As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on that crisp autumn chill, it’s time for homeowners to transition their focus from summer fun to fall upkeep. Preparing your home for the cooler months not only ensures comfort but also helps avoid costly repairs down the line. Here’s your essential fall home maintenance checklist to keep your property in tip-top shape—and tips to make it enjoyable!
If you’re new to the U.S., you’re probably thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?” Well, I promise you it’s not challenging to get yourself acclimated if you use all the tools available. Is it a significant culture change? Yes. Depending on where you are moving from, it can seem a bit overwhelming. For centuries, the United States has welcomed immigrants to the waters of the Hudson River in New York City and into Ellis Island. The idea of the country being a melting pot is a source of great pride for all who reside there. If you plan on moving, it’s always best to research and be prepared.
Relocating to a new place is always rife with confusion and lots of paperwork, so it’s best to plan and mark off tasks step by step. The first question is, are you moving for work, or will you have to find a job once you get there? If you are relocating for work, the good news is your company will most likely take care of a good deal of that pesky paperwork for you. Create a spreadsheet of tasks you’ll need to tackle before you move and what you’ll need to handle once settled into your new place. If you need to find a job, make sure to update your resume, have an interview-ready suit available, and start your search. Many companies will have no problem conducting interviews virtually for someone moving from another country. You’ll need a passport, which can take months, so check that it’s up to date and ready to go; if not, start that process right away.
Traveling nurses are one-of-a-kind nurses who travel around the country to fill vacancies at healthcare facilities. It’s unique in that they get to explore different parts of the world while doing what they love and getting to help people. Being a travel nurse offers a view into other places, cultures, and work environments. It’s also a transient lifestyle that means never staying in one place for an extended period.
At MyKey, we work with travel nurses nationwide to place them in rental units suitable for them and their families. We understand that their time is better spent preparing for their new job than searching for housing in their new town or city. Our extensive inventory of furnished and unfurnished housing units allows us to find what works best for our nurses, their families, and their furry friends. We can offer leases starting at one month and working up to 12 months, special rates for MyKey customers, and discounted rates for long-term stays.
Each nurse will have a dedicated account manager with whom they will work closely so we can help meet their needs and schedule. The account manager will gather all the necessary information to ensure that the options we present meet the nurse’s special needs, and possibly even some of their desired wants.
The account manager will be with them throughout the process and their stay in their temporary housing. At MyKey, we believe that having an advocate for you is just as crucial as placing you in a rental unit. We know that living in a safe and healthy environment matters, so we’ll do the research to find the safest areas close to work, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing it’s all taken care of.
In life, they say two things are guaranteed: death and taxes. Let’s add to that – unexpected housing expenses. It’s no secret that being a homeowner comes with added responsibility, including mortgage loans, home maintenance, and being prepared for anything. It’s not enough to have money saved away in a high-yield savings account for a rainy day. Homeowners or Renters insurance is the only way to ensure that your home and personal belongings are covered in case of a disaster.
Homeowners insurance is specifically for people who own their own home or apartment. It covers personal belongings and the home’s structure. The only difference between homeowner and renter insurance is that homeowners’ insurance covers the dwelling.
There are five core coverages in homeowners’ insurance:
If you find yourself staying in hotels or Airbnbs for an extended period of time – whether that is because you are a frequent traveller or you have been displaced from your home – you may find yourself leaving behind the comforts of your home kitchen. But with a bit of planning, you can still whip up delicious meals even when you’re on the go. Whether you’re staying in a hotel with a small kitchenette or an Airbnb with a fully equipped kitchen, here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your temporary cooking space.
Before you start planning meals, get familiar with the kitchen facilities available. In hotels, kitchenettes are usually compact with basic appliances such as a microwave, a mini-fridge, and perhaps a coffee maker. Some hotels might offer more comprehensive setups, but it’s always good to check in advance. Airbnb kitchens vary greatly but often include a full range of appliances, utensils, and cookware. Review the property description and look at photos to understand what’s available.
Given the constraints of a temporary kitchen, simplicity is key. Plan meals that require minimal equipment and ingredients. Opt for dishes that can be made in one pot or pan, like stir-fries, pasta dishes, or sheet pan meals. For breakfasts, consider simple options like cereal, oatmeal, PB&J, yogurt with fruit, or scrambled eggs, which are easy to prepare with basic tools. Buying some non-perishable snacks or long-lasting fruit like oranges, apples, and bananas are great options for quick and easy snacks to take with you on the go.
As society keeps moving forward with our technology, and changing as rapidly as it is, so is the way we live our daily lives. Smart Homes have become a way to make life easier and safer for our families. So, what are some ways you can make your home work smarter for you?
The choice you make on your internet plan can make all the difference in using various electronic equipment like computers, smartphones, security cameras, and streaming cable services. Consulting with your internet provider to understand the details of each package, including upload and download speeds, can ensure you select the most efficient plan for your household’s needs. This is particularly helpful if you work from home. Having faster internet will make working from home much easier for you and your coworkers who rely on you to get your job done quickly and correctly.
For larger homes, a Wi-Fi extender can be a valuable investment. The average range of a home Wi-Fi network can be anywhere from 100 to 300 feet, but obstacles like walls, furniture, and other objects can block or weaken the signal. A Wi-Fi extender is a tool that helps transmit a Wi-Fi signal from your wireless router to those hard-to-reach places and increases the range you can use your Wi-Fi in your home or office. Websites like CNET are a great resource for finding the best extender in your price range.
In recent news, Toronto has faced an unprecedented natural disaster: severe flooding that has caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and significantly impacted the daily lives of its residents. Record-breaking rainfall overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems, leading to widespread flooding that affected both residential and commercial areas. As the city grapples with the aftermath, the essential role of insurance housing providers, such as MyKey Global Accommodations, has emerged as a crucial lifeline for those impacted.
The heavy rains began unexpectedly, with a series of weather systems converged over Toronto, resulting in relentless downpours that continued for days. The city’s aging infrastructure, not designed to handle such volumes of water, quickly became overwhelmed. Streets transformed into rivers, basements flooded, and entire neighborhoods were submerged.
Residents were forced to evacuate their homes, and emergency services were stretched thin as they responded to countless calls for help. The financial impact has been staggering, with initial estimates suggesting damages in the billions of dollars. For many, the road to recovery seems daunting, especially for those without adequate insurance coverage.
Moving into a temporary living situation can feel stressful and foreign to many people. We see home as a familiar place that brings us joy and solace. A new apartment or home can feel cold and void of any memories. With some instant changes, this new space can feel more personal, light, and fun making the transition much easier.
Communicating with your landlord or leasing office is key to any transactional relationship and with temporary housing it is extremely important. Make sure to do a thorough walk-through at move-in with your landlord or property manager documenting every little piece of damage you might find with pictures (time stamped and dated) and a list. Have yourself and your landlord sign the list at the end of the walk-through and make sure each party has a copy. Come to an agreement with them on what items are to be fixed immediately and what items you just want noted so that you are not responsible for them at move-out. This will be the most important part of the process.
Communication is also important for any issues that arise during your stay in temporary housing. If anything breaks or you need assistance with something make sure to report it right away. Document the report either via email, text or through their form. Taking pictures that are time-stamped and dated is always recommended. Read your lease and know what you are and are not responsible for during your stay and at move-out.
Navigating the bustling landscape of business travel can often be a challenge. Lodging options range from the traditional hotel experience to the newer, more customizable short-term rental trend. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of leveraging short-term rentals for your next corporate excursion. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a member of the corporate lodging team, or an active player in the short-term rental market, you’ll find the information here invaluable.
Business travel is all about finding the right balance between comfort, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Short-term rentals offer a unique blend of these elements, providing business travellers with a home-away-from-home ambiance that conventional hotel rooms often lack. Here’s why short-term rentals stand out for professionals on the go:
Gone are the days of living out of a suitcase in a cramped hotel room. Short-term rentals boast fully furnished spaces which include the amenities and utilities essential for a comfortable stay. This means you can expect a fully-equipped kitchen, an in-unit washer and dryer, entertainment systems, and more—perfect for those lengthy work assignments.
One of the major perks of short-term rentals is their integration into local communities. Many providers have in-market teams that can provide you with insider knowledge on where to eat, do laundry, exercise, and buy groceries—all within close proximity. This local expertise can be a game-changer for business travellers looking to balance work and leisure effectively.
With short-term rentals, duration is not an issue. Whether you need accommodations for a week or a year, there’s a tailored solution for you. What’s more, the pricing model is often more favourable for extended stays, with discounts that can significantly reduce the cost compared to daily hotel rates.
The analogy of ‘hotel service in a home’ is apt for many short-term rental providers. From concierge arrangements to regular housekeeping services, they bring the predictability of hotel accommodations into the private space of your rental unit. It’s a level of service that’s personalized yet professional.
Safety is non-negotiable for business travel. Short-term rentals are typically located in residential areas that offer peace and quiet yet are also within close reach of business centers. This is invaluable for focused work and a good night’s sleep before those early morning meetings.
As spring fades into summer, the threat of wildfires looms across North America. Every year, communities brace themselves for the onset of wildfire season, a period of heightened risk and uncertainty. Unfortunately, no region is resistant to the power of these fires. In the following, we will explore the intricacies of wildfire season, discussing its causes, impacts, and the measures taken to lessen its devastation.