30/09/2010 by FeedCrazy.

Moving, even if it’s just a few miles away, can be a real pain - for your peace of mind, your muscles and your pocketbook. Here are some ways to cut the pocketbook distress with the help of reliable, local movers:

* Make your possessions audition for the chance to make the move with you. First, be ruthless in sorting things into move, trash, sell or donate piles; then hold a garage sale or make your favorite charity happy.

* Avoid purchasing packing supplies from local moving companies. Instead, find out your local liquor store or grocery delivery day and score some boxes from them.

* As your friends to save up their packing peanuts, bubblewrap and boxes for you.

* Use reusable wardrobes to move clothing. Often, local moving companies provide these at no charge.

* Use your less delicate clothing, such as coats, or some bedding, to cushion breakable items such as decor. You could also use sheets and towels.

When you research local movers, be sure to get at least three estimates and while you’re at it, ask some detailed questions, such as, do they charge extra for stairs? What about heavier furniture? Speaking of furniture, not all of it needs to be coddled with shrink wrap, especially if your moving day is sunny and your destination is local. Not having your movers take the (expensive) time to do this extra wrapping, not to mention the cost of the material, is a real saver.

Part of your pre-move sorting could be setting aside your more precious items such as jewelry or fragile china. Packing and moving your own valuables can save on insurance and labor costs and also give you peace of mind.

Moving can also be a good opportunity to literally think outside the box. Use what you already have to pack your stuff, like empty suitcases and plastic totes. If your sorting and selling has emptied your child’s toy bin, there’s another container to fill. And the more you can pre-pack your belongings yourself, the less you’ll have to pay the moving company for time and materials.

Certainly hiring a local mover to help you do the heavy lifting is an excellent and efficient way to get from local point A to local point B. But here’s a suggestion: make this a bit of a do-it-yourself project. In other words, while you’re sorting and packing, identify what portion of your worldly goods you and friends and family can pack and haul yourself. Save your appliances, larger furniture and lawn care equipment for the professionals, who are trained, fit and have the right equipment for the job. They can also let you know if any of your larger items will require extra assistance or more money to transport.

Local moves can be as much of a project as cross-country relocations. With sufficient planning and willingness to do some of the work yourself, they can also be cost-effective and relatively painless.

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30/09/2010 by FeedCrazy.

People are busier than ever but it’s still as important as ever to remember the little things in life.  A quick call, email or a mobile text shows you care – and if you include a gift with your wish – that’s even better.  But with so many demands on our time, it’s not always possible to organise the gift …. unless you turn to the internet for help

A treasure trove of ideas and inspiration is at your fingertips when you look for an gift certificate online.  It’s so convenient and flexible – making gift shopping in regular shops almost a thing of the past   And when it comes to ideas, here’s one that may help you avoid visiting hundreds of websites trying to find the right gift again - activity-based gifts provide all the answers for any occasion on one convenient website.

Tell me more about adventure gift certificates

These are vouchers, purchased online, which are basically a ‘pass’ for someone to get involved in a fun activity – which could be anything from corporate gifts, dolphin tours and fishing charters to yacht cruises, golf lessons or kayaking tours.

How does adventure card gifting work?

The online shop or retailer acts as an agent for various businesses and has a whole range of activities available listed on their website   The better online gift shops will carry a wide range of options on their website, catering for all ages, occasions and interests

Is it competitively priced?

Of course!  Bulk bookings and orders enables some of the more established online retailers to price themselves even below the regular pricing.

How do I pay for it ?

Payment methods are easy, convenient and totally safe and secure, so you can go ahead with confidence.  The options may vary between the different online retailers, but generally there are secure paypal e-commerce options such as credit card, direct debit options and cheques. 

How is the voucher delivered?

Once you’ve bought your voucher online through the secure payment process, there are three options for delivery : email in A4 format which is sent to a nominated email address and printed off, via traditional post or via express post at an additional fee. 

Is there any difference between a gift voucher and an adventure gift voucher?

Gift vouchers are a bit like travellers’ cheques .  They’re a credit for the online shop’s website and can be used as part or full payment to buy a gift experience.  An activity gift voucher is a ticket to an actual specified activity or teambuilding event, such as race car driving gifts, jet boating, rally driving or fishing charters – but it can usually also be exchanged for a different activity if the recipient would prefer to do something else.

How do I go about booking a date

If you’ve received a voucher, you are usually asked to visit the website of the supplier.  An activation code for the certificate is often required. Then all that’s required is to book a date with the supplier.  And how good is that – organizing a gift at a time that suits you. The supplier will also advise what to bring to the event, special apparel if necessary etc.

How long does a certificate last?

Certificates are generally valid for six months from the date they were issued, but it can vary from supplier to supplier.  Often, the certificates are transferrable, making them the most versatile and flexible gift.

Where can the gifts be used?  

This depends on where the online retailer is located, but it should be quite clear on the website.  It’s easy to give a gift to someone on the other side of the world – all it takes is a quick search on the internet to find a suitable online retailer covering the country or area in question.  To give an example – someone living in England but wanting to spoil someone living in Australia could find an online retailer specializing in gifts in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth or Adelaide, and with a few clicks of the mouse… an exciting adventure will be in their inbox .

Are vouchers transferable?

They’re generally transferable unless they’ve been activated (ie before the actual date of the activity has been organised with the supplier). 

Another option for flexibility is to exchange a voucher for a different activity – but not for cash.  Each retailer will have their own process of finalizing this.

An online activity voucher is the perfect present for any occasion. 

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