Guest Post sponsored & provided by Empire Movers & Storage

The function of the home environment is more crucial than ever in this period of uncertainty. Our homes have become so much more than just houses. Since the pandemic started, our homes have pretty much become our own little universe, incorporating everything from an office, a full-time restaurant, an entertainment venue, and a place of calm. It can be a challenge, but can also be very achievable to have one home act in all these seemingly contradictory positions.

The past year has influenced every aspect of our lives and has most definitely changed our habits and everything we’ve known, probably forever. It’s only natural that it influences the way we decorate our houses and even their architecture from now on. It’s very probable that some of the trends are here to stay for a while and that more and more households will start adopting them. So let’s check it out and see exactly how the pandemic has influenced home designs!

The home office

The majority of people are now working from their homes as conventional offices remain closed. Until the pandemic hit, a home office was seen as a much more informal venue for payment of bills, emails or conducting the occasional calls. But since home offices are now more permanent offices, they need to be comfortable, fitted with spacious working areas, comfortable chairs and increased storage to accommodate significantly more heavy uses.

Going forward, the real concern is how to handle two adults working from home and two children studying from home at the same time. A home office with a door is a must. A smart solution is flexible spaces and nooks in the entire home that can be used as an office if necessary. But a spare bedroom, or loft space, would be ideal for this. Create an in-home working area that is free from distractions, comfortable and that can feel separate from the home environment. If you don’t have a spare room available and you are short on space, even a partition can do the trick!

Kids learning and playing spaces

With school moving to zoom, it is necessary to try and minimize distraction for the little ones as well, as much as possible. Now, many recognize the need to have a dedicated room equipped with everything needed to be able to function to full capacity. The kids learning space may not, however, be a large, traditional room. These spaces can be made more like objects or pods, floating in the yard or attached to a garage with new furniture.

If the family stays home, having a special place to play for your kids can be very useful. The separation of the playground from the bedrooms would help arrange things and keep the children occupied. If you happen to have a room under your stairs, that can be an excellent way to use it - turning it into a kid’s play area. The Narnia wardrobe to a secret playroom can be a perfect way to make the room exciting for children.

Multiple use spaces

The more we sit at home, the more we feel the need for versatility in our homes. The living room is no longer just a living room or just a dining room. These multifunctional areas take account of this new reality and integrate innovative ways to turn an appropriate area quickly into a home office, a classroom, lounge, fitness center or a playroom. A lot of light, efficient artificial lighting, storage and Internet access are key to make living spaces work for a variety of purposes.

The open plan was a movement that resisted the time test, whether it is the first building of a house or a renovation. But the open plan doesn't always succeed when it comes to privacy – and efficiency drops without privacy for work or schools. The open plan has to be rethought as families continue to work and school from home.

The modern home must be multifunctional, both before and after the pandemic. By redefining these wide open spaces, we are better equipped to live, learn, operate and play in one place: our homes. For instance, a family may replace an extensive dining table with an optional drop-out to create room for a nook or an office, if a house contains an eatery as well as a formal dining area.

New colors and quality furniture

New decorative design patterns have already started in COVID-19. People want to build a peaceful place at home in calm colors. Softer fabrics, brighter colors, and more natural light become common in the middle of the confusion and turmoil outside to create a relaxed environment. On the other hand, bold colors encourage homeowners to celebrate new ideas and cultures from the comfort of their homes instead of traveling or spending time on events. They can stimulate imagination that helps people in the same routine.
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With people spending more time at home, they want to invest in quality furniture that will be able to endure heavy usage and last for years. This applies in particular to home offices, where cheap desks were once very popular. But remote employees are investing in quality desks, chairs and storage because they expect to operate from home in foresight.

Bigger kitchen

It might not have been seen so before the pandemic (well, at least not for those not passionate about cooking) but a big kitchen makes a huge difference. Especially when you have a bigger family for which you are cooking every meal. It can be difficult to prepare every meal at home in a small kitchen. Not to mention that if you have repurposed your dining room, your kitchen might need to double as that as well. A walk-in cupboard and a large island will make an enormous difference. Any other things to search for are double islands, kitchen wine rooms, hot drills, double ovens, pans and personalized cabinets with personal storage when designing larger kitchens.

Outside spaces

Our homes and backyards become cultural centers for those who engage in social distance, as restaurants, pubs, and other places become difficult to navigate—if not completely shut down. Home outdoor areas fill a void of missed outdoor opportunities and create a safer space for meetings with friends or neighbors.

Our love of nature and of the outside seems to have improved considerably after the start of the pandemic. As a result, there is a growing demand for home designers to provide private exterior spaces for all kinds of homes. The architects will be responsible for developing ways in which the outside can be integrated into even the compact houses, testing roof gardens, micro-backyards, porches and balconies.

About the Author
Michaela Smith is the marketing director of Empire Movers, a well known commercial moving company based in New York, with over 15 years of experience on the market.

Guest post, sponsored & provided by Oz Moving & Storage

As the East Coast’s crown jewel, New York City attracts millions of tourists and permanent residents a year. Those who’ve visited or moved there say that its pull is almost irresistible. Once you experience the fast-paced life, the art scene, and the diversity of NYC, you can never go back. New York always stays there, at the back of your mind.

​Has The Big Apple enchanted you as well? In that case, you’re probably already thinking of trying your luck in the most exciting city in the world. Before you do that, though, it might be wise to learn what this move would entail. We’ve asked NYC movers, Oz Moving, to give us some insight, and here is what they said:

1. You’ll Probably Need a Roommate

​New York City isn’t cheap — in fact, it’s one of the ten most expensive cities in the world. Even if we just count groceries, utility bills, and rent, you’d still need over $2,000 a month to cover it all. Add to that entertainment, hobbies, and nightlife expenses, and that number grows to at least $3,000!

Of course, these estimates are only true for more affordable areas of NYC. If you want to live in Manhattan, for instance, you’ll need a far bigger budget. So make sure to choose your location wisely!

And even if you do settle for a more affordable neighborhood (like my personal favorite, Bay Ridge), singles and couples without kids will do well to find a roommate. Even families with a legal basement or bedroom to spare will find it worthwhile considering renting out their extra space! Splitting the rent cost with someone will bring a huge relief to your budget and open up many opportunities. You’ll no longer need to sit holed up at home, trying to save money. Finally, you’ll have enough to explore the many things the city has to offer!

And do you know what the best part is? It’s incredibly easy to find a roommate in NYC. Everyone’s in the same boat, so all you need to do is look up some roommate offers and choose the one you like. Alternatively, you can post that you’re looking for a roommate on one of these sites, and you’re sure to start receiving calls in no time.

2. You May Have to Pay a Broker’s Fee

Finding a good place to rent is extremely difficult in NYC. After all, you’re competing with thousands of other people, and the best apartments find tenants in a matter of hours. Even once you do come across something you like and within your budget, you might discover that you have to pay a broker’s fee. That usually comes as a surprise, as it’s not nearly as common in other cities.

So, what exactly is a broker’s fee? Well, landlords often hire brokers to post their listings online and connect them with potential tenants. Naturally, brokers don’t do that for free — they always charge a certain fee for their services. This fee usually amounts to around 12–15 percent of a year’s rent. And instead of paying themselves, landlords often put that responsibility on the new tenants.

Now, the broker’s fee is quite controversial, and we’re sure you can see why. That’s why it was almost banned last year — at least for brokers that you haven’t hired. However, this ban was temporarily blocked, so many landlords still ask their tenants to pay the fee. All that might change in a few months, but for now, don’t be surprised if you encounter it.

Of course, you can also find no-fee apartments and avoid this issue altogether. But the competition for those is fierce, so you have to be really quick.

3. Be Ready to Leave Some Belongings Behind

Although expensive, apartments in NYC are typically quite small. You won’t have the same kind of space as you did in your house in the suburbs or countryside. That may be unpleasant at first, but you’ll quickly get used to it. However, you might not have such an easy time leaving your belongings behind.

Whether you like it or not, though, you’ll have to get rid of some things. Give some to your family and friends, donate or sell others, and throw out those that can’t find a new home. Keep only the essentials and items that hold the most value to you. And don’t worry — you’ll quickly acquire new belongings as you live your new life in NYC. ​

4. Having a Car Might Be a Hassle

​Normally, it’s better to have your own car in a big city — how else would you explore all it has to offer? But driving in NYC often turns into quite a hassle, so up to 56% of New Yorkers don’t own a car. Instead, they use the highly efficient bus and subway system to get around. There's also walking, several ferries, Citi Bike, and of course taxi / Uber / Lyft etc!

So, why are cars such an issue in New York? The main reason is, of course, the lack of parking space. When you go somewhere by car, keep in mind that you’ll need at least 30 minutes to find a parking spot. And once you do, it’s likely to be expensive. Street parking when you return home can take half an hour to find as well, or if you rent a spot, it can cost hundreds of dollars a month. Simply put, public transport is a much better investment!

In Conclusion

​Moving to a big city like New York can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never lived in a place like that. Still, we can confidently say that it’s worth the initial struggle. In New York, you’ll encounter possibilities and opportunities that you would never have found anywhere else. So take a leap of faith and move to NYC as soon as you can! For those moving here with a family, I think you'll find this page helpful!

​​Fittedtot.com is a baby and toddler clothes rental service that allows you to have unlimited pre-styled outfits delivered right to your door.  Our little ones grow so fast but unfortunately those adorable yet pricey outfits you buy them do not.  Don’t get stuck with the of clutter of outgrown clothes with next to no resale value.  With fittedtot.com, you will pay a monthly fee and we will send you a box full of outfits that you can have your child wear as much or as little as you like. When you’re done with those clothes, just send them back and we’ll send you a new box! You can update your child’s size at anytime. Please visit our site for more information!

Note from Heather: I had vaguely heard of Baby Planning & Maternity Concierge while pregnant, but didn't really consider it as I just assumed it was something way out of my price range. I planned my wedding all by myself, after all. *whoop whoop* Though, that was friggin' hard... Anyway, here's some info about what Baby Planners can do for you, straight from the source! Thank you to Pitter Patter Baby Planners for taking the time to explain!

You may or may not have heard of a baby planner before.  Many of those who have heard of baby planners maintain a negative view of them as taking advantage of new, nervous parents and believe that a mother’s instinct will instantly kick in and take care of many of their questions and concerns. While this may be true for some people, it is not the case for all new parents. Asking for help during the transition into parenthood is not only okay, it is widely accepted in most of the world.  In many other countries around the world, the postpartum period is treated in a special way. Mothers are given the opportunity to rest and bond with their baby while family/friends take care of the household chores and other duties for at least 6 weeks after baby's birth. Not only is this to help mom recover from the physical, mental and emotional stress of childbirth, but it is also important in promoting a positive attachment between the baby and her parents. Not everyone is so lucky to have their family/friends pitch in to help after the birth of a child. Also, family/friends are not always up-to-date on the best/safest products and services for babies. At Pitter Patter Baby Planners, we want to help take care of new and expecting parents to make the transition into parenthood as smooth as possible. We offer services such as introduction to baby gear, assistance with setting up and managing a baby registry, and organizing baby's nursery. For those in search of additional baby-related services, such as childproofing, sleep consultant, or doula services, don’t fret; we also provide concierge services to find you the most reliable businesses in Central NJ.

In addition to baby planning services, Pitter Patter Baby Planners offers childbirth education classes, breastfeeding counseling, and psychotherapy for postpartum depression, newborn care class, and The Happiest Baby on the Block™ class. Interested in documenting baby's first precious moments? We have a professional photographer who can capture this most special event in your life in a fun, natural way and in your home environment. In fact, all of our services can be provided in home. We will also travel into NYC and Northern NJ, for a nominal fee. For more information or to register for one of our services, please call 866-836-7916 or email us: info@pitterpatterbp.com.

Meet the Pitter Patter Team:

Maria is a licensed clinical social worker, who has devoted her career to helping new parents and babies make the most of their first moments together. She is an experienced psychotherapist, who has worked with children and adults providing individual, family, and group counseling. Maria is also a mother of two precocious little boys, ages 4 and 2.

Melanie is currently a Registered Nurse in the Maternal Child Services department at a medical center awarded an international designation as a Baby-Friendly hospital.  She gained great experience and passion caring for mothers and babies in antepartum, labor & delivery, and postpartum areas. Along with all of Melanie’s professional experience, she is also a mother of two very active toddlers, so she understands the stress of being a busy working mom.

Ivelisse has an educational background in Communication Arts and well over 22 years experience in Television Production.  She is also a very proud aunt of two adorable boys. Her camera is ever-present to capture their first steps and giggles. In addition to her skills as a baby photographer, Ivelisse is also a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and will go to your home to teach you how to properly use child safety seats and seat belts so that you can travel safely with your family.

Thank you to Lauren of mama{love} for this great post and review! You can check out her profile at the end of the post :) ~Heather

I had heard about diaper samplers, but never actually tried one, so I was super excited to receive a Size 3 sampler from Miny Moe in the mail this month. We have always been a Pampers family, for both my son and my daughter. Besides the occasional pee-through overnight, we had no complaints, but I was looking forward to seeing what else was out there. The Miny Moe package included 6 individually-wrapped samples of 5 different brands of diapers: Pampers, Huggies, Luvs, The Honest Company, Target "Up & Up", & Walmart "Parent's Choice" in my daughter's size: 3. A score card was also included to rate each brand's price, softness, fit/absorbency, design and eco-friendliness, which I thought made the whole process so fun.

Each day I tried a different brand on my product tester, Harper, 14 months. At the end of each day, I put our rankings on the card and in the end we actually decided to stay with our original choice, Pampers Cruisers. Across the board they were the best for us in all of the categories minus eco-friendliness and cuteness/design. I loved the look of The Honest Company diapers - cute anchors over cartoon characters are a great complement to any baby outfit, but any mom knows function wins over fashion.

Why it's a mama{love}:

1. When you're a first-time mom you usually buy the diapers other moms or experts tell you to buy. The sampler lets you decide for yourself. Every baby's needs are different based on their gender, size, activity level, etc. Why not try some on first? 

2. The Miny Moe sampler saves moms money in the long run. The largest expense beyond childcare is disposable diapering. Testing the product prior to investing in mass quantities avoids spending money on the wrong brand. You may find that the Target brand does just as good of a job as Pampers, but saves you a good amount per diaper. 

3. It's fun! Use your baby as a "product tester" and track your observations with the scorecard.

4. If you like the sampler idea, Miny Moe also offers nursing pad samplers for breastfeeding moms. Choosing the best nursing pad for you can be just as essential as choosing the best diaper for your baby.

5. The sampler is a great shower gift for expectant moms, especially the NB/Size 1 combo sampler. Moms will get enough clothes. This is a unique gift that they can really use to educate themselves.

About the guest poster:  Lauren Deneroff is the founder of mama{love}, a maternity consulting and baby planning firm in New York City. mama{love} offers services to expectant and new moms such as new parent coaching, registry guidance, nursery design and preparation, baby gear education, and organizational services.