Browsing Category: "Home and Living"

The Seasons Are Changing – Make Sure Your Home’s Prepared

The effects of climate change mean we’ve just lived through the hottest August ever recorded. But summer’s soon coming to a close, weather will get colder, and leaves will soon crowd your yard as it transitions into fall. What’s more is winter isn’t too far off, and with such a hot summer, you can expect things to get extra cold by December.

You don’t just need to prepare yourself for the colder months. Your house and garden should also be well-maintained for the fall and winter seasons. There are a lot of home maintenance jobs that become particularly important during the second half of the year. You’ll likely have to work harder for the next couple of seasons since weather conditions are much harsher.

[Photo courtesy of tpsdave/pixabay.com]

The best time to start work is right now before the season changes. Preparing your home is advance is the smartest idea. Your home should be ready for when the wind gets stronger, and the leaves start to fall. Your home should be kept warm and protected from the elements. Here are some useful tips for preparing your home for fall and winter.

Keep Your Home Warm

While the weather is hot, open windows and breezy fans are a must to keep cool. But as the season changes, you’ll definitely want to protect your house from the cold drafts and increase in rainfall. Some people make use of electric heaters to warm their home up, but the most efficient way to do it is using an HVAC system.

For a lot of people, the same system that provides air conditioning around the house can also keep them warm. These systems are prone to problems, though. It’s important you get your HVAC system checked. Professional services can help you with HVAC maintenance, for example, you can learn about Academy Air.

Your heating system isn’t the only thing you should concern yourself with. You should keep your home insulated from the outside. Caulking any cracks or gaps in the construction of your house will prevent drafts. You will also want to ensure windows are double-glazed if they aren’t already. These are jobs many home maintenance companies can handle. Not only will they keep you warm, but they also go towards raising the value of your home.

There are plenty of other ways to keep your home warm when the weather gets cold. Things like halogen light bulbs and heavy curtains can give a room extra heat. We’re set for a cold fall and a freezing winter, so make sure you’re prepared!

Unclog Gutters

[Photo courtesy of Eric Schmuttenmaer/flickr.com]

While your gutter system may not be much of a concern during the summer, it becomes particularly important after. Gutters can quickly become clogged up with leaves and debris in the fall. Make sure to clean your gutter and downspout regularly. This will help to circumvent rain properly.

Although you can call a handyman to do this, it’s possible to handle yourself. You can use a ladder and a plastic scoop to remove any debris. Another method is to use a high-pressure hose to clear it out. Using a hose is also useful for cleaning out your drainpipe of any obstructions.

There are other measures which can help improve rain flow through gutters. You may want to look into tips for cleaning and repairing gutters. Make sure they’re well-prepared before the leaves start falling in October.

Roof Maintenance

Much like your gutters, your roof is another part of your house that can quickly become covered in leaves and debris. Debris from the roof can fall and contribute to clogging up gutters, so it’s best to clear them out. Algae can also accumulate on roofs. You can remove it using a scrub brush and algae cleaner.

September is also a perfect time for roof maintenance. You’ll want to check for any cracks or loose shingles and sort them out to stop the cold coming in from above your house. A lot of roof maintenance work is best left to a professional. You may want to call on the services of a roofer or handyman to make sure the top of your house is well maintained.

Prepare Your Garden

[Photo courtesy of donwhite84/pixabay.com]

Your garden has probably seen plenty of usage over the warmer months, but this is likely to change as the weather gets colder. Due to the harsher weather conditions, you’ll want to make sure your garden is well prepared for fall and winter.

If you have a pool or hot tub, it’ll become increasingly hard to keep them clean from autumn leaves. If you plan to keep using your pool, you’ll need to skim it daily to clean out leaves, dirt, and other falling debris. However, the best idea may be to drain them and use an efficient plastic cover to prevent them getting clogged up.

Garden furniture can also get damaged from falling leaves, rain, hail, and snow. The chances are, you’ll be using your garden tables, chairs, and loveseats less often. The best idea is to put them away in a shed or garage if they’re small enough. If not, you might want to cover them with a plastic sheet.

Changing temperatures and weather conditions can also mean your lawn needs a different approach. Lawn care services can help you with keeping your garden healthy over these months. However, it can also be the best time to do more work in your garden. Some flowers and plants are easier to grow during these months. Check out BHG’s fall lawn care secrets for getting the most out of your garden during the autumn season.

Mow the lawn and give your plants and hedges a trim before the season changes. It’s also worth investing in a leaf blower at this time. A leaf blower is one of the most useful tools you can have during fall and winter. It can be used to remove leaves from the gutter, your car, your garden, and pretty much anywhere else. There are also some lesser known uses to have more fun with your leaf blower, so it’s well worth getting one.

Clean The Chimney

If your home has a fireplace, you’ll probably be making much more use of it once summer ends. Be careful, though. Over time, chimneys can become clogged with debris and chemicals. Failing to clear these out can result in toxic emissions and even chimney fires in worse cases.

Cleaning a chimney isn’t a job you should handle yourself. It’s best to schedule a cleaning from a handyman or a dedicated chimney cleaner to get your home ready for winter and fall. If you use a wood burning fireplace, now is also the best time to stock up on firewood to make use of throughout the rest of the year.

Winter Preparation

While the autumn season can bring on some colder weather, things will get even worse in the winter. You should prepare in advance for the inevitable lower temperatures and snowfall.

If you don’t already have them, it’s worth getting a snow shovel and scraper. These will help you clean out your driveway and remove snow from your car on those snowy winter mornings. Having a cover for your car can also help. A lot of people hate having to do this every morning, which is why one person found a way to clear snow in the laziest way imaginable.

A lot of the work you carry out for the fall will benefit you all the way through winter. However, as temperatures start to get even colder, you may want to put extra work into keeping warm. An electric blanket is a good way of keeping your bed warm and cozy during the winter. A cheaper solution is to take a hot water bottle to bed. Winter is also the best time to stock up on hot chocolate, and you may also want to buy a thermos flask so you can keep your coffee warm on the way to work.

Interior Decorating

[Photo courtesy of newhouse/pixabay.com]

Right now is also the best time to redecorate your house with some winter interior decorating ideas. You may want to use brighter lighting and warmer colors to counteract the winter darkness. Decorations like candles are also great to have around the house during the colder months.

Redecorating now is also a good way to start energy-proofing your house. You can look into some energy saving ideas to cut down your bills in advance.

Make sure your home is warm, comfy, and looking good for the fall and winter. There’s plenty of decoration you can do yourself. However, you may also want to consider using an interior decorating service to rehaul your home completely.

Reassess Your Home Insurance And Energy Plan

Home insurance becomes particularly important as winter approaches. The worsening weather conditions lead to a greater risk of property damage. Pipes can get frozen, and hailstorms and high winds can damage your home exterior.

Because of this, it’s best to reassess your home insurance before the winter comes. Websites like Credio can help you compare home insurance companies. You should also check your energy bill. The chances are you’ll be using much more gas and electricity as temperatures cool down. Make sure you’re getting the best cover for what you pay.

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Stress-Busting Solutions To Help You Settle Into Your New Home

Have you recently moved house, or have you got a moving date looming? Relocating is one of the most stressful things you’ll do. It’s up there with changing job and planning a wedding. If you’re knee-deep in boxes or tackling a lengthy to-do list, here are some tips that may come in handy.

Before you move

If you haven’t moved yet, try and plan ahead. If you can get organized in advance, this will really help when it comes to moving day. When you move, you’ll probably realize you’ve got more stuff than you imagined. It may also take longer than expected. Book some time off work, and start packing as early as possible. To save stress, get a removals firm in to help. You can tailor your package to include packing and unpacking, or just the actual move. Some companies offer a list of services, including international and interstate moves. If you’re looking for firms, you can see these movers here.

[Photo courtesy of Caitlin Childs/flickr.com]

The first night

After a day of heavy lifting and climbing endless flights of stairs, you’ll want to relax. The last thing you need is to be trying to track down pajamas or find the kettle in a kitchen full of cardboard. Label your boxes when packing, and create an essentials kit for the first night. Put together an overnight bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, and sleepwear. Pack a box with everything you’ll need immediately. You may want coffee, tea bags, and some cereal and bread for the morning, for example. Most of us don’t want to think about cooking after a long day, so check out the local takeout options and put your feet up.

Once you’re in your new home, you can then do an online shop, to save you time and effort. You can choose your delivery slot, and you don’t have to worry about traffic or carrying heavy bags.

[Photo courtesy of Kai Chan Vong/flickr.com]

Tackling priority jobs

Have you got a list of things you want to do in your new home? If so, it’s important to decide which tasks are going to take priority. It’s impossible to get everything sorted straight away. Think about what you actually need to do to live comfortably. Once the major things are ticked off, you can focus on the details. You may wish to get your bedroom, the bathroom, and kitchen sorted before the spare room, for example. Be methodical when it comes to unpacking. Sort out the boxes you’ll need before those that are going straight into the attic.

Asking for help

Moving house is no mean feat. If there are people around offering to help, don’t turn them down. Invite friends and family over to help you unpack or even just make you a coffee when your energy levels are running low. You’ll get through jobs much faster if others muck in.

If you’re moving house, every little helps! Take these tips on board to keep stress at bay. Ask for help, investigate removal services, and try and be as organized as possible.

Good luck in your new home!

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Simple Ways To Make Your Home More Liveable

Do you find that your home isn’t all that liveable at the moment? This could be for a number of different reasons. Maybe you haven’t been living their long, or you just don’t know what to do with it. These simple tips will help you to make your home more liveable in no time. Enjoy…

Create A More Practical Layout

Having a practical layout inside your home is really important if you’re going to live in it and enjoy it at the same time. If you can’t go from room to room without bumping into things and tripping over, you have some rethinking to do. You can use applications and things like that online to help you create a layout that suits you perfectly. Ideally, you’ll be able to make your way around the house without bumping into obstacles.

Match Your Personality

If you love to watch films and listen to music, having a room dedicated to these things could be an amazing idea. You could turn the room into an entertainment room, complete with expensive speaker system and impressive home cinema. If you prefer to read, you could make your very own home library. Making your home match your personality will always make it more liveable. This doesn’t just mean watching the things you keep in your home, but making sure the decor is right for you too. Just because neutral is popular with buyers, doesn’t mean your home has to be neutral. Paint it bright green if you want to!

[Photo courtesy of Tom Borowski/flickr.com]

Don’t Leave Repairs And Maintenance For Too Long

Leaving repairs and maintenance too long in a bid to save some money is a bad idea. You’ll only cost yourself more money and make things worse in the long run. Ridge Top exteriors will tell you exactly what you need to do if you notice your roof needs to be repaired. Serious repairs like that need fixing ASAP and shouldn’t be ignored!

Keep It As Clean As Possible

Keep your home as clean as possible. Not only does this make your home look better, it makes sure your home is healthy and fit for use too. Keep on top of the cleaning and you won’t need to spend hours doing it in the future. Keeping useful cleaning products in the rooms you need them in can make it easier too, such as keeping bleach next to the toilet.

Don’t Hoard Things

Avoid hoarding so your home doesn’t become messy and cluttered. If you don’t use something, be vigilant and get rid of it. If you get a letter that you don’t need, shred it straight away rather than putting it to one side. This is how you become more productive when it comes to your home and keep things running smoothly.

These are all simple tips you can start using right away to make your home more liveable. They won’t take long or cost much to do, so you can enjoy your home more in no time at all. Leave any of your own tips and ideas below. Thanks for visiting!

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How To Host The Perfect Hot Tub Party at Home

If you’re eager to socialize, relax and have some fun this summer, why not host at hot tub party. They are an excellent way to spend more time outside in the sunshine and gives your yard a more luxurious feel. Plus it’s an activity that all ages can get involved in. Children and adults alike can get lots of enjoyment out of using a hot tub. But hosting a hot tub party requires more than just the hot tub itself. So before you start inviting your closest friends and family, read through these expert tips to make your party a complete success.

[Photo courtesy of Christopher Porter/flickr.com]

Buy a suitable hot tub

If you don’t already have a hot tub in your yard, you are missing a crucial element of your party. So start looking for a suitable option before you do anything else. There are many different sizes and styles of hot tubs to choose from, so you need to consider your options carefully. Choose which area in your yard you want to use for entertaining your guests and measure it carefully. You can then start looking at the different options that are available. You can find these on HotTubAdvice or head to a nearby showroom. Always consider how often you want to use it, the maintenance and size you require before you buy.

Clean your hot tub

It’s essential that your hot tub is cleaned before your guest arrive at your party. This will not only make your hot tub look more appealing, but will also boost it’s hygiene levels. If you’re unsure how to clean it yourself, there are Youtube Tutorials online to help you. Alternatively, you can hire someone to check the chemical levels and clean your hot tub for you. Visit the homeadvisor site to find reputable tradesmen who can get your hot tub in tip top condition before your guests arrive. Just remember to give yourself sufficient time and don’t leave it to the last minute. You will also need your hot tub cleaned again after the party is over.

[Photo courtesy of Patti/flickr.com]

Provide extras

As it’s a hot tub party, the likelihood of your guests getting wet is extremely high. While many of your guests will bring their own towels, provide some extra ones too. This will help you guests feel more comfortable, and they can also be used to dry off your outdoor furniture too. In addition to this, you might want to provide flip flops for everyone to wear to prevent anyone slipping on the wet floor.  Spare swimsuits could also be useful if one of your guests forgets to bring their own. To keep your guests entertained when they aren’t using the hot tub, provide games can play or music they can listen to. Snacks and drinks will also be welcomed extras to your party. These extra touches will be appreciated by all of your guests and encourages everyone to get involved.

With these tips to help you, there is no reason why your hot tub party can’t be a complete success. Always ensure that your hot tub is regularly maintained to make it clean and hygienic for everyone to use.

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All You Need to Think About When Choosing Your Perfect Pet

Having a pet is a big responsibility. It is also so rewarding; they become like part of the family. So if you are thinking of getting pets, you need to be prepared. Like with a child, you need to be prepared for the fact that you are responsible for the animal. Responsible for making sure that they get fed, taken care of and are kept healthy, well, and safe. So read on as I share my tips for choosing the best pet for you.

Think about the type of pet that you might like. Then you need to think of your family situation. If you love the idea of a dog but are a couple that works a lot of hours, it might not be the best idea. If you are out of the home of most of the day, when will walks fit in? They can get lonely too. A lower maintenance pet might be a better option until the situation changes. If you like the idea of a pet, but want a pet that doesn’t take up as much space, something like a rabbit or guinea pig might be good options. Do your research and think realistically about the best option for you.

Dog, Cat, Animals, Pets

[Photo courtesy of papagnoc/pixabay.com]

Then you need to think about the care and lifestyle of the pet. Are you fully committed to making a big change? If so, a pet dog could be a great choice. Dogs can take over the house a little and need more attention than a rodent would, for example. You need to think about vets bills and things like the cost of vaccinations. Not all pets require them, but some do. There is the cost of medicines too. Would your pet be in a situation where they might need something like painkillers? Cats and dogs are the most likely to need them as they are out and about much more. So think about the cost of something like Metacam for dogs or Calmex for cats. All pets can cost a lot of money, but some do cost more than others.

Along the lines of the cost of a pet, think about the life span of the animal. As we know, some animals will live longer than others. Are you looking for a long-term companion in your choice of pet? Or are you just looking for a small pet for when the children are young? These are all considerations when deciding what the best pet for you is.

Tiger Cat

Take into consideration your accommodation when you are deciding. If you don’t have a large outdoor space, are there places close by that you could take a dog too? Would you have room for a hutch in the back yard? You might prefer a pet that stays indoors, but if so, they will need plenty of space to roam.

I don’t mean to put you off with all of these considerations. It is just that a pet is a big commitment. You want to make it a fantastic and rewarding relationship. The best way to do that is to choose the perfect pet for you.

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Is Your Home Giving You Sleepless Nights?

Most of us are aware of the difference a good night’s sleep can make to our health and wellbeing. While it’s normal to have nights when you don’t sleep like a baby, missing out on good quality sleep on a regular basis can be harmful. Not only will you feel grumpy and groggy. You’ll also lack energy and focus, and you may be more susceptible to illness and stress. There are many reasons people struggle to sleep. Pressure at work, financial problems, and health issues can make getting to sleep tough. But have you ever wondered if your home is keeping you awake at night? If you experience sleep problems on a regular basis, here are some tips, which may help to restore peace and quiet.

Creating a peaceful bedroom

Your bedroom is the most important room in the house when it comes to good quality sleep. Ideally, your room should be a tranquil haven, which makes you feel relaxed and prepares your body and mind for sleep. Many people experience disturbed nights as a result of noise and light. If your room isn’t already an oasis of calm, there are easy ways of achieving this goal.

The first thing to address when it comes to sleepless nights is your sleeping environment. If it’s light outside and there are neon beams pouring through the curtains, it’s no wonder that you’re having issues drifting off to sleep. Blackout blinds or heavy curtains are a marvelous investment. Blocking out light creates a setting much more conducive to restful nights. Once you’ve drawn the curtains, block out any remaining lights, such as standby lights on televisions or music players. If you can, try to keep all technology out of your bedroom.

Blinds, Window, Purple, Light, Blue, Lights, Abstract

[Photo courtesy of yeniguel/pixabay.com]

Once you’ve conquered the issue of light, move onto noise. How often do you get woken up by phones beeping or next door neighbors playing music? Even the slightest disturbance can wake light sleepers and once you’re awake, it can be difficult to nod back off. Ensure all phones are on silent, or leave them downstairs. If you live in the town center or close to a restaurant or bar, consider using ear plugs. This is particularly beneficial on busy nights, such as Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re having trouble with your neighbors, knock on the door and ask them if they could be a little quieter late at night.

Your decor can also help to make your bedroom a relaxing and calming space. Try to avoid bright colors and garish designs, and opt for muted shades. Duck egg blue, chocolate, cream, and lilac are popular choices. Use storage to prevent clutter and create a cozy feel with candles, lamps and dimmer lights. Soft furnishings, such as throws and cushions, are a great way to finish off the look. Check out https://www.pinterest.com/explore/calm-bedroom/ for ideas.

[Photo courtesy of LilyRose97/flickr.com]

Choosing the perfect mattress

When it comes to a good night’s sleep, there’s nothing more important than your mattress. We’ve all been there, lying awake in a hotel and tossing and turning all night because we can’t get comfortable. There are springs sticking out, or the mattress is too hard or too soft. When you sleep, your mattress should provide support for your spine. This is particularly important if you suffer from chronic back, shoulder or neck pain.

If you search online or visit a showroom, you’ll find that there are hundreds of different brands and types of mattress out there. This can make choosing a new bed confusing. Where do you even start? If you’re looking for a new mattress, it’s best to draw up a list of priorities. What kind of mattress would you prefer? How much do you want to spend? Are you looking for special features, such as a mattress suitable for people with back problems? Research is incredibly valuable. Read some reviews online and visit warehouses and shops. Try the mattresses out and see how they feel. Some people prefer a soft mattress while others opt for something firmer.

If you don’t find your existing mattress comfortable, you may wish to consider switching to a different type of bed. Waterbeds may be an option if you struggle with muscular aches and pains. If you’re interested in a waterbed, it may be possible to view it online at www.BoydWaterBeds.com. If you see options that interest you online, you can usually arrange a trip to a local retailer to give the mattress a trial run before you buy.

Once you’ve decided on a mattress, why not go the whole hog and buy some new pillows? The Sleep Council recommends replacing pillows every two years. Go for pillows, which offer support for your neck while you sleep. Try to avoid piling your pillows too high, but make sure that your head is raised.

Bed, Bedroom, Furniture, Decor, Lamp, Home, House

[Photo courtesy of ErikaWittlieb/pixabay.com]

Heating and air conditioning

The temperature of your home can have a significant impact on the quality of your sleep. If you’re too cold or too hot, you may find it tough to sleep through the night. Most people like to feel cool when they get into bed, especially in the summer. Keep your windows open during the day and consider investing in air conditioning if your bedroom is stifling. Swap heavier duvets for lighter options, or sleep under a sheet. You could also place a fan by the side of your bed. In the winter months, when it’s cold outside, keep windows closed and adjust your heating so that the temperature is just right. You don’t want to get into a freezing cold bed, but you also don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night dripping with sweat.

If you have an old house and creaky pipes wake you up, it may be worth getting a heating engineer around. They will be able to give you a quote for a more modern and efficient system.

DIY and interior design tasks

When you’ve got a to-do list as long as your arm, it can be tricky to stop your mind from working overtime when you crawl into bed. You may be thinking about deadlines at work or all the jobs you’ve got to finish around the house. If DIY is keeping you up at night, now is the time to tackle outstanding issues.

Take some time to conduct a tour of the house and note down everything that needs completing or revamping. Prioritize the tasks in order of urgency, and draw up an action plan. Devote your free weekends of evenings to getting things done at home. If you don’t have time, call in some favors from friends and family, or get the professionals in. Call around for some quotes, and schedule a rough timetable. Once you’ve got everything done, you’ll feel much better, and you can start enjoying your home.

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[Photo courtesy of tookapic/pixabay.com]

Pests

Many of us have trouble with household pests, and even minuscule creatures that you can’t even see can keep you up at night. Bed bugs, fleas, and rats can all make sleepless nights a common occurrence. If you wake up covered in tiny bites, or you feel itchy, you may have bed bugs or fleas. If you have pets and they sleep on your bed, check them for fleas using a fine-toothed comb. You may also be able to spot flea feces on your duvet cover. Look out for tiny black specks, which turn brown on contact with water. When you comb your pets, have a glass of soapy water at hand. Once you’ve run the comb through the fur, submerge it in the glass. This will ensure that any fleas are contained within the cup. If you don’t have pets, and you have small, itchy bites, you probably have bed bugs. Vacuum your home from top to bottom, and wash your bed linen at a high temperature.

Gourmand Rat

[Photo courtesy of ichtertz agnes/publicdomainpictures.net]

If scuttling noises in the attic are causing you problems, it’s possible that you have rats. Look out for rat droppings and holes in walls and skirting boards. If you have rats, they can be tricky to get rid of, and it’s best to call in the experts. Rat infestations can quickly spiral out of control and nipping the issue in the bud is the best option. Call some local firms and ask for quotes. You’ll probably find that someone will visit and have a look around before they start the extermination process. You may need to move out temporarily while treatment is underway.

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[Photo courtesy of Wokandapix/pixabay.com]

Nothing sets you up for the day ahead like a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, sleepless nights are fairly common. While most of us cope well with a disturbed night every once in a while, prolonged sleep problems can really take their toll. Missing out on sleep increases your risk of mental and physiological health problems. It can also make you feel lethargic and irritable. If you’re having trouble sleeping, have a think about whether your home could be to blame. Often, making simple changes to your daily routine and blocking out light and noise can make a positive difference. Invest in a good quality mattress and remember to swap your pillows regularly. Address any issues that are stressing you out. Hopefully, you’ll be enjoying blissful nights again before you know it.

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Five Things To Organize Before Moving Into A New Home

You’ve spent the past few months packing up you old home into cardboard boxes. Moving day is getting closer and closer, and the excitement of a new house is building! Don’t blow your good mood by forgetting to prepare the house you are moving into, though! A new home is essentially an empty shell, and no one wants to live in such a sparse space. Even if it is just for a few nights while you try and get sorted. So how can you move into a comfortable and livable home? Here are five things to organize before moving into a new home.

This is a photo of a light mint green old VW beetle car in front of a wodden house with a white fence in a residential area in a typical american street. There is a yucca palm tree in the lawn of the house. The sun is shining brightly.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Air Conditioning

If you are moving in the middle of summer, it is a good idea to get some air conditioning arranged in your new home before you move in. If possible, turn on the Air Conditioning the day before you move, so the air will be fresh and cool on the day. Sometimes you might not be able to get into the property before moving day. Therefore, you can’t install an efficient air conditioning system in time. So pop in a portable fan or air conditioning system on the morning of your move. This can freshen up the rooms while you bring in all your boxes.

Kitchen and Bathroom

Most of the time, you will move into a home which is already furnished with a kitchen and bathroom. However, if your home is going to be empty, one of the first things you’ll need to organize is a kitchen and bathroom installation. As with the air conditioning, it is best to try and get all this sorted before you move in. If you don’t have access to the property until moving day, try and negotiate with the previous owners. If you explain that you would like to put in a kitchen and bathroom before you move in, they are likely to understand. They may be in a similar situation themselves!

Flooring

Flooring can often be a problem when you move into old properties. Homeowners rarely update their flooring, so you may find that you want to replace the old flooring in your new home. Especially if it is made from a natural material, such as wood, as these can scuff easily. Rather than moving in all your furniture and then having to move it again when you get new floors, try and arrange new flooring for before you move in. This will be much easier for you in the long run!

New Address

Don’t wait until you have moved in to notify your bank and other important institutes of your change in address. Tell them in the run up to your move. It doesn’t take long – you can update addresses online most of the time. This is then one less job to do once you are getting settled into your new house.

Once you have got the above jobs sorted, you can start to think about the day of the big move! Once it’s all done, you will have fewer jobs and more time to make your new house a home!

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A Simple Guide To Keeping Your Home Cool In The Summer

Our homes should be our haven. But let’s face it, in those hot summer months it can be quite unbearable to be in and outside. While it’s tempting just to give in to the heat, there are a few things you can do to make your home cooler. Without causing too much strain on the finances. With this simple guide, your home will be a cooler place in know time.

[Image courtesy of deovolenti/pixabay.com]

Focus on your body temperature first.

Keeping your body temperature low is a step in the right direction. Drinking ice-cold drinks and applying a cold compress to your forehead and neck is a great place to start. Also by wearing clothes that are cooler like cotton or linen.

Check out your air conditioning.

Before it gets too warm, make sure your air conditioning is in good working order. It’s no good getting to a point where you need it, and it’s not working. Getting regular ac services drastically improve performance. It will also make sure it does not cost you more than it should to run it.

Keep your blinds closed.

It’s been proven that 30% of your home’s unwanted heat can come from your windows. It might seem simple, but something as simple as closing blinds or curtains can stop your home from becoming like a greenhouse.

[Image courtesy of j_ridley2000/pixabay.com]

 

Use your doors wisely.

Keeping doors shut during the day will allow the cooler air to circulate the rooms you are using. But the opposite should be done at night as the temperature drops. This will allow all the cooler air in your home to circulate throughout reducing the temperature and making your home feel fresher.

Change your bedding sheets.

It’s a good idea to change your sheets through the seasons. Fleecy style bedding is perfect for the cold winter, but you will want something a lot cooler and thinner during the summer.

Let the night air in.

During the summer months, the temperature will drop after the sun sets. If this is the case for where you live, then make the most of it and open the windows in the house allowing the air to circulate. It will also allow you to have a cooler night’s sleep. It’s always difficult to sleep when your bedroom is hot.

Retire your oven during the summer months.

It may seem obvious but by not using your oven you’re going not to create any extra heat. Grilling and changing your cooking habits will be vital for keeping your home warm. The oven expels heat and will only add to your indoor temperature whenever being used.

Use extraction fans in the kitchen and bathroom.

Finally, the last piece of advice would be to make the most of your extraction fans in the kitchen and bathroom. These will suck in the warm air. A hot shower will generate steam as will cooking, no matter how you are doing it. So crack those fans on to help avoid increasing your home’s temperature.

I hope this guide will help your home stay cool in the hot months.

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Going On Holiday? Don’t Leave Your Home Vulnerable!

So, it’s that time of year again. We are all starting to dream of our summer holidays – maybe even our spring holidays! If you’re anything like me, then you probably can’t wait just to get away from it all and soak in some sun. One of the parts of going on holiday that is less fun, however, is the worry that can come with it. It can sometimes be difficult to leave the home behind, even if it is only for a week. You might find that it can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you are taking your entire family with you. While leaving the house unguarded is nobody’s dream situation, you have to make certain sacrifices if you want that dream holiday! But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Next time you are due to fly off somewhere exotic, just bear these essential points in mind.

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Windows & Doors

Probably the most important part of the whole operation! It is imperative that you check and double-check all of the windows and doors of your house before you leave for a holiday. You want to check any potential point of entry. While it may not be very likely that you will be burgled while you are away, it is worth doing, just in case. Imagine if the worst happened, simply because you had left a back window open! Go around each window and door, one by one, and make sure they are shut and locked tight. Better safe than sorry!

Check the Plumbing

You might not have thought to test the plumbing before you travel, but it is one of the more important items on this list. It is surprisingly common for plumbing to malfunction while families are holidaying. For that reason, it is advisable to check that everything is in good working order before you go. For this, it’s probably best to just get the professionals in.

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Pests

The last thing you want is to come back from your vacation, only to find your home infested with unwanted visitors! Next time you go away, make it easier on yourself: check beforehand. Any pest control company would be happy to give your house a once-over and look for any signs of infestation. A lot of people don’t want to do this, just in case they find something. But think about it: would you rather have pests and not know it, or know it and do something about it? For me, it’s a no-brainer.

Plants

It is also a good idea to give your plants a little bit of love and attention just before you leave. There are few things more annoying than returning home to find all the houseplants dead. It doesn’t take much – just give them a bit of water the day you leave, and they should be okay.

Top view of houseplants on white background
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Odds & Ends

There are also a few little tricks for keeping your house secure. If you have a neighbour whom you trust, then the whole process is much easier. You can just tell them that you are going away, and they can keep an eye out for you. Otherwise, it is a wise idea to put a couple of lights on timers, so it looks like someone’s home. While you’re at it, consider cancelling any grocery or milk deliveries you might have planned.

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Everything You Need To Know To Find The Perfect Apartment

The dream for most people is to buy a nice house and live happily ever after. But, the reality is a lot different. Houses are expensive and hard to find, which is why many first time homeowners go with an apartment. A brand new apartment is a great way to get on the property ladder and live in a nice home without spending a fortune. And when you are ready, you can sell it and move onto bigger and better things.

Still, it isn’t always as easy as that because finding a great apartment can be tricky. To help you find your perfect living quarters here’s what you need to consider.

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Your Budget

Apartments may be cheaper than houses, but they are still expensive. In fact, the cost of an apartment is enough to put you in a spot of financial difficulty if you are not careful. As a result, you want to make sure that you don’t overspend as it could haunt you for the rest of your life. There is a simple solution to avoid this problem, however: create a budget. All you have to do is total up how much you spend in a month compared to how much you earn, and the difference is how much you can afford. Every apartment within that range is an apartment that you should take seriously.

Free White and Gray Concrete High-rise Buildings at Daytime Stock Photo

[Photo courtesy of Min An   /pexels.com]

The Location

The perfect apartment is an apartment that is in the right location. Just because it hits every other aspect of your needs doesn’t mean it is perfect because the location is more important than everything else. For example, if you want to live in Santa Monica you should look for Santa Monica apartments not apartments in LA or San Diego. Once you choose a place you want to live, do not waver. It is okay to compromise as long as the area is not miles away from your original destination. But, in a perfect scenario, you want to be slap bang in the middle of your dream area.

Your Credit Score

Almost every landlord will do a credit check before signing a contract, so it is important you know your credit rating beforehand. The last thing you want is to find the perfect place and then to lose it at the last minute thanks to your poor rating. At least if you are aware of it in advance, you can attempt to come to an agreement. For example, you could try and get a friend or family member to secure the contract by agreeing to pay if you cannot pay.

The Amount Of Money

The majority of the cash for the mortgage will come from the bank. But, you still need a down payment or deposit to secure the property. For the most part, a deposit is about ten percent of the overall cost. So, if you are buying a property worth $50,000 you will need $5,000 in cash. The bank won’t lend you this money as it is a sign that you can afford the apartment. As a result, you will need it secure before signing on the dotted line.

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