Reorganize Your Closet

 

The start of a new season is a great time to clean out and reorganize your closet. It’s a big project, so set aside a chunk of time and then dive right in. If possible, take everything out of your closet and don’t put it back unless you’re sure it has a place in your life.

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Declutter

Paring down your wardrobe is a daunting task especially if you’re between sizes or between jobs. The best way to accomplish decluttering is to give yourself permission to keep items you’re unsure about; however, you can’t keep them in your closet! Pack up every item you’re on the fence about into a box. Seal and date the box and move it to the garage or attic. Set a reminder on your phone for three months and six months in the future. When you get the first notification, ask yourself two questions: Have I missed anything in that box? Do I even remember what’s in the box? When your answer is “no” to both questions, donate the box without opening it up again.

Upgrade

Take care of the items that you do keep by upgrading how you store them. Clothing that can easily get stretched out should be folded or put on padded hangers. Jewelry should be kept in drawers on velvet liners. Shoes and handbags should be stuffed with paper to hold their shape and stored upright.

Add Space

There is often plenty of unused space in a closet up high and down low. Consider adding a pull-down rack for extra storage. Hang belts, scarves and pants on slim line vertical hangers rather than spread out across the bar. Labeled, stacked boxes can go under shorter clothing. If you have space inside the door, install hooks to hang purses.

The biggest hurdle in closet organization is your mindset that you can’t get rid of things. Once you pare down your clothes and shoes to what you really like and really wear, you’ll discover a neater, simpler closet.

Take The Stress Out Of Moving: 3 Simple Steps

Moving house is incredibly exciting - as who knows what adventures await you in your new town or home? However, the process can also be very stressful - as you have a lot of different things to contend with from trying to save money when moving to ensuring you have everything packed and ready to go. In fact, moving home is considered one of the most stressful things you can do!

With that in mind, here are three top tips that can help take away the stress of moving!

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Pack First, Panic later.

Whatever your reason for moving - be it to pursue a new job, or for a change of scenery - you will always find a reason to worry about it. What if you don’t like your new boss? What if your children don’t make friends? What if you find it hard to settle in? As a result of these worries, you may begin to ‘put off’ tasks associated with the move as they will only make you feel more anxious. For example, packing your belongings into boxes feels very final - once they are packed, there is no going back. 

However, it is essential that you start packing early. The process always takes much longer than you expect it too, especially if you are trying to put your whole life into a few boxes. Starting early gives you plenty of time to prepare yourself, and also means you minimize the chance of anything being broken or damaged in hasty packing. Start by packing up the things you rarely use or pack up a room at a time. 

Once you have finished packing, you should also look into hiring a moving company, such as  North American Van Lines to move your items for you. Whether you are moving to a new home in the same city, or across the country - they will ensure all of your belongings arrive in one place, with secure and efficient collection and delivery. This means you can focus on getting into your new home! 

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Say Goodbye

If you have a lot of memories in your home or local area, it is important that you spend some time saying goodbye. Not only to the people who surround you but the place itself. Throw yourself a going away party - even if it is virtual. Share stories about the happy memories you’ve had there. Take photographs to make memories last forever. Then, think about all of the exciting things that lie ahead. Saying goodbye can help make the process of moving easier.

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Renovate First

As much as you have to ensure you are prepared to move in, you have to ensure your new home is ready for you. If the home needs renovations, attempt to have them completed before your move-in date - after all, there is nothing worse than moving into a property without proper heating or damaged facilities. This also means you won’t be getting in the way of any construction workers or decorators, and you can start unpacking right away! 

Signs It's Time To Move Your Business Elsewhere

Are you thinking of moving your business to a new location? It’s a good idea to ensure this is the right move for you before going ahead, otherwise, it can be costly. You’ll spend a lot of time and money moving business locations, so you need to look out for the signs that this is the right time to do so. Here are a few things you should look out for to figure out if moving is the right thing for you to do:

1. Your Business Is Growing

If your business is growing, it’s a pretty big sign that you need somewhere more suitable to work. With growing business, comes more equipment, more staff, and other things. Of course, this also means that you need more space. You may be able to hold off on moving right away, but if you leave it too long you’ll be doing nothing but stunting the growth of your business. 

2. You Need More Space 

Maybe you simply need more space. If you’re accumulating equipment and other business related items faster than you can find a place for it, then it could be time to call a place like Allied Van Lines and ask for their help getting your stuff to a more suitable location. 

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3. You Can’t Afford Your Current Location

Maybe you already have a place, but you can’t afford it any longer. 2020 has been a tough year for everyone, so this is nothing to be ashamed of. Perhaps you could find some kind of office share so that you’re not the only business shouldering the overheads and other costs, or maybe you could even hire a virtual office. Virtual offices allow you to enjoy most of the benefits of a physical office while working remotely. You’ll get a professional address and a number, and will be able to use the facilities for important meetings. 

4. You’re Finding It Tough To Hire

You need to know where the talent is if you’re going to hire people that will enhance your team and share your values. If you just aren't finding the talent you would like, it could be time to move elsewhere. 

5. There’s an Unhealthy Work Environment

Maybe the environment you’re currently working in is unhealthy. As a building becomes older, it could become unhealthy. It might even just be a dull place that doesn’t promote productivity. See if you can find a better place, and don't forget to hire a cleaner to ensure a hygienic environment. A place with natural light that has been well maintained is always a good place to work. 

6. There Are Changes Within Your Industry

If there are changes within your industry, this could impact your business in a big way. In some cases, downsizing your premises and focusing more online could benefit you. It all depends on what is going on in your industry right now - make sure you stay flexible and don’t get too attached to doing things a certain way!

Is it time for you to move your business elsewhere? 

5 Ideas to Help You Make the Most of Lockdown

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When you’re stuck at home in lockdown, things can begin to look a little bleak. You can’t go out to see your friends, you may be forced to work from home, and the future is uncertain. Who knows when life will return to normal?

But being in lockdown doesn’t have to be a prison sentence. You have two options. You could sit around at home eating junk food, watching trashy TV, and moaning about the horrible circumstances the world has found itself in. Alternatively, you could use all this extra time to do something productive and make the most of the situation. Your social calendar is on hold, you have fewer errands to do, and a lot more time in the day as a result. Why not fill these empty hours with something meaningful?

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are five ideas for ways you can make the most out of the lockdown.

Make some home improvements

If you’re like most people, you probably have unfinished jobs or minor repairs that need doing, which you can never seem to find the time to knuckle down and finish. But there’s never been a more perfect time than right now to get your house in order. Create a list of all the tasks and improvements that need completing around your home, and you’ll come out of lockdown with your place looking better than ever. For the more complicated tasks, find a YouTube tutorial to teach you some basic DIY skills. 

Further your professional career

Everyone has career aspirations, and it takes hard work to get to where you want to be. Other personal commitments often get in the way and prevent you from doing the work you need to do to achieve your dream job. Here is an opportunity to make some progress towards furthering your career. Send off some job applications, hone your CV, or take some online courses and qualifications that will nudge you along your career path.

Nourish your mind

Do you ever wish you were a bit smarter or knew more about the world? Use this lockdown to feed your mind. Sit down with a hot drink and work your way through your reading list. By the end of the pandemic, you’ll be smart enough to impress all your colleagues at work.

Hone your physique

If you prefer to work on your body instead, you could spend the next few weeks getting fitter and stronger. If you’ve always wanted to lose weight or improve your physique, now’s the time. There are plenty of free online workouts you can do at home to help you on your fitness journey.

Have a bit of fun

The pandemic has been a dark time for many people, so for the sake of your mental health, you should try to find some levity where you can. Schedule some online activities like quiz nights with your friends, and make time for the hobbies you enjoy. Even your face covering can be a source of amusement if you order one of these fun mask designs from The Mountain.

Don’t let 2020 get you down. By finding ways to make the most of lockdown, you’ll be able to improve yourself and set yourself up for success once the world is back to normal.

How To Transition Back to Work With Kids

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Taking time away from work to bond with your children is important, but for many reasons, many parents decide to return to work. If you are looking to go back to work after having a baby or spending time at home with young kids, this can feel like a big step. Here are a few tips to help you manage this transition smoothly as you make the adjustment to balancing personal and professional life.

It Takes a Village

The idea that it takes a village to raise children is certainly true, especially during times of change. If you are looking to head back to work, consider finding a care network and supportive help that can promote positive child development Norwalk CT. Not only will you be assured that your children are well cared for, but you can know that they will be learning and enjoying their time while you are away.

Know Your Flexible Work Options

If you are looking to return to work, many people imagine that they need to go back all at once; however, this is often due to not knowing the options out there. By investigating what is available to you and transitioning back to work over time, you can alleviate some of your stress levels.

Self-Compassion Will Be Key

This can be a challenging time for everyone, so caring for yourself will also be important. The reality is that returning to work after children can be an emotional experience. You need to give yourself the same kind of compassion and care that you would your children. You need to learn to be kinder to yourself and give yourself grace as you navigate these adjustments.

Going back to work after having children is a big shift. Not only do you need to embrace the needs of someone else, but your priorities and personal needs may also have shifted. If you want the process to go smoothly, you need to find grace, compassion and options that will support you and your little one during this time.

Planning A Worldwide Travel Adventure

Gaining the chance to travel around the world is a once in a lifetime opportunity that simply can’t be missed, as you’re guaranteed to encounter a whole host of inspiring cultures and beautiful landscapes that you’ll remember for years to come. Planning such an extravaganza can take a lot of time and effort, as it’s a huge adventure that carries a large amount of risk and responsibility that you must consider in order to make the most of your time abroad. Luckily there are a few key areas in which you can focus your energy when organizing your worldwide travels, enabling you to to utilize each and every day whilst staying safe and healthy throughout. So, if you would like to find out more, then read on to uncover some of the best tips and tricks that will assist you in arranging the most amazing round-the-world adventure ever. 

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Choosing Your Destinations 

One of the most important steps that you must carry out is to heavily research each potential destination that you wish to visit, exploring a wide range of options in order to bring it down to your definite chosen few. There are a seemingly limitless number of different locations on the earth that you can delve into, from dense tropical rainforests to barren deserts, so it’s completely up to you wherever you wish to go. Remember that simply picking a country isn’t specific enough, as there can be hundreds of cities and towns to choose between, so do your research and see which places are right for you. Search for things such as environmental factors like climate, and other selling points such as natural beauty spots too. There are many sources from which you can seek honest, unbiased information, such as travel agencies, (unpaid) bloggers and so much more. Certain sites may be paid by local governments or other big businesses to speak positively in order to attract more tourists and visitors, so always utilise more than one platform to gather your information. It’s a great idea to try and write down a list of potential places you wish to visit along with their unique selling points, as you can begin to make a real plan on where to start and where to go next! Constantly criss crossing over continents on long haul flights simply isn’t part of a global travellers lifestyle, as you should aim to move from location to location using cars and boats - be sure to plan your trip so that you need not experience an excess of transport, as you should instead aim to explore on one specific interconnecting route around the globe.  

Finding Sufficient Funds 

Once you’ve decided on which amazing spots you would really like to head out to, now's the time to start being realistic in your journey. Finding sufficient funds for your global travel extravaganza may not be easy, as it often costs a fair bit of money to simply take a plane and book a hotel and you must repeat this process again and again. As a result of this, you should try to plan your trip as far in advance as possible, allowing yourself enough time to work, earn and save some money or find an alternative funding method that will allow you to pay for your trip. Getting a full or part time job for at least 6-12 months should offer you the funds that you require, but of course you have to be able to save up every penny without splashing out on anything else during this time, and have the availability to put in regular shift’s too. If this isn’t something that you can do, exploring something like a Wise Loan could provide you with the money you need to pay for your trip! Of course you must give these funds back in smaller monthly payments, but this can be very affordable if you choose a long term plan. Additionally, if you’re choosing to complete any kind of charity work during your journey, you can perform fundraising activities that allow you to receive donations from the public. Attend a grocery store to pack shopping, set up your own car wash, or arrange a bake sale to sell some delicious homemade cupcakes! 

Packing Your Bags 

Once you have paid for your life changing trip around the globe, the reality of your massive adventure is bound to start setting in. It’s such an inspiring exploration that you’re about to undertake, one which you should aim to be prepared for in every sense. Packing your bags in the correct manner will help you to achieve this preparedness, as including all of the right clothes, shoes, cosmetics and equipment will help you to make the most of your trip. Consider each and every location that you’re planning on visiting, packing at least one suitable outfit for the different climates you’re due to experience. Don’t think in terms of fashion, as materialistic ideals such as this will be a thing of the past as soon as you get into the swing of travelling. As long as you include a long pair of trousers, some shorts, a long shirt and a t- shirt, you have the basics covered. You’ll be able to find very affordable clothing in lots of different locations as markets are commonplace, so don’t fret over these mundane features. The most vital things you must remember to pack are items such as sturdy walking boots and thick socks, a first aid kit with plasters, bandaging and medication, weather protection such as sun lotion and sunglasses, and any other creature comforts or personal essentials that are unique to you. Things such as technology and books may not be available in your next location when travelling, so if you wish to include any entertainment options then bring these from your hometown. 

Safety Considerations

Now, though you may gain the opportunity to have the time of your life when travelling globally, such a journey can come with a considerable risk. Each location offers its own unique dangers which you must research and prevent before you begin your travels, as you do not want to put yourself in harm's way when trying to have a good time. You can find basic information about ‘no-go’ areas which you should aim to avoid, as some places are experiencing situations such as political unrest or kidnappings, but a proportion of such information is used as a form of scaremongering so always check more than one website to get the real facts. There’s going to be a risk in every location that you visit, even when you decide to head ‘home’, so it’s better to figure out how to prevent and deal with such dangers rather than aiming to avoid them completely. Issues such as theft and robbery are all too common in tourist hotspots, so be sure that you keep your belongings in a secure bag that utilise a padlock for extra safety, whilst storing your most important documents such as your passport and credit card in a small cross body bag that can go beneath your clothing. You may wish to go out and experience the nightlife of each location during your explorations, but this can present many dangers (especially for female travellers). Never accept a drink from someone that you do not know, and watch the bartender make any drink that you do in order to ensure no suspicious ingredients have been added. 

Travel Partners & Solo Travel 

Deciding whether you would like to travel as part of a group or completely solo will influence your trip quite dramatically, so it’s important that you can try and make this decision in advance. Travelling with a partner or friends is the best choice when looking from a safety and security perspective, as you’ll have a number of people watching your back going the exact same route. However, travelling with more than one person can be tricky when it comes to deciding where to go and what to do, as there may be a clash of personalities at some point that can focus your group and cause arguments. Opting for solo travel means that you have full control over where and when you wish to go, freeing you from those who may hold you back from exploring as you wish to. Unfortunately, solo travel is an extremely risky business that requires extra attention to detail, as you must implement extra safety steps to minimize danger. Solo travelers should take a mobile phone that utilizes a SIM which is contracted to operate in every country, as this way you can keep in touch with friends and family on a regular basis to let them know where you are and how you are doing. 

Planning a worldwide travel adventure has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the top tips, tricks and ideas that have been detailed above! Exploring the sights and sounds of the globe can change your life completely, and there’s no time like the present to get out there and soak up some culture. 

Women Can Achieve a Work-Life Balance Even in These Challenging Times

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Women have so many demands put on them. They have to be present mothers, keep tabs on their kids' life and school, pursue their careers, and perform household chores. Hence, it can be challenging to wear all these hats and still have a successful career. However, it is possible, and any woman can do it. Here are tips you can use to balance life and career.

Have a Desk Calendar

It is essential to have a desk calendar to mark all events of the month. This will be your planner to avoid last-minute rushes. At the beginning of the month, you should color code the dates, for example, blue for business meetings, red for school occasions, and green for a day out with family or friends.

You can also set a reminder on your phone several days before the events to avoid inconveniences. If possible, ensure you set aside one weekend every month for you to relax. You can go to the spa, sit at home meditating, do yoga, or go for a drive or a walk.

Prioritize Commitments

As a working woman, it is crucial to master the art of prioritizing. You should know which family events you really need to attend and the office meetings you can skip. This will protect you from the burnout of trying to participate in every occasion.

Make Sound Financial Decisions

When you make the right financial decisions, you won't need to overwork to finance your life. For example, learn to budget, save, invest, and manage finances. Financial decisions also include making long term decisions like purchasing life insurance to secure the future of your family.

Therefore, take the time to review different life insurance companies and choose one that offers the best insurance products. Also, consult experts to guide you on ways you can benefit from the insurance, investments, and retirement plans.

Delegate Some Responsibilities

You don't have to handle every task in the office; you can delegate some to your employees if you are an employer. If you are an employee, you can partner with competent colleagues who can help you with projects. You should also apply the same concept at home, where you allow your nanny or teens to run some errands for you. Besides, you can hire a cleaning company to help with cleaning and housekeeping jobs.

Block the Mom Guilt

What is mom guilt? This is when you feel like you are not doing enough for your kids. This can come from within you when you are away or from people who tell you it is time to go back to work or how you should feed your kids every day, and so on. Whenever possible, avoid entertaining such ideas and do what works for you.

For instance, you can catch up with your kids in the car if you always pick them from school or hang out with them on the weekends. This will help you control mom guilt.

Work-life balance is the goal of every woman, but you need to know that it is a process. It might also take time to master, but eventually, you will achieve a balance. The tips in this guide can help you get started on the right foot. 

Future Planning: Tips On Giving Your Children A Brighter Future

As a parent, you’ll know only too well how much you worry about the future of your children. You find yourself constantly asking questions like “am I doing enough for their education?” and “are they getting enough nutrients in their diet?” and that’s completely normal! The truth is, the only time you should be worrying is when you’re not asking these types of questions. As a parent you also have to think of the future, both their future and your own, and you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do now to make sure their future is as bright as it can be. Luckily, there are a few things you can put in place, so check out these tips on setting your children up for life.

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Help them learn money management

Knowing how to handle your money is one of the most important skills you can have, and teaching your children this from an early age will help them understand that money doesn’t grow on trees. You can do this through allowing them to earn pocket money to spend as they please, but teaching them that once it’s gone, they will have to earn money if they want something else. For older children, encouraging them to put their allowance into a savings account will teach them the importance of saving money.

Plan for the worst

It’s a horrible thought, but one day you won’t be here for your children and they will be left with overwhelming decisions that are hard to make when you’re grieving. Thinking about this now and taking action will prevent them from any unnecessary stress and upset. Head to websites like Miller Funeral Home to get an idea on the types of things you could arrange.

You should also think about writing out your last will and testament in case the worst happens unexpectedly. That way, everything you’ve worked hard for will go to the people you love the most and most importantly, not end up in the wrong hands and cause any upset.

Set up savings

While you may be teaching your children the importance of being sensible with money, you can also set up a savings account in their name. Depositing funds as and when you’re available to will help build up some savings for the time they’re ready to leave the nest. Whether it’ll help with further education or a deposit on their own home, they’ll truly appreciate it for the rest of their lives, and you can rest easy knowing you’ve helped them build their dreams.

Teach them valuable life lessons

Finally, school is wonderful, but doesn’t always teach children skills that will help them in the real world. Skills such as cooking a nutritious meal, washing their clothes, and even learning how to do taxes (and the importance of them) are valuable skills you should begin teaching your children from an early age.

Being a parent is scary at times, but with these tips and your eternal love, your children are going to thrive!

5 Ways People Are More Distracted On The Car

People have been using cars for over 100 years. It’s a long time when you think of how much cars have improved and developed. But are they safer than they used to be? 

Ultimately, accidents on the road have shown no sign of slowing down. Perhaps, it’s time to blame bad driving rather than bad cars. Staying safe at the wheel means you have to be aware of the many distractions around you.

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#1. They surround themselves with loud noises

Admittedly, as electric vehicles are becoming more and more common on the road, fuel-powered engines are likely to fall into disuse. But, we’re not quite there yet. Most drivers should be able to rely on surrounding noises to make decisions on the road. For instance, someone approaching an intersection can rely on motor noises for guidance. Unfortunately, loud noises in the vehicle, typically from the radio, can ùmake it hard to hear what’s happening outside. In the long term, a lot of drivers are at risk of developing hearing problems, as they maintain an unnecessarily loud environment inside the car. The bottom line: They can’t hear traffic. 

#2. They are texting

There’s a reason why using your phone isn’t a good idea when you’re driving. It is highly distracting. According to car accident lawyers, crashes could have been avoided if drivers didn’t use their phones. Sending or reading texts while you’re driving forces you to take your eyes off the road. A couple of seconds, that’s all it takes to hit the brakes too late. 

#3. They are eating

We get it: it’s been a long day and you just crave a cheeky burger on the way home. However, drive-through restaurants are no excuse to eat as you drive. You are more likely to get distracted or find yourself unable to react when you’re worried about holding your burger. 

Ideally, if you need to eat during a long journey, you should park the car safely. You’re not saving time by eating on the go. You’re only making it more difficult for yourself to look at the road. 

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#4. They are already angry

We’ve all had a bad day. Whether it was a difficult meeting with the boss or the barista spilling coffee on your blouse, sometimes you’re just angry. But driving while you’re angry is the worst decision you can make. Anger makes you more likely to drive fast and not pay attention. More importantly, it can turn you into an aggressive driver who puts others at risk. 

Angry drivers are easy to spot on the road. The best and easiest way to manage them is to move over and let them drive past. 

#5 . They are setting the sat nav

The GPS is, in many ways, similar to using the phone. When your eyes and hands are on the screen, they’re not paying attention to the car. Set up your sat nav system before driving to avoid any issues. 

Drivers are creating more and more distractions. Unfortunately, we are shaping a multitasking lifestyle for ourselves where people constantly need to do many tasks simultaneously. This, however, should not apply to driving. To keep distractions to a minimum, you need to be fully focused on what you’re doing. When you’re driving, there’s no room for singing, texting, eating, or even releasing your anger! 

How to look after your pets this winter

 

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Winter is the time when people wrap up warm, cozy up in front of the fire ,and drink hot chocolate.  It’s also a time that consideration needs to be taken for pets to ensure they are warm, they are happy and they are free from any potential hazards during the cold winter months. We are such a pet-loving nation; these tips will ensure you look after yours.

For dogs

Remember, your dog needs a walk, no matter the weather. Make sure your dog is wrapped up warm. If they don’t have a tremendous amount of fur, then you can purchase a dog coat to keep the chill off them.

After each walk and especially if you have been walking in the snow, check their feet and between their toes. There are times when grit can lodge in their paws. This can cause them to be in pain. To prevent this from happening, check after each walk.

If your dog loves splashing in puddles or swimming in rivers, dry them off after their walk. 

Ensure their bed is cozy where they can return to after their walk.

Winter may be a time when you have to adjust the food they are eating.  Healthy dog food is a must during the winter when they may be less active than during the warmer months. They may need additional nutrients to ensure they are fit and healthy over the cold months.

If the weather is horrible outside, then try to keep your dog active indoors. Ensure your dog has toys to play with. If you are concerned about safety indoors ,then read how to keep your pets safe at home.

For cats

If your cat loves to venture out during the cold weather, make sure they can get in when they need to. If cats are left outdoors, they often find a warm place to rest and this could be dangerous. They may end up in a car engine, or they may end up developing hypothermia and frostbite. So know where your cat is at all times during the cold periods.

If your cat goes to the toilet outside, then change this to have a litter tray inside during the cold weather. This ensures they feel warm and safe, and you can clean the tray on a regular basis for them.

Having your cat fitted with a tracking device, either a microchip or alternative, will be helpful should they wander off. This way, you will be able to track them quickly.

Increasing their food intake may be necessary during this period. Choose foods that your cat likes and ensure they get the vitamins they require during this time.

The cold months also mean it is the festive season. Ensure there is nothing dangling or that could be pulled down by your cat. This applies to the likes of tinsel. You may also want to ensure that your cat can’t get near any Christmas plants, too, as these can often be poisonous to cats.

These are just a few suggestions to help your pet survive the cold weather. If you happen to have a rabbit or guinea pig then the best advice is to ensure their hutch is in a sheltered spot away from the rain and snow. You can also cover their hutch in fleece to keep them warm.