Ideas to Maintain Your Home as a Sanctuary

Cozy

Hi lovelies,

Your home is your safe space, your comfort, and your peace - it’s important that you keep it that way. 

Not feeling at home can have drastic effects on your life: it can show up in your focus on work and your relationships without you realizing it. 

To keep the peace, you’re going to have to make some changes. You have to make your sanctuary. 

This can be as simple as some blankets on the sofa and a rug on the cold wooden floors to warm up your rooms. Small homey changes can really change the feel of a place.

Here are some ideas to get you going;

Set the Mood
A sanctuary is a place that feels like your own. 

To set the mood, making some worthy investments will help you to feel at home. Having other people’s furnishings remove the sense of personalization, so bringing your own in will re-set this. 

Little additions like pictures or big ones like your own furniture will set a tone of pride in your home space. 

When doing activities in your home, take the time to set a mood that will make you feel at ease. This can be anything from opening all the windows to welcome some air in, to playing music or getting some lamps for the evening time. 

It may not feel like much, but these subtle adjustments will quickly make you feel like your place is yours. 

Keeping It Clean
You may be surprised how the cleanliness of your home affects your comfortability, particularly when you move into a new home. 

Having your possessions in a new space is not always enough! Cleaning your home your way is a simple yet very effective way of adding a sense of belonging to your house - it belongs to you. 

When you move into a new home, it is difficult to know how long it has been since the house was lived in. The longer that it has been unattended, the more likely it is for pests to find their way in.

To avoid any unwanted guests, looking into some pest control tips and tricks and working out any problems with your home early on will offer a little peace of mind and let you settle in.

Scents and Smells
Your sense of smell is one of the most important senses. You can attach memories to them, and most importantly, a smell can change the way that you feel. 

If you have not tried essential oils before, this could be an opportunity to do so. 

Starting with something subtle, such as peppermint or pine oil in your cleaning products to create a sense of freshness. 

The evening is when you are at home the most; therefore, this is when you should have that sanctuary feeling in your home. Candles or oil burners with your favorite smells can create intimacy, safety, and serenity as you settle in for the night. 

You deserve to feel safe and comfortable in your home. Welcoming in your personal items and taking time to make a space feels like it is yours will set the mood. Similarly, cleaning a place your way and filling it with smells that put you at ease will make this sanctuary yours to enjoy. 

5 Sustainable Choices To Make Around Your Home

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Hi lovelies,

If you are looking to decorate your home in an eco-friendly way, there has never been a better time. More and more companies are seeing the benefit of creating eco-friendly products and are expanding their ranges to accommodate growing demand.

Keep in mind that replacing perfectly usable items isn't always as sustainable as you would like to think unless the things are going to be used by someone else. The key to sustainability is to make sure current items are used for as long as possible by yourself or donating to others so they can continue to use it for as long as possible.

So, what sustainable changes can you make to your home?

Upcycle
Give an item a new lease of life by giving it a fresh coat of paint to match a new color scheme. Or maybe if you are handy, you can take it apart and rebuild it into something fresh and new. Have you seen the garden bench made from an interior door? If you need some inspiration on upcycling around your home, head to Instagram to find some sustainable positive influencers or use popular hashtags to find like-minded accounts (#zerowaste #sustainableliving #recycle #ecoliving). Or head to interest to find some awe-inspiring inspiration.

Sustainable Materials
Bamboo and organic cotton are big in sustainable living, and for a good reason. They are kinder to the environment during manufacturing, plus they are designed to last and wear well for a variety of different uses. You can buy a wide range of natural wood products. For example, reclaimed wood is optimal if you want to push your eco-credentials, and cork along with glass are other excellent sustainable materials.

Eco Designs
While not all home decor items are made from sustainable materials, eco-friendly buying products is a great compromise. Think LED bulbs to reduce the energy you use when turning lights on and off; honeycomb blackout shades can help you to preserve energy and heat in your home by covering windows, rugs on hardwood flooring can heat a room, and reduce heat loss through wooden flooring and so on. Thinking about your purchase and how it can save you money on bills or assessing its useability can help you to make more sustainable choices.

Buy Plants
Carbon dioxide is taken up by houseplants and converted to oxygen by them. They also absorb a large amount of hazardous poisons and pollutants, which helps to purify the air. In order to improve your green credentials in a straightforward (and elegant) manner, consider adding a houseplant or two to each area of your home.

Avoid Carpets
If you want to be as ecologically friendly as possible when remodelling your home, you should skip carpeting entirely. Due to its high concentration of chemicals and pollutants, it not only hurts the environment when it is created, but it also releases a wide range of contaminants into your home over the course of its lifetime. Furthermore, even the most durable carpet will only last for about a decade before it will need to be replaced again.

When it comes to changing your flooring, real wood is always the best choice if you want to be as environmentally conscious as possible.

The Art Of Simplistic Living

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Hi lovelies,

Simplicity is a concept that can be applied to everything in life. Some use simplicity for organization, others may find peace of mind through simplicity; It's all up to the individual. Simplicity applies to clothing, food, games, schedules, and even technology.

Simplistic living does not mean one can live like an impoverished person with nothing but a pot and utensils (although the option is always available if wanted). Simplistic living means one has found ways in which they do not need every possession in front of them to function in daily life.

The benefits
Many people struggle to simplify their lives due to boredom or fear of giving up what they have become accustomed to. However, simple living can provide a person with many benefits, the most important being time. With fewer distractions and stress from material items to occupy one's time, simple living can improve productivity.

Technology today
A big issue in today's society is the separation of oneself from technology. Technology is a crucial part of daily life that everyone needs to accomplish even minor tasks, such as paying bills or shopping online. Many people have become obsessed with their cell phones due to apps for games and social media sites, causing them to be out of touch with those around them. When simplified, however, there is an improved quality within relationships through better communication because more attention is paid to those around you rather than behind a screen. Another benefit of simplified living is better posture due to less time sitting in front of a screen.

Many times technology can work for you rather than against you. Like the speedometer on your car's dashboard, it is meant to assist you while driving to measure distance and help increase awareness of how fast one is going. Technology can also aid when living more minimally by forgetting essential tasks such as laundry or grocery shopping.

Busy schedules
By simplifying life, busy schedules are easier to manage due to fewer distractions and fewer material items that need organization. Living simply allows one to live with fewer responsibilities, be more independent, and appreciate what they have accomplished in their day versus what they didn't get done at home because chores were left for later. Simplicity can improve your mindset by being aware of how much good you are doing for the world through recycling, volunteering, or donating to the less fortunate in the process.

Overcome obstacles
Living simply is not easy in today's society because it involves effort and willpower. Everyone in society is used to different conveniences to function in daily life, making it challenging to hire movers and give up material possessions in simple living. However, when challenges are conquered within simplistic living, one becomes more prepared to overcome obstacles when they arise in their life, necessitating additional changes. Simplistic living creates a vision for an ideal future that allows individuals to become lifelong learners who are better equipped for change emotionally, physically, and spiritually.           

Beautiful journey
The art of simplistically living is not easy to master but can become a beautiful journey when understanding the true meaning behind simplifying one's life. By removing distractions in our lives, we learn who we are and how nothing should be more important than the time spent with family and friends.

5 Ways To Bring Positive Vibes To Your Living Space

Hi lovelies,

Happy and comfortable living spaces are all about positive vibes and high energy. They affect your mood and health and even have an impact on your relationships. Not surprisingly, homeowners are willing to go the extra mile to make their living spaces full of happy energy and good vibes. While your mindset can make a difference, a lot depends on the look and feel of your place. Only a few decor changes can elevate it without much work. Here are the ones you can implement to bring in positive vibes effortlessly. 

Deck up the walls with your favorite color

Color has a magical influence, and it can do wonders for your living space. Decking up the walls with your favorite hues is a good way to bring positivity into your rooms. Soothing hues are ideal for bedrooms, while you can brighten up the living room with a contrasting accent wall. Create appealing contrasts with furniture, rugs, and furnishings, and you have a place worth loving. 

Let the natural light in

Sunlight gets energy into your home, so let in as much as you can. Have tall windows and draw the curtains for a few hours every day. You will feel an instant lift in your mood even when things aren't going great. Keep the window panes clean and remove any furniture or objects blocking the light. Natural light also ensures good health as it kills the germs that harbor indoors.

Perk up the decor with neon lights
Natural light can add positive vibes during the day, but you need good lighting for the darker hours. Create focal points with floor lamps and hang fairy lights for extra shine. If you want to perk up the decor with a personalized touch, led neon signs make an excellent addition to the decor. Pick a custom sign that inspires you and makes you happy. It is a small investment that goes a long way in making your home a cheerful haven.

De-clutter often
Clutter is the worst thing to have in your living space as it looks unappealing and brings negative vibes. Think beyond spring cleaning and make decluttering a monthly task. Start by picking room by room and get rid of everything you no longer need or plan to use in the foreseeable future. Clear up your wardrobe, bookshelves, and even kitchen cabinets. You will feel a lot happier and lighter after completing the project. 

Make your home green
Green homes boast positive vibes, and you need not spend a fortune on them. Buy the best indoor plants and place them around the house. They require little maintenance but add aesthetics and good vibes. You can even create a vertical garden on the living room or kitchen wall. The indoor air will be fresher, and you will feel an energy flowing in your place when you have greenery around.

A home with positive vibes is desirable for every homeowner, and it is surprisingly easy to bring them into your place. Just follow these easy and inexpensive tips, and you can have a healthier and happier living space.  

4 Things Every Woman Should Have Taken Care Of

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Hi lovelies,

Every woman should have taken care of different things in their lifetime. However, life is unpredictable and can change at any time- so make sure you've done what needs to be done before it's too late! In this blog post, you'll find four things every woman should have sorted, no matter what!

#1 Your will and testament
You should make sure you've sorted and updated your will and testament every few years to ensure it is still relevant in case of an emergency or sudden death. Your estate attorneys should always have up-to-date information about your assets so that the correct beneficiaries are named, which can prevent unnecessary disputes after they pass away. 

Finally, you need to name at least one executor - this is the person responsible for carrying out the wishes within your will when you die. This includes dealing with outstanding debts, taxes, or funeral costs before distributing what's leftover from your estate among those you have chosen to receive something! Once everything has been distributed, then go ahead; if there are items remaining that you wish to donate, you can do so then.

#2 Your health insurance
It's important to take care of your health insurance, even if you are healthy. Health insurance is something that needs to be taken seriously and can protect both individuals and their families should anything happen unexpectedly. It doesn't matter who the policyholder (the person named on the health insurance) is; it could be an individual or a family group; this will cover anyone in need during times of illness or accidents, which means it would pay for any treatment needed as well as hospital stays! 

#3 Your savings
It's important to save money for a rainy day (or even an unexpected sunny one), and this is where you should make sure there are funds available in case of emergency. Savings can be placed into different types of accounts, such as savings or current accounts, which allow the individual access to their cash whenever needed. 

However, they will not earn high-interest rates on these kinds of accounts, making them better suited for short-term goals like saving up for holidays rather than something more long-term like retirement! To ensure that your future financial needs are met, then it might be worth considering opening an account with higher returns, but that requires a longer investment account.

#4 Your life insurance
Life insurance is something that all women should have. It's generally a good idea to get life insurance even if you are healthy, as it can protect your loved ones financially in the event of an unexpected death or tragedy. This type of cover provides vital financial support for those left behind after the policyholder has passed away unexpectedly and ensures that their bills are paid off until they can sort out their affairs without having to worry about money problems during this difficult time! 

Some people choose to use savings accounts instead to build up funds over time that another family could use when needed; however, using these means that the money can't be used until a specific time or date, which could leave your loved ones financially vulnerable.

Home Maintenance: Keeping Your Property At Its Best

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Hi lovelies,

We all want our homes to look and feel as pristine and comfortable as possible. At the end of the day, these are the spaces where we spend the most of our time and they’re also the spaces that we want to relax and unwind in, or even entertain friends in. The better they are, the better we can generally feel while spending time in them. On top of this, our homes tend to be the most expensive thing we spend money on. Whether you’re buying or renting, you’re forking out a lot on this space and it’s a good idea to maintain its value - whether that’s to sell it on itself or to retain your deposit from your landlord when you eventually move out. Here are just a few home maintenance tips that can help you to keep on top of the space.

Keep On Top of Routine Cleaning
There are certain cleaning tasks that need to be carried out on a regular basis to keep your home clean and tidy. Some examples tend to include wiping down kitchen work surfaces, cleaning the hob, loading and unloading the dishwasher, vacuuming and dusting. These don’t have to be too time consuming, you just need to keep on top of them so they don’t build up and become overwhelming to face. Create a loose cleaning routine and get into the habit of routine cleaning.

Deep Clean
Of course, there are cleaning tasks that you won’t have to complete on a day to day basis. But it’s still important that you tackle them every once in a while as part of a deep cleaning process. Deep cleaning can clean the areas that are often missed. Some examples include carpet cleaning (to lift ground in dirt), cleaning the toilet, cleaning the inside of the oven, wiping down skirting boards and more.

Prevent Unwanted Visitors
Unless you have a pet in your home, chances are, you don’t want animals roaming around. Whether that’s insects, mice or anything else. Even with a pet, you’re not going to want wildlife in your home. So, it’s important to prevent these animals from entering your home. Cleaning up food can prevent ants. Sealing food properly can remove temptation from rodents. Sealing gaps and holes can prevent anything coming in and out. If you do end up with animals that are destroying your property and are difficult to remove humanely, such as termites, you may want to contact pest control. 

Decorate
Decorating can do more than change the look or aesthetic of your home. It can simply freshen it up a bit too! Over time, dirt, handprints, paw marks and other marks can appear on your walls. Wiping them down and giving the walls a fresh lick of paint - whether in a different colour or in the same colour - you can make your home feel new again!

These are just a few suggestions to get the ball rolling. Hopefully, some will prove useful and will help you to keep on top of your home!

Telltale Signs Your Home Is An Unhealthy Place To Live

Hi lovelies,

We tend to believe that our homes are places that support our health and wellbeing. Living inside them certainly feels better than being in the office or walking down a diesel fume-filled street. 

Unfortunately, homes can be hazards. There are multiple factors that can make them unhealthy. Here’s a rundown.

You Are Using A Non-HEPA Vacuum
We like to imagine that vacuuming improves the condition of our homes and makes them better places to live. But that’s only true if the vacuum itself is capturing all the particles that it sucks up. And, many times, it isn’t. Standard vacuums actually suck up tiny particles from the carpets and then distribute them into the atmosphere when you empty them in the bin. The solution? Use HEPA-based vacuuming. 

You’re Neglecting To Clean All Your Vents
Here’s another issue that could be affecting your health: failing to clean your vents. It turns out that vents harbor all sorts of dust, bacteria and other nasties. When you turn on the air conditioning, it releases them into the atmosphere - bad for anyone with allergies or a weakened immune system. 

Fortunately, cleaning vents is easy. Just take off the front cover, remove the grill behind and dispose of it outside. You can also wash it if the model allows. 

Your Bathroom Has Poor Ventilation
Why do building regulations insist that all new bathrooms have extractor fans? It’s because without them, moisture can build up inside the room, leading to mold. 

Mold causes all types of problems. Not only does it damage your paintwork and walls, it can also be hazardous to your airways. You don’t want it in your home. 

If you don’t have an extractor fan in your bathroom, get a professional to install one for you. They’re not expensive.

Your Water Is Contaminated
Water contamination is a significant issue, particularly in older houses with lead pipes. Heavy metals and pollutants can get into your water and make you sick. If you think your water might be contaminated because of your piping, call a plumber. Get them to report back to you about your current plumbing system and how you need to modernize it to make it safe. 

Your Gutters Are Full Of Debris
Guttering full of debris is another reason your home could be an unhealthy place to live. When gutters can’t do their job they tend to overflow during storms. This excess water then seeps into the walls, causing damp which then, naturally, leads to mold. 

Your Bedroom Smells Bad
A bedroom that smells musty and nasty is usually a sign of two things: 

1. You aren’t changing your sheets enough

2. You’re allowing junk to accumulate under the bed

When you sleep, your body produces a lot of sweat. This then travels into the bedsheets, causing a buildup of bacteria that causes bad smells. 

Junk under the bed can also accumulate. Worse still, if your bedroom is close to the kitchen, you might notice a buildup of oil-like residue on top of the carpet which can turn rancid. 

Keeping Safe When You Live on Your Own

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Hi lovelies,

You can get a great sense of freedom from living on your own. It's not necessarily the right choice for everyone, but many people enjoy having their own space and not having to share with anyone. When you have space for yourself, you don't have to keep anyone else's needs in mind. You can enjoy your own company, except when you feel like inviting people over, and maybe have space for a pet or two. But living on your own can also have some challenges, and one is making sure that you feel safe at home. It can feel a little frightening to live alone, but there are steps you can take to be and feel safer.

Make Your Home Well-Lit
Lighting is important if you want to make your home secure and create a feeling of safety in your home. Good lighting helps to keep intruders away because it's a lot harder to approach your home unseen if there are bright lights shining on them. If you want to install security lights outside your home, use lights with motion sensors. They'll turn on at night if motion is detected, stunning and hopefully scaring off any would-be intruders. They'll also let you know if anyone (or anything) might be outside because you'll see when they come on.

Check the Windows and Doors
Obviously, the security of your windows and doors is a vital part of a secure home. If they're not sure, it's easier for someone to break in. Some people choose to replace the locks in their home when they move in, just to make sure no previous owners or anyone else can use a key to get in. You can also check the integrity of all locks on all windows and doors to ensure they're secure. Of course, there's no point in having locks if you don't use them. Be sure to lock up at night and when you're away from home.

Set Up a Security Camera
Security cameras will record anything suspicious around your home. They also act as a deterrent, discouraging people from trying anything when you display them clearly. Smart security cameras will even allow you to watch a live feed and will send alerts to your phone (or another device) if they pick up on any movement. As well as strategically placed cameras outside and perhaps inside your home, you can consider a doorbell camera. These are useful for checking who's at the door, like a modern peephole.

Install an Alarm
A security alarm is another great way of ensuring you're warned of any suspicious activity. It's also excellent to scare people away if they do try to break in or trespass. If you install an alarm, you can set it at night or when you go out to protect your home. You can often combine alarms with other security devices too. With smart technology on the rise, you can connect your security alarm with other security tech, such as cameras. You can also install an alarm that will automatically contact a monitoring center for you, which will confirm any incidents and can call the police for you too.

Keep a Good Flashlight
Sometimes it's the seemingly small things that can help to keep you safe. In a similar way that security lights will help to keep you safe at home, having a good flashlight will also help you to stay safe. A powerful LED tactical flashlight from EcoGearFX is ideal to keep at home. You can use it in case of power cuts or if you need to check anything outside at night. It's also useful if you want to walk the dog, take a walk on your own, or go for a run in the evening. Not only do they light the way, but you can use them for self-defense too.

Use a Personal Safety Alarm
A personal safety alarm is also a useful item to carry when you're out and about on your own. You can use it if you ever feel like you're in danger, and it will make a loud sound and might have a light on it too. Some alarms and apps also allow you to send a distress message to someone and let people know that you're in trouble.

Get to Know the Neighbors
Living alone doesn't have to mean that you're isolated or lonely. In fact, one of the best things that you can do if you live alone is to get to know your neighbors. There are several advantages to doing this. By getting involved with your local community, you can all watch out for each other. If you need help with anything, you'll have people nearby to ask. You can give a spare key to a trusted neighbor too. It's also useful to know and recognize your neighbors so that you can spot someone who might not be local to the area.

Keep in Touch with Family and Friends
Similarly, be sure to keep in touch with your family and friends. Letting them know your whereabouts and what you're up to can help to keep you safe, even if you're home alone. When you have people who are expecting you to be in certain places at certain times, you have people who know where to look for you. They can check in with you and make sure you are where you're supposed to be and that nothing has happened.

Create Security with Landscaping
For another way to create more security around your home, you can plan your landscaping strategically. By keeping bushes and trees neat, you can prevent people from hiding in them and make sure they don't block your line of sight. You can use thorny or sharp plants to help keep people away too. Planter boxes below your windows are also a smart idea, helping to make windows less accessible so that people can't climb through them.

Living on your own doesn't have to be or feel unsafe. You can make the experience safer with the right steps to secure your home and yourself.

Tips For Better & More Modern Curb Appeal

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Hi lovelies,

Part of keeping up with and maintaining your home has to do with how it looks on the outside. You want to make sure you love the way it appears when you pull up to it and that it stands out in the neighborhood for the right reasons.

You may know it needs some attention but aren’t sure where to start. In this case, review tips for better curb appeal that will put you on the right track and ensure your home looks beautiful. In no time at all, you’ll be proud to show off the new and improved exterior enhancements.

Spruce up the Exterior Structure

Your home’s structure and how it looks overall make a big difference when it comes to trying to boost curb appeal. Therefore, consider sprucing up the exterior by following through with making some major structural changes. Think about replacing or power washing the siding, adding shutters, and replacing an old roof. Make this project easier on you by choosing the right residential roofing contractor to help you. Your home will look brand new once you make these types of updates.

Clean up the Landscaping

Another tip for better curb appeal has to do with upkeeping your landscaping. Spend some time outside cleaning it up and taking care of your lawn and yard. It includes cutting and fertilizing your grass, trimming back trees and bushes, and having colorful and vibrant plants and flowers around the front of your home. It may help to hire a landscaping company or designer to come out and rearrange some things if you’re unhappy with how it looks currently.

Decorate Your Front Porch

You want to make a good first impression on people when they enter or pass by your home. If you want better curb appeal then decorate your front porch and make it look beautiful and inviting. For instance, you can get some tall planters to put next to your door, paint your front door an attractive hue, and place out an outdoor rug and some chairs on your porch. Switch and change up your décor by season so you always have a new and improved look going on. It may also help to hang a wreath from your front door.

Replace an Old Mailbox

An old mailbox can drag down the entire look of your home on the outside. Therefore, consider replacing it with a brand new style. Be sure to check with your homeowner’s association first if you have one to see if there are any rules and restrictions. It can be a fun DIY project to tackle or you can buy and install one that you find online.

Add Lighting

Brighten up and spruce up your home’s exterior and enhance the curb appeal by adding lighting. It’ll especially help improve the look of your property when the evening hours roll around. Install modern light fixtures by your garage and front porch and consider adding solar lights in the ground along your walkway. If you have a big tree in your front yard then you can also think about putting a spotlight on it for another way to boost your curb appeal. 

Follow this Guide if you Want a Clutter-Free Home by the End of The Day

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Hi lovelies,

If you often find yourself looking at clutter-free spaces in magazines or even on the web, then you may be wondering if it is even possible for your home to look like that. The truth is that it can, and sometimes a few simple changes are all that you need to make in order to reap the benefits.

Live within your Means
This isn’t a new idea at all, but it is a fantastic place for you to start if you want to live a life that is simpler and less cluttered. Let the size of your home dictate how many possessions you have, rather than the opposite way around. If you know that your closet is bursting at the seams, then don’t start dreaming about having a bigger closet. Instead, try and pare down what you have. If you are having a hard time, then it may be wise for you to invest in a storage unit. It’s a good idea for you to explore the storage unit cost in your area so that you can get an average price. Either way, most units will give you the keys that same day, so you can begin to clear out your home right now.

Purge
You also need to make sure that you purge often. If you find that stuff is always accumulating, then set aside a time in the day to just throw stuff away. Go through all of your things and try and get rid of anything that you don’t need anymore. If you have a pile of mail, then shred it. If you have some old cardboard boxes lying around then get rid of those too. If you can do this, then you will soon find that you can make your home look fantastic.

Put Things Away
This is quite possibly the hardest part of the list. You probably know that everything has its place, so you have to make sure that you do what you can to use it. Put your bottle opener in your drawer and also hang your shirt up when you get home from work. If you can do this, and get in a real habit, then this will work in your favor far more than you realize. You may even find that your home looks instantly better as a result and that you are able to find things too.

Clean
Believe it or not, if you clean your home on a regular basis then you won’t be as tempted to dump clutter. You may find that you end up being more respectful of your space and that you are also able to really keep track of things more. Of course, if you aren’t sure about where to start then look at your dumping grounds. This can include the coffee table, dining table or windowsill. Clean down these areas, and you’ll be way more tempted to avoid dumping things there in the future. This is a great way for you to take action starting today.

How To Feel Safe After A Break In

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Hi lovelies,

One of the most traumatic experiences that could be had is the experience of having your home broken into.

It’s a violation of privacy but it also makes it feel like someone has been too close to you; a break in is a rather intimate experience. It can be traumatic to find your things rifled through and your windows smashed, and it can make you feel apprehensive about walking into your home again. Many people use this experience as a catalyst for taking self-defense classes and learning how to use their hands, batons, and other weapons in order to protect themselves effectively in the future.

Should you ever find yourself needing to call in a window replacement service to help you to get your home back to feeling secure again, you need all the help that you can get to make sure that your home is back to its best. A home break in can be traumatic, but with the tips below, you can feel safe after it occurs once again. With the tips below, you can ensure that you keep a safe home at all times.

1. Get to a safe zone. When you realize that your home has been broken into, you should think about ensuring that you have a safe zone for your family to go. You should always have a place to go just in case you come home and find the house broken into again. 

2. Call the police. If you get home and you notice that the windows have been broken into, you should always call the police and let them clear out the crime scene. The police are going to be your first port of call should you ever see anything wrong like that - as your home is your castle. 

3. Make a list. You should have a list of things that have been taken from your home because that list is going to matter to your insurance company. You will also need to hand this list to the police because they will need to know exactly what’s been taken. You can then ensure that you can keep up with any websites that have your things being listed for sale! 

4. Help. If you have any security cameras or anything that could assist the police in the investigation into who took your things, you should contact them and help them with it. The police will need as much information as possible to catch the people who took from you!

5. File a claim. Your insurance company will need you to file a claim so that you can get covered on the things that have been stolen. Contacting them should happen ASAP so you’re not waiting too long to get your money. The insurance will also want to know about the police report we mentioned, so hand that over to them, too.

6. Repairs. Calling in the window services and repairing the glass as well as anything else in the house that has been smashed or damaged. You have to clean up the place and make sure that you are feeling safe in the house once more. This way, you can make a plan to prevent anything further happening and reinforce the things that were broken.

4 Ways to Juggle Working from Home while Managing a Household

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Hi lovelies,

Since the pandemic began, there have been more people than ever who are working from home. While working from home has many benefits such as working in your PJs, sleeping in, or skipping the commute, there are some downsides to it. It can be a challenge to stay productive while juggling all the demands that your household has such as chores, caring for children, and other home concerns. These tips will help you in managing your tasks at home while meeting your deadlines at work.

Create a designated workspace
While the idea of working from your couch or bed is incredibly tempting, it’s best to not do that.  If you’re sitting in an area that’s meant for relaxing, you’re going to struggle to keep at work because your mind will wander and will want to relax. Instead, try to look into creating an official setup. This could be something such as working from a dining room table, having your own desk, or maybe getting yourself a home office.

Whatever you do, you should have a door in this workspace so you can close it and lock it. It’s important that you block out any distractions that come your way. Your workspace should also be well equipped with items that you need for your jobs such as a computer or laptop, stationery, printer, a good microphone, webcam, and headphones. You’ll want these things within arms reach so you won’t have to constantly get up to get these.

Figure out a good schedule
Is your partner working from home as well? Are your kids old enough to go to school? Are they old enough to make their food? There can be struggles if your children are still too young for school or are doing school from home. You’ll need to make a clear schedule with your family, especially your partner about this. You all will need to accommodate each other. This includes accommodating child care, chores, errands, and many other things. This also needs to include quiet time. If you or your partner will be in a lot of meetings, then boundaries need to be set on who needs to be quiet as All Clean Pressure Washing LLC can be quite loud. Just in general though, you and your household will need to figure out a balance.

Multitasking
While it’s not fun to do, one way to handle work and doing things around the house would be through multi-tasking. This could include walking your dog while you’re waiting for a client to get back to you, running to do a load of laundry before a long meeting, or maybe putting dishes in the dishwasher during a phone call. You could always try to outsource some of your home chores if you and your partner are just far too busy to get any work done.

Meal prep
Meal prepping can be wonderful, but there are downsides. If your spouse and children rely on you to make food, you can always meal prep the day before or maybe even on the weekends. However, since meal prep can be a lengthy process on its own, you’ll still be glued to the kitchen. The plus side would be the fact that you’re not having to worry about it during work. A downside to meal prepping would be feeding yourself or your children something that none of you were in the mood to eat. 

5 Things You Must Consider Before Purchasing a Houseplant

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Hi lovelies,

Who doesn’t love houseplants? Thanks to the pandemic, houseplants have become super trendy. If you go on Instagram or TikTok, you’re bound to see many homes being decorated in gorgeous lush greenery. You can now find them anywhere, including markets, grocery stores, florists, and even department stores. These are excellent for replacing gardening or even give you a feel that you have a pet. If you’re looking into getting a houseplant, these are some things you should consider before making a purchase.

What are the benefits of houseplants?
Houseplants are natural air purifiers. They absorb CO2 and release oxygen. Plus the presence of being around plants makes you feel close to nature. This has a positive psychological effect on interior space for this reason. Plants are usually quite affordable and can easily elevate any space.  

First, figure out what level of plant care you want
It's very important to know how much you’re willing to care for a plant and how much experience you have. You need to think about how much time you’re willing to commit to taking care of a plant. If you’re lazy or always have a hectic schedule (as in, you’re not home too often), then it’s best to purchase something that’s extremely low maintenance such as a spider plant or cactus. However, if you’re home often and you love to see things nurture and grow, then maybe you can manage high-maintenance plants much better.

Figuring out how much light a plant needs
Nearly all plants need light in order to grow. Sunlight or even some form of artificial light is needed so plants can do the photosynthesis process. There are things that you should really keep in mind when selecting a plant. How much airflow does your home have? What is the average temperature in your house? How humid does it get? Where are the windows? These all need to be taken into account for your environment. Artificial heating and lighting are both going to affect the growth and wellbeing of your plant. It doesn’t mean that a tropical plant isn’t going to thrive in a dry or cold environment, but it does mean that there will have to be some kind of change. This could include purchasing something such as a humidifier or maybe even a small greenhouse.

Suitable container
This is fairly easy, you just need to make sure you pick a good container for your plan. There are plenty of fun and cute pots you can buy in-store as well as online. Just make sure there is enough room in it to allow your plant to grow.

What’s important when picking out a plant?
Once you have given yourself a reality check with what type of space and conditions you live in, you can then begin to think about why you want a plant and what type would be best.  So why do you want a plant? Are you wanting these for aesthetic purposes? Is it due to the ever-growing trend of owning plants? Do you want it due to making your home look nicer? How about your pets, do you own any cats or dogs? Some plants are very toxic to animals, so these need to be kept into consideration as well. Some plants are caused by mites, so in that case, you’ll need an exterminator in Gainesville, GA. It’s very important to think of all of these factors before purchasing a plant. 

Spruce Up & Improve Your Home With These Tips

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Hi lovelies,

Your home is a big investment and part of your life. It makes sense that you want it to look nice and be presentable.

You may have been busy lately and let updating your home slip through the cracks. On the other hand, maybe it’s older and you just haven’t put much work into it over the years. No matter the reasons why you haven’t kept up, now is the time to take action. Learn about ways you can spruce up your home and tips for improving it over time.

Enhance the Windows & Lighting
Dirty, old, and broken windows are unattractive and not energy efficient which can begin to get expensive over time. In this case, it might be time to look into following through with a whole home window replacement project. You’ll not only be better at regulating the temperature in your home but the windows will draw in more natural light as well. The brighter and airier your home the better it’s going to look. Once the new windows are installed you can dress them up with blinds or curtains. Also, add lamps and candles and put lights on dimmer switches so you can adjust the lighting accordingly.

Replace Old Flooring
Another tip to help you spruce up and improve your home is to look into new flooring. Replacing old flooring will make your home look more modern and can make dark rooms brighter. It’s especially important to do if you have old and stained carpet that’s been around for a while. Consider new and updated flooring options such as luxury vinyl planks that not only look great but are also good for pets and kids. Remember you can always place down an area rug to keep your feet warm and make your rooms cozier.

Apply Neutral Paint
New paint can quickly transform your home from dark, dreary, and outdated to modern and beautiful. Spruce up and improve your home by applying neutral paint colors to the walls throughout your property. You’ll not only enjoy having new paint but your home will be ready to sell when you decide to put it on the market in the future. If you want to save some money and are feeling motivated then you can even tackle this project yourself. Consider also painting wood trim white and bathroom or kitchen cabinets as other ways to bring your home into more contemporary times.

Declutter & Keep it Clean
If you want to spruce up your home and make it look and feel nicer then declutter it and keep it clean. Get rid of any items you no longer need or want and clear them out so you can make room for new pieces that you love. Go through old boxes, closets, and your basement, and make sure all you own has a place to reside. Come up with a practical cleaning schedule that helps you stay on track and tackle each room one by one throughout the week. Your home will look lovely and feel comfortable and cozy when you commit to keeping it clean, tidy, and organized.

Create Spaces for Entertaining
You never know who will be stopping by or when it’ll be your turn to throw a party or gathering. Therefore, it’s worth it to create some spaces for entertaining. For instance, you may want to have a sitting room with comfortable and unique furniture and have a dry bar set up for when guests want to visit indoors. You can also finish your basement and turn it into an entertainment center where you and your visitors can gather. Consider adding a big screen TV, pool table, and speakers so you’re all set when it’s time to host a party. Also, update your outdoor living space and backyard by preparing a grilling and sitting area so you can have a cookout and hang out outside when the weather is nice.

Install A New Garage Door
A new garage door can do wonders for your home’s appearance and increase its value. You’re sure to get a return on your investment and your home and belongings will be better insulated and protected, especially in the wintertime. There are many styles and designs to choose from so do your homework and see what’s trending and what will look best with your home’s style before deciding on a final garage door. A new garage door will keep your family safe, help you save energy, and boost your curb appeal so it’s definitely worth looking into.

Keep up with Your Landscaping
Your landscaping is another aspect of your home you should pay attention to and take care of. You want your yard to look well-kept and inviting so it’s important that you maintain it. This includes pruning your trees and bushes, cutting and fertilizing your lawn, and planting colorful plants and flowers to enjoy. Think about what other features you can add to your front or back yard too that will make it look better such as a fence, a garden with water features, and mulch or stones in the beds. You want your home to stand out in a good way, so make sure you don’t have a patchy or overgrown lawn or oversized bushes.

Perform Regular Maintenance & Make Repairs
You can spruce up and improve your home by performing regular maintenance and making repairs right away. You don’t want to leave important fixes for another day or they may soon add up and not only be costly but also impact the look and safety of your home. Make a seasonal maintenance checklist and be sure to keep up with it each year. Walk around your home and create a list of all items that are broken or need repair. Put the to-dos in priority order and then begin to tackle them one by one. Decide which repairs you can make yourself and which you’ll need to hire a handyman for. While you can teach yourself many skills from watching how-to videos online, some tasks are best left up to the pros. 

Stylish Secrets that will Help to Make your Home Look Amazing

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Hi lovelies,

If you love to buy things for your home but you just don’t know where to start, then you have come to the right place. Here you can find out everything you need to know about home design and décor, as well as finding out if it is possible for you to completely transform your home for the better.

Color Blocking
Color blocking is really popular right now. Painting an entire room in a single color is not easy at all, but the results can truly be stunning. One great way for you to start would be for you to match your paint color to a piece of furniture. The key to making your space color-blocked would be for you to look around the room and try to find patterns that complement each other. This will help you to create a truly stunning display. If you want to stop the color from being overwhelming, then it may be a good idea for you to adopt a softer wood tone for the floor. You can also add a different pop of color from the rug as well.

Fresh Flowers
If you have ever looked at a photogenic house tour on the internet, then you will know that creating good vignettes is easily a skill for an interior designer. One of the most important parts of this skill would be for you to try and buy some fresh flowers. Fresh flowers are ideal if you want to try and finish the room and you may even find that it helps you to add a pop of color as well. Flowers are wonderful to have in any space and they add a natural element to the space as well. This is always refreshing. Visually they help to add a lot of color, and this brightens even the darkest of rooms.

Painting the Door Trim
If you want to give your home an artsy or sophisticated look then you need to try and do the unexpected. Try and take people by surprise by trying to mix up various patterns and colors. If you can do this then you will soon find that things come together nicely. Painting the trims of your doorways will help to give you a nice dynamic entrance and you may even find that it gives you a subtle yet unexpected way for you to bring color into your home.

Fish Tank
Having a fish tank is a fantastic way for you to make sure that your home is brought to life. When you have a fish tank you may find that you are able to add a variety of color to the room and you can also play around with different themes too. If you want to try and benefit yourself then it may be wise for you to buy some custom plastic tanks. When you do, you will then be able to transport water easier.

Hang Drapes
Hanging drapes is another way for you to bring your home to life. You can hang them high from the ceiling, and this will add an element of luxury to your property, helping your roof to look higher while also adding visual space.

Your Ultimate House-Hunting How-To Guide

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Hi lovelies,

Buying a new home is an incredibly emotional process. It might be because you’re stepping onto the property ladder for the first time. Maybe you’re house-hunting for a forever home with your closest loved one. Or you’re moving on from a place already full of joy and memories.

But these emotions can sometimes get in the way of doing it right. There are things you need to check and boxes to tick. And overlooking even the tiniest issue could leave you with bills to pay way into the future that wasn’t accounted for.

To help you find your dream home with as little stress as possible, here’s your one-stop-shop guide about hunting for your dream home. And the common mistakes people make.

Common Mistakes To Avoid
Making mistakes and then learning from them is a part of life. But thankfully, in the house-hunting game, other people have made those mistakes for you. So here are 5 mistakes you need to avoid. 

Not Knowing Your Budget
When it comes to finding your dream home, once you’ve seen it, there’s no going back. You’ll fall in love with everything about it, including the lifestyle. But if the house you now love is way over budget, you’re just hurting yourself. Make sure your budget is clearly defined, and you only search in that strict price bracket. It’ll save you the pain of finding the perfect home that you just can’t afford. Plus, it’ll stop you from going into debt. 

Not Shopping Around
Similar to falling in love with a dream home that’s too expensive, you can fall in love with the first house you view. And the temptation just to take the plunge and put an offer in can be too great to fight. But for a good house hunt, you must resist! Not shopping around enough means you just don’t get a good enough idea of what’s on the market. And you may miss out on something that ticks more boxes than the first. 

Ignoring The Neighborhood
You can’t predict the future, so you won’t know what’s in store for your chosen neighborhood. But you can do some research. Make sure to check if there are any major plans in the pipeline for the area. And if you’re visiting on a quiet day, check out the site at rush hour. It can make or break a place if busy streets are an absolute no-no for your family. 

Skipping The Inspection
Once you’ve found a home, it can be tempting to rush through the paperwork and miss out on things like home inspections. But skipping it could cost you. Inspections show you possible problems or issues with the property that the average joe wouldn’t pick up. Of course, you can still go ahead if the problem isn’t a deal-breaker. But having an inspection puts you on a better footing in the buyers’ game. 

Rushing Into It
In the housing market, it’s sometimes necessary to make an offer quickly if you want to snap up a hot property. But you still need to ensure the house works for you long-term. So try to avoid getting caught up in the whirlwind that purchasing property can be. 

Before You Begin The Search
Now that you know what not to do, there are some key things to consider before you start to view properties. 

Define Your Lifestyle
Figure out what makes you tick. Defining your lifestyle will help you narrow down search criteria for the house and the neighborhood that’s right for you. 

Consider What Matters Most
Make a list of what means the most to you. It can be anything, from a huge garden for your dogs or having your workplace within walking distance. Anything that you can do without should be top of the list. 

Be Realistic
When searching for a new home, it’s tempting to have a huge list of requirements. You want it to be perfect after all. But be realistic about what you want. Especially when it comes to budget. If you don’t have a lot of cash, some things might need to be sacrificed. 

Separate Your Wants From Your Needs
Knowing the difference between your wants and needs will help you separate the wheat from the chaff. Especially if you have a small budget and some wants need to go. It also helps when you have 2 houses that tick all the needs boxes. You can use the wants list to decide which house does more for you. 

It’s Time To Start Viewing
The time has come to take the plunge and view some properties. While you’re in the homes, there are a few questions you should be asking yourself and the realtor.

• Is The Building Structurally Sound?

• Are The Rooms Big Enough?

• Is There Storage Space?

• Can You Extend Onto The House?

• How Old Is The Roof?

• Do The Windows Look Good?

• How Many PowerPoints Are There?

• Is There Damp?

• Have You Looked Past The Staging?

There are many more things you can ask, but these are often forgotten. They’re all geared to figuring out if the space works for you. And whether you’ll have to do any work once you get in or in the future. Asking questions gives you a fuller picture of the property, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. 

The Next Step
Your next big step will be whittling down choices and making offers. For the best advice when you get here, talk with your realtor. They’ll have all the lowdown on the houses and may even know the sellers well. Having a good relationship with the realtor makes the whole process simpler. And they’re the ones with the experience. So use it to your advantage. 

How Location Services Can Save Your Life

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Hi lovelies,

Mobile phone location services are often viewed with a (healthy) degree of skepticism at times.  We’ve all been warned about scammers that use seemingly unobtrusive ways to track our movements and then sell that data to companies who target us with unsolicited offers and pestering phone calls.  We find ourselves directed to websites that seem to come out of nowhere but are suspiciously in line with what we’ve been doing, where we’ve been going, and even who we’ve been doing it with.  But there is another side to location services and when used honestly, these can go a long way when it comes to improving our personal safety.  We’ve looked at ways to improve our safety in life, so now we’re going to look at ways that location services can actually save our lives.  As women, it’s becoming increasingly important to take responsibility for our own safety and this is where location services become important.

LET’S START BY UNDERSTANDING WHAT LOCATION SERVICES ARE
“A location-based service (LBS) is a general term denoting software services that utilize geographic data and information to provide services or information to users.” With thanks to our friends at Wikipedia.

Location-based services use GPS (global positioning satellites) technology to pinpoint a near-exact location of a specific site or object.  In this case, we’re looking at how our cell phones make use of this technology to enable potentially lifesaving scenarios.

SO HOW DOES IT WORK?
Utilizing a network of in-orbit satelite systems, our mobile phones can be tracked based on which cell phone tower we’re currently using in a specific area and then using GPS technology to “triangulate” that location.  Without getting too technical, the amount of time it takes between signal transmissions tells the system where we are within a hugely impressive level of accuracy.

CORONAVIRUS TRACKING
In case you hadn’t noticed, we’re in the throws of a global pandemic, and using location services has dramatically changed how we track the spread of the Coronavirus and is helping the authorities understand where breakouts happen and effectively, who is the “patient zero” within particular circles.  But what it also means is that authorities can also let you know when you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive so that you can take the appropriate measures.  These systems have saved many lives the world over.

PERSONAL SAFETY FOR WOMEN
So this type of service can be useful for anyone, but we’re focusing on why it’s important for women as we tend to make up the larger pool in terms of gender-based violence. This is especially true if you happen to be out walking at night, whether from a night out or on the way to or from work, enabling location services on your cell phone could mean the difference between getting help fast, or not.  With various apps and devices, you can instantly transmit your location to emergency contacts or 911 operators, so that in the event of an emergency you save precious minutes that would have otherwise been spent trying to explain to someone where you are or fact is, you may be unable to provide that information.

Location-based services are also crucial for when you’re driving long distances and find yourself lost or experience car trouble.  Without having to fold out a map and then trying to figure out where you are, you can allow live tracking of your location so that help can get to you when you need it, faster than ever before.  There are various options to track Android phone location if you don’t have an iPhone and practically, these functions could be used for finding the location of a friend at a festival who has gone missing or even for when you’ve misplaced your phone or it’s been stolen.

Keeping your children safe is also a wonderful way in which location-based services can help.  No one wants to curtail the fun that their kids could have when visiting friends or staying away from home but in these times, it can be a nerve-wracking experience for parents who otherwise would have no idea where their kids were or what they’re up to.  

If you’re out hiking or camping and you get lost or you need urgent assistance for a medical emergency or when your personal security is put at risk, then having these services at your disposal could be the singular difference between life and death.  So even though our natural inclination is to be wary of location services (and you should know the risks), you can counter these by knowing how to activate and deactivate this feature on your cell phone so that you get the benefits while minimizing your exposure.

Are You Missing Out On These Home Essentials?

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Hi lovelies,

We all want to have a home that we love. So when you feel as if your home doesn’t really speak to you any more, or that maybe it’s just not styled to your taste, it can feel a little bit overwhelming. Maybe you just don’t feel at home where you are because of it. And as much as you might be thinking about selling your home, you may find that just making some home improvements could be better. That way, you’ll feel like your home is more suited to you. Plus, if you do then go on to decide to move, having already done these improvements, your home value should go up too.

So, to help you make sure that your home feels more complete and add value to it, here are some essentials that you might want to work in.

Reliable Systems
Okay so this first point isn’t going to be the sexiest of them all. But if you know that some of the basic home essentials aren’t really working or that you feel as if they are old and in bad shape, it’s frustrating. Instead, you need a reliable heating and air conditioning service as well as good electrics and other utilities. When you’ve got all of this serviced, replaced or improved, you’ll feel so much better.

Kitchen Storage
From here, you might want to think about your kitchen space too. Of course, we all want to have the dream kitchen. However, it doesn’t always work out that we have the room. If you do, and you can renovate and extend to get your dream space, go for it. It’s important to have all the room you need. But if you don’t want to do this, why not focus on the storage instead? It could be the case that having more room for all of your cooking equipment and better organizing the kitchen space can make a huge difference.

A Relaxation Space
For this point, we’re not talking about a meditation room or a zen space (although they could work too). The idea here is to have somewhere in the home where you can unwind and relax after a busy day at work. This is a huge part of having a good life. Ideally, it’s going to be your living space. So make sure that you have a comfy sofa to lounge on, your TV set up so you can watch movies, and bring in home comforts too. Even a stunning fireplace, lots of cozy blankets and great lighting can make such a difference here.

Now that you know what essentials to book in, you may find that your home starts to feel more complete. It can also be fun to take this one step further and to add in some of the design trends that are going around at the moment. Just make sure that you’re investing in things that matter most to you and you’ll feel like it will all be worth it.

Living Expenses You'll Need To Make Sure You Can Cover

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Hi lovelies,

Depending on where in your life you are, you’ll have a set amount of living expenses that you’re used to. Your bills, rent, and much more will be accounted for, and you’ll have your budget put together nicely. An unexpected bill could put you completely off track.

By nature, these are costs that you wouldn’t see coming. While you can’t exactly plan for these things to happen, you can mitigate the impact they have on your life. Not being able to pay for it means that you might have to do without.

You can’t avoid some unexpected living expenses, however, so you’ll need to plan on having money set aside in case they come up.

Expenses You Should Know About & Plan For

An Emergency Room Trip
Healthcare costs may be the largest unexpected costs that you can come across. Even an emergency room visit can cost much more than you’d think. The alternative to spending this money is to not get much-needed treatment, which naturally isn’t recommended.

You can minimize this by having health insurance, although that mightn’t remove all of the cost. To keep these as low as possible, make sure to have comprehensive insurance. That’ll be especially helpful if you end up needing surgery or any other kind of treatment.

These will add up quickly and could reach into the thousands.

Repairing Your AC & Other Appliances
Your appliances, alongside electrical and HVAC systems, will put up with a lot of wear and tear over time. Though that won’t be an issue if you live in a recently-built property, it can be a problem in older homes. Appliances and systems only last a certain amount of time before needing maintenance.

Though 24 Hour AC Repair and other firms can fix these for you, it’s a cost you’d rather not have to pay. Thankfully, these costs should be relatively spaced out, so you shouldn’t have to pay for them too regularly.

Funerals
Nobody wants to prepare for a funeral. They’re an unfortunate part of life, however, and they can be relatively expensive. Though this can be paid for either entirely or partially by life insurance, that won’t be the case every time.

Funerals can vary in cost significantly, depending on what’s involved. Though there are ways to keep these low, it won’t be the most affordable expense. If you have older or sick relatives, then you might need to prepare for them passing on.

Though most of this will be emotional, finances should also play a certain role.

Wrapping Up
You’ll never be completely prepared for unexpected living expenses. You don’t need to ruin your finances just to pay for them, however. By knowing what you could have to pay for, you can minimize the impact that these costs will have.

It can be relatively simple to do so; put some money aside every month for these costs. Even if you don’t use it, you can build it up over time. Though that’s easier said than done, every bit can help. At a minimum, these savings can cover a large portion of any unexpected costs.

How To Prepare Your Home So That It’s Ready for the Market

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Hi lovelies,

Selling your home can be one of the most daunting tasks that you’ll ever face. The housing market has been fairly busy over the past couple of months and it’s going to continue getting better thanks to the pandemic slowly subsiding. If you’re planning on selling your home, downsizing, or even going to a much larger property, then there are a couple of important things that you should keep in mind if you want to get the most value out of your property.

In this post, we’ve put together some helpful advice on how you can prepare your home so that it’s ready for the market. Whether it’s doing a bit of DIY work to add a bit more home value or finding the realtor to list it with, it’s a good idea to take your time before you put your property on the market.

Perform repairs that you’ve been meaning to do for a long time
There are probably a large number of repairs that you’ve been meaning to do over the past few months or even years. While they might seem small or insignificant to you, there are plenty of good reasons to fix things up even though you might not use them. For example, if you don’t own a car then things like garage door repairs probably don’t mean much to you. However, for someone that does drive and will use the garage to store their car, it’s a good idea to get that door fixed so that they can actually use it.

Similarly, you’ll want to fix up small issues that you’ve just grown accustomed to. For instance, there could be a water pressure issue in your home that causes the shower to run very slowly if another faucet in the home is on. You may have grown accustomed to this because you live alone or because people rarely use another faucet when you’re in the bathroom. However, other families might find this inconvenient and will try to lower your home value once they realize the issue. Get these problems fixed with help from a professional to ensure that there is nothing that potential buyers can complain about.

Do a bit of research on your local housing market and find a good listing agent
Listing agents can help ensure that your property is seen on the market by as many people as possible. Professional real estate agents are essential if you want to make a fast sale. Even though they’ll take off some of the value of your home as a commission fee, it’s still worth the expert advice because they’ll give you insider insights into how the market is doing and what kind of audience you should be targeting.

The advice that you get from a professional means that you have an easier time accessing the local housing market too. Most people perform a lot of research before trying to sell their home so that they know exactly how much their home is worth and what to ask for. But with a professional by your side, this entire process becomes much easier to handle and is a fantastic way to ensure that you get the best price for your property.

Do a bit of light decor work to help refresh your home
You may have gotten used to the paint peeling off certain rooms or the amount of clutter that you have laying around because you’re planning to move soon. But this isn’t going to look nice whenever someone comes in for a viewing, so it’s a good idea to do a bit of decor work to get your home looking brand-new.

You can start small with repainting rooms, giving your house a deep clean, or even staging it so that it looks much more attractive to buyers. However, you can also go the extra mile and start replacing windows that look outdated or even replacing furniture with something a bit newer.

Hopefully, this article has made it a little less daunting for you to sell your home. Preparing a property for the market is a lot less work than some people might first assume, but that doesn’t mean you can be lazy with it. It’s a good idea to do your research and prepare your home so that it can attract buyers and get sold a lot faster. After all, a house that stays on the market for a bit too long is usually a sign that you’re doing something wrong.