#water utility: subscription

[endreal]

I truly fail to see what the difference is between a subscription and a bill except for successful marketing.

[dianight]

---

* Subscription based services includes but is not limited to access to news outlets, music/video players, videogames and other such things. Roughly speaking, those services considered not essential.

It does not include rent, water or other utilities, nor phone/internet usage.

[theambitiouswoman]

Like it or not, you’re in a relationship with anything that takes up your time, thoughts, and energy— and that includes money. In fact, the two longest relationships you’ll have are with yourself and with money. Both of these relationships affect how you live & your relationship with money doesn’t have to be stressful.

Think about how you feel about money. Do you see it as hard to get or something that flows easily to you What do you want your money to do for you? Save for a trip? Buy a home? Setting specific goals gives you direction.

A budget is just a plan for your money. It helps you see where it’s going and where you can make better choices. Focus on what you already have instead of what you don’t. Gratitude can help you feel more abundant.

Create a budget and write down all of your expenses. Most people don’t know where their money goes because they dont take into account their pleasure purchases. Put some money aside for yourself before paying for other things. It’s a simple way to build up your savings. If you have debt, make a plan to pay it off. Start with the high interest ones first.

Don’t fear money. See it as a tool that can come and go. Believe that you can always create more. Share what you can, even if it’s a small amount. It helps you feel more connected to abundance. The more you complain about not having, the less you will continue to have. You have to learn how to think abundantly.

You can downloads any of these apps:

Mint

YNAB (You Need a Budget)

PocketGuard

Goodbudget

Undebt.it

Honeydue

Personal Capital

EveryDollar

———————————

Alternatively, here’s a templare you can copy and paste:

1. Income

• Primary Income: $_________

• Side Income: $_________

• Other Income (e.g., investments, bonuses): $_________

Total Income: $_________

2. Fixed Expenses

(Expenses that stay the same each month)

• Rent/Mortgage: $_________

• Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas): $_________

• Internet/Phone: $_________

• Insurance (Health, Car, Home): $_________

• Debt Payments (Loans, Credit Cards): $_________

• Subscriptions (Streaming, Gym, etc.): $_________

Total Fixed Expenses: $_________

3. Variable Expenses

(Expenses that can change each month)

• Groceries: $_________

• Transportation (Gas, Public Transit, etc.): $_________

• Eating Out/Entertainment: $_________

• Shopping (Clothes, Household Items): $_________

• Personal Care (Skincare, Haircuts): $_________

• Miscellaneous: $_________

Total Variable Expenses: $_________

4. Savings and Investments

• Emergency Fund: $_________

• Retirement (401k, IRA, etc.): $_________

• Investments: $_________

• Specific Savings Goals (Travel, Home, etc.): $_________

Total Savings/Investments: $_________

5. Giving

(Donations, gifts, tithing, etc.)

• Charities/Donations: $_________

• Gifts: $_________

Total Giving: $_________

6. Summary

• Total Income: $_________

• Total Expenses (Fixed + Variable): $_________

• Total Savings/Investments: $_________

• Remaining Balance: $_________

[usedpidemo]

March Update - the end...?

Hi everyone, π here! 

Hope everyone has a wonderful start to their year already and is doing well. 🙂

This update comes from rather uncertain times right now, so please bear with me.

—————

Commissions Update:

Request Link

I’ve gotten a handful of inquiries asking me for fics in the high 20 to 30k word count range, and while not a single deal has been put to paper, it does mean there is a demand, so I have introduced 3 new commission tiers to cater to said requests. So for those of you wanting me to write a grandiose epic, here's your opportunity! Please bear mind that many of my rules when commissioning a fic still apply, so please read this post first and message me privately before ordering.

With that said, I have the executive decision to adjust pricing to the current available tiers. Previously ordered commissions prior to the change will not be affected in any way. I understand that the price jump might seem a bit much, but please understand that I’m also juggling with plenty of stuff right now—from college to IRL stuff in-between writing fics. There’s a lot of commitment into putting out a work, so please understand. I’m trying my best to stay sane in the meantime.

And speaking of personal issues—

The future of this account:

I wish I could tell you that everything’s fine on our side, but the reality is far grimmer than I’d like you to believe.

The family shop we’ve been running for almost 3 years closed down back in late February. The reasoning being that there’s a big renovation of the mall our shop is based in, specifically a parking and walkway extension connecting the current shopping mall with a new one that will open sometime in 2028-2029. Previously they closed off the parking, now they've decided to close off the entire stretch where our shop lies in as well. So yes, the corporate overlords forced us out of a job and livelihood with no compensation whatsoever. 

This has put us in a severe financial bind. We’re currently going through a bit of a corporate and brand restructuring, already in talks about setting up shop elsewhere. But the lack of a monthly income has begun to chip heavily into our monthly utilities and expenses. Basic necessities seem like a huge expense. Already lost electricity and water twice because we couldn’t pay on time. We’re literally just surviving day to day, only enough to get by, but just barely. Thank God we’re all perfectly healthy, but I can only imagine having to bear medical expenses as well.

In short, worst case scenario, we get financially buried, and this account is killed in the process. Not because I wanted to leave or retire—far from it—but because of circumstances beyond our control. It would be a damn shame because even four years on, I still really love writing and in a way, it’s become a lifeline for me. Met so many friends, got to experience my first events, and made unforgettable memories that I would gladly redo in another lifetime when given the chance. It may not seem apparent, given our current predicament, I’m barely hanging on—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It's hard to remain positive when all you see around you is darkness and uncertainty.

But I’m not gonna give up. Any little thing I can provide for my family, I’ll do the best I can. I know this is only temporary, a minor setback, but faith needs some action as well.

Of course, I also understand that most of you are probably reading me because it’s entertainment and a form of escape from your own respective troubles, so I won’t beg, force you to feel sorry for us, or paywall my content. Anything I write and release publicly will remain freely available in some capacity, but I also have to look out for myself during these uncertain times. I may consider doing a monthly based subscription/memberships where I can chat with you through a private Discord and give previews to upcoming work, but I don’t know if that’s worth anything, so commissions will make do for now. But if you feel obliged and compelled, any amount/form of donation will be graciously accepted. Hell, even a reblog or repost to spread the word is more than enough to help greatly.

To leave on a more positive note, I should have two releases in the coming weeks, so please look forward to that. If it hasn’t been made any clear, your continuous support is one of the few positive things I can celebrate right now, and I sincerely appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for sticking through both great and hard times.

With grace,

Peter / π

[galaxygolfergirl]

Watcher's Expenses

I didn't major in accounting: I took three classes and it grinded my brain to a fine powder. However, after graduating with a business admin degree, being a former eager fan of their videos, and from a cursory glance over their socials, there's a lot to consider in their spending behavior that really could start racking up costs. Some of these things we've already noticed, but there are other things I'd like to highlight, and I'll try to break it down into the different categories of accounting expenses (if I get something wrong, let me know. I was more concentrated in marketing 🤷‍♀️). I'm not going to hypothesize numbers either, as that would take out more time than I'm willing to afford-- you can assume how much everything costs. Anyways, here's my attempt at being a layman forensic accountant:

Note: All of this is assuming they're operating above board and not engaging in any illegal practices such as money laundering, tax evasion, not paying rent, etc.

Operating Expenses

Payroll: 25+ staff salaries and insurance

Overhead Expenses

CEO/founder salaries

Office space leasing or rent (In L.A, one of the most expensive cities in the US)

Utilities (water, electricity, heating, sanitation, etc.)

Insurance

Advertising Costs

Telephone & Internet service

Cloud Storage or mainframe

Office equipment (furniture, computers, printers, etc.)

Office supplies (paper, pens, printer ink, etc.)

Marketing costs (Social media marketing on Instagram, Youtube, SEO for search engines, Twitter, etc. Designing merchandise and posters, art, etc. )

Human Resources (not sure how equipped they are)

Accounting fees

Property taxes

Legal fees

Licensing fees

Website maintenance (For Watchertv.com, Watcherstuff.com, & Watcherentertainment.com)

Expenses regarding merchandising (whoever they contract or outsource for that)

Inventory costs

Potentially maintenance of company vehicles

Subsequent gas mileage for road trips

Depreciation (pertains to tangible assets like buildings and equipment)

Amortization (intangible assets such as patents and trademarks)

Overhead Travel and Entertainment Costs (I think one of the biggest culprits, evident in their videos and posts)

The travel expenses (flights, train trips, rental cars, etc. For main team and scouts)

Hotel expenses for 7-8 people at least, or potentially more

Breakfasts, lunches and dinners with the crew (whether that's fully on their dime or not, I don't know; Ryan stated they like to cover that for the most part)

Recreational activities (vacation destinations, amusement parks, sporting activities etc.)

The location fees

Extraneous Overhead costs (not sure exactly where these fall under, but another culprit, evident in videos and posts)

Paying for guest appearances

Expensive filming & recording equipment (Cameras, sound equipment, editing software subscriptions, etc.)

The overelaborate sets for Ghost files, Mystery Files, Puppet History, Podcasts etc. (Set dressing: Vintage memorabilia, antiquated tech, vintage furniture, props, etc.)

Kitchen & Cooking supplies/equipment

Office food supply; expensive food and drink purchases for videos

Novelty items or miscellaneous purchases (ex. Ghost hunting equipment, outfits, toys, etc.)

Non-Operating Expenses

These are those expenses that cannot be linked back to operating revenue. One of the most common examples of non-operating expenses is interest expense. This is because while interest is the cost of borrowing money from a creditor or a bank, they are not generating any operating income. This makes interest payments a part of non-operating expenses.

Financial Expenses

Potential loan payments, borrowing from creditors or lenders, bank loans, etc.

Variable Expenses

Hiring a large amount of freelancers, overtime expenditure, commissions, etc.

PR consultations (Not sure if they had this before the scandal)

Extraordinary Expenses

Expenses incurred outside your company’s regular business activities and during a large one-time event or transactions. For example, selling land, disposal of a significant asset, laying off of your employees, unexpected machine repairing or replacement, etc.

Accrued Expenses

When your business has incurred an expense but not yet paid for it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(If there's anything else I'm missing, please feel free to add or correct things)

To a novice or a young entrepreneur, this can be very intimidating if you don't have the education or the support to manage it properly. I know it intimidates the hell out of me and I'm still having to fill in the gaps (again, if I've mislabeled or gotten anything wrong here, please let me know). For the artistic or creative entrepreneur, it can be even harder to reconcile the extent of your creative passions with your ability to operate and scale your business at a sustainable rate. That can lead to irresponsible, selfish, and impulsive decisions that could irreparably harm your brand, which is a whole other beast of its own.

My guess at this point is that their overhead and operation expenses are woefully mismanaged; they've made way too many extraneous purchases, and that they had too much confidence in their audience of formerly 2.93 million to make up for the expenses they failed to cover.

It almost seems as if their internal logic was, "If we make more money, we can keep living the expensive lifestyle that we want and make whatever we want without anyone telling us we can't, and we want to do it NOW, sooner rather than later because we don't want wait and compromise our vision." But as you can see, the reality of fulfilling those ambitions is already compromised by the responsibility of running a business.

And I wrote this in another post here, but I'll state it again: Running a business means you need to be educated on how a business can successfully and efficiently operate. Accounting, marketing, social media marketing, public relations, production, etc; these resources and internet of things is available and at your disposal. If they had invested more time in educating themselves on those aspects and not made this decision based on artistic passion (and/or greed), they would have not gotten the response they got.

Being a graphic designer, I know the creative/passionate side of things but I also got a degree/got educated in business because I wanted to understand how to start a company and run it successfully. If they’re having trouble handling the responsibility of doing that, managing production costs, managing overhead expenses, and especially with compensating their 25+ employees, then they should hire professionals that are sympathetic to their creative interests, but have the education and experience to reign in bad decisions like these.

Anyways, thanks for coming to my TedTalk. What a shitshow this has been.

[choppedtacodream]

Stop Wasting Money! The ONE Budgeting Trick That Actually Works

Are you tired of feeling like your money slips through your fingers? Do you constantly wonder where it all went at the end of the month? You're not alone. Many people struggle with budgeting, often because they try complex systems that are difficult to maintain. But what if there was a simple, effective budgeting trick that actually works? There is! It's called the 50/30/20 budget, and it might just be the key to finally taking control of your finances.

[Include an image here of someone looking stressed about bills or money, or a graphic representing money slipping through fingers. A simple image of a budget pie chart would also work well.]

This method, popularized by Senator Elizabeth Warren and her daughter Amelia Warren Tyagi in their book "All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan," 1 simplifies budgeting by categorizing your spending into three main buckets:   

1. Needs (50%): These are your essential expenses – the things you absolutely must pay for. Think:

Housing: Rent or mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner's insurance

Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, internet, phone bills

Transportation: Car payments, gas, public transportation fares, car insurance

Groceries: Food and household supplies

Healthcare: Insurance premiums, doctor visits, prescriptions

Minimum Debt Payments: Monthly payments on credit cards, student loans, etc. (Only the minimums are included here; extra payments go into the "Wants" or "Savings" categories)

2. Wants (30%): This category covers your discretionary spending – the things you enjoy but aren't essential. This is where you have the most flexibility to cut back if needed. Examples include:

Dining Out: Restaurant meals, takeout coffee

Entertainment: Movies, concerts, streaming subscriptions

Hobbies: Gym memberships, craft supplies, sports leagues

Clothing: Non-essential purchases

Travel: Vacations, weekend getaways

Gifts: Presents for birthdays and holidays

[Include an image here of someone enjoying a "want" – maybe dining out, on vacation, or enjoying a hobby.]

3. Savings & Debt Repayment (20%): This is crucial for your financial future. It includes:

Emergency Fund: Building a cushion for unexpected expenses (job loss, medical bills, car repairs)

Retirement Savings: Contributing to your 401(k), IRA, or other retirement accounts

Debt Repayment (Beyond Minimums): Paying down credit card debt, student loans, or other high-interest debt aggressively

Investments: Investing in stocks, bonds, or other assets

Savings Goals: Saving for a down payment on a house, a new car, or other long-term goals

[Include an image here representing savings goals – maybe a piggy bank, a house, or a graduation cap.]

How to Make the 50/30/20 Budget Work for You:

Calculate Your Net Income: Determine your take-home pay after taxes and other deductions.

Categorize Your Spending: Track your expenses for a month or two to see where your money is currently going. Use budgeting apps, spreadsheets, or even a notebook to monitor your spending in each category.

Allocate Your Income: Based on your net income, calculate how much you should be spending in each category (50%, 30%, 20%).

Adjust as Needed: The 50/30/20 rule is a guideline, not a strict law. You may need to adjust the percentages based on your individual circumstances and financial goals. For example, if you live in a high-cost-of-living area, you might need to allocate a larger percentage to needs.

Track and Review: Regularly monitor your spending to ensure you're staying within your budget. Review your progress monthly and make adjustments as needed.

Benefits of the 50/30/20 Budget:

Simplicity: It's easy to understand and implement.

Flexibility: It allows for adjustments based on individual needs.

Focus on Goals: It encourages saving and debt repayment.

Awareness: It helps you understand where your money is going.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them:

Tracking Expenses: Consistently tracking your spending can be challenging. Use budgeting apps or link your bank accounts to make it easier.

Sticking to the Budget: It can be tempting to overspend in the "Wants" category. Be mindful of your spending habits and prioritize your financial goals.

Unexpected Expenses: Life throws curveballs. Having an emergency fund is crucial for handling unexpected costs without derailing your budget.

Conclusion:

The 50/30/20 budget is a powerful tool for gaining control of your finances. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a sustainable approach to budgeting, allowing you to meet your needs, enjoy your wants, and achieve your financial goals. So, stop wasting money and give this budgeting trick a try. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make!

[eroticcannibal]

Re: The USA economy being so fucked that $65k a year isn't enough to live comfortably in most of the country: Part of it is that the pound is stronger than the dollar - $65k is more like £50k. That's still a lot of money! But not only is our healthcare ABSURDLY expensive (we're required by law to have health insurance. I have very inexpensive health insurance that covers basically nothing AND a government subsidy to help pay for it. I am paying $680 out of pocket per month. I still have to pay for every single doctor visit and prescription unless I spent UPWARDS of $10,000 in a single year, at which point the insurance actually kicks in and pays for 70% of further expenses. A quick routine check-up with no labwork or prescriptions costs $60 at the cheapest clinic within driving distance. The healthcare situation really is as cartoonish as you can imagine.) our rent is also ridiculous. I am living in a moderate sized city in a studio apartment (no separation between bedroom/living room/kitchen, just a difference in floor tiles to indicate the kitchen and then a bathroom is only other actual room) that is on the lower end of middle-of-the-road. My rent is $2,100 per month. That doesn't include utilities, which are usually around $200 per month for water and power, and then another $70 for my cellphone (which is also my internet connection, because my celular data plan may be slow but it's also unlimited, and a basic subscription to internet for the apartment starts at $65 a month for 20GB of usage and I just can't afford that). I'm not sure what the cost of living is in the U.K. right now. I know you're having a rough time with gas/electricity costs for sure. But here in the US, healthcare and rent are what's eating the majority of our wages at an unsustainable rate.

I mean that rent sounds still too much because fuck landlords but otherwise pretty reasonable compared to the prices I hear over here, those utilities are super low! Pretty high for ur phone and Internet tho.

That healthcare cost is mad tho. And you all need better public transport that would save you a ton.

[lacefuneral]

OFMD is dead in the water. that show is not coming back

but! we can appreciate the show that we have. and the fanworks. and the art. and the BTS we've received from samba and other cast + crew

my assumption is that Max was professionally embarrassed by the renewal campaign and the amount of backlash from the fandom and have dug their talons into the IP. essentially, refusing to let it go so another corporation cannot profit off of it. but making no effort to actually utilize the IP

or even enforce copyright/trademark, i think. because merch & art are freely bought and sold. i don't use youtube but i see clips of the show on there so i assume they aren't getting DMCA'd

i know we want to Believe because Other Shows have Been Saved but the wheel of unsustainable exponential growth based capitalism turns and turns and we are at a point in television history where the enshittification has never been this severe

it is much more financially lucrative to make a new show, let it stream for a bit, and take it off the air as tax write-off. and especially post strike, when there's more protections for writers and actors? more residuals? it's far less likely for written television to be made, more likely for unscripted/low scripted reality TV. and money is to be made in hiking up costs, in forcing you to watch ads, in making streaming user-hostile.

it costs money to make official merch it costs money to host shows online it costs money to produce DVDs and blurays. it's jobs and labor and materials and distribution

and consumers hate... literally every aspect of this. why are our shows being canceled? why can't we physically own our media? why can't we have official merch? why are subscriptions so expensive? why are you forcing ads on us?

the industry is going to collapse entirely. the process has already started. something is going to give, and the streaming companies are going to hemorrhage money

something will emerge from the rubble. eventually. hopefully it's good. hopefully it isn't AI.

[my3sonsmoving]

How do you plan an out of state move in 2024?

Planning an out-of-state move can be a complex and stressful process, but with careful planning and organization, you can ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you begin:

Research Your New Location:

Cost of Living: Begin by comparing the cost of living between your current state and the new one. This includes housing, groceries, utilities, and taxes. Websites like Numbeo can provide detailed comparisons.

Housing: Look into neighborhoods, housing prices, and rental options. Consider factors such as proximity to work, safety, amenities, and school quality if you have children. Online platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com are excellent resources.

Job Market: Investigate job opportunities and the local economy. Sites like Indeed and LinkedIn can help you understand the job market and connect with potential employers.

Lifestyle: Consider the climate, local amenities, schools, and community culture. Explore forums, social media groups, and local news sites to get a feel for the area.

Budgeting:

Moving Costs: Get estimates from moving companies or calculate costs if you plan to move yourself. Include packing materials, transportation, and potential storage fees. Companies like U-Haul provide cost calculators for DIY moves.

Travel Expenses: Budget for gas, flights, hotels, and meals if you’re driving. Websites like GasBuddy can help estimate fuel costs, and travel sites can assist with finding affordable accommodation.

Initial Setup: Plan for deposits, initial rent, utility setup, and any immediate purchases needed upon arrival.

Create a Moving Timeline:

Plan Ahead: Start planning 2–3 months in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Checklist: Develop a detailed checklist of tasks to be completed each week leading up to the move. This should include everything from hiring movers to packing specific rooms.

Hiring Movers vs. DIY

Consider hiring professional movers by researching and selecting a reputable moving company. Check reviews on sites like Yelp and get multiple quotes to compare prices and services.

DIY Move: 

If you decide to move yourself, rent a truck, recruit friends and family, and plan the logistics of driving and unloading. Ensure you have the necessary equipment like dollies and moving blankets.

Declutter and Organize:

Inventory: Take an inventory of your belongings. This helps in estimating moving costs and ensuring nothing gets lost.

Declutter: Sell, donate, or discard items you don’t need. This reduces the volume of items to move and can save money.

Organize: Label boxes clearly by room and content. Use a color-coded system or numbered labels to simplify unpacking.

Update Your Information:

Address Change: Update your address with the postal service, banks, subscription services, and any other relevant parties.

Utilities and Services: Arrange for the disconnection of utilities at your current home and setup at your new home. Ensure you transfer internet, cable, water, and electricity services in time.

Licenses and Registrations: Update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration as soon as possible after your move.

Pack Strategically:

Essentials Box: Pack a box of essentials for the first few days, including clothes, toiletries, important documents, and basic kitchen items.

Fragile Items: Pack fragile items with care, using plenty of padding. Clearly label these boxes to ensure they are handled with care.

Room-by-Room: Pack one room at a time and label boxes accordingly. This method makes unpacking more manageable.

Travel Arrangements:

Transport Vehicles: Decide whether to drive your car(s) or have them shipped. Companies like Montway Auto Transport can assist with vehicle shipping.

Pets: Make arrangements for moving pets safely, including carriers, food, and necessary medications.

Accommodation: Book any necessary accommodation if the journey takes more than a day. Plan your route and make reservations in advance.

Settling In:

Unpacking: Start with essential areas like the kitchen and bedrooms to make your new home livable quickly.

Explore: Take time to explore your new neighborhood and meet your neighbors. Familiarize yourself with local grocery stores, pharmacies, and parks.

Emergency Contacts: Find and note down local emergency contacts, such as doctors, vets, and hospitals. Register with local healthcare providers as soon as possible.

Stay Organized:

Keep Records: Maintain a file with all moving-related documents, including contracts, receipts, and inventory lists. This helps in case of disputes or for future reference.

Backup Plans: Have contingency plans in case of delays or unexpected issues. This could include having extra funds for unforeseen expenses or knowing alternative routes.

By following these steps, you can ensure a more organized and less stressful out-of-state move. For personalized assistance with moving in the central Kentucky area, consider reaching out to My 3 Sons Moving and Storage Company.

[solitaria-fantasma]

.

((So the person renting my parents' attached in-law suit is supposedly leaving next month, and my parents 'offered' to have me move in after him as a stepping stone to true independence.

And I put 'offered' in quotes there because my mother had already started sourcing free furniture off of Facebook before I ever said yes (loveseats, console tables, lamps, rugs, etc.), and while I told them that I appreciate the gesture (three utilities included + a $200 concession on rent) I was still doing the math and reducing forgotten subscriptions and didn't know if I could afford it.

I now feel trapped because I have one month to commit and be ready to start paying or bail and start up a family-wide argument bc my sister thinks this is a good idea, too. I have no basis for what my water, AC, or power bills might be per month, I have to rework my gas and grocery estimates due to circumstances and new meds, and I'd have so little left at the end of the month that a single Problem like a car accident or a really bad cold that keeps me out of work longer than I have PTO for would come straight out of my savings.

I feel like I can't back out because my mother clearly wants me out of her space, but I also don't trust her to be my landlord. I've already spent years watching her enter other renter's buildings w/o the 24hr prior notice and come back complaining about how they decorated, how they do their laundry, how they organize, etc..She already does that to my face, but I don't want to live with the anxiety of imagining what she'll say to my dad behind my back, now.

I feel like I'm being set up to fail and have to come crawling back to my childhood bedroom in a year or two with slashed savings and shredded mental health, but I have no other options bc there are no other apartments within an hour's drive of my workplace that rent for anything less than $1576...and if I can barely afford my parents' in-law suite, I damn sure can't afford that.

[lorrainesletters]

The Battle of the Note-taking Apps - Who Will Come Out Victorious?

Review article by Mariz Lorraine | Edited 27 September 2023

Has the wave of digital notes have officially engulfed you and now you are stranded in the middle of a sea of note-taking apps? You convince yourself to do some research but take 2 scrolls on any social media app and you will then be recommended to choose either the free and Microsoft-based OneNote or the holy grail Goodnotes 5. As a loyal Goodnotes 5 user (buyer, let’s be frank) for 1 year now, I have some tea to spill about this blue app.

Key features

I, like many others, move to digital notes for a plethora of reasons, however nothing ever beats the feel of writing with pen and paper. Goodnotes 5 offers 4 types of pen styles that users can easily change with one tap of a button: Fountain pen, ball pen, brush pen, and highlighter.  Organizing notebooks and pages in Goodnotes 5 can also be done easily with folders and page outlines so that your math notes are easily distinguishable from your english notes. Notability, Goodnotes 5’s main competitor, on the other hand, has a revolutionary feature called “study tape” that allows you to cover certain key terms on your notes that can be opened with a tap so that you can easily revise them. Truthfully, you can do this in Goodnotes 5 with a highlighter and the eraser but it is not as convenient as Notability’s study tape. 

User-friendly

Just like most iOS apps, Goodnotes 5 is renowned for its user-friendliness. The easy-on-the-eye user interface combined with the easily tapped “New Notebook” or “Trash” buttons make the app superior to Microsoft OneNote’s hidden side tabs and dimmed pen options. Goodnotes 5 also offers tutorials and guides on how to maneuver the app when you just download it. 

Customizability

Despite being as plain as a sheet of paper when it comes to user interface, Goodnotes 5 is completely customizable when it comes to note-taking. A new notebook’s cover can be changed either by choosing between pre-made notebook covers or by uploading your own covers. For decoration aficionados, Goodnotes 5 allows you to import sticker packs and custom page templates. I utilize these stickers to avoid drawing benzene structures in chemistry and to add cute characters around my boring calculus notes. Yet Goodnotes 5’s customizability is still inferior to its younger sibling, Goodnotes 6. Goodnotes 6 offers full customizability of folder icons and colors on top of the customizability offerings of Goodnotes 5. However, if the default blue folder icon is fine for you, Goodnotes 5 is still the better option. 

Price

Unlimited access to Goodnotes 5 is priced at Rp.169,000 as a one-time cost for users. However, limited access to the app is free for all but users can only make up to 3 notebooks. Unlike Notability which is a subscription-based payment of Rp 89,000 monthly, Goodnotes 5’s one-time payment is better for users that want to test the waters first. 

Importing files

My personal favorite feature offered by Goodnotes 5 is the importing PDFs feature as it allows me to easily annotate my digital coursebooks and do past papers. Importing PDFs and annotating them in Goodnotes 5 is not just eco-friendly since you won’t have to print pages and pages of paper, but it is also much more convenient since you can easily erase, highlight, and move elements around. 

Exporting files

If you can share paper notes with your friends, you definitely can do so with digital notes as well. Users can easily share their notebooks to other Goodnotes 5 users to make it collaborative by sending them a short URL link or by sending an invitation to their email. But how about non-Goodnotes 5 users? Unfortunately you cannot have collaborative notebooks with non-Goodnotes 5 users but you can share PDF or JPEG versions through emails or messages. If you are like me and you are afraid of suddenly losing your files, Goodnotes 5 reassures us with the option to automatically backup your files to your preferred cloud between Google Drive, OneDrive and iCloud. 

Technological advancements

Shifting to digital notes is a sign that the world is becoming more tech-reliant and softwares like Goodnotes 5 have to keep on advancing to follow the status quo. Optical Character Recognition (or more known as OCR) was added to Goodnotes 5 in 2019, allowing people’s messy handwriting to be identifiable by the app when you look for a certain term. As recent as January of this year, Goodnotes 5 added the voice recording feature so you can easily take notes as well as record your teacher’s voice to listen back to when revising. This feature is shared by both Notability and Goodnotes 5 however OCR is a Goodnotes 5 exclusive, so if you are looking for the app with the nerdiest feature out there, Goodnotes 5 is for you. 

Conclusion

If you are confused about which note-taking app to use and are just looking for something easy-to-use and simple, Goodnotes 5 is definitely the best option for you. Its many pen types, countless premade page templates, unlimited storage, and the ability to import and annotate PDFs are the key points for beginners in the digital note space. Its similarity to physical note-taking with the many pen types and page sizes also make the shift from pen-and-paper notes to screen-and-stylus notes a lot easier. 

[alarajrogers]

I don't even understand the whiner's logic up above. Utilities aren't free, right? The guy didn't have water because he didn't pay, right? But the mom's water had not been shut off?

So she was paying the water bill. She was freely giving a neighbor a resource that she paid for, and they cut her off for doing it, despite the fact that she was paying the bill, because they're trying to apply Netflix subscription logic to a resource that humans need, which isn't sold on a subscription basis!

I can't speak for everywhere in the universe, but everywhere I've lived, water is paid for by unit of water, not by unit of residence. So if Jane normally uses X water units, she pays X times Y, the per unit cost of water. Giving Z units of water to John means she is paying (X + Z) times Y. Thus John's water is paid for. Not free. Not stolen. Paid for by Jane.

How the fuck does the government get the right to tell Jane what she's allowed to do with her water? That she's paying for? This is toxic pro-corporate behavior. They don't just want the water to be paid for, they literally want to punish people who can't afford water.

I mean... I do understand that water isn't free. If you didn't get it from the sky, then it has gone through a treatment plant, which is not free, managed by workers, who don't work for free, using chemicals or things like filters that have to be changed, which are not free. (If you did get it from the sky, it should be free. Policies that make it illegal to collect water in rain barrels, on the spurious notion that it deprives the water table of necessary water, as if the people using the water barrels will hoard it forever and never drink it or wash with it, should be considered a crime against humanity.) But yeah, water coming through the pipes isn't free, I get that. But pointing this out is missing the entire problem here (as is arguing against it.)

In this situation, it doesn't matter whether water is a resource that should be free, or should not be free. It wasn't free. OP's mom was paying for it. And they wouldn't let her pay to share her water with an old man in need.

That is radicalizing. You can accept "well, the workers at the water plant need to get paid" and "actually cities put a lot into making their water safe and need to be paid for that" and "if you didn't pay for water, everywhere would end up like Flint because cities wouldn't pay to purify it", and still understand that it's evil to forbid people to share water when they are paying for it, just so you can harshly punish people who can't afford their water bill.

Ironically, if OP's mom was a corporate bottling plant, they would probably have let her bottle the water and send it out of the community for profit, and possibly have charged her less for the water she was using that way. But she was sharing it with a neighbor in need, and that's not allowed!

[philiproy1]

Moving from North Carolina? How to Make Your Out-of-State Move Stress-Free

Planning Your Long-Distance Move in Advance

Relocating to a new state is an exciting journey, but it comes with challenges. From packing your belongings to settling into a new home, the process can feel overwhelming. With proper planning and the right moving company, your transition can be smooth and stress-free. Whether you're moving for a new job, family, or a fresh start, preparing in advance ensures a hassle-free experience.

Create a Moving Timeline

Starting early is key to avoiding last-minute stress. Set a timeline with important tasks, including:

Choosing a reliable long-distance moving company

Sorting and decluttering your belongings

Notifying utility companies and service providers

Updating your address with banks, subscriptions, and the postal service

Packing essential items for quick access at your new home

A well-organized plan helps you stay on track and minimizes unexpected issues.

Hire a Trusted Moving Company

Long-distance moves require experienced professionals who understand the logistics of interstate relocation. A moving company with expertise in out-of-state moves can provide the support and efficiency needed for a seamless transition.

Packing for a Smooth Out-of-State Move

Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving. Proper organization and high-quality packing materials ensure your items arrive safely at your new home.

Declutter Before Packing

Moving is the perfect time to downsize and get rid of unnecessary items. Donate, sell, or recycle belongings that you no longer use. This reduces moving costs and makes unpacking easier.

Label and Organize Boxes

Clearly label boxes by room and contents. This helps movers place items in the right areas and speeds up the unpacking process. Consider using color-coded labels for even better organization.

Protect Fragile Items

Use bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes to protect delicate items such as glassware, electronics, and artwork. Secure furniture with padding and plastic wrap to prevent damage during transport.

Pack an Essentials Box

Prepare a separate box with must-have items for your first few days in your new home. This should include:

Important documents

Medications

Chargers and electronics

Toiletries

A change of clothes

Basic kitchen supplies

Having these essentials readily available eliminates the stress of searching through multiple boxes after your move.

Managing Logistics for an Out-of-State Move

Relocating to a new state involves more than just packing and transportation. Proper coordination ensures everything is set up before you arrive.

Notify Important Parties About Your Move

Update your address with:

The post office for mail forwarding

Banks and financial institutions

Insurance providers

Employer and HR department

Schools and healthcare providers

Arrange for Utility Transfers

Ensure electricity, water, internet, and other essential services are set up before you move in. This prevents delays and ensures a smooth transition into your new home.

Plan Your Travel Arrangements

Decide whether you will drive to your new location or fly and have your vehicle transported. Make hotel reservations if your trip requires an overnight stay, and keep important travel documents easily accessible.

Settling into Your New Home with Ease

Once you arrive at your destination, the focus shifts to settling in and making your new house feel like home.

Unpack Strategically

Start with essentials such as the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Setting up key areas first helps create a sense of normalcy in your new space.

Explore Your New Community

Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood by visiting grocery stores, local businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities. Connecting with neighbors and joining community groups can help you feel at home faster.

Take Care of Legal and Administrative Tasks

Complete state-specific requirements such as:

Registering your vehicle

Updating your driver's license

Registering to vote

Understanding local regulations and policies

Make Your Out-of-State Move Stress-Free with Capital Moving & Storage

Moving from North Carolina to another state doesn’t have to be stressful. With expert planning, professional movers, and an organized approach, you can enjoy a smooth transition.

Capital Moving & Storage specializes in long-distance relocations, ensuring your move is efficient, secure, and worry-free. From packing and transportation to storage solutions, we handle every detail with care.

Call Capital Moving & Storage today at (919) 887-1721 to schedule your move and experience a seamless relocation with a trusted team by your side.

[piyushmehra]

What Are RO Filters & Why Are They Necessary?

RO filters are the central parts of any Reverse Osmosis system, tasked with eliminating up to 99% of dissolved contaminants such as:

Heavy metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic)

Pesticides and industrial chemicals

Bacteria and viruses

Fluoride, chlorine, and other toxic substances

An RO system generally employs more than one filter, operating stage by stage to clean water. The quality of each filter directly influences the flavor, safety, and lifespan of the system.

Various Kinds of RO Filters and Functions

To better grasp what renders an RO filter the "best," let us begin by finding out the prominent types of filters utilized in an RO system:

Sediment Filter (Pre-Filter) Function: Eliminates dust, rust, sand, and larger impurities

Best for: Preventing the RO membrane from clogging

Replacement Time: Every 6 months

Carbon Filter (Activated Carbon Block or GAC) Function: Eliminates chlorine, odors, and organic materials

Best for: Increasing water taste and membranes from chlorine protection

Replacement Time: 6–12 months

Replacement Time: 1.5–2 years

3. Post Carbon Filter (Taste Enhancer) Function: Polishes the water, enhancing taste and freshness

Best for: Final stage before reaching the tap

Replacement Time: 6–12 months

Mineral Cartridge / Alkaline Filter (Optional) Function: Adds necessary minerals, pH balance

Best for: Health-focused consumers who desire added minerals

Replacement Time: 6–12 months

Top Best RO Filter in 2025 (India & Global Market)

Below are the most highly recommended RO filters of 2025 according to efficiency, durability, consumer ratings, and market performance

Flow Rate: 50/75/100 GPD variants

Benefits: Industry gold standard, highly durable

Best For: Premium domestic and commercial use

Pentair Sediment & Carbon Filters Known For: Precision filtration, long life

Benefits: Best-in-class pre-filtration

Best For: Commercial units, high-performance setup

Budget-friendly alternative to Filmtec

Best For: OEM manufacturers and dealers

Includes Sediment, Pre-Carbon, RO Membrane, Post Carbon, Mineral Filter

Best For: Retail customers and RO servicing businesses

Flow Rate: 300–600 GPD

Best For: Industrial and high-volume systems

How to Identify High-Quality RO Filters When choosing RO filters, always evaluate the following:

Feature Why It Matters

TDS Rejection Rate Indicates how well the filter removes contaminants NSF/ISI/BIS Certification Ensures safety and compliance with standards Micron Rating Finer ratings offer better filtration Material Quality Affects lifespan and performance Brand Reputation Reputable brands provide improved warranty and support

Trends Shaping RO Filters in 2025 The world of water filtration is changing rapidly. Here's the latest:

Smart RO Filters: Sensors for monitoring filter life and performance

Sustainable Filters: Recyclable parts and lower plastic usage

Low-Pressure Membranes: Saving energy without reducing quality

Multi-Stage Compact Cartridges: Reduced size without diminishing filtration

AI-Integrated RO Systems: Smart filter reminders and diagnostics

Why This Matters to You For Customers

Guarantees your household consumes healthy, mineralized water

Saves your investment in RO machines with longer filter lifespan

Saves maintenance expenses through intelligent replacement

For Dealers: Fewer returns and complaints with high-quality filters

Chance to offer full filter kits bundled for improved margins

Simpler upsell and customer loyalty with premium offerings

For Manufacturers: Get certified, high-performance components for your products

Increase product credibility and market competitiveness

Gain OEM branding and bulk pricing from suppliers

Tips for Dealers and Manufacturers Always carry 50/75/100 GPD —they sell the most purifiers

Train customers to change filters every 6–12 months

Package filters in yearly maintenance kits

Provide subscription services for filter replacement

Establish trust through ISO-certified filters and proper labeling of specs

Why Partner With Us for RO Filters?

We are an established supplier and OEM partner for high-quality RO filter components in India and global markets. Our filters are:

✅ Certified (NSF/BIS/ISO standards)

Tested for highest TDS rejection and taste improvement Suitable for all major RO systems Bulk & OEM Packaging Available Supported by Technical Support & On-Time Delivery

You're a service provider, water purifier dealer, or RO plant manufacturer—whatever your business is, we give you the filters that enhance your brand image and revenue.

Ready to Take the Next Step? For Customers: Purchase high-quality filters to ensure your water remains pure and your loved ones protected For Dealers: Increase your product offerings with our high-demand filter kits For Manufacturers: Obtain dependable, affordable filter parts with OEM assistance

[maximumsongcandy]

Utility Asset Management Market Barriers Slowing Digital Transformation and Infrastructure Modernization Across Global Utilities

The utility asset management market is evolving rapidly, driven by the need to modernize aging infrastructure, improve service reliability, and enhance operational efficiency across electricity, water, and gas sectors. Despite promising advancements in digital technologies and increasing investments in smart infrastructure, several critical barriers continue to hamper the full-scale adoption and effectiveness of utility asset management systems.

This article examines the key barriers in the Utility Asset Management Market, analyzing their causes, implications, and the strategies utilities and solution providers can adopt to overcome them.

Understanding Utility Asset Management

Utility asset management refers to the systematic approach to managing utility infrastructure assets throughout their lifecycle—from acquisition and operation to maintenance and replacement. It aims to maximize asset performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and minimize costs and downtime. Modern asset management integrates digital tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, cloud platforms, and AI-driven analytics.

However, the road to advanced asset management is not without its obstacles. These barriers exist at technological, organizational, financial, and regulatory levels, affecting utilities of all sizes across developed and emerging markets.

1. High Initial Investment and Budget Constraints

One of the most prominent barriers is the high upfront cost associated with implementing advanced asset management systems. These costs include:

Software licensing and subscriptions

Hardware and IoT sensor installation

Data integration and storage solutions

Training and workforce development

For smaller utilities and public-sector organizations operating on limited budgets, these initial expenses can be a significant deterrent. Even larger utilities may face difficulties securing funding for long-term asset management strategies due to competing priorities.

2. Legacy Systems and Infrastructure Incompatibility

Many utilities continue to rely on outdated, siloed legacy systems for asset tracking and operations. These systems often:

Lack interoperability with modern platforms

Do not support real-time data collection

Require manual processes and spreadsheets

Integrating new asset management solutions with existing infrastructure is often complex, time-consuming, and expensive. This creates a technical barrier to modernization, especially in older utility networks that span multiple decades.

3. Lack of Data Standardization and Quality

Data is the backbone of effective asset management, but many utilities face challenges related to:

Inconsistent data formats across departments and systems

Missing, outdated, or inaccurate asset information

Limited tools for data validation and cleansing

Without standardized and high-quality data, even the most advanced analytics tools will yield poor insights, undermining the potential benefits of asset management systems.

4. Workforce Shortages and Skill Gaps

The utility sector is experiencing a talent crisis, particularly in areas requiring digital and technical expertise. Barriers include:

An aging workforce with limited digital skills

Difficulty attracting younger professionals into the utility sector

A shortage of personnel trained in new asset management technologies

This lack of skilled professionals hampers the effective implementation and use of modern asset management platforms and increases dependence on outdated processes.

5. Resistance to Change and Organizational Silos

Utility companies are often structured in departmental silos, with operations, IT, engineering, and finance working in isolation. This creates barriers such as:

Poor communication and collaboration between departments

Conflicting priorities that slow down project approvals

Resistance to new systems due to lack of stakeholder alignment

Organizational culture and internal resistance to change remain significant roadblocks to the adoption of integrated, enterprise-wide asset management systems.

6. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Concerns

As utilities shift toward cloud-based and IoT-enabled systems, cybersecurity risks become a growing concern. Key barriers include:

Inadequate cybersecurity frameworks for connected infrastructure

Fear of data breaches and operational disruptions

Uncertainty over compliance with global and regional data protection laws

Utilities must invest in robust security protocols, but doing so adds additional layers of cost, complexity, and delay to asset management projects.

7. Regulatory Complexity and Compliance Burden

Utilities must navigate a complex web of local, national, and international regulations related to:

Asset performance

Environmental impact

Safety and reliability standards

Data governance and privacy

Keeping up with evolving regulations and maintaining compliance through asset management systems can be costly and time-consuming. The burden of documentation, auditing, and reporting creates hesitation around adopting new platforms that may require workflow overhauls.

8. Lack of Clear ROI and Business Case

While asset management delivers long-term benefits such as improved reliability and reduced maintenance costs, these gains are often difficult to quantify in the short term. Utilities may struggle to:

Demonstrate quick wins to stakeholders

Justify large capital investments without immediate returns

Align ROI metrics across departments

This uncertainty can stall decision-making and lead to underinvestment in necessary asset management tools.

9. Vendor Fragmentation and Solution Overload

The utility asset management ecosystem is crowded with a wide range of solution providers offering tools for different asset types, functions, and data formats. This fragmentation causes challenges like:

Difficulty in selecting the right vendor

Limited interoperability between platforms

Increased integration complexity and costs

Utilities often find themselves overwhelmed by choices and unclear about which systems will best meet their long-term goals.

10. Limited Government Incentives and Support

In many regions, especially developing markets, there is a lack of policy support or funding incentives for utility modernization projects. Without government-backed initiatives or subsidies, utilities may delay investments in asset management platforms, particularly if regulatory compliance is not strictly enforced.

Overcoming the Barriers

To address these challenges, stakeholders across the utility ecosystem must collaborate and innovate. Key strategies include:

Phased implementation plans to manage costs

Investing in workforce training and change management

Prioritizing cybersecurity and data governance

Standardizing data collection and reporting

Forming cross-departmental governance teams

Partnering with experienced vendors offering scalable, interoperable solutions

Conclusion

The utility asset management market is full of potential but faces a series of complex and interconnected barriers that slow down progress. These challenges—ranging from legacy infrastructure and budget constraints to cybersecurity concerns and regulatory burdens—must be strategically addressed to unlock the market’s full value.

As the global demand for reliable, efficient, and sustainable utility services continues to grow, overcoming these barriers is not optional—it’s essential. Forward-thinking utilities, solution providers, and policymakers who invest in breaking down these obstacles will be best positioned to lead the next era of smart, resilient infrastructure management.

[melbournecentralmov]

Your Step-by-Step Checklist for a Successful Move in Melbourne

Introduction: Moving to a new home in Melbourne can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're relocating from a nearby suburb or from across the city, having a clear, structured plan can make the process much smoother. In this blog, we provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step checklist to ensure your move is successful and stress-free.

1. 8 Weeks Before Your Move: Start Planning Early

Why it Helps: The earlier you begin your moving preparations, the less stressful the process will be. Getting started well in advance allows you to book professional services, arrange for utilities, and avoid last-minute surprises.

Action Steps:

Create a moving plan: Outline the tasks you need to complete and set deadlines for each.

Get quotes from removalists: Contact at least 3 moving companies to get quotes and book your preferred removalist in advance.

Notify your landlord (if renting): If you're renting, give your landlord notice according to your lease agreement.

Begin decluttering: Start going through your belongings to decide what to keep, donate, or sell.

2. 6 Weeks Before Your Move: Start Organizing and Booking Services

Why it Helps: Organizing your move ahead of time helps you stay on track and prevent things from falling through the cracks. Booking essential services now will help you avoid delays later.

Action Steps:

Book your removalists: Confirm your booking with the removalist company. If you need any special services (e.g., moving large or fragile items), make sure to discuss these ahead of time.

Start packing non-essential items: Begin packing things you won’t need immediately, like books, seasonal clothing, or décor.

Arrange utility disconnections: Contact your energy provider, internet service, water, and gas companies to schedule disconnections at your old place and reconnections at your new address.

Change your address: Update your address with the post office and relevant institutions like banks, insurance companies, and subscriptions.

3. 4 Weeks Before Your Move: Finalize Details

Why it Helps: By this time, you’ll need to get more specific with your move details and start the process of packing up your home in earnest. Now is the time to finalize any logistics.

Action Steps:

Confirm with removalists: Reconfirm your booking with the moving company and ensure all details are correct, including the moving date and address.

Start packing room-by-room: Begin packing the items you use least. Label boxes clearly by room and contents.

Notify schools or daycare centers: If you have children, inform their school or daycare about the move and ask for any required paperwork.

Arrange for childcare or pet care: If you have small children or pets, arrange for a friend, family member, or professional sitter to care for them during the move.

4. 2 Weeks Before Your Move: Begin Finalizing

Why it Helps: This is the final stretch where you ensure everything is on track. You’ll need to tackle any last-minute tasks to ensure a seamless transition.

Action Steps:

Confirm all moving details: Check with your removalists about the moving time and location. Make sure all necessary equipment (e.g., dollies, padding, etc.) will be provided.

Finish packing: Focus on packing up the rest of your home. Leave out only what you'll need for the final days.

Defrost the fridge and freezer: Make sure your fridge and freezer are empty and defrosted at least 48 hours before the move to prevent leaks.

Take inventory: Create a list of all your packed items, especially valuable or fragile possessions, for reference during the move.

Prepare for the weather: Melbourne weather can be unpredictable. Pack clothing for all conditions, and plan for potential rain or heat on moving day.

5. 1 Week Before Your Move: Wrapping Up Loose Ends

Why it Helps: With only a week to go, it's time to wrap up any remaining tasks and ensure everything is ready for moving day.

Action Steps:

Final clean-up: Clean your current home and take note of any damages that need to be reported to your landlord (if renting).

Pack an essentials box: This should include everything you'll need immediately after the move, like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and chargers.

Confirm utility connections at the new place: Double-check that all utilities will be working when you arrive at your new home.

Confirm parking and access at your new home: Make sure your removalists know where to park and how to access your new home.

6. Moving Day: Stay Calm and Organized

Why it Helps: Moving day can be chaotic, but by staying organized, you’ll be able to minimize stress and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Action Steps:

Be available to direct the movers: Be present when the movers arrive to guide them to the necessary rooms and help them with any specific requests (e.g., fragile items).

Do a final walk-through: Before you leave, walk through your old home one last time to ensure nothing is left behind and that everything is in order.

Check the inventory list: Ensure that all your belongings are loaded into the moving truck. Use the inventory list you created to cross-check.

Take photos of your old home: If you're renting, take photos of your old place to document its condition in case there are disputes with the landlord later.

7. After the Move: Settle In and Complete Any Remaining Tasks

Why it Helps: Once you’ve arrived at your new home, there are a few final tasks to ensure everything is set up and that the move is officially complete.

Action Steps:

Inspect your new home: Check for any damages that may have occurred during the move and report them immediately if necessary.

Unpack room-by-room: Start unpacking by focusing on one room at a time. Begin with essentials, like the kitchen and bathroom, and leave the rest for later.

Set up utilities and internet: Ensure all utilities are functioning properly, and contact your internet or cable provider to get your services up and running.

Update your address: If you haven’t already, make sure your new address is updated with all relevant companies, and don't forget to register your new address with the electoral roll.

Conclusion: Moving to a new home in Melbourne doesn’t have to be a chaotic experience. By following this step-by-step checklist, you’ll stay organized and reduce the risk of last-minute stress. Planning ahead, packing smartly, and staying on top of tasks will help ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Call to Action: Got any other tips for a successful move in Melbourne? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or get in touch with us if you need help with your next move!

Looking for reliable Melbourne removalists? Choose Melbourne Central Movers for a fast, friendly, and affordable moving experience. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote!