Pack Away Your Stress When You Move Home With These Super Smartphone Apps!

Moving home is right up there with getting married, getting divorced and giving birth, yes…it’s a biggie alright! The statistics say that the average family will move home at least twice in their lives, and each time tends to be a right pain in the ****. Some of us move a lot more frequently and to be honest it never seems to get any easier. The forward planning is supposed to be the way to go, but something inside the typical home owner starts to get a bit crazy when that removal truck rocks up on the big day. So let’s look at a few ways to derail this stress and bring things back in order again. We’re talking about good old fashioned Smartphone Apps here, and both of them have something to offer you for that next move – Enjoy!

Suddath’s Moving Guru By The Suddath Companies – Free https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/suddaths-moving-guru/id391149131?mt=8#ls=1

This App will run on your iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad and requires iOS 5.1 or later for smooth running. Okay, this App is a seriously cool moving guru that feels all of your pain and wants to give you a massive hug all the way through your moving experience. That may get a little annoying after a while, but you’ll see the point in the end. You’ll get a very definitive task list that allows you to start planning 8 weeks before the big date, and that should be enough of a window for even the more list orientated individuals amongst us. You will also get a bunch of tips for picking a moving company, all based on personal recommendations. There are even a few ‘how-to’ videos onboard that will show you exactly how to pack those delicate items that usually get smashed to pieces. The Guru even has some pre-written ‘We’ve Moved’ notifications ready to send to your contacts list. This App rocks and you will love it!

Moving Day By Mighty Ants – Free https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id450283321?mt=8#ls=1

This App will run on your iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad and it requires iOS 4.2 or later for smooth running. Moving day has a very smart take on an old favourite – the dreaded box label! When you pack all of your family’s valuable and sentimental possessions into those boxes, how do you know that they’ll all be there when you open them in your new home? This app allows you to make up some pretty accurate labels that work on a bar code system that keeps track of all of the good stuff. You can also take some photos and use the App to email your box contents to any recipient. If the box has been tampered with, simply refer to the label’s bar code and start making enquiries. This really works and any insurance claim will be simplified as a result. It may be taking a harsh look at what can happen when you move, but we prefer the word ‘Realistic’.

All Moved In?   

We’d advise you download both of these Apps before you even start to pack your belongings, they’re cool and they’re both free!

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source 
•  License: Image author owned 
•  License: Image author owned 

Amy Rand, the author of this article, is part of the team at, Abacus Self Storage, leading providers of rental storage units in Richmond Hill. She is passionate about tennis and tires to go to as many games as she came.

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Web-Based Apps For Construction Project Management

There are a number of construction project management applications that are designed to ensure projects are on-time and on-budget. In addition, these applications ease the collaboration of participants to a project and utilize cloud computing. The Web-based applications allow users to easily manage projects without incurring much cost in installing software or purchasing hardware. All they need is a location with internet connection. The top applications for construction management are:

Aconex
Aconex is designed to improve the management of a project. Those participating in the project are able to access and manage information pertaining to it. It allows everyone, from developers to contractors, to archive information from wherever they are. It is a platform that can be incorporated into any business as it works well with other software systems.

AEC-Sync
AEC-Sync is a Web-based system with a central document repository. It allows information relating to the project to be viewed by the project participants. A company thus can maintain transparency, reduce redundancies and offer services such as document versioning, custom reports and graphs by using this system. A participant can track the project information from any place that has internet connection.

EADOC
EADOC is an application that enables participants to follow up and archive information about the project. It makes it fast and easy to upload large files such as photos and drawings. It allows changes to folders to be made and fields added to documents. Basically, it is fully customizable.

Procore
Procore enables contractors to manage several projects from anywhere. It is integrated with Microsoft Project scheduling software or Primavera to enable participants to retrieve photos and documents from the online archive.

Skire Unifier
This application is accessible through all web browsers. The components of a project, from schedule management to budget control, are tackled by various modules that compose the Unifier. The application enhances transparency by making it possible to access information from any location with Internet connection.

BuilderTrend
A construction management system that combines project management, project scheduling, service management and customer management in one suite. It is suitable for remodelers, homebuilders and design firms working on residential projects. It supports photo and document management, warranty administration, change order management and scheduling.

Co-construct Software
This web based solution is developed for remodelers and custom builders. Businesses are able to coordinate their schedules, selections and photos. It makes it possible to improve client relationships by maintaining more dynamic and interactive communication. It does not require a large hardware investment. Participants access it through their own secure portals when they need to update online schedules, enter jobsite logs, share files and photos and track change orders.

BuildTools
BuildTools is designed to help in projects management, service management, scheduling, budget and purchasing, document storage and customer management. This service is offered on monthly basis.

Owner InSite Software
This project management program is mainly fixated on capital construction projects. Firms involved in improving their capital realize benefits from this web based solution. It makes it easy for them to keep up with clients information, reporting and financial needs. Its modules support photo management and drawing management. A dashboard feature is integrated into it to enable users to track the location of various project details.

HCSS Heavy Bid Estimating Software
HCSS is a solution for firms working on infrastructure projects. It handles estimates and job costing. The major features of this software are HeavyBid and HeavyJob which work hand in hand to help contractors evaluate every project's profitability.

Marc is a passionate blogger about new business technologies and works for WesTrac, a supplier of construction equipment. 

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6 Fun Mobile Apps for Teaching Music to Children

Teaching children about music at an early age is beneficial for developing their senses. Whether they are budding musicians or just want to casually play some games, the skills can be handy in the future. To help choose your educational tools, here are 6 fun mobile apps for teaching music to children:

1. Circadia

The Circadia app is a musical puzzle game that is sure to entertain the entire family while teaching your children about timing. To play the game, you have to make the color bursts converge onto the white dots to complete a musical sequence. With 100 puzzles, the game has lots to offer.

A feature that you may find appealing is that the game does not offer a social media option. The lack of social media options means that the app is completely kid-friendly.

2. DJ Mix Pro Kids

If you want to create your own tunes with your children while teaching them about music, the DJ Mix Pro Kids app has plenty to share. Children can sing, play instruments, use a scratching disc, add beats, and even record the mix on iPads. The app also allows for common nursery songs to be remixed to your liking. Once everything is completed, you can share the music with friends and family through social media websites.

3. Classroom KinderBach

The Classroom KinderBach mobile app is an excellent way to teach your children how to play piano. The app includes 30 lessons, printable content, and mini-games to help your children learn about key positioning and lettering, timing, patter recognition, and more. Beyond the lessons, many children also enjoy the activities and friendly characters.

4. Pluto Learns Piano

Pluto Learns Piano is an musical app that stars a penguin named Pluto. In the game, users have to make Pluto hit the correct notes to create music and earn stars. However, if you do not want to play the game, there is also a free-play piano children can use. It is a fun app, although the difficulty may be more frustrating for children under 4.

5. Make Me Music

The Make Me Music mobile app is excellent for children between 2 to 5 years of age. With whimsical designs, 24 instruments, and background tunes, the app is entertaining and beautiful. With so many combinations to work with, the app will easily provide your children with hours of entertainment. The app also allows parents to save the music for their own enjoyment or send it to friends and family.

6. AtPlayMusic Recorder

The AtPlayMusic Recorder mobile app helps children master the basics of playing recorder while also learning more about the instrument. While learning to play the recorder with a character named Mr. Noteworthy, another fun element of the app is that children can customize their own avatars.

Whether or not your children excel in music when they are older does not mean that you cannot create beautiful memories now using these 6 fun mobile apps for teaching children music.

Sam Jones, the author, has been researching the top 10 apps in every genre for work and is amazed at the incredible options available.

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Top 5 Music Apps For Your Android Phone

Smartphones are complex mobile devices. They cram the entire computer into a small chassis that can be carried in hand or pocket, which is always convenient. However, for music aficionados, having the best handy music apps for different proposes is quite essential. If you are confused about which music apps to get, here are top 5 music apps for your Android phone. We have kept the list general and chosen music apps that cover the widest spectrum available on Google Play.

 

DoubleTwist Player: 

It's quite difficult while recommending on specific music play for Android phones, as there are many great ones. However, doubleTwist Player is included because of its great features and the facility to sync playlists across most of the popular platforms including iTunes to stream music. It even syncs with many other devices like PlayStation 3, Xbox and Apple TV. If you are a stickler to comprehensiveness in your music collection, this app also offers free legal album artwork.

If you expect more from this app like Spotify, there is also a premium version that offers podcast management, wireless syncing, etc.

Google Play Music

This free app is indeed a very good music listening app and is recommended for every music lover. The best feature of this official music app by Google is storing music on Google cloud. So, whenever you buy music from Google, the album or songs get stored directly on cloud. You can upload up to 20,000 songs and can also download the desktop application that allows uploading music via computer.

The smartest feature of Google Play Music allows grouping music into an album. It automatically groups songs into an album to manage things better; something even iTunes is not great at. The EQ system is quite good wherein you even have boosted bass and 3D options.

TuneIn Radio: 

This music app helps to bring the convenience of radio on smartphone. TuneIn Radio allows you to search and listen to your favorite local stations anywhere you are and even save them as presets. This music app also allows you to search your favorite artist or song and you will be directed to the list of radio stations in your country that are playing that artist or song.

TuneIn Radio also has a pro version where you can record the songs

Digitally Imported (DI)

If you like electronic music then Digitally Imported (DI) is a must have app. Be it progressive, lounge, Dubstep or trance, DI is one stop for all these music genres. DI started, as a multi-channel Internet radio focusing on Electronic Dance Music (EDM) genre and soon it was available on smartphones as well, wherein music can be streamed 24/7. The interface is simple and intuitive. Once loaded, you will be presented with a list of channels. The list is quite big and to make it simpler in choosing, you have the freedom to sort it by styles or mark the desired channels as favorites.

There is also a premium version of DI that unlocks more features like high quality audio streaming and ad-free app.

TuneWiki 

This free music app is one the best alternatives to the default music player. Apart from playing music, it even has additional features that make this music app stand out from the crowd of free music apps.

When music is playing, the lyrics of that track scrolls, matching to the flow of the track. You can also stream radio and dedicate songs to your loved ones from Facebook and Twitter.

Note: We haven't included some music apps like Spotify and Pandora, as they are region specific. If you happen to live in a country where these apps are available, feel free to download, as even they are quite good music apps for listening music on your Android phone.

Karen is a tech writer that loves to cover the latest development in the tech industry. You can have a look at her site here if you want to learn more on her.

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