It is a truth universally acknowledged by this generation that using smartphones without apps is like trying to  breath without oxygen. Although this statement is hyperbolic, the truth is that apps have become an indispensable part of our lives.

Travel apps have become a must-have while traveling these days. From looking up information on accommodations, to restaurants and maps, some of these apps even have safety features that could save your life.

Here are 3 best travel apps you could consider downloading on your smartphones before your travels.

1. Waze

If you are ever caught in traffic and you needed accurate traffic information then Waze is what you need. The best deal in using Waze is that the user is not required to have an account to use it. You are also encouraged to contribute to the Waze community by adding your share of traffic information. When you are behind the wheel while you are traveling on an unfamiliar route, Waze could be the best option for your exploration.

Just by downloading the application itself, you are showing other travellers the traffic flow from your end. The traffic information from your phone can be uploaded while your car is moving by simply using the voice command update. Besides outsmarting traffic by getting to your destination on time, you can also contribute to the overall community of traffic management by simply using the application.

2. Foodspotting

Travels are always about food and drinks. “Where shall we eat”, is a question that creates dilemmas during travels. When you get to the restaurant, the bigger dilemma is what to order. Foodspotting identifies your location and shows restaurants spotted around you with photos. Download the application and browse through photos of food that looks appealing, check it in the map, find the restaurant and enjoy your meal. All you need to do is tap on the photo and see who spotted  the restaurant and read the comments. This gives you an idea of the restaurant and the culinary experience it offers. When you see a photo of a dish you like, you can either click it as a dish you want to try, name it if it’s a dish you have tried, or click “great shot” or “great find” to rate the person who uploaded the photo.

After you’ve eaten, you can either take a photo of the dish you spotted or choose from the gallery in the application. Foodspotting is just the right app to have on your phone when you are traveling, and you want to include food celebration as a part of your trip. Use foodspotting and discover a new adventure on your journey.

3. ICE Contact

Unexpected circumstances are inevitable while one is traveling. Emergencies can arise in infinite shapes and forms. Personal safety therefore is a top priority while traveling. ICE Contact is a free personal safety application that delivers messages to friends and family in case of emergencies. With the ICE application, users can lock their phones and only ICE contacts can be accessed by anyone attending or trying to access emergencies contacts.

Two types of emergency messages can be sent from this application: instant or delayed. Instant messages just need a tap and all your contacts on ICE receive your location and your message of help. Instant message has features such as pre-composed messages that you can create beforehand. The messages will be delivered through app notification, emails and text messages. Delayed messages on the other hand are messages you can compose and schedule ahead of time in case you are going on trekking, hiking, or some activity which may involve being out of range. You can inform your ICE contacts ahead of time in case you need help. With the help of GPS tracking feature, you can track your entire travel with maps of your locations. You can them chose the time and date when you want this message to be delivered.

Besides just sending an SOS message, this application also has great features of emergency services information, health care providers, and even if the phone is on silent, emergency calls and messages are activated in the ringer.

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When we think about some significant transitions in life, one that stands out the most would be when one had to move. The very act of relocating involves numerous challenges, feelings, and anxieties that seem more insurmountable than the physical act of moving itself.

Here are some common psychological facts about moving:

Psychological Fact 1. Realization of Challenge

The biggest challenge of moving is facing the challenge itself and often times it is an understandable reaction. In front of you lies a huge mountain of how to start packing, where to find the best movers, which material to use for packing, when to move etc. These challenges often lead to chaos and uncertainties which become challenges that trigger stress and anxiety. It is helpful to understand and realize each potential challenge that you may face and make plans to tackle them.

Psychological Fact 2. Emotions as Obstacles

Emotions that accompany a move are of variety depending on each circumstance. From being baffled to crying tears of bitterness, one cannot dismiss the impact a move can have on a person emotionally. Often times these emotions if not processed well, can become a hindrance to your move. Once you start feel overwhelmed, take time to unwind and process your feelings with a trusted individual. Keep in mind that emotions have stages and at each stage you will have to resolve underlying issues that affect you emotionally. Remember, emotions can cloud your judgment and disrupt your moving plan as well. So, take caution and take care of your emotions.

Psychological Fact 3. Paradox of Choice

You are going to be faced with the dilemma of choice while you plan your move. It may start with the choice of what items to take and what items to toss as you begin packing. You may find various options to choose your moving company, packing company and transporting company. The goal is to make your choices based on what best suits your budget and circumstance. Sometimes most problems start because of too many choices. Hire a reputed company like All the Right Moves Removalists.

Be aware of these psychological challenges you may have because denying them would only worsen the situation. Accept that transitions are bound to come, but take it upon your stride.

Turning over the pages of glossy magazines with photos of gorgeous bathroom wares with impeccable style and organization is bound to give any housewives those goose bumps akin to seeing a pair of stylish shoes on display. How much of these photos are just meant to take us to flights of fantasy or are any of those decors achievable in reality? The truth is so many of these images we come across in magazines have been digitally manipulated, but on the positive side it may be done so to inspire homeowner to do something about their shabby bathrooms.

So, taking the inspiration let’s use these 5 easy tips on bathroom transformation.

Tip #1 – Remodel

Stay within your budget and get to remodeling your bathroom by looking at suitable design you want to achieve. Remodeling may involve various tasks of either removing or installing few elements here and there. Being mindful of impact of the change may be effective in managing those changes. For example, you may want to replace the titles on the countertop with granite. Although this may be incur some expense but it will surely give it that classical look, and additionally prove to be more durable in the long run.

Tip #2 – Color

Before deciding on the color of the bathroom, make sure you choose wisely, keeping in mind the decor and the mood you want to eventually attain. If you don’t trust your instinct, consult a designer before deciding on a color. Don’t forget the rest of the house and the various colors that you’ve chosen for those areas. Your bathroom should enhance if not add to the overall aesthetics.

Tip #3 – Beautify

You don’t have to have expensive items to beautify your bathroom. Based on your taste, place few items to add some elegance. At the same time, keep in mind that a bathroom is also a functional place. Any item you pick has to be useful besides just adding style. A multipurpose cabinet with mirrors, or few pieces of assorted mirrors on the wall with a basket for toiletries could both serve the same purpose. A hint of color and design in the bathroom mat could also add a pinch of glamour.

Tip #4 – Light

If color adds the pop to a bathroom, and then lights add life. Light doesn’t necessarily have to be fancy bulbs with sophisticated dimmers. Light can also be added by creating a window with blinds or glass blocks that guard your privacy but at the same time they bring in some natural light. Consider the areas in your bathroom where light would be required. Accordingly, install lights in areas such as shower, sink and vanity area. To have a spa like effect install dimmers which you can manipulate to have that dim effect for quiet, relaxing time in the tub. Safety should be a priority. Hence, all lightning work should be first thoroughly inspected and approved by a certified electrician and plumber.

Tip #5 – Improvise

When you think of design, don’t just think of expensive items. Some recycled, reused and renewed items can become interesting pieces in beautifying and remolding a bathroom. Consider designing your own bathroom accessories like adding shells around your mirror to give it that ocean-like look. Color the wooden cabinet that has been sitting around in your garage and transform it into storage area for towels and other toiletries. Bring in your scented candles and aroma sticks and place them close to the tub for some relaxing bath evenings.

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All The Right Moves Removalists Services:

We’re experts at what we do, and our furniture removalists offer a range of services including:

• Office Moving – move your business quickly and efficiently with a minimum of downtime.
• Furniture – leave the heavy lifting to us!
• Packing & Unpacking – you’ll be packed and unpacked so fast you’ll feel right at home in no time.
• Post-Move Cleaning – after all that moving it’s great to let someone else clean up!
• Moving & Packing Products – all the packing products you’ll need from boxes to bubble wrap.
• Moving House Tips – to make your life easier.

Everything we purchase is always in the process of decay, a thought that will keep us grounded and keep our desires in check. However, it’s not a bad idea to add life span to few of our daily essential appliances. With better life expectancy these gadgets perform better thus adding value to its usage and purchase.

Here are 5 great tips on adding few more years to home appliances.

Idea #1. Check chords

Yanking electrical cords may seems a norm in every busy household. These types of repeated pull can cause damage to the entire appliance. For example, when the power cord of a computer is frequently pulled out some hardware may be damaged. Sometimes the plug suffer damage exposing it to the risk of electric shocks. A small coil can cause big damages. Hence, always be careful when you pull out cords. Inspect the cords and fix damages. Replace damaged chords and always coil the chords when not in use.

Idea #2.Clean up

Cleanliness add life and quality to appliances. For refrigerator, the condensers chords at the back must be dust free or else the overall efficiency of the refrigerator can be lowered. Gunk accumulates discreetly in blenders, ovens and microwaves immediately creating a germ pool. Unclean stoves can block the happlianceseat plates, blocking ignition. Clean appliances not only longevity but overall health.

Idea #3. Repair

Any broken appliance in the house calls for an immediate attention. Sometimes a repair technician can fix the problem which could be at an affordable price. However, sometimes repairing a part of the appliance may cost as close to buying a brand new one. So depending on the severity of the problem, a wise decision would be to first estimate the cost of repair or use the warranty card if it’s still valid. Consider your options and make your decision.

Idea #4. Save Power

Saving power has a direct effect on life span of any appliance. Saving power not only saves money but makes one a conscious consumer of power in an age of depleting fossil fuel sources. It is always wise to look at power consumption information on appliances. Appliances that are a number of years may consume more power. In such cases it may be worth upgrading to a new appliance that consumes less power.

Idea #5. Follow Instructions

While using electrical appliances it is important to follow some basic instructions. Most instruction manuals have guidelines on cleaning and care of these appliances. The sole purpose of having a user manual is to give user a manual on handling, caring and safety of product for future reference. Instead of throwing away the user’s manual, save it for a rainy day. 

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All The Right Moves Removalists Services:

We’re experts at what we do, and our furniture removalists offer a range of services including:

• Office Moving – move your business quickly and efficiently with a minimum of downtime.
• Furniture – leave the heavy lifting to us!
• Packing & Unpacking – you’ll be packed and unpacked so fast you’ll feel right at home in no time.
• Post-Move Cleaning – after all that moving it’s great to let someone else clean up!
• Moving & Packing Products – all the packing products you’ll need from boxes to bubble wrap.
• Moving House Tips – to make your life easier.

That one room in your house where you return to at the end of the day or even in the middle of a busy day just to find some solace and peace if the bedroom. Often bedrooms are the only place where we are truly ourselves, or rather unapologetically willing to reveal our true selves. It doesn’t matter if your bedroom is big or small; it is a place that needs to be maintained as it is your safe haven.

Here are 5 simple tips on maintaining your bedroom which will definitely add more worth and value to your lifestyle.

Tip #1. Maintain Cleanliness

Since bedroom’s prime function is to offer restoration and revival, it needs to be clean and tidy. The first step will be to make cleaning a part of your weekly or daily routine. Instead of doing one big cleaning, try chunking out the cleaning task without wearing yourself out. Make it a habit to pick up strewn items from the floor every day, clean and dust the closet on any evening when you are free and leave the heavy duty cleaning on a weekend. Make cleaning a part of your lifestyle and see the difference as time progresses. Peace and solace will make home in a clean room.

Tip #2. Maintain Mattress

Many things are invisible to our naked eye like dust mites and bacteria that inhibit our mattresses. We may clean our sheets regularly but we must maintain our mattresses as well for our overall well being. The traditional method of airing the mattress should be accompanied by vacuuming, removing stains and deodorizing to remove allergen, molds and dust mites.

Tip #3. Maintain Closet

Closet maintenance doesn’t only meaning organizing the closet and keeping it clutter free. Cleaning the closet should be a top priority to avoid dust and dirt from accumulating. Occasional use of mothballs may save your sweaters and silks from bearing holes. In addition, be willing to part with clothes and accessories you may not be using at all.

Tip #4. Maintain Clutter

Strewn clothes on the floors, books and magazines jumbled up, accessories and toys scattered around all contribute to clutter in the bedroom. The most essential step towards maintaining clutter is to make tidiness a habit. Get bins, trays and boxes to store and place items that are habitually out of place. Maintain a time in your monthly calendar to go through items that could be donated. Let go of your pilling and shoving habit and adopt habits of sorting and organizing. Establish clear rules in your family about maintain clutter free bedrooms.

Tip #5. Maintain Peace

Your bedroom should give your positive and peaceful vibe all the time. Include colors and items in your bedroom décor that emit peace and tranquility to you. Make your bed cozy by eliminating electronic gadgets and TV remote out of your reach. You don’t want to be constantly distracted by beeps and notifications on your phone. Although décor helps in bringing peace and tranquility in the bedroom, it is the attitude and emotion that you bring to the bedroom that determines the environment. Leave all negativity, stress and anxiety when you enter you bedroom. Remember that your bedroom offers you peaceful sleep which is essential to your well being. Be intentional in maintain inward and outward peace when you make your way to your bedroom.

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All The Right Moves Removalists Services:

We’re experts at what we do, and our furniture removalists offer a range of services including:

• Office Moving – move your business quickly and efficiently with a minimum of downtime.
• Furniture – leave the heavy lifting to us!
• Packing & Unpacking – you’ll be packed and unpacked so fast you’ll feel right at home in no time.
• Post-Move Cleaning – after all that moving it’s great to let someone else clean up!
• Moving & Packing Products – all the packing products you’ll need from boxes to bubble wrap.
• Moving House Tips – to make your life easier.

How can you tell if a removalists company is a good one?

Check out these 5 marks a good removalists:

Mark #1: Good Reputation

A good reputation cannot be bought but it has to be earned. A good company usually gains positive reputation simply through word-of-mouth. Recommended companies by friends and relatives usually have earned good credentials due to their professionalism and good service. To validate the reputation of good removalists, check their websites for testimonials of their customers. Satisfied customers will convince and vouch for their reputation. For example, All the Right Removalists have great customer reviews for removalists on their website.

Mark #2: Good Pre and Post Mover Service

A good mover always ensures they provide professional cleaning service before the move and they also provide cleaning service after you move to your new abode. These services take away a lot of stress and time when you could be doing it yourself. When a mover offers a pre and post service like these, it makes the move smoother and stress free.

Mark #3: Good Packing

A good moving company has the experience on packing up an entire house. They first make an assessment on the items and make a plan on packing and loading with their team. They pack items according to what best fits the box and what best suites the organization of items. They may need help with labeling and sorting out boxes. Their packing equipment can range from bubble wraps, cartons, foams, tissues, heavy duty tapes, labels to special equipments for loading. Once packed the representatives of the company inspects and make sure the packing has met the desired standards. They may even repack certain boxes if they see the need to do so.

Mark #4: Good Price

The cost of a moving company is without a doubt determined by their reviews, professionalism, experience and service as well. In addition, the distance of the move also determines the price. A good mover always has these factors included when they quote their price. A good price will always be an accurate price estimate based on the general knowledge of market price. If a mover has a fixed rate for hourly based service, it should include the cost of gasoline, labor, distance, charge per weight or cubic foot and packaging as well. A good price would be justifiable and reasonable based on the local market rate.

Mark #5: Good Customer Service

A major hallmark of a professional mover is its service to customers which often manifests in stars accompanying good reviews on their websites. Good moving companies leave an impression on the customer for their efficiency and cordiality. Good movers are accommodating, methodical and sympathetic. They are willing to listen to instructions, calm the customer and take advice as well. Above all, they should work as a team and offer a smooth move. With proficiency and care a reputed moving company will always strive to live up to its reputation and ensure customer satisfaction.

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