Rural Living

Last Updated on May 1st, 2019

Due Diligence Worksheet is so important When you are considering the purchase of a ranch, farm or rural land, it is important to have answers to some very important questions before you actually close the deal.

This list can save you a lot of headaches and also help you prioritize what you will need to do to make your new “slice of heaven” livable!

I would encourage you to examine and answer to the best of your ability each issue contained here plus others that might be applicable to the land parcel.

If you don’t have an answer, give it your best shot and then note it as a “potential risk” item.

When you have completed with your due diligence process, you should have two results.

One is a very clear understanding of the potential risks associated with the property purchase.

The other is an idea of the added costs required–in addition to the purchase price–to make the parcel livable or ready for construction.

Download Our FREE Due Diligence Worksheet

DUE DILIGENCE WORKSHEET GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Does the proposed parcel meet your personal requirements and allow you to do what you want to do?

If not, what would be required to adapt it to your needs?

This question is site-specific as well as an individual-specific.

Make a list of your wants and needs, and then check it off.

Examples to Consider When Purchasing Farm or Ranch :

If you want to farm, and a majority of property is forested, what will it cost to make the forest into pasture?

If you intend to use a pasture for haying purposes, will you have to renovate the field?

Is there enough water to irrigate or is it a sub-irrigated pasture that needs no irrigation?

What is the slope of the parcel?

What kind of sunlight does it get?

Is it on a hill, or behind a hill so it gets significantly less daylight?

North slopes tend to be cooler and can lose up to four weeks of a growing season compared to comparable parcels with full sun access.

Are there trees on the parcel?

If so, are they marketable timber?

Some stands are worth a lot of money.

Are any existing structures usable?

If not, what is your estimate to get them usable?

What kind of soil is on the property?

Is it fertile and deep, or hard pan?

What can you typically grow in it?

Neighbors can help here.

You can also get a soil map of the area from NRCS (Natural Resources and Conservation Service).

Look at the one including your parcel.

If there is a question, take soil samples and have them analyzed.

This is not a costly procedure.

PLANNING – city, county and state issues

Some parcels may appear to have no issues until you apply for a permit or pursue a development project, and then all sorts of things might pop up.

Before your purchase, go to the county planning office and meet with a planner.

Ask the planner to take a look at the parcel(s) you are considering and ask if there are any concerns about the properties.

Are there any apparent issues that would prevent you from using the land the way you intend?

Most of this deals with zoning.

Find out what is required for development and building.

This may involve some form of master planning or site planning.

This is actually a good thing, as it causes you to objectively think out what you plan to ultimately do.

Find out about the process for obtaining a building permit (if buying land only and you intend to build).

Review that with a person knowledgeable in construction who can point out anything unusual.

If there are any issues, get an understanding of what it might cost you. Also, find out how long it usually takes for the county to issue required permits or perform inspections.

Are there any red flags that should be investigated?

If so, find out what they are and who you need to contact to get specific resolutions.

Are there any designated wetlands on the property?

If there are, you will have some specific building setback requirements for anything you want to do.

Are taxes paid up to date?

LEGAL ISSUES When Purchasing Rural Land, Farm or Ranch

This is a very important yet often overlooked area of due diligence, as it can be hard to understand.

Because it might require professional help at a cost prior to the actual purchase, many people fail to do this part of due diligence.

Sometimes it is a judgment call as to what is really important.

The following items should be examined legally.

Water rights:

This issue isn’t about whether there is water in the well, but rather, whether or not you have the legal right to drill a well or use water on the property for activities above and beyond personal use.

What rights do you have for irrigation?

Livestock watering?

Water for personal consumption is not usually an issue, but make sure you can irrigate a field if you intend to do that.

Property boundaries:

Is there a recorded survey?

If so, get a copy from the county and verify it with boundary markers that you see.

Talk to adjacent neighbors with existing fences and ask them if the fence lines match their understanding of the true property lines.

Walk the property and see if there are any other fences that might infringe on future use.

If they have been there a while, they could pose a legal boundary issue in the future.

If there are any potential issues or critical boundaries to be verified, have a property survey done and put in the property corners.

This is another step often omitted by prospective buyers.

Evaluate your level of comfort and security vs. the cost of the survey, which will run many $1000’s.

Take a look at an aerial map by Google Earth.

This can really be an eye opener.

The county assessor maps also can be a great resource.

The point is for you to have a clear sense of the property lines.

One note here: Rural property lines, while very important, are not exact.

Obviously, a small discrepancy on a 20 acre parcel is not nearly as important as one on a standard city lot.

Easements on the property:

Are there any recorded easements on the property?

There could be an easement for the electrical company to put a future 25,000 volt power line through the center of your property.

Or it could be access for a new natural gas line or any other kind of utility.

It could be one for a power line leading to a neighbor’s property or an access road for a neighbor to reach his property.

If there is an easement, is there a maintenance agreement in place?

You don’t need to contest easements; you just need to determine if there is something planned that YOU ARE NOT AWARE OF.

Again, know this before you buy.

Legal Access to Your Property:

If directly from a county public road, you have clear access.

If from a private access road or if it crosses over a private parcel you must:

Determine that the access use is recorded.

Determine that the county recognizes this as the legal access for the parcel.

Determine whether additional work is needed to upgrade the road to required county standards.

Talk to the owner of the property the road crosses and see what the owner’s understanding is.

If it is a road used by multiple parcels, determine if there is a ROAD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT.

This will determine responsibility for routine and special maintenance of the road.

More gravel is needed– who pays?

Winter plowing is required–who does it?

Rural Property UTILITIES

Power:

What power is onsite or nearby?

What is the power company’s estimate to bring power to where you potentially want to put your structures?

One big question you need to answer–and it is a cost issue–should the power be buried or run overhead on poles?

Remember that buried power is less likely to be affected by wind, snow, and ice.

Determine if you need or want three-phase power.

Some utility companies provide it and some don’t.

It is really needed only for heavy duty shop applications such as welding equipment.

Telephone:

Sometimes this can be run with the power line but is a different utility from the power company.

How close is telephone to the parcel?

Again, relatively accurate costs should be quoted by the telephone utility.

Rural Internet:

Is DSL or broadband internet available?

If not, your only potential is satellite internet.

Cable:

This usually is not an issue, as it isn’t usually available for rural properties.

Water:

Is there a public water connection?

If not, what water is available onsite?

A strategy for obtaining water is vital prior to your closing.

This may be one of your biggest risks.

Wells:

If you are buying a developed property, test and inspect any existing well(s).

There are many companies that can quickly and inexpensively test well capacity and water quality.

This will give you a clear understanding of existing water sources.

If there is no acceptable source of water, a well must be drilled or dug.

Drilled wells are very common.

Neighbors or a local well drilling company can give you an idea of what /where/how much/ water might be obtained by drilling.

There is no guarantee though.

Some sites CLEARLY will have water and some CLEARLY will not (stay away from these).

Many will fall in-between.

Costs of wells/pumps could be from $3000 to over @$25,000.

Surface wells are also called dug wells.

If there is water near the surface this could be one of your options.

Sewer/Septic :

Is public sewer available?

Is there an existing system of septic tank and drain field?

If so, these should be tested and inspected so you know their condition.

If none exist, a new septic system must be installed.

The local health department can most likely help you with designers or installers.

A couple of phone calls can probably provide you some initial answers.

However, the design is fully based on the kind of soil that is used for the drain field.

Beware of wet ground!!

This could cause significant added costs for the system.

DUE DILIGENCE of EXISTING HOME AND STRUCTURES

Have inspections completed on a home and any other usable structures so that you will have a clear understanding of the condition of each one.

This will provide you the basis to estimate any additional work you may have to do to make it livable for your purposes.

Examine any abandoned structures on the property.

If they are condemned, the county may require you to either repair or remove them.

One example of this is a mobile home that stood on a piece of property.

Inside the mobile home was extremely bad mold and mildew that rendered the mobile home useless for any form of habitation.

In a case like this, you may decide to have the seller remove it from the site prior to closing on the property so you are not responsible for it.

After taking care of due diligence, you will be able to sleep better knowing that you have examined this major purchase reasonably and you are now ready for the next steps!

Download Due Diligence Worksheet

Last Updated on June 16th, 2019

Not all small towns are dying as the population of remote workers or remote employees continues to increase to about 20 to 23 percent of the entire global workforce.

As more remote employees relocate to small towns and companies shift their labor force requirements to include a large number of remote employees, it has become critical that such businesses find ways of keeping the remote worker productive and connected.

For a mid-sized company, it is critical you integrate solutions and tools that foster good communication.

As your business grows, you will likely have remote workers in various locations, including rural America.

In fact, for such a company, remote working means that you can source talent from anywhere in America and the world.

The integral portion to achieving optimal communication between your headquarters and your remote workers is technology.

Home Maintenance Tips that Will Save You Tons of Money

Tech Solutions For Remote Employees Feel less Remote

With the right technological solution, managing your remote team will become so easy – it is as if they are literally next door!

Here are a few toolkit solutions that will help your remote workers feel less remote while promoting teamwork.

Voice over IP (VoIP) and Video Conferencing

When working with remote teams, you need to find creative things such as reinventing the typical conference room meeting. VoIP and video conferencing allow you to connect with your remote worker in the remotest of small towns.

These solutions offer you a unified means of communication over the Internet through local connections.

When using VoIP, your remote workers may have one office number that automatically routes calls to cell phones and delivers voicemails through email.

This way, it is easy for the remote worker to stay connected at all times – and they are available to you anytime you need to call them.

On the other hand, video conferencing involves a visual connection. Smart Home Devices

Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging, also known as IM, has become one of the best and least intrusive means of conferring or getting a simple answer.

For instance, IM is perfect for getting answers to logistical questions or for one-off requests like asking for links to specific files.

IM involves any form of communication that offers you a chat function integrated with mobility capabilities.

Extra features in the best IM software include GPS functionality via a user’s mobile device.

This functionality allows a manager to easily identify where the remote team is at and relay critical information immediately; for example, companies like Executiveautoshippers.com can use the technology to find out where exactly a driver is.

In fact, some messaging applications allow you to connect to your employee’s calendar, automatically changing the status to ‘in a meeting’ if a meeting is scheduled or when making a presentation to someone.

Some of the most powerful collaborative features you will find in IM programs include group chat and screen sharing.

‘Pinging’ someone and getting feedback as if the remote worker was standing next to you will help him or her feel more connected to your company and other teams.

Cloud-Based Technology

Cloud-based solutions provide you a means of sharing real-time data in a format that is easily accessible.

In many businesses, the number of applications employees can access via the cloud usually defines their mobility and flexibility.

Organizations make it easy for employees to log into critical systems from any location, store files, and quickly tap into company critical information.

Another solution is Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

When your employees have to work on company sensitive information, a VPN is the best solution that offers flexibility, as well as security.

The VPN is essentially a gateway to your organization’s server or information for approved users with an Internet connection, a computer and the proper authorization credentials.

Last Updated on May 1st, 2019

Rural Living in Cyprus is a prime state that has cultural influences from Greece, Turkey and some Asian countries.

This multicultural effect, economic stability and political stability have lured expats who come here to start or expand their businesses.

According to Immigration Service experts, quite a good number of expats seek to know how they can live in rural areas in Cyprus.

The cost of living in rural Cyprus is lower than in the cities or near the beach.

However, some newbies may find it hard to understand how people live in the rural areas especially if they relocate from the city in their states.

Therefore, this guide will highlight some crucial points on how expats live in rural Cyprus.

Expats’ Rural Living in Cyprus

Rural Areas in Cyprus

Cyprus is a mountainous state especially as you move further away from the flat beaches.

Some of the Cypriot people still live in villages and small, rural towns, which the government encourages for sustainability.

Some of the best rural districts to choose as an expat include the following:

Expats’ living in Strovolos

it is further subdivided into smaller areas called parishes.

The Cypriot government controls this rural locality, and numerous expats are known to live here.

Most of them are engaged in farming or the mining business, which does well in this region.

Getting a house or land in Strovolos is easy when using an agent.

Expats’ living in Moutoullas

If you love high altitude and serenity, this is the village to choose.

It is mountainous and holds a rich history.

The village is part of the Nicosia District, and expats can work as heritage site workers or engage in business at the district headquarters.

Expats’ living in Amathus

Expats who want to feel like royals usually choose this locality.

Cyprus appreciates this area as a royal city.

It is the area where the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite sit, making it very significant.

You can acquire a house in this area with ease and still access major cities like Limassol for work.

Expats’ living in Achna

Most of the Cyprus citizens consider this rural village as abandoned.

It is located near the South East of Cyprus although ruled by the Northern part of the state.

What makes the village a great choice for experts is the fact that it is not too far from the beach.

Any investor can settle here for tranquility and development of their businesses, where raw materials and labor are readily available.

History of Expats’ Rural Settlement in Cyprus

According to government reports expats started moving to rural areas in early years.

The Cypriot citizens are friendly and welcoming no matter in which part you decide to settle.

The early expats moved from nearby countries like Portugal, Turkey and Greece just to mention but a few.

They were in search of raw materials to send back in the factories in their countries.

However, the Cypriot government has continuously encouraged settlement of expats who contribute positively to their government.

More so, it is also active in making treaties specifically to check on tax and investments matters.

With time, this has encouraged foreigners from all corners of the globe.

Today, most of them have become expats in Cyprus and continue to contribute to the economy.

Encouraging their settlement in the rural areas brings development all over the state in an equal measure.

Why Expats Choose Rural Living in Cyprus

According to a survey that questioned some expats, rural living in Cyprus is very economical, and the cost of everything is affordable.

The houses are of high standards yet cheap.

If you have a business that does not require a main city location, then this is the best place to locate it.

Your bills will be very reasonable.

Farmers and business people who can easily access raw materials in the rural areas are the greatest beneficiaries.

Cyprus allows the buying and building of properties under regulated guidelines.

Most expats who live in rural areas have their own properties that they have purchased through various plans.

The department of land and farming in the country promotes the productive use of abandoned land in the rural areas.

On the brighter side, most expats are also great investors in farming and other agricultural activities.

Further, they also allow hiring of foreigners under specific guidelines which has also promoted more expats to join the rural areas.

Amenities like world-class schools and healthcare facilities are not concentrated in the major cities but are all over the state.

Therefore, expats can easily take their families to standard schools and access health care using their international or local insurance coverage.

Friendly regulations and taxation programs

Cyprus is a state that has imposed fair taxation programs for foreign investors.

Those who have become expats in the country have done so because of friendly taxation procedures available.

According to expats who have been in the country for long, they enjoy the taxation rates that apply to businesses they do both in the rural areas and the town areas.

Expat’s Housing in the Rural Areas

Expats in Cyprus are free to move to rural areas and mingle with other Cypriot citizens.

The government does not have any hindrances to such plans.

In fact, the housing department in collaboration with the government makes sure that the expats get the necessary tax breaks and other support to secure a house in the rural areas.

It is also notable that title deeds for a housing or farming land are easily processed, especially when the right procedure is followed.

An authorized agent is the right person to use when when expats want to secure such a land.

They can choose their settlement rural areas in any districts and start the process through the offices in any district capital.

Expats’ Moving to Rural Cyprus

As a final word, it is worth mentioning that the population of expats moving to rural Cyprus is increasing by the day.

This is an indication that they are not only enjoying this kind of settlement but also affording it.

Thanks to the Cypriot government that has played a great role in promoting expat’s rural settlement in Cyprus.

It is a program that other countries should emulate if they want to have an all-state development.

With some research, you can identify the best location that you want to live in when you become an expat in Cyprus.

Last Updated on May 1st, 2019

Birdhouse Plans and Ideas – Do you love seeing birds fly in and out of your yard? For many homeowners, a birdhouse is a good addition to their yard as it provides a safe haven for their feathered friends.

It’s also a place for birds to raise their young.

Birdhouses can also be a good do-it-yourself project; something that even a person with limited DIY skills can pull off with the best birdhouse plans.

A testament to how easy it is to put up your own birdhouse is the fact that there are many kid-friendly birdhouse plans available.

Yes, that’s right, even a grade schooler can build his or her own birdhouse given the right tools and instructions. Building a birdhouse is a fun activity to do with your child.

Best Birdhouse Plans

Whatever design you intend to have for your birdhouse plan, there are several things to keep in mind.

Types of birds

Find out what bird species are in your area.

This is essential. Different areas and climates attract different types.

From there, think about the kind of birds you actually want to attract.

Perhaps you are hoping for colorful cardinals or fascinating hummingbirds.

Maybe you want to attract birds that eat mosquitoes.

Keep in mind the birds you want when you are considering how large or small to build your birdhouse.

Building your birdhouse accordingly will increase your chances that the birds you want will find your birdhouse.

Size of the birdhouse

Be sure the size of the house is appropriate for the type of birds you want.

The inside dimensions must also be large enough for the adult bird and the growing young.

The size of the entrance hole is equally important.

If it is too small, the bird won’t be able to get inside the birdhouse.

If it is too big, then there’s the risk that predatory birds and animals could get inside the birdhouse which could spell trouble for your feathered friends.

Birdhouse materials

As for the material, wood is the best.

It provides the best insulation.

Other materials such as plastic and metal may not be able to insulate the nest, which can make the eggs or young birds overheated in sunny weather or chilled in the cold.

Use galvanized nails which won’t rust.

If you choose to paint the birdhouse, use dull colors to easily blend in with the surroundings.

As fun as it is for a child to paint a birdhouse in their own creative way, keep in mind predators when you paint birdhouses and nest boxes with colors.

Building Birdhouses

Regardless of the style you come up for your birdhouse, you would want it made from materials that can stand up to the weather.

Wooden birdhouses

As mentioned earlier, wood is the best material for a birdhouse. It’s natural and won’t overheat.

You can opt for cedar which is affordable, readily available at home improvement centers, and can last for years even when left outdoors.

Pinewood is another excellent option.

Birdhouse flooring

For most birds, the floor of the birdhouse should be at least 4 inches by four inches.

Bluebirds, meanwhile, need a slightly larger floor measuring five inches by five inches.

Birdhouse entrance hole

The entrance hole should be at least 1 ½ inches, which is of the right size for native birds to enter but small enough for European starlings and house sparrows to come in.

The entrance hole should be at last five inches above the floor of the birdhouse.

Birdhouse roof

The roof, meanwhile, should be over-sized.

It must extend over the house so that it can shed rainwater away from the entrance.

There is also the likelihood that rainwater will still find its way inside the nest box even with an overhanging roof.

So you should put drainage holes in the bottom of the birdhouse.

Along with narrow gaps under the roofline, these holes will also keep the birds comfortable during warm weather as air circulation should be good inside the nest box.

Hanging the birdhouse

Another important consideration in building a birdhouse is hanging it at the right height.

The general rule of thumb is that the birdhouse should be at least five feet above the ground.

It must also be placed several feet away from bushes where predators like cats can hide.

The birdhouse should also have several food sources for its tenants.

It would be great if you place it in a yard with native flowers and shrubs that produce seeds and berries.

Or add plants in the garden that can attract insects which the adult bird and its hungry young can feed on.

Handmade Birdhouses

Novice and experienced woodworkers can also make their own handmade birdhouses.

The beauty of birdhouses is that you can use recycled or scrap lumber along with tools such as hammer, nails, and cordless drill.

Building a birdhouse steps

Step 1

Get a pinewood board that measures 18 inches in length and two shorter boards that are cut at an angle.

This would be for the roof that will have a downward angle, letting the rainwater to drain off.

Step 2

Next, cut two pieces with identical lengths and attached these to the backboard using an air-powered nail gun.

Alternatively, you can use hammer and nails to attach the side pieces to the board.

Step 3

After attaching the two sides to the board, attach the bottom part of the birdhouse using two nails.

This would secure the two sides to the bottom piece as well.

Step 4

Once you attach the sides and bottom to the board, you will install the roof next. 

As mentioned earlier, it should be slightly wider than the body of the nest box so that the animals will be protected against the rain.

Step 5

The final element of the birdhouse is the circular entry door.

An opening of 1 ½ inches in diameter should be enough for finches and bluebirds to get into.

It would also be small enough to prevent predators and hunters from entering.

Use a hole saw for this.

Birdhouse Kits

But if you’re really not confident with your carpentry and wood making skills then you can look for a birdhouse kit.

A birdhouse kit has everything you need to build a nesting place for your feathery friends.

It includes the wood pieces as well as the tools you need like paint brush, nails, and glue.

Moreover, you will get detailed instructions on how to build the nest box.

In fact these birdhouse kits are very easy to build that there are models designed particularly for children as young as five years old!

What’s also good about buying a kit is if you like it, you can make others like it using it as a guide.

When shopping for a birdhouse kit, you must also look into the inclusions of the product.

One would be the mounting device as it is easier to mount the nest box if there is a bracket or hanger for pole mounting or hanging.

This would save you time and spare you of the hassle trying to figure out how to install a mountain hardware into the birdhouse.

Also, the birdhouse should have one side that opens.

This would give you two benefits.

One is that it will make it easier for you to access the interiors, which is important for cleaning out the birdhouse once the birds have left it completely.

Also, you can look at the inside the box whenever you want.

Birdhouse Ideas

There are many nest box ideas that you can look online for the birdhouse that you are planning.

You can go for the traditional box house with a slant roof, a round hole in the front, and peg perch.

This birdhouse design can house any kind of birds.

What makes it attractive to birds is the size of the hole, so you should cut a hole that is comfortable for the animal to get in.

A platform or open box is a simple to build birdhouse. It’s a three-sided nest box that can be hung in the backyard, attracting birds to come and raise their young ones.

Then there are the decorative birdhouses that are used more for aesthetic purposes.

This type of birdhouse isn’t really designed to attract a particular type of bird.

While a decorative nesting place can enhance the look of a garden, it can also be infiltrated by unwanted species like rodents.

The birdhouse design may also be affected by the birds that frequent your backyard, or are rampant in your area.

For instance, a woodpecker would likely stay in a box that is filled with sawdust or wood chip.

The house for this type of bird also known as Northern Flicker should be placed high on the tree trunk, and placed in direct sunlight.

Doves, meanwhile, love to settle at birdhouses with twigs, weeds, and grass.

The nest box should also be placed high, at least seven feet from the ground.

It should be with partly open sides to attract doves.

It’s also not uncommon to see flinches.

This type of bird is common in cities and towns.

These birds aren’t picky when it comes to birdhouses, as they can settle in open platform designs as well as enclosed boxes.

But you should place some extra wood at the entrance or mounting on a pole to provide a safer and attractive nesting place for the flinches.

Wrens are probably the species that prefer to nestle in a place closer to the ground.

If this is the type of bird that mostly frequents your area, then you should construct a birdhouse that is less than 1 ¼ inches in diameter. You will also have to consider if you want sparrows in the birdhouse. If not, you may want to make it even smaller.

Best birdhouse plans

Indeed, a birdhouse is one great addition to your backyard.

Whether you intend to build your own or buy a birdhouse kit, you won’t regret putting one in your garden. It’s a fun project and perfect for kids to help with. Oftentimes park districts or nature centers offer a class to make your own birdhouse. This is geared generally for children but adults can learn as well. 

Whichever birdhouse design and style you choose, the most important thing is it will provide for a safe space for the bird’s eggs and chicks as they grow. In turn, you get to look forward to birdwatching.

Rural Living offers many kinds of greenhouse kits, bird houses, mini greenhouse kits.

Last Updated on May 1st, 2019

Birdhouses for Birds – Nestbox, from the name itself, is a man-made box or enclosure that is used as a place for animals, such as specific mammals and birds, for nesting.

Birdhouses for birds are different-sized nesting boxes typically made from wood, and sometimes metal.

These boxes are built to look like small houses, and are made creatively using different colors and embellishments.

These birdhouses are oftentimes found in gardens or outdoor spaces to attract and house different various types of birds.

Birdhouses for Birds and Nesting

Aside from that, it can also be used as decorative pieces that add extra charm to any space.

Strategically placed birdhouses can beautify various areas while giving birds a safe space to nest and interact with other species of their kind.

It can also help maintain or increase the population of bird species in a certain area.

Birdhouses can be made a different number of ways, depending on the kind of bird you’d like to attract.

Below are the different birdhouses most suitable for cardinals, finches, and robins.

Birdhouses for Cardinals

Cardinals are oftentimes characterized by their bright red plumage.

They are called as such because their color resembles the red robes donned by cardinals of the Catholic Church.

They are considered one of the most desirable “backyard” birds, because of the beautiful songs they sing and their vibrant colors that never fade or change.

These large birds are quite easy to attract as they do not migrate, and can be backyard visitors all-year-round, especially when you’ve got a reliable source of food, water, shelter and nesting areas available.

How to attract cardinals

To attract cardinals, one must know that they prefer shrubby areas and thick vegetation.

They have strong and thick bills that are best for eating large seeds such as sunflower and safflower types.

You can also attract them with cracked corn, peanuts, berries, and apple chunks placed in big and spacious feeders suitable for perching.

Also, it is best to steer them clear from reflective surfaces, as they are pretty aggressive, and can get very territorial especially during breeding season to the point that they will even attack their reflections when they see it.

Cardinals are not what you might consider cavity-nesters; they create open cup-sized nests made from various plant materials such as twigs, stems, bark strips and such.

Since cardinals are large birds, enclosed birdhouses will not be suitable for them.

They prefer open nesting areas that give them enough space to perch, build their nests, and freely move around.

You can do this by creating nesting platforms instead.

Nesting platforms are open on all sides, and is built with corner posts that allow roof support that can offer protection for the nesting cardinals.

It is best to mount or position these platforms on the ground or near walls where there is thick plant cover and shrubbery.

The ideal height of a wooden nesting platform, including the roof, would not exceed four feet from the ground up.

It is important to place nesting platforms for cardinals near areas where they can gather suitable materials for creating their nests.

Birdhouses for Finches

Finches are one of the most common birds that you will see in your backyard.

They are pretty sociable creatures that enjoy visiting well-stocked feeders and interacting with their kind.

Also known as “house finches”, these small birds are just about the size of sparrows.

Males are seen with red-orange chest marks, while females are usually plain and un-striped, with heavy streaks on the body.

It is best to attract finches with plant food.

They also enjoy eating some insects and feeding them to their young.

Their natural diet, however, consists of fruit and weed seed.

During winter, they get the seeds from winter berries.

How to attract finches

It is easy to attract finches with different types of food such as various birdseeds, fruits, crumbs, suet, and nectar to name a few.

Just also make sure that you provide a clean source of water, as well as the most suitable nesting areas for them.

When it comes to housing, finches prefer open spaces compared to the regular enclosed birdhouse.

They would much rather choose a nesting platform or basket-style shelter with an open top.

In building a finch birdhouse, always remember that these creatures are quite small.

The ideal dimensions for the birdhouse are as follows: 6 inches in width, 12.5 inches in height, and 8.5 inches deep.

It should also have an opening that is 1.5 inches wide, plus a predator guard that will protect these birds from unwanted visitors.

It is best to place these birdhouses or basket in a tree that’s at least 8 feet tall, giving the birds more space to enjoy around their nesting place.

Birdhouses for Robins

Robins are large songbirds that have round bodies as well as long legs and tails.

These birds are the largest among North American thrushes.

They are characterized by gray-brown plumage, with orange marks and dark-colored heads.

But among males and females, the latter has a paler head compared to its counterpart.

Just like cardinals, robins prefer open birdhouses.

They are not cavity-nesters so they prefer a nesting shelf or platform that is either open an all sides or has a three-sided enclosure.

It is important to mount these nesting shelves in a natural habitat that is abundant with trees and grass, that’s best for hunting earthworms.

For robin birdhouses is it best to use dimensions measuring 6x6x8 inches.

Make sure it has an open front, with the color of the house preferably in earth tone.

Remembers birds’ basic needs

When creating birdhouses, it is important to remember the most basic needs of birds.

You must make sure that you know the behavior of the species you’d like to attract.

Prepare as much food and water, and place your nesting shelves and birdhouses in the most strategic of places.

This will vary depending on the type of bird you are trying to attract.

When building birdhouses for birds, it is best to use durable wood and corrosion-resistant screws, plates, and other materials as you will be placing these boxes outdoors, exposed to various elements and weather conditions.

Also make sure that these birdhouses are well-made and will be able to protect birds from predators.

Installing a predator guard is important as there are many other creatures lurking in forests and various natural habitats.

Last Updated on June 11th, 2019

Homestead House Plans and Designs ~ It is wonderful to experience life on a homestead.

You live life so much closer to nature in a healthier and natural way.

The happiness indexes are of the charts for people who make the initially difficult choice of homesteading.

The reason for this choice can be many.

Conduct a through and complete due diligence when buying rural farm, property or ranch.

Some people want to do it as an environmentally conscious decision, other want to do it because they feel their skill set is more suited to that type of living and still others chose to look at it as an adventure worth embarking on.

Homestead House Plans and Designs

It is necessary to have a proper homestead house plan before you take the decision to purchase a land as this will help you estimate not only how much land do you require but also what is the kind of land you are looking for.

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Things to consider

The homestead house plan should be made keeping in mind the particular skill sets you possess.

For example if you plan to make a living of your homestead primarily by gardening then your homestead should have an adequate amount of land that will allow you plant a large number of plants and vegetables and should be ideally be free of too many rocks and trees so that you do not have to waste too much of money on clearing the land for your garden.

Also, if you plan to rear livestock then adequate space for keeping the animals, feeding them and letting them roam free should be kept in mind.

You also may have to invest in a pole barn to house the livestock.

All of these things are important to keep in mind when the plan is being designed.

After the plan is designed then you should make sure that the construction is of a high quality and something that will weather the test of time.

You want this move to be permanent so skimping on building quality and material is not a good idea.

This will be your primary dwelling place and just because you have moved to a rural landscape does not mean that you should live without any luxury whatsoever.

Make sure that your living quarters have everything what you need and some things that will make your life easier and fun.

Legal Registration of Your Homestead

Legal registration of your homestead declares that this is your primary place of residence and protects it against foreclosure by the bank in certain situations.

The forms can be filled yourself although it is advisable to take the help of someone who is well versed in reading and explaining to you the finer points of the document.

Make sure you do the due diligence before you decide to invest in your homestead and then follow all the legal guidelines while building the homestead as well as registering it to enjoy the protection offered to your homestead by the law.

Homestead Designs that are Captivating

When you own a house, you would probably want the best of designs to generate your dream home.

There is a growing popularity with homestead designs for modern homes that would operate with maximum efficiency.

It is not necessary to take up a home design or architectural course to appreciate strategic property designs for the desired homestead space.

Homestead houses can be very unique and captivating with the right designs to make each home very modern and contemporary or otherwise depending on the preference of its owner.

You may wish to have a laid back home with a cozy cottage design instead of a glass double story bungalow.

The vast countryside is excellent for homestead designs that offer style, luxury and comfort with energy efficiency and security features.

A dream country home is not impossible for those who plan well with smart savings and investments, although some meticulous research on homestead designs would translate the dream into reality.

It is important to understand the perimeters of building a homestead property with more than basic data and tools.

Each homeowner has vastly different expectations and preferences that may be influenced by a lot of other factors such as budget, time and family needs.

If you have big dreams of a captivating homestead, you would need to check out what is in the market to formulate what you want for your home.

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Building Your Homestead

Every homestead is different with different building approaches and tools applied.

Although a detailed homestead plan is helpful with the range of designs that you may have prepared, it is possible that some parts of the blueprint may be tweaked or thrown out of the window even before construction takes place.

Hence, it is wise to take your time in identifying the best of homestead designs that would give you your dream home as it can be a costly activity building a home the way you want it.

The location is a primary factor for a successful homestead.

The blueprint for your homestead must be clear with the various components to be included; this refers to barns, garages, sheds, guest rooms or cottage, servants’ quarters and extra storage.

Some homestead owners would want a large garden, backyard, court, patio or porch.

A homestead design depends also on the functionality of the property to accommodate the living conditions of the occupants.

The best homestead designs for your dream home would be that from your heart instead of leaving it to the experts in the market.

These may offer some excellent ideas to generate an exquisite and luxurious home but the design may not satisfy you or fit your character and lifestyle.

Homestead Land

It is important to make good use of the total land for any homestead instead of letting the remaining land be left in ruins which would mar the overall look and feel of your homestead.

There should be a proper management of the land to ensure a positive outcome of your investment.

Modern technologies with the latest homestead design software are available to produce the best of designs to bring on the most captivating and beautiful home you can ask for.

There is a lot of research on homesteading for beginners and homestead house plans and designs.

Do your due diligence before determining if this is a lifestyle for you and your family.

Last Updated on May 1st, 2019

Moving to the Country Start of the Journey – It was a dark and stormy night…. Really, it was!

That night started my journey to move back to the country.

As I was coming home from work in early evening, snow was swirling everywhere.

I could barely see.

I had actually left work early, as I had heard that the snow was coming.

Of course, I wanted to get home before the worst of the commute hit.

Silly me.

I had seen so many times before the effects of heavy snow during a commute on a freeway, and quite frankly I was too tired to deal with it again.

On a normal day, I would be home in 40 minutes, resting from a hard day at the office.

Every day.

Twice a day I entered into the chaos and maze we call “the commute.”

I didn’t know that this particular night would be so different. Urban Homesteading

Moving to the Country Start of the Journey

Once I was on the freeway it became clear that this would be no normal commute.

Buses were stuck in all lanes of traffic.

Semi-trucks were jackknifed in every way imaginable.

A very fancy and expensive Mercedes was spinning alongside a concrete barrier, bouncing against the hard surface as it tried to regain traction and move forward.

The car lost the battle.

I would stop and then move forward a bit.

Once in a while I’d creep along an inch at a time.

After a couple of hours, I’d traveled only two miles.

I wondered if I would ever really get home that night.

Or even get home safely at all.

About this time traffic funneled into one lane, zig-zagging around stalled and stuck cars, trucks and buses.

The chaos was brutal and it reminded me of several scenes in the Terminator movies.

Many people abandoned their stalled cars or just pulled over to the side and went in search of warmth, food, and a place to sleep.

But some of us wove our cars in and out.

And finally, after many more hours, I arrived home.

I was safe.

I didn’t know that awaiting me was an email that would change my life and take it in a new direction.

Direction I had dreamed about, but had never made any steps to realize.

It started with an email

After a nice dinner with my wife, I fired up the computer and there it was.

Not just one but quite a few emails, as I hadn’t checked them for a couple of days.

Most of them were from our grown kids—group emails bouncing back and forth.

Now you need to know that our kids are all very different, but they also are very close.

Together they have 11 children–now I am dating myself–that I am very proud of.

I think the message thread started with an email from our son, and the others responded back and forth.

The gist of the discussion was this:

Do you guys remember growing up on the five acres?

Do you remember the rope swing?

Do you remember the horse ‘Nick’ that just showed up?

Do you remember our two cows that seemed to get out all the time?

Do you remember playing with the other kids on the property?

Note to readers:

They were referring to the home I’d built years before on five acres abutted to two other five-acre parcels developed by family and mutual family friends.

The Property Search emails continued…

“Why are our kids growing up in the city??” and then, “Why don’t we get some property and move to the country and live on our own farm or ranch?”

As I kept reading the emails, it was clear that my kids were all in agreement that this was something they wanted to do.

As one of the highest compliments they could jointly give their mom and dad, they continued, “and let’s ask Mom and Dad to come too!”

That’s how Marie and I got included in the conversation.

Let the property search begin

And so the journey started.

First thing was to search and find that perfect piece of heaven.

And that is what these kids did.

Every day, the emails flew back and forth, each showing real estate listings for farms, ranches, and lots of raw land.

We looked at listings from Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and California.

This continued for virtually months, with ongoing discussions of the pros and cons of different property listings.

During this time, it became clearer what we were looking for (what we learned will be in a different post here) and that most pieces of property listed had some kind of fatal flaw eliminating them for our needs.

At least in our eyes.

As this continued, I became numb looking at these listings.

They all started to blend together.

Our daughter seemed to be sending listings for us to all look at on a daily basis.

“You need to look at this!”

“Look at this one!”

It took a lot of time and effort on everyone’s part to really look hard at all these listings.

Then one winter day, we all received an email, “I know I said this before, but THIS ONE YOU REALLY NEED TO LOOK AT!”

Moving to the Country – Is this the Right Property?

I had looked for property many times before, both for family homes and for business projects such as resorts and office campuses.

I had purchased raw land and purchased existing homes.

There is a huge difference between looking at rural property and looking at houses for sale on smaller lots.

When looking at land, the key before starting is to quantify exactly what you want to do on the property.

Or, in one word, PLAN.

One of the abilities I seem to have is “visualizing” how things could be.

That has helped me in various areas throughout my life and my career.

When I built our first house on five acres, the land was essentially a forest.

We knew what we wanted to build, and I determined the perfect site… with the forest still intact.

Couldn’t “see” it so she just had to trust me that it would look right and be a good fit.

Fast forward to the email I received.

Here was the “perfect” piece of land.

It did look nice, with pretty pictures, but it was fairly expensive and it was over 100 acres!

I was thinking in the back of my head of a nice quiet five acre piece somewhere where my wife and I could retire.

Even with our large extended family, what would we do with 100 acres?

Just to walk around it was over two miles!

I realized that I hadn’t done step one when we all decided to look for property.

We hadn’t done any clear PLANNING.

Property Search Planning for the big picture purpose:

Find a farm or ranch where our family could live, work and raise young kids in a rural environment.

And to do it together.

The listing sent was intriguing enough to go take a look, so off we went to see it.

One of our other daughters and her husband were able to go with us.

We met the listing agent and visited the property along with other parcels in the area.

It was late winter, with a bit of snow on the ground, but the weather was beautiful.

This land had a lot going for it.

It had pasture, thick forest, thinned forest, and a large pond.

It was at the end of the road, and yet was only 20 minutes from the nearest town.

At one point on the property, you can see for miles.

I saw a couple of deer by the pond with an eagle gliding overhead.

I took out my cell phone, and my goodness–I saw four bars!

Still connected to the world! As we tromped around this property, it became very clear that as a family (with five family units) we could do almost anything we wanted with it.

After our visit the family had many discussions about it, sharing photos and impressions with those that weren’t there.

Should we get this?

Or keep looking?

As our discussions continued, it was clear we all had ideas and plans.

And they were all varied, but it was clear this land would meet our initial goals and fit our reasons for this purchase.

The planning continued.

In my mind, the piece of land just seemed so big, but as I saw the seriousness, passion and excitement in the faces of my kids and felt the stirring in my own heart, I concurred that this was the place.

So it was decided that we would put an offer on this piece, giving ourselves some time to further research the issues or potential issues that could arise.

In the development business, this is called doing your “due diligence.”

I have done this many times for projects I have developed so I knew what to look at.

So now to the next step in realizing our family dream of moving to the country!

But, my goodness, 100 acres???

Is this the right property?

So our journey from the city to the country continued.

Was this really happening?

We had been talking about it for a while, but now we had found the perfect property for us.

At least we thought it was perfect.

After we walked the land with another son and discussed it at length with each of the kids, we put an offer down on it.

Actually, quite a bit had to happen to make it all come together, but the journey starts with these first steps…so we started.

Our offer was one that was contingent on many items.

It was very important to us to make sure that we could do everything we envisioned doing on our future piece of land.

Rural Property Due Diligence

To start this process, I had to truly divorce myself from my emotional feelings and excitement about the property.

This was really hard to do, as I was pretty jazzed and I really wanted this to work.

If I kept this mindset of excitement, it could cause me to overlook some potentially very serious issues that could stop all our plans for the property.

So it was crucial to do my serious “Due Diligence” to ensure that this indeed was the right property for us.

The investment was considerable, so I approached this like I approached my other business projects.

First off I compiled a due diligence checklist of important issues that needed to have questions answered.

My “Due Diligence List” is part of a package available as a FREE download as a bonus for subscribing to our mailing list.

If you are interested, you can subscribe to the mailing list by clicking here.

Not all of the questions on the list will get answered–sometimes no answer is available.

In that case, you have to determine specific potential outcomes and the risk that each of them brings to the project.

Rural Property Due Diligence example:

In our case, there were no water wells on the property.

Obviously water would be needed to develop the property into our farm and ranch.

But can we get water?

As I looked into this, I contacted some neighbors and found out that the land in the area had a history of very poor wells.

State records showed the same.

Local well drillers had a rosier picture, but no guarantees.

So there was a very significant risk that water could become an issue.

I didn’t want to invest $6000 to drill one before we closed on the purchase deal.

So…put that one down on the “unanswered questions” list.

Buying Rural Property issues to look into:

Water access, water easements, easement, power, legal access, telephone, road construction, county building requirements, master planning…and the list continues.

In our case, I was able to quantify the cost and issues for each of these items, and they resulted in no more real questions.

It looked positive…except for water.

Maybe we should just buy an established farm?

Maybe.

We had looked at several.

But this piece of land seemed so perfect.

I formalized my findings, and we had another family meeting discussing the added costs to develop this land.

Should we still buy it and assume the water risk?

After much discussion and prayer, we decided to buy it and take the risk.

But we did it with our eyes open.

How to know if this is the right rural property to buy?

So with much celebration, after our due diligence, we bought the property and our family farm/ranch became a reality!

Challenges lay ahead, but we were all pretty darn excited about this.

The whole family gathered on the property for a big “homestead party” and land blessing.

Marie helped each of the grandkids make a little “land stake” flag, which they decorated and put in the ground.

Interestingly, this land project has brought our family even closer together.

We seem to be tied together and to this land in a way that we can only describe as “being tied together the right way.”

Who knows what the future holds?

We know it is in God’s hands, that he loves us and has a great plan for us.

In the meantime it is time to build a playground for the grandkids.

And PS: We have water!

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Last Updated on May 1st, 2019

Working from home is a great option for those of us who don’t work well amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy office.

Even with all the great benefits, there often comes a time when you need to pick up your laptop and get out of the house.

But without an office to go to, you might be wondering where to go and we are here to help you solve that dilemma.

What to Expect When You Work From Home

Working from Home at Your Favorite Coffee Shop

A coffee shop makes a great alternative work space because it’s somewhere you can be around other people but not be bothered by them.

Being around other people can also help stimulate creativity and ideas in some people.

Most coffee houses have Internet access readily available, but they don’t come with coworkers asking questions or bosses hovering over your shoulder.

Starbucks offers high-speed Google Internet in all of its shops.

Even if you’re not a fan of that particular coffee conglomerate, most cities have local shops with Internet access too.

Community Work Spaces

Some cities have community work spaces, and they are becoming more common across the country.

These work spaces are available for rent by the day, week, or month, and they allow you to recreate an office environment, but with people who aren’t your coworkers.

You get the office setting without actually being in one.

Theses shared work spaces are wonderful resources for entrepreneurs who crave a buzzy environment and noise while they work, but who don’t want to interact with others unless they choose to.

And if you’re looking for an outside perspective or a group to bounce ideas off of, many have setups where you can do this as well.

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Working from Home at The Local Library

Libraries are great places to work remotely because they have everything you need.

In fact, 90 percent of public libraries provide free Internet access to local residents and sometimes guests.

Libraries also have tables, chairs, and rooms to work alone in.

Most importantly, libraries are generally viewed as quiet areas.

You can go to the library, find a desk, and hunker down for hours of work without dozens of people chatting around you.

If you choose to go this route, be aware that around 41 percent of libraries don’t have Internet speeds fast enough to meet their patrons’ needs.

However, this can be a good thing.

This will help you avoid losing time to YouTube videos and social media when you should be working.

Work Outside

It can be hard to be stuck inside on a beautiful day, especially if you’re in a position to work from wherever you want.

Don’t let work stop you from enjoying a good breeze.

If your phone doubles as a hotspot, or if you own a Mi-Fi device, hook them up to your laptop and choose a nice spot in the park to settle down.

Research shows that people are less happy with their jobs when it’s sunny out.

To combat this, get out and enjoy that sun, along with all the happenings going on around you.

Find a park bench and soak up some Vitamin D while you type away on your keyboard.

Just remember to stop and listen to the birds.

It turns out nature actually inspires us to be more creative.

One-size-fits-all solution to work remotely

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for where to work remotely.

In fact, the best idea might be mixing it up.

Choose to spend a couple of days working out of the library and another at the coffee shop.

Or you can mix them up in the same day.

Rent out a shared work space for a Monday morning and then head to the park in the afternoon.

A change of scenery throughout the day might help inspire creativity.

Due to the nature of having the home and work space in the same area, remote workers often struggle to maintain a proper work-life balance due to lack of boundaries.

Working out of the home can help you achieve this by separating the two on a more consistent basis.

Take time to try different areas and choose the one, or ones, that work best for you.

If you prefer a more secluded, quiet setting the library might be a great place for you.

If you’re the type who likes to simulate an office environment, you might do best in a community work space.

Spend some time exploring your town and seek out new and effective rural living places you might feel comfortable working and give them a shot.

The In-Office and Work from Home Balance

For many people, working from home is a dream come true.

It means more flexibility in your schedule, fewer distractions while you power through projects, and less overall stress in life thanks to the peace and quiet of solitude.

However, there are benefits to working in an office and being surrounded by coworkers, including the process of collaborative brainstorming, the rivalries that fuel you to perform, and the simple pleasure of socialization.

If you’ve been in either of these environments exclusively, and are now transitioning to having a hybrid work environment, there is a lot to consider to making sure you balance these two worlds.

Work from Home Balance Face-to-Face Interaction

There really is no substitute for face-to-face conversations and, when you work in an office filled with peers, this happens all the time.

Whether you’re in the conference room for a big meeting or you bump into a coworker by the coffee machine, you’re always talking to people at work.

But when you’re at home, you have to proactively reach out to achieve meaningful contact with coworkers or clients.

Thanks to video conferencing and screen sharing software, it’s easier to get the same experience when you’re home.

To make this as effective as possible, make sure your home Internet speed can stream that much data.

Make sure to regularly conduct Internet speed tests before planning a teleconference session, as it’s frustrating, embarrassing, and ineffective to have to deal with technical difficulties while trying to be professional.

Important Resources for Work from Home Balance

Your chair (or couch) at home may be more comfortable than the one you have at the office, but what about the rest of the equipment you use?

If you’re going to be working from both locations throughout the week, check with your manager to see if you can have a company laptop to use.

This way, all of your information is stored in one place and you don’t have to use your personal items for professional purposes.

Also, if you can, plan to print things when you’re in the office so you can use the high-quality printer in your copy room.

This way you don’t use the ink you buy on your own dime for company purposes and you’ll likely get a higher quality product on the office printer anyway.

Schedule Control

In most offices, even a diehard workaholic can’t spend time at the office after business hours, and that’s probably a good thing.

It’s important to maintain a good balance between your work and personal life.

If you’re working from home, make sure you set a schedule for yourself so you don’t have a 15-hour workday or a 5-hour workday either.

You also don’t want to be working at all hours, nor do you want to spend the majority of your day watching TV or doing laundry.

It can be a larger challenge to get motivated when you’re working from home, so make sure you set a time you have to start on work materials.

Stay consistent with your hours and when it’s time to be done with work, be done.

Regardless of your work habits, as long as you have the motivation to get the job done, you’ll be better able to find a strong work-life balance.

Work from Home Balance Interruptions and Interactions

While meetings are great for getting ideas off the ground, many studies support the often-groaned sentiment that they’re not very productive.

And while chatting in the halls or over cubicle walls can be fun, it’s also not the way to get work done.

When you are working from home, especially when you are working on a complex project that will require a protracted period of time and effort, peace and quiet are simply better than the hum of an office.

If you are someone who thrives with more action around you, consider a coffee shop; no one will directly interrupt you as a coworker might.

There are a lot of benefits that come with working both from home and in an office throughout the week, so if you’re taking on a hybrid role, you’ll enjoy the benefits of both.

Make sure you keep your world balanced, so you get to enjoy all the benefits to the fullest.

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What to Expect When You Work From Home

Opportunities to work from home are rapidly expanding, and that’s good news for people who want to enjoy the perks of rural living without sacrificing their careers.

A report by Global Workplace Analysis indicates telecommuting in the U.S. rose almost 80 percent from 2005 to 2012, and in a recent survey, 34 percent of business leaders said more than half their organization’s full-time workers will be working remotely by 2020.

Remote work opens doors for those who live in rural areas where good paying jobs, or jobs that fit their skills and experience are hard to come by.

For people who want to move from an urban or suburban environment to one of America’s best rural communities, working from home can make the transition possible.

With all the perks telecommuting offers, it takes a bit of getting used to.

Whether you’ve recently started telecommuting or you’re just thinking about it, here’s what to expect when working from home, and tips to help you succeed.

Work for a company that’s telecommuter friendly

Aligning yourself with a company that encourages and supports telecommuting is the first step toward establishing a rewarding virtual career.

Many companies that promote the fact that they offer flexible schedules may also very well allow telecommuting.

And even if they don’t, it doesn’t mean they won’t be willing to consider it.

Don’t be afraid to ask!

Tip: A few of the best work from home companies include Xerox, Humana, and About.com.

Separate work and living space

Working from the comfort of home is a major benefit of telecommuting, but because your work and personal space are no longer separate, it is also one of one of telecommuting’s greatest challenges.

Ask any veteran virtual worker and they will tell you that dedicated office space is essential to success as a telecommuter.

Tip: If you can’t find a quiet place to work at home, then consider relocating to a shared or collaborative workplace.

If your community doesn’t have a shared workplace, why not establish one?

Set your alarm earlier than you used to

When you work from home you could be tempted to sleep in and stay up late.

But studies have shown morning people are more proactive and productive than evening people.

So set your travel alarm an hour earlier than you used to and get a jump start on your day.

Hack – If you’re a night owl, try going to bed and getting up 15 minutes earlier than you typically would until you’re comfortably waking up an hour early.

Set boundaries, and abide by them

When you work virtually, it’s important to set parameters that help you establish and maintain a schedule.

Everyone’s lifestyle is different, but boundaries could include telling friends you can’t accept calls during the workday, or letting your employer know that Sunday is dedicated family time.

Time Tracking App Hack

Use a time tracking app to monitor how you spend your time and help you develop a healthy work-life balance.

Stay connected to colleagues

When you move from a traditional office to a virtual one, it’s not uncommon to experience feelings of isolation.

In fact, for many virtual workers, overcoming loneliness is one of the most challenging aspects of working from home.

To stay in the loop with your office bound coworkers, consider regularly scheduled video chats, instant message from time to time, and if possible, poke your head in the office and attend company events.

Communication Hacks

If your supervisor hasn’t talked with you about how you two will remain connected once you start working from home, discuss possible communication challenges (and solutions) before you start telecommuting.

Switching from a traditional office to a home office can be a bit overwhelming.

Use these hacks to make the transition smoother, and you’ll soon settle into a routine that works best for you and your lifestyle.