If you’ve moved this Christmas, you’re still getting used to both your outside environment and being inside your brand new home. Things are fresh and, well, it might feel a little strange. If you need Christmas decor, chances are you will want to buy locally. This is the case for 55% of Canadian consumers, who are being more mindful of giving back due to the events this year. Whether you’re shopping local or online, you still have the task of turning your new house into a home and filling it up with the spirit of Christmas. Here’s how you can do that. Realign Your Decor Your new house might be painted in a different colour from your previous location. This means you may have to purchase decor that better fits in with the new palette. Christmas trees, which saw purchases worth over $91.2 million just two years back, are not of the one size fits all type. Make sure you get one that’s suitable for the room you want to set it up in. Watch the Plasterwork Your house may or may not have new plasterwork, which reportedly takes about a year to fully dry. While a lived-in house feels homey, it’s probably better to not destroy any walls right away. It’s not why you went through the ordeal of moving. For the time-being, steer clear of wall-mounted decorations and all heavy items in general. You might not feel at home just yet, but keeping the house as it was when you fell in love with it will help you get there. Take Advantage of New Decorative Spaces While the walls may be off-limits for now, there will likely be other sections of your home you can take advantage of when setting up holiday decor. Perhaps you now have a staircase or a front garden. Liven up the staircase with garlands and bulbs. Put Santa and reindeer decor in your garden if you’re so inclined. Meet Your Neighbours You will want to be on friendly terms with your new neighbours for the holiday season. Take the time to get acquainted, from a safe distance, of course, and share some warmth for the season. Be Active in the Community These days, many small towns and even big cities are holding virtual events as a workaround due to the pandemic. People will always find a way to celebrate what they love. If you’re a Christmas lover, try scouting for activities that might be going on this season and take part. It might be different and odd, but it’s something you’ll likely enjoy in the end. Start New Traditions Your virtual event could turn into a tradition for the family. Who knows? You could also start your own traditions in your new home. Let the family give their best ideas, It’s okay to feel sad about not being able to visit old friends and family this time around, but don’t let it keep you back from having a festive spirit. Have fun trying options for a new tradition. It may not quite feel just right this year, but that’s all part of the fun of having a new home. You’ll get another chance next season. Stick to Your Usual Habits Even as you adopt new traditions, don’t forget to practice old habits. Nothing beats cuddling up around the television and watching Christmas films as you wait for the big day to arrive. Eat your usual Christmas meals, bask in your decor, and embrace your new environment. Get ready for the new year with a positive spirit. About to Move? Perhaps you’re just on the verge of moving and not quite in your new home yet. Maybe that’s what’s going to be your big step to start the new year. If that’s the case, reach out to our experienced team of professionals at Relocate Stress Free to help make your holiday moving experience as magical as Christmas itself.
5 Reasons Moving Is Good for Your Mind and Body
There are two drastically different sides to moving: being able to have a fresh start versus the hassle of learning a whole new habitat. Luckily, humans are easily able to adapt to the downsides, while there are many upsides to moving. Moving is no easy feat. To many, it’s downright scary. Yet it also brings with it many benefits for your mind and body. Once you realize that the challenges of moving can be overcome, you can focus on the many advantages. 1. You Learn More About Yourself Moving to a new place is like unlocking a new level of your potential. You’re forced to socialize in a new culture, find new hobbies, try different foods, and come up with ideas for unique situations you’ve never faced. In doing this, you learn more about yourself in previously unexplored ways. It might seem like you know yourself now, but see what a move can bring out of you and you would be surprised. Even the challenges from moving will show you your imperfects and give you an idea of areas you need to work on. How would you have reacted if your home had to be relocated due to an eroding coastline as the four families did this year? 2. You Leave the Worst of it Behind In moving, you probably know what exactly you DON’T want based on your prior location. You will also be more experienced in choosing the right moving company for a seamless transition. If you weren’t getting the help you need in terms of health, make sure you can in your new area. Moving allows you to leave behind certain people or situations which bring about stress. A breakup or divorce, a fallout with a friend, or recent unemployment may leave you overwhelmed. Your fresh start can help unload the weight of such challenges. 3. You Gain a Wider Perspective and Broader Network Based on how far away you’re going, your perspective can change significantly simply from moving. Even a small move will allow you to see outside your comfortable box. Experiencing certain issues firsthand, whether they be educational, religious, or economical, will positively impact your ability to see things in new ways. In gaining new perspectives, you’ll be talking to people you would never have spoken to if not for moving. New friends often mean beneficial connections and could be a stepping stone in your career. 4. You Learn to be More Grateful One of the most rewarding traits is having a sense of gratitude. Moving helps you achieve it in many ways. You learn to appreciate the people you now have to leave behind who won’t be around anymore. When packing, you probably won’t be able to take everything, so you’re more grateful for those items you can keep. When you finally move, you learn to be grateful for your former home and its lessons, and for your new abode. 5. You Become More Independent You might be moving somewhere that has no one to help you upon arrival. You’re forced to rely on yourself, and while that can be annoying, it forces you to be more independent, which is arguably always a good thing. It means you’ll develop bravery, and will be better able to handle tough situations in life. While you should still be willing to take help, you’ll probably learn what’s right for you on your new journey. Conclusion If you do your research properly, moving to a new place can indeed be everything it’s cracked up to be. Although there will always be unforeseen situations, they almost never override the positives of moving. (Choosing professional movers decreases the chance of any surprises). The benefits of moving on your mind and body should not be disregarded. Even the most luxurious home won’t be as enjoyable if you don’t appreciate the unseen aspects of a move Be aware of what you can’t see or touch when you make your next move.
8 Simple Ways to Go Eco-Friendly With Home Decor
Sustainable decoration is a phrase that may be lost on some of us, but being environmentally conscious and eco-friendly should always include our immediate surroundings — our home. It’s easy to think that going eco-friendly at home means sacrificing your preferred decor style, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Whether you’re moving soon or staying put, the planet will thank you. An eco-friendly home means you’ll be supporting sustainable businesses with good intentions, improving you and your family’s health, and boosting your mental and physical health. 1. Use Natural Wallpaper and Eco Murals Eco-murals are just one of many alternative options when it comes to wall decor. These items are printed using non-toxic, water-based latex. This means you’ll be breathing in better air. Companies that create these items aim towards increasing sustainable forestry. Fewer chemicals and less destruction of our natural greenery and wildlife means a happier earth. 2. Indulge in Vintage Goods Vintage items will never go out of style. Plus, they allow you to do the bare minimum when it comes to going eco-friendly — recycle. Typically, you can get vintage items for a low cost, too. If you are one of those who prefer the distressed vintage look, you also have the option to peruse the internet on sites like Ebay and others to find what you like. 3. Add Houseplants to Your Home House plants fight against pollutants and chemicals that linger as a result of other items in your home. Furthermore, they’re an inexpensive way to increase the level of oxygen in your space. 4. Repurpose Items from Your Home Some of us are more DIY-inclined than others, but all of us feel a sense of pride when we create new items that we can actually use. Keep this in mind as you rummage through old stuff to give them new functions. Repurposing means less trash and more imagination. Of course, the web is littered with ways you can recreate and redecorate various items lying around your home. This practice further adds personality to your space. 5. Go with Wood for Shelving Wooden decor is as timeless as it is beautiful. Using reclaimed wood to decorate your home is also one of the easiest ways to be sustainable. There are a number of means to reuse wood. 6. Embrace Natural Fibers There’s a growing appreciation for natural fibers as people become more conscious. Linen, sisal, raffia, cotton, bamboo, wool, and wicker are all great options for chairs, tables, beds, and other furniture pieces. Natural fiber items aren’t just gorgeous, they also tend to be more durable and give better airflow. Furthermore, the production of these is much less detrimental to our planet. 7. Use Low Consumption Bulbs and Solar Panels A long-touted way to be eco-friendly is by considering lighting carefully. Not only are low-energy bulbs cheaper, but they’re more sustainable and often less harmful to your eyesight. Additionally, some Canadian companies push forth the use of solar panels while building new homes. One such company makes sure to include six solar panels in every home they build from 2019. 8. Use Non-Toxic Paint These days, there’s no excuse for using chemical-ridden, synthetic paints. There are tons of eco-friendly options out there that come in an extensive variety of colors. The old way would see you breathing in volatile organic compounds, or “VOCs,” which pose a risk to the environment as well as your family. These reportedly increase allergens, so it’s best to avoid them. Final Thoughts There are other ways to be eco-friendly when you’re working on decorating your home. You could donate, and help others practice repurposing and sustainability as well. As much as you can, you should lose the plastic that’s in your home. Alternatives include glass and paper bags. Whatever you do, remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle. More and more, environmental-friendliness when it comes to home decor is turning into a viable option from every angle. If you’re moving, make sure to keep your eco-friendly options in mind as you stay ahead of the curve.
10 Ways to Make Your Home Feel Bigger
Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, most of us are stuck at home — and many of us haven’t quite attained that lovely, spacious house we’ve been desiring for most of our lives. That means most of our time is being spent in cramped quarters. After a while, a small space can wear on one’s mind. Luckily, there are ways to make a little home feel bigger. Light or monochromatic paint colors. Dark colors are less reflective and tend to make space feel smaller. In contrast, whites, grays, yellows, and creams have the ability to bounce light off and make a room feel more open. Mirrors. Similarly, mirrors give the illusion of a larger room by reflecting other spaces and giving a sense of movement. Tall mirrors or those placed opposite a window do a great job achieving this, so take them everywhere you go. Natural lighting. Natural light gives your home a warm, cozy feel while at the same time creating a wide-open atmosphere. It’s most effective when there are no large pieces of furniture blocking the way. Plus, it’s free! Floor-to-ceiling shelves. At first, floor-to-ceiling shelving might seem like something that would clutter a room. However, large bookcases and other shelving actually make your ceiling look taller — and can help clear up your floors. Low furniture. In contrast to high shelves, you want to get furniture that is low. This creates more space above and tricks us into feeling airier. So go for short legs, ottomans, and keep the center area of rooms clear. Raised Legs. Alternatively, if you want a modern, minimalist look but still want a large space, then look for furniture on raised legs. Swap out that bulky leather couch for a mid-century style sofa that’s sleek and still comfortable. Large pieces of wall art. While you might be inclined to share the beauty of several paintings you love, it would be better to hang a single large one on a wall. Put it at eye level and leave lots of space above. This gives the illusion that a room is taller. Multi-functional furniture. Smart furniture or multi-functional pieces are useful to declutter and to keep you from needing too much storage. Tables and seats with hidden storage as well as over-the-door techniques will do the job here. Organizational techniques. Arrangements can be crucial to expanding your space. Keep furniture away from walls, face chairs towards windows, place furniture diagonally, and use light sources throughout a room to expand it. Clutter-free. Decluttering your home is the simplest way to give it more space. What you want to keep should be stored; Throw out broken or unused items or donate them if you’re able to at this time. You’ll instantly feel lighter and like you’re in a bigger home. As stay-at-home orders are extended, it can feel like our four walls are closing in on us, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Our safe haven should be safe in all ways, and that includes mentally. If you’re moving during quarantine, you’re one of the lucky ones to get a fresh environment. Just be sure to use a safety-focused company to get the job done. So make sure your house feels just how you want it to by using the tips above. If you can think of more ways to make your home feel bigger, be sure to leave a comment below.