Essential considerations for boat living including costs, safety, storage, and practical tips for making your vessel a comfortable home.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

What are the Benefits of Living in a Boat?

If you’re thinking about making your boat your home, don’t forget that it might be an exciting move, but there are a few important things to consider before you spring into action.

1. Lower Costs

Boat living is not just cheaper than living on land–it’s often a lot cheaper. If you can’t afford to buy or rent a house, renting a boat for the same time is the next best option.

2. Cheaper to Maintain

Generally speaking, boat owners spend less on maintenance than those living in land-based housing. This is because a boat owner only needs to worry about the upkeep of the parts of the house that are actually above water.

3. Move Whenever You Want

There’s nothing like living on a boat to make you realize how much the rest of the world moves—and how little it matters. Unless you’re traveling or boating seasonally, there is no reason to stay in one place permanently. Boats can be moved and relocated at any time.

The options for where you can go are limited only by your budget and taste for adventure. If you have your heart set on a particular destination, investing in a sailboat or other self-powered vessel can help make travel cheaper and more flexible than using an engine you have to pay for. Even engines aren’t out of the question for those who want to travel. A motor can be rented daily or hourly, and some people even use surfboards or kayaks to get around.

4. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

If you love the feeling of being outside, there’s no better place to be than on a boat. Whether lounging in a hammock or swimming in the ocean, you will experience more fun and much more breeze than if you were living inland.

What are Boaters Looking for When Buying a Boat?

• Storage Space: If you plan to use your boat for any purposes besides pleasure cruising, it’s important to have enough room for all of the stuff that will accompany the lifestyle. You’ll want to put in enough storage space to accommodate many personal items and necessities. Some people add custom shelving.
• Bathroom: When it comes to living on a boat, you’ll want to make sure that the bathroom is up to snuff. It will need to be roomy enough and comfortable enough for you and your passengers.
• Convenience: Many boaters like to have a short commute when going from home to boat. On top of that, you’ll also want to make sure that your boat has easy access points for entry and exit. This will save you time in the long run.
• Paint Job: A huge attracting factor that most people think of immediately when getting a boat is the color and what they want on the exterior. This could mean that you will want to analyze the paint job of the vessel harshly as the paint will need to be able to withstand the conditions of being at sea consistently. Depending also on what you want on the outside, such as the name of the vessel you may want to look into hydrographic paints or wraps and supplies. As you know this is already so liquid based and it sticks for an elongated amount of time.

Some Things to Think About

• “What Is Your Budget?”: Buying a boat can be a costly venture. There will be significant costs involved in repairs and maintenance if you’re in the market for an older, used vessel. Don’t forget that you’ll also need to factor in all of the extra costs typically presented by living aboard, such as docking fees, insurance premiums, and more. If you’re willing to purchase a brand new boat, you’ll get more bang for your buck, but there will still be expenses associated with living aboard, like boat insurance.
• “How Will You Deal With Fuel Costs?”: Boating is fun, but it’s hard on the pocketbook. Add fuel costs to your list of considerations before making your boat your home. Calculate how much you’ll spend on fuel each year and make sure it fits into your outlined budget.
• “Do You Have Room For It?”: If you’re in the market for a larger vessel, make sure that your yard has room for it. If you’re thinking about adding a smaller vessel to your living space, make sure that you have the room for it in your yard and that there will be enough dock space available so that you can keep your boat safe from theft. 

Safety Tips for Your Boat

• Dealing with High Winds and Waves:You’ll want to make sure that your boat is fastened securely if high winds or rough waters are possible. It would help if you also prepared for storm conditions by keeping a battery-powered radio on hand or purchasing an emergency weather alert system to provide safety updates. 
• Keeping an Emergency Kit:Sometimes, you’ll be at sea when an emergency strikes. Ensure that you have an emergency kit with some of the essentials such as a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, and a cell phone.

Decorating Your Boat

If you’re looking to convert your boat into a home, you’ll want to decorate it to be comfortable and inviting. If you’re looking for ideas, some resources can help. Look for books on boating and TV shows focusing on boat lifestyles. If a real-life example is your style, pay attention to the decor of boats you pass by while on the water. You might find the perfect idea.

Making Your Home Inviting

• Adding Privacy:Privacy will help make your boat more comfortable. A few ideas include adding curtains to any windows that face outward and keeping your shades drawn to give yourself some privacy during daylight hours. 
• Installing Lighting:It’s important to have ample lighting both inside and outside the boat so that you can see when it gets dark. Make sure that you have a working light on your boat deck and interior lights to find your way around at night.
• De-cluttering:When it comes to making your boat home, take the motto “a place for everything and everything in its place” to heart. As you add personal items to your home, make sure that they are properly stored and organized to keep clutter and mess at bay.
• Using Linens:You’ll want to keep your towels handy and any other linens that you’ll use regularly. Adding a drawer or purse will help you identify where things go and keep them within reach once they’re needed.

Why You Should Consider Investing in a Boat Dock?

A boat dock is an important accessory for any boater who plans on living aboard their boat. Having a boat dock in place will help you maximize the space available to you and make it easier for you to move your boat out of harm’s way during rough weather conditions. Investing in a boat dock means that you’ll have access to super convenient storage that is both weather-resistant and easily accessible. It also serves as an excellent place for your boat to dry if you’re expecting stormy conditions.

If you’re a boater, you might want to consider living on your boat. It’s a fun and unique way of life that can bring you closer to the water. However, there are some important things to consider before taking this step. Before deciding on this lifestyle change, please consider what it will mean for your safety, your budget, and the decor of your boat.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Liquid Concepts

Comprehensive warehouse safety strategies covering employee protection, supply chain integrity, and security measures for logistics operations.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Logistics Safety Guide: Essential Warehouse Protection Strategies

In this blog, a number of various factors related to prioritizing warehouse safety in the logistics field will be analyzed, from supply chain importance to physical/cyber circumstances, hands-on security measures and more.

To begin with, it’s important to understand that warehouse safety in a logistics environment is crucial because it helps avoid injuries and accidents, attempts to protect workers, ensures operational efficiency and maintains the integrity of the supply chain. The bottom line is that these are considered high-risk environments, and as such, warehouse safety becomes paramount; what’s more, because accidents can easily occur, safety precautions such as regular inspections, clear signage and thorough training become vital when discussing accident prevention and creating a safer workspace.

Ways of Going About Prioritizing Warehouse Safety in the Logistics Environment

We can break warehouse safety up into three major categories before delving into specific tactics: Protecting employees, maintaining supply chain integrity and protecting the bottom line.

Let’s now take a brief look at them and which protocols may work best in the respective category.

1. Protecting Employees

• Cutting Down on Injuries – With prospective risks such as moving machinery, hazardous materials and falling objects, warehouses can be dangerous environments, so safety measure prioritization becomes priority; this can encompass proper equipment, training and procedures.

• Positive Work Environment Promotion – Because employees are more likely to feel comfortable and valued when their well-being is taken into consideration, a safe workplace fosters employee retention and morale.

• Regulations Compliance – Many countries throughout the world have standards and regulations in place to ensure workplace safety, with failure to comply leading to fines, other penalties, and even lawsuits.

2. Maintaining Supply Chain Integrity

• Damage and Loss Prevention – It is essential to prevent damage to goods while also minimizing the risk of spoilage or damage by using tactics like proper storage and handling practices.

• Ensuring Operational Efficiency – Smoother and more efficient operations can be realized through a safe warehouse environment, ultimately leading to faster delivery times and order processing.

• Disruption Minimizing – A solid safety culture can help prevent disruptions such as injuries and accidents, which can disrupt warehouse operations.

3. Protecting the Bottom Line

• Cost Reduction – With regard to lost productivity and medical expenses, workplace injuries and accidents can be costly. You definitely want to avoid any medical scenarios possible and that comes from both the business and employee side.

• Productivity Improvement – Reduced errors and increased productivity can be realized in an efficient and safe warehouse environment.

• Reputation Enhancement – Attracting and retaining customers, coupled with enhancing a company’s reputation, is what a strong safety record can bring. This will assist in bringing in more hires as well as grow the company both physically and digitally.

The Physical/Cyber Circumstances Factor

Here’s a frightening statistic: In 2023, some 2,769 entities in the U.S. were impacted by supply chain cyber-attacks. Additionally, thieves stole over $44 million in goods from warehouses and trucks in the second quarter of 2023. Alarming? Absolutely. But incidents such as this are avoidable if strong strategies for secure logistics, fulfillment and supply chain are implemented. And, because supply chains are often comprised of several components and brands work with multiple vendors for logistics and fulfillment, it becomes crucial to ensure sensitive information and products are protected.

This, ultimately:

• Ensures compliance

• Prevents financial loss

• Safeguards customer trust

• Increases operational efficiency

When it comes to protection of assets, physical security measures can include the installation of surveillance cameras, security personnel and access control systems to prevent theft and unauthorized access. What’s more, secure facilities reduce the risk of damage from sabotage and unauthorized access, ensuring goods remain intact and in pristine condition. Obviously you want to avoid damaged goods, but you definitely want to avoid losing the materials altogether.

On the cybersecurity side of asset protection, measures such as protecting data from breaches, ensuring customer privacy and preventing identity theft are all effective; when it comes to operational integrity, cybersecurity ensures the integrity of digital systems that manage orders, shipments and inventory, preventing disruptions caused by cyberattacks.

This would be a good time to get into hands-on security measures as preventive solutions.

Getting Hands-On with Logistics Security

Implementing a multi-layered approach to enhance warehouse logistics security can be helpful, encompassing tactics such as robust access control, perimeter security, surveillance systems, alarm systems, inventory tracking and thorough background checks – to say nothing of regular security audits and employee training.

Perimeter security, in particular, can be beefed up through the use of physical barriers such as fences, walls and other structures to prevent unauthorized entry. Further, it doesn’t get any more “hands-on” than on-site security guards stationed at a booth or even a visible guard tower. This will visibly instill fear to those that even think of trespassing, stealing, and getting away with the materials or products that are cherished.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the key warehouse safety goals come down to protecting the merchandise, preventing bodily harm/death and keeping the hardware/equipment in good working order. Warehouse management must take the responsibility of ensuring correct measures are in place to prevent workplace injuries and lawsuits – as well as costly stoppages. If done so correctly the warehouse will become a safe space as well as lead to business success for all those involved.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for B.I.G. Enterprises, Inc.

Learn 6 practical tips to organize your home efficiently while saving both time and money with smart planning and budget-friendly solutions.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Smart Home Organization: 6 Ways to Save Time and Money

Are you ready to take back your home? Maybe it’s time. After all, a cluttered house means a cluttered mind and in long term situations even affect you more than you think. Organizing your home shouldn’t be something you dread but rather something that gives you peace of mind and happiness. We all lead busy lives, so when it comes to organizing our homes, we need quick, easy, and cheap solutions. The good news is that with a little bit of planning and preparation beforehand, we can cut down on costs and the time spent organizing our houses.

1. Organize Your Home: The Importance Of Home Organization

If you don’t have a plan for how to organize your home, you’re likely to end up with a cluttered house. A cluttered house can lead to feelings of stress and frustration, as well as a decrease in your productivity. As clutter piles up, it can attract pests and cause accidents, such as tripping over items left on the floor. When your house is clean and organized, you’ll feel better, have more energy, and be more productive. The overall effect of a more organized and cleaner home environment will be a weight lifted off of your shoulders that you never knew was on there in the first place.

2. How To Save Time When Organizing Your Home

The best way to save time is to have a plan before you start. If you’re trying to clean out a room full of clutter, it can take hours and become a stressful experience. Having a plan lets you know what to keep, what to throw out and where to put everything. Simply draft out on a note, piece of paper, or even in your phone, a list of items you know are in an area and where or how you would like to relocate and organize them. It never hurts to have some type of outline and the best part is you can edit it as you go.

3. Save Money When Organizing Your Home

Organizing your home can be expensive if you don’t have the budget. Before organizing, list the items you’ll need, such as boxes, drawers, bins, and labels, and then choose the cheapest option. Other than just these storage devices you may also want to take a look into some custom furniture or other pieces of storage items that can help you with whatever is overflowing in your home. You can find good deals especially on marketplace or furniture stores do have sales frequently. For example, for the vintage lovers, a record storage space may be great for your pieces of music and you can even put other decor on their as well. Another way to save money is to do some of the organizing yourself, but do remember that as long as the piece of furniture has some storage aspect you can honestly use it for numbers items and not just what they are originally designed for. 

4. Create a Plan

When you rush to organize your home and don’t have a plan, you’ll spend more time and money on the process. The first thing you need to do before you even start to organize your home is to decide what order you’re going to tackle each room. Once you’ve decided on the order, you can start to plan what you will do in each room. Then continuously build it out and tackle each obstacle as you go. Each part of your home may have to have a different amount of storage items or be organized in a plethora of ways so a plan can help you not get as frustrated.

5. Decide What to Toss and What to Keep

If you’re trying to clean a room, you must first decide what you want to get rid of. This can be a difficult decision, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to keep everything. It would be best to keep only things that have sentimental value or that you use. Be ruthless when getting rid of items but also keep in mind that you can always find outside storage or invest even in a locker somewhere else.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Outsource

If you’re short on time or cash, don’t hesitate to outsource an item or two. You don’t have to do everything yourself, and if you’ve got an important project like organizing your home, you may want to consider hiring a professional. You can hire professionals to clean your house or organize your home and some moving places even offer these services along with their on storage containers. This would also provide you a temporary or long term solution on whether or not you want to keep items around seasonally or not.

Conclusion

Organizing your home doesn’t have to be a stressful or expensive task. Just remember to make a plan, decide what to keep and toss, and be willing to hire a professional if you need to. If you follow these tips and have a system for decluttering your home, you’ll be able to reduce clutter and keep it under control. The main depending factor in this case is also whatever budget you have as each individual will be operating differently and at their own rate, which can affect how and what actions are actually going to take place.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Form and Finish LLC

Essential safety modifications for dementia care at home, including lighting, hazard removal, and assistive technology recommendations.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Home Safety for Dementia Caregivers: 7 Life-Changing Modifications

Dementia is a condition that is characterized by the loss of cognitive functioning. It impacts your ability to think, remember and reason. Some people may experience significant personality changes as their condition evolves. It is a progressive disease that can range in severity with no known cure. Unfortunately, with this in mind you will want to make sure to take the right precautions for those loved ones experiencing any signs or forms of this horrid disease.

The Importance of a Safe Environment for Someone With Dementia

The symptoms associated with dementia (like confusion and memory loss) can make it difficult to continue living independently at home. However, you can have a positive impact by modifying their living space to accommodate their needs. Simple changes around the home can make it easier for them to engage in their daily routines safely and comfortably. Here are some quick and easy tips for setting up a living space for someone with dementia.

1. Ensure There Is Good Lighting

If dark or inconsistent lighting is an issue in the home, it’s time to brighten things up. Darkened corners can cause distress and make it difficult to see. Good lighting is important for someone with dementia and can help them make sense of where they are. If there are objects blocking windows, such as furniture or dark curtains, remove them. You can also provide low lights if the individual prefers and there is enough visibility to see the surroundings properly. You never know with certain individuals as brighter lights could be overbearing or hurt someone’s eyes.

2. Remove Trip Hazards Around the Home

Dementia affects numerous cognitive functions, including judgment and motor coordination. These issues can make it hard to recognize potential dangers around your home. Trip hazards like rugs, mats and cables are dangerous and can increase the risk of a serious fall, which can have dire consequences. Ensure that cords remain neatly tucked away, and remove any rugs and mats throughout each room. There are items you can purchase that can assist with this, such as stickers to place under items so they are not movable for those that can take a tumble.

3. Improve Spatial Awareness With Contrasting Colors

People living with dementia struggle with visual clarity, which can make furniture and other objects difficult to see. Brightly colored furnishings that stand out against the floors and walls can improve spatial awareness and reduce the risk of bumping into things or falling. However, keep in mind that colors like bright red, orange and purple can be overstimulating. A toilet seat contrasting with the rest of the bathroom and brightly colored dishware can help improve visual acuity and orientation in the kitchen. Make sure the colors while contrasting are not too bright and more so are cool or neutral in pigment.

4. Place Reminders Around the Home

Visual reminders placed around your house can be effective tools for helping someone with dementia go about their daily routine. Clearly label cabinets, rooms and drawers with either pictures or words to help them locate important items. You can place notes in strategic locations, like next to the coffee maker or bathroom mirror, as reminders of daily activities. You will definitely want to monitor someone affected with dementia before doing this to make sure their daily routine stays consistent and check in with them periodically even if the notes are placed.

5. Use Medical Alert Devices

As a result of confusion or disorientation, people living with dementia may experience episodes of wandering. It is a significant safety concern that can quickly place them in dangerous situations. Medical alert devices can help them easily call for help, even with limited communication skills. They are also an effective way to alert emergency services or caregivers if they are in danger. When selecting a device, make sure it is simple to use, waterproof and durable.

6. Simplify the Bathroom for Easier Navigation

Modifying the bathroom and prioritizing safety can make it easier for someone with dementia to continue living independently for as long as possible. Use contrasting colors to highlight the shower and toilet seat. Keep the area well-lit, and consider replacing toilet paper and towels with colors that contrast with the walls or vice versa if you need to do some interior design and repaint or redecorate an area.

7. Install Safety Equipment and Assistive Technology

Equipment like guardrails, smoke alarms and sensors can help keep someone living with dementia safe at home. These items don’t have to be expensive or complicated. You can also find products and home goods specifically designed for individuals with dementia. These items include clocks featuring large LCD displays and telephones with large buttons. Installing safety equipment and assistive technology is a simple yet effective way to positively impact their quality of life and assure that your loved one is safe and being taken care of even when you are not around.

Caregiving can be a rewarding role and may strengthen the relationship you have with your loved one. However, providing continuous care and support for someone with dementia can put a strain on even the most resilient people. For additional support and guidance, head over to The Caregiver’s Voice or SureSafe. On these sites, you’ll find useful information and advice from people who understand the many challenges and rewards of providing compassionate care for loved ones with dementia along with other sicknesses or disabilities.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for SureSafe

Practical tips for winter moving including cost savings, organization strategies, and dealing with holiday challenges during cold weather.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Cold Weather Relocation: How to Move Successfully During Winter

For those who live in cold country, a summer move may be safer. However, you will be able to work harder without getting overheated if you’re busy cleaning out your garage in the cold season. Depending upon where you live will play a major role in whatever time of year you choose to relocate. Consider the tips below to make your move as simple as possible during the winter.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Wintertime Move

Your wintertime move may be sloppier and slicker if you live in snow country. However, storage unit rentals could be discounted and professional movers may be cheaper. Because most people move in the summer to be settled for school, a December or January move may mean that you get a bigger apartment or home for less money. Just be on the lookout for potential deals during these times of year and dependent upon your location.

If you already have a storage unit, now is the time to empty it and sort through everything. If you can’t stand to work in such an airless, overheated spot in the summer months, the cool days of winter may make it easier on you. However, this is known as the busier time of year so just focus on going through things when it is a prime time for you.

How to Organize Boxes Before Moving Day When it’s Cold Out

Move some furniture away from the wall on the main floor if your home. If you can, put things right beside the door. If you’re taking a box of stuff to your new place, mark the following:

• what’s in it (general contents)
• which room it should go to in your new place
• the date it was sealed up

If you’re packing for your family, you may find that children want to dig back into their boxes of stuff before you get the next one packed. While it may be easier to pack in the winter while kids are in school, they may find the experience of coming home to an empty room upsetting. You could use storage devices in this matter where you can maybe put some of their favorite clothes or belongings in a storage unit or building where it is easily accessible.

If you don’t have a storage unit, yet, winter is the time to rent one. Depending on where you are located and look it could cost less and you may be able to get a larger storage unit than you budgeted for so more things can fit inside.

Invest in Outside Resources

While everyone knows that moving in general is such a hassle, you will definitely want to evaluate all of your options when close to the busiest times of the year. If you have outside storage property, definitely think about using it to simplify processes that could take longer than normal. Some people invest in storage units regularly as they continue to run out of space in there home. Others invest in their own form of storage on their own new or old property, like custom metal buildings or barns that can store stuff safely. Many choose a brick or metal storage shed in this case as it is the sturdier material used in building and construction. There is also the matter of if you would like to use a moving company or not and if they are available during the holidays. Some people would see this option as the easiest since it would free up time for you to do other errands. You will just want to make sure to look around and compare prices when it comes to this type of business services to make sure they are in your budget.

Drag Out the Suitcases, Increase the Comfort Level

It can be stressful for children to have their possessions boxed up, especially around the winter holidays. Make sure that everyone in the household has a suitcase where they can store their most precious stuff. A few changes of clothes and toiletries are also a good idea. Having a suitcase gives everyone in the move a bit more control over what goes where.

Make sure your children know that their living space may be more enjoyable after the move. Moving companies often cost less in the winter and with this being when most families spend the majority of their money annually you will want to save where you can.  Because you’ll have more financial flexibility with a winter move, you may be able to treat your children to new furniture or better technology and gifts at Christmas time.

The Holidays

Winter moving days can seriously mess up winter holidays. Reach out to a friend who always does the holidays up in style and ask if you can visit them with your family. You were probably planning such an event anyway, but having a solid invite can make it much easier to soothe your children if there are worries about specific traditions.

Moving in the winter can save you money on storage and movers. It can protect you from getting overheated. It might even help you get a great deal on a much cheaper apartment. With all of this in mind though, make sure you have at least some sort of plan to all of the things that need to get done while also balancing the personal holiday life tasks.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Complete Metal Buildings LLC

Discover how accounts payable automation reduces costs, improves accuracy, and streamlines business financial processes effectively.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

AP Automation Benefits: Save Money and Boost Efficiency Today

An AP Automation is a system where accounts payable are processed digitally. The manual methods are fading away, and this new technology is rapidly growing, especially in the entrepreneurship sector. With this paperless framework, the manual documents are converted to electronic form to invoices and receipts to ease cash transactions.

Using this digital technology will seal the loopholes in which you are likely to lose money. It protects you from penalties, delays, errors in overpayments that can lead to huge losses and automatic invoice approvals to hasten delivery from your suppliers. Therefore, this is the ideal system that you require to maximize profits by minimizing overhead expenses.

How to Save Money Using the AP Automation

Human errors are prevalent while making payments. They can be so costly to any enterprise or institution in business. In the mind of anyone handling money in profit-making or a non-profit organization, improving efficiency and increasing savings are key objectives. As such, the digitalization of the system with AP automation can enhance effectiveness.

Improves Data Accuracy

A minor error in a transaction can ground your business. The AP Automation protects you from this possibility by ensuring the data captured is safe and accurate. With this digitalization, there are no overpayments or charges incurred out of underpayment. It’s a sure way of executing actual payments according to your customization.

Minimizing Labor Expenses

A manual system requires that you hire employees to handle every step of the payment system. Hence, you will require employees in every sector from sorting, filing, checking and counter checking processes for accuracy. This is time-consuming and costly. However, the personnel are reduced with an automated payment system as the technology executes your command with precision. The manual laborers are freed up, saving you operational costs.

Penalty Fees

Digitalization is very effective when it comes to keeping track of deadlines. It has appropriate reminders that keep you alert not to miss on crediting your suppliers or filing tax returns. In addition, it has a way of prioritizing the invoices based on urgency. Prompt payment earns you trust from clients and fellow business associates. 

It Saves Money through Discounts

Your company is likely to benefit from discounts arising from your regular transactions. A seamless cash flow will make it possible for prompt crediting of the payable accounts before deadlines are due. A deep analysis and summation of the discounts obtained can help you save so much money. 

Simplification of the Audit Process

It’s quite cumbersome to go through tens of files and look for relevant information for proper auditing. The automated payment system makes it easy to retrieve the required data. Moreover, the electronic system takes less space in data storage, saving you the cost of purchasing hundreds of files. As a result, this technology not only speeds the auditing process but also cuts costs that are associated with a manual system.

Reduces Cost per Invoice

The cost of an invoice is probably taking much of your company budget. It’s estimated that institutions that are yet to embrace digitalization of their processes incur huge charges to the tune of $8.78 per invoice. On the contrary, businesses adopting the AP Automation incur $1.77 for a similar invoice. Undoubtedly, technology will save your enterprise a lot of money and maximize your income.

Bridging The Gap Between Physical and Digital Financial Options With AP Automation

While some believe Accounts Payable Automation is solely something that occurs online, this is not at all correct. As you can save money by utilizing AP automation you can also connect it to the financial ways of the past, including tangible printable checks. In order to be compatible you will need to invest in a hybrid AP automation platform. Then with the right application you can digitize the invoice intake process that could be ever so complicated. Obviously, the user of the AP automation and check deposit can choose their desired payment preference. After choosing whichever route you would like to pursue then integrate them into the check printing services that you maneuver as well. Whether the checks be digital or physical they should be automatic when it comes to these steps. By the end of this and if done so correctly, the check and AP automation will be cooperating efficiently with one another. 

The Things to Avoid When Using AP Automation

There is an excitement that comes with the installation of new mechanisms in business running. The ease of operation that this process brings can make you forget that there are other crucial parts of the company that should be involved. As such, there are a few things to avoid:

Sidelining the Management in Transition

The management is usually involved in day to day running of the business. They are a critical cog in the success of any initiative within the company. Hence, it’s important to involve enterprise owners in the decision making for an uninterrupted transition to the new system. Additionally, the opinions of the subordinates should also count during the installation of the new technology.

Do NOT Align the Automation Roadmap to Future Needs

Aligning all the future needs and operations of the business can be costly. As such, it is fundamental that you seek feedback from those who have already used the AP Automation technologies. 

The information gathered will help you in developing future insights for your business. This action is necessary as automation isn’t the end of innovation, and future innovation may prove to be more effective.

Avoid Laying Off Multiple Employees

You are likely to be overexcited that automation will lay off many people to increase your savings. Certainly, shock will get you if you only trust the system with a few people. For instance, what if they resign or get sick? As such, train several people to be on standby for any unforeseen circumstances.

Other Benefits of AP Automation – Fraud Protection

The AP Automation software protects your business from fraud by assigning a particular person to approve the invoice and to release payment. The specific individuals are the custodians of the system codes, and therefore your business is secure from any fraudulent activities.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Laser Printer Checks

Express your passion for books through literary-inspired clothing, accessories, and DIY fashion ideas for book lovers everywhere.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

From Page to Wardrobe: Expressing Your Literary Passion Through Fashion

If you’re like most people, chances are you’ve changed your style here and there depending on your mood. It turns out that, just like in the books, clothing reveals just how much someone wants to be noticed. So if you want to signal your love for reading and writing, and show everyone else that you do to there is one main route that you can go so many ways with. There are countless options to accessorize your person with clothing and other items to show your true literary genius.

1. Literary-Inspired Clothing

There are plenty of ways to add an immediate creative flair to the clothes you wear, but arguably the easiest way to show how much you love literature is to wear a shirt or hoodie that features book cover art, favorite passages, or similarly unmistakable literary tributes. Better still, opt for designs that feature typewriter font or another calligraphy style that is eye catching and word defining. Hats and beanies can also feature embroidered quotes without dedicating an entire outfit to the occasion. Usually, individuals do not like to go all out with a themed style many decide to incorporate little details here and there that still market your literary clothes and individuality. Therefore, not being too much but instead having just enough features in your outfit could be the perfect move.

You can, of course, run in the complete opposite direction! Themed parties and literary festivals are prime occasions to throw together an entire outfit meant to look exactly like a favorite character, and those can be lots of fun. Unfortunately, these sorts of opportunities may be far and few between, so you may have to opt for alternative options instead. However, this does depend on the books of course as there were a ton of Hunger Games and Divergent wear moments after the books hit the shelves and movie iterations hit theaters.

2. Accessories with a Literary Twist

If you’re more interested in something that works for everyday wear, accessories are an excellent way to add a literary accent to your outward personality. For example, scarves and shawls are stylish and cozy accessories that make great candidates for adding literary flair. Just like with shirts and hoodies, you can find scarves and shawls with typewriter font, quotes, and illustrations of books. There may be fewer of these products but you can always take it to an embroidery company and I am sure they can do whatever design you would like.

Bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces can all also have book-themed charms, such as quill pens or even little books themselves. Likewise, embroidered bookmarks are bright, colorful, and personable accessories that keep your place in your latest deep dive and help you stand out as an out-and-proud book lover. They also provide you an actual bookmark to use on the road in case you are traveling and reading a piece of literature. It is a two for one deal as well as the perfect accessory for the everyday book lover. 

3. DIY Custom Creations

Don’t discount what you yourself can do to upgrade the clothing you already have! For example, if you can’t find the sweater of your dreams, get creative and stitch the quote you want to see yourself! You can also easily customize a jacket or pants with needlework. Speaking of which, if you have a good denim jacket or pair of jeans, both of these make great candidates for adding literary patches. You can either sew store bought patches or create your own with fabric markers. The latter patch is more creative and could add some exciting flare to any outfit, while if you just buy one from a store it could be a more generic look if more people have them.

Of course, stitching or drawing on a favorite piece of book art would be a painstaking affair, but it’s not your only option. Print the image on transfer paper and iron the design on in a pinch! You can also go another route and use resin or polymer clay, to create your own custom pins in the shape of anything you would like. The most common style flare that has trended recently are quill pens and other literary symbols that are specific to books and other pieces of work people love to read becoming graphitized. 

4. Where to Shop

When trying to represent your literary mind in what you wear you will definitely need to figure out where you can obtain these items. Etsy is a commonly known site that can provide custom accessories or items. Sometimes these products can be a bit pricey though. You can also utilize the sear engine, Google, and look up specific companies that may specialize in literature clothing, or items you know that represent or relate to the type of literature you enjoy or want to wear. Lastly, there is also a general thrift store. As these places usually have the most vintage or peculiar items you cannot get anywhere else. 

The Bottom Line

The way someone cares for their clothes says a lot about their character, so why not express your love for books in the best way possible? These ideas are only the very beginning and the book reader should know that by how creative they get with their outfits!

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Southern Sketch Designs

Essential skills, safety protocols, and career guidance for success in various engineering disciplines and workplace efficiency.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Engineering Career Success: Essential Skills and Safety Guidelines

Working Proficiently in the Engineering Field

Engineering is one of the most rewarding fields to exist in the world today, with a wide variety of opportunities, but it can also be complex and challenging. To be successful as an engineer, you must have the right skills and knowledge of the different types of engineering. You must also prioritize tasks and adhere to safety protocols to ensure successful and efficient operations.

Prioritizing Work as an Engineer

Navigating the demands of engineering work can be overwhelming, especially when it seems like all tasks are of equal importance. The key is to prioritize tasks based on their level of urgency and importance. It is important to remember that completing more urgent tasks does not always mean that more important tasks are attended to. A good way to prioritize is to create a checklist and assign a timeline for each task. This will help you focus on the tasks that need to be completed first and ensure that all tasks are completed on time and done so efficiently. There are also other ways that have been known to work when it comes to task completion, such as a simple note sheet or even just a phone reminder.

Skills an Engineer Should Have

Engineers must have a variety of technical and non-technical skills to succeed in the field. Technical skills are essential, such as understanding the principles of engineering and being able to use computer-aided design software. It is also important to have strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Non-technical skills include communication, leadership, and teamwork. Engineers should also be able to effectively manage their time, multi-task, and make decisions under pressure. Lastly, any engineer should be able to be hands on when using certain machinery. A ton of equipment used in this work field is listed below:

• Rock Crushers
• Conveyor Belt
• Crane
• Milling Machines
• Hydraulic Presses
• Welding Tools
• Construction Equipment

Safety Aspects to Consider

Safety is an essential aspect of engineering work. Engineers must be aware of the risks associated with their work and take precautions to ensure safety. Engineers should be familiar with safety regulations and protocols and wear the appropriate protective gear. They should also be aware of potential hazards and be prepared to respond in the event of an emergency. Additionally, engineers should be aware of the potential risks associated with the use of chemicals and other materials. This also would depend on the different engineering that is taking place as some do not work with chemicals while others only do. Therefore, each specific engineer will have different safety precautions to follow just as each engineering plant or company probably has for their employees.

Different Types of Engineering

There are many different types of engineering, each with its own set of skills and knowledge. Some of the most common types include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and chemical engineering. Each type of engineering requires a different set of skills and knowledge. For example, mechanical engineering requires knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science, while electrical engineering requires knowledge of electronics and digital circuits.

Mechanical engineering involves the design and manufacture of machines and mechanical systems. It requires an understanding of physics, materials science, and mathematics. Mechanical engineers design and create machines and tools that are used in various industries, such as transportation, manufacturing, and energy. They must also consider factors such as safety, cost, and energy efficiency when designing and creating machines. This type of engineer appears to probably be the most hand on of the ones we mention.

Electrical engineering involves the design and development of electrical systems and equipment. It requires knowledge of electronics and digital circuits and the ability to think abstractly and solve complex problems. Electrical engineers design and create electrical systems and components used in various industries, such as telecommunications, energy, and consumer electronics.

Civil engineering is the design and construction of infrastructure and buildings. It requires knowledge of structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, and environmental engineering. Civil engineers design and construct bridges, roads, dams, airports, and other structures used in transportation, water supply, and public works. This is the most common engineer as this is a more general field and has the most jobs offered. Therefore, a larger amount of workers are required to serve the industry.

Chemical engineering involves the design and production of chemical products and processes. It requires knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Chemical engineers design and create processes and products used in various industries, such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. They must also consider factors such as safety, cost, and sustainability when designing and creating chemical processes and products. This is the least common engineer as the job field in this specific sector is less common due to the positions being so complex. It is the opposite of civil even while some of their undertones are the same. Just to show that engineering is still a vital field even from the more specific occupations to the most general.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, working in the engineering field requires a variety of skills and knowledge. Engineers must prioritize tasks and adhere to safety protocols to ensure successful and efficient operations. They should also be familiar with the different types of engineering and the specific skills and knowledge required for each one. With the right skills and knowledge, engineers can work proficiently and effectively in the engineering field.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Murrysville Machinery Company LLC

Learn how recycling and upcycling during your move saves money, reduces waste, and helps create eco-friendly home decor solutions.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Green Moving Solutions: How to Recycle and Upcycle During Your Relocation

Moving into a new home is both exciting and stressful at the same time. Packing and transporting your goods, unpacking and making the new house your own is a lot of work. And, if you are like many people, a move is a perfect chance to declutter and get rid of things you simply don’t use or want anymore. Why take everything to your new home when it’s just going to take up space or clutter up the new area? For many things you may decide to get rid of, you can choose to recycle or upcycle. There’s many reasons to do this and many benefits for you.

What Is Recycling?

Certain items can be recycled to be used to make other materials. This is a good way to get rid of old magazines, glass bottles, newspapers, and boxes. So, it can be especially helpful after you move in to your new home and unpack. Recycling is a much better option than throwing things in the trash as they can be used in other resources. Think of recycling as a way to get rid of things you might otherwise consider trash or junk. Some of the types of things you can recycle include:

• Bottles
• Cans
• Cardboard
• Paper
• Certain Plastics
• Glass Containers
• Tires
• Fabric

Recycling is considered good for the environment because we are able to keep things out of the landfills and make use of them again in one form or another. It is also instinctual as this action is instilled within us at such a young age, for example mine was in elementary school

What Is Upcycling?

Upcycling is a bit different from recycling but it has just as many advantages and it is a great way to change your decor as well when you move into a new home. So, just what exactly is upcycling?

Essentially, it is taking an item that you consider unwanted or unneeded and finding a way to use it again in a different way. It’s not sending off something to be torn down and used as a material. Instead, it’s using creativity and some basic supplies to give items a whole new life. While there are certain rules on what can be recycled, anything can be upcycled in some way or another.

There’s a few ways you could approach upcycling. You could take on the projects yourself if you have time and want to tackle the creative effort. You can also donate or sell the items to places that focus on upcycling.

The Benefits of Both When Moving to a New Home

There are so many benefits to both recycling and upcycling when you are moving to a new home. And, let’s start with before you move. It’s always recommended to declutter as much as possible before you even pack everything up. Anything that can be recycled should be. There’s no reason to take stacks of newspapers or magazines to your new home. So, as you begin the packing process, take each room one at a time and find anything that you no longer need and start a recycling or up cycling pile. Next, consider each larger item like furniture and decide if you really want to move it, keep it, or dispose of it. If you don’t then it has the possibility to be upcycled. Do you want to do this on your own or hand the item on to someone who could. Upcycling can apply to much more than furniture too. Fabrics, small containers, and pretty much anything has potential. For example, fabric like thread can be made into bag ties, bin markers, etc. for when you are in the process of moving even.

Choosing to do this before you move is a good way to free up space on the moving truck and to avoid hauling things where they won’t be needed. It could save you money as well, especially if you are paying for a moving truck by the square foot and work or service provided.

After you move, it’s time to go through and look for more things you don’t want to keep. Of course, packing paper and boxes would be some of the top recyclables. You may have other packing materials as well. Just make sure any plastics are actually recyclable because not all of them are and those that are not can end up being very toxic for the environment and hurting it more.

Next, decide if you are happy with your furniture, your decor and your style in your new home. Think about anything that no longer fits or has a place. You can upcycle and save yourself a great deal of money instead of having to buy anything brand new. When you upcycle and take the project on yourself, then you can make something that is exactly your style and taste. You also can get extra creative when picking this route and designate it to every specific desire you want in your new interior design.

Moving is the perfect way to declutter and get rid of anything that is just taking up space. However, just hauling everything to the dump or landfill is never ideal. So, recycling and upcycling can both be very beneficial and cost saving for you during your move. Make sure to weigh out your options when doing both along with carefully coordinate all of your items before and after.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for The Quality Thread & Notions Co.

Complete guide to vacation rental requirements including permits, insurance, contracts, and platform setup for property owners.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Vacation Rental Success: Essential Requirements for Property Owners

What are the requirements to rent out a vacation property? What do you need before you can even think about renting it out? This blog post will cover all of that and more!

What are Vacation Rental Properties?

Vacation rental properties are homes, condos, or apartments that people can rent for short periods. They are often rented through online services like Airbnb and VRBO.

You’ll need to provide some information about yourself before you can list a property on these platforms. You must have an account with them to use their service, which means you need a credit card or PayPal account. You also might be required to pay an initial fee when signing up for the website’s service, too – it costs $25 with Airbnb but is free with VRBO.

After providing your personal information, you’ll need to detail the home itself – how many bedrooms it has, what amenities are included, what kind of neighborhood it is in, etc. That information will populate the listing page on your chosen website so that renters can find out everything they need to know before contacting you about renting it.

Documents Needed For Vacation Rentals

You must have an occupancy permit to rent a property legally because not all areas allow for vacation rentals. 

You’ll also need to provide proof of insurance for the property in case something happens while it’s rented out (a fire, a flood, etc.).

You’ll also want to make sure you have liability insurance. If someone is injured on your property while they are renting it, they could sue you, and your insurance must cover the cost. 

You’ll also need a contract that can be used for all renters since some places have different rules about what kind of contracts are legal or valid in their area.

Other Things to Consider Before Renting Out Your Vacation Property 

Some other essential things to think about ahead of time include:

-Having someone you can trust to manage the property for you while you’re away.

-Making sure your home is clean and in good condition before renters arrive.

-Having all of the necessary supplies on hand (sheets, towels, toiletries, etc.).

-Charging a cleaning fee to renters so that they know it will be clean when they arrive.

-Making sure you have a way to take payments from renters (PayPal, Venmo, etc.).

Pros and Cons to Renting Out Your Vacation Property

There are both pros and cons to renting out your home while you’re not using it.

Pros

-You can make some extra money.

-You might meet interesting people from other parts of the world (and you could even become pen pals).

Cons

-Your home will be occupied while you’re away, and you won’t get to enjoy it yourself.

-There is much more work involved than just posting an ad on Airbnb and waiting for people to contact you.

-You need to be comfortable with strangers staying in your home.

Types of Vacation Rental Properties

Here are a few examples:

-A house or condo on the beach.

-A cabin in the woods.

-An apartment in a city.

-A boat.

Some other Things to Consider Before Renting Out Your Vacation Property

Walk – Through

As a renter and rentee you both will want to make sure and do a walk through of the property. In this case, as a renter before you post the rental space to the public you will want to document all areas of the property in their current and upstanding condition. If there are blemishes or issues you will want to make sure and resolve them before a renter dare books from you. This could lead to many issues including a lawsuit if it got bad enough. Some minor things to think about for a home is appliance functionality, sealants for small holes or gaps, and how the exterior status is as well. 

If you’re a rentee looking for a rental property, it’s vital that the house or condo is in good condition and everything works properly (the appliances, plumbing fixtures, etc.). You will most likely want to conduct a walk through of the property for this as well and record any malfunctioning appliances, along with if there are any blemishes existing within the interior or exterior that were not mentioned or pictured beforehand. If they are smaller issues that you believe you can solve yourself such as like nail holes in a wall that you could cover with sealant you could attempt however definitely contact the renter prior to doing anything.

You’ll need to provide renters with information about how they can contact you during their stay, plus where they can find the wifi password. You will also want to make sure and give a list of things you see upon entry that may be out of the normal, especially if you see mistakes or malfunctioning items as mentioned above.

You’ll also need to provide your renters with information about how to get into the property and any other rules that might apply (no loud music after midnight, no parties on the property). This could result in very bad times if you have neighbors or are apart of a culdesac. 

Renters will expect clean sheets, towels, toiletries in each bathroom, and a clean home overall. You may also consider having a cleaning service come before your renters arrive to make sure it’s in good condition when they get there. It would be best to think about whether you want to charge a cleaning fee to your renters or if you just know that you will also need a cleaner after different renters flow in and out. This will help cover the cost of having someone come and clean the property before/after they leave.

You’ll also need to have a way for renters to pay you. PayPal, Venmo, and other online payment services are a great way to do this. You could also ask for cash or a check when they arrive. This will also be beneficial if you have a payment option on file in case of any damages done to the property while a renter is staying.

Putting all of this together can seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it if you want to make some extra money while you’re not using your vacation property!

Bottom Line

As you can see, many things go into renting out your vacation property. You’ll need to think about what kind of property you want to rent out, where it is located, who will manage the home while you’re gone, how renters will pay for their stay, and any other important information they might need.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Uni-Grip Inc.