Month: June 2022

You finally bought your dream home! Hooray! Everything is all set and your new home is ready to move in to! Now comes packing and moving your things from your previous home to your new home.

Your new home is like a blank canvas – a fresh start for you to have everything organized and look exactly the way you were dreaming of. To make this possible, go through every room and decide what to keep and what to get rid of to avoid bringing unwanted things to your brand new home. Once you have everything set and know which items you will definitely bring, follow these tips to make your packing and moving less stressful. Remember, preparation is important!

1. Have all your materials/supplies ready
There is nothing more frustrating when you’re packing than stopping to run to the store to grab another box or tape. Your packing will be faster and more efficient once you have everything prepared. Some supplies you might need include bubble wrap, permanent markers, boxes, tapes and other specialty containers such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes.
2. Do a change of address
To avoid the hassle of failing to receive important mail, go to the local post office and fill out an address form, or do it online. But in case there are stragglers, it’s wise to ask a close neighbour or your previous landlord to look out for mail after you’ve moved. At the same time, you should alert the following of your move: banks, your employer, credit card companies and utility companies.
3. Group items and separate valuables
Once you begin packing, pack the items you infrequently use such as the waffle iron or popcorn maker together. This way you don’t need to be stressed out if you can’t unpack them during your first week. Then, group all the items based on their location in the house. For example, all the kitchen utensils should be packed in one box and labelled. This way, when you start unpacking, it will be easier and more convenient. When labelling, make sure to clearly label each box with its contents and the room that it’s destined for. Then closer to your moving day, pack items for everyone in the family that will be immediately needed for the first couple of days such as clothes and toiletries. At the same time, make sure to pack your important documents and valuables separately from the rest of your things. If possible, it is best to personally bring these items to your new home to avoid losing them.
4. Appliances/Furniture
A few days before you move, make sure to defrost the freezer if you are planning to move it with you. Make sure to empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day. When moving appliances, big boxes and furniture, it is best to hire a moving company to do the heavy lifting for you. Reconfirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics to help you prepare.

Moving is never an easy process. It takes time, energy and patience. Ask other family members and your friends to help you in your packing and moving to make it a lot easier and fun. Congratulations on your new home!

We are well into the spring months and you can start to smell the savoury scent of grilled BBQ and burgers in the air. Even though it is not officially summer yet, this hot and sunny weather makes us want to get our grills out and enjoy the outdoors. As June is National Safety Month, we thought we would share some grilling safety tips to help us prepare for any risks involved. We think everything tastes better when grilled and knowing these guidelines will help us make the most of our grilling. Here are our top 5 safety guidelines to guarantee a fun and safe barbecue party.

• Read the owner’s manual
The simplest, yet often forgotten, guideline is to read the instructions first. Typically, there are also safety guidelines included in the manual that can be helpful in ensuring your safety and the people around you.
• Grills are for outside only
Grills are never for indoor use and when setting up, make sure your grill is in an open area and away from walls or any combustible objects that could easily catch fire or melt, such as dry leaves or vinyl siding.
• Keep grill stable
It is important to keep the grill on even ground. This will ensure the hot grill is stable and will not be tipped over. Never attempt to move a hot grill. It is easy to stumble or drop it and could result in serious burns.
• Materials to use
Use barbecue utensils with long handles to avoid burns and splatters. In terms of clothing, make sure you are not wearing shirts that have hanging tails and your apron strings are properly tied to avoid catching fire. Don’t forget to use flame-retardant mitts to protect your hands from the heat. Also, consider placing a grill pad or splatter mat beneath your grill to protect your deck or patio from any grease.
• Be ready to extinguish flames and never leave a grill unattended once lit
When setting up your grill, make sure you have easy access to a garden hose or fire extinguisher. You can also use baking soda to control a grease fire. Just make sure you never leave a grill unattended once lit to ensure you can respond quickly in case of a fire.

Being cautious and prepared for any risks involved with grilling ensures you’ll get the most fun out of your grilling. So get those grills out, call your friends and have a fun and safe barbecue party!