How to Prepare For Moving Interstate: Top Tips and Tricks
Moving interstate is a huge venture that requires even more careful planning than a local move. While it might seem like a daunting process, with proper preparation your interstate move can go from stressful to a smooth process that you may even enjoy. From working with professionals to strategic travel options: this article gives you the essential tips and tricks to help prepare for your big move across state lines.
Start Planning Earlier Than You Think
Interstate moves require more preparation time than your average residential move and the earlier you start, the more likely you are to have the move you hope for. Typically, for moving interstate you should start to plan around 8-12 weeks before your moving date. This gives you plenty of opportunity to book your interstate removalists of choice as well as any other services you may require. You’ll also need time for organising necessary paperwork and documentation for your new state, setting up utility transfers and connections, planning your travel arrangements, and setting up your life in your new home before you get there. Great planning is the key to any successful interstate move, so the more in-depth your plan is the better your chances are of maintaining organization and reducing stress.
Research Interstate Removal Companies Thoroughly
A great removals team is like the equivalent of a fantastic bra, they’ll both give you the support you need. Interstate removalists are there to make your moving journey as easy as possible so it’s good to know what to look for in a company. Your movers should have proven experience in interstate relocations and should be AFRA (Australian Furniture Removals Association) accredited. These companies should have excellent reviews specifically for interstate moves, offer a range of comprehensive insurance options for long-distance transport, and provide clear communication about delivery timeframes and tracking.
Expert tip: Get at least three quotes and ask specific questions about their interstate moving experience, including if they work off of a fixed price quote or hourly rate charge. You want a fixed-price quote for your interstate move to avoid unforeseen charges.
Financial Planning for Interstate Moves
Interstate moves can be quite a costly process, so creating a clear budget is necessary to avoid financial strain down the line. Your budget should account for removal company costs, travel expenses for you and your family, temporary accommodation if needed, insurance costs, and connection fees for utilities in your new state. Always set aside emergency funds for unexpected expenses, particularly with interstate moves, and consider potential storage costs in case of delays to your moving schedule.
Declutter Before You Pack
Interstate moves are typically charged partly by inventory size, making this the perfect opportunity to seriously declutter. When assessing your belongings, consider when you last used each item and whether it’s worth the cost of transporting it across state lines. For items that you no longer love or need, consider selling or donating them to give them the chance at a new life. This is also a great opportunity to involve your children as they can sort through their old toys and belongings to see what they want to give to help others. Remember, every item you don’t need to move interstate saves you both money and effort.
Pack Strategically for Long-Distance Transport
Packing for interstate moves requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that belongings receive minimal damage throughout the long transport. Start with high-quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes and packing paper specifically designed for moving. Make sure to use extra padding to double wrap any fragile items and seal all liquids in plastic bags to prevent leaks during the long journey. When labelling, include both origin and destination rooms, and create a detailed inventory list, including photos of valuable items. Don’t forget to pack an “interstate essentials” box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival.
Alternatively, your removals team should also be able to go that extra mile and offer additional services like packing which can be particularly helpful for interstate moves.
Plan Your Travel Wisely
Just like moving your belongings, you’ll need to coordinate your personal interstate journey. Most of the time your two main options are driving or flying. If driving, map out your route and plan accommodation stops along the way. Try to time your arrival to coincide with your belongings, but have a backup plan if your items are delayed. If delays are likely to incur then your best option is to speak with your interstate removalists regarding the possibility of interim storage.
Set Up Your New Life in Advance
Feeling comfortable in your new home will inevitably take time but sorting the basics before you arrive can help you settle in quicker. Take proactive steps to establish your new life by researching and arranging schools or childcare, transferring or setting up new banking arrangements and updating your utility providers in both your old home and your new one. Before moving you can even start looking for new healthcare providers and research your new local services and amenities. If you’re looking to build a community in your new area, consider joining local community groups to start building connections with your neighbours – this will help you settle in quicker to your new home.
Prepare for a Different Climate
If you’re moving to a state with a different climate, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Research typical weather patterns in your new area and consider what clothing and household items you’ll need first-hand. For states that experience a rainy season, it’s important to ensure that you are prepared for sporadic changes of weather conditions. Finally, think about how your furniture and belongings will fare in the new climate, for example, items like plants are most likely better off left with family and friends in the state you’re currently in than enduring that transport.
Stay Organized and Flexible
Interstate moves often come with unexpected challenges, so staying organized is crucial. Maintain a detailed moving checklist and keep important contact numbers readily available. Always keep essential documents with you during the move rather than packing them with your belongings and try to maintain a schedule as much as possible. However, whilst sticking to your schedule is great, having flexibility is even better for a successful interstate move.
Top tip: When creating a plan allow a window of a few extra days for major moments in the move such as packing and the physical move, this way you won’t be put out if hurdles arrive and delays incur.
Summary
Moving interstate is a significant undertaking that requires extensive planning and preparation, but with proper organization and foresight, it can be a much more manageable experience. Start early, research thoroughly, and stay organized throughout the process. Remember that professional interstate removal companies have extensive experience with these types of moves and can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your journey.
By following these tips and maintaining a positive attitude, you can make your interstate move a successful transition to your new home and life in a different state. Remember, while the process might seem overwhelming at first, thousands of people successfully complete interstate moves each year, and with these helpful tips, you can too.
How to Live a Minimalist Lifestyle without Throwing Everything Away
In recent years, minimalism has gained tremendous popularity as people seek to simplify their lives and reduce clutter. However, the common misconception that minimalism requires getting rid of most of your possessions can be an intimidating prospect for most. However, this article reminds you that you can embrace a minimalist lifestyle without discarding your belongings. With just a few mindful choices and the help of professional storage solutions, you can transform your cluttered space into a mindful sanctuary.
The Benefits of Balanced Minimalism
Embracing a minimalistic lifestyle is great both for your home and for your well-being. As many know, decluttering has been proven to improve your mental well-being making it the ideal wellness home improvement tool. However, understanding how to do it properly is the real key to success. Choosing a balanced minimalist lifestyle will help to create a calming neutral environment, whilst preserving meaningful items to avoid the dreaded guilt and regret of throwing away items that bring you joy. Therefore, understanding the simple ways to achieve this balance can help transform how you view your living space entirely.
Start with a Mindset Shift
Before you start throwing out all of your most precious items, the first step toward mindful minimalism is about reimagining what it is to live minimally. Start by taking a walk around your home and thinking about what items really add value to your life. Often, we convince ourselves that we must have the latest of everything, only for the product to sit on the shelf for the foreseeable future gathering dust. Consider what belongings in your home bring you joy and matter most, these are the items that you should cherish. This mental shift will help guide your decisions as you move forward.
The Art of Thoughtful Organization
Organization is the key to a minimalistic space, so before taking away start by adding to your space. Investing in organizers and drawer dividers will help you to create intentional space within your home while placing belongings away. Display stacks are perfect for organizing desk spaces and vanities, whilst floating shelves are a great way to create extra storage space without cluttering. These small tweaks to your space will instantly help to create a more minimalistic environment without having to get rid of anything.
Pro tip: Create categories for your belongings with labels to help keep up with the organization. This way when you are looking for items or need to put things away, it’ll be clear what goes where.
Strategic Storage Solutions
Another way of preserving your prized possessions without cluttering your space is by placing them into secure storage. People often think of storage as a temporary solution to moving house or renovating but when used strategically, storage can help transform your living arrangements long term. Instead of donating or throwing away belongings that may not serve a purpose but still have a place in your heart, placing them in storage will ensure their preservation whilst still decluttering your home. Storage can also be used to hold out-of-season clothing and items such as holiday decorations, which can then be updated on rotation as the seasons change. This will free up plenty of storage space within the home, making room to put away other essentials into neat cupboards and drawers.
When choosing a storage facility it’s important to pick somewhere that is local to you, to avoid travelling across states to access your belongings. You also want to make sure that they are a trustworthy storage company with a wide range of insurance options, to protect your valuables in the event of an accident. With that being said, keeping your items tucked away in storage is the perfect balance between creating a minimalist lifestyle but also keeping the items you cherish most.
The One-In-One-Out Rule
Once your items are organized and you’re living your minimalist dreams, it’s important to keep it that way. Rather than dramatic purging every few months, adopt a sustainable approach to acquiring new items. When you bring something new into your space, consider moving something else to storage or donating it. This prevents accumulation while allowing flexibility in your lifestyle which is crucial for maintaining a sustainable approach.
The Six-Month Review
To help maintain a positive mindset and prevent excess accumulation, every six months, review items in your living space and storage. Just as you have this first time, take a look over all your belongings that you have (working room by room) and ask yourself the following questions:
- What have you used?
- What still brings you joy?
- What could be donated?
- What should be moved between storage and living space?
This regular review helps maintain balance without requiring dramatic changes that can be time-consuming.
Embracing Slow Minimalism
It’s important to remember that minimalism is a journey, not a destination. Whilst your initial organization can be done in the space of a day, it will take some time and trial and error to find what kind of minimalism works for you. Take the time to learn what works best for you and adjust your approach accordingly, this will help to upkeep your minimal lifestyle. Additionally, do not rush when it comes to choosing a storage facility or deciding which items to remove from your home. By taking the time to carefully consider each step, you will ensure that you have made the right choice, which will prevent you from taking steps backwards.
Moving Forward
The key to successful minimalist living isn’t about owning as little as possible – it’s about being intentional with what you keep in your life. By utilising storage thoughtfully and making mindful decisions about your possessions, you can create a peaceful, uncluttered living space while maintaining access to items that enrich your life in different seasons. So, take it slow, be thoughtful, and create a version of minimalism that truly works for you.
5 Ways to Slash Your Moving Costs Without Cutting Corners
Moving into your new home is undoubtedly an exciting experience but with all that excitement can occasionally come money concerns. Whilst some costs are inevitable (unfortunately, they can’t give you the house for free) there are a few tricks that can help alleviate some of that unwanted financial burden. From pre-move purging to a backloading bonus, here are some of the best ways to reduce costs in your next house move.
1. The Great Pre-Move Purge
You wouldn’t pay lots of money for a T-shirt you were never going to wear or for a car when you don’t yet drive, so, why would you pay for movers to take belongings that you’re never going to use again? Whilst, you may feel like you don’t have the time to declutter all the old belongings you no longer use, it is the perfect way to save money when moving. Those mysterious garage boxes and dusty closets are all hiding potential savings.
To help eliminate unwanted items, create three piles: sell, donate and chuck. Every box that doesn’t make the move represents money saved on moving costs. Better yet, those items in the sell pile can transform into extra cash for the moving fund, it’s a win-win situation!
2. Invest in Quality Movers
Now, something that might surprise you is that sometimes spending a bit more upfront can save you a fortune later down the line. Although, it may feel slightly counterintuitive to spend more money in order to save money, when it comes to hiring removalists investing in a good quality company will prevent greater unforeseen costs and disappointment from arising. Choosing reliable removalists minimizes the risk of damage to your belongings with professional services like wrapping and packing providing an extra layer of protection to your most precious items. Additionally, any certified removals company should also offer a range of insurance options, so that in the case of an accident your belongings are covered.
Qualities such as these will not only help give you peace of mind that your belongings are genuinely being cared for but they will save you the cost of replacing any items that are broken or damaged, which could be far greater than the cost of any removalist itself.
3. The Art of Box Hunting
High-quality packing supplies aren’t exactly cheap which means finding a good alternative can save you some extra pennies when it comes to packing your goods. Tapping into your network of friends and colleagues should help to churn up enough boxes to cover your whole house, which means you won’t have to buy a single one. Here’s the crucial part though – you have to be picky. If a box is worn down and looks like it’s had its day then stay far away. On the other hand, did your work just have a huge delivery of fragile goods? Then stock up. Being picky with boxes may take a little longer but will also ensure your favourite glassware set stays intact in the moving transition without multiple rolls of tape wrapped around it to hold it together.
4. Timing is Everything: The Off-Season Moving Hack
Here’s an insider tip that could save you big bucks – spring and summer are the moving industry’s equivalent of peak-hour traffic. Everyone’s moving, prices are sky-high, and availability is tight. Therefore, if you can swing an autumn or winter move, try to book your removalists within this period and save yourself a heap of money. During slow periods moving companies often offer reduced rates and competitive prices that peak months won’t do.
[Photo courtesy of Mister Mister/pexels.com]
In the same respect, you should also be doing all that you can to reduce obstacles for your removalists that could slow them down, particularly for local moves that are charged by the hour. Make sure to disassemble any furniture, pack all boxes ready to go and make sure there is a clear path for your removalists to travel from the truck to the door. If your moving team has to carry your belongings further than necessary or take apart bed frames, these are all additional costs for you. So, get your bargain-hunting mindset on, and make sure to work in off-peak periods.
5. Share the Journey
Planning an interstate move? Here’s a savvy money-saver tip – opt for a consolidated run rather than a VIP private service. This backloading service is basically just carpooling for your furniture and will save you a tonne of money! However, sharing truck space with other movers requires a relatively small inventory, so if you have a particularly large amount of stuff to be transported across states, then a consolidated run may not be an option for you. Backloading also means that you will need to be a bit flexible with dates, so allow for plenty of time to prepare. With that being said, the money savings that you will make are worth every day of patience and with a reputable moving company, your belongings are just as safe as they would be in a truck of their own.
In Conclusion
Remember, saving money is as simple as just getting the cheapest moving quote and crossing your fingers that it’ll all be fine because that’ll probably cost you more in the long run. When hunting for removalist quotes, look for value for money, not just price to save you in the grand scheme of moving. Whilst moving house can be an expensive ordeal, knowing the small ways to help reduce cost can make all the difference. So, if you’re soon to be moving make sure to choose off-peak periods, store up spare boxes and invest where it counts for a cost-effective and stress-free move.
Home Improvement Ideas that Will Impress the Whole Family
You might want to take on a home improvement project for many different reasons. But many times, those reasons can be very personal. If you expand outside your private desires, maybe you should consider home improvement ideas that impress your entire family. Perhaps you can even try to get them involved in the process somehow.
There are lots of different initial ideas that you can start with. Maybe you want to take on an easy carpentry project. Perhaps you can figure out the best way to finish your basement and turn it into something everyone will appreciate. If you take on the project of creating a game room, that is a benefit to everyone in the household. On a strictly practical level, if you take on projects that will improve your bathrooms, those are common areas where everyone appreciates cleanliness and thoughtful design.
Easy Carpentry Additions
One thing that is good about taking on an easy carpentry project as a DIY concept is that you can often do quite amazing things with very simple tools. For example, you can build or fix closets in anyone’s room with just a hammer, a saw, and some nails. You can customize closets based on size and need and give everyone in your home a chance to provide input about what they want to be done in their room.
[Image courtesy of Alexander F Ungerer/pexels.com]
Finishing the Basement
If you want to take on a larger project, consider finishing your basement. If it is just the storage area down there, that means you can turn it into something amazing, and it will have incredible comparative value. If you finish the floors and the walls, suddenly you have an area where people can collect and enjoy themselves, and all you have to do is put some furniture and a TV down there, and everyone will be happy.
Creating a Game Room
If you have some extra space in a den area, consider creating a game room for your family. With a table, a computer, some speakers, and a dartboard, you can have a place where everyone can come and relax. You can also gather there and do things like play family board games. As long as you put in easy to clean flooring, it can be a place where everyone is comfortable eating snacks and being a little messier and more informal.
Improving the Bathrooms
Everyone in your family uses the bathroom. That’s why if you want to do a practical home improvement project that everyone will appreciate, start by improving the bathrooms. Especially if you have a common area bathroom, take a minute to clean up the design in there. Improve the sink space, the mirrors, and the shower area you’d be amazed at how much of a difference in your day it makes if you enjoy your time getting ready in the morning in a clean, well-designed bathroom area.
How to Create More Space in Your Bedroom: Smart Tips for a Clutter-Free Haven
The bedroom should be a sanctuary—a place where you can relax, recharge, and escape from the chaos of daily life. However, if your room feels cramped and cluttered, it can be hard to truly unwind. Whether you have a small bedroom or just want to optimize your space, these smart tips will help you create a more open and organized environment.
1. Declutter and Organize
The first step to creating space in your bedroom is decluttering. Get rid of items you no longer need or use. Sort your belongings into categories: keep, donate, or discard. Invest in storage solutions such as baskets, bins, and drawer organizers to keep everything tidy.
[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]
2. Maximize Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, think vertically. Use wall-mounted shelves, hanging organizers, and tall bookcases to store items without taking up valuable floor space. A vertical storage approach helps maintain an airy feel while keeping essentials within reach.
3. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes. A bed with built-in storage drawers, a foldable desk, or a justify with hidden compartments can save space while adding functionality. Murphy beds and loft beds are excellent options for small rooms.
4. Use Light Colors and Mirrors
Lighter shades make a room appear larger and more open. Choose soft, neutral tones for walls, bedding, and curtains to create a bright and spacious feel. Mirrors also enhance the sense of space by reflecting light and giving the illusion of a bigger room.
5. Keep It Minimal
A minimalist approach to bedroom decor can make a big difference in creating space. Limit the number of decorative items, stick to essential furniture, and avoid overcrowding your room. The less cluttered the space, the more open and relaxing it will feel.
6. Optimize Under-Bed Storage
Make use of the space under your bed for extra storage. Store seasonal clothing, shoes, or bedding in storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags to keep them neatly tucked away while freeing up closet space.
7. Use Space-Saving Hangers and Closet Organizers
A cluttered closet can make your bedroom feel cramped. Slim, non-slip hangers, stackable shelves, and hanging organizers can help maximize closet space and keep clothes, shoes, and accessories well-organized.
8. Install Floating Nightstands
Instead of bulky bedside tables, opt for floating nightstands or wall-mounted shelves to save floor space while still having a place to store bedside essentials like books, lamps, and alarm clocks.
9. Choose the Right Bed Size
While a king-sized bed might be luxurious, it can overwhelm a small bedroom. Consider downsizing to a queen or full-size bed to create more walking space and keep the room feeling open and comfortable.
10. Keep Cords and Wires Hidden
Messy cords and wires can contribute to a cluttered look. Use cable organizers, cord covers, or furniture with built-in cable management to keep your bedroom looking neat and streamlined.
By following these smart space-saving strategies, you can transform your bedroom into a clutter-free, spacious retreat that promotes relaxation and peace. What are your favorite ways to maximize space in your bedroom? Share your tips in the comments!
Can a Mom Wear the Same Color as a Bridesmaid?
Introduction: When it comes to weddings, there are so many decisions to make— from choosing the right venue to picking the perfect dress. One question often arises is whether a mom can wear the same color as a bridesmaid. It’s a common dilemma for many mothers and brides, and while wedding traditions have certain rules, modern trends have become a lot more flexible. So, let’s dive into this question and explore how you can make sure the mother of the bride (MOB) or mother of the groom (MOG) looks just as fabulous as the bridesmaids, without stealing the spotlight!
Wedding Etiquette: Old Traditions vs. New Norms
In the past, wedding etiquette suggested that the mother of the bride or groom should wear a different color from the bridesmaids to ensure they stood out as the “matriarch” of the event. The idea was to avoid confusion between the bride, her bridal party, and the mothers.
However, with the rise of more personalized and relaxed weddings, couples are breaking traditional rules. Many brides now encourage their moms to wear colors that complement or even match the maid of honor dresses—creating a more unified and cohesive look.
Should a Mom Wear the Same Color as the Bridesmaids?
The short answer is: It depends! It all comes down to the bride’s vision and the overall wedding theme. Here are a few things to consider:
Pros:
- Cohesion: If the bridesmaids are wearing a single color, having the mom wear the same shade can tie everything together beautifully.
- Unified Aesthetic: Matching colors help create a harmonious look across the bridal party, from the bridesmaids to the mothers.
- Modern Twist: A growing trend is to allow mothers to wear colors that are similar to the bridesmaids, especially for weddings that embrace a more contemporary style.
Cons:
- The Bride’s Spotlight: You want to make sure the bride doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. If the mom’s outfit is too similar to the bridesmaids, there could be a bit of confusion, especially in photos.
- Different Roles: While it’s lovely for everyone to coordinate, moms typically want to have their own distinct look that sets them apart from the bridal party, reflecting their important role without upstaging anyone.
How to Make it Work: Balancing the Look
If the bride is open to it and you’re considering having the mom wear the same color as the bridesmaids, here are some tips to help strike the perfect balance:
Consider the Fabric and Cut:
The color might be the same, but the style of the dress doesn’t have to be. Bridesmaids often wear more playful, youthful designs, while the mother of the bride groom dresses could have a more sophisticated or classic silhouette. Look for elegant fabrics like chiffon, satin, or lace that reflect the mom’s unique style while staying within the color theme.
Add Personal Touches:
Accessories can make a huge difference. If the mom is wearing the same color as the bridesmaids, choose statement jewelry, a bold shawl, or a stylish belt to help her stand out.
Play with Shade Variations:
You don’t need to match the exact color. The bride might opt for slightly different shades or tones for the moms. For instance, if the bridesmaids wear blush pink, the mom could wear a soft rose gold or champagne hue to keep a coordinated but distinguished look.
Wedding Color Palette: Why It Matters
One thing is for sure: coordinating with the wedding color palette is key! A well-thought-out palette helps all elements of the wedding come together, and that includes the attire. If the bridesmaids are wearing a certain color (like navy, burgundy, or sage green), it’s important to check how well the ball gown prom dresses will match the overall vibe of the wedding.
For example, if the bridesmaids are in light pastels, a darker or richer color for the mom can make her outfit pop without clashing. And if the bridesmaids are in jewel tones, the mom could opt for a metallic version of the same shade for a luxurious look.
Real-Life Examples: Breaking the “Rules”
Here’s some inspiration from real-life weddings where the mother of the bride or groom wore the same color as the bridesmaids, but still stood out in her own right:
- The Navy Wedding: A bride chose navy blue for her bridesmaids, and the mother of the bride wore a darker shade of navy with a lace overlay. The mother’s dress was sophisticated, and the delicate details made her look elegant while still feeling part of the bridal party.
- The Blush Wedding: A bride’s wedding featured soft blush tones for her bridesmaids, and the mother of the groom wore a chic rose-gold gown in a similar shade. The groom’s mom stood out thanks to a stunning off-the-shoulder design and delicate pearls.
In these cases, the moms and bridesmaids blended beautifully without anyone losing their individuality!
Final Thoughts: Communication is Key
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what feels best for the bride, her bridal party, and both moms. If you’re the mother of the bride or groom, don’t be afraid to voice your thoughts about the color scheme, but also remember that the bride’s vision is the top priority. Keep the lines of communication open, and you’re sure to find a dress color that makes you feel special on the big day—whether it matches the bridesmaids or not!
Conclusion: Can a mom wear the same color as a bridesmaid? Yes, absolutely! With today’s modern wedding trends, there’s more freedom than ever to create a coordinated, elegant look for everyone involved. Whether you’re opting for a matching color or a complementary shade, the most important thing is that the mother of the bride or groom feels confident and beautiful, just like the rest of the bridal party.
If you’re preparing for your own wedding or helping your mom find the perfect dress, make sure to explore options that balance tradition with personal style. After all, it’s your big day, and everyone deserves to feel like a star!
4 Quick and Easy Home Improvement Projects
Despite what you see in those house flipping shows online, most home improvement projects are far simpler than taking out walls or installing new cabinetry. You can improve aspects of your home’s comfort and looks with easy projects that will fit into your weekend plans. Whether you want the outside or the inside to be a little better, these home improvement projects are doable even for DIY novices.
[Photo courtesy of Nubia Navarro (nubikini)/pexels.com]
Paint Your Front Door
A very simple way to improve curb appeal is to paint your front door. Check your HOA for any off-limit colors, then have fun choosing something bright. Many homes painted simple colors like white, beige, or brown look great with a blue, green, or even red front door. Replacing your front door is another home improvement project. It’s a little more complicated, but if you’ve got a helper you can replace that door in an afternoon. Paint the new door a fun color or get an attractive wreath to hang on it. Voila, you’ve improved your curb appeal with very little effort.
Improve Your Air Quality
When people think of home improvement, a home’s looks come to mind first. Air quality is just as important to comfort. Spend a home improvement day doing little projects that will improve your indoor air quality. First, get a MERV 10 or higher HVAC air filter. Change your filter, then mark your calendar each month, so you remember to change it again. Then get some house plants like spider plants and peace lilies known for improving air quality. If you love candles, make sure only to burn beeswax candles, since they lack the harmful chemicals other candle wax contains.
[Photo courtesy of Max Vakhtbovycn/pexels.com]
Add a Backsplash
Spruce up your kitchen by adding a backsplash above your countertops. Installing a backsplash is a weekend home improvement project for which you only need a few tools. Head to your local home improvement store with pictures of your kitchen that show off your cabinetry and countertops. Popular backsplash options include glass tile, subway tile, and patterned tin. With a simple backsplash featuring one or two muted colors, your kitchen will appear more upscale. Add a funky look by choosing a colorful backsplash instead.
Get New Lighting
Changing the lighting in one of your home’s rooms is a simple project that won’t cost much. In the kitchen or the living room, install a dimmer switch for a simple project that will change each room’s ambience. If you want something a little more complex and are confident doing simple wiring work, get a new light fixture for the living room or the dining room. It should only cost a few hundred dollars. A modern hanging light will add an unexpected splash of intrigue to any room.
If you do one or two small, simple home improvement projects every weekend, you’re well on your way to a more comfortable and upscale home. Within six months you may not recognize where you live. Plus, you’ll become more comfortable with your own home improvement DIY skills as you take on these tasks.
The Versatility of Feelingirl Tummy Shapewear: How It Can Be Worn Under Different Outfits at Home
It is needless to say, women want to feel confident and comfortable whenever they dress up. That’s because it helps you look amazing whenever you peek into the mirror. The secret is to purchase a seamless waist shaper to make sure the extra fat doesn’t break your appearance.
For this reason, we have created this article. With this article, we will help you wear the shapewear with different types of outfits. So, if you are ready to look amazing, let’s see how you can pair your shapewear with your regular clothes for a composed look!
Dresses & Skirts
One of the best ways of wearing your tummy shapewear is to use dresses and skirts. The shapewear helps smoothen and support the waist. In addition, you will get support for your torso. When this part of your body is properly shaped up, you will feel more confident.
Having said that, you can use the shapewear with dresses and skirts. That’s because it will help flatter your figure. The high-waisted shapewear makes sure your extra tummy fat is hidden. You can get this shapewear from Feelingirl and you won’t even have to worry about chaffing and irritation.
Regular Pants
If you have a shaping bodysuit, you can easily pair it with your regular pants. That’s because it will help you create a full outfit. We don’t mind saying that you will be able to achieve a well-rounded outfit. The bodysuits support your entire body and push it up as well.
The best thing about a bodysuit is that a bodysuit cinches in the waist. This makes sure you get exceptional coverage. On top of everything, pairing your bodysuit with pants will give you the opportunity to show your perfect body. Also, you can layer the bodysuit with a pretty blazer.
Full-Length Dresses
Another amazing way of wearing your shapewear is to pair it with full-length dresses. You can use the shapewear for ruffled frocks and bodycons, whatever you like. We are saying this because shapewear can be extremely functional. The best thing is that you won’t have to wear the push-up bra. In fact, you will be able to achieve an attractive bust line without wearing too many undergarments.
The shapewear helps achieve a natural shaping and sculpting experience. All in all, this is a good choice for women with a pear or hourglass body shape.
Jumpsuit
For everyone who needs to create a trendy and modern look, we recommend pairing the shapewear with a jumpsuit. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that wearing a jumpsuit isn’t always possible. That’s because it doesn’t suit everyone. In particular, it shows every little curve of your body.
For this reason, we recommend that you get a shapewear Black Friday sale. The shapewear will sculpt and shape your body. This means your curves will be enhanced before you wear the jumpsuit on top. All in all, it will ensure that the jumpsuit looks amazing, no matter what your body type is or how much you weigh.
So, are you ready to shop for shapewear and pair it with your clothes?
Freshen Up Your Home for Summer
The dark cold months of winter can leave us all feeling blue and keen to welcome the summer to improve our moods, energy levels and our surroundings. Everything can feel dull and bland, as the misery of winter is upon us, what better way to celebrate the warmer season then by freshening up yourself and your surroundings. The arrival of summer encourages people to revamp their wardrobes with summery clothes of bright colors and pretty fabrics, why can’t this be done in the home too?
A way of maintaining your positive mood throughout the summer, coming home to a bright and fresh home every day can ensure your elevated mood stays with you long after the sun has set.
There are many ways in which you can ensure your house reflects your new bright outlook without having to spend vast sums of money.
Spring Clean
This is one of the most well-known forms of house care and maintenance. A typical chore most women indulged in throughout the years, welcoming the spring days by cleaning away the negativity of the winter. Making sure every nook and cranny in the home is clear of dust and positively sparkles is the best way to turn your back on the winter. A house can look completely different in the darker days as it does in the sunlight. Cleaning your surroundings can make you feel energetic and relaxed when returning home and will support the idea of the house being a place to escape to.
New Furnishings
If you have the budget, new furnishings can completely rejuvenate a home and transform its look. Something simple to a new coffee table, Headboard or a new three-piece suite can be good investments and begin to change the look and feel of a house in the most subtle of ways. Not every item of furniture needs to be changed to achieve this, just small pieces even as small as a cushion or throw and can be done in any space to change the appearance of the room.
Re-Arrange Rooms
If you just can’t part with current items within a room, or cannot afford to replace them, simply changing the layout of the furniture can give the room a new feel, will do too. Whether it makes the most of the space, creates a cosy feel or just gives the room a refreshed ambience, it doesn’t matter as long as the look you wish to create is achieved. This is by far the most cost effective of all revamping methods, although can be slightly time consuming and may require someone to do the heavy lifting!
Complete Re-decoration
The most time consuming and expensive choice, a complete home or room overhaul is an option that all would ideally love to do if money and time were not serious considerations. There is nothing nicer than having an entirely new room or home with freshly painted walls and brand-new furniture. Although an expensive project, it is still cheaper than moving to a new residence. It may even be worthwhile hiring painters, decorators and even an interior designer for those with no budget considerations. A new look and style can be achieved entirely either in one room, selected rooms or the entire house. A fresh look, for a fresh season.
The bedrooms, of all household rooms, are typically the first choice when considering a new look and freshen up for the summer months. Bedrooms are often overlooked when it comes to décor updates; since you spend almost a third of your life sleeping it simply makes sense to create a relaxing and welcoming bedroom. Start by giving the room a good cleaning from top to bottom; this is best done during daylight hours with the drapes drawn. Clean the light fixtures and replace any burned out bulbs or worn lamp shades. Check any extension cords to make sure they are not frayed or worn and make sure the blinds or window treatments are fully functional. Air out the bedding – comforters should be sent to the cleaners or laundered; down-filled comforters should be washed every one to two years and changing bedding, Bed frame, furnishings and color are the best ways to overhaul its current appearance.
Honestly, there is a lot to think about when it comes to designing your perfect summery room so take your time, look for ideas online, write them, mix and matched some colors, use samples and have some fun while doing it, because decorating doesn’t need to be stressful. Let yourself enjoy creating a summer perfect home.
5 Things You Might Need to Replace on Your Older House
Living in an older home means enjoying plenty of charm and stylish details that you just don’t see in new construction anymore. However, it also means living with items that can create potential problems if they start to break down or simply aren’t as efficient as what we have today. If you have an older home, consider replacing the following items.
Windows and Doors
Even though they don’t build houses like they used to, when it comes to the windows and doors on your house, what you can get today is vastly more efficient. The glass in old windows and doors is single-pane, which doesn’t retain the heat like today’s dual-pane windows do. In fact, modern dual-pane windows are about twice as effective at holding in air conditioning and heat as single-pane windows from just a few decades ago. Additionally, there are often leaks around the old panes and sills.
[Photo courtesy of Tiana/pexels.com]
Electrical Wiring
Old electrical wiring in a home has two main issues: safety and convenience. Electrical wiring lasts as long as the wire’s insulation. Once that goes, the wire becomes exposed and the risk of short circuits, shocks, and electrical fire increases. Wiring installed before 1960 will last around 70 years, while new wiring installed today can go at least 100 years. Additionally, homes with older electrical wiring often don’t have enough outlets to handle all the electronics we use today.
[Photo courtesy of ready made/pexels.com]
Plumbing
Your biggest risk with old or substandard plumbing is having the pipes burst and dealing with water damage in your home. A serious flood could mean thousands of dollars’ worth of damage, leaving your home uninhabitable for weeks. There’s also the risk of mold problems that form because of leaks. While copper and brass pipes can last around 50 years, steel pipes sometimes don’t make it 20 years. If you know the pipes in your home are old, you might want to upgrade to plastic pipes that can give you another 40 or 50 years.
HVAC Unit
Depending on the age of your home, you might not even have a HVAC system or central air conditioning. If you do, keep in mind that the average life span of a furnace is 15 to 30 years, and the average life span of a central air conditioning unit is around 20 years. If you still have some years left on this equipment, don’t forget about the ducts. Most experts recommend a duct cleaning every three to five years to improve air quality inside a home.
[Photo courtesy of Daniel Wander/pexels.com]
Roof
It’s a given that older homes have older roofs. The problem with an older roof is that you could have issues with water damage, pest damage, and inefficient insulation. Once leaks begin to occur, it could cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair the damage. If the problems are in one area, you could repair that section. However, if the roof is widely damaged, it could make more sense to replace the entire thing.
As you continue to enjoy the charm and character of your older home, make sure you’re prepared for the things you might need to replace down the road.