget - and use it.

Budgets seem easy enough, right? Set reasonable spending and saving limits, then follow them monthly. So why don’t more people use them? A recent Gallup poll revealed that only 30 percent of consumers regularly plan using a budget. This simple tool doesn’t require an advanced degree or even paid software to implement. Set a goal for money coming in, track money going out, and shore up the difference to ensure you’re meeting your obligations and putting aside extra for that down payment. You can use a basic Excel sheet or download one of the many apps that make it easy to budget from your smartphone.

Personalize your budget.

Your budget should include categories for every area of spending, from food to transportation to entertainment. However, your life might not fit into the same boxes as someone else’s does. This is why it’s essential to personalize your budget for your specific expenses. If you have special interests, unique work expenditures, or purchases that aren’t quite category-friendly, go ahead and make your own budget categories. Tweak budget templates as you need to make them yours. Customize software and apps to work best for your situation.

Be realistic.

When you sit down to create your first budget, it’s tempting to set your goals first, then create an account of your spending that fits those goals. Unfortunately, a budget isn’t enough to change bad spending patterns and rewrite our lives to match our goals. We’re capable of change, but lasting change tends to be gradual.

If you’re looking for places to trim your budget, look first to your “discretionary” spending. Expenses like entertainment, food, and travel are areas where we have the freedom to cut costs. Rent, utilities, and student loans are much harder to pare down, especially quickly. It can feel frustrating to only make small changes, but those changes will add up if you stick to your plan.

Check your credit.

Your someday home may be a dream on the horizon for now, but it’s never too soon to make improvements on your credit. Once you finally have the cash for a down payment, you don’t want credit issues to keep you from buying a home.

Many home shoppers start exploring the market and deciding how much house they want a year or more before they are ready to buy. There’s no better time to make sure your credit score and history aren’t hiding any unpleasant surprises. Run your free credit report from all three agencies every year and take advantage of any free credit score reports offered by credit card accounts. Use this information to get a handle on late payments, an unhealthy debt to available ratio, or other concerns on your profile.

Reconsider interest.

You probably already know how much you pay each month in credit card payments, student loans, or your car lease. Do you know how much of that amount goes to interest? If you don’t, start examining what you’re paying and look for ways to cut that number down. Paying off your balances as fast as possible is the best way to ditch interest quickly, but not everyone has the means to throw cash at the problem. Instead, explore whether consolidating debts into a personal loan can offer you a better interest rate while you pay down debt steadily. You may also want to inquire with your creditor about getting a few points knocked off your rate. It never hurts to ask.

Maximize income.

While much of our budgeting advice focuses on cutting costs, there’s another side to the financial coin that’s just as important. Boosting your budget by making more money is an effective way to make big progress on your financial goals and can also make you a more attractive customer for a mortgage company. Not everyone can take on an extra job, but picking up some overtime pay or asking for a raise can help you make progress quickly. For every dollar you cut from spending, see how you can pair that with a dollar in extra income.

Make a mock “homebuyer” budget.

As you move forward on your spending and saving goals, owning a home may feel closer and closer. If you have your down payment squared away and your credit is in good shape, chances are you’ll be house hunting soon. But before you start calling realtors, research what it costs to own a home in your area. After your budgeting adventures, you know that number will be much higher than your monthly mortgage payment. You’ll also be responsible for costs like:

• Utilities
• Insurance
• Property taxes
• Repairs
• HOA fees

Research the average costs for these items in your area to figure out what kind of home you can afford to buy.

Buying a home is a huge goal, but it’s one that’s within your reach with patience, perseverance, and a commitment to making your budget a proactive tool. Saving for goals happens best with a budget. Soon enough, that set of keys will be well within your grasp.

Packing your kids’ stuff for a move may be in some ways a little bit trickier than packing your own. Unlike you, your children have more than clothes, and accessories – they also have toys in all shapes and sizes.

Kids’ rooms and playrooms are usually piled high with toys, storybooks, and just about anything that triggers their creativity. And while “picking up toys” is in their daily chore charts, it may take more than that to keep these things organized especially when you’re in the process of moving houses.

Just in case you need more help; we came up with a few tips on how to keep your little ones’ precious (and forgotten) toys organized during the moving process.

Ask your kids to help

Children love being treated like adults. They like to feel needed and are almost always keen on helping out. Organizing toys is something your kids can do, and you sure can use the help from several small hands.

Sort the toys into piles or boxes

Sorting their toys is an essential step in the process. Besides, you don’t want to bring all those toys to your new house, do you?

Your kids have probably outgrown most of them anyway. What you should do is take two boxes: one for the toys your kids want to keep and the other for the ones they don’t want or play with anymore. Leave the sorting to your kids. Don’t worry; they’ll manage.

You might also want a separate box for your kids’ favorite toys. They’ll probably want to take those with them on moving day.

Categorize the ones you’re keeping

When your kids have finally decided which toys they’re taking with them, subdivide them again into groups. Maybe a group for arts and crafts supplies, another for board games, one more for dolls and stuffed toys, and so on. You may end up with a bunch of “uncategorized” toys, but this is expected. Just put the odd ones in one container.

Place the toys in separate containers and label them.

After categorizing the toys, place them in boxes or storage bins and label them accordingly. Labels make finding stuff so much easier; you and your kids can benefit from this especially when things are lost in a maze of moving boxes and containers.

Here’s an idea: Have your kids create and stick the labels themselves. It might be just another random task for adults, but your kids will think its super fun!

Consider donating

The moving process can also be an excellent chance to teach your kids the value of sharing and giving to the community. Remember those toys they tossed in the “unwanted” pile? They can find a new home in the arms of children not as fortunate as they are. Your local charity will be more than glad to make the pick-up.

We hope these few, simple tips help ease the stress and make the transition more convenient for you and your family. Happy moving!