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There are few milestones more powerful than when someone buys a home. Not only does it signify a new stage in financial security, but it’s also the start of setting down roots and defining your own environment. The housewarming gift is a longstanding tradition that allows you to celebrate this stage alongside your loved ones.

However, it can be a little intimidating to try and find a good gift for the new homeowner when you’re on a budget yourself. Fortunately, there are plenty of wonderful ways to offer someone a congratulatory present without breaking the bank.

Go Shopping

The first place to start when it comes to finding an affordable gift for your loved one is to do your research. Kitchenware, linens, even decorative gifts at department stores can come with some sticker shock, especially when you want to get your loved one something high-quality.

You can keep your eye out for deals at major retailers to find great products at a more affordable price point. You can also sign up for email alerts to get a notification when they’re running specials and sales.

But, don’t forget that there’s a whole host of traditional housewarming gifts that can come without a hefty price tag, like bread, rice, or a bottle of wine. You can also see what Amazon and Etsy have to offer in terms of housewarming gifts.

Of course, if you have a little money to spare and you want to splurge on more high-tend items, there are a wealth of places you can explore. Stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue offer incredible high-end items that can make your housewarming gift remarkable and unforgettable. If you want to take it one step further, you can look for items from Lalique, Hermes, Frette, Waterford, and Armani Casa, all of which are sure to help make this event truly special. This could be a good time to organize a group gift, which we’ll explore in more detail below.

Organize a Group Gift

It’s not uncommon to give new homeowners a high-ticket item like an appliance. However, this kind of expensive gifting isn’t exactly accessible to everyone. One way to make this type of gift possible is to organize a group gift. This is perfect if you have a family member or a member of a large friend group. If you can get enough people in on the present, you can make a high-ticket item extremely affordable for everyone.

It’s easy to get intimidated by the organizational aspects of this type of gift, but the process isn’t too challenging if you take it one step at a time. First, see how many people you can find who may be interested. Make it clear that no one’s committing yet — you’re simply gauging interest. Then, do the math to see how much the appliance would cost per person if everyone did commit. Present these numbers and try to get confirmation, adjusting as people agree or back out. It can be a lot to keep track of, but it’s well worth it if you can manage to get someone a spectacular gift without spending a ton.

Create a DIY Memento

Making a gift for your loved ones can be an affordable and deeply intimate way to congratulate them on their new home. For example, you could make them a piece of monogrammed wall art, or a wreath they can hang on their front door. According to Architecture Art Designs, there are tons of DIY projects you can find online that suit any skill level. Try to pick something that reflects what you know and love about the person you’re giving the gift to. The work you put into a DIY present goes the extra mile to show how much you care. Plus, whenever they see the piece of art you made, they’ll think of you.

Tell A Story

We don’t really have to stick to the rules when giving someone a gift, as long as you mean well, and are thinking of the recipient. You can give them a book, and tell them that you’re thinking of them enjoying reading it on a quiet day in their new home. You can give them a decent pair of headphones, and say that you can imagine them listening to 80s music while relaxing on the couch. As long as you tell them a story of how you see them using your gift, they’ll appreciate the thought and your gift.

Pretty or Pretty Practical?

The giving of practical gifts is often underrated, but new home ownership – especially for first time buyers – can be a great time to be practical. Instead of giving art or trinkets that may or may not fit the new home owners’ sense of style, give them a few quality tools or a cleaning supply kit.

Or maybe you want to just give them something beautiful for their new home. Hard to kill houseplants from a site like Easyplant, or flowers from your local florist, can be a great option if you know the person well. Another option is to avoid the potential allergens and go with a delicious FruitFlowers flower delivery they can snack on while unpacking. Even gift cards for practical home improvement stores will be much appreciated when that first leaky faucet or broken outlet emerges. Never underestimate the practical gift!

It’s easy to assume that housewarming gifts must be expensive, but it’s far from the truth. Congratulating someone for their new home doesn’t have to break the bank. We hope these thoughtful, yet budget-friendly gift ideas inspire you to find the perfect (affordable) gift for your loved one!

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Author: Judy Mitchell, outspiration.net

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When you relocate for work, whether it’s with a company, you’re moving your business or starting your own business in a new state, you’ve got a lot of homework to do. One of your best resources for learning the information you need to make informed decisions is through a real estate agent from that area.

Your First Points of Contact, Including Your Realtor and Online Doctor

If your planned move takes you to the New York City area, real estate experts can guide you through the best neighborhoods for your home and business. He’ll have the insight into properties that may not have come to the market yet, can help you negotiate the best price, and help you find all the local resources you’ll need to make your move as effortless and stress-free as possible.

According to World Population Review, about 8.2 million people call New York City home, making it the largest city in the U.S. The median purchase price for a home is approximately $1.4 million in Manhattan. NYU Furman Center notes that over two-thirds of the population rent their homes. Entertainment, the dining scene, and attractions there are legendary, and the population is one of the most diverse in the country.

As you’re moving from another state, you’ll want to be intentional about getting a new doctor for you and your family. In this regard, a virtual doctor visit saves time, before, during and after the move. Telehealth makes it possible to find online doctors, allowing you to connect with board-certified physicians to discuss everything from treatment options to filling or refilling prescriptions, even before you move. Plus, it’s covered by most major insurance providers, giving you additional peace of mind.

Home Purchase

Purchasing a home in New York is a huge investment, as it is in any city you might want to move to. Home prices are on the risealong with business properties, so take the time to make sure that purchase or lease is in your best interest. Here are some key factors most homebuyers consider when choosing a home.

• Location. Location is the one thing about your home that you cannot change, and therefore should be the single most important decision you make when buying a home.
• Price. It’s easy to get starry-eyed when we find a home we absolutely love, so make sure you have a firm top-end price you know you can afford and stick to it.
•  Schools. Even if you don’t currently have school-age children, keep in mind that one day might, future home buyers, should you decide to sell later, will factor that in.
• Taxes. Property taxes vary from county to county and can be significantly higher or lower even when they’re not that distant from each other geographically.

After purchasing a home, you’ll want to gauge what items you may need to make your new home meet your needs and your standard of living. This includes kitchen appliances, room accessories, and home gym equipment. For starters, home product reviews are helpful as you research what’s available online. Of course, purchasing products to outfit your new home is easier than ever thanks to online delivery from virtually any retailer or manufacturer, which means delivery and installation can coincide neatly with move-in day or soon thereafter.

Protect Your Investment

Once you purchase your home, it’s important to protect yourself from unforeseen or unexpected repairs. Homeowner’s insuranceonly covers damage to your home’s structure, theft of belongings, and injuries that happen on your property. If you want coverage in case home systems or appliances break down, you’ll need to invest in a home warranty, for which home product reviews are helpful. This is an annually renewable contract that can cover breakdowns to your heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with covering appliance repairs. Before choosing a home warranty company, be sure and read reviews from others on their experience with the home warranty.

When you do find you need to hire a contractor for home repair, contact your realtor or talk to neighbors, but always be sure and read reviews and customer ratings before contracting with one.

Business Owners

If you’re considering starting a business in your new location, create a business plan to improve your chances of success. Your business plan should describe your company, detail how you’ll sell your services, describe how your business will be structured, and include what funding you’ll need and financial projections. You can hire a professional to write your business plan for you, or find an online template that can guide you through the process. Consider your business strategy and structure to give you the best tax advantage, like forming your business as an LLC.

Contact your local Chamber of Commerce for networking opportunities. Attend as many business and social events as you can to introduce yourself to your new community. By designing and printing your own custom business cards, you can be sure to have plenty on hand.

Moving to a new state can be exciting, you’re starting a brand new chapter in your life. Doing all your homework first means less stress and more time to get to know your neighbors, your community, and your new way of life.

Author: Jackie Waters, Hyper-Tidy.com

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If you’re searching for the ideal place to start a new business or relocate your existing business, then New York City might be just the city you’re looking for. From its ideal proximity to global markets to its access and attraction to talent, this article shares just a few reasons you should consider calling New York City home.

Quality of Life

A city’s events, culture, parks, food, education, and recreation opportunities improve your life and the lives of your employees. Holidify notes that New York City is home to a vibrant cultural scene that attracts large numbers of tourists and residents each year, which increases your company’s potential customer base and makes New York City businesses more attractive to talented employees. Here are a few of the city’s most-loved attractions:

Education

Educational opportunities lead to an educated talent pool, which in turn leads to a powerful, knowledgeable, resilient workforce for your business. That’s why you’ll be glad to hear that New York City is home to Columbia University, New York University, City University of New York, and Fordham University among others.

Business Quick-Start Checklist

To start a business in New York City, you’ll first need to choose a corporate structure. A limited liability corporation, for example, offers liability protection, flexibility, and tax advantages together with reduced paperwork. LLC formation rules differ by state, so be sure to check New York’s regulations. An S-Corporation, C-Corporation, or Partnership may be better suited for your needs, so always be sure to consult with your attorney and CPA about which structure would be best for you.

Once you have your business filed with the proper channels, you’ll need a bookkeeping system to ensure you stay financially sound. It’s also a good idea to have your marketing materials prepared. If you do want to shell out for design services yet, you can still use a logo design maker to get started. You’ll be able to create a professional logo quickly and with ease.

There are many reasons to make New York the home of your next business venture. With so much to offer your company and your family, you can feel confident that New York City is an ideal place to begin your next chapter.

Author: Suzie Wilson, Happier Home

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When you’re living in a rented apartment or house, it can be tricky to make the place fully feel like yours, particularly if you’re limited in terms of changes your landlord will let you make. However, with a bit of creativity, you can make any place feel like home. Here are some tipsto get you started.

Bring Your Style

Even if you can’t change the walls or the floors, you can certainly bring your style to a space. Whether you’re modern, traditional, contemporary, or eclectic, the way you arrange your furniture and adorn your walls and floors can make the space uniquely yours. According to Better Homes and Gardens, consider how you’ll use your house or apartment when designing room configurations. For example, is your living room centered around a TV, or do you prefer conversation areas and reading nooks? Consider downloading an online room configuration app to help you visualize how things will look from room to room before you start moving furniture.

Add Color

Most rental spaces are fairly neutral in their tones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t liven up the space and make it yours with lots of color and texture. Use no-damage hanging supplies to outfit your walls with your own favorite artwork. If the space is small, consider putting up mirrors to reflect light and make the space seem larger. According to Apartment Therapy, you can also use throw rugs and area rugs, colorful throws and pillows, and unique types of lighting to make the space feel homey. Live plants can also go a long way toward bringing life to any given space.

Design for Use

These days, households are being used for everything from working at home to learning from home, as well as traditional purposes, like entertaining and having space for rest and relaxation. Design with your personal needs in mind. For example, if you have kids who need to study from home, quiet work alcoves or bedrooms outfitted with study areas can be beneficial. If you like to entertain, you may want a large area in your kitchen with extra seating. If you have a nice patio or deck, landscape lighting, a comfy patio set, and a fire pit can all go a long way toward making the space feel like yours.

Add a Relaxation Room

Many people are finding the benefits of learning to relax at home by creating meditation or yoga space. You could convert a small space for this purpose, even a large walk-in closet if you don’t have another need for it. Make the space comfortable with low seating, yoga mats, a fountain, and scented candles. If possible, situate the space far from household traffic so you can truly rest and relax. You could outfit your bathroom in the same way by turning it into a home spa. A heated towel rack, colorful bowls for your favorite soaps and bath bombs, and fluffy, plush towels can all make you feel like you’re at a five-star resort.

Design a Home Office

Whether you’re working from home or just need a private space for bill paying, a well-appointed home office can give you privacy for getting tasks completed. The home office should be in a private area of the home for maximum quiet and productivity. Include a desk, task chair, computer equipment, and shelving, as well as good lighting. An oversized armchair can also be nice for reviewing documents and reading. Keep the space off-limits to the rest of the household, as offices can become default catch-all spaces if you let them.

Living in a rental might have some limitations, but you can do a lot with imagination and creativity!

Author: Derek Goodman

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Starting a business and looking for a new home at the same time may seem like a stressful journey. However, with the right attitude and a little advice, you can make it as seamless as possible. Once everything is in place, you will have the right setup to achieve your personal and business goals. Consider this brief guide that highlights the most important elements you should keep in mind.

Look for the Home With the Space You Need

One study shows that self-employment has been on the rise for years. Working from home has perks, but it can be burdensome if your business begins to outgrow your space. The solution is to find a reliable real estate professional and start searching for a new home. Compile a list of your personal and business needs so your broker knows where to start in the search. Some things you might need include:

Remember that your personal life is just as important as your business life. Your home should still feel like a home. Try not to sacrifice the personal things you want in a home, whether it’s a big family kitchen, extra bedroom space, or a swimming pool.

Prioritize Setting Up Your Home Office and Make It Workable

In the eagerness to get to work, you can easily overlook the office setup. However, a disheveled office is distracting, and disorganization can slow you down. Moving can be a very stressful process, but building your new business requires consistency. Make your office the first room that you put together in your new home. Purchase some ergonomic furniture to help you boost productivity and plenty of storage, such as filing cabinets and labeled bins, to help you get organized. Once your workspace is ready, you can get work done while you slowly unpack the rest of your home, and your business will not suffer.

Work on the Logistics

So much goes into operating a business, but the most important component is making sure that you get paid on time. To keep your business running, you need a reliable way to invoice your customers. You can start with an invoice maker to create your own customer invoices. Personalize the text and images to include your logo and place a personal message to your customer for a nice touch. Make sure you use a generator that provides downloading services in your preferred format.

Start Looking for Support

Start thinking about adding staff to your business when you are ready to grow. A good business partner is someone who can act as a sounding board for your new ideas and support you when you present them to others. Build a team of people with diversity in expertise to ensure that you get knowledge from a variety of perspectives. Businesses thrive on innovation and growth. You want your business to keep moving forward and upward, and a strong team of people you can trust is a great asset.

Now that you are in your new home and have your home office designed to optimize productivity, you can look around and appreciate your hard work. You only need to keep your mind on your goals and be open to new ideas.

Author: Derek Goodman, Inbizability

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Moving to a whole new town or city can be pretty intimidating, especially when you don’t already have a support network in your new area. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help yourself feel at home as fast as possible.

Prepping Your Home

Give your space a fresh look for the right start:

Handle Logistics

If you’re moving to a new state, be sure to check off a few taskssuch as getting pre-approved for your mortgage at a bank near your new location, and ensure you’ve already landed a job in the area you’re relocating to. Make your move official by following these tips:

Make Yourself at Home

Find your place in your new space:

These steps can go a long way toward making a new space more familiar, more welcoming, and more like home. We hope that you can use these resources to make your next major move as easy and smooth as possible. Transitions can be challenging, but finding your comfort zone in a new space is more than worth it.

Author: Cherie Mclaughlin

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Moving a Business: Tips to Reduce Stress and Minimize Downtime

Businesses relocate for a number of reasons, whether to expand their team, branch out to new markets, or lower their operating costs. And while there are many potential benefits of moving a business, there are also some challenges — like expensive moving fees, lost productivity, and several legal concerns. Review these tips to learn how to relocate a business with ease while reducing moving costs and minimizing company downtime.

Create a Moving Timeline

Aside from choosing a new location and finding the right office space for your business, there are several tasks you’ll need to complete when relocating a company — and creating a moving timeline can help you to keep track of each one. Your moving timeline might look something like this:

• About six weeks in advance (or sooner when possible): Set a moving budget, hire a commercial moving company, and notify your staff of the upcoming relocation.
• About four weeks in advance: Consider renting out temporary office space to reduce company downtime, or allow your employees to work from home until you’ve settled into the new space. You might also need to rent a storage unit if you need a place to store furniture, supplies, excess inventory, and equipment.
• About three weeks before the move: Notify your customers, clients, and suppliers via relocation letter. This letter may be shared on social media or sent by email, mail, or fax. About three weeks in advance, you’ll also want to begin the process of setting up the utilities in your new office space. Be sure to find out when your existing utilities will be deactivated so you can plan accordingly and minimize company downtime.
• About two weeks prior to moving day: Begin packing up the office, starting with unoccupied cubicles and private office spaces. If you’re working with a moving company, they may be able to assist with the disposal of unwanted office supplies and equipment.

Notify the Appropriate Agencies

You’ll need to contact your customers, clients, and suppliers as you prepare to relocate your business, but there are also several agencies you’ll need to notify when changing your company’s address. As a few examples, you’ll be required to change your address with the IRS — and if you’re remaining in the same state — your local Secretary of State and Department of Revenue.

If you’re moving outside of the state, however, you’ll need to register your business with the new state. You’ll also need to apply for any applicable licenses and permits in the new state, and cancel any licenses or permits held in the old state.

Update Your Marketing Materials

From ordering signage for your new office building to updating the address on your website, brochures, letterhead, business cards, email signatures, and social media pages, you’ll also need to update your marketing materials when moving your business. Your marketing department will typically handle this, but if you’re a solopreneur or a small business without an in-house marketing team, you’ll need to take this on yourself.

If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your marketing materials, this could be a good time to make some additional changes to the design, layout, and content. Many free online tools can be used to affordably design marketing materials without help from a graphic designer, and all you’ll need to pay for is the printing. You can choose from some of the best business card templates online before adding your preferred colors, images, font, and text — or you can find customizable templates for logos, flyers, and other types of marketing materials.

The Bottom Line

A lot of hard work goes into planning a commercial move, and you’ll need to allow plenty of time for packing up your office furniture and inventory and moving these items into a storage unit or temporary office space. And while moving a business is certainly stressful, it’s best to remain enthusiastic and remember your reasons for relocating in the first place. After all, relocating to a new office space is oftentimes something to be celebrated!

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Author: Suzie Wilson

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Balancing Moving and Starting a Business Simultaneously

If your current living accommodations aren’t adequate for the business you’re starting, it may be time to look for a new home in New York, New York, that meets your requirements. Knowing what you want and need can make the home search simpler. By staying organized and prioritizing while moving, relocating is less difficult.

Spend What You Can Afford

It’s easy to get carried away when you’re house-hunting, and you may be tempted to take out a loan versus buy in cash, so that you can afford a larger property — do not fall for this bad idea. If buying in cash is an option to you, then buy in cash. If you don’t have enough capital to buy in cash, consider waiting to make a move. And, if you absolutely want to take a loan despite better wisdom, then be sure to put down a bare minimum of 20%-30%, and make sure that you can afford the debt service payments comfortably when added to your other monthly costs. Most buildings in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens will require 20-50% down and will reject applicants who do not illustrate post-closing liquidity to easily cover at least 2-3 years of monthly expenses after the down payment is made. It is best to establish your budget before you begin a home search, especially since you may need resources for your business as well.

Create a Home Shopping Checklist

Next, create a checklist of features that matter most in a house. This can help you remain on budget while you search for a home with all the essentials. For example, prioritize the number of bathrooms and bedrooms you require and make sure you have a space suited for an office or workspace for your business.

Also, consider the location, especially if you have children. You want a home in an area with attractions and amenities nearby for the entire family, such as Battery Park.

Simplify Moving

Moving can be physically and mentally demanding, so it helps to pack your belongings gradually. Box up items based on the room they belong in, and label each box. This makes unpacking much easier.

As you’re packing, declutter and downsize. You don’t want to haul items or pay to move belongings you don’t need. You also want to avoid cluttering your new home with useless things.

Consider hiring a moving company in New York, New York, to make the process easier and less time-consuming for you. Most buildings won’t permit you to kicks in without an insured Moving Company anyway. Be sure to obtain a copy of the Certificate of Insurance from the Moving Company, as this will likely be required by your new building.

Optimize Your Business

While your top priority right now may be moving, make sure you’re still focusing on your business. Have a business plan in place, and complete all necessary paperwork for licenses or permits that may be required.

To keep track of your finances, consider using a transaction data API that provides accurate, up-to-date information about your company’s spending so that you can carefully track your spending and alter your habits as necessary to optimize profit. The program provides transaction data to categorize your withdrawals, and you can even sign up for transaction notifications.

Prioritize Unpacking Duties 

As you unpack, work on one room at a time, starting with those that are essential to your everyday life. The kitchen and bathroom are priorities. Unpack your bedding, and make the beds so that you and your family have comfortable places to sleep.

Prioritize setting up your office or workspace as well. You may not have time to unpack everything right away, but at least set up what you need for your business to function each day, such as your desk, computer, and printer.

Moving While Starting a Business Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful

When beginning a business, you have a great deal of responsibility. It’s possible to make it work while relocating to better your company.

Moving While Starting a Business Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful

When beginning a business, you have a great deal of responsibility. It’s possible to make it work while relocating to better your company.

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Author: Cherie McLaughlin

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