Working From Home March 17, 2022

The 12 Best Work From Home Gadgets And Accessories

If you’re reading this, we assume you already have a computer and basic desk for handling your work, but what else might you need? What can help you get through the day and make sure you are doing your job well despite perhaps being in a different environment from normal? While you need to bring focus and discipline to the table, fortunately, you can also order other parts of the equation online.

We aren’t here to pick out specific products for you: you know your aesthetic and tastes better than anyone else, and you might have slightly different needs than other people. We do not even know how much space you have in your home office.

What we do hope to do is give you some new ideas about what you can put in your home office (or makeshift home office) to make your days just a bit brighter and a bit more stress-free. There are all sorts of products made for the work-from-home professional. With greater numbers than ever before in the last year or so, companies have focused on providing for the needs of this growing class of people.

So, without further wait, here are 12 options and product types you might enjoy getting for your workspace or home to make things just a bit easier:

1. An Ergonomic Office Chair

You probably have a chair. In fact, you might be sitting in it now, but is it a good chair? Is it a chair you are comfortable sitting in for eight hours each day, even with breaks? Because sitting constantly is not good for the back or your health in general , and sitting in a poorly constructed or shaped chair is only going to have consequences down the line. Therefore, perhaps before anything else, we recommend you take care of yourself and invest in an ergonomic office chair built to last and built to support you.

A few clear brand names will stand out, such as Herman Miller and Steelcase. While you may think paying more than a few hundred dollars for an office chair is a little ridiculous, think about how many hours each day you spend in your current chair. Isn’t lessened or removed back pain (either now or a decade down the line) worth $1000 or so? The best chairs come with long warranties and are sturdy, so you will likely not need to get another one for yourself anytime soon, making it an excellent investment.

Outside of getting a good model, you will want to make sure that your chair is suitable for your height and weight, is adjustable to at least some degree (this should be the case with nearly any high-end office chair), and will be good for your flooring. You do not want your chair’s wheels digging into your floors, though there are mats that can help with this.

If you think a good chair is out of your price range, you have a few options:

You could get a cushion or other accessories to make your current chair a bit more bearable or comfortable. You will likely need to adjust it frequently, and the benefits will not be as substantial, but your back will still thank you for it after the end of a long day at the home office.

You can search the used market to see if there is something available. People might replace perfectly good chairs regularly. Just make sure to give it a test sit and adjustments first before handing over your money.

While you might not have the customization options found on a specialist site, you can often find quality chairs on a site like Amazon or eBay that are new but pre-built. You might not get exactly what you want, but you will pay several hundred dollars less and get a fantastic chair.

2. A Standing or Adjustable Desk

While we are confident you already have a workspace set up for yourself, have you considered a standing desk? Either at home or in the main office? As mentioned, sitting all day is not good for your health, and just standing while you work can make a world of difference, reducing the resistance to get moving when you feel the need. Additionally, some people might feel like they have more energy and get more done as a result.

We do not suggest that you get a standing desk that only operates as a standing desk. This is rarely practical, and there will be points where you will need to sit down to get work done. On top of this, standing all day is not necessarily healthy either . Instead, we suggest that you get an adjustable desk and rework your setup to make sure all is well with it (this will be easier for people with laptops), and you can change positions a couple of times each workday.

When getting one, make sure to measure your height and the desk space you will need, as many adjustable desks are on the smaller side. Make sure it is easy to adjust (or else you will risk not doing so), and ideally, make sure it fits well into your home office décor. Since their surge in popularity, we find that they are easier to come by and more affordable for the average person.

3. A Second Monitor

We cannot stress enough the usefulness of getting a second or even third monitor for your home office. While you might have been getting by just fine with just a single monitor, you can drastically increase your productivity with one. Writers can keep their notes and research on a second screen, anyone working with art and design can keep up a reference, and anyone who might need to work with multiple spreadsheets or calendars at once can make quick comparisons, improving job efficiency.

Whether your workplace thinks you need a second screen or not, you will never want to go back once you set yourself up with one. It does not even need to be of the same quality as your current one, though note that massive differences in resolution or size might be disorienting to some. A best-case scenario is one in which you have multiple of the same monitor.

Alternatively, switching to a sufficiently large monitor can perform the same relative task if you can split the screen up properly (easier with modern operating systems, though you probably need a desktop setup). It might not be as easy to use, and it is not as natural as splitting things between several monitors, but it’s an option.

While some would say that putting up something on a second screen can be distracting, all you need is the self-discipline to turn it off when you aren’t using it.

4. Wireless Charging Stand

Keeping your phone and other devices plugged in while working can be a hassle, and you might not have all the wires needed to keep everything in reach. Also, having an arsenal of cables for every device seems like a pain. Instead, invest in a wireless charging station for your home office so that you can use your phone and take it with you when needed, and it can charge on the pad otherwise. You can answer calls faster and look up information more efficiently. As for the time to maximum charge, the difference will be hardly noticeable considering how quickly all options charge phones and equipment these days.

When getting one, make sure that it is compatible with as many of your devices as possible. While you should choose your devices on other criteria, and you certainly shouldn’t needlessly replace them, keeping this compatibility in mind when picking your next upgrade might be something to keep in mind as well.

They come in the form of pads, actual stands, and other shapes and sizes, depending on whether you want to charge multiple devices at once or keep it as compact as possible.

5. Compact Fitness Equipment

While the standing or adjustable desk might be one step, sometimes fitness might require a little more. Getting out to the gym can be a tricky prospect for many, even before lockdowns temporarily closed them. There is probably not adequate room or aesthetic desire for a full treadmill in your home office, but you can put in some well-designed workout equipment in there or think about bringing it in. You do not want to let yourself go just because you aren’t leaving the house so much!

Some Ideas Might Include:

  • Adjustable free weights can conveniently be stored away when not in use. They might be a little more expensive than a pair or two, and you might need a little time to get used to them, but a good set can last you a lifetime, keep you challenged, and not take up too much space.
  • If you have a little more space, you can get a foldable exercise bike. Some of them might not have all of the features or options that a more dedicated bike would, but you can store it easily and still give yourself a good workout during a break (or while listening to a call if you can keep yourself from getting winded.)
  • Depending on what you wear to the home office, you might not always be dressed for it, but rolling up a yoga mat and keeping it handy can help you relax and stretch if needed.
  • If you want to get a little workout in while you work, you can get an under-desk elliptical. The smaller it is, the better, so you do not bump your knees and have plenty of space left under the desk.
  • There are plenty of smaller devices and equipment that take advantage of your body weight, allowing you to do pushups against the wall, use your door as a frame, and more! There are full-on suspension training kits that only require a door, a bit of setup, and your personal strength.
  • Above all else, the internet is your friend if you are looking for a short workout in your home office. Just search for what you have in mind, and you can get a full workout with the above tools if you so desire.

6. Improved Lighting

Sometimes your home office is not in the best-lit of places. Perhaps it is in a repurposed basement or a room with only one or two windows. Maybe you start work before dawn or after sunset. In any event, good lighting results in good work and less of a headache later.

We would note that you should be cautious about its use at night if you want a good sleep schedule, as some lamps and bulbs can trick you into thinking that it is still daytime out.

If lighting is important to you for webcam reasons and you want to look your best when making a presentation, try improving your space with something like a ring or selfie lamp. They are designed to make you look your best in different conditions on camera. With it, you will not look shadowed or overlit, making presentations and talks easier for you.

Alternatively, if you want to splurge and have complete control over the situation, having adjustable lighting and smart lighting installed in your home office (or home in general) can be a great choice. With an app or included remote, you will likely be able to control the brightness and warmth of the light, turn on or off everything without even getting up from your seat, and even change the color of the lights in your office if you have the correct bulbs. It’s a bit of an investment compared to cheaper bulbs, but they tend to last long, and you will notice the difference if you experiment.

7. Blue-Light Blocking Glasses

While some apps and programs can block blue light from your computer on the inside, a pair of blue light glasses might help you keep your eyes healthier and less stressed while you continue to work, even into the evening. The blue light from your computer might be stressing your eyes. People simply aren’t meant to be exposed to it all day, especially if you are taking more computer time due to the ongoing pandemic (it can be difficult to think of things to do that are not related to a screen in some way).

These glasses are not too expensive; you can probably find a basic pair for less than $20. They come in plenty of designs and styles so that you can easily find a pair that fits well (and perhaps over the pair you already need. Their design has gotten better over time, so you can still see what you need to when working. At the very least, try them out and see how you feel after a week or two.

8. A Fan or Air Purifier

The air quality at home might not be like that at the office, and sometimes that means it is worse in one way or another. Having a dedicated air purifier for your office, especially during allergy season, can make work much easier. Even if it is not a severe problem, breathing in cleaner air will make a difference over the day and make you feel better.

This is another case where you get what you pay for. We suggest that you make sure not to get the cheapest model and pick something out that will be good for the room you are in, ideally quiet enough to not be distracting, and that uses a HEPA filter . Other factors might come down to personal preference and needs, as well as space concerns.

You might want to invest in a nice fan outside of an air purifier if you do not already have one or do not have an air conditioner installed in your office. The summer is coming, and working while cooking is no fun. Keeping fresh air available can keep you from getting tired or easily distracted, and some people might like the white noise a fan can provide.

9. Noise Cancelling Headphones or Earbuds

Whether you have noisy kids in the other room, a neighbor who always seems to mow the lawn at precisely the wrong time, or you, unfortunately, live near an airport or some train tracks, you know that loud noises can be incredibly distracting and ruin your workday. For these situations, we recommend noise-canceling or noise-dampening headphones, which can effectively put you in your own little world while you keep them on.

You might be able to find a model with a microphone attachment if using them in meetings is a concern. However, we recommend getting a dedicated microphone if you are looking for the best sound quality for whatever reason. As far as sound quality is concerned, many models have excellent sound quality (perfect for chill music while working). Just remember that you are getting what you pay for.

If you do not like the bulkiness of headphones or are on the move more often, then perhaps some noise-canceling earbuds might do the trick. In most cases, they will not be as effective, but you will be able to move around more easily and not feel like they are burdening you.

10. A Coffee Maker, Tea Maker, or Blender

If you know the virtues of coffee, this one is self-explanatory. You might have one already set up and use it every morning. How often do you use it? Could you get a better one now that you are spending more time at home and less time at coffee shops? If your coffee maker is older, now might be the perfect time to get something with smart features (wake up to hot coffee every morning), additional settings or controls, or just the ability to make more coffee at once for the true addicts.

If you want something a little fancier, there are espresso machines and latte makers available as well. While they might be pricey, using them to replace going out for your drinks will quickly make up the difference. A little bit of research, and you can be your own barista.

For something a little milder for any time of day, you can invest in a tea maker or electric kettle that can prepare and keep warm some great tea. Tea is easy to order online, and investing in some great blends or options can genuinely give you something to look forward to alongside work every day.

If coffee is not your thing and tea is just not to your taste, perhaps healthy smoothies (or less than healthy ice cream milkshakes) are perfect for you instead. While you might want to source some nice ingredients for yourself, you can use frozen fruit when needed in the summer. There are tons of recipes online you can use, and while you might not keep it in the office, you’ll quickly turn it into a daily necessity. You can even make them a pitcher at a time if you don’t want to spend time every day making them.

11. A Mini Fridge

While you are working from home, you might not think about getting a mini-fridge for your home office or workspace, but it can be an excellent option if you are trying to stay focused and want to keep your lunch or snacks chilled for when you need them.

We understand your workspace is sacred, and if you leave it, opportunities for distraction are more likely. By keeping yourself away from other people and loading up the mini-fridge each morning with your intended options (or perhaps a few cold beverages of choice), you can keep on task and get done earlier.

Alternatively, if you are just looking for some cool water, perhaps getting a water cooler might be your best option. If you drink bottled water anyway, getting larger refillable jugs by delivery can save you money and have less environmental impact than getting many smaller disposable bottles. You might even be able to get hot water out of them for tea or for soothing your throat after a long meeting.

Whatever you pick and whatever size you get, just make sure to maintain and clean it regularly and to use it to make healthy choices if at all possible.

12. A White Board

Having a physical board or sheet that can display your goals, ideas, or major to-do items can be extremely helpful and keep the most important things at the forefront of your mind. Even the act of writing these things down every day can help you focus and be part of your morning ritual. While a sticky note or two can often do the job, we find they are too often ignored and that they can constantly get in the way, big enough to cause a nuisance but small enough to be easily lost. Similarly, digital notes and reminders can be all too easily canceled and forgotten.

Yet a giant message to yourself hanging right in front of you and visible whenever you lookup? That might be a bit more effective.

What size of board you get and where you put it is up to you. Ideally, you can find one that you can mount on the wall with no hassle, and you can keep it clean as needed (so keep it within easy reach).

Conclusion

There are, of course, so many other trinkets and gadgets you can look into, with similar lists to this reaching more than 50 products. We wanted to provide a closer focus on the soon-to-be essentials and items that can improve your quality of life on a day-to-day basis. We hope that at least a few of the things or item types here piqued your interest and that you will go shopping (online or otherwise) for them soon.

Remember that investing in yourself and your work is absolutely worth it. If you are still working from home now, you are likely in it for the long haul. We wish you the best of luck and hope you can keep your workplace fresh and productive!

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Ready to Sell? March 17, 2022

Is Your Home Ready to Sell? Tips to Get Your House Ready for the Market

open house

Image via Pixabay

You’re starting a new chapter in your life, and you need to change where you live. That’s exciting, but it’s also stressful. How are you going to sell your existing home? What can you do to prepare your house to sell quickly? Everything seems to need an update, a repair, or a touch of inspiration. How do you choose where to focus your time and money?

Here are a few tips from David Lyng Real Estate.

Ask a Realtor

Local real estate agents know your housing market; they know what is selling and what is not. With their knowledge, they can tell you the best staging options to help your home sell quickly. They can also help you decide on the right updates to improve the market value of your home.  Use these tips to start a list of possible updates and staging options to review with your agent.

To get a head start on the process, you can use online real estate listings to see how other homeowners in Raleigh have staged their homes for the market. This can give you a good idea of which trends are attracting buyers so you can focus on what’s working.

Start with Curb Appeal

Begin on the street. You need to take a critical look at your landscaping. Have the shrubs become overgrown? How does your lawn look? Maybe you aren’t a flower person, but it is a good idea to plant flowers for those pops of color that make a house feel like home.

Also, take a close look at your doorway and the path leading up to it. Everything needs to sparkle and shine. Maybe a new coat of paint or new door hardware? Placing solar-powered outdoor lights along the path to the front door gives a warming glow. Finally, put out a new welcome mat that invites potential buyers into your home.

Exterior repairs and general maintenance are a must for selling your home. A poorly maintained and messy exterior sets a negative tone for potential buyers. They begin to wonder how well you’ve taken care of your home’s interior before they even open the door. Check your gutters and downspouts, and ensure windows and screens are clean and in good repair.

Declutter and Depersonalize

Cluttered spaces give the impression of insufficient space. If that’s the case for your home, then you need a plan to get organized — and that often begins in the entryway. If your entry is a dumping ground for shoes, boots, backpacks, and briefcases, create a place to put them or find a place to stow them. Do you really need three pairs of boots in your entryway?

Today’s buyers want organized closets and drawers; they don’t want to see clothes tossed on the closet floor or an overflowing laundry hamper. Messy spaces can leave an impression of poorly organized spaces and careless ownership. Consider renting a storage unit for excess items if you don’t have sufficient storage space in your home.

Also, remove personal items such as family photos and knick-knacks. You want potential buyers to see themselves in your home, and that’s often hard to do with pictures of you and your family on mantels, walls, and display shelves. The same holds for those cherished knick-knacks. Your collection of teapots or farm animals may be the envy of your friends and family, but they only intrude on your buyers’ vision of themselves in your home.

Decluttering your home is also a wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to an allowance. By helping you with this project, you could reward them with money, treats, or a fun activity. You can even use helpful allowance apps to let you slowly introduce the idea to your kids.

Create a Blank Slate

After you’ve removed all those personal items and clutter, create a blank slate that is still warm and inviting. Getting that balance right requires a careful assessment of your interior space.

Take a serious look at your floors and walls. To get that blank slate, you need to neutralize (or at least tone down) your color scheme. Changing paint colors is an inexpensive way to update your home and create a backdrop for buyers to imagine their possessions in your space.  Painting removes the signs of pictures on your walls or other personal items you’ve removed.

Clean everything. From ceiling fans to baseboards, it is essential that your home shine. Consider hiring a cleaning service to keep your home spotless. Also, don’t forget the trash. Be sure to clean all trash cans and remove trash promptly to keep odors at bay. Use odor neutralizers and scented candles to make your property smell fresh.

With your interior and exterior list of repairs and updates, you’re ready to sit down with a realtor to set priorities. Real estate professionals like Paul Burrowes know what buyers are looking for in your area and can recommend where to focus your energies when trying to sell a house.

Uncategorized March 10, 2022

7 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Spring

Flowers on the table – a great way to prepare home for spring.
We have stepped into March, and that means only one thing – spring is around the corner! Now is the perfect time to de-winterize your home. So, say goodbye to warm sweaters and cold weather and let in the warm fresh air of spring in your life. We’re talking beautiful flowers, a colorful palette on the walls, and refreshing scents – everything that screams life and blossom will do the trick. In the spirit of things, in today’s article, we will talk about seven ways to prepare your home for spring. Grab yourself a cup of coffee, and let’s scroll!

Reorganize your closet

Let’s start with the most dreaded chore – closet reorganization. This is a task most people love to put off, and we understand why. It takes your valuable time and bores you out of your wits – we get it. However, putting the winter clothes in the back and the spring ones in the front of your closet is an incredible mood booster. Once you see all these light pieces in beautiful colors, you’ll feel much happier. And, once the spring jitters overwhelm your body, you’ll actually feel good about completing this chore.

And, this is a perfect time to declutter. The best way to do this is to look for things you can get rid of, donate, or even recycle. If you have many winter coats and jackets that you won’t be wearing until next winter, we suggest that you think about renting a storage unit.

There are many reasons to rent a storage space, and you should definitely opt for this solution if you want to keep all your winter clothes safe but don’t have enough room in your home. This way, you’ll both prepare your home for spring and make extra space for other stuff.

Give your bed a makeover

Next, you’ll have to make some changes to your bedroom. For instance, those flannel bedding and faux fur blankets may seem snuggly in the winter, but now the weather is warming up. We recommend you use sheets that are made of a more breathable percale or sateen. Additionally, replace bulky throws with something lighter and thinner. This should be one of the first signs of spring in your home.

Add a pop of color

Leave the winter’s dreary behind and let the sunlight in with a pallet of bright colors to welcome the spring season. Giving your space a fresh coat of paint makes everything feel brighter and healthier right away – much like spring mornings themselves. Pastel colors are perfect for interiors and give off a cheery springtime vibe. They go with many different colors in the home and are a terrific way to revitalize a worn space, ranging from mild green to soft yellow. If a full room makeover isn’t in the cards, adding color through soft furnishings like rugs or pillows is a good alternative.

Additionally, if you’re into wallpapers, now it’s a perfect time to make them a part of your home decor. Going with cheery spring prints and bright colors is a great way to prepare your home for spring and refresh your home!

Bring refreshing scents into your home

Spring scents can help you emerge from your winter slumber and get your home ready for the spring season. Lemongrass, bergamot, and orange are classic spring notes, while floral aromas like iris, jasmine, and rose can help brighten your spirits after a long winter. Yes, the days are becoming brighter. However, a shimmering candle flame or a diffuser may still create a warm ambiance in the spring. This is precisely what you need to get in the spirit of things and set the perfect spring mood in your home.

Get your garden tools ready

Spring is an excellent time to examine the winter damage, repair broken tools, sweep the lawn of any fallen debris, and clean up your shed. It may not be the first spot that comes to mind while spring cleaning, but it certainly shouldn’t be neglected.

So, as spring approaches, it’s critical to organize our garden sheds to create room for all the knicks and knacks, tools, and equipment we need to store. Organizing and making maximum use of the space using racking, hooks, and shelves is a terrific place to start. We recommend putting goods that “live together” in categories and labeling segments, so you know where everything is stored. This will keep you from having to turn the shed upside down every time you need to undertake some yard work.

Make your garden guest-ready

Nature is beginning to resurrect itself. While it may still be too chilly to dine outdoors, now is the perfect time to tend to your garden so that you’ll be ready when the weather warms up. So, jet-wash the patio, mow the lawn, clean (or refinish) any worn-out patio furniture, and fix up the garden beds and borders.

Moreover, consider dividing your garden into zones if you have the room. Ideally, you’ll have a designated area for relaxing (sunbeds, a patio sofa, and a hanging egg chair), as well as a separate place for dining (bistro sets are ideal for small areas). Finally, add stylish elements to your outdoor space, such as a garden reflector, lanterns, and outdoor rugs. In no time, your garden will be ready for your friends and family.

Style your home with flowers

Magnolias, hydrangea, tulips! Bringing these beauties into your house serves as a lovely reminder of how things are beginning to blossom outdoors. If you’re anything like us, making your home ready for the spring season is all about decorating your house with flower arrangements that cheer you up, even if it’s only a handful of daisies from the garden. Alternatively, you may purchase a spring wreath or create your own with your favorite wildflowers. It’s just a huge mood booster, and it creates an inviting atmosphere that everybody will enjoy.

Are you ready to prepare your home for the spring?

Spring is coming, and we couldn’t be more excited. If you’re cut from the same cloth, then it’s time to embrace this season in your home. With these seven ways to prepare your home for spring, you’ll be more than ready on March 20th to enjoy the beginning of the best season to the fullest. Think colors, flowers, refreshing scents, eating breakfast al-fresco, and clothes without layers. This all sounds amazing, right? So, roll your sleeves and get to these tasks one by one because spring couldn’t be closer!

For more content about real estate, moving, and downsizing, visit the David Lyng Real Estate blog.

 

Moving March 10, 2022

Downsizing 101: Common Mistake to Avoid

Unpacking

Photo credit: Pexels.com

Downsizing to a smaller home offers various benefits. You won’t have as large of a space to keep clean, will have less stress when it comes to property maintenance, and can cut utility costs. David Lyng Real Estate can help you find your new property in the Scotts Valley, California, area. However, before you can enjoy the benefits of a smaller space, you have to go through the downsizing process. Avoid these common mistakes when downsizing.

Skipping the decluttering process

When downsizing, you’re moving to a smaller space. Your new home may not hold all of the belongings you have in your current place—at least, not comfortably. To avoid that overcrowded feeling, start paring down your belongings before your move. Budget Dumpster provides a comprehensive to decluttering with helpful tips. For example, if you have a lot of garbage, you might consider renting a dumpster.

Getting overzealous with the decluttering process

On the other hand, you don’t want to get too eager with decluttering and tossing out items you might still need. As a rule of thumb, you can probably get rid of items that you have duplicates of or that you haven’t used in more than two years. If you aren’t sure what to do with goods you do get rid of, check out this guide. You can throw items away, recycle them, or donate them, depending on the condition they’re in.

Waiting until the last minute

Decluttering and downsizing take time. You don’t want to complete the job in a rush. Make sure to leave plenty of time to get the job done. Make a plan to guide your progress. You can use this printable template from Microsoft to create a time-sensitive to-do list. In general, aim to allow one week per room when decluttering. This ensures you don’t get overwhelmed, which can result in your wanting to give up before you’re finished.

Tackling the whole house at once

When decluttering, it’s advisable to go on a room by room basis. This ensures you don’t turn the entire house upside down at once. Start with rooms that you rarely use and work your way up to the rooms you use more frequently. You can also combine decluttering with packing. Follow best practices for packing, like clearly labeling boxes according to their rooms, and putting heavier items on the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top.

 Not factoring in your kids and pets

 If you have children or pets, consider their needs when downsizing. For example, pets may get anxious when transitioning to a new location. To help them keep calm, set aside a box of essentials, like toys, food, and a bed. Pet News Daily reveals that an elevated dog bed is a great investment if your dog is older and has joint problems. It can also help keep pups cool when it’s hot out. A dog bed with a canopy will further block your pup from harmful rays.

Miscalculating the costs of downsizing

Finally, don’t forget that downsizing costs money. First, there are expenses associated with moving into a new home, like getting the utilities turned on. Then, there are the costs of the actual downsizing and moving, like packing materials and professional movers. A moving cost calculator can help you get an idea of what you’ll have to pay. This will eliminate costly surprises and ensure you don’t get in over your head financially.

Moving to a senior care facility offers many benefits, from a built-in community to support with everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning. If you are thinking of making this transition.

8 Charities That Will Pick Up Furniture for Free (2023 Guide)

For more content about real estate, moving, and downsizing, visit the David Lyng Real Estate blog.

How to Cope With Moving To a New City

“Moving is often weird, even in the best of circumstances, and it takes time for things to re-adjust,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Courtney Crisp. “Accept what is out of your control, and focus on taking action steps that are in your control.”