They’ve Got Your Number- Robocallers and How to Avoid Them

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If you own a phone, you’ve received an unwanted call from a telemarketer, or spam robocall trying to sell you a product.  You may have noticed that many of the calls are from phone numbers that seem to come from your own area or one of your phone contacts, with a familiar area code. This is a practice begun a few years ago called spoofing: that’s highjacking a local number to give the impression the call is local and perhaps from someone you know. 

But don’t be fooled – technology has advanced in this area often to the detriment of the innocent consumer who can get inundated with these calls multiple times a day... Read the rest

Holding On: Why it’s So Hard to Let Go of Stuff

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One of the most daunting things about moving is dealing with our stuff. We surround ourselves with things that represent “home” to us: keepsakes, papers, books, dishes.  Sorting through them in order to let some of it go is much harder for some than others, and can be such a seemingly impossible task that some of us simply stop the process altogether.

What makes us hold onto things we no longer want or need, even if keeping them is a roadblock to moving forward?

The main reason we hold on to things is comfort – being surrounded by things we love can provide a sense of well being and groundedness... Read the rest

Do This, Not That When Preparing for A Move

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Moving is one of life’s occurrences that can be time-consuming, expensive and stressful.  But there are few practices to consider that can ease the pain of moving as well as the expense.  Here is a look at things NOT to do, and things to DO instead:

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DON’T wait until the last minute to get ready to move.  The longer you wait, the more stumbling blocks you may encounter, like running out of time, not enough boxes, no place to dispose of your items, and moving companies that are too busy to help you.

DO make a plan before you move.  Planning out an overall timeline to prepare all of the components of moving (including sorting, organizing, packing, and arranging for help), goes a long way in making move day go more smoothly.

.. Read the rest

The Language of Interstate Moving

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If you’re considering an interstate move, there are several terms that may come up in your search for an interstate mover.  Knowing the language of the trade can save you time and money, and provide a full understanding of exactly what you can expect when you deal with an interstate carrier.   Here are a few trade terms that can help you with your search.

  1.  Shipper – contrary to how it sounds, YOU as a client are considered the shipper in moving, both local and interstate.  The interstate moving company is the carrier.
  1.  Bill of Lading – this is a binding legal receipt that lists the belongings that you’re moving as well as the contract for the move itself. 
.. Read the rest

Making Move Day a Little Less Maddening

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The boxes are packed, the movers are scheduled, the new home is ready for you.  You’ve got the big moving day coming up, but will you be ready?  With a little preparation, move day can be a breeze.  Here are some ways to prepare that you may not have thought about:

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1. Pet Care

While you’re excited about the move, your pet may be very confused and scared when the door is flung open wide and strangers are toting his favorite couch out to the truck.  Consider an offsite pet sitter or doggie daycare for the day, so you won’t have to worry about your pup hiding somewhere or bolting out into the neighborhood. 

.. Read the rest

Donating During the Quarantine – Here’s What You Can Do

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Spring cleaning has taken on a further meaning this year since most of us around the country are under stay at home orders.  One positive aspect created from this order is the ample opportunity of time for sorting, cleaning, throwing out and creating piles for donation. Unfortunately, that pile may be hanging around for a while longer than usual, as donation options remain limited.

There are some alternatives now, and some tried and true locations that will gladly accept your donations once the restrictions have been lifted.  Here are a few fresh ideas for donating certain items around your house. You can find links to their sites on our Resources Page... Read the rest