Posts for Syndication

Protect Your Home From Extreme Weather

By

Protect Your Home From Extreme Weather

It’s that time of year when we see stories on the news of communities negatively impacted by severe weather. Whether it’s hurricanes, tornadoes, or Derechos, at some point, every homeowner will experience extreme storms. That’s why it’s so important to get ahead of the game and protect your home before the forecast calls for storms. Here’s what you need to do to get prepared.

Check your insurance policies

Not all insurance policies are created equal. If you’re unsure what would be covered in the case of extreme weather, then review your policies. Damage that is caused by extreme weather may not be covered. This could include sewer back-ups, flooding, or toxic mold caused by water damage. If you live in an area that is prone to extreme weather, then you should consider buying additional coverage from your provider. And if your home has recently suffered from a water damage, make sure to contact a water damage restoration specialist immediately for professional services.

Having water damage in your home can cause a lot of problems. A professional damage restoration company can help you get your home back to normal.

Keep your roof in good shape

One of your best lines of defense in a bad storm is your roof. At some point you may find you need their expert assistance however. Professional roofing contractors can prepare your roof so it can prevent damage from occurring to your home’s interior during intense weather. Keep your gutters free of debris. Look for a Timber Roof Truss Supplier and buy the materials you need. If leaves are clogging your gutters or downspouts, then the water will spill over the sides. This can soak into your foundation and cause flooding in your basement or other damage. You should also seal cracks around vents and chimneys to prevent water from seeping in. If you want to have Roof repairs in New Richmond, Wisconsin Roofing Contractors can help you with all your roof repair needs.

Clean up the yard

Another way to protect your home from extreme weather is to keep the yard clean and tidy. Tree limbs can pose a significant threat, so be sure to remove any branches that are dead or dying. Your home can also be damaged by flying objects, such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden ornaments. If a storm is coming, then take these items inside or ensure they are completely secured. High-speed winds can cause even the smallest object to become hazardous.

Consider back-up power

It’s not unusual to lose power during a strong storm. And if the damage is widespread, then it could be hours — or even days — before your power is restored. If extreme weather has knocked out your power in the past, then consider purchasing a backup power supply such as a home generator. It can help keep the important stuff running, like your refrigerator, until full power is restored and you can hire electricians to help you with this, Reyff Electric has been providing Award Winning Electricians and services for over 40 years and they are a good option for the job. Sportsman generators’ specialty lies in its portability. While being portable, it packs a lot of power to supply electricity to even the most demanding gadgets.

Be ready to shelter in place

There’s no avoiding extreme weather, and sometimes we just have to ride out the storm. Know where you will go inside your home to best protect yourself against strong winds. Keep an emergency kit stocked and ready. It should include flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and tarps. Also, consider stocking up on other essentials like non-perishable foods and water, click here to read more about this.

Know where to go in an evacuation

Finally, sometimes the weather is so extreme that local authorities will call for an evacuation. Have a plan for where you will go in a case like this. Make arrangements to stay with family or friends or even a hotel that is outside the danger zone. Take with you important papers and your valuables. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping you safe and calm during a weather emergency.

Dealing With a Low Appraisal

By

Dealing With a Low Appraisal

When you’re buying a home, part of the closing process will include getting a free home appraisal if you’re applying for a mortgage. Basically, a real estate appraisal evaluates the home to determine its value. When an appraisal comes in below what you’ve agreed to pay for the home, it puts your home purchase in jeopardy because the lender won’t loan you the amount that the seller wants. So what do you do if you get a low appraisal? Here are your options.

Why appraisals sometimes come in low

First of all, let’s discuss why appraisals can come in low. Sometimes, you may get a new appraiser who isn’t familiar with the market or lacks the experience to evaluate your home correctly. Other times, the sellers may have priced their home too high, which isn’t altogether uncommon in today’s seller’s market. Market values have been rising quickly during the pandemic, and it can take time for appraisers to catch up. This results in the appraiser saying the home is worth less than what you’ve agreed to pay for it. So now what happens?

Pay difference with cash

If you have the means, the easiest way to deal with a low appraisal is to simply pay the difference in cash. The lender will not loan you more than what the appraiser said the home is worth, so you’ll need to cover that gap with your own cash. Your lender is only concerned with the loan-to-value ratio, which means how much of the value of the home is taken up with the mortgage. The lender will only make a loan for the loan-to-value ratio as agreed to in your contract.

Negotiate a price reduction

Another way to deal with a low appraisal is to negotiate a price reduction with the seller. Of course, the seller will want to get top dollar for their home. But they may realize that if your deal falls through, the next deal could also fall through for the same reason. In addition, an appraisal has a term of validity. These usually last anywhere from 120 – 180 days, so the seller will be stuck with that valuation for some time. If you don’t have the cash to cover the difference, then asking for a break on price is your next best bet. You can also split the difference 50/50, where the buyer pays half the difference in cash and the seller knocks half the difference off the price.

Dispute the appraisal

Sometimes the appraiser gets it wrong. If you think that’s the case, then ask your lender to request a second appraisal. You can also get a list of comparable sales from your real estate agent and give it to your underwriter. Ask the underwriter to review the appraisal using the comps you’ve provided. You can also ask your agent to find out the sales prices of pending sales in the area. Housing values have increased quickly this year, so this may be a good route to try.

Back out of the deal

Finally, you may just need to back out of the deal if there’s no compromise that can be made. If you have a financing contingency in your contract then you won’t be penalized. This is one reason why including a financing contingency is so important when making an offer on a home, especially in today’s market.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Fall 2021 Is a Great Time To Sell

By

Fall 2021 Is a Great Time To Sell

The housing market continues to perform strongly in 2021. Buyer demand remains high due to low interest rates and changing trends caused by the pandemic. But there is one thing that the housing market still lacks — homes for sale. There has been a shortage of inventory for quite some time, and although more and more homes are being listed, it’s still not enough to keep up with demand. If you’ve been on the fence about selling your home, then it’s time to consider listing. Fall 2021 is turning out to be an excellent time to sell your home. Here’s what you need to know to sell houses fast.

Less competition from other sellers

One of the best things about selling your home during the fall of 2021 is that you’ll see less competition. In any market, you want your home to stand out from the rest. But when there’s a shortage of homes for sale, it’s easy to get attention from buyers. In essence, you will be selling during a seller’s market, and there really is no better time than that. Zee Holdings Buy houses in Bridgeport CT for cash and can help you process all of the paperwork so you can sell your house as fast as possible.

Still need to price your home correctly

Even though there are more buyers than there are homes for sale, that doesn’t mean you can price your home sky high. If you price your home too high from the beginning, then you’ll likely scare away most buyers. They will see that your home is priced more than other comparable homes in your area. Your home could sit on the market for too long while buyers wait for a price reduction. You’ll be in a better position if you price your home correctly from the beginning. It’s entirely possible that you’ll still receive offers at, near, or above your asking price.

Get your home ready for listing

Buyers still want to see homes that are well taken care of. You’ll get more and better offers if you properly prepare your home for listing. This means de-cluttering, de-personalizing, and cleaning your entire home. Make small repairs like fixing leaky faucets or patching holes in drywall. Paint your rooms in neutral colors and spruce up your curb appeal. If you think your home may need major upgrades like a roofing replacement before listing, then talk to your agent. They can advise you about whether or not it makes sense to make those repairs or let the buyer do it once you close. Then, look for a local roofing contractor who will be able to complete the project within your schedule. And if you are looking to replace your roofing with a durable Boral Clay Tile roof installation, then a professional roofing contractor can help you.

Be prepared for multiple offers

You may receive multiple offers on your home in today’s market. It is not uncommon in these unusual times for homes to spark bidding wars amongst buyers. The competition for homes is fierce, and some buyers will go to any length to make sure their offer stands out. But when you get multiple offers you need to know how to deal with them. Sometimes you may decide to choose the offer for the most money. Other times, you may wish to choose the offer that lets you stay in your home until you find a new one to buy. Or you may be swayed by the buyer’s personal story and attraction to your home. Ultimately, you need to decide what your priorities are when selling so that you can choose the offer that best meets those needs.

Optimize Your Bedroom For Sleep

By

Optimize Your Bedroom For Sleep

Getting set up in a new house can be a lot of fun! There’s nothing like starting fresh and making a home your own. When it’s time to move into your bedroom, you should think like a sleep expert. Many people have trouble sleeping at night, and some of these problems can be helped by simply designing your bedroom with sleep in mind. If you’re ready to get a good night’s sleep, then use these tips to create a peaceful and relaxing oasis in your bedroom.

Keep it dark

Light can be the enemy of sleep. This includes sunlight that pours through the windows or the light transmitted from electric devices like smartphones and tablets. If you want to get good sleep, then you want to keep your bedroom as dark as possible at night. Invest in some good blackout curtains that will filter out both sunlight and street lights. Wear a blackout mask to banish light completely. And, of course, avoid using devices while in bed. Your smartphone, computer, tablet, and/or television can seriously affect your ability to get rest.

Establish a no-work zone

In addition to keeping electronics out of your bedroom, you should also designate it as a work-free zone. The lines between our personal and professional lives have blurred, especially during the pandemic when so many of us are working from home. But you can’t get good sleep if you’re worried about work. Keep all work-related items out of your bedroom. If your bedroom doubles as a home office space, then find a way to partition your desk from your bed. You can use a room divider, bookcase, or even curtain panels hung from the ceiling. This room dividers uk supplier offers mesmerizing and original room screens for privacy and decoration. Also, consider turning your closet into your workspace so you can simply shut the door when work is over for the day.

Limit noise

Sounds can wreak havoc on the quality of your sleep. For this reason, you should try to soundproof your bedroom as much as possible. It is easy to be disturbed by traffic noises, loud neighbors, or even the other occupants of your home. Reduce or mask noise by using a white noise machine or earplugs. You can also minimize how much sound enters your room by using weather tape around windows or placing large furniture against exterior walls.

Keep it cool

Did you know that temperature can seriously affect how well you sleep? It is proven that homeowners with split system installation are more likely to get a good night’s sleep. Most people sleep best in a somewhat cool environment. The ideal temperature for most people is somewhere between 60 and 68 agrees so make sure that your ac unit gets an annual air conditioning system repair or tune-up from a professional air conditioning repair technician or a reputable air conditioning repair company. If you don’t have an air conditioning system, you can check my site if you wish to install one. You can also buy a cooling pillow that stays cool to the touch while you sleep (they really do work!).

Keep decor minimal

Finally, don’t be tempted to stuff your bedroom with all your favorite items. You’ll sleep better with fewer distractions. Remove all clutter from your bedroom, especially anything that reminds you of work to be done like piles of laundry. Having fewer items in your room also means you’ll have fewer things to clean. Keeping your bedroom clean is a great way to help ensure that you’ll have a good night’s sleep tonight and for many nights to come.

Fighting Allergies at Home

By

Fighting Allergies at HomeDo you find yourself sniffling and sneezing at certain times of the year? Allergies are certainly common and often caused by seasonal changes. But what happens when you start getting itchy eyes and a runny nose while you’re inside? Could you be allergic to something in your home? It turns out that many people do suffer from allergies to things commonly found inside homes, like mold, pet dander, and dust mites. If this sounds like you, then read on to discover easy ways such as doing mold allergy prevention to combat allergies when you’re at home.

Become friends with your vacuum

One of the easiest ways to keep allergies at bay in your home is to vacuum frequently. Make sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter which removes nearly 100 percent of things such as dust, pollen, and mold. You should vacuum both carpet and hardwood floors at least once a week.

Use a mask

We’ve all gotten used to wearing masks when we’re out and about, and you no doubt have a nice stash of them. Wear them when you’re cleaning and dusting your home. This will help keep you from breathing in those particles that give you an allergic reaction. An N95 mask is the best choice, but even a fabric mask will protect you.

Keep the windows open

Another way to get relief from indoor allergies is to keep doors and windows open, especially when you’re cleaning. This lets air move freely through your home which will expose you to fewer allergens. The only time you shouldn’t do this is when the pollen count is high, as that could trigger a reaction.

Keep pets out of your bedroom

We know how much you love cuddling with your furry best friend. But they could be the cause of your indoor allergies. For this reason, you should keep your pets out of your bedroom. Many people react to allergens from cats and dogs, and pets can also track in mold and pollen from outside. Since you spend a good deal of time in your bedroom, try to limit how much time your pets spend in there with you.

Avoid upholstery and carpeting

Allergens can get trapped in upholstery and carpeting, which is why many experts recommend minimizing your use of upholstered furniture and rugs. This is especially true in your bedroom. One of the worst things you can do if you suffer from indoor allergies is to have an upholstered headboard. Since your head is next to it all night long, it can make your allergy symptoms much worse. Opt for a wood or metal headboard instead. If your home has carpet flooring, you should consider hiring carpet cleaning professionals who can provide advanced carpet cleaning services to ensure that dirt and allergens are removed from your carpets.

Avoid steamy showers

We know how good it feels to take a hot, steamy shower, especially on a cold day. But if you have indoor allergies, you should avoid filling your bathroom with steam. Steam can cause mold to grow. The Raleigh mold testing service from Signal Hygiene is the best in the industry and whom most companies try to emulate. Dust mites also thrive in humid environments. In addition to limiting how steamy your bathroom gets, you should also run the fan to keep the air moving. If you notice signs of mold growth, make sure to contact a mold removal specialist immediately for professional mold remediation services.

Get an air purifier

Finally, if indoor allergies truly make you suffer, then it could be worth it to invest in an air purifier, especially in your bedroom. Buy air cleaner wholesale for a good bargain. To make it even more effective, run the air purifier in your bedroom during the day with the door closed. This will clean the air before you go to sleep so you’ll have a restful night.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Easy Tips For a Healthier, Happier Home

By

Easy Tips For a Healthier, Happier HomeWe all want our homes to be safe and healthy places. After all, we spend a lot of time in them, especially these days. Our homes reflect who we are, and they can influence how we feel. When our living spaces are cluttered and dirty, it can lead to feelings of unease or even sickness. But when our homes are clean and organized, it can make us feel happier and healthier. The best news is that you don’t have to spend tons of time and money to have a healthier, happier home.

Here are our best tips to help you achieve it:

Eat well

You can imagine how important this is, giving to your body the necessary vitamins and minerals will keep you fit and healthy.

Leave your shoes at the door

One of the easiest ways to keep your floors clean is to take off your shoes when you get home. There’s a reason why many cultures have embraced this practice. When you take off your shoes you don’t track in dirt and bacteria that you picked up outside. Plus, when you slide your shoes off, it gives you a mental cue that it’s time to relax. So leave a comfy pair of house shoes for women or slippers by the door to slip into when you get home.

Use the good dishes

Do you have a set of dishes you use every day and a set that you only bust out for special occasions? Why not make every day a special occasion? Using your nice china can make even an ordinary meal feel special, and there’s no reason you can’t use your good dishes every day. If those nice dishes make you feel good, then by all means use them regularly.

Play soothing sounds

It’s easier than ever to play music at home. With our smartphones, home assistants, and integrated technology, we have an entire music library at our fingertips at all times. But instead of blasting your favorite band, why not play some soothing sounds when you want to unwind? Nature sounds are a wonderful way to feel relaxed, whether you’re listening to a babbling brook in a forest or the waves crashing against the beach. This is especially good when you’re winding down for bed.

Vacuum under your bed

When was the last time you actually vacuumed under the abyss of your bed? It’s a spot we often forget. Yet it’s a place where pet hair, dust, and dirt can easily accumulate. If you have sensitivity to these things, then regularly vacuuming under your bed can help ease those reactions. Plus, the American Heart Association says 20 minutes of vacuuming is like walking one mile, so go ahead and do a few more rooms while you’re at it. To further ensure that there are no harmful allergens in your home, you may consider scheduling a periodic indoor air quality inspection.

Open the windows

This is one of the easiest ways to refresh your living spaces and your mood. Open the windows! There’s nothing like a breath of fresh air to reinvigorate you. Retractable fly screens Brisbane allow air but block insects. Just make sure it’s on a day when there isn’t an air quality alert or high pollen counts.

Take screen breaks

We spend so much time staring at screens every day, whether it’s our phones, computers, or televisions. Make sure to have some time each day that is screen-free. In fact, when was the last time you read a good book? Maybe now is a great time to finally put your library card to use!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Say Goodbye To These Organizing Trends

By

Say Goodbye To These Organizing TrendsWe know that interior design styles come and go. But did you know that the way we organize our homes is also subject to the whims of our times? It’s true! While Marie Kondo has been inspiring people to determine what “sparks joy” for them, it is simply one organizing trend that will eventually be replaced by another. With that in mind, here are the organizing trends that have been popular in recent years but will soon be on their way out according to experts.

Wooden hangers

Wooden hangers have long been a favorite for those who want a little luxury in their lives. But wooden hangers are on their way out. While they look amazing in a closet, they take up significantly more space than other types of hangers. With space at a premium for so many people, wooden hangers aren’t a great choice. In addition, if you find you need more hangers down the road, it is difficult to find some that match exactly.

Sorting items by color

Have you seen those Instagram posts where people have sorted all their books by color? It certainly looks amazing. But it’s also extremely difficult to find what you’re looking for unless your books are only decorative. Not only that, but color palates are moving in softer, more muted directions. Look for the rainbow-sorting trend to fizzle out soon.

Closet cubbies

People have been using cubbies to corral their items in closets for quite some time. But this trend is also on its way out — especially when you’re organizing your shoes. Cubbies often only have room for one shoe — if the shoe fits at all. Instead, professional organizers are steering their clients to open shelves instead of cubbies. Shelves allow you to prominently display your shoes and also maximize your space.

Pot racks

Kitchen pot racks have been popular for some time, but they are also on their way out. Pot racks tend to make kitchens look cluttered. More and more kitchen designs these days are emphasizing clean lines and storing pots in cabinet rollouts or on shelves.

Open shelves in the kitchen

While we agree that open shelves can look wonderful in the kitchen, the reality is that few people can pull them off. In order to make open shelves work, you need to limit the amount of stuff on them. And let’s face it — if there’s any room in the house where we have lots of stuff, it’s the kitchen. Stick to closed cabinets instead.

Overly specific organizers

You already have so many things to buy. Do you really need to also buy organizing products for very specific items? The answer is no. This trend is on its way out and will be replaced with more universal products that can be used in a variety of ways. Simplicity is key here, and so is using items you may already have, such as plastic bins or even pretty shoeboxes.

One thing to remember, though, when talking about organizing trends on their way out — you can certainly keep them if you love them! If you adore the way your rainbow-colored bookshelf looks, then keep it! If wooden hangers make you swoon, then don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Trends come and go, and you don’t need to follow them all.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Essential Dishwasher Upkeep

By

Essential Dishwasher UpkeepDishwashers are easily one of the best innovations of our modern lives. Put your dirty dishes in and a short time later they’re clean and sparkling without any effort on your part. But have you ever put any thought or time into keeping your dishwasher in good working order? Here’s what you should be doing on the regular in order to keep your dishwasher in tip-top shape.

Clean your dishwasher every three months

It may seem counterintuitive, but your dishwasher does need cleaning every now again. The machine that’s responsible for keeping your dishes clean will accumulate dirt and gunk over time. Experts recommend using a dishwasher cleaner every three months if you’re an average user. It’s as simple as dropping in a cleaning tablet and running the dishwasher empty.

Spot clean components

Even if you do use a cleaning tablet on your dishwasher, you should also spot clean its components when needed. First, consult the owner’s manual so you know where each of these components is located and how to clean them properly. You’ll want to wipe down the spray arm and clean blockages with a toothpick. Then wipe down the door and the rubber seals around the door with a little dishwashing detergent and water. Finally, remove and clean the filter if your dishwasher has one. Food can often get trapped in the filter which will make your machine run less effectively.

Load it properly

You could easily write a manifesto based on how to load a dishwasher. There are many different ways to load your dishes in order for them to come out sparkling clean. But according to Consumer Reports, the first thing you should do is look at the owner’s manual. It may have specific advice about how to load your dishes. Otherwise, place glasses, cups, small bowls, and plastics on the top rack. Plates, serving bowls, and other large items belong on the bottom rack. The largest items should be placed on the sides so they don’t block the water sprayer. Don’t crowd your dishes, and don’t worry about pre-rinsing. Most dishwashers have sensors that will make adjustments based on how dirty your dishes are. Finally, unload the bottom rack first so that water that has collected on the top rack doesn’t splash down on them.

Consider using tablets

Many people swear by using dishwasher tablets when cleaning their dishes. Powders and gels tend to wash away quickly. But tablets dissolve slowly throughout the entire cleaning cycle. That means they’re more effective at getting your dishes really clean.

Know when to replace it

Finally, know when to replace your dishwasher. First of all, if your dishwasher is more than 10 years old you should consider replacing it. New dishwashers are incredibly efficient and use much less water. Otherwise, think about replacing your dishwasher when the control panel stops working, when the spray arm doesn’t turn, when your dishes consistently come out dirty, or when the machine dies mid-cycle. You should also consider replacing your dishwasher if repair costs are more than 50 percent of the cost of a new machine.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Can You Rescind Your Offer?

By

Can You Rescind Your Offer?

In today’s housing market, buyers are discovering that they have to act fast in order to get an offer accepted on a home. Housing inventory remains low while demand from buyers is high. When you find a home you like, it’s essential to make an offer as soon as possible to try to beat the competition. But what happens if you end up deciding you’re not interested in that home after all? Can you rescind your offer once it’s been accepted? Let’s take a closer look at this particular situation.

Reasons to back out

There are many reasons why you may decide to back out of an offer to buy a home. These include:

  • Your needs or personal situation has changed since you made the offer.
  • The seller hasn’t responded to your offer in a timely fashion.
  • You get a low appraisal on the home.
  • The home inspection uncovers problems that the seller does not want to address before closing.

It’s important to know that there are ramifications for backing out of your offer, depending on the situation.

Backing out without ramifications

The best time to rescind your offer on a home is before a purchase agreement is signed by both the buyer and the seller. At this point, there is no legal obligation to continue with your offer. So if the seller hasn’t responded to your offer yet, you’re in the clear. Just be sure to withdraw your offer in writing.

Backing out when there is a contingency

Your real estate contract will most likely include at least one contingency. Contingencies are conditions that must be met in order for the sale to continue. Both parties agree on these contingencies and they can include an appraisal contingency, a home inspection contingency, a home sale contingency, and/or a financing contingency. In most cases, if you rescind your offer based on one or more of these agreed-upon contingencies, you can get your earnest money deposit back. Just make sure you are following the deadlines and filing addendums to your contract if you need more time to meet them.

Backing out without a contingency

Things get sticky when you want to rescind your offer without a contingency. In these cases, you will most likely lose your earnest money deposit. That can be anywhere from 1 – 3 percent of the purchase price — or more. When you pay the earnest money deposit, it’s basically a guarantee that you will follow through with the purchase. If you don’t hold up your end of the bargain by buying the home, then the seller is legally allowed to keep your deposit. After all, they took their home off the market in good faith and will now have to deal with putting the home back on the market.

How to avoid the situation

Nobody wants to deal with the uncomfortable experience of pulling their accepted offer on a home. That’s why it’s essential to know what you’re looking for in a home before you begin your search. By defining what you want and need — and determining how much you have to spend — you’ll know right away when you’ve found the home you’ve been looking for.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Last-Minute Summer Staycation Tips

By

Last-Minute Summer Staycation TipsDid the summer fly by without you having the chance to take a much-needed vacation? The last year and a half have been tough for everyone, and it’s important that you take time off to have some fun. If you didn’t get around to planning a getaway, then there’s no reason you can’t have a staycation. Taking a few days off at home can be just what you need. Follow these tips to make sure your last-minute staycation leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

No phones

The first, and most important, tip for having a good staycation is that no phones are allowed. While many of us use our phones to relax, they are also a source of stress. Put them away! Don’t check your email, don’t look at news apps, and don’t scroll through social media. Set your away message on your email accounts so you can truly take a break from your digital life.

Prepare your space

It’s easy to get distracted by all the chores that you need to do. That can put a serious damper on your staycation. Set yourself up for success by preparing your space in advance. Clean your kitchen and bathroom and shop for groceries. Put clean sheets on your bed. Splurge on a vase of fresh flowers. Have some scented candles ready to make your home cozy. You should also ensure that you’ll have cool and comfortable temperature even in the middle of summer by hiring an air conditioning services technician to conduct tune-ups on your air conditioning installation. If you have an old ac unit you want to replace with a new, energy-efficient one, then make sure to contact a professional air conditioning installation specialist to install one for you. The more you can make your home feel like an escape, the better.

Make a playlist

We have so much music at our fingertips. But how often do you really listen to music at home just for the fun of it? Curate a playlist that you can listen to at home while you’re on your staycation. Choose music that makes you feel like you’re on a getaway, whether it’s music you’d hear in a French cafe or perhaps a little Jimmy Buffet to get those beach vibes going.

Get a beach read

Speaking of beach vibes, who doesn’t love a good beach read on vacation? Buy (or borrow from the library) a light and fun work of fiction that you can escape to during your staycation. Don’t choose something you need to read for work or any heavy nonfiction. Give your brain a rest and let it have some fun.

Drink fancy water

One of the little perks of going on vacation is having ice-cold water with chunks of fruit in it. You can easily create that at home to bring a little hotel life to your kitchen. Fill a pitcher with water and add slices of cucumber, strawberries, or chunks of watermelon. It will taste just like a vacation.

Treat yourself to turn-down service

Think about how rested you feel after sleeping in a nice hotel. Then recreate that experience in your own bedroom. Turn down your bed and spritz a light linen spray on your pillows (lavender is nice), or fire up your essential oil diffuser. Put a glass of your fancy water next to the bed along with the book you’re reading. Dim the lights and light a candle. Then leave the room for a few minutes. When you return, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a sanctuary, and you’ll feel yourself decompress. We promise it will be one of the best night’s nights of sleep you’ve ever had at home.

Compliments of Virtual Results