Published on: 10 August 2020
Last Updated on: 12 September 2024
When the time comes to move, most people don’t really know where to start and how to pack and move methodically. The worst of all is that they don’t know what to look for when searching for a moving company. How to pick the right company to help you move? After all, it’s not like you do that every day.
That is why we reached out to professionals at Move Central in San Diego. They share some of the points you should look into when choosing your moving company.
Here are Great Tips for Picking the Right Moving Company:
1. Shop Around
Some people are quite satisfied to call a single company, get a quote, and immediately accept the deal and go through with the move. Whereas that might save you some time, it may not be so beneficial for your wallet and your overall experience.
Most experts will tell you that you should shop around. Ask at least 3 companies for a quote with the same parameters and see what each of them offers. Some may be more expensive, but include insurance or wait times as a bonus, whereas others might be cheap, but not offer any additional benefits outside the most basic transportation service.
Once you have your quotes, compare them, determine what your priority is and go for the one which fits your needs the best. If you don’t see what’s out there, you may end up missing out on some perks.
2. Ask Around
Americans tend to move a lot more and more easily than most other nations, including Canada. Whether it is job prospects, climate, or something else, you are much more likely to move upwards of 10 times over your lifetime. That gives you a pretty good advantage when it comes to picking a moving company.
Chances are that you know people who moved recently. Ask your friends, family, or colleagues about their experiences with moving companies. Online reviews are a great resource, but they can only tell you a part of the story. With your friends and family, you can ask about details that may be omitted in an online review.
3. Insured and Licensed Is the Best Way to Move
In order to ensure that your move goes without a hitch and problem, you should only hire reputable moving companies, rather than going for a Craigslist ad or something similar. The reason is simple – reputable moving companies are insured and licensed by The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Whether you are moving out of state or just looking for a local move, it is easy to check if the company is licensed. A reputable company will certainly promote that and offer proof, but if you want to ensure, there is a website to check that manually.
4. Ask for Some Details
If you have decided on a company that sounds reasonable to you, you can have them come over and give you a quote. This is an ideal opportunity to ask them for details and observe them working. If they don’t seem professional or aren’t sure of what they are doing, it is possible that they are not as skilled as their online ads suggest.
Another big point to remember is that a reputable moving company will certainly have their own moving vans, and likely some uniforms for their workers. That may seem like a small thing, but if the company is serious about the business, they need to be willing to invest in the equipment – in the case of moving companies, it is a moving van, dollies, and similar loading and unloading equipment.
Whatever company you end up hiring, have a great move, and enjoy your new home.
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There are one thing movies and TVs all agree on – lofts are cool. If there is a loft in a TV show or a movie, you can bet it will be chic and stylish, furnished in the latest fashion, exuding both the minimalism of the upper class and the industrial design of the hipster movement.
Generally speaking, a loft can also be the small attic apartment directly under the roof of the building, but we will keep to the first definition of the loft. We asked real estate pros from Neuman & Neuman to tell us what advantages and disadvantages you may expect if you opt to live in a loft.
1. High Ceilings
As mentioned before, we will focus on the apartments on the top floor which have a lot of free space in which you can adapt to your liking, usually including the attic. That means that the height of the ceilings will be considerably higher than in other apartments, even in that same building.
Naturally, what you do with all that extra vertical space is up to you, some people enjoy having a completely open plan and admire the height of the ceiling, whereas other construct landings and floors within the apartment, creating smaller separate units with or without physical walls.
2. A Lot of Natural Light
Being on the top floor of a building comes with some perks, and having access to a lot more natural light than others is one of them. In cases when a building or the loft itself is adapted from a different purpose into a living unit, ceiling windows may exist already, or you may install them to give yourself that coveted sunlight.
In other cases, ceiling windows may not be an option, due to the building itself, but with the vertical dimension of your home a lot bigger than a regular apartment, you may have a lot more room for regular wall windows which a door interior designer will know how to incorporate in your home’s design.
3. An Amazing View
Finally, living on the top floor of a building means that your view of the surroundings promises to be spectacular. If you are fortunate enough to have a terrace or a balcony – all the better. If not, I’m sure that the view from your many large windows is just as spectacular as ever.
The view factor is particularly appealing in revitalized buildings in the city centers, like in San Diego’s Little Italy district, or Brooklyn in New York – which makes the prices of these loft properties go up in recent times, especially since they’re becoming more popular with the younger population.
4. Disadvantages of Lofts
Even though lofts look amazing and have a lot of advantages, there are some drawbacks as well. One of the biggest potential problems is that lofts tend to be, at least partly, repurposed old buildings. That means that they were not built for living and that the insulation is not great. And having so many large windows isn't exactly helping, either.
This can potentially increase your heating and air conditioning bills. However, if you spend some money on adaptation and adding insulation, you can increase your home’s energy efficiency considerably.
Another problem may be the echo and the noise, especially if you opt for a completely open plan. The cavernous nature of lofts means that the sound will reverberate and there's not much you can do about it. Having drapes and cushioned furniture may reduce this problem, but this is one thing you will have to learn to live with if you go for buying or renting a loft.
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Ensuring the visual allure of your residence is vital in crafting an inviting and cozy atmosphere. From immaculate landscaping to elegant interior design, each element shapes the overall atmosphere. However, one often overlooked aspect of preserving your home's beauty is hiring pest control services from sources like Forterra Pest Control. This article delves into how pests control measures help protect your home's aesthetic charm.
Preventing Structural Damage
Termites, carpenter ants, and rodents present substantial risks to the structural stability of your residence. These invaders can cause extensive damage to wooden structures, including support beams, door frames, and furniture. Left unchecked, this damage not only compromises the safety of your home but also detracts from its aesthetic appeal. Implementing regular pests control measures helps prevent infestations and minimize the risk of structural damage. By addressing potential entry points and eliminating nesting sites, pests control professionals safeguard your home against the destructive effects of pests, preserving its architectural beauty for years to come.
Maintaining Cleanliness
Pests are not only a nuisance but also carriers of disease and filth. Cockroaches, rodents, and flies can contaminate food, surfaces, and air quality, posing health risks to you and your family. The presence of pests not only compromises the cleanliness of your home but also detracts from its visual appeal. Effective pest control practices focus on eliminating existing infestations and implementing preventive measures to maintain cleanliness. By targeting pest breeding grounds, sealing entry points, and employing safe eradication methods, pests control professionals help keep your home free from unwanted visitors, ensuring a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Preserving Outdoor Spaces
Your residence's exterior plays an integral part in shaping its overall visual allure. Beautifully landscaped gardens, well-maintained lawns, and inviting outdoor living areas enhance the curb appeal of your property. However, pests such as mosquitoes, ants, and spiders can disrupt outdoor activities and mar the beauty of your outdoor spaces. Integrated pest management techniques help protect your outdoor areas from pest infestations while minimizing environmental impact. By utilizing targeted treatments and natural deterrents, pests control specialists create a pest-free environment, allowing you to enjoy outdoor spaces without compromising their beauty.
Safeguarding Decor And Furnishings
Interior decor and furnishings are essential elements that contribute to your home's aesthetic charm. However, these items are susceptible to damage from pests such as moths, beetles, and rodents. If not adequately protected, fabric upholstery, wooden furniture, and delicate decor items are particularly vulnerable to infestation and deterioration. Regular pests control inspections and treatments help safeguard your decor and furnishings against potential damage. Pest control professionals ensure that your home's interior remains pristine and visually appealing by implementing preventive measures such as barrier treatments, fumigation, and targeted eradication.
Promoting Peace of Mind
Beyond the tangible benefits, pest control provides homeowners with peace of mind. Knowing that your home is protected against pest infestations allows you to relax and enjoy its beauty and comfort. Whether hosting gatherings with friends or simply spending quiet moments with family, a pest-free environment enhances your overall quality of life.
Tips For Selecting The Right Pests Control Services
Pest control is one of the most important things about maintaining a certain aesthetic of your home. However, this would only happen if you get a hold of the right control company. Hence, this section will help you do just that. We have curated a small bonus section discussing the important factors that you need to know in order to select the right Pest Control Services.
Quality
Pests come in varied shapes and sizes. As a result, you need to deal with them with specific care. Therefore, quality assistance should be your first priority. Go for companies that offer 24*7 support crews for your every query. Make sure the professionals you hire have enough experience and training to handle your pest problems. Finally, only go for a firm that has a 24*7 customer support team and warranty for their services. All of these metrics ensure that you get quality assistance from the firm.
License
Licensing is an important thing to consider while selecting the right pests control services. Make sure that you are partnering up with the right firm that is qualified and authorized in order to deal with the kind of pests control services that you want to avail. Use Google to do your research. Make sure you know all the angles before you make any sort of decision. Narrow down your search according to your requirements and look for the licensing you might need in order to deal with the problem. Then, use this information to approach the right firms.
Chemicals
If you are already on the internet, you should also start inquiring about the required chemicals. Chemicals are an integral part of a pests control operation. Therefore, you need to understand these chemicals very closely. Google whatever you can about these chemicals. See how these chemicals morph your instant atmosphere. Understand the repercussions of these chemicals and how they affect your family’s health. If you have a pet, you need to google if these chemicals are pet-friendly or not. Otherwise, you might end up with a disaster on your hands.
User Review
Taking recommendations is a very important thing. We suggest that you start inquiring about the local pests control firm that usually works in your neighborhood. Start by asking the neighbors. Ask about their personal experience and assess it. If the reviews are mostly okay, then start looking up the firm on the internet. Yelp could be a good place to start your research. Never go for unverified firms that have less than 4 stars. Otherwise, you might end up doing more damage than fixing.
Cost
The final aspect of this whole journey is the cost. Cost is a very important thing to keep in mind. However, lower costs are not always good. Always compare the cost with the aforementioned parameters. A firm that offers several levels of quality and assurance at $20 is definitely doing something fishy compared to a firm that is offering the same thing at $1000. Cost needs to be looked at from a logical perspective.
Conclusion
Effective pests control measures are crucial for preserving your home's aesthetic appeal. By hiring services from a reputable source like Forterra Pest Control to prevent structural damage, maintain cleanliness, safeguard outdoor spaces, protect decor and furnishings, and promote peace of mind, pests control measures ensure that your home remains a beautiful and welcoming sanctuary for years to come. Prioritizing pests control is not just about protecting your property; it's about preserving its inherent beauty and creating a harmonious living environment for you and your loved ones.
ADDITIONAL READING:
10 Hidden Dangers Of DIY Pest Control
The ROI Of Proactive Pest Control For Property Management
9 Signs You Have a Pest Infestation in Your House (And What to Do About It)
Basil is one of the most popular and versatile herbs you can grow in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, from salads and soups to pizzas and pastas. Basil is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like cilantro. It can benefit your health and well-being. But how do you harvest basil properly so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves?
If these are some of the things you want to know, I have you covered! In this article, I will answer all these questions and more and give you everything you need to know about harvesting basil! So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…
How to Harvest Basil Leaves?
The first thing you need to know about harvesting basil is when to do it. The best time to harvest basil leaves is in the morning when the plant is still fresh and moist. Avoid harvesting basil in the afternoon or evening when the plant is dry and wilted. Also, avoid harvesting basil when it is raining or wet, as this can cause the leaves to rot or mold.
Steps to Harvest Basil Leaves
To harvest basil leaves, you will need a pair of scissors or a sharp knife and a basket or a bowl to collect the leaves. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves, but be careful not to damage the stem or the plant. Here are the steps to follow:
Start from the top of the plant, and look for the stems with leaf clusters. These are called the terminal buds, and they are where the basil flowers will grow. You want to remove these buds, as they will make the plant stop producing new leaves and focus on flowering and seeding. This will reduce the flavor and quality of the basil leaves.
Cut or pinch off the stem just below the terminal bud, leaving about a quarter of an inch of stem above the next pair of leaves. This will encourage the plant to grow two new stems from the leaf nodes and produce more leaves. You can also cut or pinch off any other stems that are too long or leggy and leave about four to six pairs of leaves on each stem.
Repeat this process for all the stems that have terminal buds, and collect the leaves in your basket or bowl. You can also harvest some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow. You should not harvest more than a third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the plant and reduce its growth and health.
After harvesting, rinse the leaves with water and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can use them fresh or store them for later use.
How to Harvest Basil So It Keeps Growing
One of the benefits of harvesting basil is that it stimulates the plant to grow more leaves and branches and prevents it from flowering and seeding.
However, you need to harvest basil regularly and correctly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves.
Here are some tips to follow. For instance, you must harvest basil:
At least once every two weeks, or more often if you see the terminal buds forming. This will keep the plant bushy and compact and prevent it from becoming woody and bitter.
From different parts of the plant, and not always from the same spot. This will ensure that the plant grows evenly and does not become lopsided or uneven.
Before it flowers. This is because the flowers will reduce the flavor and quality of the leaves. If you see any flowers forming, remove them as soon as possible. You can also pinch off the flowers and use them as edible garnishes or decorations, as they have a mild and sweet flavor.
Before the frost, as the cold weather will kill the plant. You can either harvest the whole plant and store it for later use, or bring it indoors and keep it in a sunny and warm spot. You can also propagate the plant by taking cuttings and rooting them in water or soil and grow new plants for the next season.
How to Harvest Basil Without Killing The Plant?
Harvesting basil is different from harvesting lettuce or other plants. The process is good for the plant and you, as you can enjoy the fresh and aromatic leaves in your dishes.
However, you need to be careful not to harvest too much or too often, as this can harm and kill the plant.
Here are some dos and don'ts of harvesting basil without killing it:
Do harvest basil from the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure.
Don't harvest basil from the main stem or cut it too close to the ground. This will damage the plant and prevent it from growing new stems and leaves. Leave at least four to six pairs of leaves on each stem and about an inch of stem above the ground.
Do harvest basil gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and make clean and smooth cuts. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves but be gentle and precise.
Don't harvest basil when it is stressed or unhealthy, such as when it is wilting, yellowing, or diseased. This will weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to further damage. Wait until the plant recovers and looks healthy and green before harvesting. You can also water and fertilize the plant to help it grow and thrive.
Do harvest basil when it is young and tender, not old and tough. This will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Harvest basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown.
How to Pick Basil Leaves?
Picking basil leaves is another way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can pick basil leaves with your fingers or with a pair of tweezers, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some tips on how to pick basil leaves. For instance, you can pick it:
From the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure.
From the stems that have terminal buds, not from those that have none. This will prevent the plant from flowering and seeding and producing more leaves. You can also pick some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow.
Gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use your fingers to pinch off the leaves or a pair of tweezers to pluck them off. Be gentle and precise, and do not pull or tug on the leaves or the stems.
When they are young and tender and not when they are old and tough, this will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Pick basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown.
How to Store Basil Leaves?
Storing basil leaves is a great way to preserve and enjoy them for later use. You can store basil leaves in different ways, depending on how long you want to keep them and how you want to use them. Here are some of the best ways to store basil leaves:
Refrigerate Them
You can refrigerate basil leaves for up to a week, by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and placing them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. This will keep them moist and fresh, and prevent them from wilting or drying out. However, you should not wash them.
Freeze Them
You can freeze basil leaves for up to six months, by blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds, and then plunging them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This will preserve their color and flavor, and prevent them from browning or oxidizing. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel, and place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. You can also chop them and mix them with some olive oil, and freeze them in ice cube trays. This will make it easier to use them in soups, sauces, or dressings.
Dry Them
You can dry basil leaves for up to a year, by hanging them upside down in a warm and dry place, such as a closet or a pantry. This will dehydrate them and concentrate their flavor, and make them last longer. However, you should avoid drying them in direct sunlight, as this can bleach them and reduce their quality. You can also dry them in an oven or a microwave, but be careful not to burn them or overcook them. Once they are dry, you can store them in a glass jar or a spice container, and crush them or grind them before using them.
Make Pesto
You can make pesto with basil leaves, by blending them with some garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This will create a delicious and versatile sauce that you can use for pasta, sandwiches, salads, or dips. You can store pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also customize pesto by adding other herbs, nuts, cheeses, or spices, according to your taste and preference.
How to Cut Basil?
Cutting basil is a simple and easy way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can cut basil with scissors, a knife, or your fingers, depending on your preference and convenience.
Here are some tips on how to cut basil:
Wash and dry the basil leaves before cutting them to remove any dirt or insects. You can rinse them under running water or soak them in a water bowl with a few drops of vinegar. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel or spin them in a salad spinner.
Cut the basil leaves just before using them, to preserve their flavor and aroma. If you cut them too early, they will lose their freshness and wilt. You can also bruise or damage the leaves if you cut them too roughly or with a dull tool.
Cut the basil leaves according to the size and shape that you need for your recipe. You can either leave them whole or chop them finely or coarsely. You can also cut them into ribbons or strips, by stacking several leaves together, rolling them up, and slicing them thinly. This is called the chiffonade technique, and it creates a beautiful and elegant garnish.
Cut the basil leaves with a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and not with a blender or a food processor. This will avoid bruising or crushing the leaves and releasing their oils and juices. You can also use your fingers to tear or pinch off the leaves but be gentle and careful.
How to Use Basil Leaves?
Using basil leaves is a fun and easy way to add flavor and aroma to your dishes. You can use basil leaves in different ways, depending on your mood and occasion. Here are some of the best ways to use basil leaves:
Fresh
You can use fresh basil leaves to garnish and enhance your dishes, such as salads, soups, pizzas, and pastas. Also you can use fresh basil leaves to make salads, such as caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, or Greek salad with cucumbers, feta cheese, and basil. You can also use fresh basil leaves to make drinks, such as lemonade, tea, or cocktails, with basil, lemon, sugar, and water.
Cooked
You can use cooked basil leaves to flavor and season your dishes, such as sauces, stews, curries, and casseroles. Also you can use cooked basil leaves to make dishes, such as tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and onion, or chicken with basil, cream, and mushrooms. You can also use cooked basil leaves to make breads, such as focaccia with basil, olive oil, and salt, or muffins with basil, cheese, and eggs.
Preserved
You can use preserved basil leaves to store and enjoy them for later use, such as freezing, drying, or making pesto. Also you can use preserved basil leaves to make dishes, such as pesto pasta with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, or roasted vegetables with basil, olive oil, and salt. You can also use preserved basil leaves to make snacks, such as crackers with basil, cheese, and honey, or popcorn with basil, butter, and salt.
Wrapping It Up!
Basil is a wonderful herb that you can grow and harvest in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, and a rich and nutritious profile that can benefit your health and well-being. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can learn how to harvest basil properly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves, how to cut basil, pick basil leaves, and store them for later use, and how to use basil leaves in different and delicious ways.
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