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It’s hard to believe, but summer is winding down and kids will be heading back to school soon – if they haven’t started already. If you’re looking around your home wondering how you’re going to get organized for the upcoming school year, take some hints from the suggestions below to make sure your family is ready for when days start early and schedules get busy.

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Ease into it

Transitions can be hard – especially so if they’re abrupt. Don’t try to change overnight and hope for the best. Spend some time in the days leading up to the first day of school to get your school papers organized and the house in order. Get the kids (and adults, too) on a regular sleep schedule, going to bed a little earlier and getting up a little earlier each day. It’ll make those first few days a little less rough.

Get organized

You know how things get once kids begin bringing homework, art projects, sports equipment and more home – it can get chaotic real quick. Do yourself a favor and get your home organized before school begins. Know where those endless memos from school will live, where backpacks will be stored and where kids should put dirty sports gear. Starting with a clean slate and having a plan in place will help you keep things under control as the school year activities amp up.

Take stock

Isn’t it annoying when you go to the store to buy school supplies, only to come home and find a stash of folders, pens and paper in a place you forgot to look? Now is the time to do a thorough inventory of what you already have and what you’re going to need. Make a list of what every kid will need when you go to the store, so you don’t end up spending extra money on items that will go unused.

Create a homework zone

Kids and homework go hand in hand. While it may be tempting to simply let them complete their homework assignments at the kitchen table or even (gasp!) on the couch in front of the TV, your child will be more successful if they have a quiet place to study and work. Set up a desk in their bedroom or another room of the house such as the family room, and give them places to store their papers and supplies. For Playground Painting Ideas, you can visit https://playgroundpaintingideas.co.uk/.

Make a snack station

Busy families are often on the go, and there isn’t always time to sit down together for a proper meal. Make a snack station in your kitchen stocked with healthy snacks like dried fruit, nuts, juice and granola bars. When kids are hungry after school, they can grab their own snacks without having to bother a parent.

Designate a lunch spot in the fridge

Making lunches for school every day can get a little tedious, so give yourself a break and designate a spot in your refrigerator just for lunch supplies. Packing and storing lunches for the morning will be so much easier!

Use these tips to give yourself a leg up this school season by getting your home ready before the first of the year. Do you have any other great ideas that work well for you? We’d love to hear them!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Have you been thinking about selling your fixer upper? Perhaps you’ve been hesitant to get started – selling a home can be a daunting task, let alone one that needs obvious work. Perhaps you’ve got an outdated kitchen, a closed-off floor plan or a bathroom that hasn’t been updated since 1932.

But don’t worry! While a fixer upper isn’t right for every potential buyer, there are people out there who may be looking for exactly what you have to offer. Here’s what you should keep in mind to make the most of your fixer upper listing.

Emphasize your home’s qualities

Maybe your home needs new floors or a landscape overhaul – but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its own special perks or charm. Take a good look around your home and see what qualities it does have that can help sell it. Is it situated on a large lot with beautiful, old trees? Is the woodwork original? Maybe it’s in a desirable location with a good school system. Emphasize those qualities when marketing your property.

Choose the right price

Potential homeowners interested in a fixer upper aren’t looking to pay top dollar for your house – they’re hunting for a bargain. If the price is too high, you’ll likely scare off some possible buyers. Check the comparables in your neighborhood and price your home lower. Draw attention to your bargain price in marketing materials to attract those who are looking to trade in their carpentry skills for a price break.

Fix it up

Obviously you won’t be making extensive repairs to your fixer upper before you sell it, but it won’t hurt to give it a little makeover. Make sure it’s clean, add a new coat of paint, conduct priority repairs like plumbing or roof repair, trim and clean the yard and stage it so prospective buyers can imagine what it might be like to live there once it’s fixed up. If the property requires a new commercial roof construction, you should consider hiring professional roofers who can provide professional commercial roofing installation services.

Be honest

It’s important that you’re upfront about the condition of your fixer upper from the start. Make it clear in marketing materials that the house will need some work – you’ll save yourself the headache of having to deal with disappointed prospects. During the closing process you’ll need a home inspection, which will highlight whatever flaws exist, so be sure to be open about them from the beginning.

Work with the right agent

Not all real estate agents have experience selling fixer uppers. Call several agents and ask them about their history selling homes that need repairs. Contact those who normally sell homes in the price range you’re looking for; they’ll have the knowledge you need about the current market and how to properly price your home so that it sells quickly and doesn’t sit languishing on the market for months. They’ll also be able to offer advice about any repairs that may be essential before you sell and how to best market your property.

All in all, selling a fixer upper doesn’t need to be an overly difficult process. By knowing your home’s selling points and working with the right agent, in the end you can have a sale you feel good about.

There’s no way around it – moving can be really stressful! But when you throw a pet into the mix, it can make the task even more daunting. If you’re getting ready to move, but aren’t sure what to do to make the experience less stressful for you and your pet, read on.

1. Tag and microchip

With so many people coming in and out of the house during a move, an otherwise well-adjusted pet may get a little spooked and bolt. Moving day is already stressful enough without having to search the neighborhood for your nervous dog. Be sure you pet is microchipped and wearing a collar that clearly identifies your contact information. Also check that the chip registry has the correct information and update it to your new address.

2. Visit the vet

Your vet is a great resource for you during a move. They can recommend behavior modification techniques or even medication to help quiet your pet’s nerves. You may even be able to get a recommendation for a vet by your new home. Ask for your pet’s medical records before you leave so you can give them to the new vet. And if your dog has lost weight or is underweight, you can buy this muscle gainer for dogs to jumpstart their growth. You should also give your dog healthy food. There are some dog ate brussel sprouts that have a lot of healthy benefits.

3. Get your pet comfortable

At minimum, your pet is probably going to have to travel in a car to their new home. If your pet has travel anxiety, give them a few practice trips in the car before the big day. If you’ll be transporting them in a carrier, put the carrier in your home with the door open and a favorite toy inside so they can get used to it.

4. Have a moving day plan

Your home will be a flurry of activity on the day of the move, so make arrangements for your pet to be out of the house on that day if possible. Choose the best overnight boarding for your pet in leslieville or ask a friend or family member to keep them for the day. If your pet must stay at home, keep them in a quiet room with the door closed.

5. Have pet supplies ready

You’ll want to get your pet settled into your new home as soon as possible, so pack them a bag that contains all the essentials they’ll need, including food, water, a bed and a litter box.

6. Prepare for travel

If your move requires a trip on an airline, be sure to make arrangements with the airline beforehand. Some airlines allow pets in the cabin if they can fit under the seat. If not, they may need to travel with checked baggage. If you’re driving to your new house and will need to spend the night in a hotel, find the ones on your route that are pet friendly.

7. Know the rules

Familiarize yourself with any pet laws at your new location, including leash laws and license and vaccination requirements.

8. Create a sanctuary in your new home

It may take awhile for your pet to get settled into their new home. Create a sanctuary for them in a quiet area of the home that includes their food and water bowls, litter box, beds and toys.

9. Introduce them to the neighborhood

If you have a dog, work on establishing a routine as soon as possible. Schedule regular walks in the morning and evening to familiarize them with the neighborhood.

10. Save yourself a headache or two

If you are traveling great distances, including to a foreign country, you might consider hiring a pet relocation service. They can guide you through the process and help move your pet from one location to the next, saving you a few headaches and lots of stress along the way.

Compliments of Virtual Results

As if moving isn’t already stressful enough, it can leave you vulnerable to identity theft. Your personal information is being shared repeatedly while you transfer from one home to the next, making you a potential target to thieves. If you’re getting ready to move, follow these tips to make sure you don’t become a victim.

Lock up important papers during open houses

When you are selling your home, potential buyers will be coming and going while you are not there. Be sure to lock up all your sensitive information during showings to make sure wandering eyes can’t find things like your birth certificate, tax returns or insurance forms.

Submit change of address

Fill out and submit a change of address form to the US Postal Service at least 10 days before your move to ensure that your mail isn’t getting into the wrong hands. You should also inform other service providers and companies of your change of address, including:

• Banks and other financial institutions
• Credit card companies
• Insurance carriers
• Utility companies
• Magazine and newspaper providers
• Schools
• Employers
• Any other company that may send personal information to you through the mail

Choose a reputable mover

Not only do you want all of your personal belongings to arrive intact, you want to make sure nothing is stolen – including your sensitive financial information. Take time to research moving companies online, check them out with the Better Business Bureau and schedule a meeting with each prospect. You may pay a little more for trusted companies like americans mover and have to book in advance during peak moving seasons, but the peace of mind is absolutely worth it.

Protect sensitive documents

Most movers charge by weight, so there’s good reason to unload old documents you no longer need, such as credit card and bank statements from pervious years. But don’t just toss them in the garbage or recycling as-is. Thieves who are prone to looking through your garbage are doubly encouraged when they see you are moving, so it’s wise to invest in a good shredder and shred all documents that you are tossing out. Even old utility bills should be disposed of properly – when in doubt, shred it.

Take important papers in hand

Instead of loading the papers you intend to keep onto the moving truck, if possible carry them by hand to your next home. This way, they never leave your sight and are less likely to come into contact with someone who could use them to steal your identity.

Reset passwords

If you’ve gotten lax about password strength on your electronic devices such as your laptop, tablet or smartphone, make sure to reset your passwords. They should be long and strong and different for each device.

Monitor your accounts

Continue to closely monitor all your financial accounts during and for several months after your move. Check your credit report and score and consider signing up for fraud monitoring services to alert you to any suspicious activity.

By following the simple advice outlined above, you can keep you and your family safe from identity theft during your upcoming move.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Multigenerational living has been on the rise in America in the last few years. According to the Pew Research Center, analysis of the most recent census data shows that 57 million Americans – over 18 percent of the population – live in households with multiple generations of family. Many factors have spurred this development including the increasing longevity of Americans, students moving back home to economize and pay off school loans and the lingering effects of the recession.

If you’re one of the families considering consolidating their living situation and bringing several generations together under one roof, here are some suggestions and things to think about to help you make the most of the experience.

Privacy

When more than one adult generation is sharing a living space, privacy becomes a critical issue. Ideally, the adults in the home should have their own master suites with separate entrances so they have the option of privacy. Larger shared living spaces, such as living and family rooms, should have different areas designated for the generations, such as a spot just for toys that is away from where an elderly adult might trip and fall. Also having spaces for each generation to relax and entertain can be important, especially if you have vast differences of taste in how you like to unwind after a long day. And while having a totally separate kitchen could be a nice bonus, a simple kitchenette can give an elderly parent a place to prepare a quick meal or drink without having to use a shared space.

Flexibility

One of the hallmarks of the multigenerational family is the need for flexibility, as living situations will continue to change as family members age. Rooms should be kept neutral to allow for them to be utilized in different ways as a family’s needs change. For example, if a child leaves for college, her bedroom could become an office or guest bedroom.

Accessibility

Open access for all members of the family living together is another important consideration. Do any members of the family have accessibility concerns, like using a wheelchair or a walker? Will stairs be an issue? Are the doors and hallways wide enough to accommodate everyone? Can bathrooms be outfitted with safety precautions like handrails in the shower? Before getting an elderly member of the family moved into a new home, be sure it’s been properly prepared for their arrival.

Bills

With so many adults living under the same roof, there will be some question as to how to divide up bills and other living costs such as groceries and cable. Every family will have different ways to deal with this, but the important thing is to make those arrangements beforehand so that everyone knows what they are responsible for and feels comfortable. It will go a long way towards alleviating any potential conflict in the future.

Communication

In the end, what is going to make the biggest impact on your quality of life is maintaining ongoing communication between all the generations living together. Schedule regular family meetings – preferably in a neutral location outside the house – so that everyone can check in about what is and isn’t working.

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Are you thinking about buying a home in a gated community, but wondering whether or not it’s right for you? You may be asking yourself if its safer or whether or not the home will retain its value better when its time to resell.

The electric gates for homes in the UK are becoming more and more popular these days because it offers a lot of security to the home owners. Here’s a look at what you need to know so that you can make an educated decision.

Safety

When it comes to security, the perception is that gated communities offer homeowners a greater level of protection against crimes such as burglaries. But you also need to consider how easy it is to get inside the gate. Are the security gates manned or unmanned? Are the gates often left unlocked? Are the codes to the gate well known because neighbors give them to dog walkers and pizza delivery people regularly?

In 2005, the Orlando Sentinel reviewed the sheriff’s reports for more than 1,400 Florida homes. What they discovered is that rates of residential burglaries and stolen cars were reported at almost exactly the same rate in both gated and ungated communities. Cases of vandalism were reported at slightly lower rates in gated neighborhoods. If safety is your main concern, gated communities don’t offer significantly higher protection from crime. Instead, you should bolster the security of your home by installing a video surveillance system and upgrading your locks through locksmith services.

Traffic

A reduction in traffic is definitely an area where gated communities perform better than neighborhoods without gates. The gates deter using the community as a thoroughfare and since the gate forces cars to slow down, traffic is usually slower and quieter. If you have kids that like to play outside and ride their bikes, gated communities make it safer for them. Since buying a tandem bike my partner and I have enjoyed many hours riding safely inside our gated community.

Prices

Be prepared to pay a higher price for a home within a gated community. These properties are usually part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), which collects fees to pay for maintenance of the streets, gate, landscaping and other community amenities. You can expect to pay hundreds or even thousands more in fees over the years.

Uniformity

Gated communities are attractive to some buyers because they come with an air of exclusivity. Many communities enforce strict codes of conduct that everyone living within the gates must follow, and you may or may not like this depending on your tastes. There may be restrictions on what colors you can paint your home, where you can park your vehicles and how long you can have guests stay with you. Some people enjoy living in a community where everyone is following the same guidelines, while others find this type of environment too restricting.

Convenience

Convenience – or maybe lack thereof – should also be a consideration when deciding whether or not to buy in a gated community. If the community has a manned gate, you may sometimes have to wait in line to be let in. It can also be an inconvenience to any guests you may have, as they will possibly have to check in at a gate or be buzzed in by a resident. There may also be restrictions on the number of parking spaces allotted to guests.

In the end, only you can decide if a gated community is the right choice for you and your family. By knowing ahead of time both the pros and the cons of living in this kind of neighborhood, you’ll be better able to make that choice when the time comes.

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Does choosing the perfect paint color for your home feel a little bit like finding Bigfoot – mythical and elusive? Do you stare at the racks and racks of paint chips at the hardware store and break out in The answer might be in  a professional from professional from Alex Trend Painters, who can give you great ideas and do an amazing job.

Don’t worry – we’ve all been there. Color can have a big impact on the feel of a room, so it can be a little intimidating if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are some pointers to get you started and to ensure you’ll have a finished product that you love.

Choose an inspiration piece

Do you have a favorite throw pillow? Did you happen across a picture in a magazine that speaks to you? Maybe you have a dress that makes you feel really special every time you wear it. Chances are, the colors in those pieces have a lot to do with why you’re drawn to them, so why not use them as inspiration? Choose a color or two from the palette and go from there. In fact, Sherwin Williams has a great online tool called Snap It that lets you turn any online image into a personalized paint palette so you can easily match the colors at the store.

Start small

If you’re new to the color game, then it’s probably not the best idea to dive in by painting your biggest room first. Why not practice on a smaller space? Give your powder room, a hallway or even a closet a makeover with a fresh coat of paint. You’ll have a better idea of how certain colors affect the feeling of a space and how the light in the room can change the color depending on the time of day.

Determine the mood you want to set

There’s no denying that color and mood go hand and hand, so think about the mood you want to create in a room when you choose what color to paint the walls. Do you want to evoke a cozy feeling in the bedroom? Maybe you want the foyer to be bright and cheerful? Do you want people to feel sociable in your dining room? Choose colors for those rooms that evoke the feeling you’re hoping to create.

Incorporate what you already have

If there are aspects of the room you cannot change – for example, that beautiful wooden heirloom dining table from grandma or the custom slate tile in your bathroom – make sure you take those existing colors and finishes into account when choosing your paint colors. Let these pieces help guide you in your choices so that the room is coordinated once its complete.

White is perfectly acceptable

If choosing new paint colors is stressing you out, remember – white is a perfectly acceptable color that goes with everything. It’s absolutely okay to skip the endless deliberations and go with something classic and easy. Sometimes the best way to add color is through furnishings such as pillows and throw rugs, which require less work and commitment.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Your house isn’t just a financial investment or the place where you keep your stuff – it’s where you live your life. And moving into a new house can feel a little disorienting at first. It takes awhile to get settled in – there are all sorts of new sounds and smells and sights that can feel foreign for the first few weeks or months.

If you’re feeling a little out of sorts in your new place, there are things you can do to get it feeling like home in no time. Here are some of our favorite suggestions.

Give yourself a cozy place to sleep

Moving is exhausting – packing and unpacking and a million little details to remember, like when the cable is being set up and making sure you get the mail forwarded. Do yourself a favor and get your beds set up first thing. Even if it means simply having a mattress on the floor – put on your nice sheets, have plenty of pillows and set up a light next to it so you can read a little before drifting off to dreamland. There’s nothing more revitalizing than a good night’s sleep.

Set up the bathroom

Another top priority is getting the bathroom set up. This is the room where you begin and end your day, so it’ll set the tone for your mornings and nights. Give it a good scrub, hang up a shower curtain, put out your fluffiest towels and stock plenty of toilet paper and toiletries. Pamper yourself a little with an aromatic candle and bust out the good soaps – you know, the ones you got on your vacation three years ago that you’ve been saving for a special occasion. This is that occasion. If you decide to remodel your bathroom, you may use a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Lead Generator to find the contractors in your area that can help you achieve the bathroom of your dreams. Make sure to do your research and find a residential bathroom remodel contractor that is able to make your vision a reality without too many compromises by consulting with them thoroughly before deciding to work with them.

Get the pets settled

Moves can be stressful on your pets, so help them get settled in. Choose a place for their beds and litter boxes and get them on a regular feeding schedule as soon as possible. Kings Removals in Epping will make sure all your pet’s belongings as well as yours are transferred safely. If you have a dog, take him on a walk and introduce him to the neighborhood. Setting up a morning and evening walking routine will help you both get settled in more quickly.

Stock the kitchen

While there is a certain charm to eating pizza off of paper plates for a few nights in a row, your house will feel more like a home when you can prepare a meal there. Go to the market and stock up on fresh foods. Get the coffee maker set up and brew your morning cup at home. If you don’t have your table set up, designate a spot where you eat your meals – like a stack of boxes – and dress it up a little with a pretty cloth and a candle.

Plan a party

Unpacking everything can drag on and on, so give yourself a deadline by scheduling a housewarming party. This will motivate you to get settled and get you over that uncomfortable hump more quickly.

Spend time there

There’s a reason why people often say “time heals everything” – it really does. That’s doubly true for making your new house feel like a home.  Make it a priority to spend time in your new place reading, cooking and hanging out. Pretty soon, it’ll start to feel like yours.

Compliments of Virtual Results

These long summer days lend themselves well to swimming, barbecuing and having fun with family and friends. We can certainly understand why you may not be inclined to take extra time out for home projects right now. While maybe it isn’t the best time to replace your driveway or finally build that front porch you’ve dreamed of, there are plenty of quick and easy projects to amp up your curb appeal without stealing much of your precious summertime fun.

These projects can all produce big results in a short amount of time on a very limited budget. Which ones will you try?

Make your windows appear larger

Small windows got you down? If you want to make your windows look bigger without actually replacing them, there are a couple of tricks you can try. The first is to install shutters. Not only do shutters add visual interest, but they also make the windows look twice their size. The second is to add window boxes and plant colorful flowers. Not only will they look larger and prettier, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor from the inside, too.

Add drama with solar lights

Does your beautiful landscaping disappear as soon as the sun goes down? Not to worry – you can add nighttime curb appeal by strategically placing solar spotlights around your yard. You’ll save time and money by not having to run electricity out to the yard and you’ll still enjoy the drama of lighting up trees and other unique landscaping features.

Gussy up the front door

Your front door is the first thing to greet visitors, so make it a hearty hello! Give your front door a fresh coat of paint in a bold color and place a few pots of plants and flowers on each side. You’ll be amazed how such a small change can have such a huge impact.

Wash it off

If the outside of your home is looking a little dirty or tired, give it a good washing. You can use a garden hose turned to its strongest setting to clean off driveways, sidewalks and porches as well as the siding of your house. If you have stubborn dirt, you can spend a little money to rent a pressure washer – just be sure not to use it on windows or get water under siding.

Spruce up the mailbox

A simple way to update the front of your home is to install a new, colorful mailbox. Choose a style that matches your home and grabs a little attention. You may also put mailbox name plates to ensure that you only receive mail for the household.

Clean it up

One of the best ways to spruce up your curb appeal is to give your front yard a thorough cleaning. This includes edging the grass, cleaning out the flowerbeds, weeding, trimming trees and bushes, having a tree removal service, and raking up debris like dead leaves and grass. The best part is this doesn’t cost you a thing and can be completed in an afternoon. However, task like tree removal should be handled by professionals to avoid costly damage.

Don’t let summer fun get in the way of making the outside of your home look great. With just a small investment of time and money your home will look refreshed and you can get back to enjoying all the perks of the season.

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Spiders and roaches and flies, oh my! If bugs give you the heebie jeebies, you definitely don’t want them in your home. Not only can they be unsanitary, some pests can actually cause real damage. And then there are the insects that sting and bite, like wasps or scorpions. Obviously they’re not welcome, and contacting a pest control professional is a must!

While it may feel like bug proofing your home is a battle you’ll never win, there are some things you can do to stem the flow. Here are the pest control: do’s and don’ts for keeping pests at bay.

Keep spiders out of the basement

If spiders are a problem in your basement, you can seriously reduce their population by using a dehumidifier. Maintain a humidity level of 40 percent and regularly clean out the cobwebs from the ceiling and windows. In just a few weeks you’ll see a noticeable reduction in your eight-legged friends, if not you will like to hire someone at Bed Bug Exterminator Toronto | BBET.

Starve the roaches

There’s nothing worse than flipping on your kitchen lights at night and seeing roaches skitter under the cabinets. The best way to banish them forever is to starve them out. Be vigilant about cleaning up every crumb of food from floors, countertops and inside cabinets. You must also remove their access to water, so fix leaky faucets and keep pet water dishes elevated. There are also a variety of roach killers on the market to help you tackle this particular problem.

Seal doors and windows

Gaps around doors and windows make it easy for tiny pests to enter your home. Install a threshold under each door to the outside and add weatherstripping around doorframes and windows. Make sure all windows have screens and patch any holes no matter how small they seem. The bonus? You’ll also save on energy costs.

Plug gaps and cracks

Check the exterior of your home for any gaps or cracks that insects and pests can climb through. This includes cracks in the foundation, holes in grates and missing shingles on the roof. Seal openings with wire mesh, sheet metal, mortar or even steel wool.

Keep a lid on it

Trash and recycling cans can be a huge magnet for pests of all kinds. Make sure your cans have tight fitting lids and clean them regularly.

Maintain your yard

Remove debris from your yard and patios and get rid of standing water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitos. Keep your gutters clean so then can work effectively. If you have a pool, make sure it stays clean and chlorinated. Regularly clean and refill birdbaths to keep mosquito eggs from hatching in them. You can also call mosquito control experts to get rid of them.

Keep drains clear

Drains in sinks and showers can accumulate some pretty serious gunk, which is attractive to many pests and gives them the perfect place to breed. According To Sustainable Pest Systems, regularly clean all sink and floor drains, especially in the basement or laundry room.

By tackling the conditions that invite pests into your yard and home, you’ll be well on your way to reducing their populations and preventing a simple nuisance from becoming a real problem. If you are still having problems with those pests, then it is time to call for pest control services to help you.