Life Tips

Have you waited until the last minute to figure out a Halloween costume again? This year, don’t let that happen! Get ahead of the game and start thinking about your Christmas costume now.

Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered with 12 DIY Christmas costumes that are both easy and affordable. So, take a look and get inspired!

1. Santa Claus. All you need is a red sweater, some black pants, and a white beard (real or fake). Add a belt and a big red hat and you’re all set!

 

2. Mrs. Claus. Similar to the Santa costume, all you need is a red or green sweater, black pants, and a white beard (real or fake). Add a belt and a pretty red or green scarf. Don’t forget to accessorize! Just add some dangly earrings, a sparkly necklace, or a Christmas ring!

 

3. Elf. You can find everything you need to put together an elf costume at your local dollar store! Just grab some green felt, some fake fur, and some elf shoes (or slippers) and you’re all set.

 

4. Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This costume is perfect for anyone who wants to be cute and cuddly this Christmas. All you need is a red nose (you can use a real carrot or get a cheap red nose from the dollar store), some brown felt, and some antlers (real or fake).

 

5. Frosty the Snowman. This is another costume that’s perfect for anyone who wants to be cute and cuddly. All you need is a white sweater, some white pants, and a white hat (real or fake). Add some coal buttons and an orange nose and you’re all set!

 

6. Christmas Tree. This is a great costume for anyone who wants to be festive and fun. All you need is a green sweater, some green pants, and a green hat (real or fake). Add some decorations like tinsel, lights, and a star on top and you’re all set!

 

7. Presents. This is a great costume for anyone who wants to be festive and fun. All you need is wrapping paper, some scissors, and tape. Cut out a few different sized circles from the wrapping paper, then tape them together to make a 0shape. Cut out a hole for your head and you’re all set!

 

8. Gingerbread Man. This is a great costume for anyone who wants to be cute and cuddly. All you need is brown felt, some white felt, and some black buttons. Cut out a gingerbread man shape from the brown felt, then add the white felt for the icing and the buttons for the eyes and mouth.

 

9. Candy Cane. This is a great costume for anyone who wants to be festive and fun. All you need is red and white striped fabric, some scissors, and tape. Cut out a long strip of fabric from the red and white striped fabric, then tape it together to make a 0shape. Cut out a hole for your head and you’re all set!

 

10. Snowflake. All you need is white felt, some scissors, and tape. Cut out a bunch of different-sized snowflakes from the white felt, then tape them together to make a 0shape. Cut out a hole for your head and you’re all set!

 

11. Star. All you need is gold or silver fabric, some scissors, and tape. Cut out a star shape from the fabric, then cut out a hole for your head and you’re all set!

 

12. Christmas lights. All you need is some clear plastic tubing, some small light bulbs, and batteries. Cut the plastic tubing into different lengths, then insert the light bulbs. Attach the batteries and you’re all set!

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You probably drink around 2 liters of water every day. Some of you might also have that habit in mind when you drink water, but do you even think about where it comes from?

The majority of Americans don’t think that their water is unsafe. Only a few know that their water might not be as clean or safe as they think.

In this article, we’ll try to answer your question on Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water, but first, let’s take a look at what’s unhealthy about tap water.

What Contaminants Are Found in Tap Water?

There is no doubt that drinking tap water is the safest and most affordable option for quenching your thirst. But what contaminants are actually found in tap water, and are they safe to drink? Keep on reading to learn more about what’s in your tap water.

In general, tap water is safe to drink. However, it can contain low levels of contaminants, such as bacteria, lead, and chemicals. These contaminants can come from a variety of sources, including natural sources, like rivers and lakes, and man-made sources, like sewage and factories.

The levels of contaminants in tap water are regulated by the government to ensure they are safe for human consumption. However, some people may be more sensitive to these contaminants than others and may experience adverse health effects.

How Do These Contaminants Affect Our Health?

There are many potential health effects associated with drinking contaminated water. These range from relatively mild and reversible effects, such as stomach upset and diarrhea, to more severe and potentially fatal effects, such as neurological damage and cancer.

The specific health effects that may occur depend on the type and concentration of contaminants present in the water, as well as the health of the individual drinking it. People who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of contaminated water include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

What Contributes to the Safety of Tap Water?

There is no doubt that water is essential for life, but is it safe to drink tap water? One of the most important factors that contribute to the safety of tap water is the source of the water. Make sure that the water comes from a safe, clean source, so that it is more likely to be safe to drink.

Is it safe to drink tap water from the bathroom? Some experts believe that the water from the bathroom sink is no more contaminated than water from the kitchen sink.

Is it safe to drink cloudy tap water? It is generally safe to drink cloudy tap water. The cloudiness is most likely due to air bubbles and is not harmful.

However, if the water is coming from a well, it may be cloudy due to minerals in the water. If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water, contact your local water utility.

So Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water?

The tap water in the United States is safe to drink. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates drinking water quality and provides resources for water safety. You can find more information about your local water quality and safety on the EPA’s website.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category

Are you considering a career in dentistry? Do you have a passion for orthodontics?

If so, you might be asking yourself a question: “how do I become an orthodontist?” It’s a great question.

Becoming an orthodontist is a fulfilling career, one that provides a lot of personal as well as professional benefits. Yet, there are quite a few hoops to jump through to become one. Here’s a basic guide on how to become an orthodontist.

Education and Training 

In order to become an orthodontist, you must first complete an accredited dental program. It is a specialized form of dental education that prepares students for a career in orthodontics. This type of program typically takes place at a dental school that has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

After completing dental school, you must then complete a 2-3 year residency program in orthodontics. It is a postdoctoral educational program that focuses on training dentists in the specialty of orthodontics. During your residency, you will receive hands-on training in diagnosing and treating patients with dental abnormalities.

License to Practice

After completing dental school and residency program, one must then pass both a written and clinical examination in order to be licensed to practice orthodontics. One must pass both state and national licensure exams.

Orthodontists must be licensed in the state in which they practice. The clinical exam tests the orthodontist’s knowledge and skills in performing various orthodontic procedures.

Salary and Job Outlook

The median salary for orthodontists in the United States in 2020 was $208,000. The job outlook for orthodontists is good, with an expected growth rate of 8% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

There are several factors that contribute to this expected growth, including an aging population and an increased emphasis on dental aesthetics. In addition, as orthodontic technology advances, more orthodontists will be needed to provide these services.

Skills and Competencies

The skills and competencies of an orthodontist are vast and varied. They must have a deep understanding of the human skeleton and musculature, as well as the physiology of the teeth and jaws. They must be able to use this knowledge to diagnose and treat dental and skeletal abnormalities.

An orthodontist must also be skilled in the use of orthodontic appliances, such as braces, and be able to adjust them to correct the patient’s malocclusion. They must have excellent communication skills, both in order to explain complex treatment plans to patients and their families and to work effectively with other members of the dental team.

Finally, they must be able to keep up with the latest advances in their field, in order to provide the best possible care for their patients. Having a welcoming and stylish office is also important to adapt to trends. See this orthodontic office design to give you some ideas.

Start Your Path on How to Become an Orthodontist

There are a few basic steps on how to become an orthodontist. Firstly, you will need to obtain a degree in dentistry from an accredited institution. Once you have graduated, you will need to complete a residency program in orthodontics in order to be eligible to sit for the American Board of Orthodontics exams.

Upon passing the exams, you will be officially an orthodontist. You can start choosing a career path to become a superstar orthodontist!

To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category

It can be tough to relax after a long day at work. Your mind is still buzzing with everything you need to do, and it’s hard to switch off. But there are ways to make it a bit easier.

Here are a few ways to help you relax after coming home from work.

1. Take a hot bath with some soothing aromatherapy

After a long day of work, there’s nothing better than coming home and taking a hot bath. Adding some aromatherapy can take the relaxation up a notch. Adding a few drops of these essential oils to your bathtub can turn an ordinary bath into a luxurious spa experience. Here are some of the best essential oils to use in your next bath:

• Lavender oil is one of the most popular choices for relaxation. It has a calming aroma that can help reduce stress and promote sleep.

• Chamomile oil is another excellent option for promoting relaxation. It has a similar effect to lavender oil and can also help to reduce anxiety and promote sleep.

• Jasmine oil has a sweet, floral scent that can help to boost your mood and promote feelings of well-being.

• Ylang-ylang oil has a sweet, exotic scent known for its ability to boost libido.

• Peppermint oil is refreshing and invigorating, making it a great choice if you need an energy boost.

2. Play your favorite video games

Games have always been a great source of entertainment. They help you relax and forget your worries. But in recent years, video games have become much more than just a way to kill time. They have become a multi-billion dollar industry, with people of all ages and from all walks of life spending hours playing them every day.

There are now games for every taste and preference, from first-person shooters to puzzle games, and you can play them on everything from gaming PCs to mobile phones. And while some people may see playing video games as a waste of time, a growing body of evidence suggests they can have several benefits for our mental health.

For example, studies have shown that playing action games can help improve hand-eye coordination, while puzzle games can help boost problem-solving skills. Games can also help reduce stress and anxiety and even promote social interaction.

3. Catch up on some sleep

Many exhausted people try to do more at home after working all day. But catching up on some sleep is crucial for your health and well-being. A good night’s sleep helps to reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your immune system. It can also help you focus better during the day and make better decisions.

4. Read a good book you’ve wanted to read for awhile

One of the best ways to unwind is to lose yourself in a good book. Whether it’s a classic you’ve been meaning to read for years or a new release getting rave reviews, reading can be a great way to decompress.

Unlike watching television or scrolling through social media, reading requires your full attention and engages your mind differently. As a result, it can help you forget your troubles and relax in another world.

5. Spend time with friends and family, either in person or online

Spending time with loved ones can help take your mind off of work and allow you to relax and recharge. If you don’t have any close friends or family nearby, there are still many ways to connect with them online.

Platforms like Skype and FaceTime make it easy to stay in touch, and many social media platforms can help you stay connected. Online communication can be a great way to unwind and relax, even if you’re not physically in the same place.

6. Play with your pets – they always make you feel better!

Pets have always been known to be great stress-relievers. They provide you with unconditional love and affection, which are essential in reducing anxiety and tension. Numerous studies have shown that interacting with pets can lower blood pressure and heart rate and release feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in our brains.

In other words, playing with your pets can help you relax and feel happier. Your pet will appreciate the attention, and you’ll be glad you took some time to relax.

7. Exercise – it’s good for your body and mind!

Exercise is good for your physical health, and it can also have several benefits for your mental health. Exercise has improved mood, reduced stress and anxiety, and boosted self-esteem. It can also help enhance the quality of sleep, increase energy levels, and relieve symptoms of depression.

 

There are plenty of ways to relax and unwind at home after a long day. Whether you choose to read, watch television, or spend time with friends and family, make sure you take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. Your mind and body will thank you for it!

To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category

Did you know that playing paintball has many mental and physical benefits? This fun sport offers players a chance to master teamwork, release stress, and boost communication skills. But before you can join the game, you need to ensure your safety.

Like any sport, paintball requires special equipment while on the field. If you’re new to the game, check out this list of essential paintball equipment!

Gun or Marker

Markers or paintball guns are the most vital equipment a player can have. Without this component, you become an easy target without a way to fight back or protect yourself. Markers are available in many shapes and sizes for players of all ages.

You can use a pump, electric, or mechanical marker. A standard, no-frills gun can be as cheap as $50, but a high-end one will set you back around $2,000. But if you’re a first-time paintballer, you can also rent one for the day!

Vest

One of the best paintball essentials for those new to paintball is the vest. It does double-duty while protecting you from impact and holding extra supplies. Paintball vests range from simple protection to high-tech body armor with multiple compartments.

Paintballs

It might seem common sense, but you also need paintballs on your equipment list! Paintballs come in different colors, price ranges, and brand names. The ideal option is one that won’t break when firing but is soft enough to explode when it hits the target.

Generally, more expensive paintballs are better. But that doesn’t mean you need to splurge for your first game. Pick up a few different inexpensive packs to see which ones work best for you.

Mask and Goggles

A mask and goggles are vital for protecting your face and neck. Paintballs aren’t lethal, but they are painful if they hit a sensitive area like the face. And eye injuries are one of the most common yet preventable problems in the game.

According to one study, the rate of eye injuries from paintball guns and BB guns increased by 30% in recent years. Keep your eyes, face, and mouth safe with a good quality pair of goggles and a mask.

Hopper

If you don’t want to slow down the team, pick up a hopper! A hopper is a small container that loads paintballs into your marker. It sits on top of your gun and makes the whole process much easier and faster than doing it by hand.

Air Tank

Your paintball gear isn’t complete without an air tank or two. The CO2 tank is the most popular option used to fire paintball guns. It retails for around $20 to $30 and can shoot over 1000 paintballs.

Get Your Paintball Equipment Ready

Paintball essentials include a marker, balls, and safety equipment. Your day on the field will be painful and futile without this gear. But with the right paintball equipment, even the biggest rookie has a chance at victory!

To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category

Did you know that around 13% of Americans move home every year? That’s over 40 million people!

Don’t be fooled though. Just because lots of people do it doesn’t mean moving’s easy! With endless things to think about and tasks to complete, the experience can soon turn into a stressful, expensive, and time-consuming affair.

And it gets even harder when you don’t pack your moving boxes properly! The good news is that’s something we can help with.

Are you moving soon and want to make lighter work of the packing process? Well, you’re in the right place. Read on to discover some proven box packing tips and tricks.

Get the Right Supplies

Start by gathering together the various packing supplies you’ll need. These include packing tape (and a dispenser), labels, packing paper (and/or peanuts and bubble wrap), and, of course, the boxes themselves.

We should point out that not all moving boxes are made equal though. While it might be tempting to re-use the old and crumpled cardboard boxes you have in the attic, they could collapse in transit. That’s the last thing you want when they’re full of your precious (and sometimes fragile) possessions!

Do yourself a favor and invest in some high-quality, purpose-built moving boxes instead. Strong and durable, they’re much more likely to keep your items safe.

Be Strategic

Many movers make the mistake of cramming items into boxes in an unplanned, haphazard manner. It’s an understandable approach, but we advise against it! You may save some time in the first instance, but it’ll slow you down a lot overall.

Remember, you’re going to have to unpack everything upon arrival at your new home. That process will take ten times longer if each box contains a big jumble of assorted items! Trust us, strategy’s key.

Pack room by room, tackle one area at a time, and group similar items together (in terms of weight and size) before loading them into each box.

Pack Heavy Items First

Another reason to avoid throwing everything inside without forethought is that you risk squashing lighter, softer, and/or more fragile items with bigger, heavier, and harder ones! Nobody wants to open a box to find the contents ruined, so be sure to put heavier possessions in first (with some packing peanuts underneath and around the sides for added protection).

By the same token, you’ll need a way to identify the top and bottom of every box you pack. You’d think this would be obvious, but it can be tricky when you’re dealing with plain unmarked cardboard! Writing “this side up” on top should stop any unfortunate accidents from occurring.

Fill Up Each Box

Don’t leave too much space in your boxes either. Aim to fill each one so that it’s almost full! This is partly to prevent you from using too many boxes, but it’s also because they could collapse when stacked on top of each other if you don’t.

The only exception here is if the items you’re putting into a box are heavy. After all, you want to be able to lift it without hurting yourself, right?! Only fill moving boxes to the brim if the items are small, lightweight, and non-fragile.

If leaving a gap at the top is unavoidable, then try adding extra packing paper to the box before sealing it- especially for fragile items. On that note, we recommend having at least 2 inches of packing material around anything that could break in transit (such as crockery, instruments, and electronics).

Take Extra Care with Breakables

Packing in a fast and efficient manner is great. But you want everything to arrive in one piece as well! Whenever you’re packing something that could break, then, take the time to wrap it up in a protective material, such as bubble wrap, before placing it in the box.

As professional moving companies (such as Best Fit Movers) will tell you, the manner in which you pack these items makes a difference too. For example, packing things like plates and dishes on their sides (instead of flat) helps to protect them. Things like cups and bowls (assuming you intend to stack them) should have packing paper between them for the same reason.

And those small glass items in your kitchen and beyond? Wrap those in bubble wrap before putting them into a cardboard box with dividers that split it into sections. Held snugly in position, they’re much less likely to shatter, chip, or crack.

Seal and Label the Contents

Imagine that you’ve finished packing a box. The heavy items are at the bottom, the fragile items are wrapped and protected, and you’ve filled the gaps with packing paper. The final step is to seal it up and, most important of all, label the box with what’s inside (e.g. “kitchen – plates and bowls” or “bedroom – sheets).

It’s hard to overstate the value of those labels when you’re loading and unloading dozens of boxes! They can be the difference between a stress-free unpacking experience and spending hours just trying to find the right items for each room.

As for the sealing part, make sure you use sturdy packing tape for the job. Put one strip down the box’s flaps and another across them to keep everything shut tight (without making them impossible to re-open when you start unpacking!).

Start Packing Moving Boxes More Efficiently

The vast majority of Americans who move home each year will attest to the fact it can be a long, tiring, and stressful experience. However, it’s sure to go more smoothly with these packing tips for moving up your sleeve! Keep them in mind when packing your moving boxes and the process should be quicker, easier, and less likely to end in disaster.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category

Are you trying to find ways to become more environmentally friendly?

You might also want to ensure that your friends and family members are on board with these important goals. So what should you do to encourage them to become more eco friendly?

You should consider buying them an eco friendly gift. This is something they’ll want to hold onto for long that won’t cause long-term damage to the environment.

Here’s our guide on the best eco-friendly gifts for your friends:

C02 Removal Subscription

With a Climeworks subscription, you’ll help your friends play their part in reducing their carbon footprint. They’ll get to donate their C02 and will receive compensation for it.

If you have friends who’ve been looking into becoming eco friendly for some time, then this is a crucial gift for them.

Cheese Huggers

If you’re a big fan of cheese then you know you’ll have to keep it in the fridge for preservation. But keeping your fridge powered all day is harmful to the environment in the long run.

With cheese huggers, you can keep your cheese outside in a small case. This small case preserves the quality of the cheese so it doesn’t spoil within a few days.

Eco Friendly Fruit Bowl

Many of us want to incorporate fruits into our diet yet we know that fruits go bad rather fast. Once again, putting them in the fridge might work but is a huge harm to the environment.

You can buy your friends an eco friendly fruit bowl. This preserves the fruits and divides them to avoid contamination.

Compost Keeper

It’s likely that you accumulate many egg shells, banana peels, and other materials that could get used for garden compost. If you throw these shells and peels away, you’re missing out on an opportunity to grow your own fruits and vegetables.

A great eco friendly present for your friends is a compost keeper. This is a small can where they can easily store their compost materials as they accumulate.

Small Farmstand

One of the best ways to become more eco friendly is to become more self-sufficient. Do you have friends or family members who want to start growing their own plants?

With a small farmstand, they’ll get a small plant that they can grow indoors or outdoors.

You can provide them with a subscription service that sends them seeds and nutrients over the course of a year. This is a great way to get them motivated to start their own homestead in the long run.

Get Your Eco Friendly Gifts

Now you can get your eco friendly gifts for your friends and family members.

The of our first sustainable gifts is a C02 removal subscription. This is one of the best ways for your friends to help remove their carbon footprint.

Cheese huggers are great for preserving cheese without having to depend on a fridge. The same goes for an eco friendly fruit bowl.

If you have friends interested in self-sufficiency, give them a compost keeper or a small farmstand.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category

How deeply do you value your old photos? If you’re like most people, they probably have a special place in your heart.

Pictures are more than images. They are a personal record of precious memories and a tribute to the history of your loved ones. And they shouldn’t be left sitting in a box.

Would you like to know what to do with old photos to show how special they are? Here are five creative things to do with old photos.

1. Digitize Your Old Photos

So many people have mourned the loss of precious pictures of people and memories they held dear. Pictures can get lost, and older pictures can deteriorate over time. This is why it’s a great idea to have professional scan pictures into a digital format for restoration.

Envision Video Services can take old pictures in any format and convert them into digital files. They will restore an old photo to its former glory, and they can even offer you colorized old photos originally in black and white. You’ll have restored images and have them available in digital form, so they won’t be lost as easily.

Click to learn more about this service.

2. Hang Restored Pictures in the House

After having the photo restored, you should consider having another print made to hang on the wall. Is there a better way to decorate your home than with precious memories?

Use nice wooden frames that complement your home and the photo well. You could even make a creative choice by making a picture collage surrounded by a string of lights to add a special vibe to your room.

3. Create a Scrapbook

Sometimes the traditional route is the best. Get a blank book and paste your restored prints into the book in an order and style that makes you happy. This makes a great gift for a family member, or it can be an excellent keepsake of your memories.

4. Create Postcards

How would you like to surprise a friend or family member with a postcard made from a shared memory? You can have several photos of past trips or events printed at a low cost and gift them to someone as a reminder of fun times you’ve had together. Pictures are all about people, and this is an excellent way to let someone know you care.

5. Buy a Digital Frame

Do you have several memories but too little wall space? Consider buying a digital frame.

These frames allow you to create digital slideshows that you can have on display in your home. This will allow you to relive every memory you hold dear daily.

What to Do With Old Photos

These suggestions for what to do with old photos are a great way to preserve all of your precious memories. Moreover, you now have creative ways to keep your pictures accessible and safe rather than falling apart in the attic.

For more articles like this, visit our life tips section.

According to American Community Survey (ACS) data, over 40 million Americans relocated each year for the past five years. That calculates to around 13% of Americans moving each year.

With this high number of moves happening each year in the country, it’s a small miracle that most of them go on without a hitch. Even with so many slick moves, there are scams and bad practices. It is in your best interests to be aware of every step of the process.

Finding the best moving company should be at the top of everyone’s moving to-do list (unless you’ve opted to do everything by yourself).

Read on to learn the tips for finding the best moving company for your budget.

Get Recommendations

Your friends and family are a great source of information when you want to get an affordable moving company. Ensure anyone you get recommendations from moved recently to get up-to-date information. Ask them how the company’s customer service was.

Get to know how the movers handled their items. Was anything damaged during the move? If there were damages, did the company offer any compensation?

Another important thing to know is whether the movers arrived on time.

Do Research

After talking to friends and family, you should have a list of companies you can look into. Research moving companies online to see how customers have reviewed their services. Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook are good places to start checking customer reviews.

Only consider companies with mostly positive reviews and a rating of at least four stars. After checking reviews, visit the companies’ social media pages.

Observe how they interact with customers. Do they respond to clients’ questions on their pages? Also, check how a company responds to customers’ complaints.

Sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) have more information on customers’ complaints. The BBB rates companies based on their performance and trustworthiness. So, you can trust a company that has a high BBB rating.

After that, check each company’s website. See what information each company has included on its website. Check their service offerings, the areas they serve, and their answers to frequently asked questions.

Consider Local Movers

Before venturing to companies outside your area, first, consider local movers. It is easier to get information on a local company’s services as someone you know has likely ever used their services.

Additionally, a local company has its office nearby. Thus, you can visit to make an inquiry.

Check Companies’ Credentials

A trustworthy moving company should have registered with the Department of Transport (DOT). Companies usually indicate their DOT number on their websites. If you do not find the DOT number on a company’s website, ask them to give you the number.

Use the DOT number to check for other credentials such as insurance and federal registration. You may also use the DOT number to search for complaints against a moving company. Your local moving company may not have a DOT number.

Check if a company has American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) certification. The AMSA does thorough background checks on moving companies before giving them certification.

All certified companies must comply with the American Trucking Association (ATA’s) code of ethics. Additionally, all companies must demonstrate professionalism and honest business conduct.

Since AMSA certification is for international movers, your local moving company may not be certified. Still, do not overwrite a company because it does not have the certification.

Know the Company’s Service Offerings

You do not just want your movers to take your items from point A to B. It is an added advantage if a moving company offers other support services. Ask a company about their service packages to see which one works best for you.

It is best to hire movers who provide packing services. Packing services are useful because professional movers know how to handle fragile goods. Additionally, they have the right packing materials for all items you want packed.

Some moving companies also provide furniture assembly services and car transportation. If you have fragile items, high-value art, and antiques, ask how the movers can help you keep them safe. You will also need special services for items like large aquariums, pianos, and bathtubs.

Get a Detailed Quote

Ask each house moving company to provide you with a cost estimate of their services. Get estimates from several companies. That way, you can compute your average moving costs. DO not hire a company with an estimate that is way above or below the average.

An appraiser from the moving company should view the items in your house to give an accurate estimate. The estimate you get from the movers should break down the total costs into individual items.

For a local move, companies typically charge a per-hour rate. For long-distance relocation, house moving companies base their rates on weight and distance.

Expect extra charges if you are moving out of or into a story building. You may also have to pay extra if your street is too narrow to accommodate the moving truck. In this case, the moving company has to get a smaller car to move the items from your house and onto the truck.

Understand Your Contract

The contract you get from a mover determines the terms of payment. Do not sign a contract if you do not understand its terms. Below are terms of payment to look out for in a contract:

Binding Estimate

Under a binding moving estimate, a moving company gives you a fixed price to pay based on the estimated weight of your items. If you sign a contract with a binding estimate, you agree to pay the quoted price.

The mover cannot change the price indicated on a binding estimate. Therefore, if your items weigh more than the estimated weight, you pay a lesser amount. But, if your items weigh less, you still have to pay the higher estimate.

Non-binding Estimate

Here, you still get an estimate based on the approximate weight of your belongings. However, this price is not binding. So, you may pay a higher or lesser amount depending on the actual weight of your belongings.

Non-binding to Exceed Estimate

Under a non-binding to exceed estimate, the estimated price you get from the moving company is the highest amount you have to pay them. If the items weigh less than the estimated weight, you pay a smaller amount. If they weigh more, you pay the indicated amount in the contract.

Besides charges, the contract should indicate the mover’s liability for damaged items and the pick-up and delivery dates.

Take your time to read the contract and consult on anything you do not understand. Be wary of any mover who pressures you to sign the contract quickly.

Hire the Best Moving Company

You can have a stress-free relocation experience without spending lots of cash. Follow the above tips to hire the best moving company in your area.

Remember, the best company will work with your budget. Also, ensure the company you choose can work with your timeline and has a favorable payment plan.

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Over the past two years, millions of people have re-discovered some of their former hobbies and pastimes. The global pandemic forced us all to stay home for a while, and reconsider how we spend our days.

For many, it meant a chance to get back to their childhood, and indulge in sports and activities they once enjoyed, such as rollerskating!

Are you interested in slipping on some skates and indulging in a heavy dose of nostalgia? If so, it’s important to start with the right gear. Today, we’re sharing the best roller skates for beginners, so you can look and feel the part!

Moxi Skates: Beach Bunny Roller Skates 

The Moxi Roller Skate Shop is a well-known brand, heralded for both its affordable price point and premium quality. If you’re new on skates, then we suggest starting with their Beach Bunny pair.

The best part about these skates is that they’re ultra-durable. You might not think much about stitching and top-tier vinyl when you make your purchase, but you’ll need a rugged pair to keep up with the inevitable falls and dings you’re bound to encounter as a first-time skater!

Another plus? These skates roll beautifully, especially when you skate across a wooden floor. If you’re unaccustomed to this sport, we definitely recommend starting in a rink versus a sidewalk, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put this feature to the test!

Once you get the hang of the basics, you’ll be glad to know that your Beach Bunny skates can grow with you. While they’re one of the best roller skate brands for beginners, they’re also perfect for all types of skating.

Sure-Grip: Boardwalk Skates

Interested in learning to skate outdoors? If so, then we recommend starting with the Boardwalk Skates from Sure-Grip. These go-to quad-skates roll great on asphalt, but they’ll also help you traverse a rink floor with ease.

Beginners will appreciate that these skates feature a comfortable and supportive high-top boot. This assists with ankle stability and can help you feel more secure as you glide. The soft, grippy wheels are another bonus, keeping you upright and helping you maintain your balance.

This feature will come in handy as you learn how to move in your new pair. Before long, you’ll know how do to all of the basic moves, such as stopping in your skates. For more on how to perform that maneuver, check out this post: https://www.rollerskatedad.com/how-to-stop-on-roller-skates/.

Impala Hybrid Roller Skates

Do you plan to switch back and forth between asphalt skating and rink skating? If so, you need a pair that’s capable of keeping pace. A The Impala Hybrid Roller Skates can easily accommodate both types of surfaces.

Plus, they just look cool! You can find these particular skates in a range of different colors, designs, and patterns that range from lime green leopard print to solid sky blue.

Are you an eco-conscious shopper? If so, you’ll also be glad to know that PETA has designated these skates as one of its approved vegan products.

For best results, don’t take these skates straight from the rink to the streets. Try to stick to smooth terrain where possible, such as smooth asphalt basketball courts. This way, you can help your hybrid wheels last as long as possible.

XUDREZ PU Roller Skates

These inexpensive skates are great for absolute beginners. At under $50, they’re a minimal investment, which is what you want if you’re unsure whether you’ll actually enjoy skating or not!

However, don’t let the low price tag fool you. These skates are surprisingly high-quality and up to the task. They also make it easy to inject a little pizazz into your new favorite sport.

Upgrade to the light-up wheels, and you’ll be the coolest person on the rink when they dim the lights for the slow song round. One word of caution: The tongue on these skates isn’t very well padded like some other pairs, so just be sure to lace them up tightly to support your ankles.

C7 Quad Skates

If jazzy patterns are your jam, then you’ll be better off sticking with the Impala skates. However, what the C7 Quad Skates lack in personality, they more than make up for in function.

These vintage-inspired skates are built from vegan leather and feature comfortable, thick padding all the way around.

They ride smoothly, but this doesn’t mean the wheels are necessarily hybrid. While they’re technically designed to be used both indoors and outdoors, we suggest sticking to level surfaces that aren’t too bumpy. The small wheels can’t handle much jarring, but it’s easy to upgrade them to bigger ones if you stick with the sport.

Chaya Melrose Deluxe Skates

If you’re looking for a sleek, streamlined pair of skates, then the Chaya Melrose Deluxe Skates more than fit the bill. The exterior of each skate is smooth and uniform, and the colors extend all the way down to the toe.

Tough enough for outdoor use, keep in mind that the hardness of the wheels can vary depending on the specific skate color you select. Just keep all-purpose cleaner handy, because you’re bound to see scuff marks on the wheels’ white surface!

Find the Best Roller Skates For You

Kudos to you for embarking on a new adventure! If you’re ready to try skating, you deserve to find the best roller skates on the market! The ones we’ve listed here are all solid buys, but this list is far from exhaustive.

Take your time and try a few different pairs to see which ones you like the best! If possible, try to go to an in-person skate shop and try them on before you buy.

In the meantime, we’re here to keep you informed on everything from business tech to home tips. Check out our guides to learn more!

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