Posts for Syndication

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day! And that doesn’t just mean the love you feel for your special someone. Your love can also extend to your home. There are many ways that we can love and care for our homes so that they are a place of comfort and refuge for years to come. For instance, you can take on home improvement projects like bathroom or kitchen remodeling or having appliance repair and maintenance. You may even install new quartz countertops to add aesthetic appeal to your kitchen.

Donate unused items to charity

Nobody likes clutter. When you let things pile up, it can make your living space feel cramped and unloved. So there’s no better way to show your home how much you care about it than thinning out your possessions. Spend an afternoon going through a closet, drawer, or even a whole room. Find the items you no longer need or want and donate them to your favorite local charity.

Add plants or flowers

Adding plants or flowers to your home can make it feel cozier and more alive. If you don’t want to spend money on fresh flowers regularly, then add a plant or two to your living space. Just be sure to choose plants that are non-toxic if you have dogs or cats at home.

Deep clean a room or area

Another great way to love your home is to devote an afternoon to deep cleaning a room or area that you use frequently. Get in all the nooks and crannies – dust, mop, vacuum, and clean from top to bottom.

Make dinner at home

Going out to eat is certainly one of life’s small pleasures. But one way that you can love your home is to prepare meals in your own kitchen. It can make your house feel more like a home. Don’t be afraid to bust out the good china and light some candles while you’re at it.

Display your favorite possessions

Do you have a collection that you keep tucked away in a box or drawer? Why not display that collection instead? Whether you love buying vintage silk scarves or coffee mugs from your travels, devote some shelf or wall space to it so that you can admire it every day.

Make it smell good

We don’t always notice what our home smells like from day to day. But adding a pleasant aroma to it can make it feel special. Treat yourself to a scented candle, diffuse your favorite essential oils, or mix up a batch of stovetop potpourri.

Rearrange

Is everything you own in the same place as when you first moved in? When we look at the same things in the same places day after day it’s easy to tune them out. Show your home some love by switching things up a bit. You can go big by rearranging furniture or do it on a smaller scale by moving around some knick-knacks. It’s almost like shopping, but you’re using things you already own and not spending a single penny.

Invite people to your home

We’ve spent so much time in isolation over the last two years. If you feel safe doing so, then invite a friend or two over! Nothing makes a house feel more like a home than filling it with the people you love.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Is your special Valentine a new homeowner? Then there’s no better way to show them how much you care than by gifting them something for their new place! Of course, if you’re reading this then you waited until the last minute. But not to worry! We’ve compiled a list of gifts that your homeowner Valentine will love and that you can score immediately. We’re sure they’ll find a good use for anything on the list below.

Gift cards

Obviously, gift cards are one of the easiest last-minute gifts you can buy. But with so many to choose from, which one do you pick? A thoughtful gesture could be to pick up a gift card to a restaurant or shop that’s in their new neighborhood. Or you could choose a gift card for a home-improvement store, which they’ll no doubt need to use right away. If you’re unsure of their tastes, then gift cards to large online retailers are always appreciated. Then they can choose exactly what they need for their new home.

Something cozy

Another great choice for a last-minute gift for a new homeowner is something cozy. Moving is stressful! And getting settled into a new home can be exhausting. Gifting them something cozy will help soothe some of the stress of moving in. Good choices can be a new pair of soft slippers, cozy pajamas, a scented candle to make their new place smell nice, or a comfy throw blanket that will feel like a warm hug and if she’s a woman you can look for beaded bracelets for women online and shop quickly.

Houseplants

We know that flowers are a traditional Valentine’s Day gift. But flowers quickly die. Why not gift your new homeowner a houseplant instead? There’s something about a potted plant that can make a house feel like a home. Many houseplants are known for helping to purify the air, too. However, if your Valentine also has pets at home, then be sure to choose a houseplant that isn’t toxic to dogs or cats.

Meal kit subscriptions

It can take time to get unpacked, and not having access to all the essentials can make it difficult to prepare food at home. To make things easier on your Valentine as they get settled in, give them a subscription to a meal kit service. These allow your Valentine to enjoy a home-cooked meal without all the stress of gathering and preparing the ingredients.

Spa services

Moving can make people feel frazzled. Show your Valentine how much you care about their well-being by gifting them a spa service or two. Believe us when we say that a new homeowner can definitely use a massage! Other spa services your Valentine might enjoy include a facial, manicure or pedicure, or even an hour in a salt cave or float tank. However, if you’re interested to some courses or training for advanced nail techs and beginner techs to suit your budget and potential client, then a good site place like Glitterbels has the right course for you!

A night out

Finally, moving into a new home can feel like a full-time job. So treat your special someone to a night out for Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a meal at a fancy restaurant or simply a walk in the park, your Valentine will appreciate having a break from the stress of moving in. You may also show your love and appreciation by giving her a jewelry item from companies like Gema & CO.

Compliments of Virtual Results

You’ve found a home you love and would like to put in an offer. But the thing is – it’s on a one-way street. If you’ve never lived on a one-way street then you may be wondering whether or not it’s a good choice. How will affect your day-to-day life? Is it a convenience, or a hassle? Will it be safer, or are you more likely to get into car accidents? When you have been injured in motorcycle accidents, it is important to find a lawyer with strong experience representing other motorcyclists. If you do unfortunately get into a car accident then you should call a car accident lawyer or a vehicle accident attorney for professional auto accident attorney services. And will it affect your ability to sell down the line? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering living on a one-way street.

They can be inconvenient

One of the things you’ll want to consider when buying a home on a one-way street is the convenience factor. In general, one-way streets tend to be a little more inconvenient for drivers. If you’re in a hurry to get somewhere, then living on a one-way street may cause you some frustration. You may have to go out of your way to get to where you’re going. If the street is busy during rush hour, then you may have problems backing out of your driveway. One-way streets tend to be narrower than two-way streets, which can be a hassle if you’re trying to park on the street.

They can be safer

On the flip side, while one-way streets may be a little more inconvenient than two-way streets, they tend to be safer. Traffic is only going in one direction so there’s less chance of getting hit by a car. However, there’s always a chance that someone will drive the wrong way down a one-way street, so you should always look both ways before crossing. One-way streets are usually less busy than two-way streets, which can be an important consideration if you have kids. That’s especially true in the suburbs. In quiet neighborhoods, one-way streets may often double as play areas for kids since the only traffic is usually from people who live on the street.

They are quieter but may be less accessible

One-way streets are often quieter than their two-way counterparts. If you hate traffic noise, then this can be an important consideration. You’re less likely to hear noise from emergency vehicles, large vehicles, or even garbage trucks and snowplows. That being said, if you live in an area that gets snow, a one-way street may be less accessible in the winter. Snowplows tend to plow busier streets first, so it may be a challenge to get in and out after a heavy snowfall. And if you park on the street, you’re more likely to get plowed in when the snowplow goes by.

The bottom line

If you’re considering buying a home on a one-way street, then it usually comes down to personal preference. You may decide that other factors are more important than whether or not the home is on a one-way street. Buyers will often be more concerned about the quality of the neighborhood in general, the home’s proximity to amenities, and how good the local public school system is. As long as the one-way street isn’t a high-traffic road, it’s unlikely to affect your ability to sell down the line.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Homeownership is a dream for many Americans. But if you’re a single parent, you may think that buying a home is out of reach. While it can be challenging to buy on your own with kids, it’s not impossible. In fact, there are programs available that can help you achieve your dreams of becoming a homeowner. Here’s what you need to know if you’d like to buy a home as a single parent.

Check your credit report

Before you begin your journey to homeownership, you should get a handle on your current financial situation. This begins with checking your credit report. Lenders will be looking closely at your credit report to determine your eligibility. We recommend ordering a copy of your credit report at least six months before you begin your home search. This allows you plenty of time to check it for errors so that you can begin the process of having them removed. It also gives you time to improve your credit score. The higher your credit score the more likely you will be to qualify for a home loan. You’ll also get a better interest rate which will save you money over the life the loan.

Make a budget

The next thing you should do is to create a budget. This will help you determine how much house you can afford. When you’re making a budget, be sure to include all your monthly expenses. You’ll also want to take into consideration not only your potential monthly mortgage payments but also other costs associated with buying and owning a home. These include your down payment, insurance premiums, property taxes, HOA fees, closing costs, and moving costs.

Research assistance programs

Buying a home on your own can be intimidating. Fortunately, there is assistance available. If you’re a member of the military, then look into assistance provided through the Veterans Administration. You may qualify for a VA loan which requires no money down. You should also contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They offer housing counseling services which are offered at low cost or even for free. You may also qualify for homeownership vouchers or monthly financial assistance. Also, try contacting your state’s Public Housing Assistance program (PHA) to determine other programs that may be available to you through the state.

Understand your mortgage options

When you’re in the market for a home, it’s helpful to understand that you have many options available to you when it comes to a mortgage. Just as with any purchase, it pays to shop around. One of the biggest hurdles to homeownership is the down payment required. Conventional loans typically require at least 20 percent down when you buy a home. That can be out of reach for many people, particularly if you’re a single parent. Fortunately, there are other loans available that don’t require a big down payment. VA loans, as mentioned above, are a great choice for those in the military community. You should also check out FHA loans and USDA loans. These loans are backed by the federal government and require down payments of as little as 3.5 percent.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you getting ready to start fresh in a new house? Congratulations! That’s a big achievement and a milestone to celebrate. But before you pop that champagne cork, you need to think about the next big step – moving. Packing up and moving from one house to another can be stressful and expensive. That’s why we’re here to share our secrets about how you can save money on your next move. And with the money you saved, maybe you can splurge on an expensive bottle of your favorite bubbly to celebrate!

Don’t move what you don’t need or want

You will save money if you don’t move what you don’t need. You’ll need fewer boxes and supplies to pack up your stuff. It will take less time for movers Edmonton to move your stuff. And if you’re shipping by weight, you’ll have a lighter load to send. All this adds up to savings in your pocket. So it pays to spend time as you’re packing up to determine what you no longer need. Then toss, sell, or donate those items.

Move during the off-season

If you’re reading this, then you’re probably getting ready to move in the near future. That’s good news because you’ll save money if you move during the off-season. In most places, that means October through April. There is less demand for moving services in the off-season, so many companies drop their prices to lure customers. Use that to your advantage.

Reuse packing supplies

We know that it’s convenient to just buy the boxes you need and be done with it. But boxes and other moving supplies can really add up, especially if you purchase them from the moving company. Instead, try to find secondhand boxes that still have life left in them. Many stores will be happy to give you the boxes they would otherwise break down and recycle. You can also search online for people who are giving away their moving boxes. Use newspaper and other recycled paper to cushion packages, and save any packing materials you get when you have things shipped to you. You’ll probably still need to buy packing tape, but you’ll save money if you shop around for bulk packages.

Pack yourself

If you have the money for a full-service moving company, then go for it! There’s nothing like letting someone else pack up all your stuff and move it. But if you’re trying to save some money, then consider packing your boxes yourself. You can then hire a Boise moving company to simply move the boxes to your new location.

Shop around

Finally, you should definitely shop around when using the services of a moving company or a penske truck rental service. Get quotes from multiple movers – at least three. Take into account whether or not they do an in-person or video inspection of what you’ll be moving. Some moving companies may give you a low quote only to charge you more on the day of the move because you have more stuff than they estimated. Also, be sure to research moving companies so you don’t fall victim to a scam.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Do you have a space in your home that’s just, well, sort of quirky? You know what we mean – it’s oddly shaped, small, or has an unusual layout? It can be challenging to figure out what to do with these unique spaces. But those underutilized spaces are actually brimming with possibilities. If you’re trying to make the most of an unusual nook or space in your home, then try one of these inspiring ideas!

Create a reading nook

Do you love reading? Then turn your quirky space into a reading nook! It can be so much fun to read in a space that feels tucked away from everything else in your home. You can make your reading nook cozy with a comfortable chair, a small table, custom drapery and a good reading lamp to get lighting just right. If you have room for a shelf, great. If not, use a basket to collect some of your favorite reading material so it’s always at the ready.

Use it for storage

Who couldn’t use a little extra storage space? Nooks are great for storing things that you don’t regularly use. Even if the space has a challenging configuration, you can add Plastic Shelving to the wall. Use the shelves to display decorative items, or keep them available for storing things you only need once in a while. You can then camouflage the space with a Cotton modern farmhouse curtain set or a room divider.

Make a workstation

Are you one of the millions of Americans who are now working from home? If you don’t have a room that you can use as a home office, then why not turn your nook into a workstation? It’s kind of amazing how little space you need in order to make a functional workspace. Add a small desk, or even use a floating desktop that attaches to the wall. It can then be folded down and out of the way when you aren’t using it.

Use it as a breakfast nook

Do you have a space in or near your kitchen that you’re not quite sure what to do with? Why not create a breakfast nook? It can be nice to have a space to have a casual bite to eat without having to make a mess at the dining room table. Use a small cafe table with two chairs, which is the perfect amount of space for a quick breakfast in the morning.

Make a small home bar

We’re all spending more time at home. So why not turn your unused nook into a bar? Get a glamourous bar cart or a small sideboard for the space. Add your bottles of spirits, barware, and other bar essentials. Soon it will be your favorite place to unwind after a stressful day.

Create a play space for kids

Finally, nooks are great places to create play space for kids. What kid doesn’t want to feel like Harry Potter tucked away under the stairs? You can make any small or challenging space in your home feel like a hideaway for your kids. It’s a great way to spark the imagination and keep your kids’ toys from taking over the entire house.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Brrrrrrrr! Did you just feel a cold draft? Winter is here, and for many of us, that means freezing temperatures. It can also mean higher electric bills when we’re trying to warm up a room that is always cold.

Extreme temperatures can also affect power lines and create blackouts that can take extended periods of time to restore. No power to heat up a room is much worse than a high electric bill. A generator installation, specially if you live in an area where these extreme temperatures can present themselves seasonally, is a great idea to keep your family safe and warm.

But did you know there are many ways that you can make a room warm without cranking up the thermostat or using a space heater? Here are six ways that you can warm up a cold room this winter.

Open vents and registers

If you’ve got a cold room, then the first thing you should do is to make sure that all the registers and vents in that room are open. In addition, check to see if anything is blocking the flow from a register, such as furniture or curtains. Simply making sure that your vents and registers can operate freely can solve your cold room problem in an instant.

Check the furnace filter

Did you remember to clean or replace your furnace filter at the beginning of winter? If not, then that may be why you’re feeling so chilly. According to the Furnace tune up in Scranton, clean filters help to improve airflow and let your system run more efficiently. So be sure to check the filter and clean or replace it if necessary. If you need Furnace maintenance in Manassas, you may need a furnace tune-up provider like the furnace repair in Meridian that can maintain your furnace when it’s running, repair it when it isn’t, and let you know when the time comes to order a new heating replacement. Most importantly, make sure as well to conduct regular repairs and maintenance; you may hire professional HVAC contractors in Arlington, TX. You can as well check out this helpful site at  https://www.arnoldjonesservices.com/ for your furnace needs.

Seal cracks

Another reason you may have a cold room is that cold air is getting in from outside. Check around doors and windows for cracks or gaps. If you find any, then seal them with caulk or weather stripping. You might also use a window film to add an extra layer of protection. Draft guards for doors and windows can also help to keep out the cold.

Reverse ceiling fans

Did you know that you should reverse the rotation of your ceiling fans in the winter? In the summer, set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise. This will push down cool air. But in the winter, reverse the direction to clockwise. Run the ceiling fan at a low speed, which will gently pull up warm and air and force it back down.

Swap out curtains

It’s nice to have light curtains on your windows in the summer. They can let in all that glorious sunshine! But in the winter, swap out curtains for a heavier variety. Using heavy curtains or drapes in the winter can help to keep the cold air out. Leave the drapes open during the day to let in the sunshine, which can help to warm the room. Once the sun sets, close the drapes to help keep the room warm. Portable heaters for camping are a fantastic way to keep warm.

Use area rugs

If your floors are made of wood, tile, or linoleum, then they may feel very cold against your feet. The simplest way to make your floors warmer in the winter is to use area rugs. This will help to keep your feet (and your pets’ feet) warmer in winter. You can even layer your rugs for maximum effect.

Are you desperate to get a handle on cleaning your home, but you’re short on time? Join the club! It can be hard in today’s world to stay on top of everything we need to do, let alone keep a clean house while we’re doing it. That’s why cleaning hacks are so great. You can get much more done in a shorter amount of time when you use our favorite hacks to keep your house clean. You can also check online sites and see varieties of new invention ideas to opt with your cleaning.

Take the stink out of your garbage disposal

Is there a weird funk coming from somewhere in your kitchen? Chances are, that smell is centered in your garbage disposal. Gunk can accumulate inside, so it’s important to give it a clean every now and again. It’s easy to do with a lemon or lime. Simply cut the piece of fruit into a few pieces and run them through the disposal one by one. That will clean out anything that’s in there and leave your kitchen smelling fresh. You may also contact a waste management company to get a better and more efficient garbage disposal service.

Clean the tub with baking soda

We know you want to get your bathtub sparkling clean and thoroughly disinfected. But you don’t need to use harsh chemicals in order to do it. Instead, mix one cup of vinegar with half a cup of baking soda. Add a little hot water and pour it into the tub. Then fill the tub about a quarter of the way full with hot water. Let it sit for a few minutes, drain the water, and rinse the tub. FYI – you can also use this tip for toilets. Just pour in the mixture, let it soak for a few minutes, then flush. However, if you still have clogged drains, then you may consider hiring professional drain cleaning services.

Remove pet hair with rubber gloves

If you’re a pet owner, then you know that pet hair sticks to everything. And while your vacuum cleaner may get most of the hair, there are some places where it just seems to stick like a magnet. Fortunately, there is an easy solution to pick up all that unwanted hair – rubber gloves! Just put them on and rub them against whatever surface you are cleaning. The pet hair will come off like magic! Rinse the gloves to remove any hair that doesn’t easily come off your hands when you’re done.

Clean ceiling fans with a pillowcase

If you regularly use your ceiling fans, then you’ve no doubt noticed that they can accumulate a lot of dust and dirt. But when you try to clean the blades, all the dust floats down onto you and the surrounding furniture. Keep all that dust to a minimum by using a pillowcase to clean the blades. Slip the blade in between the layers of the case and swipe. All the dust will then stay trapped inside. You can then toss the pillowcase in the wash as usual.

Use the power of your dishwasher

Dishwashers are one of the best and amazing invention ideas for every household. But did you know they can be used to clean so much more than your dirty dishes? There are many things you can toss in the dishwasher when they need freshening up. This includes baseball caps, canvas sneakers, makeup brushes, rubber flip flops, plastic toys, combs, and even garden tools!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you hoping to get a handle on your clutter in 2022? Clutter can be seriously demoralizing, and make you feel stuck or burned out. But getting a handle on clutter can feel daunting – or expensive. Fortunately, there are simple ways to organize your stuff with inexpensive items you can find at the thrift store. Did you know that Houston’s top thrift stores sell a lot of stuff on offer to tourists? Now you know. Use the ideas below to help inspire you to get organized this year! You can use these items to organize your home or even the things you kept in a storage unit.

Baskets

Every thrift store has an entire section devoted to baskets. You never need to pay full price for a basket because you’ll always find a huge secondhand selection. Baskets are useful for organizing so many things. Use them for storing your pet’s stuff, displaying magazines in the living room, or stashing away bulk items you pick up at the store. They’re good for every room in the house and come in every shape, size, style, and color imaginable.

Trays

Trays, especially cute vintage varieties, are another thrift store find you can use to organize your clutter. They can be used for keeping all your makeup in one place or for collecting toiletries in the bathroom. Choose a style and material that coordinates well with your existing decorations, or opt for a bold statement piece to create a focal point in a room.

Bowls

Bowls are another organization workhorse that are in full supply at any thrift store. Bowls are great for drop zones – use them to corral mail, keys, or sunglasses. You can use bowls inside junk drawers or on shelves to keep like items together.

Glass jars

Mason and other glass jars are another thrift store staple. Clear glass jars have an almost infinite number of uses. Use them for keeping small items together like screws, nails, or buttons. Or stash cotton swabs in them to display in your bathroom. They can also be used for bulk items in the kitchen like sugar, flour, granola, or oatmeal.

Soda or wine boxes

Before companies switched to cardboard or plastic, many sodas and wines were shipped in wooden boxes or crates. If you find these at a thrift store, then they’re a great thing to pick up as they can be used in so many ways. Use them to store spices, towels, or even paperwork. They’re usually very attractive and can be used as part of your decor.

Cake stands

Much like trays, cake stands are another kind of useful item that you’ll find at the thrift store. Cake stands are not only great for displaying desserts but they can also be used to make your clutter more attractive. Use them next to the stove to keep your oils, salt, and pepper. You can even use them as plant stands. Best of all, they free up the valuable countertop space underneath them.

Tins

Finally, tins are ubiquitous at thrift stores and are a home run in the organization department. You’ll find cookie, popcorn, and tea tins secondhand that can be used for office supplies and other small items. In a pinch, you can also use them as a vase for a bouquet of flowers!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Do you dread heading into your unfinished basement to do a load of laundry? It’s already hard enough to keep on top of your laundry without having to tackle it in a dreary environment. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be such a miserable experience. Here are some unfinished basement ideas to update your basement laundry room so that doing laundry isn’t such a chore. And if you’re having issues with your dryer, you may consider buying a new one from a legit dryer machine sales service.

Paint the floor and add a rug

One of the easiest things you can do to add a little cheer to your basement laundry room is to paint the floor. It’s much easier to paint a concrete floor than to install tile or linoleum. First, clean the concrete and repair cracks. Then use paint that is specially formulated for concrete, Toowoomba Concrete specialists know the best ones for it. Once it’s dry, add a cute throw rug for a pop of color. The throw rug will also add a bit of cushion, which your knees and back will thank you for.

Paint the ceiling

Another way that you can conquer the dreariness of your basement laundry room is to paint the ceiling. Most likely, your basement has an unfinished ceiling with exposed floor joists. Do not fear – you can paint them! Choose a color that matches the floor, or opt for something contrasting to give the room a little more energy.

Paint or decorate the walls

Next, think about adding a little personality to the walls in your basement laundry room. One easy way to do this is to add paint to cheer up the room. But if that sounds like a daunting task, you can simply decorate the walls. Hang signs, add a framed photo you love or even hang bunting for a little pick-me-up while you wash.

Upgrade the lighting

Chances are your basement laundry room has terrible lighting. Nobody likes to labor under fluorescent lights – they can suck all the joy out of a room. So if you want to conquer your basement laundry room, upgrade your lighting. You can simply swap out the fluorescent bulb for one in a warm white instead. Or you can hang cute lighting fixtures from the ceiling by attaching them to the floor joists, similar to this Lighting fixtures. Or do it the cheap and cheerful way by hanging some simple string lights across the room.

Add a folding table

It’s helpful to have a place to fold clean laundry when you take it out of the dryer. Having a large flat surface to fold and stack makes your laundry chores that much easier. You can simply use a folding card table if that’s what you have on hand. Brighten it up with a cute tablecloth. Or invest in a utility table that has built-in shelves so you can use it for storage, too.

Install pegboard

Finally, add simple storage to your basement laundry room by installing a pegboard. It’s easy to install pegboard on unfinished basement walls. Then you can paint the pegboard a pleasing color and use it to hang baskets, an ironing board, or even decorations.

You may also consider having a laundry room and basement waterproofing with the help of a waterproofing services company. This way, you’ll minimize the risk of water damage in this room.