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T-N-T Moving Systems has made a move! We are now located at 6012 Old Pineville Rd. Suite K in Charlotte, NC. Come see us and let us help you make a move. Whether it be a short distance move or a long distance move, at T-N-T, we are the movers to get the job done! Call us today at 704.523.1455 or get a quote now!

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The Importance of Knowing Your New Area

Whether youare moving to a new area from another city or you are moving from one end of town to another, Charlotte, and its many diverse and interesting neighborhoods, is a great place to live. But if there is one thing you do before you move, make sure and research the new location—in a detailed manner. A pretty home, a fun new area with exciting places to explore, new people to meet, yes these all matter. But let’s not forget those little “pop-up” issues that produce just to remind you that the research you did before the big move, well, it wasn’t quite thorough enough. Don’t experience “buyer’s regret” because of the things you didn’t think about before you moved. Let TNT Moving Systems help get you started towards your new home.

Let’s not forget about school zones, crime rates, and traffic; the cost of living, the cost of buying, these are all very important to consider when thinking about moving. What about issues with sewage? Yeah, this is something to think about before you make that move.
Certain areas of Charlotte are experiencing some interesting issues with sewage, and for people who recently moved to these areas, this could become a serious problem. Can you imagine moving into a new spot in Southend only to find you can’t flush the toilet and that it could be months before the problem is fixed? That’s not good. Not good for anybody.
Southpark and Southend are two of the fastest-growing areas in Charlotte. Hip restaurants, cool hangouts, and plenty of shopping—not to mention beautiful parks, fun breweries, a bustling train system, and plenty more—have been drawing crowds of new and displaced Charlotteans for years. But a memo sent back in 2017 from Charlotte’s water company to all new developers in these areas warning them to halt production due to sewage issues has caused major problems in the last two years.
According to an article in the Charlotte Observer titled “Why toilets might be the one thing that holds back growth in Charlotte’s hottest areas,” the sewage systems in both Southend and Southpark were never meant to handle so much…well, you know. The system just can’t keep up with the amount of growth the city is experiencing. And even though the city is rushing to add more sewage lines, growth and development have been reduced to a slow pace. In some areas, there are still people who can’t even flush their toilets.
So what exactly does this mean? Well, you can still buy and rent in these areas, but you definitely want to find out how you will be affected by the restriction in sewage lines before you make the move.
Reactions to such a setback in production have been as expected. Those who are still experience problems and can’t use toilets (both residentially and commercially) have voiced frustration. Some companies, such as D.R. Horton, True Homes, Lennar Carolinas, CalAtlantic Group, David Weekley Homes, and Shea Homes have filed a class-action lawsuit against the city of Charlotte because of extra fees to ensure waste is managed properly. It’s all a big mess, to say the least.
Charlotte is one of the top-ten fastest-growing cities in the U.S., but can the city keep up with this rate of growth? While we certainly hope so, for those who are getting ready to move, there is some research to be done.
For starters, contact Charlotte Water to find out if your new area has been or will be affected by the city’s little sewage snafu. If you are moving to or around Southend or Southpark, chances are you will be affected in some way. But it’s always better to be prepared.

Here are a few initial things to consider before you move anywhere inside or outside of Charlotte:

• City Reviews. Niche is a city review website that lets you narrow a review by zip code. This is a great way to find out what people are saying about your new area. Niche also pulls up interesting data on diversity, family-friendliness, etc. so you can get a good idea of the type of area you are about to move into.
• Activities & Nightlife. What are your weekends like? Do you typically stick around the house with the family, or are you one to be out and about hitting up breweries and walking trails? The nice thing about Charlotte is there are plenty of neighborhoods connected to greenways and within walking distance to fun areas for dining and drinking. Move to an area that suits your lifestyle—you will be so much happier in the long run!

• Cost of Housing. Currently, housing costs are up in Charlotte, but this doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Cost also depends on where you plan to buy. You could spend time researching the market to help you make predictions of where you can buy, or you could simply find yourself a nice realtor who can (and probably already has) do this for you. One recommendation is Michael Booe at Helen Adams Realty. Michael can answer any questions you have about possible areas of interest in and outside of Charlotte.

• Commute Time. It's always tempting to let this one slide when looking into new areas. "I’ll get used to the long drive”—this might sound possible, but it rarely is. It’s those things we do the most that tend to matter most, so it is worth the effort to find an area that doesn’t put you too far away from your place of employment. When shopping for areas to live, narrow them down to a handful then take the time to drive the commute for each. See which seems to be the most reasonable and stick with that area.

• Schools. If you have children or plan to have them one day, you know school zones are important. Typically, we want our kids growing up with the same class of memorable faces, which means you don’t want to have to pull your kids from one zone to place them in another. Perform a Niche search to see what people have to say about the many different school zones within the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System. This can help you determine where you plan to plant roots and establish a family.

• Cost of Living. When moving to a new city, the cost of living is usually something researched. But when moving from one end of town to another, like Cotswold to Uptown, we don't usually think about the price difference. But it is a good idea to consider the closest grocery stores (think a Trader Joes versus Whole Foods) and gas stations and eateries. These are the places you will most likely spend a lot of your time and money, so it is a good idea to seek out those living areas that provide you with the type of shopping that's best for your wallet.

• Crime Rate. This is another great search for Niche. Crime rates change a lot, and though we hear differing viewpoints from the local news, friends, and family, it’s best to find the facts. It wouldn’t hurt to contact the Charlotte Police Department in order to get some factual insight into the crime rates of the area you are looking into moving as well. Driving around your prospective living area at night is also a good way to get an idea of what the area is like, but nothing beats looking at the cold, hard facts.

Living in the Burbs
Considering a move away from the hustle and bustle of the city limits? Check these growing suburbs out:

1. Fort Mill. About eighteen miles from Uptown, Fort Mill has become quite a popular area for families to move. Its low property tax, highly-rated school system, and affordable housing continue to attract retirees and newly formed families from all walks of life. And with neighborhoods such a Baxter Village it is not necessary to have to venture into Charlotte for a fun night out.
2. Indian Trail. Looking for something a little more rural and off the beaten path? This is your place. With beautiful countryside views and backyards that open to clear, blue skies, Indian Trail is quickly growing in popularity. About fifteen miles from Uptown, this is a place to settle down. Check out Sun Valley Commons for some great places to eat, drink, and enjoy the slow life.
3. Huntersville. Great schools, nice and affordable homes, and only twenty minutes from Uptown—Huntersville has been one of Charlotte’s top suburbs for years, and it’s only getting better with time. With the great restaurants and retail of Birkdale Village, and the enticing boat-life that Lake Norman provides, it’s no wonder people are scrambling to get here. Plus, with the promise of a LYNX transit system running from Charlotte on up to Huntersville, it might just become the most popular suburb yet.
4. Mount Holly. This is the place for those who are always on the move, looking for that next great hiking spot or river to kayak down. Mount Holly is the home of The U.S. Whitewater Center and Crowders Mountain State Park. Two wonderful spots for outdoor fun. Best of all, Mount Holly works on multiple levels: there are trails and camping for the uber-active plus plenty that are more family-friendly.

Finding the best fit takes work, but once you find that new area to move into you will be so glad you did the research (you’ll also be happy your toilets flush!). Contact TNT Moving Systems today to get a quote on your next big move.

*Sources:

• https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article194974714.html

Home Storage: A How-To Guide to Help Keep You Organized and Clutter-Free

The importance of staying organized is never more apparent than when you are packing, unpacking, or simply going through a purge. Having a place for everything, and then keeping those places organized and free of clutter, can be cumbersome and a bit overwhelming, but at TNT Moving Systems we have a few tricks to help you keep everything in its right place.

No matter the size of the home, we always find a way to fill it with stuff. It accumulates rather quickly, this stuff: that comfy chair you were given but don't really need; excess clothing items you're just not ready to get rid of (what if boot-leg jeans come back into style?); a garage full of lumber for, you know, that treehouse you have been planning on building for the kids—who just left for college.

It’s difficult to get rid of stuff, even when we know we need to do it. But worry not, we are here to help. And the first step in becoming clutter-free is not to look at how much you have, but instead to figure the what and where.

What to Keep & Where to Store it

Before we look into how to store specific items, you need to decide where you will store them. Obviously, dishes and the like go in the kitchen, the sofa and television in the living room, etc. But what about those things you want to keep, but you don't use all the time?

The first step in organizing your home is to figure out how you are going to work with the space you have. And no matter the size of your home, it’s best to begin with the rule of three. Decide on the three areas of your home that will be most used to store lesser-used items. Typically, these areas include the basement, garage/shed, and attic. Here are some general rules for using each of these three areas for storage:

Basement: for some reason, people love to put boxes and perishables in their basements. This is usually not a good idea because the basement of any house is the first place to flood. Basements are also a bit more humid than the rest of the house, which encourages mold to grow. Now, just because basements tend to take in moisture it doesn’t mean you can’t use this area for storage, you just need to be thoughtful about what you put down there. At TNT Moving Systems, we recommend using a basement to store the following only:

• Plastic furniture (outdoor, children's, etc.)
• Unused toys
• Kitchen supplies that are sealed and kept in glass or plastic containers

Garage/Shed: whether or not your garage or shed is insulated, this is a good place to store anything that can withstand extreme hot and cold weather. And even though people like to store food items in the garage, especially when the garage and kitchen are connected or close, this is not a good idea. Insects, reptiles, and even rodents, always find a way in and out, and you don’t want to have anything around that could attract them. However, these things are fine to be stored in a garage or shed:

• Tools
• Outdoor equipment
• Clothing (in sealed bags or containers to keep away from moths and other insects)
• Holiday décor

Attic: unless it is temperature-controlled, an attic can get pretty hot or cool—but not near as much as your garage. This area of the house is the most used for storage, and the biggest problem with using the attic is we usually forget what we put up there! Here are items to be stored way upstairs:

• Decorations
• Suitcases and other luggage items
• Fabrics and furniture
• Miscellaneous items that don’t seem to fit anywhere else in the house

Now that you have those storage items put away, let’s jump into the fun stuff like organizing the refrigerator, silverware drawer, and cabinet area. The very thought of going through these places and purging and organizing induces sweat and calls up that vein protruding from your forehead—but don’t stress! We got you.

The Kitchen

A well-organized kitchen provides more than just food and drink. It creates a warm and welcoming area for conversation and cooking—a place to explore new ideas and establish traditions. And because we use our kitchens so much (at least three times a day, but of course it’s much more than that), we find that the level of organization in which our kitchen is kept, strongly determines how organized we are in our own lives; a dirty, unkempt kitchen makes us feel discombobulated, out of place. But a clean, kept kitchen makes us calm and happy, ready to try new things.

When we are organized we feel good. We feel right, like we can do anything. So let’s look at organizing three separate areas within the kitchen: the fridge, the silverware drawer, and the upper cabinets (used for housing dishes).

• The Fridge: an organized fridge can save you money and time. The first step is to clean out and discard. This means getting rid of those items past their expiration dates (you know you have a jar of pickles sitting in your refrigerator from 2012), and also throwing out those products you know you are never going to use.

The second step is to reorganize the shelves within the fridge. Reconfigure the shelves so that you are able to have the items most used in the front or inside the door. You want everything placed in order of use. This keeps you from having to dig through areas of the fridge for one little thing, which then tips over the milk carton initializing a domino-like collapse of everything else on that shelf.

Next, find a heavy-duty and water-resistant shelf liner (The Container Store makes these specifically for inside the fridge) and line the bottom of all shelving areas. This will make cleanup from rotten fruit or spills much easier. What’s more, if the spillage is too drastic you can remove the liners and wash them.

Now it’s time to fill the fridge back up. Be sure and keep all similar items together—for example mustard, ketchup, and salad dressing can all go together. Consider purchasing small organization bins meant for a fridge (you can find these at The Container Store as well) where items can easily be kept together.

Stack to save space. Certain items, like fruit containers and jars, can be stacked pretty easily, but what about cans or bottles? These are likely to take up the most space because they are so difficult—if not impossible—to stack. But rest assured, there is a way. We love the bottle and can dispenser from…wait for it…The Container Store, which is a small, flat piece of plastic with ridges that keep individual bottles and cans in place and stackable. This is a wonderful way to save space in the fridge.

• The Silverware: it takes all of five seconds for the silverware drawer to become disorganized. Now you and the rest of your family find yourselves rummaging around in it with one hand, creating that always-recognizable song of silverware clinking and chiming like nails running down a chalkboard. And all this just to find a fork. But it doesn’t have to be like this. This is a small organization project that delivers big results.

Begin by taking everything out of the drawer(s) and setting them in groups (spoons with spoons, forks with forks, you get it). Now, go through each group and try and remember the last time that item type was used. If you can’t remember, throw it out!

Next, measure the interior of the drawer and buy a durable liner to place inside (you can find quality liners at Target, The Container Store, even Walmart).

Once the drawer is lined, purchase individual silverware organizers (The Container Store has these made of wood and we find they work well and look the best). The problem with those one-piece plastic organizers is you are stuck with one design. What happens when you add more silverware or need to reconfigure? This is what's so nice about using individual boxes. Now you can set your silverware drawer up just as you like it. And if you need to add a section for new silverware, just buy another organizer.

• The Cabinets: the upper cabinets are typically reserved for dishes. This area is also one that becomes cluttered quickly, but with a few organization hacks, you can have the cleanest, most organized cabinets in the neighborhood.

Start by taking all the dishes out and placing them somewhere safe. Then measure and place a liner down—be sure to use one with rubber or any other non-slip surface so you know your dishes will stay in place, even when bumped or pushed.

Now, in order to take advantage of all your vertical space, consider using Undershelf brackets and hooks for those wasted spaces above your stacked plates and bowls. Undershelf brackets are perfect for small mugs and saucers because they act as mini shelving areas that attach to the underside (with small screws) of the interior of the cabinet. And hooks can be used for more mugs or anything else with a handle.

Another way to add storage room is by utilizing stackable shelves. By simply placing a stackable shelf inside of your cabinet you can create even more room to stack plates and bowls. It’s a shelf within a shelf and it’s genius!

Organized: A Way of Life

Becoming organized takes some work. For instance, cleaning out and reorganizing a fridge can take up to a day to complete. Working on your silverware drawer and cabinets might not take quite as long, but it’s still a lot of work. But here’s the thing: once you are organized, it’s really not that difficult to remain that way.

Think of it as a way of life, and you will quickly begin to notice the benefits of being organized because life is better when your home is well put together.

Feel free to contact us at TNT Moving Systems for more organization ideas—what about your dining room or play areas? We're here to help!



-Andrae Bergeron

*Source: https://www.containerstore.com/organization-projects?search=kitchen&page=1#stq=kitchen&stp=1

Full-Service Movers vs. Do-It-Yourself: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to moving, there are a lot of important elements to consider. Should you do it yourself or leave it to the professionals? What about the costs both visible and hidden?  What if something of value gets broken? The choices you make throughout the process can have a major impact on the cost, time, and effort it takes to successfully move from one place to the other. Research and a better understanding of what to expect can help to make your move a much better experience overall.

Moving can mean a lot of different things to different people. You might be a single, college-aged kid moving to a new dorm for your first year of college, or you could be a family of six moving across the country for a new job. Everyone’s situation is unique and, as such, we all have different needs when it comes to moving. So what’s the right level of service for your situation? In this article, we’ll take a look at the different levels of moving help that is available from full-service to do-it-yourself.

Do-It-Yourself

Do-it-yourself moves are just that. You do everything yourself from start to finish. On the surface, this can seem like a simpler, less expensive way to do things. But depending on your situation, it isn’t always the case. Let’s dive into the do-it-yourself moving experience a bit deeper and explore some of the pros and cons.

1. Cost - Depending on the number of belongings and the distance traveled, the overall cost of a move can be significantly lower if you decide to do a move yourself. After all, you don’t need to pay for labor. You are the labor! If your move is local and you only have a small number of household goods to move, then this may be a viable option for you. However, if you have a lot of belongings or your move is long distance, you may want to take some time and weigh the costs required to see if it’s worth the potential savings.One of the main costs you’ll confront during a do-it-yourself move is the truck. While moving trucks may advertise cheap daily prices on the sides of their vehicles, the real costs vary extensively depending on the size of the truck and the distance you plan to drive it. Trucks can run as cheap as $20 a day for a local move. However, you will also be charged per mile while you’re using the truck, so distance traveled can certainly make a difference in your decision.Use the table below to determine how many miles per gallon on average different sized moving trucks will achieve. Then visit AAA’s comprehensive gas prices site to find out the average cost per gallon of gas. Enter these numbers into the equations below to figure out the total fuel cost for your move.

Truck Type*	Miles Per Gallon	Fuel Tank Capacity
Pickup Truck	19 mpg	34 Gallon Tank
Cargo Van	20 mpg	26 Gallon Tank
10 Ft. Truck	10 mpg	31 Gallon Tank
15 Ft. Truck	15 mpg	40 Gallon Tank
17 Ft. Truck	15 mpg	40 Gallon Tank
20 Ft. Truck	10 mpg	40 Gallon Tank
26 Ft. Truck	10 mpg	57 Gallon Tank

*  Based on UHaul truck rental vehicles

Miles per Gallon X Fuel Tank Capacity = Total Miles per Tank

Total Miles Traveled / Total Miles per Tank = Number of Tanks Needed

Number of Tanks Needed X Average Cost per Gallon of Gas = TOTAL COST

In addition to fuel costs, you’ll want to consider extra expenses such as insurance and equipment. It can be tempting to skip the truck insurance to save a little money on the front end, but if anything goes wrong with the truck that’s considered to be your fault, you’ll be on the line for all subsequent damages if you don’t protect yourself. Rentable/Purchasable equipment can range from moving blankets and boxes to a dolly to help with the heavy pieces. Prices will vary depending on what you use and how long you use it.

2. Effort and Time - People often underestimate the amount of effort and time it will take to move. It’s one thing to look around your house and guess how much stuff you have and what it will take to pack and transport it. It’s a complete other when you actually start working through the process and realize you have way more goods than you originally thought you did. Calculate in the time and energy it will take you to:-wrap and box up your household items
   - load them into the truck
   - drive the truck to your new destination
   - unload the truck
   - unpack the boxes and distribute them into your new homeAre you prepared (and in shape) to do the heavy lifting required at the front and back ends of the move? Do you have the time to pack up a single-family home? Are you willing to take responsibility for things that are broken or damaged during transit?The other consideration to make is whether or not you feel comfortable driving a 26’ truck from one location to the other. If you run through this list and are still feeling pretty good about handling your own move, run the numbers to see the difference in overall cost. If the savings are worth it than going the do-it-yourself route might be the choice for you.

Hybrid Move

For a lot of families, choosing something between a full-service and a do-it-yourself move is the best option. This could be a move where you have professionals pack and unpack your belongings but you do the driving. It could also be the other way around where you have professionals drive the truck and you do the packing. Either way, it’s a method that allows you to save some money by taking responsibility for the part of the process you feel comfortable with and leaving the part you don’t feel comfortable handling to someone else.
An additional option for a hybrid move is one where you rent a container that is dropped on your property and you fill it yourself. When you’re ready to have it moved, the company returns to pick up the container and drive it to your destination where they once again place it on your property until you finish unloading it. The one advantage to this service is they can also store your container if needed (for an additional cost of course). This way if you arrive in a new city and are renting while you look for a home or have some other situation where you’re not moving into a permanent location right away, you don’t need to go through the hassle of unloading into a storage center and then “re-moving” all your stuff again once you’re ready to unpack it. You simply let the company know when you’re ready for your container and they drop it at your new home ready to be unloaded.

Full-Service Move

A full-service move is exactly how it sounds. You hire a company to pack up your home, move your belongs and unpack again at the final destination. As expected, this method is commonly the most expensive form of moving. However, you can plan on saving a lot of time and effort in exchange because you are able to leave the hard work to the professionals. An additional upside with this option is that if something breaks in the process of moving, it is the responsibility of the movers, not you, to fix the issue. The cost of a full-service move is typically calculated based on the weight of the load, labor costs, time of year, and the distance traveled.
  

Handling Damage/Insurance

The type of move you choose will determine how you handle any potential damage to your property. When using professional movers, they will typically include insurance to help cover your belongings during packing and transit. There are different levels of insurance offered depending on the mover you select, so if you choose to use a moving company, be sure and ask them about what protections are included in the cost as well as any additional coverage that might be available as an add on. If you decide to do the move on your own, there are several options that may be available through your insurance company to help protect your belongings in transit.

Saving Money

Any way you look at it, moving is an expensive endeavor. Check out some of the tips below for ways to save a little money during the process.

• Declutter Your Home - One of the main factors in determining the overall cost of a move is the total weight of the load once your home is fully packed and placed on the truck. You can save yourself some money by determining what can stay and what should go before the movers estimate the total cost of your belongings. Make some extra money on the items you don’t need through a garage sale or by donating it to a local charity for a future tax write-off.

• Collect Free Moving Supplies - Boxes and other moving supplies may not seem like a large cost in the moment, but depending on how big your move is, it can quickly begin to add up. To save a little money ahead of time, find businesses or sites that offer free boxes or other items you might need. Online ideas where you can check include Craigslist, Freecycle, and Nextdoor. Out in the community, a few places to look include liquor stores, big box stores such as Walmart or Target, and grocery stores.

• When You Move Matters - When you’re ready to start planning a move, keep in mind that the month and even the day you choose for the big event will affect the overall cost. A midweek move will almost always cost less than a weekend move. Another factor to consider is the season. 70% of moves annually take place in the summer. If you have the flexibility to schedule during the offseason, you have the potential to save yourself a handful of money.

• Think Beyond the Box - Just because you’re moving doesn’t mean you have to use a box for packing all your belongings. Items such as laundry baskets, suitcases, and coolers can work just as well to transport goods and are most likely already in your possession to use for free.

We know that planning a move can sometimes lead to more questions than answers. If there is anything that wasn’t answered in this article or on our site that you would like to know, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re here for you and your family and are happy to answer any questions that might arise during the process.


-Julie Mastbrook

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Works Cited

Barnett, Jami. “What's the Best Way to Move?” ConsumerAffairs, ConsumerAffairs, 3 July 2019, www.consumeraffairs.com/movers/moving-yourself-vs-hiring-movers.html.

“Getting the Right Insurance Coverage for Moving.” III, www.iii.org/article/getting-right-insurance-coverage-moving.

“Hiring Movers Vs. Moving Yourself: The PROs & CONs Of Each.” Https://Www.rochesterrealestateblog.com, 27 Apr. 2019, www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/hiring-movers-vs-moving-yourself/.

“Should I Move Myself or Hire a Professional Mover?” Move.org, 1 May 2019, www.move.org/hire-mover/.

White, Marian. “What Is the Gas Mileage of a U-Haul Truck Rental?” Moving.com, Moving.com, 19 Feb. 2019, www.moving.com/tips/what-is-the-gas-mileage-of-a-u-haul-truck-rental/.

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At T-N-T Moving Systems, we make sure to handle every move with care and protect your belongings as if they were our own.

Although we work hard and are very reliable, we know that moving can be a scary and anxious time for everyone involved. To help give you peace of mind while undergoing a move, you can purchase moving insurance to help protect your belongings no matter what.  Here at T-N-T Moving Systems, we want to be here for you throughout your entire moving journey, from packing up boxes to unloading everything into your new home.

Our job is to make your move as stress-free as possible and it never hurts to get a little reassurance. T-N-T Moving Systems understands your fear of lost or broken items and wants to help you. Everything you own holds precious memories and protecting those memories is important to us. To make sure your items are safe, it is a great idea to get moving insurance. We partner with many insurance providers and can help you find the insurance plan that is right for you. There are several different moving insurance options including:

• Real Cash Value- This is simple insurance that can repair any item to the condition it was in when the move began or offer cash reimbursement for any repair needed to restore the item.

• Full Value Replacement- This insurance will ensure that any damaged or misplaced item is replaced or restored to the condition at which it was when the move began.

• Released Value- This provides liability for lost or damaged items.

To learn more about moving insurance and what you need to know before booking your next move with us, call T-N-T Moving Systems. Tom and Todd are easily reachable at 704-523-1455. We will happily discuss all of our moving policies and help you move forward with planning a stress-free and relaxing move. We can also help you pick the best moving insurance that suits your moving needs. Call today for your free estimate and quote on your move.

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Is Minimalism the New Black?

Although so much of the “American Dream” has involved acquiring things, the “tidying up” trend has taken over. No longer is a growing mass of possessions — clothes, gadgets, collections — indicative of social standing. Instead minimalism is the new luxury.

WHO IS “MINIMALISM” FOR?

Good design isn’t cheap. Whether it’s an iPhone or an angora sweater, a KitchenAid mixer, or boots made from hand-tooled leather, items that are built to last require an investment.

There’s a certain kind of circular disadvantage associated with poverty and consumerism. Limited incomes typically allow little room for saving money. If one is unable to afford “The Nice Thing” because one does not have the upfront capital to buy it, one often has to settle for the less expensive, poorly made “Available Thing.” Instead of buying “The Nice Thing” once, one ends up perhaps spending even more over time repeatedly buying the “Available Thing.”

Consider an inexpensive pair of work slacks sold at a big-box discount store versus a pair of tailored slacks in heavier fabric from a high-end retailer. Or think about a cheap set of socket wrenches made from low-grade metal that warp when put to the test versus professional-grade tools that will withstand any pressure. The same exchange applies to buying in bulk. That giant pack of paper towels costs $22 while one roll is $1.50. (And buying that multi-pack means needing space to store it.) Saving money in the long run requires having money to spend now.

“You cannot choose to ‘declutter’ if you are already living in a sparse home you cannot afford to furnish,” writes Chelsea Fagan for The Financial Diet. “You cannot ‘reduce’ the food you consume if you are already only able to put one good meal on the table per day. And when nearly half of Americans would be unable to pay their bills if they missed a single check, this ‘forced minimalism’ is much, much more common than we would like to imagine.”

Being a “minimalist” in the Pinterest sense of clean, white shelves and tiny stereo speakers on a natural wood entertainment center in an airy living room with a stylish couch and hypoallergenic cat isn’t a casual lifestyle.

“The only people who can ‘practice’ minimalism in any meaningful way are people upon whom it isn’t forced by financial or logistical circumstances,” Fagan writes.

TIDYING UP

Although not everyone can afford Instagram-worthy décor, and while cleaning and organizing take time that may well be hard to find, there are practical tips to managing messes.

Marie Kondo, author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” asks one question that cuts to the heart of clutter — does it bring you joy?

Granted some items in our lives are simply necessary. Our toothbrush may not make us happy, but it helps keep us healthy. What Kondo is getting at though are the things we amass that don’t quite work, don’t quite fit, are taking up space that we otherwise need, and are distracting from the things we actually do want.

Do you have 16 pairs of shoes and only wear 3? Kondo says to thank those 13 extra pairs for having served their purpose for you and release them on to their next life by donating, selling, or trashing them. Are you pretending you’re going to re-read that college textbook about international banking systems? Kondo says, let it go. Did your grandmother buy you a set of seasonal toilet paper cozies at the church yard sale that you’ve kept shoved in the back of the sock drawer? Kondo tells you it’s okay to send them on their way.

Tidying up, which you can see in action in Kondo’s Netflix series, is an exercise in self-editing. “Her method is deceptively simple,” writes Sarah Archer in The Atlantic. “She has clients begin with clothing, move on to books, then paper documents, then komono, which means ‘miscellaneous’ in Japanese and encompasses the kitchen, bathroom, garage, and other objects. Then they finish up with the final category, which is sentimental items. There’s something about the way in which Kondo explains the goals of her exercises that gets her clients to open up. This is the key difference between Tidying Up and most other reality shows: There’s no sense of competition, and the ostensible makeover at the heart of every episode simply involves regular people becoming happier and more at ease in their own home. Kondo doesn’t scold, shame, or criticize. Things spark joy or they don’t, and it’s fine either way.”

Decluttering has the advantage of making it easier to clean. Whether mopping floors or disinfecting the bathroom counters, things get in the way. Although Kondo is in favor of organizing, not by area but by type of thing (i.e. not just the hall closet and winter wear but all your clothing all at once), you may try tackling a smaller task at first to get you motivated. Try going through the refrigerator and freezer by taking everything out, inspecting expiration dates, and cleaning all the hard surfaces with a disinfecting cleaner. This activity has the added benefit of keeping your family healthy! How about the coffee table or nightstand? Tackling little projects that take less of a time commitment than your entire closet will help keep you going and give you a way to practice new behaviors like putting things away after you’re done using them.

If you’re looking to save money, making your own cleaning supplies is easier than you might think. For an all-purpose cleaner that’s also safe around children and animals, combine 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart warm water, and use it with a sponge to wipe messes away. Make a glass cleaner by mixing 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 2 cups of water. Remember that baking soda is a terrific deodorizer for sneakers, gym bags, and pet beds. For greasy surfaces like kitchen cabinets, add a few drops of dish soap to a spray bottle and fill it with warm water and clean with a damp rag. If you need to scrub something like a pan or bathtub, try a handful of salt and use half a lemon to rub the salt around then rinse with clean water.

Other quick tips to refresh your surroundings?

• Put your houseplants in the shower. A full rinse with cool water will clear them of dust and debris.
• Run plastic children’s toys through the dishwasher to sanitize them.
• Wash your shower curtain in the washing machine with hot water and a few towels.

TOO MUCH

Organizing in and of itself is nothing new. Television capitalized on homemakers’ aspirations for a clutter-free life in the early 2000s, launching series of reality TV shows like “Hoarders,” “Clean Sweep,” and “Mission: Organization.”

“Hoarders” stood out for the extreme cases the show highlighted. Homes were more than disorganized or cluttered. Occupants had crossed a line such that their attachment to and inability to get rid of possessions, many of which were no longer useful and had become hazardous, posed a serious threat to their quality of life. Commonly hoarded items include newspapers, magazines, bags, boxes, photographs, household supplies, food, and clothing.

“Hoarding can be related to compulsive buying (such as never passing up a bargain), the compulsive acquisition of free items (such as collecting flyers), or the compulsive search for perfect or unique items (which may not appear to others as unique, such as an old container),” according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Hoarding has been classified as a mental condition closely associated with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression. The ADAA states:

“People hoard because they believe that an item will be useful or valuable in the future. Or they feel it has sentimental value, is unique and irreplaceable, or too big a bargain to throw away. They may also consider an item a reminder that will jog their memory, thinking that without it they won’t remember an important person or event. Or because they can’t decide where something belongs, it’s better just to keep it.”

There’s a difference between what is seen as typical saving versus collection and hoarding. Those who hoard often feel embarrased about their possessions and living conditions when others see them. Their clutter is an isolating force. Collectors on the other hand maintain their carefully curated collections and have a sense of pride in what they have gathered.

Someone who hoards may exhibit the following:

• Inability to throw away possessions
• Severe anxiety when attempting to discard items
• Great difficulty categorizing or organizing possessions
• Indecision about what to keep or where to put things
• Distress, such as feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed by possessions
• Suspicion of other people touching items
• Obsessive thoughts and actions: fear of running out of an item or of needing it in the future; checking the trash for accidentally discarded objects
• Functional impairments, including loss of living space, social isolation, family or marital discord, financial difficulties, health hazards

The show “Hoarders” and its follow up, “Hoarding: Buried Alive,” made an attempt to help those who hoard address their conditions with professional organizers and mental health therapists. These types of professionals target the behaviors associated with hoarding rather than just the mess itself.

The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals has tips for how to hire a professional organizer or productivity consultant. Step one is figuring out what kind of services are needed — there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to tidying up! There are consultants who specialize in a range of skills such as organizing for people with disabilities, helping seniors who are downsizing, managing estate sales, tackling home offices, converting paper documents into digital assets, and designing storage solutions such as customized closets.

“Avoid choosing a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant strictly by price,” states NAPO guidelines. “Instead, focus on finding someone with the personality and skill set that match your needs. That person is most likely to deliver the greatest value by achieving the results you desire in the shortest amount of time.”

WHEN IT COMES TO MOVING

How much we have seems to directly correlate with how long we’ve been in a single place. Maybe there’s still a stash of your childhood things in your parents’ basement. Maybe the garden shed in the backyard is a vestige of every hobby you ever had. Whether you ever plan to move or not, pretend that you are. How hard would it be? How much money would you spend putting things in storage or shipping things by weight?

TNT Moving Systems can get you from wherever you are to wherever you’re going, local and long-distance, but we know from experience that planning ahead for moving day is a good thing. If you need help, call us for a free quote. We are a moving company but we also tackle projects like loading and unloading storage pods, moving pianos, and packing.

Visit us online at tntmovingsystems.com or call 704.523.1455.

Clean Out Your Closet Before you Move

Clean Up Your Closet: Donate Old Clothes

Donate Large and Bulky Items Before Your Next Move

Clean Out Large and Unnecessary Items

Tidying Up - How To Make 2019 Your Year

Did you make a host of resolutions when the calendar changed from December 31 to January 1st?

Most of us make a resolution or vow to break bad habits (and create new ones), but not all of us see them through to the end of the year. It happens!

The good news is, we’ve compiled some suggestions so that the new year is nothing but smooth moving for you.

10 ideas to help you navigate 2019 and come out ahead!

Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, boost your health, and have fun. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Examples include running, walking, or swimming. Fit in strength training for all the major muscle groups at least twice a week by lifting free weights, using weight machines, or doing body-weight exercises.

Space out your activities throughout the week. If you want to lose weight, meet specific fitness goals or have even more benefits, you may need to increase your physical activity time.

Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or you have any concerns.*

Going on a diet is usually high on the list of resolutions, but it might be easier to make your diet healthier for starters. These tips from the Mayo Clinic might help:*

• Do you want to adopt a healthy diet but aren’t sure where to start? As you consider the parade of healthy diets in magazines and cookbooks, make sure to look for one that:
• Includes a variety of foods from the major food groups: fruits; vegetables; whole grains; low-fat dairy products and lean protein, including beans and other legumes, nuts and seeds; and healthy fats
• Provides guidelines for how much food to choose from each group
• Includes foods you can find in your local grocery store, rather than specialty or gourmet store items
• Fits your tastes, lifestyle, and budget

Also consider your health risks. For example, do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? If so, be sure to follow a diet that’s low in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. For personalized advice, talk with your doctor or a dietitian.

Check your financial health: We hear it every year, how much do you spend on that fancy coffee every day? Going out to eat? Entertainment? There are many good reasons (and green ones!) to heed this advice. Just cutting back on one coffee and one fast casual meal can save you up to $20 a week (that’s $1,040 annually!). Consider using coupons or loading gift cards in advance to control your spending. Entertainment values can be had without giving up fun. Many museums have a free day and there are often concerts in parks at no cost. Matinee movies are cheaper and loyalty cards can result in additional freebies. Some venues offer discounts on tickets shortly before performances or go in with friends on a series of tickets to sporting events or the theater and just use the ones you want. Often, buying in bulk or for a season of tickets will save you money.

If you are saving up for something (like a trip or car), see if you can have your paycheck divided into two accounts for direct deposit (checking and savings) so you won’t be tempted to spend it elsewhere.

Is it time to renew your car or homeowner’s insurance? You may want to consider comparing rates with other companies to see if you are getting the best deal for your situation. This also applies to bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and cell phone contracts. Be sure to understand what you are getting for your money before you sign anything.

Manage Stress: The new year often comes with new challenges and continuing challenges. The holidays can be stressful for many and that carries over, as well as the bills! It’s time to start preparing to file your income taxes, maybe you’re switching jobs or starting school. Fear not! There are many ways to help you cope with stress.

Meditation, mindfulness, and yoga have continued to be popular pastimes to fight stress. Classes are offered at varying fees and settings and most welcome newcomers. The equipment you will need to buy is minimal (start with a mat and wear comfy clothes) and give it a try! If money is tight, see if your local library offers any classes. Even books and videos can be helpful in reminding you that you sometimes need to a bit more centered and just breathe!

Can you unplug? The constant buzzing of your mobile device informing you of emails, news headlines and facebook posts can be too much for some. Set guidelines for your usage and stick to it. Turn off your mobile phone at night, cut off surfing the internet in the early evening, set aside a day a “technology free” day and grab a book instead.

Hobbies are great for keeping your mind and heart occupied and will help you decompress after a tough day. Do you like writing? Keep a journal going with a list of the good things that happened or start planning new adventures. Walking, photography, dancing, and team or solo sports are beneficial to controlling stress and some have the bonus of added physical health.

Get organized: If you, like so many, lose track of your to-do list, forget to change the furnace filter, or miss an appointment, you might need a little help staying on task. No fear, there’s an app for that! Wunderlist is a cloud-based task management application that allows users to manage their tasks from a smartphone, tablet, computer, and smartwatch. Even better, the basic app is free! It's a great tool for remembering appointments, noting when your mattress needs flipped, planning a trip, remembering an upcoming birthday or anniversary, managing a grocery list, and tracking when medications should be taken. You can share tasks with others (like picking up groceries) too.

If technology is not your bag, try a multi-purpose planner. The key is to record appointments and reminders as quickly as possible and to remember to take a look at your daily planner. Now, if you are already a tad forgetful, that might not work, but if you choose one that’s easy to carry with a simple format, it just may work for you! Some may opt for a traditional calendar that can be placed on the front door so you can glance at what is needed to be done that day. Others keep calendars in their vehicles for the same purpose.

Another organization trick is keeping a note pad handy, in the car, or even in the bathroom! Jotting down ideas and to-dos as they pop into your mind will aid in keeping track of what you need to accomplish. A notepad with a magnet is a handy tool to hang on your refrigerator to keep track of groceries needed. If money is no object, there are refrigerators that will do this for you (with a little help from technology).

If you are forgetting to pay bills or simply stack them up to look at “later,” consider auto-payments from your banking accounts or try receiving your statements via email. This will not only cut back on paper being used, but many are more likely to check their emails on a regular basis than their snail mail.

Do you order the same amount of something month after month? Cosmetics, dog food? Consider signing up for automatic shipments from your favorite online vendors. You won’t run out of things and some companies offer a discount. If you dread going to the pharmacy and hate waiting in line, find out if your insurer has a preferred mail order service. Your prescriptions will come right to your door and they will often supply 90 days at a time, and sometimes the cost is less than getting your prescription on a monthly basis.

Declutter: Most of us simply have more things than we need or will ever use. Consider using this year to begin the process of sorting through these items and selling or donating them. Many non-profits will be glad of your gently used household items, books, and clothes. When was the last time you watched that DVD? Think about what you really need. Set a goal: perhaps you can get rid of 10% of your possessions by year end. Maybe more.

Are you into upcycling or repurposing items (such as furniture) you already own? You’ll save money, and reusing items you already own will breathe new life into them. An old dresser could become a bath vanity, kitchen island, or serving table. Old towels can find new life as cleaning rags. Old t-shirts from those marathons you ran could be turned into a keepsake quilt, and odd cups and bowls are handy for small plants and herbs.

Appreciate the small things: Decluttering doesn’t end with your home. “Declutter” your brain while you are at it. Take time to “smell the roses” if you will. Perhaps you can go to a park or conservatory and smell actual roses, visit the local library and peruse the magazines you’ve never seen before, pull out your favorite CD and take a listen to the band that you discovered in college. Perhaps you can visit a local gallery, museum, or historic house and just have a relaxing look at history or art.

Appreciate yourself and others. Think about all the positives in your life and acknowledge that achievements are not easy. Thank those around you. It’s easy to forget that we are all in this together and a little appreciation goes a long way. Thank-you notes, gestures, and random acts of kindness go a long way! Make appreciation a habit and it will lesson your stress.

Learn something: It can be daunting to think about learning new tricks at any age, but is there something you’ve been wanting to try? Make 2019 the year to do it! Language classes (such as www.mangolanguages.com) can be found in most cities and online, and some local libraries have free online classes for those with a library card. Try a cooking class. Are you a fan of Italian food and wish you could whip up something that would make your friends envious? Now is your chance. Or, try a new food. What’s the deal with kale on pizza? Find out!

Are you considering a career change or want to enhance your current role? Classes are available for credit and non-credit at local universities and community centers. There are many online as well, such as www.edtogo.com, which is also accessible for free through many libraries. Here you can learn everything from accounting to real estate law.

Lend a hand: Have you been wanting to volunteer but cannot seem to find the time? Make time in 2019 and you could change a life. Volunteers are needed at a wide range of non-profits, churches, and schools in all communities. From animal shelters to disaster relief, hands are needed for a variety of tasks.

If being hands-on does not work for you, some non-profits need help that you could do from home. You could help with thank-you notes, annual fund drives, make calls, coordinate events or screen pet adoptions from the comfort of home.

Even the act of donating items you no longer need or use is helpful, as are monetary donations. Many non-profits let you set up monthly gifts and will charge your credit card automatically. These gifts really add up and make a difference!

Try something new: Make trying something new your “new habit”! Have you been wanting to try the new restaurant in town? What are you waiting for? Most menus are posted online and you can see in advance if there is something you’d like and if you can afford it. If you don’t like dining alone, try it sometime and you may find you like it. If not, try a new restaurant anyway via ordering takeout and enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.

If you do have a favorite restaurant or snack shop, try a new menu item! Ever wonder what a cherry donut tastes like? Find out in 2019. While you’re feeling bold and potentially full on a sugar rush, visit some of the stores you’ve been meaning to drop into. Boutiques and specialty stores can seem intimidating, but they will welcome those who are even just browsing and you’ll likely be supporting a local business owner with your purchase or positive word of mouth.

Does going to a symphony sound painful? You might be surprised! Give it a try by going to a concert in a park or find a performance that incorporates something you are more familiar with. Some symphonies show films (from Star Wars or the Harry Potter series) along with the score from the film.

Don’t wait for your bucket list. If London, Kentucky or London, England is on your list of places to visit, why wait? Create a budget and make 2019 the year you plan the trip or purchase of your dreams!

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I't's Not Too Late To Get Your Home Ready for Winter Weather

Is this your first winter in a new home? The holidays are fast approaching and you’re thinking about where to put the tree, how many you can have to dinner at Christmas or New Year’s, and where’s the best place to hide the gifts from the kids, and your spouse. Great! You should think about those things, for that’s the joy of the winter holidays.

But have you thought about what it means to be a home owner in winter, especially if you’ve just moved into a new home? Perhaps you have moved from an area that has milder winters than where you now live, and you’ve yet to see what a brisk winter can be like. Perhaps you’ve moved from an apartment into your first home (congratulations!) and don’t even know what things there are to consider for winter home ownership. Or perhaps you are a veteran home owner and a little refresher could help.

Here at TNT Moving Systems, we have you covered! We’ve got some tips for things we think a homeowner should look into this winter as well as resources if you need assistance. See it as a sort of “checklist” for ensuring your home is ready to brave the coming short days and long nights of winter.

Cold Spots

Do you need to call in a professional, who will bring in infrared and thermal imaging equipment to scan your home for all the places where your home is losing heat? No, not anymore!

Thermal cameras for consumers are more affordable now. One example is the Seek, which starts at $249.  A free app connects with the camera and turns your smartphone or tablet into a heat meter reader.

Thermal imaging will help you locate heat leaks in your walls and roofing. Once you’ve mapped your home, take action to repair things yourself and save money to spend on bigger jobs for which you need a builder or contractor. The camera data will equip you to negotiate repair costs. Being in the know means you can save money for big jobs.

Pipes

Going away for an extended period and concerned about your pipes bursting? If you’re really serious about it, call a plumber to drain the pipes and blow out any lingering water with pressurized air and even add in an anti-freeze type substance. If you just want to take the basic precautions, turn off the water at the main to the house, open all the faucets, and flush all the toilets to get rid of any water reserved in the lines. Make sure you check outside faucets and disconnect any hoses or garden equipment. You also may want to insulate any pipes that are exposed.

Windows

And for the winterizing the windows, here are few simple suggestions. First, check the caulking around all the parts of the window and refresh it, if needed. Second, consider buying winterizing insulation kits from a hardware store. These can be useful for any drafty windows or for rooms you don’t use. They can also just add another layer of protection, to prevent heat leakage.

Two other things to do, for windows and doors, include installing door sweeps on bottom of all exterior doors. Seal the gaps between the window or door and its jambs with weather stripping. Also, you can consider using adhesive-backed soft foam weather stripping for windows, which conform to fill the gaps.

Lastly, don’t forget you can use temporary caulking to seal off windows that you don’t intend to open until spring. Press into place and then peel off in spring. This can be a great money-saver!

Power Outages

Plan ahead for power outages. Locate your warm blankets and clothing from socks to hats, find the flashlights and make sure the batteries are good, and charge up the various devices (including your phone!) not just for entertainment but for information. Although with all the convenience and technology of today, it’s easy to forget about how useful older technology can be — like a battery powered radio for music and news, candles that aren’t just decorative, and a manual can opener. Never, ever try to cook on the grill (whether its gas or charcoal) inside the house! Kerosene heaters are dangerous too for their fire hazard and fumes. Make sure that you have the phone number for the power company written down, and, if you have very young or elderly people at home, learn the locations you can get to for heat such as a local church, police station, or emergency shelter.

Kerosene Heaters

Kerosene heaters are great to keep on-hand if you face a power outage, supplying temporary heat. But be sure never to set them too close to anything flammable (clothing, blankers, furniture, etc) and be certain that the area you use them in is well-ventilated because they can produce dangerously high amounts of soot and carbon monoxide. Failure to follow safety precautions could result in asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Oil Heat

Oil heaters are much less common these days. Appreciated for their cozy warmth but a mystery to many, oil heaters can result in a whopping expense all at once if you don’t stay on top of your fuel needs. Schedule your oil delivery at a time when the crew can show you how to measure how much oil is in the tank. Make sure to have the chimney swept to avoid fire hazards. Connect with a plumber about the system inside your home including the boiler, how to blow it down, what sounds are normal and which ones are not, and tips on what not to do.  Every system is a bit different, and the older it is, the more “personality” it has.

Adjusting the Hot Water Heater

You want to be sure that your water heat is at the best temperature for you and your family, so that you’re not scalded in the shower nor left shivering from the lack of hot enough water. Many water heater manufacturers suggest a setting of 120 degrees. Temperatures over 120 degrees are considered a hazard. Children and elderly persons have more sensitive skin that the average adult and will burn more easily in hot water. Tap water scald burns account can account for nearly 20 percent of all childhood scald burns that require hospitalization — almost half of which were caused by small children turning on the water themselves.

Test the water temperature before you make adjustments. You can use a cooking thermometer to get a read of the hot water to see if what you’ve set the temperature to be is what is coming out of the faucet. Note that it will take several hours for the water temperature to adjust after changing settings.

With gas water heaters, merely adjust the dial up or down to suit your needs. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the temperature and clockwise will lower it.

To adjust an electrical heater, shut off the power to the water heater, remove the access panel from the unit’s side and pull aside (or out) the insulation covering the thermostat. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to raise or lower the temperature, then return the insulation and reattach the side panel. Now turn the power to the heater back on.

Remember that hotter water will mean higher energy costs.

Landscaping

In winter, when your trees or shrubbery have gone dormant, get ready to trim! With the leaves gone, you can really see the shape of the woody growth you need to trim back whether its just for shaping up the landscaping or making sure that overgrowth isn’t creating a shady spot on the sidewalk that will turn icy, snow-covered branches won’t bend and block a door, and brittle trees have the least chance to break and damage gutters or windows. If there are limbs or branches that reach over power lines, contact the power company to trim them (though be warned you may not like their utilitarian approach). While you’re out in the yard, you may consider how hospitable an environment it is for animals like birds and squirrels.

Well Water and Septic Systems

If you have well water at your new home, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified company regularly, perhaps every year or two. An inspection can run from $150-250 on average.

The company will open up your well and test for the static water level in the well, as well as take samples of the water to send to a lab. The lab will test for heavy metals and coliform bacteria, among other things. The inspector should also check the copy of the original well permit and test the GPM (gallon per minute) flow. The GPM can change over time, either increasing or decreasing, so be sure to have the inspector confirm the most current GMP flow rate by pumping the well dry. Have the inspector also check the pressure tank in or under the house, which creates your water pressure.

Septic systems also need to be inspected, so check for the last time it was inspected. It’s important to get on a regular inspection cycle. Inspections can run about $500+/- (which includes the tank being pumped out), but realize that money is well-spent: you never want sewage to back up into the house’s pipes or seep from the buried tank and into the leech field. The inspector can pump out the tank and then check for any leakages or fractures in the tank itself.

When possible, have the well and septic systems checked before winter, when the ground freezes. Or, if you have to wait, schedule for the first of spring, after a good thaw, so that you are ready for the following winter.

Snow Shoveling

Injuries as a result of snow shoveling are surprisingly common. Snow, particularly wet snow, can weigh a lot. Ice can hide underneath it. And all too often, a good guy suffers a big heart attack when he’s out there clearing the walk and the cardio exercise is more than he thought it would be. Take precautions! Salt your walkways and driveway before the snow even starts to fall. An initial layer of show will melt upon direct contact with the salt. You can mix the salt with sand to create some traction for walking and driving. (Remember salt and chemical snowmelt products can harm plants and animals, so be mindful with your application.)

When preparing to shovel, warm up first — literally. Stretch out before you bundle up and wear your gear for long enough to build up some warmth before heading outside. It’s better to shovel less snow a couple of times than wait to dig out from under it all! Push snow, don’t lift it (that’s how most back injuries happen). Take breaks. Stay hydrated. Watch out for hypothermia. And tell someone when you’re going out to shovel so that they notice if you don’t come back.

Want some more winter weather resources? Check out these:

Low Income Energy Assistance

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally-funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. Households including a person aged 60 or older, or an individual receiving disability benefits and services through the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services, are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1 – 31. All other households may apply from Jan. 1 – March 31, or until funds are exhausted.

Mecklenburg Emergency Assistance Program

Emergency, Community, and Energy Services offers aid through churches and community agency referrals to residents who are facing a hardship*.  Residents who receive these services are typically facing a shortage in food and medicine and/or financial crisis dealing with heating/cooling cost.

NC 2-1-1

NC 2-1-1 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina. The service refer callers to organizations in their local community best equipped to address their specific health and human services needs including food, shelter, energy assistance, housing, parenting resources, healthcare, substance abuse, as well as specific resources for older adults and for persons with disabilities, and much more.

Duke Energy Customer Assistance Programs

From the Carolinas to Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, and Ohio, programs like Share the Warmth help cover heating and cooling costs for those in need. Make use of the programs or choose to support them when you pay your bill.

Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults

Learn some of the subtle and not-so-subtle ways cold weather can impact your health and what to do in case of emergency.

Snow Day Activities for the Whole Family

Reader’s Digest shares a few ideas for keeping boredom at bay.

Managing Backyards and Other Urban Habitats for Birds

Urban landscapes comprise an increasing percentage of potential wildlife habitat. With proper management and hard work, these areas provide valuable space for many wildlife species, especially birds and even in winter.