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Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...View the full article

Chinese automaker BYD sold more electric vehicles in Europe than Tesla for the first time, according to a report by JATO Dynamics, as an aging model lineup and CEO Elon Musk’s politics hurt demand for the U.S. EV maker’s cars. BYD, which also makes plug-in hybrid vehicles, registered 7,231 battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV) in Europe in April, while Tesla registered 7,165 units, the market research firm said. “This is a watershed moment for Europe’s car market, particularly when you consider that Tesla has led the European BEV market for years, while BYD only officially began operations beyond Norway and the Netherlands in late 2022,” JATO Dynamics’ global analyst Felipe Munoz said. Demand for electric vehicles in Europe remains steady. BEV registrations surged 28% in April from last year, largely driven by Chinese car brands. Despite the EU’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, registrations of such cars increased 59% in the month from a year earlier, while carmakers from Europe, Japan, South Korea and the United States recorded 26% growth. WEAK TESLA DEMAND The company reported its first drop in annual deliveries last year, and analysts expect another fall this year after a 13% decline in the first quarter. Musk said earlier this week that Tesla had already turned around sales, and demand was strong in regions apart from Europe. His political views have triggered waves of protests against Tesla in the U.S. and Europe, leading to a slump in sales. Additionally, production halts to retool factories to make the redesigned Model Y crossover globally caused a drop in manufacturing and sales in the first quarter. Analysts have also attributed lower sales to customers waiting for less-expensive versions of the new Model Y, Tesla’s best-selling vehicle, to become more widely available. —Akash Sriram in Bengaluru, Reuters View the full article

Google’s newly launched AI Mode in Search isn’t passing referral data. That means it’s impossible to know how many clicks you got from AI Mode in Google Search Console (GSC) or other analytics tools. Why we care. You have no way of knowing how much traffic you’re getting from AI Mode. Google continues to tell us its AI answers drive higher-quality clicks, without proof. We have no data to verify this. Frustratingly, Google continues to take away helpful data, making it impossible for us to make data-driven decisions. Driving the news: Tom Critchlow, EVP audience growth at Raptive, first raised the issue on LinkedIn. Testing from Patrick Stox, product advisor, technical SEO, and brand ambassador at Ahrefs, confirmed that you can’t track clicks from AI Mode: Clicks on links shown in AI Mode don’t appear in Google Search Console. Analytics tools classify these visits as Direct or Unknown. The links generated in AI Mode are marked with a noreferrer attribute, which strips the referrer value that would otherwise enable attribution. Why? Lily Ray, vice president, SEO strategy and research at Amsive, shared her theory on LinkedIn, dubbing this “Not Provided 2.0” (a reference to when Google began encrypting searches and outbound clicks by default): “Google does NOT want us having access to traffic data for AI Mode, or AI Overviews for that matter, because it will reveal just how little traffic both are actually driving to external websites. It’s much more convenient to continue repeating some carefully crafted statement about how these tools ‘drive traffic to more websites than ever,’ without giving us any tools to confirm this.” Temporary or permanent? In the Measuring the performance of your site section of the AI features and your website Google Search Central help document, Google wrote: Just like the rest of the search results page, sites appearing in AI features (such as AI Overviews and AI Mode) are included in the overall search traffic in Search Console. In particular, they’re reported on in the Performance report, within the “Web” search type. When you visit the GSC What are impressions, position, and clicks? page, there is no mention of AI Mode. Only AI Overviews are mentioned. Also, Google’s newest blog post wrote seemed to be saying that we should no longer “focus too much on clicks” and more on “the overall value of your visits from Search.” What’s next. Google has not yet commented on whether AI Mode traffic might become visible in GSC or analytics platforms. Until then, we remain in the dark. View the full article

Twelve states on Wednesday urged a federal court to strike down President Donald The President’s sweeping taxes on imports, saying he had exceeded his authority, left U.S. trade policy dependent on his whims and unleashed economic chaos. They are challenging tariffs that The President imposed last month on most of the countries in the world in an effort to reverse America’s massive and longstanding trade deficits. They are also targeting levies the president had earlier plastered on imports from Canada, China and Mexico to combat the illegal flow of immigrants and the synthetic opioids across the U.S. border. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York on Wednesday heard arguments in the states’ case. Last week, the trade court held a hearing in a similar challenge to The President’s tariffs brought by five small businesses. The court specifically deals with civil lawsuits involving international trade. Its decisions can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington and ultimately to the Supreme Court, where the legal challenges to The President’ tariffs are widely expected to end up. At least seven lawsuits are challenging the levies, the centerpiece of The President’s trade policy. Declaring that the United States’ trade deficits add up to a national emergency, The President invoked the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPPA) and rolled out 10% tariffs on many countries on April 2—“Liberation Day,” he called it. He imposed stiffer “reciprocal” tariffs of up to 50% on countries that sell more goods to the United States than the U.S. sells them. (The President later suspended those higher tariffs for 90 days.) The states argue that the emergency economic powers act does not authorize the use of tariffs. Even if it did, they say, the trade deficit does not meet the law’s requirement that an emergency be triggered only by an “unusual and extraordinary threat.” The U.S. has run a trade deficit with the rest of the world for 49 consecutive years. “This is not an unusual problem,” Brian Marshall, an Oregon state attorney, told the judges Wednesday. The The President administration argues that courts approved President Richard Nixon’s emergency use of tariffs in a 1971 economic crisis. The Nixon administration successfully cited its authority under the 1917 Trading With Enemy Act, which preceded and supplied some of the language used in IEPPA. Brett Shumate, the assistant U.S. attorney general representing the administration, argued Wednesday that only Congress, and not the courts, can determine the “political” question of whether the president’s rationale for declaring an emergency complies with the law. That argument led Judge Jane Restani to ask if courts were helpless to block the president’s emergency declarations no matter how “crazy” they were. The President’s Liberation Day tariffs shook global financial markets and led many economists to downgrade the outlook for U.S. economic growth. So far, though, the tariffs appear to have had little impact on the world’s largest economy. The 12 states pursuing the case are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Vermont. —Paul Wiseman, AP Economics Writer View the full article

Sponsored Post Key Takeaways Instagram’s Importance: Instagram is a vital platform for small businesses, offering opportunities for brand visibility and customer engagement among over a billion users. Effective Content Strategies: High-quality visuals, engaging stories, and user-generated content can significantly enhance a small business’s marketing presence on Instagram. Community Building: Fostering connections through community engagement and networking can build customer loyalty and create mentorship opportunities. Performance Metrics: Regularly tracking engagement rates and content performance helps optimize strategies for better results and targeted marketing efforts. Niche Relevance Matters: Follow accounts that align with your industry to gain insights and inspiration that can aid in targeted marketing and growth strategies. Top Accounts to Follow: Influential accounts like @garyvee and @entrepreneur offer valuable tips and industry insights that can guide small business owners on their entrepreneurial journey. In the bustling world of social media, Instagram stands out as a powerful platform for small businesses to showcase their brand and connect with customers. With over a billion active users, it’s a treasure trove of inspiration and potential growth. But with so many accounts out there, how do you find the best ones that can guide you on your entrepreneurial journey? Discovering the right Instagram accounts can spark creativity and provide invaluable insights into effective marketing strategies. From eye-catching visuals to engaging storytelling, these accounts not only highlight successful tactics but also foster a sense of community among small business owners. Ready to elevate your Instagram game? Let’s dive into the best accounts that can help you thrive in the competitive landscape of small business. Overview of Instagram for Small Businesses Instagram serves as a powerful tool for small businesses, providing unique opportunities for brand exposure and customer engagement. With over a billion active users, it’s essential to develop a compelling presence that resonates with your target audience. Use its features to showcase your products or services effectively. You can leverage Instagram for marketing in several ways. You can share high-quality visuals to highlight your offerings, engage with potential customers through stories, and encourage user-generated content to promote your brand organically. Investing time in content marketing through well-crafted posts can significantly boost your visibility. Building a strong community on Instagram fosters connections that drive customer loyalty. You can connect with fellow entrepreneurs, potential collaborators, and industry influencers, creating opportunities for networking and mentorship. Engaging regularly with your followers enhances interactions and encourages repeat visits to your account. Tracking performance metrics is crucial for refining your marketing strategy. Monitoring engagement rates helps you identify what resonates with your audience and adjust your approach accordingly. By understanding insights like reach and impressions, you can optimize your content for better results. When you utilize Instagram as part of your growth strategy, consider integrating it with your overall business plan. Align your social media efforts with your broader marketing goals, ensuring your brand message is consistent across different platforms. Developing a cohesive online presence across social media and your website strengthens brand recognition. Embrace innovation on Instagram by experimenting with new features and trends. Utilize tools like Instagram Shopping to streamline the purchasing process directly from your posts, enhancing customer experiences and driving sales. By staying adaptable, you can keep your business relevant and thriving in a competitive marketplace. Incorporating Instagram into your overall strategy is essential for boosting customer acquisition. Use targeted marketing techniques to reach your desired audience effectively. With diligent planning and execution, Instagram can become a vital part of your small business toolkit. Criteria for Selecting the Best Accounts Identifying the best Instagram accounts requires assessing a few key criteria. Focus on engagement metrics, content quality, and niche relevance to enhance your small business’s marketing strategies. Engagement Metrics Assess accounts based on high engagement rates that include likes, comments, saves, and shares. These metrics indicate how well content resonates with the target audience. For example, Gary Vaynerchuk (@garyvee) and Entrepreneur Magazine (@entrepreneur) exemplify high engagement rates, driven by interactive and valuable content that attracts attention. Track follower growth rates as well; accounts with consistent increases often demonstrate effective engagement and robust content strategies. Content Quality Examine the quality of content shared. High-quality visuals and professional posts attract and retain followers. Brands like Gucci (@gucci) and GoPro (@gopro) succeed due to their polished content and engaging behind-the-scenes posts. Prioritize accounts that deliver visually appealing and relevant content that speaks to your industry to enhance your brand’s image. Niche Relevance Select accounts that align closely with your niche. Relevant content fosters connections with your target audience and positions your brand within the right market space. Determine areas of common interest, such as startup innovation, digital marketing, or e-commerce strategies. Engaging with accounts that cater specifically to your niche can provide valuable insights and inspiration to drive your own business goals. Top Instagram Accounts for Small Business Discovering effective Instagram accounts can provide small business owners with insights and inspiration. Here are two standout accounts to follow for valuable content. Account 1: Highlights and Strategies Gary Vaynerchuk (@garyvee) Gary Vaynerchuk is an entrepreneur and marketing expert. His Instagram account is filled with practical business tips and motivational content. Gary emphasizes the power of engagement through Instagram Live, often hosting Q&A sessions that create direct connections with his audience. His stories and posts reflect authenticity, showcasing real experiences in business growth and branding. Following Gary can enhance your understanding of digital marketing strategies and customer acquisition techniques. Account 2: Highlights and Strategies Entrepreneur Magazine (@entrepreneur) Entrepreneur Magazine’s Instagram account offers an array of content tailored for small business owners. You’ll find success stories, essential business tips, and industry news that help you navigate challenges. The account emphasizes market research insights and features valuable information on business registration and funding options. This consistent delivery of relevant content supports your entrepreneurial journey and helps you develop effective growth strategies. Account 3: Highlights and Strategies Small Business Administration (@sbagov) The Small Business Administration’s Instagram account focuses on resources and support for small businesses. The highlights include information on legal structure, financing methods, and guidance on how to start a business. You’ll also find updates on grants, loans, and other funding opportunities. Their educational posts assist you in understanding the essential elements of a solid business plan, enabling you to approach entrepreneurial challenges with confidence. Tips for Leveraging Instagram for Your Small Business Maximize your Instagram presence by implementing key strategies tailored for small businesses. A proactive approach enhances customer acquisition and brand recognition. Building a Strong Brand Identity Cultivate a unique brand identity by maintaining a consistent visual style on your Instagram. Select a color palette, typography, and imagery that reflect your brand’s personality. Use your bio to convey your business model succinctly, including your products or services and target audience. Showcase high-quality images of your offerings, ensuring visual appeal attracts potential customers. Incorporate relevant hashtags to increase visibility and engagement with your posts. Align your content with your marketing goals to establish a recognizable presence in your niche. Engaging with Your Audience Engage with your audience regularly to foster relationships that drive loyalty. Utilize Instagram Stories and polls for real-time interactions, creating a sense of community among followers. Respond to comments and direct messages quickly, demonstrating your commitment to customer service. Share user-generated content, encouraging followers to showcase their experiences with your products. Leverage insights to understand your audience’s preferences better and refine your marketing strategies accordingly. Collaborate with influencers or other small businesses to extend your reach and tap into new customer segments, enhancing brand awareness within your industry. Conclusion Embracing Instagram for your small business can transform your marketing strategy and enhance customer relationships. By following the right accounts and implementing effective practices, you can gain valuable insights and inspiration to elevate your brand. Remember to engage authentically with your audience and leverage the platform’s unique features. As you explore the best accounts to follow, keep refining your approach based on what resonates with your audience. With dedication and creativity, Instagram can become a powerful ally in your entrepreneurial journey, driving growth and fostering a loyal community around your brand. Frequently Asked Questions Why is Instagram important for small businesses? Instagram is crucial for small businesses due to its vast user base of over a billion active accounts. It offers an excellent platform for brand visibility, customer engagement, and community building. By sharing high-quality visuals and interacting with followers, businesses can enhance their marketing efforts and connect better with potential customers. How can small businesses leverage Instagram effectively? Small businesses can leverage Instagram by maintaining a consistent visual style, using high-quality images, and engaging with their audience through stories and polls. Sharing user-generated content and collaborating with influencers will also help boost brand awareness and customer loyalty. What are key criteria for selecting Instagram accounts to follow? When selecting Instagram accounts to follow, consider engagement metrics like likes and comments, content quality, and niche relevance. Accounts with high engagement rates and professional visuals provide valuable insights and inspiration to help enhance your marketing strategy. Which Instagram accounts should small business owners follow? Small business owners should follow accounts like Gary Vaynerchuk (@garyvee) for motivational business tips, Entrepreneur Magazine (@entrepreneur) for industry news and advice, and the Small Business Administration (@sbagov) for resources and support tailored to small businesses. How do performance metrics impact Instagram marketing strategies? Tracking performance metrics helps businesses understand which content resonates with their audience. Analyzing likes, comments, and engagement rates allows small businesses to refine their marketing strategies and create content that drives customer acquisition and brand recognition. What role does user-generated content play on Instagram? User-generated content plays a significant role in fostering trust and engagement. Sharing customers’ photos and experiences enhances brand authenticity and loyalty, as it encourages community involvement and showcases real-life uses of products or services. How can small businesses build a community on Instagram? To build a community on Instagram, small businesses should engage regularly with their audience by responding to comments, sharing stories, and hosting interactive polls. Collaborating with other brands and participating in discussions can further enhance connection and loyalty among followers. What innovative features should small businesses use on Instagram? Small businesses should embrace innovative features like Instagram Shopping and Stories to enhance user experience. Utilizing these tools allows businesses to showcase products, engage customers, and drive sales effectively, making the shopping experience seamless for users. Image Via Envato This article, "Top Instagram Accounts Every Small Business Owner Should Follow for Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Sponsored Post Key Takeaways Instagram’s Importance: Instagram is a vital platform for small businesses, offering opportunities for brand visibility and customer engagement among over a billion users. Effective Content Strategies: High-quality visuals, engaging stories, and user-generated content can significantly enhance a small business’s marketing presence on Instagram. Community Building: Fostering connections through community engagement and networking can build customer loyalty and create mentorship opportunities. Performance Metrics: Regularly tracking engagement rates and content performance helps optimize strategies for better results and targeted marketing efforts. Niche Relevance Matters: Follow accounts that align with your industry to gain insights and inspiration that can aid in targeted marketing and growth strategies. Top Accounts to Follow: Influential accounts like @garyvee and @entrepreneur offer valuable tips and industry insights that can guide small business owners on their entrepreneurial journey. In the bustling world of social media, Instagram stands out as a powerful platform for small businesses to showcase their brand and connect with customers. With over a billion active users, it’s a treasure trove of inspiration and potential growth. But with so many accounts out there, how do you find the best ones that can guide you on your entrepreneurial journey? Discovering the right Instagram accounts can spark creativity and provide invaluable insights into effective marketing strategies. From eye-catching visuals to engaging storytelling, these accounts not only highlight successful tactics but also foster a sense of community among small business owners. Ready to elevate your Instagram game? Let’s dive into the best accounts that can help you thrive in the competitive landscape of small business. Overview of Instagram for Small Businesses Instagram serves as a powerful tool for small businesses, providing unique opportunities for brand exposure and customer engagement. With over a billion active users, it’s essential to develop a compelling presence that resonates with your target audience. Use its features to showcase your products or services effectively. You can leverage Instagram for marketing in several ways. You can share high-quality visuals to highlight your offerings, engage with potential customers through stories, and encourage user-generated content to promote your brand organically. Investing time in content marketing through well-crafted posts can significantly boost your visibility. Building a strong community on Instagram fosters connections that drive customer loyalty. You can connect with fellow entrepreneurs, potential collaborators, and industry influencers, creating opportunities for networking and mentorship. Engaging regularly with your followers enhances interactions and encourages repeat visits to your account. Tracking performance metrics is crucial for refining your marketing strategy. Monitoring engagement rates helps you identify what resonates with your audience and adjust your approach accordingly. By understanding insights like reach and impressions, you can optimize your content for better results. When you utilize Instagram as part of your growth strategy, consider integrating it with your overall business plan. Align your social media efforts with your broader marketing goals, ensuring your brand message is consistent across different platforms. Developing a cohesive online presence across social media and your website strengthens brand recognition. Embrace innovation on Instagram by experimenting with new features and trends. Utilize tools like Instagram Shopping to streamline the purchasing process directly from your posts, enhancing customer experiences and driving sales. By staying adaptable, you can keep your business relevant and thriving in a competitive marketplace. Incorporating Instagram into your overall strategy is essential for boosting customer acquisition. Use targeted marketing techniques to reach your desired audience effectively. With diligent planning and execution, Instagram can become a vital part of your small business toolkit. Criteria for Selecting the Best Accounts Identifying the best Instagram accounts requires assessing a few key criteria. Focus on engagement metrics, content quality, and niche relevance to enhance your small business’s marketing strategies. Engagement Metrics Assess accounts based on high engagement rates that include likes, comments, saves, and shares. These metrics indicate how well content resonates with the target audience. For example, Gary Vaynerchuk (@garyvee) and Entrepreneur Magazine (@entrepreneur) exemplify high engagement rates, driven by interactive and valuable content that attracts attention. Track follower growth rates as well; accounts with consistent increases often demonstrate effective engagement and robust content strategies. Content Quality Examine the quality of content shared. High-quality visuals and professional posts attract and retain followers. Brands like Gucci (@gucci) and GoPro (@gopro) succeed due to their polished content and engaging behind-the-scenes posts. Prioritize accounts that deliver visually appealing and relevant content that speaks to your industry to enhance your brand’s image. Niche Relevance Select accounts that align closely with your niche. Relevant content fosters connections with your target audience and positions your brand within the right market space. Determine areas of common interest, such as startup innovation, digital marketing, or e-commerce strategies. Engaging with accounts that cater specifically to your niche can provide valuable insights and inspiration to drive your own business goals. Top Instagram Accounts for Small Business Discovering effective Instagram accounts can provide small business owners with insights and inspiration. Here are two standout accounts to follow for valuable content. Account 1: Highlights and Strategies Gary Vaynerchuk (@garyvee) Gary Vaynerchuk is an entrepreneur and marketing expert. His Instagram account is filled with practical business tips and motivational content. Gary emphasizes the power of engagement through Instagram Live, often hosting Q&A sessions that create direct connections with his audience. His stories and posts reflect authenticity, showcasing real experiences in business growth and branding. Following Gary can enhance your understanding of digital marketing strategies and customer acquisition techniques. Account 2: Highlights and Strategies Entrepreneur Magazine (@entrepreneur) Entrepreneur Magazine’s Instagram account offers an array of content tailored for small business owners. You’ll find success stories, essential business tips, and industry news that help you navigate challenges. The account emphasizes market research insights and features valuable information on business registration and funding options. This consistent delivery of relevant content supports your entrepreneurial journey and helps you develop effective growth strategies. Account 3: Highlights and Strategies Small Business Administration (@sbagov) The Small Business Administration’s Instagram account focuses on resources and support for small businesses. The highlights include information on legal structure, financing methods, and guidance on how to start a business. You’ll also find updates on grants, loans, and other funding opportunities. Their educational posts assist you in understanding the essential elements of a solid business plan, enabling you to approach entrepreneurial challenges with confidence. Tips for Leveraging Instagram for Your Small Business Maximize your Instagram presence by implementing key strategies tailored for small businesses. A proactive approach enhances customer acquisition and brand recognition. Building a Strong Brand Identity Cultivate a unique brand identity by maintaining a consistent visual style on your Instagram. Select a color palette, typography, and imagery that reflect your brand’s personality. Use your bio to convey your business model succinctly, including your products or services and target audience. Showcase high-quality images of your offerings, ensuring visual appeal attracts potential customers. Incorporate relevant hashtags to increase visibility and engagement with your posts. Align your content with your marketing goals to establish a recognizable presence in your niche. Engaging with Your Audience Engage with your audience regularly to foster relationships that drive loyalty. Utilize Instagram Stories and polls for real-time interactions, creating a sense of community among followers. Respond to comments and direct messages quickly, demonstrating your commitment to customer service. Share user-generated content, encouraging followers to showcase their experiences with your products. Leverage insights to understand your audience’s preferences better and refine your marketing strategies accordingly. Collaborate with influencers or other small businesses to extend your reach and tap into new customer segments, enhancing brand awareness within your industry. Conclusion Embracing Instagram for your small business can transform your marketing strategy and enhance customer relationships. By following the right accounts and implementing effective practices, you can gain valuable insights and inspiration to elevate your brand. Remember to engage authentically with your audience and leverage the platform’s unique features. As you explore the best accounts to follow, keep refining your approach based on what resonates with your audience. With dedication and creativity, Instagram can become a powerful ally in your entrepreneurial journey, driving growth and fostering a loyal community around your brand. Frequently Asked Questions Why is Instagram important for small businesses? Instagram is crucial for small businesses due to its vast user base of over a billion active accounts. It offers an excellent platform for brand visibility, customer engagement, and community building. By sharing high-quality visuals and interacting with followers, businesses can enhance their marketing efforts and connect better with potential customers. How can small businesses leverage Instagram effectively? Small businesses can leverage Instagram by maintaining a consistent visual style, using high-quality images, and engaging with their audience through stories and polls. Sharing user-generated content and collaborating with influencers will also help boost brand awareness and customer loyalty. What are key criteria for selecting Instagram accounts to follow? When selecting Instagram accounts to follow, consider engagement metrics like likes and comments, content quality, and niche relevance. Accounts with high engagement rates and professional visuals provide valuable insights and inspiration to help enhance your marketing strategy. Which Instagram accounts should small business owners follow? Small business owners should follow accounts like Gary Vaynerchuk (@garyvee) for motivational business tips, Entrepreneur Magazine (@entrepreneur) for industry news and advice, and the Small Business Administration (@sbagov) for resources and support tailored to small businesses. How do performance metrics impact Instagram marketing strategies? Tracking performance metrics helps businesses understand which content resonates with their audience. Analyzing likes, comments, and engagement rates allows small businesses to refine their marketing strategies and create content that drives customer acquisition and brand recognition. What role does user-generated content play on Instagram? User-generated content plays a significant role in fostering trust and engagement. Sharing customers’ photos and experiences enhances brand authenticity and loyalty, as it encourages community involvement and showcases real-life uses of products or services. How can small businesses build a community on Instagram? To build a community on Instagram, small businesses should engage regularly with their audience by responding to comments, sharing stories, and hosting interactive polls. Collaborating with other brands and participating in discussions can further enhance connection and loyalty among followers. What innovative features should small businesses use on Instagram? Small businesses should embrace innovative features like Instagram Shopping and Stories to enhance user experience. Utilizing these tools allows businesses to showcase products, engage customers, and drive sales effectively, making the shopping experience seamless for users. Image Via Envato This article, "Top Instagram Accounts Every Small Business Owner Should Follow for Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Welcome to “Cookbook of the Week.” This is a series where I highlight cookbooks that are unique, easy to use, or just special to me. While finding a particular recipe online serves a quick purpose, flipping through a truly excellent cookbook has a magic all its own. I’m nearly positive the first biscuit iteration I ever ate was a Bisquick drop biscuit. While my mom was a well-practiced savory cook, she usually baked from boxes. That was just fine by me and my brothers. But as I grew fond of baking myself, I was pretty surprised when I learned that baking biscuits from scratch was not quite like Bisquick. Simple? Sure. But only where the ingredient list is concerned. In fact, the simpler the ingredient list, the more difficult some types of foods are to make. Biscuits are a great example of the illusion of ease in baking. There’s a balance to strike between shortening gluten and strengthening gluten, adding richness and maximizing lift, and then there’s the question of what to eat it with. This week’s cookbook spotlight shines onto Still We Rise, a cookbook that contains every type of biscuit—from those that can suffice as a butter-slathered side dish to others that are a vital source of comfort. A bit about the bookStill We Rise dropped in 2023 from the owner and chef of Bomb Biscuit Company, Erika Council. You might think to yourself: How many recipes for biscuits could there possibly be? A lot, in fact. There are over 70 recipes in this book—yes, for different types of biscuits, but also for jams and spreads, as well as recipes for savory, stacked biscuit sandwiches. Aside from serving as a collection of easy-to-follow biscuit recipes for you to enjoy, you’ll find anecdotes and one-page personal stories related to the recipes that follow. Council uses this cookbook as a place to tell the stories of accomplished female chefs, of her family, their experiences as Black people living in America in the 1940s and onward, and how the food cooked and shared by Council's family members has played a crucial role in how she connects to her past and present. The recipe I made this weekWhen I first chose the recipe I wanted to make this week, I was expecting a routine biscuit preparation. I chose the Sour Cream and Onion Biscuits, so I made sure to have flour ready, sour cream, green onions, and plenty of cold butter. I stretched my hands and prepared myself for several minutes of “cutting in” butter. That’s a process where you break cold butter into tiny pieces to eventually flatten them so they bake into flaky layers. You’ll see it often in pie crusts too. It’s like a hyper-lazy version of laminating dough, which you see in croissants and puff pastry. To put it bluntly, it’s pretty annoying, but biscuits taste good, so it’s worth it. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann I started mixing the dry ingredients in a bowl and scanned the page for the butter sequence. I scanned again. Where was the butter? Oh, there’s no butter—there’s no butter? (Well there was, but only a couple tablespoons for brushing on at the end.) This recipe uses sour cream and a splash of full-fat buttermilk to lend richness to the dough, and that’s it. No breaking up butter or shredding it with a grater? For those who don’t know off-hand what this news means in a practical sense, this recipe would potentially only take about 10 minutes to prepare. And it did. It was so easy to make. Too easy to make? I was suspicious at first, but the smell wafting from the oven dispelled my fears. The first thing I noticed when I bit into one was the hydration. This biscuit wasn’t your typical towering, flaky specimen, but instead a fluffed and tender oniony morsel. It wasn't wet or cake-y by any means, but it was nowhere near in danger of being a dry biscuit. I should have made a double batch because the sour cream prevented the biscuits from becoming hard or stale even after they had been sitting out for a day. A great cookbook for biscuits that fit your situationIt’s obvious that this is a biscuit cookbook; don’t come here looking for a pizza recipe (though there are pancakes in here). What’s special about this book is that there seems to be a biscuit for every possible need, limitation, or random craving. It speaks to more than simply a variety of toppings or mix-ins. There are recipes that don’t have butter in them, ones that use alternative fats like duck fat, biscuits with regular milk and some with buttermilk, recipes for sweet occasions, savory needs, quick and low-lift recipes, and more complex ones. I can easily see myself thinking, today I don’t have buttermilk and I need savory biscuits ready in 1 hour, so what can I make?—and finding a biscuit that matches my current pantry inventory and time needs. How to buy itI always recommend a jaunt to the local bookstore, but seeing as I couldn’t do it this week, I can’t blame you for ordering online either. I selected the hardcover this week, but if your cookbook bookshelf is getting tight, you can download the ebook for a steal. I’ll be keeping my copy right in the kitchen for strawberry and peach season. (There’s a Honey Roasted Peach Biscuit recipe in here that I have my eye on.) Still We Rise: A Love Letter to the Southern Biscuit with Over 70 Sweet and Savory Recipes $4.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $4.99 at Amazon View the full article

Lenovo has unveiled a new lineup of AI-powered desktop PCs and business monitors aimed at boosting workplace productivity, multitasking, and scalability across industries. The announcement, made on May 14, 2025, introduces the ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 desktops and ThinkVision T Series Gen 40 monitors—both built to meet the increasing demand for AI-ready computing environments. The ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 includes towers, compact desktops, and all-in-one (AIO) systems designed to deliver scalable power and enterprise-level security for businesses of all sizes. Each desktop is engineered to support AI workloads such as model training, data analysis, and 3D visualization. Powered by Intel® Core Ultra 9 Processors, with configurations supporting Intel vPro® Enterprise, the M Series Gen 6 offers top-end TOPS (trillions of operations per second) performance and up to eight expansion slots in tower models like the M90t Gen 6. “Nearly half of businesses believe that AI-powered devices boost employee productivity, and 90 percent of those are already piloting, planning or exploring AI-powered PC rollouts,” said Johnson Jia, senior vice president of Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group. “Our latest ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 desktops and ThinkVision T Series Gen 40 monitors power businesses of all sizes with scalable performance to unlock next-gen AI productivity and creativity.” For businesses with limited workspace, Lenovo offers a compact 1L form factor—ideal for sectors like healthcare, finance, and retail. Models such as the ThinkCentre M90q Gen 6 deliver full-size AI performance in a space-saving design, support up to four displays, and include an optional 30 TOPS discrete NPU for secure on-device AI processing. The ThinkCentre M90a Gen 6 AIO brings an immersive edge-to-edge display and clutter-free setup to the table. Designed for industries requiring 3D rendering and data visualization, it delivers up to 260 TOPS of AI processing, and features a 23.8” near-edgeless FHD display, 99% sRGB color accuracy, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Certified with EyeSafe® and IP55 water/dust resistance, it combines design and durability. These desktops come preloaded with Lenovo’s AI tools, including: Lenovo AI Now: a personal assistant designed to enhance workflow automation AI Turbo Engine: dynamically allocates system resources to optimize performance ThinkShield Security: includes dTPM 2.0 encryption, BIOS-level USB protection, and customizable port disablement Complementing the desktops, Lenovo’s ThinkVision T Series Gen 40 monitors offer energy-efficient, high-resolution displays ranging from WQHD to UHD, featuring 99% sRGB & BT.709 color accuracy and variable refresh rates from 48-120Hz. These displays include modern connectivity options such as USB-C® single-cable docking, and select models support up to 100W of power delivery, AI-powered VoIP tools, and modular conference hardware. Lenovo also emphasized its sustainability efforts. The new ThinkVision monitors use 95% post-consumer recycled plastic, are packaged plastic-free, and meet leading environmental certifications including ENERGY STAR®, TCO, and EPEAT Gold. For IT teams, Lenovo Display Fleet Manager (LDFM) allows centralized asset management and fast firmware updates to reduce downtime. Pricing and availability for the new lineup is as follows: Desktops: ThinkCentre M90t Gen 6: $1,039 ThinkCentre M90q Gen 6: $989 ThinkCentre M90a Gen 6: $1,399 Additional M70 and M90 models range from $959 to $1,719 Monitors: ThinkVision T24-40: $268 ThinkVision T27QD-40: $483 ThinkVision T34WD-40: $623 Other models range from $268 to $608 Image: Lenovo This article, "Lenovo Launches AI-Enhanced ThinkCentre Desktops and ThinkVision Monitors for Modern Workplaces" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Lenovo has unveiled a new lineup of AI-powered desktop PCs and business monitors aimed at boosting workplace productivity, multitasking, and scalability across industries. The announcement, made on May 14, 2025, introduces the ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 desktops and ThinkVision T Series Gen 40 monitors—both built to meet the increasing demand for AI-ready computing environments. The ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 includes towers, compact desktops, and all-in-one (AIO) systems designed to deliver scalable power and enterprise-level security for businesses of all sizes. Each desktop is engineered to support AI workloads such as model training, data analysis, and 3D visualization. Powered by Intel® Core Ultra 9 Processors, with configurations supporting Intel vPro® Enterprise, the M Series Gen 6 offers top-end TOPS (trillions of operations per second) performance and up to eight expansion slots in tower models like the M90t Gen 6. “Nearly half of businesses believe that AI-powered devices boost employee productivity, and 90 percent of those are already piloting, planning or exploring AI-powered PC rollouts,” said Johnson Jia, senior vice president of Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group. “Our latest ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 desktops and ThinkVision T Series Gen 40 monitors power businesses of all sizes with scalable performance to unlock next-gen AI productivity and creativity.” For businesses with limited workspace, Lenovo offers a compact 1L form factor—ideal for sectors like healthcare, finance, and retail. Models such as the ThinkCentre M90q Gen 6 deliver full-size AI performance in a space-saving design, support up to four displays, and include an optional 30 TOPS discrete NPU for secure on-device AI processing. The ThinkCentre M90a Gen 6 AIO brings an immersive edge-to-edge display and clutter-free setup to the table. Designed for industries requiring 3D rendering and data visualization, it delivers up to 260 TOPS of AI processing, and features a 23.8” near-edgeless FHD display, 99% sRGB color accuracy, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Certified with EyeSafe® and IP55 water/dust resistance, it combines design and durability. These desktops come preloaded with Lenovo’s AI tools, including: Lenovo AI Now: a personal assistant designed to enhance workflow automation AI Turbo Engine: dynamically allocates system resources to optimize performance ThinkShield Security: includes dTPM 2.0 encryption, BIOS-level USB protection, and customizable port disablement Complementing the desktops, Lenovo’s ThinkVision T Series Gen 40 monitors offer energy-efficient, high-resolution displays ranging from WQHD to UHD, featuring 99% sRGB & BT.709 color accuracy and variable refresh rates from 48-120Hz. These displays include modern connectivity options such as USB-C® single-cable docking, and select models support up to 100W of power delivery, AI-powered VoIP tools, and modular conference hardware. Lenovo also emphasized its sustainability efforts. The new ThinkVision monitors use 95% post-consumer recycled plastic, are packaged plastic-free, and meet leading environmental certifications including ENERGY STAR®, TCO, and EPEAT Gold. For IT teams, Lenovo Display Fleet Manager (LDFM) allows centralized asset management and fast firmware updates to reduce downtime. Pricing and availability for the new lineup is as follows: Desktops: ThinkCentre M90t Gen 6: $1,039 ThinkCentre M90q Gen 6: $989 ThinkCentre M90a Gen 6: $1,399 Additional M70 and M90 models range from $959 to $1,719 Monitors: ThinkVision T24-40: $268 ThinkVision T27QD-40: $483 ThinkVision T34WD-40: $623 Other models range from $268 to $608 Image: Lenovo This article, "Lenovo Launches AI-Enhanced ThinkCentre Desktops and ThinkVision Monitors for Modern Workplaces" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The fundamentals of SEO haven’t changed. You still need technical access, content clarity, and external credibility. But the requirements inside those pillars are evolving fast. AI-driven discovery systems are now shaping how your brand is surfaced, trusted, and recommended. And for many enterprise teams, the response has been: A content brainstorm. A wait-and-see approach. Or nothing at all. That’s not a strategy gap. It’s an execution problem in the making. Is your company preparing for what’s coming after ‘SEO’ fades away? Your SEO team may be running efficiently – protecting rankings, publishing content, and salvaging what they can from Google traffic. But has the SEO team focused on AI visibility? Is your brand ready for Google Gemini to start being the new SERPs page? Have you prepared your brand for visibility in ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and others to become entry points for discovery? When SEO fades away, it will morph into AI optimization. Your teams need to adapt to this. What’s the timeline? Sooner than you think We don’t know when AI usage will surpass SEO usage, but it’s likely sooner than you expect and hope for. There are plenty of studies on the topic, all speculation. Here’s what executives need to know. At any moment, Google could make its AI mode the default view. Then, boom, users would be using AI instead of a “search engine.” Think that’s not happening soon? Google is testing it now. Notice the screenshot below that shows AI Mode as the first tab in the search results, which is traditionally the default view users see Most companies haven’t answered fundamental AI optimization questions Most companies are not prepared. And that’s a real risk AI-driven discovery is accelerating, and a single platform shift could render your traditional high organic rankings obsolete overnight. Few companies have conducted a thorough AI visibility audit to answer foundational questions like: Which templates, modules, or content blocks are unreadable to AI crawlers, even if Google can read their content. Which internal links are invisible to simplified crawlers and bots. What AI systems are currently saying about your brand, products, and services. What AI systems are not saying – and whether those omissions are costing you visibility. Which personas AI associates with your offering. How you’re positioned against competitors in synthesized comparisons. What misinformation or hallucinations are surfacing about your company. Fewer companies have started operationalizing AI optimization Across organizations, AI optimization has not been accounted for in day-to-day workflows. Common execution gaps include: PR and SEO teams haven’t collaborated to align on the citations and external signals needed to inform LLMs about your brand, products, and services. SEO teams haven’t begun structured entity research or gap analysis – a critical distinction between traditional SEO and AI optimization. No AI-specific technical training for dev, QA, or product teams to understand which JavaScript patterns break visibility for non-Google bots. No content updates for specificity, where marketing and content teams are still optimizing for message rather than machine-parsable clarity. Developers, product managers, QA testers, and related roles haven’t been trained on lowest-common-denominator, bot-friendly coding practices. The JavaScript that works fine for Google and Bing is often unreadable to less sophisticated AI crawlers, but your teams likely aren’t aware of the discrepancy, nor are they working to address it. Marketing managers and content stakeholders haven’t been briefed on how much more specificity and technical detail is required in content to support AI understanding, beyond traditional messaging frameworks. Every team – from SEO to product – has yet to treat LLMs like the brand advocates they’ve quietly become. Your sales team is trained on product intricacies, specs, personas, and real-world applications. LLMs, by contrast, are often trained on surface-level marketing language. For many companies, that means AI may not know enough to represent your brand accurately – or at all. I see this mostly for high-end products, particularly in the B2B sector, where you want the sales team to lead the sale. This is about to become a widespread execution problem. Yes, there’s a strategic gap – but the real risk is operational. Most organizations haven’t made the necessary adjustments for AI optimization, and they’re already behind. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. Thinking you can coast because you’re a big brand? Domain authority, scale, and strong backlink profiles always helped enterprise visibility in Google SERPs, but that’s no longer guaranteed. For some markets, the AI marketplace resembles the earliest days of SEO. In those days, big brands were losing out to small, agile competitors who optimized faster and with more precision. That’s happening again. AI systems don’t inherently favor big brands. They favor: Clarity. Structure. Comprehensiveness. Citations. Smaller, more focused players are already surfacing more reliably in AI responses because their content is: Highly specific. Entity-rich. Reinforced by third-party citations. Easier to crawl and synthesize. Large brands, on the other hand, tend to rely on legacy authority – assuming their visibility will carry over. But AI doesn’t reward assumptions. It rewards structured knowledge and trustable signals. This is the executive reality check. If your brand hasn’t defined itself clearly, and if no one has tested what AI systems actually “know” about you, your scale may not be enough to keep you in the conversation. The playing field has changed. Visibility is no longer inherited. It’s earned through precision, reinforcement, and cross-functional alignment – the kind that makes it inevitable your teams deliver what AI crawlers and LLMs need to recognize, trust, and recommend your brand. Now, let’s look at how AI is forcing teams across your entire organization to morph. The new demands on the same SEO pillars Let’s be clear: This isn’t about abandoning what works in traditional SEO. It’s about recognizing that AI-powered visibility introduces new criteria for being findable, relevant, and referenced – criteria that most enterprise teams still struggle to operationalize for SEO. Let’s look at a few traditional SEO pillars for success: Content SEO: Optimized with keywords and semantic signals. Technical SEO: Coded so that Google and Bing crawlers can access all links and content. External links: Earned from third parties that mention and link to your brand. Conversions: Balancing visibility with business impact. Each still matters. But AI changes what execution within each pillar now requires. Content SEO changes: From keywords to entity clarity and coverage Traditional content SEO focused on targeting keywords and including semantically related phrases to signal topical relevance. But AI systems don’t evaluate relevance the same way search engines do. AI systems synthesize answers based on how well they understand entities – people, products, companies, categories, and associated attributes – and how those entities relate to one another. To be visible in an AI-generated response, your content must: Define your products, services, and brand entities clearly and consistently. Explain who each offering is for and why it fits their needs. Reinforce attributes like features, specs, use cases, benefits, and differentiators. Cover these entities completely across multiple pages and content types, and ideally in third-party citations. Most SEO teams have not created an entity map tied to business priorities. They have also not audited content to see whether key entities are: Missing. Under-defined. Inconsistently reinforced. In a nutshell, while they understand the keyword content gap analysis, they don’t understand the entity content gap analysis. Because of this, in most organs, content briefs still optimize for keyword clusters, not for building the structured, detailed entity coverage that LLMs depend on. Technical SEO changes: JavaScript rendering to old-school technical SEO Most enterprise teams believe they’ve already handled technical SEO. Pages render. Links crawl. Templates pass Core Web Vitals. But here’s the blind spot: AI systems don’t crawl like Google. Furthermore, most companies haven’t tested what’s actually exposed – or what’s hidden – when these systems attempt to interpret your site. AI crawlers crawl less than Google This means there is little to no margin of error. Vercel reported that AI crawler activity is significantly lower than Googlebot activity, meaning every missed opportunity counts (or costs). Source: Vercel Most AI crawlers do not render JavaScript Most AI crawlers do not render JavaScript, Vercel’s study also found. Crawlers are fetching a high volume of 404 pages This isn’t theoretical. It’s what I’m seeing with a current enterprise audit. LLMs crawl and source URLs that return 404s, indicating they may lack the logic to remove URLs returning a 404 status from their knowledge bases. Vercel’s study found that AI crawlers are fetching a lot of 404 pages. This matches and audit I’m doing for a client, where they’re sourcing URLs that return 404 errors. This shows they’re not all sophisticated enough to pull the 404 status URL from the recommendation knowledge base. These are just a few examples of why we need to revisit bot-friendly simplicity. We must actively examine how AI crawlers interact with our sites and resolve the issues they encounter. These are verifiable gaps – but only if you audit for them. If you haven’t taken meaningful steps toward AI optimization, it’s likely that LLMs know far less about your site, brand, products, and services than Google/Gemini does. This is where technical SEO must pivot. SEO teams need to go back to the fundamentals and run an AI-specific technical audit. Identifying crawl inefficiencies and surface-level rendering failures that affect AI systems, even if everything appears fine in Google Search Console. Miss this step, and you’re effectively putting a sales rep into the field without proper training. LLMs are now your front-line brand advocates, and right now, they may be operating with critical knowledge gaps. Every team across the organization, including PMs, developers, and QA testers, needs to consider this when making coding and testing decisions. External links: From backlinks to machine-readable trust In traditional SEO, backlinks were the currency of credibility. But AI systems don’t rely on link equity. LLMs evaluate what’s said about your brand, and by whom. These systems synthesize answers from multiple sources, looking for consistent, detailed, and structured references to: Your brand. Your products. Your use cases. Your differentiators. That means: A single backlink may carry little weight if the surrounding content says very little, even if it’s from a highly authoritative website. If third-party sources that don’t explain what you do (or worse, explain it incorrectly) will result in lower visibility, or worse, inaccurate knowledge. If LLMs can’t find enough external detail to reinforce what your site says, they either omit you – or make it up. This is where most companies fall short. No one is monitoring: Which third-party pages describe your offerings, and what they say. Whether those descriptions are accurate, up to date, and entity-rich. How well your brand is represented in the content AI tools are most likely to synthesize. The facts vs. inaccuracies that LLMs “know” about you. And importantly, no team owns these citations. PR isn’t briefed on what LLMs need to fuse them into PR messaging. SEO doesn’t track citations beyond backlinks. Likely, no one is correcting inaccurate statements made by third parties. Likely, there is no governance on allowable vs. unallowable inaccuracies on the Internet to determine which a TBD resource contacts to get corrected. If third-party sources aren’t echoing the right information, LLMs will either misrepresent you or exclude you altogether. LLMs use machine-trustable signals – and unless you audit those signals, you won’t know whether you’re being reinforced or forgotten. Conversions: From persuasion to precision They need facts. They need specificity. They need to understand the structure and substance of what you offer. This is where most organizations fall short. Their best content (the kind that converts) is often too vague, too polished, or too marketing-driven for an AI system to extract reliable facts. LLMs don’t summarize intent like search engines. They summarize data. This is a fundamental disconnect from how most SEO teams approach conversion pages today. CTAs, slogans, and benefit-led messaging may work for humans who come to your site. But LLM users won’t likely come to your site at first. They’ll learn about you only when the AI system mentions you, and then they ask for more information in follow-up prompts. LLMs who talk about you need: Clear inputs: product types, features, comparisons, use cases, and specs. Then, they’ll synthesize based on what they clearly know as facts about your brand, not persuasion messaging. If your website does not include concrete details about what you do, who you serve, and how your offering fits into the broader ecosystem, AI systems can’t confidently surface you. I foresee this to be a bigger issue with high-end products and services, especially in the B2B space. I look at my B2B clients’ content and they say very little about what they offer, and LLMs? They don’t really understand what they do to the extent required to speak on behalf of the brand in prompt responses. This isn’t about rewriting content to be robotic. It’s about adding a layer of machine-readable, factual precision so that AI systems can recognize your brand as a credible source, not just a polished one. Most SEO, UX, content, and marketing teams haven’t accounted for this shift. They have built pages optimized for conversion, not machine understanding. If you don’t give LLMs the details of what you offer, they can’t represent you accurately. And if they can’t represent you, you’re left out of the answer. This is the conversion gap most teams have yet to realize, and it won’t fix itself. Why this work isn’t getting done Most SEO teams are already stretched. Proactive AI visibility work? It doesn’t have a deadline. It doesn’t come with alerts. And in most orgs, it hasn’t been assigned with accountabilities. This isn’t a day or two of work. It involves extensive research to understand what they’ve been building for years, but your organization has not yet studied it. You have three major pillars discussed above that require in-depth research and actionable next steps. Then, workflows need refinement, teams need training, and more. That’s why it slips. It’s a lot of work. To be successful, AI optimization must be institutionalized across the organization. And that is a lot of work. Those who try it miss quite a few steps. How do I know? I see what they did with SEO, and the result is other teams creating SEO problems. This isn’t about reinventing SEO strategy You don’t need a new AI task force or a platform overhaul. But you do need a really thorough audit and tweaks to current workflows to make producing the signals AI systems need inevitable – and for it to keep happening, week after week, month after month. This is operational work: Testing how your content renders to AI agents. Defining what entities you must be known for. Mapping where those concepts live (or don’t) across your site. Identify which teams influence third-party validation. Build processes to close the gaps over time – without distracting from revenue-driving SEO. Training development, product, UX, and QA testing teams on how to account for less sophisticated crawlers in all their tickets, designs, code, and test scripts. None of this replaces your SEO current strategy – because the SEO channel is still driving millions in revenue that you want to keep and maximize. However, if you skip the AI optimization steps, you’ll be optimizing for visibility in an ecosystem that’s already shifting away from how it used to work. Final thoughts AI didn’t change the pillars of SEO. It changed what those pillars need to deliver. If no one has audited how your site structure, content, and credibility translate to responses in AI prompts for potential customers, then your visibility is relying on assumptions, not evidence. In high-stakes environments like AI prompt responses, that’s not acceptable. AI visibility isn’t just a content problem. It’s an execution problem. Solve it now – before it shows up in your performance metrics later. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. For a property owner, paint is an incredibly powerful tool. It’s a cheap and effective renovation in a can, a fun way to add some personality to your home, and a project that can be wrapped up in a weekend. Best of all, if you mess up your paint job, you can just paint over your mistakes. But the power of paint goes way beyond aesthetics. Paint can be formulated in different ways, with different effects, making it an easy, low-cost solution to a host of problems you might experience in your home—and I'm not talking about covering them up to pretend they aren't there. Choosing the right kind of paint can often be the most affordable solution, and is worth considering before you start taking out home equity loans to pay for a more invasive, disruptive fix. Here are eight problems that you might be able to take care of with the right paint. Slippery floors and stairsWhen I first moved into my current home, I slipped on our narrow, steep old stairs. I didn’t get seriously hurt, unless humiliation and emotional damage counts—but I could easily imagine a different outcome. Since changing the rise of the stairs was out of the question and my wife and I weren’t into carpeting, we decided to paint them with anti-slip paint. The stairs that tried to kill me, now coated in anti-slip paint. Credit: Jeff Somers It worked perfectly. Not only did the paint job turn out great, making the stairs look new, the slight grit the paint added to the surface means I haven’t slipped on those stairs in years. Anti-slip paint can be used indoors or outdoors (on slippery deck planks, for example), and on just about any surface—companies even make additives you can mix into any exterior or interior paint to transform it into anti-slip paint. If there are places in your home where you constantly worry about slipping and falling, a coat of anti-slip paint can take care of them. Cosmetic imperfectionsYou might think that covering imperfections like minor scratches, stains, or that hideous green color the previous owner used is the whole point of paint, and you would be right. But if the wall in question is especially problematic and you want to avoid re-doing the drywall or plaster or the tedious work of adding a skim coat, you might be able to hide those imperfections with a high-opacity trade paint. A trade paint is a professional formulation of paint that’s designed to be thicker and more opaque while offering better coverage and durability (you might see this referred to as “obliterating paint,” especially outside the U.S.). The paint you buy in the store is retail paint, and it’s usually formulated to keep costs down. Trade paint is for the professionals, and it costs more, but will do a much better job of covering up the sins on your walls because of its thickness, matte finish, and opacity. NoiseIf the problem in your house is noise—whether from inconsiderate neighbors or roommates from hell—a sound-deadening acoustic paint will definitely help. These paints are formulated to be thick and spongy when they cure, absorbing sound and reducing echo—no need to attach all kinds of foam baffles to every surface. Sound deadening paint won’t block all sound, especially if it’s only applied on one side of a wall. But it will reduce the level of noise that makes it through, and if you apply it to both sides of shared walls in sufficient thickness (you usually need at least three coats for maximum effectiveness) it will make an audible difference. Fire riskYour house burning down would definitely fall under the category of a “house problem.” Believe it or not, paint can help with that. Choosing a fire-retardant paint for your next interior paint project can turn your walls into firebreaks that will slow down a house fire. When these paints encounter fire, they quickly char over, forming a protective layer that resists the flames. It won’t completely stop the spread of a fire in your house, but it will buy you time to get your family to safety and call in the firefighters—and in a house fire, time is the most important factor. High utility billsIf your house is crazy expensive to heat or cool (or, if you’re really lucky, crazy expensive to heat and cool), you can make the situation a little better with paint in two ways: Paint your roof. Painting your flat roof with an appropriate roof coating can not only extend the lifespan of your roof, it can help bounce the sun’s rays away, lowering the temperature of your roof and reducing the heat that’s transferred to your home as a result. (Choosing a white paint for this job will be the most effective in cooling things down.) Use an insulating interior paint. Insulating paint is designed to augment existing insulation in your home—you can’t just slap a coat of it on an uninsulated wall or ceiling and get results. But it can help reduce temperature transfer and fluctuation inside your home if it’s applied correctly and in multiple coats (the more coats, the better it will work). If you’ve tried everything else to get your utility bills under control, throwing some insulating paint on the walls might help. Too-small roomsIt happens: You buy a house with loads of charm, and once you’re living in it you realize that the rooms are actually small and dark, because the people who built it were short and afraid of the Sun. Or something. If that’s your problem, you can try a bunch of different strategies to get more natural light into a room (or fake it), and one of the tricks you can try is paint: By choosing the right color intensity, saturation, and finish for your walls and ceilings, you can turn a small, dark space into a brighter one that at least seems larger. No, paint won’t suddenly make that huge armoire fit into your tiny bedroom, but it will at least make it feel possible. Moisture and moldIf you’re worried about a damp room and mold, or have a bathroom that isn’t well-ventilated and is thus susceptible to mold infestations, paint can help you out in two ways: Waterproofing paint or primer can help block moisture from seeping into the room in the first place. This isn’t magic—it’s not going to stop flowing water, and if you don’t take steps to mitigate flooding or poor drainage in or around your house no amount of waterproofing paint is going to help. But it can be very effective at reducing moisture in a room if applied correctly. Mold-resistant paint in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, or any room where the humidity is a concern can then help prevent mold from taking root. These paints have antimicrobial properties, so if you start off with a mold-free room and take steps to reduce moisture, using a mold-resistant paint will make a huge difference going forward. View the full article

MNTN Inc, the advertising technology company that counts Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds as its chief creative officer, is expected to make its market debut on Thursday, in a closely watched initial public offering (IPO) that will test investor appetite for the rapidly growing segment of ad-supported streaming television. The Austin-based company priced shares at $16 on Wednesday, the higher end of its expected range, in an offering led by Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and Evercore ISI. The stock will list on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the “MNTN” ticker symbol. Based on its IPO share price, MNTN—it’s pronounced Mountain—has an approximate valuation of $1.2 billion. Advertising finds a way The listing comes as streaming platforms are seeing strong growth in their ad-supported tiers, despite the friction that has caused with viewers who now often have to pay a premium to weed ads out. Netflix, the streaming leader and a longtime advertising holdout, recently said its ad-supported tier has 94 million active users and boasts more younger viewers than any traditional TV network. Amazon, meanwhile, announced a suite of new features for advertisers earlier this month at its Prime Video Upfront presentation. According to market research firm Antenna, 46% of streaming subscriptions are now for ad-supported tiers on services that offer them, representing growth of almost 33%. During that same period, subscriptions on ad-free tiers declined 0.1%. MNTN sees a big opportunity here, pinning its hopes on a “self-serve” platform it calls Performance TV, or PTV, which offers ad targeting and measurement capabilities to small- and medium-size businesses. In filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), MNTN says it had more than 2,225 PTV customers in 2024, compared to only 142 in 2019. PTV drove $205.3 million in revenue last year, the company says, an increase of 35.5% from the year before. “The relationship between consumers and content was completely transformed with the introduction of streaming television,” CEO Mark Douglas said in the company’s prospectus. “Cable guides and DVR’s are almost hard to remember how. However, the relationship between TV advertisers and the streaming networks has remained largely unchanged. We launched MNTN Performance TV to bridge that gap, bringing small and medium-sized businesses into the streaming TV ecosystem at scale.” MNTN reported total revenue of $225.6 million last year, with a net loss of $32.9 million, narrowed from a net loss of $53.3 million in 2023. Stock listings heat up again after tariff-related caution Some companies had reportedly postponed their IPO plans this year in the wake of uncertainty over tariffs and President The President’s erratic trade policies, but that hesitation may be easing, according to PitchBook, citing a high-profile listing earlier this month from digital broker eToro. Hinge Health, a digital health startup, is also expected to make its market debut on Thursday. Meanwhile, Klarna, Discord, Chime, and others are all said to be planning IPOs this year. View the full article

Update Thursday, 2:13 p.m.: MNTN Inc, the advertising technology company that counts Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds as its chief creative officer, made its market debut on Thursday, in a closely watched initial public offering (IPO) that is testing investor appetite for the rapidly growing segment of ad-supported streaming television. Shares in the Austin-based company were up more than 14% in midday trading to over $24, after opening at $21. On Wednesday, the stock was priced at $16 a share, the higher end of the company’s expected range, in an offering led by Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and Evercore ISI. The stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the “MNTN” ticker symbol. Based on its IPO share price, MNTN—it’s pronounced Mountain—had an approximate valuation of $1.2 billion before its debut. Advertising finds a way The listing comes as streaming platforms are seeing strong growth in their ad-supported tiers, despite the friction that has caused with viewers who now often have to pay a premium to weed ads out. Netflix, the streaming leader and a longtime advertising holdout, recently said its ad-supported tier has 94 million active users and boasts more younger viewers than any traditional TV network. Amazon, meanwhile, announced a suite of new features for advertisers earlier this month at its Prime Video Upfront presentation. According to market research firm Antenna, 46% of streaming subscriptions are now for ad-supported tiers on services that offer them, representing year-over-year growth of almost 33%. During that same period, subscriptions on ad-free tiers declined 0.1%. MNTN sees a big opportunity here, pinning its hopes on a “self-serve” platform it calls Performance TV, or PTV, which offers ad targeting and measurement capabilities to small- and medium-size businesses. In filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), MNTN says it had more than 2,225 PTV customers in 2024, compared to only 142 in 2019. PTV drove $205.3 million in revenue last year, the company says, an increase of 35.5% from the year before. “The relationship between consumers and content was completely transformed with the introduction of streaming television,” CEO Mark Douglas said in the company’s prospectus. “Cable guides and DVR’s are almost hard to remember how. However, the relationship between TV advertisers and the streaming networks has remained largely unchanged. We launched MNTN Performance TV to bridge that gap, bringing small and medium-sized businesses into the streaming TV ecosystem at scale.” MNTN reported total revenue of $225.6 million last year, with a net loss of $32.9 million, narrowed from a net loss of $53.3 million in 2023. Stock listings heat up again after tariff-related caution Some companies had reportedly postponed their IPO plans this year in the wake of uncertainty over tariffs and President The President’s erratic trade policies, but that hesitation may be easing, according to PitchBook, citing a high-profile listing earlier this month from digital broker eToro. Hinge Health, a digital health startup, is also expected to make its market debut on Thursday. Meanwhile, Klarna, Discord, Chime, and others are all said to be planning IPOs this year. This story is developing and was updated to include MNTN’s stock price after its market debut. View the full article

Agentic SEO introduces a more efficient, AI-assisted way of working, without losing the human insight that drives real results. The post Explaining Agentic SEO To The C-Level appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Now that AI Mode is fully live in the U.S. and Google is even testing ads within AI Mode, I noticed that the AI Mode tab under the Google Search bar is consistently on the left side. It even comes before the “All” tab that serves the primary search results. Generally, Google will dynamically show search modes and tabs under the search bar based on the query. So if Google thinks you will want to see the video tab, Google may show that closer to the “All” tab. But with AI Mode, that tab is shown before the “All” tab and always on the left, consistently, for all queries. What it looks like. Here are a few screenshots showing how the AI Mode tab is always on the left side, while the other Search mode tabs are different based on the query being slightly different: Google explains. While at I/O, I asked several Google executives and communication people but no one really knew in the moment. Eventually, I received an email from Google comms who sent me the following statement: “We’ve heard from our users that they want a predictable place to access AI-powered responses, which is why the tab is in a consistent location on the page. Other modes in Search are ranked dynamically and change positions depending on the query.” Why we care. I assumed that since AI Mode was coined the “future of Search” during the Google I/O keynote by Google’s head of Search, Liz Reid, that AI Mode was placed before the “All” tab intentionally. It was a sign that Google felt AI Mode should come before the primary results. But Google serves the “All” tab by default and does not serve “AI Mode” by default for queries. Instead, Google just places the AI Mode tab before the All tab. Google wants to make sure people can easily find it and places it all the way to the right. I still think this is a symbolic placement where Google is making a statement that AI Mode is the future of Search. Again, Google did not tell me that, but hey – that is what I think. View the full article

If you see “Discovered – currently not indexed” in Google Search Console, it means Google is aware of the URL, but hasn’t crawled and indexed it yet. It doesn’t necessarily mean the page will never be processed. As their documentation says, they may come back to it later without any extra effort on your part. But other factors could be preventing Google from crawling and indexing the page, including: Server issues and onsite technical issues are restricting or preventing Google’s crawl capability. Issues relating to the page itself, such as quality. You can also use Google Search Console Inspection API to queue URLs for their coverageState status (as well as other useful data points) en masse. Request indexing via Google Search Console This is an obvious resolution and, for the majority of cases, it will resolve the issue. Sometimes, Google is simply slow to crawl new URLs. It happens. But underlying issues are the culprit other times. When you request indexing, one of two things might happen: URL becomes “Crawled – currently not indexed.” Temporary indexing. Both are symptoms of underlying issues. The second happens because requesting indexing sometimes gives your URL a temporary “freshness boost” which can take the URL above the requisite quality threshold and, in turn, lead to temporary indexing. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. Page quality issues This is where vocabulary can get confusing. I’ve been asked, “How can Google determine the page quality if it hasn’t been crawled yet?” This is a good question. The answer is that it can’t. Google assumes the page’s quality based on other pages on the domain. Their classifications are likewise based on URL patterns and website architecture. As a result, moving these pages from “awareness” to the crawl queue can be deprioritized based on the lack of quality they have found on similar pages. It’s possible that pages on similar URL patterns or those located in similar areas of the site architecture have a low-value proposition compared to other pieces of content targeting the same user intents and keywords. Possible causes include: The main content depth. Presentation. Level of supporting content. Uniqueness of the content and perspectives offered. Or even more manipulative issues (i.e., the content is low quality and auto-generated, spun, or directly duplicates already established content). Working on improving the content quality within the site cluster and the specific pages can have a positive impact on reigniting Google’s interest in crawling your content with greater purpose. You can also noindex other pages on the website that you acknowledge aren’t of the highest quality to improve the ratio of good-quality pages to bad-quality pages on the site. Crawl budget and efficiency Crawl budget is an often misunderstood mechanism in SEO. The majority of websites don’t need to worry about this. Google’s Gary Illyes has gone on the record claiming that probably 90% of websites don’t need to think about crawl budget. It is often regarded as a problem for enterprise websites. Crawl efficiency, on the other hand, can affect websites of all sizes. Overlooked, it can lead to issues on how Google crawls and processes the website. To illustrate, if your website: Duplicates URLs with parameters. Resolves with and without trailing slashes. Is available on HTTP and HTTPS. Serves content from multiple subdomains (e.g., https://website.com and https://www.website.com). …then you might be having duplication issues that impact Google’s assumptions on crawl priority based on wider site assumptions. You might be zapping Google’s crawl budget with unnecessary URLs and requests. Given that Googlebot crawls websites in portions, this can lead to Google’s resources not stretching far enough to discover all newly published URLs as fast as you would like. You want to crawl your website regularly, and ensure that: Pages resolve to a single subdomain (as desired). Pages resolve to a single HTTP protocol. URLs with parameters are canonicalized to the root (as desired). Internal links don’t use redirects unnecessarily. If your website utilizes parameters, such as ecommerce product filters, you can curb the crawling of these URI paths by disallowing them in the robots.txt file. Your server can also be important in how Google allocates the budget to crawl your website. If your server is overloaded and responding too slowly, crawling issues may arise. In this case, Googlebot won’t be able to access the page, resulting in some of your content not getting crawled. Consequently, Google will probably try to come back later to index the website, which will undoubtedly cause a delay in the whole process. The relationship between crawling and indexing For several years, we’ve believed that there is a quantifiable relationship between crawling and indexing. Over the years, we’ve seen that URLs tend to “fall out of the index” if they haven’t been crawled at least once every 75 to 140 days. The variance likely depends on how “popular” and “in demand” the URL is or has been. The above graph, which I shared at the Tech SEO Summit in April, shows the URL indexing curve over multi-million URL websites and its correlation to the last crawl date. New data shared in the SEO industry has defined “130 days” as being the benchmark, and this aligns with the narrative we’ve seen over the years. Internal linking When you have a website, it’s important to have internal links from one page to another. Google usually pays less attention to URLs that don’t have any or enough internal links – and may even exclude them from its index. You can check the number of internal links to pages through crawlers like Screaming Frog and Sitebulb. Optimizing your website requires an organized and logical website structure with internal links. But if you have trouble with this, one way to make sure all of your internal pages are connected is to “hack” into the crawl depth using HTML sitemaps. These are designed for users, not machines. Although they may be seen as relics now, they can still be useful. Additionally, if your website has many URLs, it’s wise to split them up among multiple pages. You don’t want them all linked from a single page. Internal links also need to use the <a> tag for internal links instead of relying on JavaScript functions such as onClick(). If you’re utilizing a Jamstack or JavaScript framework, investigate how it or any related libraries handle internal links. These must be presented as <a> tags. View the full article

Moving is famously one of the most stressful things you can do. Not only is it a ton of work and a major financial expense, but you're dealing with the weight of leaving behind one home and starting fresh in another. It's a burden on your calendar, your wallet, and your emotions. Whether you are relocating for a new job, moving in with a partner (or moving away from one after a breakup), or just need a change of scenery, you should take the opportunity to appreciate (if not relish) the momentous event—and not be filled with dread, stress, and regret throughout the process. If you're looking to pull off the smoothest, least painful move ever, follow these five essential steps, as outlined by experts in the moving business. 1. Start planning as early as possibleLong before you put a single possession into a cardboard box, you have to plan out your move. And I really mean it—every aspect. This is more involved than you think, so start early and set aside a chunk of time. Shanaiqua D'Sa, a content marketing lead at Attic Self Storage, notes that planning ahead is, "undoubtedly the first and most important step." It should include budgeting, comparing moving companies, considering if you need a storage unit to temporarily house your stuff, acquiring packing materials, and more. Set a budgetBudgeting should be your main focus. This can include: A truck rental or a moving company, insurance, fuel, labor costs, packing supplies, overlapping rent or mortgage payments, a storage unit, utility transfers, cleaning fees, repairs (on the old or new property), and paying food and/or shelter during the move. Costs for all of these will vary depending on your needs, so spend some time sketching out different scenarios. Once you have a budget in mind, increase it by 10% to 15%, according to Rob Rimeris, owner of EverSafe Moving Co. "Build room for the unpredictable," he says. "We see a lot of people plan for truck and labor, but forget about costs that compound." Be realistic, and you'll avoid surprises. Nick Friedman, co-founder of College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving, advises, "The more labor you require, the higher your overall cost will be. For local moves, many companies offer flat rates based on time and labor, but it’s important to make sure those quotes match your actual needs. Opting for too many services can lead to overpaying, while too few may leave you scrambling on moving day." Start by figuring out what, if anything, you will handle yourself, and what you'll outsource. Moving companies can help with everything from packing to furniture disassembly, but each likely comes with additional costs. Define what you want before you start calling companies to avoid getting upsold on something you don't really need help with. Find the right moversThat leads me to your next step, which is researching moving companies. Marshall Aikman, owner of Amazing Moves Moving and Storage, advises prioritizing reliability and reputation as highly as price: "Pay attention to how long the company has been in business because solid experience usually means smoother operations." Call a number of places and be upfront about everything from the scope of your move, to any special considerations like unusually heavy furniture, tight hallways, or lots of stairs. Get multiple estimates, and get everything in writing. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns to find out whether gas, stairs, furniture wrapping, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and more will increase your costs. Once you've narrowed down your list of possibilities, ask for proof of licensing and insurance, advises Friedman. If a company won't be straightforward about answering your questions and providing you with paperwork, cross them off your list. Matt Graber, co-owner of Cool Hand Movers, cautions against being "drawn in by lowball pricing," too. Any quote that seems "too good to be true" almost certainly is. Avoid companies with excessive upfront deposits—usually anything over 25% of the total cost—and read a ton of customer reviews before signing any contracts. 2. Declutter before you move (or pack)Multiple pros I spoke to made the same point, and it's worth repeating here: Declutter before your move so you don't waste money moving things you don't need or want to keep. (Here's a more detailed breakdown of how and why to declutter before a move) In general, you should start this process a few weeks in advance of your move. Three or so weeks at least ensures that you have enough time to think about what you really need to keep, and to donate or sell what you don't. If something is broken or rarely used, consider leaving it behind as you move into a new phase of your life. A few weeks will give you time to actually list and sell things to make money for your move, but set a deadline for when you'll donate the remainder—you don't want junk lying around when the movers show up. This could come with additional expenses. D'Sa points out that if you're downsizing significantly, you may have to budget for a small dumpster for everything you need to throw away. Still, it's worth it: All of my experts agreed that decluttering is the single most effective way to save money and psychologically prepare for your move. You'll also get a head start on packing simply by getting a clearer picture of everything you own. 3. Pack like a pro, even if you can't pay for itLike planning and decluttering, packing will start weeks before you move. I realize that's not always possible, but do try to start as soon as you can. Waiting until a few days before—or worse, the day the movers show up—can lead to chaos. Movers can help you pack, but that's typically expensive. Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove, cautions, "Packing always takes longer than expected, so start early, especially with seasonal items or belongings you don't use daily." While you can likely score some free boxes from local businesses, it's a good idea to just buy them (you can usually find the best prices at big box hardware stores). Rimeris suggests purchasing high-quality tape, "markers you can actually read," and strong boxes, all of which are "worth every penny." Mindy Godding, president of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, advises buying all your boxes so they're all similar shapes and sizes and will pack more easily. You can cut down your costs on protective supplies, Godding says, noting packing paper works just as well as bubble wrap or pre-made inserts when it comes to protecting your fragile items. Renting crates can save you some effort, at a costIf you don't want to buy boxes, you can consider renting reusable plastic crates. A number of companies, both local and national, will deliver these crates to you before you move and pick them up when you're done. They're sturdier than cardboard boxes, stackable, uniform, and returnable, so they make packing easy. Uhaul, RentalCrates.com, and Perfect Crates all offer this service, so compare prices for your exact needs. Get creativeGodding suggests placing plastic cups around delicate items like figurines, and clearly labeling any boxes with something breakable inside. Shannon Beller, CEO and co-founder of Wall-Russ, adds that you can use household materials like towels and linens to cushion delicate items as you pack, and Tiam Behdarvandan, founder of Let's Get Moving, suggests packing heavier things, like books, into rolling suitcases, since the wheels make it easier to haul them around. Photos are your friend during this porcess. Take photos of your boxes as you pack so you know what's in each box if you should need something in an emergency. Also take pictures of things like cable configurations behind the TV, so setting everything back up will be easier. Beller and Charles Chica, co-owners of CT Best Movers, recommend keeping your clothes on the hangers and tossing a garbage bag over them. When you get to the new house, cut a hole in the bag, thread the hangers through, slip them on the rod, then cut the bag off. (Here are more tips on how to pack in a way that makes it easier to unpack.) Have a systemPack room by room, and within each room, proceeding in terms of urgency, and designate one box of "essentials" from each. These boxes—which will contain things like toothbrushes, soap, pajamas, and coffee pots, plates and silverware, and anything else you might need in the first days at your new home—should be loaded into the moving van last, unloaded first, and opened on your first night there. Making sure your boxes of must-haves are easily accessible will make settling in a lot easier. (Keep a knife or scissors handy so you can actually open them.) 4. Do what you need to do online before you moveIt's eay to get so wrapped up in the physical process of moving your possessions from one place to another that you can forget about what comes next: Living somewhere new. Especially if you're moving to a new town, you will have to check a bunch of boxes to get your new life up and running. A lot of these things can be handled online, so do your research and accomplish as much as you can before your move. Start by making a list of all the different things to deal with at your current address. You may need to make some repairs to get your security deposit back if you're a renter. Take stock of your bills and memberships: cancel your gym membership and any other local recurring charges, like public transit cards that auto-renew. Set up a mail forwarding so you will get any mail that comes to your old place. Cancel your utilities. Reach out to your doctor, dentist, optometrist, and other providers to find out if they can make referrals for you in your new area and provide copies of all your important records and documents. Forward your prescriptions to a new pharmacy. Now, shift focus to your new location. Set up your utilities and the online accounts you'll need to pay them, switch your driver's license information if necessary, research the deadlines for re-registering your car, and contact your insurer (hopefully your new area will have lower rates). You can even start looking for local doctors, dentists, or any other professionals you'll need to avail yourself of in the short term after you move. 5. Stay on top of things the day ofThe last step is the big one: It's time to move. Even this part still comes down to planning and budgeting. Jordan Sakala of laborhutt.com suggests moving during the week and mid-month, when demand is lower, and making sure you're ready and packed before the movers arrive. If you're not ready when they pull up, you could get charged an hourly fee while they either wait around for you or jump in to help speed things along. Make sure to tell movers about heavy furniture or tight squeezes in advance so they come with all the necessary tools, as if you don't, you may end up waiting around (and being charged for it) while they run to get them—or, worse, be told they can't move those things at all. On moving day, even if you've hired a full-service moving team and outsourced pretty much everything, it's a good idea to stick around and supervise so you can answer any last-minute questions. There are some things movers won't touch, so it will be your responsibility to coordinate their transport. Get a written list of what your company won't deal with in advance, but in general, expect to take care of your own jewelry, delicate valuables, identifying documents, medical papers and medications, hazardous materials, plants, and pets. Before walking out your door for the last time, check the place over, and make sure you know exactly where the "essentials" boxes you packed are. Once they're all accounted for, get on the road to your new home—hopefully feeling excited, instead of frazzled and exhausted. View the full article

For the last 10 years, all of my moves have happened within about a 15-block radius. For personal reasons (a dislike of annoyance and paperwork), I may never leave this neighborhood in Manhattan. Then again, I may not have a choice. You never know when something—a great job opportunity or the sudden desire to experience something new—may come up. If and when you find yourself moving not just locally, but quite a distance, there are some unexpected hurdles you'll need to keep in mind that differentiate this from your standard move. Your budget has to be on pointBudgeting for any kind of move is a key to not going broke during the process, but your expenses for a longer move are going to be more, obviously, and are also going to include quite a few things that you may not immediately think of. Monthly billsIf you're undergoing a more significant move, chances are good that you'll have a rent and utilities overlap, which should be part of your budget planning. In addition to billing overlap, consider any fees you may incur for canceling utility accounts or opening new ones—be sure to check with your new city on how much all of that costs around there. The city you're moving to might have higher taxes, for instance, which may make your monthly bills higher than you expect. You should also think about your other monthly expenses that may change after your move. Your gym membership is a good example. Are you locked into one that is going to be hard to cancel? Many gyms require proof that you're moving out of the region or a certified letter to cancel your membership. On this topic, while it's not quite related to budget, necessarily, check with your doctor, dentist, and other providers about getting referrals, having prescriptions moved to new pharmacies, and if there's anything you should consider related to your healthcare in the new city while you find new providers. Do a quick scan of your checking account to identify any city-specific recurring charges, like public transit passes or bills. Repairs on the new placeRepairs on the old or new home can also add up, especially if you're moving to the new place sight-unseen or if you haven't had a chance to truly assess it. One person I spoke to who moved cross-country, for instance, said the new house they moved to was great—but it had been unoccupied for a while before they moved in, which resulted in spending some time and money cleaning up that they hadn't accounted for. Food and lodgingThe farther you move, the longer you'll spend without a roof over your head and possibly even without a lot of your possessions, as they may still be in transit after you arrive. Don't forget to budget in some money for takeout and even hotel stays, if necessary. Building the budget will take time. Get quotes from a variety of moving companies, figure out your travel situation, add in money for food and bills in the new city, consider whether you need to make any repairs on your old place, and determine what, if anything, it will cost to update your identification and utilities. When you're done ballparking all that, add 10 to 15% onto the number you end up with, advises Rob Rimeris, owner of EverSafe Moving Co. According to him, that "isn't just practical," but "gives people back a sense of agency when plans shift." When you find yourself in a brand-new town, having a sense of agency will keep you feeling sane. How to choose the right moversFinding a good moving company is crucial for any move, but when your stuff is getting hauled across the state—or across the country—it's even more important to do your research. "Find a company that is licensed, insured, has good reviews, and has the proper checks and balances in place," says Charles Chica, co-owner of CT Best Movers. You might be tempted to go with whatever company is the cheapest, but it's important to weight price as just one of many factors. Spend time looking for a company, get your estimates in writing, and provide as much detail as you can about whether you will need help with packing and furniture disassembly and reassembly, as well as what the parking situation is at both the pickup and drop-off locations. Communicate clearly and honestly and make sure all of the communication you receive is backed up in writing. The farther you move, the more complicated this might be, so use an honesty-first approach to avoid any surprise fees or issues. What you might not realize about long-distance movesAlex Girard, whom I interviewed for this story, has lived in four states and recently completed his farthest move. He said that the process for selecting a moving company was trickier than he anticipated, partly because moving works a little differently over long distances. "I didn't realize (though it makes sense) that basically the way it works is local movers on either end partner with some national trucking company to do the actual long-haul, so it was kind of hard to compare services," he says. Another difference is that the movers won't load your stuff up and drive directly to your new place, which requires extra planning on your part. "Since the moving companies are partnering with trucking lines," Girard says, "they don't do a special delivery straight to the new house from the old one. Your stuff sits at a warehouse on both sides for a while until they can be loaded onto the next truck out." To avoid the disastrous situation of having to live in a new home with absolutely nothing for two or three weeks, plan for this in advance. Most places Girard spoke to said the boxes and furniture would arrive within 10 to 20 days, so he shipped his most important necessities to his new house in advance, relying on the postal system to make sure he arrived to a new home that contained the essentials he needed to work and live. That was smart, since it actually took a few weeks for the moving companies to deliver everything else, but it was also "a bit expensive." Regardless of how far you're moving, there are things you'll need to keep with you, as movers may not want to (or may not be able to) move all of your belongings. These types of things include identification documents, medications, perishables, hazardous materials, pets (obviously), and even plants. Knowing in advance you'll need to find a safe way to transport all of these and keep them on you is important to ensuring a smooth move. Read online reviews, but don't obsess over themYou'll certainly spend time reading online reviews as you select your moving company—and that's good, but read them with skepticism, too. Girard says he spent a lot of time researching moving companies and pointed out that he read a lot of nightmare-sounding online reviews, but didn't experience anything as catastrophic as what they described. That's a good thing to keep in mind as you do your own research: In general, remember that online reviews only tell part of the story. Someone is more likely to write one when they're super mad and more likely to forget to write one when they have a totally unremarkable experience. Your best bet is to call as many companies as you can, speak to them directly, and make sure they're insured, knowledgeable, and reasonable. (And if you end up having a positive experience with them, consider writing a review just to help out the next person in this position.) Get on the phoneThis is a tip I learned from my mom and am always happy to share: Call people. You can get more done in a 15-minute phone call than a four-day email thread. Whenever she and I go on a trip, she calls the chamber of commerce in that city to ask a local what, exactly, we should be sure not to miss, which has resulted in us having incredible experiences we would never have found if we'd just relied on TripAdvisor or Reddit. The same applies here. Contact your new local government to get a straightforward answer to what, exactly, you need to do to have a smooth move. You'll need a new driver's license, for instance, and the process for obtaining it should be pretty simple, but that can vary by jurisdiction. Turning on your new utilities, updating your mailing address, learning about any new taxes or regulations—all of this should be explained to you by a knowledgeable local. It's likely they'll direct you to an online portal, yes, but you'll know you're working with the right information, which is half the battle. Ask for help from a localFinally, try to find a local who might be willing to answer some questions or tell you more about the town. When I moved from North Dakota to New York at 18, I was enrolled in a university where there were campus reps whose job it was to teach us about the city, but what I learned from them was nothing compared to what I ultimately learned from befriending kids who were born here. City employees can only get you so far. If you don't know anyone in the new place, post an inquiry on Reddit (most cities have their own subreddits—do some Googling to find the most active ones wherever you're moving). In my experience, people love talking up their hometowns. From hidden gems in the culinary landscape to unexpected expenses (Girard notes that he was unpleasantly surprised by the higher taxes on alcohol in his new town), everyday people will be more likely to tell you about the everyday experiences of living there, which will help you acclimate a lot faster. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. When you're packing to move, you have a lot to keep in mind. You may want to think of how to minimize costs and how to get rid of all your extra junk, but what about packing in a way that makes unpacking easier? Few things are more annoying than getting to your new home and needing a specific object—where the heck is that screwdriver?—only to find that your past self's haphazard packing job made things difficult on your current self. You want your transition into your new space to be smooth and even enjoyable, to the extent it can be. Here are some tips to make sure not just that the packing process is easy—but the unpacking process, too. Start earlier than you thinkHistorically, when I've moved apartments, I've waited until the week of the big move to start gathering my things. This has never worked out for me. Don't do that. You should actually start three or four weeks in advance. I know that sounds annoying, but you need that time buffer. "Packing always takes longer than expected, so start early," says Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove. "Especially with seasonal items or belongings you don't use daily." The time isn't just for packing, mind you: packing also includes decluttering, since you don't want to spend money or energy moving items you don't need or want in the new place. Next, and maybe most importantly, you need that time to make adjustments to your plans. If the boxes you're using aren't strong enough, if you didn't budget enough for packing supplies, or if you find that you're having a hard time categorizing everything, you'll be grateful for an extra few days to get it all sorted. Select the right suppliesA number of pros I spoke to recommended buying new boxes instead of trying to save money by using old ones. That will cost you money, but might also save you some headaches, as older boxes can lose their integrity—that, plus having boxes that are all (or mostly) the same size will making packing and moving much easier. If you don't want to buy boxes, consider reusable plastic crates, which also give you the uniformity in addition to even greater stability. A number of companies at the local and national levels will rent these crates out to you. U-Haul, RentalCrates.com, and Perfect Crates all offer this service, but check locally, too, and compare prices for your exact needs. If you're moving nearby, a local company should do the trick. For long-distance moves, consider one of the bigger ones above just to make the return easier, as they drop off and pick up the supplies. Another thing to keep in mind is high-quality tape. Rob Rimeris, owner of EverSafe Moving Co., says sturdy boxes and strong tape are "worth every penny." Charles Chica, co-owner of CT Best Movers, also advises you never "go cheap" with your tape: "You'll regret it when a box or bag breaks open mid-move." Go room by roomYou need to be strategic while you pack. Again, historically, I've failed at this—likely because I waited too long and just ended up running around, shoving things into boxes wherever they'd fit and praying I'd be able to make sense of the mess when I got to my new place. Instead of panicking like that, approach your packing systematically. Go room by room. "Pack one room at a time so that all the items are grouped together when unpacking," says Stephanie Rees, assistant product manager of mailing and moving accessories for Duck Brand. Matt Graber, co-owner of Cool Hand Movers, says the same: "When you go room by room, filling moving boxes or bins, you ensure that the items to be unpacked will most likely be together in the same room on the other side. You don't want to drag boxes around your new home finding places for scattered objects." Doing it this way is also going to help you stay organized in the new place, since it aligns with the rules of the Organizational Triangle: Everything must have a place and be stored with similar items. Grouping together similar categories makes it easier to organize and store them once you move. Separate the essentialsWhile you're packing room by room, you should also be packing in order of urgency. Charles Chica, co-owner of CT Best Movers, says you should have one box of immediate essentials that should include "stuff like meds, chargers, toiletries, documents, and even just a change of clothes" and you should pack it and bring it along with you yourself, even if you hire movers for everything else. You should also have boxes of essentials for every single room in the house—stuff that might not be so important that you'll put it in your take-with-you box, but stuff you know you'll need soon. From your bathrooms, that might include things like spare toothbrushes, soap, and a towel. From the bedrooms, think pajamas, kids' stuffed animals, and a few changes of clothes. The kitchen essentials might be some cookware and a coffee pot. With a box like this for each room, even if you're too tired to unpack on the first (or second or third) night in the new place, you'll have what you need to be comfortable so you don't have to dig through all your other boxes just to find some toothpaste. Shanaiqua D'Sa, content marketing lead at Attic Self Storage, suggests the same thing, but adds an important caveat: "The single most overlooked thing that makes unpacking easier is ensuring you keep a pair of scissors or penknife on hand," she says, so add that to the things you're keeping accessible, not packing away. "So many people move houses, are all set to unpack, and then can't unpick the packaging tape on the boxes and don't have a pair of scissors or knife on hand to do so. It's just one added frustration that you really don't need." While you're separating out the essentials, "Don’t overlook your healthcare needs," says Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove. "Before making the move, ensure you have access to your medical records and enough prescription medication to last until you find a new primary care provider. This small step can prevent unnecessary stress down the road." Don't over-complicate the small stuffWe all have so much small stuff—batteries, screws, art supplies, etc. Why not keep some of it where it is? If you have a unit with drawers that contain a bunch of stuff, tape the units closed securely and transport them just like that, says Jordan Sakala of laborhutt.com. Other small items can and should be tossed into Ziploc bags, but you have to label them clearly, says Chica, and you should tape those bags where they belong. Bags of screws should be taped to the furniture they're for, for instance, and bags of chargers should be taped to the container or furniture where they're stored. Clothes might seem like "big stuff," but you can actually think of them like "small stuff" here. Gather your hanging clothes together and slip a garbage bag right over them, keeping them on their hangers and all, says Chica. I always cut a little hole in the top of the bag so the hangers can stick out, then hang them on their new rod when I move in and (carefully) cut the bag right off. Some clothes, though, can be used to protect the "small stuff." Multiple pros mentioned to me that scarves, socks, t-shirts, tablecloths, curtains, and more can and should be wrapped around valuables. This saves you money on packing supplies and keeps your goods safe. Rob Rimeris, owner of EverSafe Moving Co., even claims that "t-shirts cushion dishes better than bubble wrap ever did." Label carefullyAs you pack, don't forget to label your boxes. Multiple pros recommend color-coding your labels to align with the room the contents belong in, but how you do that is up to you. Shannon Beller, CEO and co-founder of Wall-Russ, says colored labels can help pro movers place boxes in the right room, but if you don't have colorful labels, even color-coded stickers can work, according to Marshall Aikman, owner of Amazing Moves Moving and Storage. On top of that, get really detailed. "Don't just write 'misc.' because that's a nightmare when you're tired and trying to find your coffee maker on day one," says Tiam Behdarvandan, CEO and Founder of Let's Get Moving. Write the specific object names on the side of the box so you always know exactly what you're dealing with. Label the urgent boxes, first-day boxes, and every other detail that will be relevant when you get there. Pack (and load the truck) thoughtfullyWhether you're filling your own U-haul or have hired pros to take care of this part, think strategically about the order everything gets loaded. If the kitchen of your new home is all the way in the back of house, put the kitchen boxes in last so they're the first to come out and you can easily get them to the back of the house without tripping on other boxes. Ideally, furniture should be in a separate van or truck so it can come out first, since you're not going to want to be shoving a credenza through a pile of cardboard boxes, either. The same goes for the packing of the boxes themselves: Label them clearly and try to pack them in a way that has some kind of logical sense. A box full of kitchen appliances is more important to unpack first because you want the big stuff in place on your counter before you add in the decor. You want to unpack your sheets before your throw pillows so you can get them on the bed in the right order, so you might want those pillows on the bottom of the bedding box and the sheets on the top. Finally, you'll want to jot down on each box what its contents are. Don't just label them by room. Instead, says Tiam Behdarvandan, CEO and founder of Let's Get Moving, write the specific object names on the side of the box so you always know exactly what you're dealing with. Label the urgent boxes, first-day boxes, and every other detail that will be relevant when you get there. Here's a bonus tip from Marshall Aikman, owner of Amazing Moves Moving and Storage: You probably already know that you should be packing as much as you can into your suitcases to avoid over-spending on boxes, but you should think a little more critically about what should be packed in them. Heavy items, like books, are a great option, since the wheels of a suitcase can help save your back. Items that have to travel a long way through the new home are also a good option, again because of the wheels. So, too, are things that come in many sub-categories, like toiletries, as long as the suitcase has interior pockets. One pocket can be for lotion, another can be for facial skincare, and another can be for perfume, and so on. These are suggestions for an ideal scenario, of course. I know full well how much more stressful packing is in reality; sometimes, you just don't have time to think through all of these little things. That's why it's best to start this process weeks in advance, if you can. You want time to make a plan so that the unpacking and moving-in aren't as stressful as the packing and moving-out. Start your time in your new place off right. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. As you're planning your big move, you'll likely find yourself talking to a number of moving companies to figure out which one has policies, prices, and availability that work best for your needs. Through that process, you might be surprised to learn that there are things movers won't touch, though the exact types of objects they won't move do vary from company to company. This isn't their way of getting one over on you during a vulnerable time, though you might feel like it is. Rather, according to Rob Rimeris, owner of EverSafe Moving Co., "it's about respect and risk." What moving companies generally won't touchRimeris says his company won't move weapons, open liquids, or valuables like personal identification or heirlooms. That aligned with what I heard from a number of other pros, who also mentioned jewelry, cash, paperwork, passports, medication, anything "irreplaceable," anything flammable, cleaning products, fire extinguishers, paint, and fireworks. Some companies won't even transport your plants or perishable food. And, of course, they're not transporting your dog or other pets. Many pros told me that you should contact your moving company with an itemized list of what you want moved in advance. Your company might be fine moving some of these things and they'll let you know. Get that in writing. So what do you do with the stuff they won't move?First, ask moving companies for a written list of what they will not transport, just so you have an idea of what is going to fall under your responsibility and so you can avoid surprise refusals or fees when they get there. ValuablesKeep your valuables on you during the move, especially things like identification documents, prescriptions, and your birth certificate and social security card. It's a good idea to move those things yourself in your personal vehicle from one home to the next. Because these things are so important, consider a portable lockbox (around $30 or so). It's small enough to move around with you but can keep everything organized and untouchable. Hazardous materialsAs for any hazardous materials, don't transport those yourself—for the same reasons the movers don't want to. Kris Kay, director of operations at UNITS Moving and Portable Storage, cautions that you should contact local disposal centers for proper handling of anything like gasoline or propane tanks. Tiam Behdarvandan, CEO and founder of Let's Get Moving, says that even a small leak can cause a dangerous situation. Anything old or half-used can be disposed of at a local hazardous waste facility. If you have full canisters of gas or other hazardous materials and don't want to dispose of them, ask your local disposal center for specific recommendations on transport. PetsIf you're moving locally, Shainaiqua D'Sa, content marketing lead at Attic Self Storage, advises that "children and pets can unintentionally slow down the moving process," so you should arrange for someone to look after them on the day of the move. You should also flag your vet about the move well in advance. Alex Girard, who recently moved across the country, was surprised to find that his cat needed to be given a "certificate of health" before she was able to fly on a commercial airline to their new city, for instance. Your vet may also prescribe medication to calm your animal down if you have to fly or travel a long distance with them. Seek specific advice on all things travel-related from the vet, like how big your carrying case should be, and contact your airline if you're flying to get information on their policies around animal travel. Like your valuables, you need to keep pet supplies on you. From food to poop bags, these will need to travel with you personally—and you should pack more than you think you'll need in case of any hiccups. Pet identification, medications, accessories, and a favorite item that smells like you should also be included. PlantsPlants are tricky. Start by watering them well a few days before the move and then find a box slightly bigger than the pot, stuffing packing materials around it to keep it cushioned inside. (As with valuables and delicate objects, you can use t-shirts, towels, or other soft goods for this.) Then, cover the plant itself with a large plastic bag, like a trash bag. You should move the plant in a sturdy, temperature-controlled environment, like in your personal vehicle. If you have to fly, it'll be a little more complicated. The TSA allows plants in both carry-on and checked luggage, but you need to contact your airline directly to find out about their policies. Perishable foodsA few weeks in advance, obviously, try to eat these if you can. Decluttering is the best way to save time, space, and money ahead of a move. Consider donating to a food kitchen, especially if you're moving a long distance. Otherwise, these, too, need to be boxed up and taken with you, whether in your personal vehicle or on a plane. Depending on how far you have to travel, consider picking up a cooler. Travel-safe versions with carry straps can be as low as $15. The less straightforward objectsThere are some items that movers will move (or could refuse on a case-by-case basis) but they, too, are important to mention in advance. "Like most movers, we do not handle hazardous or prohibited materials like gas canisters, explosives, or chemicals," says Marshall Aikman, owner of Amazing Moves Moving and Storage. "If you need to move something unusual like a piano, a safe, or antiques, make sure to tell us ahead of time because these require special handling and planning." A few different pros I spoke to mentioned things like pianos and aquariums, actually, and while they will generally move them, they do need to know about them in advance. You might have to pay extra fees for certain objects, depending on what they are and which company you're going with, so get that information in advance to avoid budgetary surprises on the day of the move. If possible, try to move those yourself, but keep in mind that a fee might be worth paying if the other option is literally moving a piano on your own. If you don't declare these things in advance, fees won't be your only problem. Without advance knowledge of tricky, heavy objects, movers may not show up with the right tools and materials, meaning they can't move those and there's nothing you or they can do about it. In the best-case scenario, they have to take extra time to go get the right tools, which can cost you hourly fees and precious time. In the worst-case scenario, they can't do that and you're stuck there with some huge thing you also don't have the tools to move. In the event you find yourself in a situation where you have to move a piano, safe, aquarium, or other unwieldy object, you need moving blankets. Matt Graber, co-owner of Cool Hand Movers, says, "If you're doing your own move, don't skip blanket wrapping furniture pieces. It will protect the pieces themselves in transit, but also reduce the chance of nicking walls and doorways with the edges of bulky items." A 12-pack is about $60. Secure them around the object with heavy-duty tape and place sliders under the legs or corners. Even if you are doing the move yourself, it would be beneficial to contact moving companies for quotes on what it would cost for them to simply help you get these bulky items out of your space and into your U-Haul. Again, movers will move heavier items in most cases, but you have to tell them in advance. View the full article

Moving is something that drains you of time, energy, and money, and you probably don't want to do any extra work if you don't have to. But hear me out: You should still use a big move as an opportunity to declutter. Here is your chance to assess every item you own and make decisions about what you really need. Who knows the next time you'll be able to handle every single possession, categorize everything, and make a truly meaningful dent in your clutter? Why you should declutter right before you move First of all, decluttering before a move can actually save you money. "The biggest mistake we see people make time and time again is underestimating how much stuff they have and overestimating how easy it is to move," says Charles Chica, co-owner of CT Best Movers. "It's best to start by decluttering and getting rid of anything you don't use or need. This works wonders, saving time, space, and especially money." Mindy Godding, President of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, and Shannon Beller, CEO and co-founder of Wall-Russ, agree, pointing out that if you don't pare down what you own before moving, you'll end up paying for the labor and transportation costs associated with moving stuff you don't need or use. It also makes packing and unpacking easier. Adam Hamilton, CEO of REI Hub, says that the last time he moved, decluttering in the weeks leading up to the big day "really helped" because it got him organized, which made it much simpler to pack. Beyond that, with better organization and less stuff to unpack, the process of settling into the new place was more seamless, too. Start the decluttering earlyA few weeks before your move, start to get into a decluttering mindset. Godding suggests scheduling time to declutter your space before you even start to pack. Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove, says that packing always takes longer than expected, so the earlier you start with the pre-packing, the easier it's all going to go. He recommends paying special attention to seasonal items and things you don't use daily. Obviously, this is a little tricky, especially if you aren't familiar with decluttering. Here is a list of my favorite decluttering methods—any of these would work well as a template to follow. Some of the techniques do work better as you're boxing things up, though. For instance, the "packing party" is a decluttering method that involves putting everything from a room into boxes, then only pulling out what you immediately need as you need it for 21 days. After those three weeks, you're supposed to get rid of everything you didn't reach for. It could be worth it to pack everything up three weeks before your move, use the packing party guidelines until that time, and then donate everything you didn't touch before re-boxing up what you did use and bringing that to the new place. Many decluttering methods also rely on containers more generally. When decluttering and organizing, there are a few rules to keep in mind: Everything you own must have a place and it must be stored with similar items, ideally in containers. Starting this process a few weeks before the move can actually help you when it's time to relocate, as your stuff will already be categorized and in boxes. Declutter as you packHock says he finds it helpful to keep decluttering even after packing has begun. Your first decluttering sweep should take place a few weeks before you pack and leave, yes, but the job isn't fully done then. Before packing, borrow some ideas from organizing guru Peter Walsh: Envision your new home and what you want every room to look and feel like. Set intentions for each room. Do you want the dining room to feel airy and spacious? Do you want the office to be sleek and minimalistic so you can focus? As you're packing the boxes of items that belong in each room, consider each one and ask yourself if that item contributes to the vibe and function you envision for the space. If it doesn't, get rid of it. If you're struggling to decide what stays and what goes, I put together a list of questions to ask yourself when assessing a tricky possession. These focus on how often you use something, the condition it's in, and whether you could conceivably and economically replace it if you found yourself in a position of actually needing it. "If you haven't used it or worn it in the last year, you likely don't need it," says Chica. What to do with the unwanted itemsAnother advantage of starting this process early is that you give yourself some wiggle room if you want to try to sell things—which can actually give you a little extra cash for moving expenses. Online marketplaces like Poshmark and Mercari are great for offloading housewares, clothing, decor, and even some furniture, but they do have the potential to make you wait a while. I am an active online reseller and I can tell you that it's rare to make a sale immediately after listing something, so if you want to make some money off your goods, list them weeks before your move. For bigger furniture or, in my experience, faster sales, list on Facebook Marketplace to keep your sales local. Whatever doesn't sell should be donated, says Hamilton. Use the day before move-out day as a hard deadline. Many local thrift shops will pick up heavy items, like furniture, if you coordinate with them and you can bring boxes of smaller goods in yourself. You can also post these things on Craigslist's "free" section or "Buy Nothing" groups on Facebook, then set them on a curb with clear instructions in your post for how to find them. In the event you opt to just throw stuff out, make sure you're prepared to deal with the volume and associated costs. Shanaiqua D'sa, content marketing lead at Attic Self Storage, warns you may need to hire a small skip or dumpster if you have a lot to toss out and you can't forget to budget for trash bags and disposal containers. Ultimately, this is going to improve your move, even if it takes a lot of time first. You don't want to spend money moving junk, nor do you want to fill your new home with useless things. Moving is an opportunity to start fresh in a lot of ways, so carving out time to declutter is going to give you a jump start on your new life. View the full article

If you're preparing for a move, you have a lot to think about and most of it revolves, in some way, around your new place: Finding it, buying or leasing it, and moving all your stuff to it in a way that is fast, efficient, and as inexpensive as possible. There's a lot on your plate and I get that, but you also need to spare a thought or two for the spot you're vacating, especially if you rent. Remember that security deposit you put down when you moved in? You want that back—and your landlord doesn't want to give it to you. Here's how to get it back, or at least try. What is the landlord looking for?First, think like a landlord or building manager. After all your stuff is boxed up and you're standing in the ghostly echo chamber that was once your home, take a look around and pay attention for the little issues the landlord might spot when they do their walk-through. Marshall Aikman, owner of Amazing Moves Moving and Storage in Denver, CO, says landlords can hold back deposits over anything from furniture marks on the wall to nail holes to dirty fixtures. After all, cleaning is labor, too, and the management company will need to pay someone to do it, which is what they're going to use the deposit money for. Better to do it yourself. Start with cleaningAikman says the easiest thing to do is clean everything before you leave. The good news is that once all your stuff is boxed up or gone, you'll see pretty clearly what needs to be cleaned and you won't have any obstacles to deal with, like shelving units. The same heavy furniture that once prevented you from doing a thorough cleaning will be gone. Make the most of it. Shannon Beller, CEO and co-founder of Wall-Russ, says that it's pretty common for movers to overlook cleaning appliances, bathrooms, and floors. Remember you're not only mopping and cleaning scuffs off the wall, but should be cleaning the toilet, fridge, sinks, and other appliances and fixtures. It's annoying and will take some time—plus feel almost insulting to clean a space you won't be enjoying anymore—but it can save you money. It might even be worth it to consider a professional cleaning company, says Shanaiqua D'Sa, content marketing lead at Attic Self Storage. Call a few cleaning companies and get written price quotes, then compare the cost to the amount of your security deposit. If the cost of having it cleaned is significantly lower and if you're feeling overwhelmed by all you have to do, outsourcing could be an economical and time-saving option. Address minor damagesBeller says that renters tend to overlook small damages and focus on bigger ones, but those small ones add up. One or two nail holes aren't a huge deal, sure, but if you have them in every single wall, your landlord might start to object. Charles Chica, co-owner of CT Best Movers, agrees that renters often forget to patch those small holes and fix those minor damages. As a general rule, fix even the most minor issues. You don't want to give the building company any reason to withhold even a cent of that deposit. Scuffs, holes, peeling plaster, scratches, loose screws—one trip to the hardware store can help you a lot here. In my experience, fixing up the old place also helps prepare you to get to work in the new one. For me, doing a little manual labor gets me back into the groove of working with my hands so when I arrive at my new home, I feel readier to get my hands dirty there. It's unfortunate but true that every time I've moved, I've left my old place perfect and moved into a spot that is, inexplicably, a little dirty and/or malfunctioning. That's the nature of renting in a big city! The prior renters probably didn't get their security deposit back, which became my problem. Always be prepared for something like that. You can certainly fight with the rental company and demand someone come in and clean it, but after all the stress of moving, I've always found I don't have the energy to kick off my time in a new place by aggravating my new landlord. Be smart during the actual moveAddressing the mess and damage left from your existence in the space is one thing. Avoiding further damage when you leave is another. If you're moving your furniture and boxes out on your own, do not bang them into the wall or allow them to hit door frames. And whatever you do, don't drag. "Dragging furniture out without proper protection can damage door frames or walls. Use blankets, sliders or even flattened cardboard to protect surfaces on your way out," says Jordan Sakala of laborhutt.com. "Little details can save a lot." This was a point touched on by a number of pros I talked to, actually. Aikman and Chica also took care to mention that movers frequently overlook how much damage they can cause by moving larger pieces of furniture, especially. Chia says renters are prone to underestimating how tight corners or staircases are, too. Take some measurements of your furniture as well as the path you're going to take it through before you start. When in doubt, it might be time to call professional movers—but make sure you communicate clearly with them about the importance of not causing any damage. Use a few supplies to make this easier. Painter's tape can be affixed to walls and door frames to protect against scratches, for instance, and it peels of easily when you're finished. Matt Graber, co-owner of Cool Hand Movers in Brooklyn, says you should wrap all your furniture in blankets, which not only protects the walls and doorways as you move it, but protects the furniture itself in transit. Document the space on your way outWhen the cleaning and fixing-up are finished, take a lot of photos and videos. Once again, this tip was highlighted by a few different pros. Aikman, Beller, and D'sa all brought it up, pointing out that in the event the landlord tries to dispute giving you back your deposit, you want evidence that shows that you left the place damage-free and clean. Taking pictures and videos can also help you spot any last-minute issues you need to fix. When I need to clean or declutter, I sometimes take a picture of my space instead of trying to assess it visually. I'm just used to how my rooms look in real life, so seeing them more impersonally through a photo helps me recognize what's out of place, what is taking up too much space, and what needs some attention a little better. While you're taking pictures and videos, look at them like the landlord might and pay attention for anything that looks off. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. There is a moment during every big move where it hits you: Moving is really freaking expensive. The expenses—from packing supplies and the truck itself to the costs related to cleaning, painting, and utility deposits—will pile up. And I'm not even including the costs of furniture that better fits your new space. Budget—and cushion your budgetI spoke to a number of moving experts—especially people who work at moving companies and have been in the business for years—and most of them emphasized budget before your move—and overestimating what you think you'll spend. Both Shannon Beller, CEO and co-founder of Wall-Russ, and Rob Rimeris, owner of EverSafe Moving Co., say you should add 10 to 15% to your final budget as a cushion. Rimeris says that "isn't just practical," but "gives people back a sense of agency when plans shift." A few often-overlooked expenses that came up included these: tips for your movers (as well as insurance) fuel for the truck or car if you are moving some or all of your possessions, cleaning fees for the place you move into or out of, repairs for your old home, unforeseen extra charges from the movers, and furniture assembly. But wait, there's more: "It may not seem critical at first, but planning for food and takeaway expenses is also important," says Shanaiqua D'sa, content marketing lead at Attic Self Storage. "You're unlikely to cook on moving day or even in the days immediately following, especially if your kitchen isn't fully set up yet or you're simply too tired." Kids and pets, too, "slow down the moving process," she says, so you might want to arrange for someone to look after them. Only move what's necessaryYou're already overwhelmed by how much you have to do and I totally get that, but this is a perfect opportunity to declutter your stuff. In fact, decluttering was cited as a top money-saving tip by many pros: "The biggest mistake we see people make time and time again is underestimating how much stuff they have," says Charles Chica, co-owner of CT Best Moving. "Get rid of anything you do not need because the less stuff you have, the cheaper the move will be," adds Marshall Aikman, owner of Amazing Moves Moving & Storage. Sell what you can and buy what you need (used)Consider selling some of what you're getting rid of, as long as you start with enough lead time before your moving day. D'sa points out that you can generate money for the move by offloading old stuff to buyers. If you have enough time between decluttering and moving, list furniture and clothes on sites like Poshmark and Mercari. If you don't have much time, keep it local and stick with Facebook Marketplace, where buyers can come pick up furniture and other objects directly from you and hand over cash. The last time I moved, I listed furniture on Facebook Marketplace and promised myself that if it didn't sell before I left my old place, I had to take it as a loss and donate it, but as Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove points out, you can also list it in Buy Nothing groups as a free pickup. Whatever it takes to get it out of your space! If you really have enough lead time, organize a rummage sale. It's not as easy to coordinate if you live in a larger city, although I've certainly seen it done, but I grew up in a rural place where this was the norm. As long as you're doing it on private property, most jurisdictions don't require a permit for a short-term yard sale, but please check. Put up a few signs, post some ads on Craigslist, and haul all your for-sale wares to your garage or front lawn. Be prepared to take lowball offers and haggle a little, but you'll be surprised by how much actually sells. You can (and should) list it all on the aforementioned apps and digital marketplaces, too, then donate whatever is left over before the move. If you're moving to a bigger home, online resale and yard sales are also how I recommend filling it—at least at first. Moving is a massive expense, and it might not be feasible to buy or finance big furniture sets from retail stores at first. On the other hand, occupying a near-empty house is a bummer. Buy used essentials to save money and get your home in order. You can re-list it and sell it if and when you're more settled in and financially prepared for better furniture—or you may even fall in love with your eclectic decor collection and keep it. Go “stooping”There is another, even less-expensive option if you need furniture fast. If you live in a big city, you’re familiar with the classic practice of picking up free furniture from the sides of the street. If you live in New York and spend time on Instagram, you’re also probably familiar with the account that makes doing that even easier. @StoopingNYC has 479,000 followers who dutifully snap pics of discarded furniture throughout the five boroughs and DM it to the account owners, along with location details. The owners, in turn, post the photos and relevant information on the account’s story as well as on the grid, encouraging New Yorkers to have at it. “Stooping is the act of hunting down discarded street freebies that has the added benefit of being both an activity you can do outdoors and one that ultimately enriches the space where you’re most likely spending all of your time: your apartment or house!” the couple behind @StoopingNYC tells me. If, instead, you don’t live in a big city where stooping is regularly practiced, snag some stuff on the cheap by mapping out the weekend’s best local yard sales or head to all the online marketplaces where you’re actively ditching your old stuff to make room for the new (to you) stuff your new place will need. (Craigslist also has a “free” section where people frequently give away items.) One word of caution in either case: Make sure you clean the products well and proceed with caution when picking out anything made with fabric, like couches or armchairs. You know what’s not inexpensive? Exterminators. Save on packing suppliesYour budget will include packing supplies like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape, but you should also remember that what you have available can work well to help you pack. You have to move your blankets, towels, clothing, socks, and scarves already, so wrap them around valuables to save some money and space. Per Rimeris, "T-shirts cushion dishes better than bubble wrap ever did." Think about nesting, too. Chica says, "Suitcases, laundry baskets, and grocery totes are all great for packing general items." Again, you're already taking them with you. Make them help you and save some money on boxes. Many pros also suggested diversifying how you look for boxes. Buying new boxes can be pricy and wasteful, since you're not going to keep them when you're done with all this. Instead, ask local shops if you can have some of their boxes. Grocery and liquor stores, for instance, always have a bunch. Just make sure they're strong and clean. One thing you can't finagle a workaround on: tape. Chica cautions against buying cheap tape, as "you'll regret it when a box or bag breaks open mid-move." Rimeris agrees: "Heavy-duty tape, a marker you can actually read, and clean, strong boxes are worth every penny." That said, he assures me you don't need "pre-made kits or expensive wardrobe boxes," so feel free to ignore expensive moving-supply marketing tactics. Decide whether to hire movers or ask your buddiesMovers are great, especially if you have particularly valuable items, a lot of furniture, or a big journey ahead of you. There are other ways to transport your items, however. Consider enlisting some pals for the big move. Promise pizza and beer or straight-up cash if your friends will help you haul your stuff. They care about you and probably charge less than real movers—but you should also keep in mind that you might also get what you pay for, here. “Honestly, if you can afford movers, get movers,” said Shannon Palus, a Brooklyn-based writer and editor who has moved more than a dozen times in her life and managed her most recent move for less than $60. “It is really, really nice to have people move your things. I think if you are going the U-Haul-and-friends route, hire someone from a service like Task Rabbit to help with the heavier stuff. I think any money you can spend on moving, you should. They say that you’re supposed to spend money on experiences to be happy, right? Spending your day doing something other than lifting boxes is the ultimate good experience.” There are ways to compromise here, though. You can hire movers for the big, expensive stuff and hoof it with your friends for the small, cheap stuff. Palus pointed out, too, that her most recent move cost less than $60 because she used ride-sharing apps to hail cars and only had small items to move. “Be communicative about it, allow [the driver] to decline, and tip really well,” she said. “I also don’t move everything via Lyft; I do some trips on the subway. If you decide to go for movers, get a written estimate from a few different places. These should outline services, fees, and timing, says Beller. You can even request an itemized estimate upfront to avoid surprise fees. Just be sure you're being honest when you share your half of the details. Don't hide that you live in a walk-up, for instance, or own heavy antique furniture. You're only setting yourself up for surprise fees that way. Schedule smartlyYou don't always get to pick when we move, especially if you're moving from rental to rental. That said, if you can, try to schedule your move for off-peak times. Kris Kay, director of operations at UNITS Moving and Portable Storage, says you can usually get lower rates by moving mid-week or mid-month. The summer is the most expensive month for moving because it's the most common time, too, so if you have any wiggle room there, aim for spring or fall. Protect your security depositThere are a few benefits to packing and moving a little on your own before movers show up. Not only do you save money by doing some of your own labor, but you have a chance to scope out your place as you disassemble furniture and box up your stuff. If you're a renter, you'll want to try and get your security deposit back, which means cleaning the inside and outside of appliances, wiping down bathroom fixtures and floors, and, of course, fixing any damage. If the damage is minor, try to do it on your own: Patch small holes from picture frames and wall mounts, remove scuffs from walls and floors, and tighten any loose screws. As Chica says, "A minor fix can end up pitting a pretty decent dent in your security deposit." When you're moving, take care not to cause damage, too. Chica says you should never drag furniture. That's only asking for trouble. When everything is removed from the space, document the condition of the unit with photographs. View the full article

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