Kathryn Smith

Did you know, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, that nearly 35 million people pack up and move each year? Whether you’re relocating for a new employment opportunity, you need a bigger space for your expanding family, or you’re looking to live in a nicer neighborhood, moving can be extremely stressful.

From transferring children to a new school district and finding new utility and healthcare providers to creating new daily routines and making your new place feel organized and comfortable, making a move can be exhausting and disorganized if not done correctly.

While moving will never be one of America’s favorite pastimes, it can be an excellent opportunity to get organized, simplify your life, and throw out old belongings that are cluttering up your space. To ensure you stay calm during the chaotic whirlwind of packing and moving, here’s some guidance on how to prepare and make the transition as smooth as possible.

Make an Action Plan

The worst thing you can do is leave preparations and packing until the last minute. To keep yourself on track, make an electronic to-do list outlining what needs to be moved, what can be donated or thrown away, and what rooms you plan to tackle first. This way, you can access the information on your phone from any location. Always keep important documentation in an easy-to-access place and carry it with you during the move. This way, if you need to present any confirmations, receipts, or certificates, you won’t have to rifle through boxes in a frenzy trying to locate them. When you box up belongings, be sure to label each box to simplify the unpacking process. For example, you could label a box “Kitchen pots, plates, and silverware – Fragile.”

Keep it Simple

Juggling your home life and work demands during the moving process can seem overwhelming. Keep all your appointments, work deadlines, children’s schedules, and other important obligations stored on an electronic calendar, preferably your smartphone, so you can receive alerts and reminders straight into the palm of your hand. The goal is to find harmony between your regular routine and the added tasks that come along with pulling off a seamless transition to your new home. Share and coordinate schedules with your partner or family so you can divvy up packing, contacting vendors, and completing other necessary tasks that need to be done before moving.

Update your Address

In addition to notifying the postal service of your change of address, make sure your credit card companies, cable and internet provider(s); gas, electric, and utility vendors, insurance company; employer; and friends are all provided your new information.

Do an Inventory of your Home

There’s no better time to go through all your possessions and take inventory of valuable belongings for your insurance company. Additionally, you can group belongings into categories for packing, dispose of items you no longer need, and declutter your life. Anything you decide to get rid of can be donated to a local charity, sold on Craigslist, LetGo, or eBay, or thrown away all together.

Packing 101

Here’s a little tip on how to pack efficiently: use your bedding, sheets, and towels to wrap, cushion, and protect breakables, such as glassware, picture frames, and decorative pieces. Not only will this save you money on bubble wrap, but it’s an optimal way to use up space in your boxes while ensuring your valuables are kept safe. If you own luggage, you can use these bags to pack shoes, toiletries, clothes, or even last-minute items that you want to use up until your moving day arrives.

Author Bio: Brandon Morris has lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area his entire life. He owns North Dallas Moving and Storage and focuses on residential and office moving in the Dallas area.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jul 9, 2019 9:00:00 AM

Do you remember your first bike? I remember mine very vividly. My neighbor and I had matching his and her bikes. I also remember many bike trips to my grandmother’s house.

If you live in a big city, biking may still be a part of your life. Depending on traffic, biking may be a quicker alternative to get to work. In addition, many communities are adding bike trails which offer a great way to get out for a ride with your entire family.

Biking is a great way to improve your health, save wear and tear on your car, and reduce emissions.

If you’re in the market for a new bike you may want to consider buying an e-bike. While e-bikes are more expensive, they’re gaining in popularity and offer many benefits.

What’s an e-bike?

An e-bike is a bicycle with an electric motor. It’s another option for anybody that enjoys riding. A common misconception is that an e-bike is like a scooter or a motorcycle. All you have to do is jump on and go. With a power assist e-bike, you must pedal which still allows for a great workout. Power assist e-bikes allow you to travel further distances, climb hills in an easier manner, and reduce muscle soreness.

Are all e-bikes created equal?

There three classes classes of e-bikes. They are:

1. Class one – Pedal-assist up to 20 mph.

2. Class two – Found more often online, these bikes are pedal-assist with an electric throttle up to 20 mph.

3. Class three – Higher-end or performance type bikes, such as mountain bikes, that are pedal-assist only up to 28 mph.

Are e-bikes regulated?

E-bikes are regulated, but regulation can vary by state or municipality. Check with your local laws and abide by them.

What bike equipment do I need for an e-bike?

Like with any sport or hobby, the proper equipment is important. Here’s some equipment you should have no matter what type of bike you ride.

• Helmet
• Mirror
• Bell or horn
• Lights
• Bright clothing

Are e-bikes covered by insurance?

A West Bend policy automatically provides coverage if you buy an e-bike that goes 20 mph or less. If you buy an e-bike that goes faster than 20 mph, you’ll need to talk to your independent agent to have it added to your policy.

Here are some additional blogs to keep you safe while riding

Bike safety tips for commuters, families, and enthusiasts

As a motorist, do you understand biking laws?

How to prepare for your first bicycle ride of the season

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jul 2, 2019 9:00:00 AM

More cats and dogs go missing on the 4^th of July  than any other day of the year. While pet parents look forward to the cookouts, music, and fireworks, it’s terrifying for many of our furry family members.

One of my three dogs is terrified of storms, one loses it whenever there are loud noises, and one isn’t bothered by anything. Pets that suffer from storm anxiety or ones that panic around loud noises are more likely to find fireworks downright terrifying. I can verify that’s true in my home! Here are some tips to help keep them safe, reduce their stress, and prevent them from getting lost:

• Research when the fireworks in yours and surrounding communities will be so you can be prepared. Some cities schedule their fireworks for the weekend before the Fourth.
• Never bring pets to the fireworks. Even a pet that has never displayed any previous anxious behavior may be spooked. And obviously, never use firecrackers, sparklers, or any other type of fireworks with pets nearby.
• Many pets will try to flee to find shelter, including jumping fences, so keep pets indoors during festivities and fireworks. Close the windows and draw the blinds.
• Ensure your pets have their collars on and that ID tags/microchip information is up to date.
• If your pets use ThunderShirts or medication for storms, consider using them for firework time as well.
• Make sure you have a current photo of your pets, just in case.
• Have a frozen treat ready at fireworks time. For dogs, fill a Kong with peanut butter and freeze it overnight. Pull it out as a distraction during the loud bangs.
• If your pets have a safe place they like to hang out, have it prepared. Many pets like their crates, so have the door open and ready.
• If you’re having a party, keep alcohol, charcoal, lighter fluid, citronella insect spray, and glow sticks away from pets as they can be ingested and cause severe health problems.

Hopefully, these pet safety tips will help keep your four-legged family members safe while making the holiday more enjoyable.

Check out our other helpful pet blogs:

Pet-cation: Ways to help your pets cope during your absence

Ten safety tips to enjoy summer with your pets

Smart home technology for pets

Eight tips to protect your home and pet from a fire

Source:  West Bend, Posted by Kristin Bowen on Jun 25, 2019 9:00:00 AM

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-infographic-more-pets-are-lost-on-july-4th-than-any-other-day-of-the-year-300108062.html

So, you’ve arranged a moving-in date for your new home; cleared out your junk; organized transfer of your cable, mail, and utilities; and ordered your moving containers. What next?

Presuming you’re going to be using a moving company,you’ll want to get that service booked soon, but before you do, there’s one thing you absolutely need to think about: insurance.

Insurance isn’t the most exciting part of a home move but imagine the fallout if your moving truck ends up in a river or a rogue driver goes AWOL with a truckload of your possessions. It’s very rare that this kind of thing happens, but you’ll want to be prepared if it does. Of course, relatively minor mishaps, such as a dropped flat screen TV happen more frequently. After all, cardboard boxes can split and people can drop things.

Before you sign a contract with the moving company you should do some homework and a little bit of math. You may have a limited amount of coverage built into your homeowners or renters insurance policy. But usually, homeowners policies don’t cover personal property while in transit or storage. It’s important to sit down and discuss this with your agent.

To see what coverage you have, you’ll need to run through the following checklist of items:

• Are you covered for moving?
• Is there a time limit?
• Are you covered if you’re moving your items into storage?
• Are you covered if you use a professional moving company?
• Do your contents have to be properly packed? Does this mean the movers have to pack them for you?
• What deductible will you have to pay if you have a claim?
• Are any items excluded?
• Is there a price-per-item limit?
• What’s the claims process?

The answers to some of these questions may result in extra costs for you. For example, if you need the moving company to pack on your behalf they’ll likely charge for that.

When you call your insurance agent, you should ask about:

• Any riders or floaters that can increase your protection;
• Whether a claim would push up future premiums;
• If they offer any ‘basic perils’ coverage if you intend to continue using your current insurance company in your new property; and
• The effect of increasing or reducing deductibles.

You should get prices for all the above and use these to decide on the level of risk you’re comfortable with. There’s never zero risk!

If you’re a first-time buyer, note that your new insurance policy will probably not cover your possessions until they’re in the new house although if you have an existing renters policy that would provide coverage. If you don’t have an existing policy but were previously protected under another person’s policy (e.g. a parent’s), it’s worth asking them to check with their insurer to see if they’ll extend some coverage in return for you taking your first insurance policy out with them – this can work!

If you haven’t purchased homeowners insurance yet, West Bend offers a policy with numerous coverage options. A West Bend homeowners policy provides coverage for 30 days subject to the perils of the policy and home deductible, up to the limits of the policy for a newly acquired principal residence.

When you know what’s covered by your existing policy, you can look at what your moving company could offer you.

Can your moving company provide insurance coverage?

Federal regulations require all moving companies to offer two types of insurance coverage if you’re moving out of state. However, this isn’t technically regarded as insurance in the same way as your home, renters, or condo insurance.

Released Value Protection is liability coverage that’s based on weight. This coverage pays up to 60 cents per pound for personal property. However, with all the electronic devices in a person’s home, this coverage is very minimal and wouldn’t pay full replacement cost.

Full Value Protection may cover you for the repair or replacement of your personal property. If you purchase this coverage, make sure you check with your moving company to see how you’ll be covered. Usually, their insurance policy determines if the damaged items will be replaced with new ones or at their depreciated value (i.e. reduced value based on age and condition).

Once you’ve talked to your insurance agent and the moving company, you’ll have a better a better idea of how the different coverage options work.

Author Bio: James Levine is CEO of New Haven Moving Equipment (NHME). Together with his two brothers, Roger Levine (Co-President) and Larry Levine (Co-President), Mr. Levine manages the executive and daily operations. NHME has been in business for more than a century. They manufacture and distribute high quality moving boxes, furniture moving pads, moving equipment, and packaging supplies to professional movers and the general public at wholesale prices. Get in touch via Facebook.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jun 4, 2019 9:00:00 AM

Whether you’re doing some spring cleaning, decluttering, or moving to a new home, having a garage sale can help you get rid of unwanted items. While you may not make a lot of money in the process, selling things you no longer need can benefit others.

Here are some tips to help you plan and organize for a successful garage sale.

1. Pick a date. Choose a date that’s far enough out so that the process isn’t overwhelming. You may not be aware of all the work that goes into holding a sale. If your city or town has a communal garage sale date, go with it. Otherwise starting on Friday and running through Saturday offers a greater potential for more shoppers.

2. Check on city ordinances. After selecting a date, check with your city or county clerk to see if they have any specific ordinances in place for holding a garage sale. If you live in a condominium (condo), and belong to the association, check the bylaws. You don’t want to get fined for violations.

3. Clean and organize your garage. If you keep your garage clean and organized, this won’t be a big project. If you’re cleaning your garage for the first time this season, give yourself plenty of time. While I understand it’s your garage, a nice clean appearance makes a difference. Don’t forget to clean or wash the items you sell.

4. Figure out what to sell. If you have kids, it’s easy to decide what to sell. Clothes they’ve outgrown or toys they no longer play with are good things to select. If you’re past that stage in your life and you’re decluttering your home, walk around the house, basement, and garage and write down the things you want to sell. If you’re unsure about selling something, create another list for those items.

5. Organize your garage by categories. Organizing your garage by categories can make it easier for your customers because they can pick the section(s) that interests them. Use boxes, coat racks, tables, or blankets on the floor to display your items.

6. Ask for help. If you want to have a garage sale, but can’t do it alone, ask for help. There may be kids in your neighborhood who can clean, do some heavy lifting, or even take items to a customer’s car on the day of the sale.

7. Extend the entrepreneurial spirit. If your kids want to help or be a part of the sale, let them. This can be a nice opportunity to teach them about what it means to be an entrepreneur. Let them be creative. They may want to bake items to sell or serve coffee.

8. Advertise. Advertise via signs on local, high-traffic roads a few days before your sale. Also check into online options likes Craigslist, your local Facebook community groups, or Nextdoor.com. Online advertising is great and an affordable way to expand your reach.

9. Visit the bank. Be sure to have lots of small change and petty cash.

10. Offer a “free” box. If there are items you simply don’t know what to charge for, consider a free box.

11. Pricing. Don’t intentionally overprice your items or you may be negotiating on every item you sell, or you won’t sell much. Also, make sure the prices are legible.

12. Be ready to negotiate. People always feel good when they think they got a good deal. If you have big-ticket items, in particular, think about your bottom line so you can negotiate more effectively. Or it may be better to sell these items online.

13. Be observant. While most of your customers are looking for a good deal, others could be using the sale to case your home. Never let anyone into your home, no matter how much they tell you they desperately need to use the bathroom. Even if you escort them inside, it could lead to an unwanted visit later. Direct them to the nearest convenience store or fast food restaurant instead.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jun 11, 2019 11:46:27 AM

Are you disappointed with how your lawn looks this spring? Do you have bare spots? Harsh winters, insects, animals, and disease can wreak havoc on your lawn. While I’m not striving for the perfect lawn, I do take pride in having a nice, healthy one.

If you’re frustrated with how your lawn looks and you want to fix the bare spots, you can! For existing lawns, lawncare professionals recommend core aeration and over seeding in the fall. This process promotes overall healthy growth and can help thicken it. However, you can add seed to your lawn in the spring and experience good results.

Here are some tips for fixing your lawn.

1. Determine the best time to plant. Depending on where you live, certain times of the year will generate better results. In the Midwest, cool-season grass seeds will germinate when soil temperatures consistently range between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in southern states, warm-season grass seed will germinate when soil temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the soil temperatures are confusing, a less technical rule of thumb is grass seed germinates when the air temperature is consistently between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lastly, if you experience a cool spring or summer, germination may take longer, or it may fail.

2. Prepare the site. Watering a bare spot will not get the grass to regrow. Site preparation is needed. Before planting the seed, make sure that weeds, exiting grass, sticks, and rocks are removed. After the area is cleaned up, rough up the soil or lay down some fresh topsoil. The layer of topsoil only needs to be about a quarter inch thick. This allows the seed to connect with the soil. Laying seed on a hard, compact surface won’t work well.

3. Select the appropriate grass seed. This may seem like a no brainer. All you need to do is visit your local retail store and buy what’s on their shelves, right? While your local retail store will carry products that contain a mixture of seed that’s appropriate for your area, there are a few things you should consider.

• Does your lawn get full or partial sun?
• Do you have pets?
• Does your lawn get light, moderate, or heavy foot traffic?

For example, Kentucky Bluegrass or Bermudagrass are good for heavy-traffic lawns. Perennial Ryegrass is good for light to moderate traffic.

For small areas I’ve used a product that contains a combination of grass seed, mulch, and fertilizer all in one and enjoyed success.

4. Determine the correct grade. For small patch jobs, determining the correct grade isn’t critical. All you need to do is make sure the soil is flat. If you’re reseeding your entire yard, you can do it yourself however, the process is more complicated. Your yard should be graded so that water flows. The last thing you need or want is large mud puddles in your yard or water running towards your home. If you run into trouble, contact your local landscape professional.

5. Apply the seed. Gently sprinkle the seed on the bare spot until it’s sufficiently covered. You still should be able to see the soil.

6. Water gently. After you’ve planted your grass seed, briefly and gently water the soil two to five times per day. The number of times to water will depend on the temperature. The goal is to keep the soil moist.

7. Don’t get frustrated. Depending on the type of grass seed you’ve planted, germination can take from 5 to 30 days. If you don’t see acceptable results after 30 days, give the process another try, or consider waiting until fall.

Source:

https://www.pennington.com/all-products/grass-seed/resources/the-best-time-to-plant-grass-seed

http://www.garden-counselor-lawn-care.com/watering-new-grass-seed.html

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on May 28, 2019 10:10:41 AM