Home & Garden

• ISBN13: 9780910627733
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
Purchasing tax lien instruments from city, county, and municipal governments can provide you with very high and secure rates of return, in some cases as high as 12%, 18%, 24%, or even 1,000% or more per year. If performed correctly, investments in tax lien instruments will far outpace stock market performance, even traditional real estate investments. The key is to know how to perform this process correctly. Tax lien certificates and deeds are not purchased throu… More >>

The Complete Guide to Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens & Deeds: How to Earn High Rates of Return – Safely

• ISBN13: 9780446538329
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
If you’re interested in real estate investing, you may have noticed notice the lack of coverage it gets in mainstream financial media, while stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are consistently touted as the safest and most profitable ways to invest. According to real estate guru Ken McElroy, that’s because financial publications, tv and radio programs make the bulk of their money from advertising paid for by the very companies who provide such mainstream financial ser… More >>

Rich Dad’s Advisors: The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing: How to Identify the Hottest Markets and Secure the Best Deals

The Bed Bath

Bed baths are needed by people who are confined to bed. Baths clean, stimulate, and increase blood flow (circulation) in the skin. However, they can also dry the skin and in some instances cause chapping. Thus, you must decide how often a bed bath is needed. Your decision must be based on the situation of the person in your care. For example, if urinary incontinence (leakage), bowel problems, and heavy perspiration are present, a daily bath may be in order. If not, bathing 2 to 3 times a week might be enough. At bath time, inspect the whole body for pressure sores, swelling, rashes, moles, and other unusual conditions. If baths are given often and the skin is dry, use soap and water one time and lotion and water the next. Cornstarch and powder can cause skin problems in some people. Ask the nurse on your health care team for advice.

To avoid spreading germs, always wash your own hands before and after giving a bath. At each step, tell the person what you are about to do and ask for his help if he is able.
Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature and not too warm.

- Gather supplies–disposable gloves, mild soap, washcloth, washbasin, lotion, comb, electric razor, shampoo–and clean clothes.
– Use good body mechanics (position)–keep your feet separated, stand firmly, bend your knees, and keep your back in a neutral position.
– Offer the bedpan or urinal.
– If you have a hospital bed, raise the bed to its highest level and bring the head of the bed to an upright position.
– Help with oral hygiene–brushing the teeth or cleansing the mouth.
– Test the temperature of the water in the basin with your hand.
– Remove the person’s clothes, the blanket, and the top sheet. Cover the person with a towel or light blanket. Keep all of the body covered during the bed bath, uncovering only one area at a time while washing it.
– Now have the person lie almost flat.
– Use one washcloth for soap, one for rinsing, and a dry towel. Have the washcloth very damp, but not dripping.
– Very gently wash the face first; pat dry.
– Wash the front of the neck; pat dry.
– Wash the chest, and for females under the breasts; pat dry.
– Wash the stomach and upper thighs; pat dry.
– Clean the navel with a little lotion on a cotton swab.
– Wash upward from wrist to upper arm to increase circulation; pat dry.
– Wash the hands and between the fingers; check the nails; pat dry.
– Place a towel under the person’s buttocks.
– Flex (bend) the person’s knees.
– Wash the legs; pat dry.
– Wash the feet and between the toes and dry well. Use lotion on dry feet. Do not put lotion between toes. This area must be kept dry and clean to prevent fungal infection.
– Wash the pubic area. If possible, have the person wash his or her own genitals; if not, do it yourself. (Use PeriWash to prevent a buildup of germs.)

If a male is not circumcised, draw back the foreskin, rinse, dry, and bring the foreskin down over the head of the penis again. For the female, wash the genitals thoroughly by spreading the external folds. (This must be done at least daily.)

- Pat the genitals dry.
– Watch for unusual tenderness, swelling, or hardness in the testicles.
– Change the bath water.
– Roll the person away from you.
– Tuck a towel under the person.
– Wash the back from the neck to the buttocks.
– Rinse; dry well.
– Give a back rub with lotion to improve circulation.
– Dress the person.
– Change the bed linens.
– Trim the toenails if they are long.

The Basin Bath

If the person in your care can be in a chair or wheelchair, you can give a sponge bath at the sink.

- Make sure the room is warm.
– Gather supplies–disposable gloves, mild soap, washcloth, washbasin, lotion, comb, electric razor, shampoo–and clean clothes.
– Use good body mechanics (position)–keep your feet separated, stand firmly, bend your knees, and keep your back in neutral.
– Offer the urinal.
– Wash the face first.
– Wash the rest of the upper body.
– If the person can stand, wash the genitals. If the person is too weak to stand, wash the lower part of the body in the bed.
– The Tub Bath
– If the person in your care has good mobility and is strong enough to get in and out of the tub, he or she may enjoy a tub bath. Be sure there are grab bars, a bath bench, and a rubber mat so the person doesn’t slide. (It may be easier to sit at bench level rather than at the bottom of the tub.) Use the following steps:
– Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature.
– Gather supplies–disposable gloves for the caregiver, mild soap, washcloth, lotion, comb, electric razor, shampoo–and clean clothes.
– Check the water temperature before the person gets in.
– Guide the person into the tub. Have the person use the grab bars. (Don’t let the person grab you and pull you down.)
– Help the person wash.
– Empty the tub and then help the person get out.
– Guide the person to use the grab bars while getting out. OR you can have the person stand up and then sit on the bath bench. Swing first one leg, then the other leg, over the edge of the tub. Help him stand.
– Put a towel on a chair or the toilet lid and have the person sit there to dry off.
– Apply lotion to any skin that appears dry.
– Help the person dress.

The Shower

Before starting, be sure the shower floor is not slippery. Also make sure there are grab bars, a bath bench, and a rubber mat so the person doesn’t slide. A removable shower head is also useful.

- Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature.
– Explain to the person what you are going to do.
– Provide a shower stool in case he or she needs to sit.
– Gather supplies–mild soap, washcloth, washbasin, comb, electric razor, shampoo–and clean clothes.
– Turn on the cold water and then the hot to prevent burns. Test and adjust the water temperature before the person gets in. Use gentle water pressure.
– First, spray and clean the less sensitive parts of the body such as the feet.
– For safety, ask the person to hold the grab bar or to sit on the shower stool.
– Move the water hose around the person rather than asking the person to move.
– Assist in washing as needed.
– Guide the person out of the shower and wrap with a towel. Turn the water off.
– Apply lotion to skin that appears dry.
– If necessary, have the person sit on a stool or on the toilet lid.
– Assist in drying and dressing.

Buying a new home in Los Angeles is an attractive option because this is a vibrant and growing city. There are plenty of home types to choose from such as family homes, condominium units, town houses, luxury home, custom homes and much more.

If you are going to buy a new home, you need to check out many factors such as pricing, features, spacing, facilities, and neighborhood quality and so on, before you fix on a particular property.

Now, after you have completed checking out property features and are fully satisfied with the property you have chosen, you will be asked to go through a final walk-through before closing the deal on the purchase. Final walk thru should not be ignored as you can find signs of home conditions that are incorrect even at this time. Here are some New Home Buying tips on what to notice in your final walk through day:

• Look into all the paperwork that needs to be completed for the purchase. Is everything correct and in place?

• Look into every water tap in the home for water pressure and temperature. Flush every toilet to find out, if they are all working well

• Check out every home appliance to find out if it is in proper working condition.

• Make a note on the home’s exterior and the interior. Is there any change to it from the last time you saw it earlier? If so, point out on this and ask questions

It’s important to schedule the final walk through as close to the time of closing as possible as this will ensure that any improper condition comes to light before the purchase gets through completely. If you do find conditions that need notifications, inform the seller about it and ask them about what can be done to rectify it. If you hired a Realtor to find the house, the Realtor will do all this work for you and ensure that you have a home that’s just right before you move in.

Buying a new home in Los Angeles is an attractive option because this is a vibrant and growing city. The current growth trends, job prospects and development activities happening here will increase the value of your new home. There are plenty of home types to choose from such as family homes, historical home, condominium units, town houses, luxury home, custom homes and much more.

If you are going to buy a new home, you need to check out many factors such as pricing, features, spacing, facilities, and neighborhood quality and so on, before you fix on a particular property.

Now, after you have completed checking out property features and are fully satisfied with the property you have chosen, you will be asked to go through a final walk through before closing the deal on the purchase. The final walk through should not be ignored as you can find signs of home conditions that are incorrect even at this time. Here are some new home buying tips on what to look for in your final walk through day:

• Look into all the paperwork that needs to be completed before the purchase. Is everything correct and in place?

• Look at every water faucet in the home for water pressure and temperature. Flush every toilet to find out, if they are all flushing correctly.

• Check out every home appliance to find out if it is in proper working condition, every fan, heating appliance and so on.

• Make a note on the home’s exterior and the interior. Is there any change to it from the last time you saw it earlier? If so, point out on this and ask questions.

It is important to schedule the final walk through as close to the time of closing as possible as this will ensure that any improper condition comes to light before the purchase gets through completely. If you do find conditions that need notifications, inform the seller about it and ask them about what can be done to rectify the identified problems. If you have hired a Realtor to find the house, the Realtor will do all this work for you and ensure that you have a home that is just right before you move in.

The general market for garden furniture is dominated by imports of finished and semi-assembled furniture sold mainly by major DIY and furniture outlets. Such garden furniture is decorative and very durable. There are many different types of cheap garden furniture including hardwood, teak, metal, cast iron and even sets that come with glass tables.

The French and German markets are two of the most significant in Europe for garden furniture, and both have shown steady growth over recent years. The fashion for dining or taking tea alfresco traveled easily to America, where garden furniture became a fixture of the landscape, just as it had in England.

The purchase of teak garden furniture is a true investment in value. Teak is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture as the wood ages beautifully and will give you outdoor living pleasure and years of enjoyment. Teak is an extremely dense-grained wood and is very resistant to rot, warping, shrinkage and swelling which makes it ideal for outdoor patio and garden furniture. You’d be best to choose your style of teak furniture carefully as your outdoor teak furniture will be around for many years. Most teak furniture owners will leave their teak furniture outside all year long as there is no reason not to, such is its resilience.

Indonesian teak is considered by many teak furniture manufacturers to be the highest quality of teak wood available in the world today. Teak furniture is generally all made with mortise and tendon joinery. This is a superior method of construction which results in more solid and durable pieces of furniture. Most manufacturers will also use solid brass castings, screws and bolts in the construction of their furniture, which adds that touch of class.

The highest quality teak furniture will also be fully machine made. Fully machine made teak garden furniture guarantees the owner will have more uniformity and a more perfectly finished product. Enjoy garden furniture that is solidly built, needs little maintenance, and will go on giving pleasure in your garden year after year.

When choosing your garden furniture, keep in mind the geographic location that you live in. If your are is prone to extremes of temperature, you will need to ensure your purchase will withstand these extremes.

An example of this is, where your summer temperatures reach very high levels, you may want to think twice about purchasing metallic garden furniture. There have been some nasty burns primarily caused through the hot sun on metal garden furniture.

If you have decided on wood furniture, again bear in mind the temperatures that the furniture will be exposed to. You will need a lot more resilience to extremes of temperature than if you live in a more temperate climate.

Keep in mind also what the primary use of the garden furniture will be. If you are wanting to dine outdoors, for example, you may want to look at a design that incorporates a lazy susan, or revolving center. This makes the outdoor dining experience a lot more pleasurable, especially if your table is large.

If you are all out entertainers, make sure your garden furniture is either equipped with plenty of seating, or alternatively at a later date you could add individual pieces to it. Extra chairs, footstools, loungers and the like are often part of a larger set of which the basic setting is your first purchase.

Also, beware of glass tables. If you are interested in a glass table, make sure you also purchase an umbrella that will cover the circumference of the table. This is mainly to avoid the problem of glare from the sun.

It does not matter what you choose, the age old adage of “you get what you pay for” applies equally to garden furniture. If you are wanting something to stand the test of time and climate, you will end up paying accordingly. Once again, decide the purpose of use for the garden furniture, and you will not be disappointed.

Selling A Used Car if not done correctly can be a daunting experience, what with `time-wasters`, finding all the right documents to go with the vehicle sect ect. Can turn a simple used car sale into a whole load of stress, and can sometimes see you not getting anywhere near the price your asking for the vehicle. Its important to create a smooth sale, to have everything in order, the car cleaned and in a presentable condition. Following this simple used car selling guide, will help with a smooth sale and to get the best used car price that you can.

　

Make Sure You Have.

　

1, Registration if the license plate(s) will go with the vehicle.

2, Emissions certificate

3, Available maintenance and repair records, including replacement part warranties.

4, Vehicle manufacturers warranty if still valid.

5, Owners booklet.

Having these documents handy will help in a smooth sale, also Vehicle manufacturers warranty is very advantageous.

Make It Sparkle.

1, Dust and vacuum the interior.

2, Clean the leather or upholstery, and the fabric trim.

3, Wash the floor mats.

4, Clean all the glass surfaces inside and out.

5, Polish the chrome.

6, Wipe engine with degrease.

7, Empty the boot, glove compartment and any other storage areas.

Its very important to clean the Used Car and make it presentable for sale. A car which has not been cleaned `no matter how good a runner it is` will imply to the potential customer, that the you have not taken care of it and will put most buyers off. Remember this is your chance to sell it, so make the most of it!

Fix It Up

1, Buy seat covers for worn leather or upholstery.

2, Replace burned out exterior and interior light bulbs.

3, Replace cracked or broken headlight, brake and tail light lamps.

4, Replace badly frayed or worn seat belts.

5, Buy new windscreen wipers if needed.

6, Check all fluids and top up or replace where needed.

7, Replace cracked windows and windshields.

8, Repair broken radio or cd player.

9, Repair faulty heating and air conditioning.

10, Repair non-functioning electric windows, electri-clocks, electric seats.

If you want the maximum amount for your used car, this part is important. The better condition the vehicle is in, the better Used Car Price you can command.

To Increase Your Used Car Price Consider

1, An engine tune up to make it purr.

2, Wheel alignment for straight tracking.

3, New shock absorbers if there going or gone.

4, New tyres if the ones on vehicle are worn.

5, A brake job to replace worn shoes.

Following this Selling A Used Car Guide, can only increase the speed and smoothness for your Used Car Sale whilst ensuring you get the best Used Car Price that you can.

Americans and their loved pets move on average every seven years. If you have a pet or pets, remember that they also experience stress, particularly from moving. In many cases, moving can be even more stressful on pets, as the home is their habitat. Pets can also become very frightened when faced with unfamiliar situations. Careful organization and planning can make the moving process easier and less stressful for both you and your pet. Our guide offers tips and advice to help you and your pet through this process.

Pet travel warning

• Never move a sick pet – the move may aggravate his symptoms and be dangerous to his health.

• The Animal Welfare Act makes it illegal to transport puppies and kittens less than eight weeks old by air.

• Pets cannot be moved on a moving van with your household belongings.

• Pets are generally not allowed on trains or buses, unless they’re guide-dogs accompanying blind or otherwise impaired persons.

• Book a direct flight if you are traveling by plane. If your pet is traveling in freight he may be sitting outside with the freight for a long period of time between flights and as the freight is being moved from plane to plane. If the weather is either too hot or too cold your pet will suffer. An insulated crate will certainly help this situation if it cannot be avoided.

Air Transport

You may transport your pet by air either accompanying you or as air freight. Some airlines provide counter-to-counter service so your pet will be carried on and off the plane by an airline employee. Remember, not all airlines accept pets for transportation, so be sure to inquire when you are making your travel arrangements. Also be sure to check about charges and insurance charges for transporting your pet.

It is important that you book your air travel as early as possible. Airlines that accept pets for transportation will have specific regulations and guidelines regardless of whether the pets are accompanied or unaccompanied. For example, you may be required to be at the airport several hours in advance of the flight to check your pet in and your pet may need a special crate. The airline may be able to provide to you a crate for the trip, or you may have to purchase one from the airline.

The airline will have guidelines on the crate types allowed and your local pet supply company will be able to sell you the required crate. You pet should be able to stand and turn around with ease and there should be adequate ventilation. The bottom of the crate should be padded with newspaper or other absorbent material. Add a favorite toy on move day to give a sense of security. Try to get your pet accustomed to the crate at home before the big day.

On move day, feed and water your pet at least 5 hrs before the flight departure time and water again at least 2 hours before departure. Remember to administer any medication or veterinarian-recommended tranquilizers before departure. When you arrive at the airport, exercise your pet and check that you have provided all the necessary information to airline staff regarding your name, correct new address and alternate contact name in case of emergency.

Some airlines allow passengers to bring pets into the cabin with them, provided they fall within a specific size range and stay in a carrier for the duration of the flight.

By road – In a motor vehicle

Unless you are planning a very short road trip, do not feed or water your pet for a couple of hours before leaving. You may decide to put your pet in a crate during the road trip, but be sure he is able to stand and turn around with ease and that there is adequate ventilation. The bottom of the crate should be padded with newspaper, towels or other absorbent and cushioning material. Adding a favorite toy will help give a sense of security. Exercise your pet regularly during the road trip, but always use a leash because your furry friend can easily get lost or hit by a car if he wanders off.

Do not let your pet hang his head out the window while the car is moving. While many dogs love to do this, it can cause sore eyes, ears or throat. And, never let the windows down so far that your pet can jump out.

Warning

Never leave a pet in a hot car during the summer or in a cold car in the winter. Temperatures inside a car with closed windows escalate dramatically when it’s parked in the sun. Even if it’s pleasant outside, it takes only a few moments to reach over 100 degrees inside the car – which can be fatal for small occupants. If you absolutely have to leave your pet briefly, and the day is hot, park in the shade, lock the car doors and crack the windows open several inches to provide cross-ventilation. Check on him regularly. If the day is very hot, it is best not to leave your pet in the car at all.

Pet’s travel bag

Don’t forget to pack a travel bag for your pet! Following is a list of items you may wish to include;

• Food and can opener

• Food and water dishes

• Any medication your pets needs

• Treats

• Favorite toys

• Leash

• Grooming brush

• Bags to clean up after your pet

• Newspapers

• Cleaner and paper towel

Whatever mode of transport you use for your pet, make sure you are in compliance with state and local regulations for animals in your destination city, along with current copies of.

• ID tags

• Health records

Pets ID tags

The state where you are moving may have different laws regarding animals and their entry across state lines. It is important that you understand the requirements so that you can comply with them, so contact the state veterinarian for specific information. It is not uncommon for pets to need an entry permit in order to enter a new state. As well, in many towns and cities the number of pets per household may be limited. You will be required to obtain a local license for your pet within a certain deadline, such as 30 days, so find out what it is. You don’t want to pay a fine for not keeping your pet’s license current!

Health

You may need to obtain a health certificate for your pet from a licensed veterinarian and this can be used in the event it is required for entry to your new home state. The Department of Agriculture may request to see the health cert at your destination airport or could even be patrolling the highways if you are driving. A health cert is generally valid for 10 days, so be sure to have the inspection scheduled just before you move. The veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination of your pet and check that he is current with all inoculations.

Dogs

Whether traveling by air or by car, moving can be even more stressful for a dog than for a human, although some dogs adapt better than others. Hold off on packing your dog’s bedding and toys until the last moment so that he can be comforted by the presence of familiar things. If you’re traveling a long way, avoid feeding your dog for 12 hours before the journey in order to prevent travel sickness. If you know your dog suffers from travel sickness, ask your veterinary surgeon about medication.

If you plan on flying to your new home, do your best to book a direct flight. If your dog has to be transported by freight and the flight is not direct he may have to sit out in the hot or cold weather as the freight is boarded to the new flight. Check with the airlines for details. If your dog is small enough, he may be able to travel in the passenger cabin with you. He will need a special pet carrier, which you can purchase at your local pet store. Ask the airline what crate specifications they require.

If traveling by car, have your dog’s nails cut to avoid damage to the upholstery. Carry an adequate supply of plastic bags and use these to clean up after your pet at any rest stops you use. Never let your dog hang his head out the window of a car when it’ s moving. Even though most dogs love to do this, it can cause sore eyes, ears or throat.

Never leave your pet alone in a car, especially in hot weather. The temperature inside the car can quickly rise to an unbearable level, even on what feels like a pleasant afternoon.

Once you arrive at your destination, be sure to get your dog back in to his routine of eating and exercise. If you have moved to an apartment building and your pet dog was used to having a yard to play in, you’ll need to be extra considerate. Walk your dog more frequently, at least until he gets used to his new living situation. Be patient and make allowances for indoor “accidents.” Don’t punish your pooch, as this may make the problem worse. Clean the mess to remove the soil and smell. Once your dog has settled in, the accidents should stop. Use positive reinforcement to teach him where he needs to go. Always praise him when he relieves himself in the correct place.

One way to help your dog settle in more quickly is to create a comfortable sleeping area for him. If your new home has a yard, check the fencing to make sure that it is secure, of sufficient height and ‘hole-free’ before letting your dog run loose. If your dog is able to escape, exercise him on a lead until you are able to make the necessary improvements.

Cats

It’s commonly accepted that cats get very attached to places and typically hate to move. Cats get particularly comfortable with routine, and don’t like their environment to change. This can make moving especially difficult for humans and their cats.

In the days leading up to your move, try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible. It is best to crate your cat during the moving process, and it may be helpful to ask a friend or family member to keep an eye him.

If you are traveling by air, you may need to purchase an airline-approved carrier for you cat. You airline should be able to provide you with all the details. If you are traveling by car you may also want to use a crate or carrier so your cat cannot roam about the car, or escape through an open window or door.

Once you are in your new location, be careful to keep your cat indoors until he becomes comfortable in his new surroundings. Do not allow your cat outdoors, because he may try to return to you old home … and that’s obviously dangerous for him, especially if you’ve moved far away. Supervised outings are advised until your pet gets used to your new home. You can use a long leash on your cat and connect it to a stake in the ground, allowing your pet to wander the length of the leash for the first few days. Let your cat explore all the rooms of the house and be sure to check that outside doors and windows are closed before you begin.

Birds and Small Pets

Of all pets, birds are probably the most sensitive to changes in temperature and environment. Your pet bird can be moved in the cage in which it lives. When you are moving with your pet bird, be sure to use a cover for the cage. This can keep the bird calm and protect it from drafts. Place the cage in a shallow box to collect any gravel, feathers or droppings that may spill during transit. Remove any containers of food and water before moving the cage to avoid spills en route. Do feed and water your bird at its regular times, as birds, like all small animals, can become dehydrated very quickly in warm weather.

Some states require a health cert for birds entering the state. The USDA may inspect this cert either at the airport or during routine roadway inspections. Have your pet bird inspected by your veterinarian prior to traveling. Some health certificates are valid for a brief period of time. Ten 10 days is a common window for a health certificate.

Horses

There are several ways to transport horses. Your horse can be transported by air freight, by towing a trailer or by hiring a specialized horse transporting company. The horse transport company can use either air or road to transport horses.

By Air

Many airlines accept horses as air freight. In general, they will only transport horses on direct flights. You will be required to have a stall constructed to the airline’s specifications, and you will need to ensure your horse has the necessary health checks completed prior to moving to your new home state. Remember that requirements vary by state, and airlines will request a health certificate. The USDA may also be at the destination airport conducting inspections and may request to see the health certificate.

By Road

Depending on the distance you need to travel, towing your horse in a trailer behind your car or truck may be an option. If you do not own a trailer, you may consider renting one, but you’ll want to be sure you’re experienced enough to safely load and trailer your horse. You can also pack tack and feed in the trailer.

If your trip requires overnight stays you will need to book stables en route for your horse. These stables will require a health certificates appropriate to horses only, and if they do not you probably don’t want to board your horse there. Your veterinarian should be aware of the applicable laws of the different states and will be able to provide you with the necessary health certificates. (Contact information regarding states entry requirements is at the end of this guide.)

If you are unable to find a stable or lodgings for your horse in close proximity to your hotel, inquire whether the hotel will allow you to keep the trailer in the parking lot overnight. In inclement weather this is not advisable. Feed and water your horse per the normal routine and clean out the stall when you have an overnight stop.

Reptiles

Most states have strict government regulations regarding the entry of reptiles. See the states regulatory contact list at the end of this guide to find out what you need to do before moving your reptile from state to state.

As a general rule, the carrier that a reptile is transported in needs to be kept moist. Place the reptile in a cloth bag and fasten the top of the bag, making sure to leave the reptile enough room to move about, then place the bag in the shipping container. Use foam peanuts for cushioning and place damp paper or cloth in the shipper to keep the environment moist. Make sure there are air holes in the shipper for ventilation. If you are traveling overnight with your reptile you may need to place him in the tub of your hotel room at night for a nice long soak. Check if the hotel allows pets first.

Do not ship reptiles in excessively hot or cold weather, as their shipping container may be left outside for periods of time, leading to stress and possibly death.

Snakes must be handled with extra care, especially if they are venomous. Most airlines require double crating for snakes, which means putting the snake in one crate and then placing this crate in another, larger crate. Adequate ventilation is a must. The airline may provide you with stickers to put on all sides of the crate and you will need to write the type of snake on this label. You should also write on the sticker whether the snake is venomous or not.

**Warning

Remember to keep the surroundings of all reptiles moist, but not wet. Placing a damp cloth inside the container is one of the best ways to keep your reptile’s environment appropriately moist during transit.

Fish

Fish are notoriously difficult to move safely from one location to another, but it can be done effectively and efficiently with some planning. It is advisable to sell or give away as many fish as you can before you move to help ease the burden. However if this is not an option, this guide will help you understand what you need to do.

Depending on the size of your aquarium, and the number and type of fish you have, it may be easier to separate them into a several smaller tanks. If the aquarium is 5 gallons or less it may be just as easy to move the entire aquarium. Place some cellophane over the top of the aquarium and remove all heaters and aerators. Place the container in a cooler box or Styrofoam container to regulate the temperature and keep it constant for up to 48 hours. Be sure to open the cellophane every four to five hours to change and refresh the air. This option may be the best for tropical fish, which don’t do well in smaller containers with overcrowding or sudden changes in water and temperature.

Never leave the container in the car overnight, as the temperature changes may be too drastic for the fish. If you plan to be traveling to your destination for a couple of days with your fish it is advisable to purchase a portable aerator to keep the water well oxygenated. Always pack your aquarium last in the moving truck so that you can unload it quickly at your destination.

If you separate your fish into smaller containers or fish bags, you should try to use the aquarium water in order to keep the environment as constant as possible. In the event you do not have enough water for all the smaller containers, add fresh or saltwater appropriate to the type of fish. It is advisable to allow each container of water to settle for a few hours after filling. If you have only a small number of fish and are moving a short driving distance, you can move the fish to their new location by using plastic bags half-filled with water and half-filled with air. As a general guideline, each fish should have at least 1-2 gallons of water. To maintain the temperature, place the bags in an insulated container or Styrofoam container.

Most fish can go without food for a couple of days without any problems, but it is important to add healing agents to the water, as the fish may become bruised en route. This is not uncommon and you can purchase healing agents at your local pet supply store.

When you arrive at your destination set up the aquarium as quickly as possible. You may need to treat the water to neutralize any chemicals; your local pet store can advise you of any treatments the local water may need.

Turn the aerator on for a while, and then add slowly and gently add the fish to the tank one at a time. Wait until the water settles, and feed them as usual.

New Community

PLEASE, PLEASE be responsible when you move and check beforehand with your new community to find out if pets are allowed. Some apartment and condominium complexes may not allow pets, and you certainly don’t want to find that out on moving day.

Some of the most common reasons that people leave their pets with shelters are “we are moving “and “my landlord doesn’t allow pets.” Remember, pets do not know why their owners are leaving them behind, so do your homework beforehand to save all that heartbreak. Consider your options carefully, as pets should be considered a lifetime commitment. If you are absolutely unable to take your pet with you, you owe it to this creature to find him a good home.

State and local regulations

You need to make sure that your pet has some sort of easily read ID attached to its body. For dogs and cats this can be a collar, while a tag around the leg is appropriate for birds. The ID tag should have your pet’s name, destination address, your name and telephone number. It is also a good idea to have an alternate’s name and number on the tags in the event that somebody finds your lost pet and is unable to get in touch with you. You should also have rabies tags for your pet; depending on the state where you live this will most likely be a requirement. For air travel, your pet may be required to wear special travel tags, which the airline will provide.

Learn how Zillow comes up with its Zestimate, and what real estate professionals need to know to about it.

A major aid to keeping your house clean is a home cleaning guide. Few people enjoy living in a dirty and disorganized home.  While keeping a home clean, hygienic and tidy is challenging it needs to be done.  Cleaning can at times be an overwhelming task and maintaining a home that is spotless can often seem impossible. However, if left a dirty home may become an insurmountable task which is able to discourage even the most enthusiastic among us.  It takes an organized effort to transform a home from messy and dirty to clean and organized.  

Organization is the key
Get organized before you start the task of cleaning. Clear away the debris and sort things into their proper places.  Pick up the clutter, throw away rubbish and store what needs to be stored.   Clear surfaces and floors in anticipation of what is to come.  Tidying up alone can sap you of energy so be sure that you approach it in a relaxed manner.  Put your favourite music on and dress in old and comfortable clothes.  Allocate yourself time to accomplish your task without having to rush and watch the clock.  If needed arrange to have a take-out food delivered or stock the fridge with a few delicacies.  Keep plenty of water on hand and don’t punish yourself.

Before you begin the great tidy up you need to have nearby a few garbage bags and a few storage containers.  As you tidy it will be easy to find a place to put those things you aren’t sure about.   Keep your storage containers to a minimum of about three. One will be for items you need to keep, one is for items you will be donating and the last is for items you wish to relocate to other areas of your home.  Complete one room at a time before moving to the next.  Start with your main living areas first as this will give you the incentive to keep going.

Don’t punish yourself.  Organizing your home is the first and the most important step on the ladder to a clean and comfortable home.  Take the time you need and make sure that your task is accomplished effectively.

Home cleaning tips
Apart from organizing your living spaces, clearing away the clutter will help speed up your cleaning time.  Having to stop every few seconds to move or pick up something will slow you down.  At the end of your cleaning if your home is clean but still messy and untidy you won’t feel the benefits or sacrifices you have put into cleaning.

Before you begin cleaning, gather together all the cleaning supplies you will need.  Keep them in a bin or bucket, or create an apron with pockets that will not only serve to protect your clothes, but will ensure that wherever you are cleaning you will be fully prepared. In this bin or apron you will need to keep dusters, rags, window cleaner, furniture polish, anti-bacterial sprays, detergents, garbage bags and carpet cleaner. You will also need a bucket, mop and vacuum cleaner.  

Establish a strategy
Cleaning effectively relies not only on the correct cleaning supplies but also on a well planned methodology.   It is recommended that you completely clean one room at a time before moving to the next.

Start from the back rooms so that you don’t tramp dirt or dust through your newly cleaned rooms.  The strategy many professional cleaners employ is from top to bottom and in a circular pattern.  Start with ceilings using a damp cloth or duster to clean away dust and cobwebs. Move onto the walls and then windows.  After this you can concentrate on furniture or counter tops, bookshelves and desks before moving onto the floor.  

This strategy will not only save you time but once a room has been completed it will give you the incentive to move onto the next.

A dirty and disorganized home has the ability to change your mood and your lifestyle.  A dirty home can breed viruses and bacteria and can be a health hazard to all who live or enter it.  

Once you have cleared away the clutter you can arrange a schedule that suits your lifestyle.  We all want a clean home and cleaning your home is about nothing more than consistency, commitment and pride and a home cleaning guide will help you keep it so.