The Smooth Move

Although moving can be an exciting life change, it can also be a very stressful event. To ensure things go smoothly, start a detailed checklist at least two months before your actual move as the more organized you are, the easier it will be. Here are a few points to keep in mind: Two Months Before

• Make a complete inventory of all the major items you'll be moving.
• Get some estimates and book the movers. You may also want to start sucking up to friends and family for help!
• Moving is a great time to get rid of clutter; you know, the stuff you forgot you even had! Don't make the mistake of hauling it to your new home. Instead, have a garage sale or donate it to charity.

One Month Before

• Update your insurance, medical and school records to your new location. You can speak to a Signature Diane Turton, Realtors insurance consultant by calling 1.800.854.8002 or emailing signatureinsurance@dianeturton.com.
• Arrange to disconnect and reconnect utilities and telephone/Internet services.
• This is a good time to start tackling the administrative details. Change your address with the post office and email friends and relatives with your new contact details.

A Few Weeks Before

• Plan meals so all the food in your fridge and freezer gets used up.
• Start getting boxes and packing materials together.
• Pack items you don't regularly use such as books and games.- Arrange for someone to look after your pets on moving day.
• Return library books and DVD materials.

The Final Week

• Water your plants a couple of days before you move.
• Start packing up your belongings and make sure to clearly label the fragile items.
• Gather together all your personal items such as legal documents, photos and other valuables and transport them yourself for safe keeping.
• Label a box of items you'll need for the first few nights. The last thing you'll want to do when you get to your new home is hunt for your toothbrush.

Day of the Move

• Double check the movers have your new address as well as your cell phone number.
• Unscrew light bulbs from all your lamps.- Make sure you have your new keys.
• Have lots of refreshments on hand for your busy helpers!

During a move, you may experience emotions ranging from deep sadness to extreme excitement. Although moving can seem like a daunting task, being prepared and organized will save you a lot of stress. With the help of the above checklist, you can now breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy this exciting new phase of your life!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

If you have young children, flying has likely taken on a whole new meaning and fun probably isn't the word that springs to mind! Having an enjoyable flight with little ones in tow means being prepared and staying relaxed, so read on for some ideas on how to do just that.

Get All the Info - When you book your ticket, ensure you have all the necessary information such as whether or not a car seat's required and if so, what kind. Also, ask about policies regarding strollers and if they can be gate checked. Finally, reserve the bulkhead seats if you're traveling with an infant and ask if they have a baby bed you can use.

How Much Stuff?! - Before you leave, make sure each child has their own backpack to take some of the pressure off yourself. Bring more of everything including snacks, sticker books, crayons, toys and a change of clothes in case your flight's delayed. Put diapers and wipes in a separate bag so you won't have to lug your entire backpack to the bathroom.

Get a Move On - One effective strategy for coping with the confined space during the flight is to keep your children moving from the moment you get to the airport right up until you board the plane. They'll burn up lots of energy which will keep them from kicking the poor person's chair in front of you.

Fasten Your Seatbelts - Once you've boarded the plane, put some items in the seat pockets so you're able to reach them in case there's a period of turbulence and you're unable to access the overhead compartment. A familiar blanket or stuffed toy will also come in handy if your child becomes frightened. Don't forget to give the little ones a drink to relieve ear pressure during take off and landing.

Despite the faster pace of life that goes along with parenthood, it takes so much longer to do anything with kids in tow so leave lots of extra time. Although you may think you'll have an eternity at the airport with check-in, snack time, bathroom breaks and other activities, it'll be time to board before you know it. Keep a cool head, breathe deeply and you're sure to enjoy a smooth, fun ride!

The Perfect Picnic

With the warm weather upon us, why not spend a day with friends and family enjoying some outdoor fun! Local parks and nature areas offer picnic shelters which usually include a covered area, picnic tables and grilling equipment. One of the hardest parts of organizing a picnic is remembering everything so make a checklist which should include:

• food, drinks & condiments
• plates, cups & paper towel
• seating & serving utensils
• a cooler with lots of ice
• BBQ equipment
• garbage bags for clean-up & ziploc bags for leftovers
• blankets and/or chairs and lots of games

Parks and other natural areas offer a great opportunity for children to have fun exploring and most will have all the amenities required to host a great event but make sure to reserve ahead of time just to be sure. If you're throwing a children's birthday party you could even plan a nature activity or treasure hunt for the younger ones. Remember your checklist and have fun!

Today's Tip For a Greener Life

The trend for warmer summers is keeping us grilling. But there's no fire without smoke, and this is where a little care is needed if you want to entertain whilst also being kind to the planet.

• Use a real barbecue rather than a disposable one.
• Light your barbecue with a special chimney starter for greater efficiency.
• Don't use lighter fluid which releases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
• Use reusable dishes rather than disposable and washable napkins rather than paper. If you must use disposables, use compostable plates, cups and utensils or items made from recycled materials.
• Shop greener to reduce waste especially of packaging. Avoid single serving products. Buy in bulk and larger containers.
• After the barbecue, recycle and compost what you can - including charcoal ashes.
• Give away any leftovers to cut down on food waste.