It’s no wonder the custom of adopting annual resolutions coincides with the year’s beginning rather than its middle or end. A new year means a fresh start—a milestone that signals an opportunity for positive change. Like a blank canvas to a painter, the New Year invites us to entertain new possibilities, inspires us to innovate upon the past and fills us with “momentum of purpose.”

While this sense of positive propulsion is often directed toward personal development, it can also be useful for accomplishing tangible goals, which is why the New Year is an ideal time to review and renew your to-do list. Whether you need to catch up on overdue maintenance, have a project you’ve been putting off or simply want to start off on the right foot, Read more

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For more helpful moving information, check out our Moving Resources Page. 

When it’s time to move, unless you’re planning to pack up your station wagon, you’ll need to select a moving company. As with all contractors, you should obtain at least three estimates before making a choice, but there are other factors to consider as well. Read more

You spent countless Sundays at open houses. You signed 50+ legal documents. You wrote a check for a single, heart-stopping, six-digit figure. And now, drumroll please…you’re the lucky owner of your very first house! Congratulations! Now it’s time to get to work. Here’s a checklist of all the things you should do when moving into a new house. Read more

“People wish to be settled. It is only as far as they are unsettled that there is any hope for them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

There’s nothing like a change in perspective to help you see the world anew. And when that change involves getting a new view from your bedroom window, your daily routine is in for some jolts. In other words, whether you’re moving across the country or across the street, moving can be one of the best ways to get re-energized. That said, it can also be a real pain, so here are 31 ways you can minimize the stress of moving while maximizing the adventure.

One month before you move

1. Create a binder.

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If you’re in the process of moving into a new house or apartment, getting your things packed and transported is important, but it’s really just the beginning. Read on to learn about three essential aspects of moving other than the move itself.

Wrap up loose ends
Everyone knows a major part of moving into a new place is cleaning out the old one, but many people forget about the various loose ends that need to be wrapped up when departing a former location. First, you’ll need to submit a “Change of Address” form to the post office to have your mail forwarded to your new residence. Read more

And now, the epic conclusion of our Best Diamond Certified Tips of the Day from 2012! Look for the series to continue in 2013 with the addition of several new media channels. In the meantime, if you want to get the Diamond Certified Tip of the Day on a regular basis, make sure to “Like” us on Facebook!

5. Cabinets
If you want to avoid a full-scale cabinet remodeling project, consider refurbishing your existing cabinets. In the case of kitchen cabinetry, this can be accomplished by simply repainting and refinishing the wood. Functional modifications, such as replacing deep drawers with roll-out shelves for easier access, can further reinvent your cabinets without the need for replacement. Read more