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Carport Crisis: How to Repair 4 Common Garage Issues

August 7, 2017adminHome Maintenancegarages, home improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

You expect that your garage door will open and close every time you push the button on the remote or manually raise or lower the door. You rely on proper operation of the garage door to keep your vehicles and family safe form the elements or intruders. Garage doors and their mechanisms do sometimes fail, which is why routine maintenance of all components is important. Follow these tips about some of the issues that can arise and what to do about them.

Check for Broken Springs

One of the most common garage door issues is a broken spring. There are usually two springs that commonly sit above the head of the door. The springs are under torsion and enable the weight of the door to be lifted more easily. If you find yourself needing to get the car out of the garage, say to go to work, and you experience a broken spring, follow these suggestions. First, unplug your garage door opener and then disconnect the emergency release cord above the door. Now you can lift the door. Keep in mind that it will be heavy. Take your car out of the garage and close the door.

Unless you are very handy, this is the time to call a professional garage door repair company, such as Georgia Garage Doors Inc., that can safely replace the broken spring. The technician will measure the spring, replace it in kind, and hook everything back up so that the door will operate easily.

Inspect Tracks, Guides, Chains, and Belts

Your garage door might be opening and closing unevenly or more slowly than normal. This could be due to the tracks, guides, and chains being corroded or rusty. The overhead belt could also be deteriorating. Fasteners might have become loose and are impeding the movement. You can do a manual inspection of these using a flashlight and a step ladder. Tighten any loose screws, clean the rust, and, lubricate the tracks.

Look for Failed Seals

A very important component of garage door systems is the perimeter weatherstripping. These seals prevent rain, wind, debris, insects, and small animals from getting inside the garage. You can find the weatherstripping around the outside perimeter of the door frame and on the bottom of the door itself. Some doors have gaskets on the sides as well. Inspect for gaps, holes, and deterioration. Seals can be replaced quickly and economically.

Operate Openers, Remotes, and Sensors

The electrical components of a garage door system are subject to malfunctions. The first thing to go is simply the light bulb in the opener. That you can easily remedy by replacing the bulb. The remote can stop working. This is usually an easy fix by replacing the battery. If the motor in the opener stops working, check the circuit breaker first. If that has not tripped, it is likely the opener needs to be replaced. Make sure you check to see if it is still under warranty before you call your garage door repair company. Also check the safety sensors from time to time. These are what prevent the door from closing all the way if something is blocking the opening, such as a skateboard that has rolled into its way..

Maintaining your garage doors and all the related components is good practice to extend their usefulness. This may also save you money for unanticipated emergency repairs. It is a good idea to schedule a routine maintenance check of your door systems with your local garage door repair professional.

Simple Tips for Organizing Your Entire House

August 5, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Organization TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home organizationLeave a comment

Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be a nightmare. You may feel anxious and discouraged when you see all those stuff scattered everywhere, but with some planning, you can get on top of that and restore your house. Try to picture your home clutter-free, where every single item has its place. This is not hard to achieve and the tips below will surely get you going. So stop procrastinating and start reorganizing your living space.

There’s no success without a plan

Before you start decluttering, you should sit down and make a comprehensive to-do list. Try to think of every single activity that has to be done daily in order to avoid making your home messy again. Make sure to hold onto that list, since it will come in handy for the next cleaning occasion.

Think of priorities

The best place to start reorganizing is where the most clutter is. That’s probably your living room. Go ahead and throw out piled mail, magazines, and papers laying around the room. After you’re done with the living room, you should continue with kitchen and bathroom. With those three rooms done, you’ll already feel some relief.

Prevent yourself from shopping excessively

One of the main reasons you found yourself in a cluttered house is because you have too much stuff. Make sure to think twice before you bring another item in your crowded home. You should look around and see which items you use on regular basis. Everything else is just collecting dust and should be removed.

Routines are good sometimes

Decluttering your home just once won’t be sufficient in the long run. If you’re not doing it constantly, you’ll have a new mess in no time. Make sure to develop a few healthy habits and stick to them in the future. Try to do simple stuff on daily basis. Hang your jacket the moment you enter the house, wash the dishes right after finishing the meal etc.

Share responsibilities

In case you’re sharing your home with other people, try to include them when the time for cleaning comes. Instruct them about their responsibilities on daily basis, and watch how your home is getting cleaner and decluttered in no time.

Get rid of unused stuff

Make sure to permanently dispose of all items that you’re not using anymore. There are few ways you can do this. In the first place, you may drop that stuff to a charity organization, and bring happiness to those in need. Another way is by organizing a yard sale. That will be a fun event, and you’ll make some extra cash instantly.

Avoid disturbance

You want to make sure you’re not disturbed while cleaning. If someone calls while cleaning, you can lose a lot of time before continuing. You should turn off your phone and other devices which can steal your attention. Put up your sleeves and concentrate on the work.

Everything should have its place

Try to avoid piling your mail and other stuff on every free surface in your house. Instead, you may try to make a system which you’ll follow in the future. Think of a specific place for every item and stick to that. A good way of achieving that is to use high shelves and closets. In case you lack space, you should consider renting an affordable self storage unit in your area.

Cut it with the excuses

The best way to get in the way of making excuses is to pick up the big black bag and start tossing stuff in it. After just ten minutes of doing that, you’ll see some changes, and that should keep you motivated to go through the rest of the house.

You can’t do it alone

Don’t hesitate to call friends or family members to help you with reorganizing your home. With all these people, you’ll be able to get the job done very fast. You can use the spare time to make a tasty dinner for your helpers. At the end of the day, you’ll have a clean house and a fun evening with your loved ones.

Final thoughts

The tips mentioned above should do the trick, and you’ll get your home decluttered for good. Just stick to your plan and newly acquired habits, and you won’t find yourself in the bad spot again. Don’t forget to give a favor back to everybody who helped you with reorganizing your home. Now you can relax and enjoy your spacious and clutter-free home once again.

Chloe Smith is a cycling enthusiast, business consultant and a part-time writer always willing to share tidbits of advice. She believes that passion, courage and, above all, knowledge breed success.

Common Interior Design Mistakes To Avoid

August 3, 2017adminInterior Designdecorating, DIY projects, home decor, interior designLeave a comment

Let’s face it: Designing the interior of our homes can be challenging. And scary too, because we could commit mistakes and interior design mistakes tend to be on the costly side of things. Still, somebody has to do it. We all just need a little confidence. Hopefully, the following tips about common interior design mistakes to avoid would leave you a bit more confident about designing your place.

Not having a plan and a budget

Impulse buying is exciting, but that piece of furniture or mirror may not work with your overall interior design the way you thought it would. You could also be spending more than what is sensible, and you could end up with an interior design project that’s more expensive than the house itself. To avoid buyer’s remorse and an interior design fail, you should have a plan and a well-established budget before buying anything.

Buying furniture without measuring anything

Sometimes, homeowners get so excited about a large and lovely couch they saw in the store that they never give any thought about whether or not it will fit through the door in the first place. Oversized furniture is fine. Just make sure your place has enough space to accommodate it. Large furniture in small areas will make the room even smaller, and that’s one big interior design mistake.

Choosing paint before fabrics and textiles

Finding fabrics and textiles before deciding on a paint scheme is so much easier than doing it the other way around. If you do paint first, good luck finding rugs, curtains, pillows, and upholstery that you love that will perfectly match the color of your walls.

Inadequate lighting

It’s true that lighting often takes a backseat to other interior design elements, and that is a mistake. Any home should have adequate lighting, and a set of overhead lights are simply not enough. Lighting should always be layered within any given space. With multiple light sources, you’ll be able to add depth and dimension to your home.

You should also let plenty of natural light into your home. Place curtains and accessories smartly, and install mirrors directly across your natural light source so all that beneficial sunlight can bounce around the room.

Not letting go of heirlooms

So your grandmother left you this grandfather clock. It’s been in your living room for years and still works fine. You are, however, about to embark on a redecorating project and your family heirloom doesn’t have a place in it. But because of its sentimental value, you keep it, and it ends up sticking out like a sore thumb. It’s hard to get rid of heirlooms, but if they don’t fit the style of your home, you should have enough resolve to let them go.

Not asking for interior design advice

Sometimes, we get too close to our work that we fail to notice our mistakes. This applies to our attempts at interior design, especially when we have already spent so much time on the project. If we can ask somebody to take a look at our work and spot any mistakes, then we should go ahead and ask for that person’s opinion. A friend can tell you honestly if there’s something off with your choice of fabrics or colors.

The best source of opinion about interior design, of course, is a real interior designer. If you can’t hire one full-time, you can consult one who charges by the hour. With the many design tricks up their sleeve, interior designers can effectively transform your home the way you want it.

Bio: Karen Ashworth is a freelance writer and blogger who enjoys staying on top of trends in architecture and interior design.

6 Tips on How to Make Your Garden Stand Out

August 1, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, lawn and gardenDIY projects, garden, home improvement, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Everyone enjoys having their own piece of heaven, a place where they can relax, think, create… For most, nature is the inspiring one and this is why we all strive to have a garden, regardless of the size of the plot given, it could be a balcony, a rooftop or a proper backyard. The goal is to create an eye-catcher for the people passing by and a favorite place for your friends to hang out.

Start with a clean-up

Just the same as you do with your house, make your garden look as if everything is there because you intended it to be. Begin by removing all furniture, old clutter, trimming the bushes and the trees and of course mowing the lawn if you have one and clean paving stones. If you enjoy having what in the words of Jane Austin is described as ‘a prettyish kind of a little wilderness’ you can keep your garden, or parts of it looking untouched. Please be careful with these, you still want it to look safe and inviting without having to worry if you will step on something or if something will fall from a tree.

Choose the flowers

The main role in your garden is played by the color-pattern. You can have a theme and combine purple and yellow, orange and red, blue, white and purple etc. or have all colors intertwining. You can have this done by planting flowers. You can plant them in the pots or in the ground directly. It is a good idea to choose perennials as when the season comes, they surprise you with a blossom. If you are not too keen on growing flowers, you can simply buy plants in bloom in little containers every season and put them in your colorful pots. Now all you need to do is to remember to water them.

Furniture

The style of your furniture may vary. Give your old furniture a new glow by painting them or looking up some of the new makeover ideas. You can even use this trick and make your furniture fluorescent. Make sure the size of your furniture fits the size of your garden. Also, in the untamed, wild-looking parts of your garden, you may want to have furniture that reassembles old park benches.

Use garden art

You can buy these items in a store, or even better you can use your old clutter and transform it into beautiful garden pieces. Used car tires can be beautiful flower pots, an old wagon wheel, a bicycle or a lantern can make it seem like there is a story behind your garden. Even practical things like colorful hose reels can add to the beauty of your sanctuary. By adding pebbles, you can make your flower beds a little more interesting and make it a little harder for weed to grow.

Light it up

As a final touch, you may want to add some lights for when the night falls. There’s nothing prettier than pretty Christmas lights. Use them on your gazebo, a rose bush or simply hang them from the branches of the trees around your garden and you will spark a fairy tale. Find suitable lanterns or torches. You can even make your own lanterns if you feel creative.

Don’t clutter up

There is no such thing as good clutter. Don’t make your garden look too busy as it won’t allow you to relax. Organize your flowers into clusters. Don’t get every piece of furniture you may want to have as it might not fit the space. Same goes for garden art. If you discover you enjoy making garden art, don’t keep it all give some away, it will make a unique present. If you lack space for all the plants you would like to have in your garden, you can use suspended flowerpots, that way you will make room on the floor, and gain a sense of greater space.

A beautiful garden can help you endure the lack of time you have in your every-day life. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get to take your child to a park if your own backyard can give a sense of an outdoor heaven.

Green Movement: Effective Home Improvements

July 29, 2017adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Living, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, green living, home improvement, home remodeling, home trendsLeave a comment

There are lots of reasons to remodel, renovate, or update your home. You might do so in order to eventually put your residence up for sale or you might do so in order to create a more livable place for you and yours. But one common motivation these days is the desire to be more energy efficient to reduce the end-of-month energy bill. If this strikes a chord with you, getting aboard the green movement bandwagon can bring about tangible results. So read on for effective home improvements that will allow you to live green, save money, and improve home value.

ATTIC INSULATION

While it’s not exactly the most exciting home improvement measure, adequate attic insulation will help you to keep down your heating costs during the cold weather months. If you live in an older residence, chances are that your attic does not have enough insulation…and it’s possible that it actually has no insulation at all. Have it checked and get enough insulation in your attic. This could potentially save you hundreds of bucks during the cold weather season. While you’re at it, ensure that your walls also have enough insulation.

KITCHEN

When it comes to your kitchen, there are lots of things you can do to make this popular space more energy efficient as well as eco-friendly. Depending on how extensive the remodeling, you can swap your cabinets for options that have the stamp of approval from the Forest Stewardship Council. Wood and wood products with such certification are obtained employing responsible forest management efforts, and they’re made with glues that don’t have formaldehyde. You can also get green countertops that are made from recycled or sustainable products and that are manufactured courtesy of eco-friendly methods. Among other options, you can also upgrade your kitchen with energy efficient equipment like a new fridge, freezer, or dishwasher. And don’t forget to get fluorescent lighting, which employs much less energy versus incandescent lighting.

GARDEN

While a garden might not seem to fit the theme, what better demonstrates that you’re really committed to the green movement than would developing and maintaining a wonderful garden? A garden will give your home more curb appeal in the event that you put it up for sale, make your residence a more inviting place for your family and guests to congregate, and reflect on the outside of your home what you’re hoping to accomplish on the inside of your home. Gardening is, as some put it, a lifestyle. So it’s best to do it right to get the best results.

WINDOWS

According to one source, the average cost to install over 10 windows is $14,504; the average cost to replace between five and 10 windows is $4,917; and the average cost to replace under five windows is $2,219. Of course, there are various factors that come into play to determine how much it will cost. Another source notes that a typical home that opts for windows with the Energy Star rating can save between $126 and $465 annually when changing their single-pane windows. How can you tell if you need new windows? If you live in an older house, you might notice that your windows are drafty. It’s not difficult to determine if this is the case. All you’ll need to do is hold your hand up around the windows to determine if you can feel air. Should you feel air, you can save money by replacing your windows. Over time, the savings on your heating and cooling bills will exceed what you paid to buy and install your windows.

These are just a few effective home improvements you can make if you want to be part of the green movement. So live green, save money, and increase the valuation of your residence.

Just Like Tim Allen: How to Stay Organized & Remodel Your Home in a Timely Manner

July 27, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Remodeling your home can help you to improve its appeal and functionality, and you may eagerly be looking forward to enjoying the finished project. However, some homeowners struggle to complete this type of project in a reasonable period of time, and this can be a frustrating, stressful experience. Put these thoughtful tips to use to help you improve your overall remodeling efforts through all stages of the project.

Outline Your Project in Detail

One thing that can delay a home remodeling project is if you discover that your design plans are not well-thought out. For example, you may not think through how the color of the backsplash tile you selected would correspond with your cabinets, and this can cause you to order new tile at the last minute. Carefully plan out each aspect of your project in detail and in writing before you begin any work on the home. It is better to spend a few weeks planning than to spend a few additional weeks with your home in a state of chaos because of the remodeling efforts.

Create a Functional Budget

Another factor that can delay a project involves money. Remodeling often requires more funds than you might think, and the last thing you want to happen is to have your project delayed while you wait for more funds to become available. Create a budget up-front, and ensure that it has ample wiggle room for unplanned expenses. In addition, fund your project fully before you begin working on your home.

Order Your Materials Up-Front

Materials shortages can also throw you for a loop. Some materials that you need may be back-ordered by several weeks or more. In the case of siding and other exterior materials, this problem could leave your home vulnerable until you complete the work. Order all materials, such as those from Unique Home Solutions, up-front, and avoid starting on the project until they are on hand.

Schedule Contractors as Needed

There may be some aspects of your project that you need professional assistance with, such as plumbing or electrical work. Contractors can be booked up several weeks in advance. Therefore, plan ahead by booking services in advance, and only work with reputable contractors who you can count on to show up as scheduled.

Many factors could cause delays to your home remodeling project, and this can be a stressful experience. If you want to enjoy the best overall process and results from your remodeling efforts, employ these tips to keep the project flowing smoothly from start to finish.

A Simple Guide to Successfully Inspecting Your Own Home

July 25, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, home improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

Being proactive is a good policy in general. It’s especially important in home maintenance. Performing regular maintenance and catching minor repairs before they become major can keep your home and its systems in optimum condition.

How often should inspections be done? Most home repair experts suggest every six months. A Spring inspection can catch any damage done by cold and winter storms. An early Fall inspection can make sure that heat or open doors and windows haven’t done any damage. In addition, of course, frequent inspection causes any normal wear and tear that needs to be addressed.

Here’s a simple guide to home inspection.

1. Heating and Cooling Systems

Your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems can be checked by careful examination of components.

First, look at the air filters. They should be cleaned or replaced regularly. If they are dusty and dirty, they definitely need to be replaced. Your system will not run at peak performance if the filters are dirty.

Second, look at your air ducts. Do you see any duct tape? Is it in good condition, or peeling and drooping? Replace it if so. Any dirt or dents can indicate problems. Look for any torn or collapsing sections if you have flexible ducts.

Third, turn on your furnace and eyeball the flames. It should be a steady blue. If you see yellow or orange flames that flicker, there may be issues with its combustion. Call a professional to resolve.

Fourth, thermostats need to be cleaned. Take the outer covering off and clean any dirt and dust with cloths or Q-tips.

If your air conditioner compressors are outside, check to see that shrubs or vines (or trees!) haven’t grown over them. If they have, they need to be cut off or they can severely impair the life and function of the unit. Make sure shrubs, vines and trees are pruned. If this looks as if it will be a chronic problem, it’s a good idea to move the landscaping to a different place.

2. The Water System

Check every water faucet for signs of leaks and signs of rust. Leakage can cost you in lost water, but they also lead to bigger leaks. Have them fixed at the first sign of leakage.

If you have rust or signs of rust from leaking water, such as reddish stains, have a professional inspect the pipes.

3. Attics and Basements

Attics and basements can both be subject to water damage, either from minor flooding or saturated ground in basements or roof leakage in attics. Most of this inspection can be done by carefully eyeballing your attic and basement. Do you see any sign of water damage to stored boxes, for example? Check any wood for signs of rot or water by poking with a screwdriver. Look for signs of mildew. If you see any signs that water leakage is a problem, call a professional who can find and fix the source.

Check your basement and attic for signs of pests as well. Mice, termites, ants and other pests can enter your home by crawling in from the ground through areas in the basement, or from the roof to the attic. Termites leave termite tubes, ants leave trails and mice will chew almost anything. If your insulation or stored camping food has been chewed, you may have mice.

4. Roofs

Roofs can lose shingles due to age or winter weather. Other materials can degrade due to the same factors. You also want to make sure that, whatever the composition of your roof, you don’t have birds or other animals nesting on it. They can cause damage that will cost you plenty to repair if the creatures aren’t proactively removed.

Inspect your roof carefully for signs of wear and tear. Roofs in the natural course of events will need to be replaced every 20 to 30 years, so be sure to keep them well maintained to ensure maximum long life.

5. Foundations

Look at the foundation for signs of cracks. Hairline cracks are normal, but if they become larger, it’s wise to keep an eye on them. Keep a notebook and note the size of any cracks. If they become noticeably larger at the next inspection period, call a professional for a thorough inspection.

6. Decks and Patios

Examine your deck or patio for any sign of wear and tear. Harsh weather may cause damage to either. Both decks and patios, of course, will require maintenance as time goes on. Do you need to remove any vegetation growing around or through cracks in the patio? Does your patio or deck need power washing or a sealant to look its best? Both should be part of regular maintenance. If they have not been, it may be time to institute them every six months.

7. Paint

The exterior of a home will need to be painted roughly every ten years. While not strictly speaking a repair, faded or peeling paint can expose your home’s materials to the elements more than if the paint were in good repair. Look at your home’s exterior with a stranger’s eye. Does it look fresh and appealing? If not, it’s time for a new paint job.

Maintaining your home well ensures that minor repairs remain minor, both in cost and in effort needed to fix them. Routine home inspections will ensure that you find any repairs that need to be made.

Author Bio:

Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

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How to Keep Rodents and Other Pests out of Your Home for Good

July 23, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Maintenancedecorating, home maintenance, pest controlLeave a comment

If you own a home, you know how hard it can be to keep rodents and other pests out of your home, especially in certain weather conditions, such as rainstorms and cold temperatures. Though it’s impossible to totally keep pests out of your home, there are some things you can do to greatly reduce the chances that the invaders will find their way inside.

Seal up Entryways

One of the best ways to keep pests out of your home is to take away the places they use to get inside. This means you need to go over your house with a fine-toothed comb to find every little crack, slit, crevice, and hole. Start by checking around your doors, windows and utility boxes and caulk or weather strip any gaps. You also want to seal any foundation cracks or cracks in your basement floor. If you have a fireplace, have it inspected to make sure critters aren’t already using it, and have it sealed if needed. You also should check your roof vents and look in your attic to find any possible means of entry.

Don’t Invite Them In

Pests are attracted to food, so you need to make sure you are not leaving uncovered or opened food out on your counters and shelves. You also want to make sure that you are not leaving pet food or water outside for long periods of time. And, of course, you want to make sure that any trash you throw away outside is in sealed bags and that the trash can lid is firmly secured.

Take Away Their Shelter

Pests are always looking for a place to live, so you don’t want to attract them to your home by giving them one. Some companies, like American Pest Control Inc., know that keeping trees and shrubs trimmed back away from your home and cleaning up piles of branches or debris around your yard can also help. If you have a deck, don’t store anything under it that might provide a hideout.

Use Pest Treatments

In addition to all the other measures mentioned, it’s still a good idea to treat for pests to help keep them out. You can use commercial products that you can buy on your own, but if those don’t work, it’s worth it to call a pest control service.

Pests are a nuisance and can be a health hazard. Following these tips will help to keep them out of your home and keep you and your family safe.

3 Simple Steps To Motivate You To Organize Your Home

July 21, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Organization TipsDIY projects, home organizationLeave a comment

Everyone wants to get organized but very few of us quite get around to it. The main reason why many people get lost in clutter within their homes is the sheer lack of motivation. An individual might spend an hour each morning looking for stuff, but they never think about organizing the space to solve that problem. If you have never been one the few who have everything in its place, here are 3 tips to motivate you to organize your home:

End Results

The biggest motivation for me is thinking about the end result. A clean, fresh and attractive space is the best gift you could possibly have. In an organized home, bugs have no place and you will not be losing money on something that was lost in your clutter. An organized space gives a good impression to guests and friends.

Get Inspired by the Media

To get motivated into organizing your home, try leafing through organized living magazines, newsletters, and books. You can find organization advice on just about anything from making better use of dead space in your kitchen to a closet organization system for your bedroom or pantry. This will not only give you organizing ideas but having a look at these homes will certainly trigger the desire for some order in your home. If the books and photographs do not bring any inspiration, you could watch a few programs on organizing for more realistic tips. From all the reading and watching, you will learn important organizing hacks to help make the difference. If you have much clutter to deal with, dedicate an entire weekend or week to organizing. Remove everything from a room, and have a number of categories to either keep, donate or dump. With everything in the right pile, you can clean the empty room, shelves, and cabinets accordingly. Once the room is dry, start putting everything that you decided to keep in a specific place. The lessons learned during research about organizing are motivational enough to keep things neat and tidy.

Baby Steps

Start by drafting a to-do list and ensure you make organizing a daily routine. This will motivate you to do a little more cleaning, arranging or dusting every day. This action will encourage you to consistently organize your home which will come naturally no matter the day or time. There should be some must-do tasks to accomplish each day to prevent clutter from creeping back in. On days when you feel like breaking the habit, give yourself a reason to organize like inviting some friends to dinner. Since you would want to host guests in a neat and clean space, you will be inspired to clean up and organize. Make your organizing fun by playing some music, wearing comfy clothes, or rewarding yourself for tasks accomplished.

Living in an organized space is not only good for your image, but it is also a healthier and more productive choice. You will not waste time looking for things in the morning, nor will pathogens find a hideout in your home. It might take time to organize the entire house but once you get started, the rewards become simply irresistible.

Expert Guide to Packing for a Home Move

July 19, 2017adminDIY Projects, MovingDIY projects, Moving, real estateLeave a comment

It is common for people to start packing for a move at least eight weeks before the big day. Still, last-minute moves are not so unusual. There are situations when people need to move in less than four weeks. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, here is a simple guide on how to pack and sort your items on short notice.

Keep only what you need

The best thing about last minute moves is that you can get rid of the ton of stuff you don’t need. Once you start packing, you will quickly realize that it is easier to throw away than to take with you. At the end of the day, you will also save time and energy. It’s a common mistake to believe that you should pack everything and sort later. Not true. Make sure to get rid of as many things as you can.

Walk through the house and make three piles in each room – 1) keep, 2) donate and 3) dump. Involve the whole family in sorting out their stuff, and bear in mind – if you are unsure what to do – dump it.

Donate what you don’t

Charities are always ready to take away your unwanted stuff. Even if your donation pile is large or you have bulky furniture items that are still in good shape, a non-profit organization can organize the transport, saving you both the time and money needed to get rid of them.

Just make sure that you have sorted everything out, so they only have to make one trip. Phone the organization and determine a pick-up date and time. Before you make a call, bear in mind that some charities only pick up on specific dates and specific locations.

Prepare packing supplies

Used cardboard boxes are the most convenient way to transport your items to a new home. Still, if the time is the issue you should purchase your boxes and other packing supplies directly from a moving store or office supply company.

On the other hand, if you are moving locally, ask for green movers who provide multi-use plastic bins. Not only will it save the environment, but also the time needed for finding boxes and getting rid of them once you unpack. Reputable moving companies also offer transport containers for bulkier items like furniture and outdoor equipment.

Ask for help

When it comes to moving, you have three recruitment pools – 1) friends, 2) family and 3) service companies. Friends and family are always eager to help. However, make sure that before you “hire” them, you know exactly what every person’s job will be. There’s nothing worse than a helpful hand wandering around and getting in the way of everybody else.

Professional movers are always a phone call away, and some of them offer a truly comprehensive range of services. For instance, aside from treating your belongings with the utmost of care during the move, the guys who own and operate City Removalist will even do the packing and unpacking for you in case you are, say, short on time.

Once you have the supplies and able-bodied helpers at your disposal, you can start loading the “keep” pile into boxes. Large appliance and some pieces of furniture will require special preparation before they are loaded. Moving professionals will help you with every aspect of the move, either by providing packing containers or pack everything for you. One way or another, they’re a valuable time-saving service.

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