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5 Common Household Bugs To Be Aware Of

common household bugs

No matter how hard you try, there will be instances where you find an unwelcome critter in your house. This might alarm you, especially if you’re scared of bugs, have children, or have pets, but it’s important to remember that not all creepy crawlies are bad, and some are even to be expected. There are a handful of common household bugs you might find in your home, and knowing how to deal with the situation will help put you at ease.

Common Household Bugs

1. Dust Mites

Dust mites naturally live in every house, and generally, they don’t cause issues. When there’s a lot of them, though, they can cause a range of symptoms including:

  • Rash
  • Itchy eyes
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing

Dust mites typically can be found on fabric such as carpet, curtains, bedding, and other plush surfaces. You won’t be able to keep them out entirely, but you can certainly minimize their effects by washing bedding, curtains, and soft items frequently, as well as vacuuming weekly.

2. Woodworm Beetles

Dampness is a common issue that many homeowners face in some capacity, and generally, it doesn’t cause major damage. Certain types of damp can attract bugs like woodworm beetles, though. Woodworm beetles can be destructive, but they’re relatively easy to spot and treat.

There are a few types of woodworm beetles, the most common being the common furniture beetle which is brown and roughly half a centimeter long. They don’t usually cause any harm to humans or pets, but they can damage furniture and skirting boards. To avoid woodworm beetles, you need to avoid dampness in your home.

The beetles are attracted to damp wood, so you need to tackle the root cause of dampness first. If the affected area is only small, you can dry out the wood with the use of a heater, or you can inject a vinegar-water solution into the boreholes to drive the remaining larvae out.

3. Fruit Flies

We’ve all had instances where we’ve left fruit on the kitchen counter a little too long past its recommended eat-by date and it’s attracted flies. One or two fruit flies aren’t a problem, but they multiply really fast and things can get out of hand fairly quickly. No one wants to eat fruit that’s got fly larvae in it, so to avoid it, you should store fruit in the refrigerator and get rid of it as soon as it starts to turn bad.

4. Ants

You’re more likely to have an ant infestation in the warmer months, and most of the time they’re not a problem aside from the fact they’ll eat their way through all your snacks, but some types of ants can be potentially dangerous in the sense that they can sting and bite.

If you spot an ant, watch it carefully to see where it’s coming from and apply ant-killing solution. Keep in mind that some ant-solutions can be harmful to children and pets.

If you don’t want to use ant powder, you can try ant traps which are a safer option for those with children and pets. To avoid ants altogether, it’s a good idea to store any loose food like cookies and cereal in airtight containers.

5. Silverfish

silverfish, common household bugs

These pesky creatures are very small and hard to see, but they can cause a lot of damage to fabric, wallpaper, and books. They’ve been known to also eat glue, oats, and flour, so there’s not much these wingless insects won’t go for!

Since silverfish eat anything, it makes treating them hard, especially when you consider how hard they are to see. The best solution is usually sticky traps, but sealing up food, reducing the amount of clutter in your home (letters/newspapers, etc.) and sprinkling diatomaceous earth can also work.

common household bugs

Common Household Bugs To Be Aware Of

Hopefully, you don’t have the misfortune of encountering these creepy crawlies any time soon, but if you do, use the ideas suggested here. Have you had a problem with any of these household bugs before? If so, tell me about it in the comments!

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Adulting For the Home Home Life Parenting

4 Reasons To Think About Moving Your Family To an Apartment

Moving Your Family To an Apartment

Downsizing is a concept that more and more families are open to, and knowing the reasons may make you think about moving your family to an apartment. Before, it used to be an idea that was reserved for when your kids had flown the nest. Then, mom and dad would sell the big family home and move into a smaller place that’s easier to manage.

Now, families are considering moving to smaller places a lot sooner. In fact, a lot of families are looking to swap a traditional house for an apartment. 

You don’t have to do this, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with living in a house (I do!). There are a few benefits of living in an apartment with your kids, though, and they have even made me consider it.

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Reasons For Moving Your Family To an Apartment

1. More Social

Being in an apartment building means there are lots of other people and families living in the same place. You and your kids could meet new people, making it a more social place for them to grow up. If the apartment has a shared yard or is close to a play area for kids, they’re bound to make lots of new friends in the area. In a house, you are around fewer people and there isn’t always a social element to your neighborhood. 

2. Easier to Maintain

Apartments are naturally easier to maintain than houses, largely because there’s less space. Even in big apartments, though, it’s easier as you have no stairs to traverse – and also because you don’t take care of the building.

Things like your windows and the yard will be taken care of by the building owner. Also, if you’re renting instead of owning, lots of maintenance tasks are covered by the landlord. So, it gives you less to worry about and makes it easier to maintain a lovely home. 

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3. Fewer Pests to Worry About

Living in an apartment means you’re less at risk of running into any pests. Granted, apartment pest control exists for a reason – pests aren’t completely free from apartment buildings! Still, the chances of you encountering rats or mice are greatly diminished when you’re in an apartment.

Perhaps it’s because of the way apartments are made, or it could be because of good upkeep and regular maintenance. Either way, people rarely complain of pests in apartments, at least when compared to pests in a traditional house. 

4. A Better Location

Apartments tend to be in optimal locations for families. You will rarely see an apartment building in the middle of nowhere or out in the suburbs. Instead, they’re close to all of the action!

Your family can be within walking distance of your job and the kid’s school. You could be near public transport, right next to grocery stores, and so on. If you want more convenience in your life, then moving to an apartment could be a better option for your family. 

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Moving Your Family To an Apartment

While there are definite benefits to living in an apartment, this isn’t intended to force you to move out of your house. If you’re happy where you are, that’s absolutely fine. There are advantages to living in a house over an apartment as well, and perhaps that article will be written in the future! Still, if you are thinking about moving your family to an apartment, these benefits should help you with your decision.

Which do you prefer? Living in a house or an apartment? Leave a comment and let me know!

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5 Easy Ways to Get Your Kids Outside in the Yard

Get Kids Outside

Spending time outside is very beneficial for people of all ages. Sometimes children may lack interest in going outside, however, and be more into electronics and indoor games. If you’re finding it challenging to get the kids away from those screens and out in the fresh air, there are plenty of ways to get your kids outside.

Spring is the best time of year to plant a few vegetables or even welcome wildlife. You can create a sensory, exciting space outside that will entice even the most indoorsy children. Here are five easy ways to get kids out in the yard.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Get Kids Outside
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How to Get Your Kids Outside

1. Yard Games

Invest in a couple of yard games. You can play these together as a family, or your children can invite friends over. Add a personal touch with these custom cornhole bags, for example, https://www.cornholeworldwide.com/products/cornhole-bags/custom-cornhole-bags/. You can have them personalized with the name or message of your choice. They make great gifts and just might incentivize kids to play more outside.

2. Grow Your Own

Growing your own vegetables is a fun way to get children interested in gardening as well as healthy eating. There are plenty of easy vegetables to grow with kids, such as carrots and potatoes, so you don’t need to be expertly green-thumbed. It’s one of the best ways to encourage kids to be productive and happy.

3. Start Seeds Inside

If you want to gauge your child’s interest beforehand, you could start seeds off inside. Plant seeds in glass jars so they can see the roots growing, which will engage their curiosity. You can then move the plants outside.

If you don’t have much yard space but would still like to get your kids interested in gardening, here are some low-maintenance indoor plants. You could even set up window boxes or a small balcony garden.

4. Welcome Wildlife

With a few quick upgrades, you can turn your yard into a wildlife habitat. The children will enjoy spotting and naming the wild visitors that come your way.

Create zones in your yard for critters to forage and hide. Let your lawn grow wilder, or build a rock garden. Add a water source and a bit of food and you’ll easily attract a variety of wildlife.

You could make your own bird feeders from recycled materials, or for a bigger project, build a bee hotel from old wood and bamboo. Another idea is to simply drill a few holes into some untreated wood for a basic home for insects.

5. Create a Sensory Space

Turn your garden into a treat for all the senses by adding plenty of textures, sights, and smells for your children to explore. Create a sensory garden by adding colorful and fragrant flowers which will also attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

An amazing sensory space can be from a swimming pool that is specifically designed with little ones in mind. There is nothing more exciting than splashing in the water on a hot summer’s day. Work with a reputable company like CaliforniaPools.com, so you get the best pool for little water explorers. 

You could even consider a water feature such as a pond or fountain. The sound of the water is incredibly relaxing and it will make a nice home for fish and amphibians. With sensory stimulation and fun activities, your children will love being out in the yard.

Get Kids Outside, how to get kids outside, kids, parenting, outside

Get Your Kids Outside

It is so important to get your kids outside, and it doesn’t have to be a struggle. By setting your yard up specifically for the kids, your kids will be eager to get outside every day.

What have you done to your yard to get your kids outside? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Adulting For the Home Home How To Life

3 Easy Ways to Get Rid Of Nasty Smells In Your Home

get rid of nasty smells in your home

We have all been in a situation where there’s a horrible smell in our home but can’t quite seem to get rid of it. Where is it coming from? Why does it exist? More importantly, how on earth can you stop it from stinking up your home and making you uncomfortable?! If you’re currently suffering from bad smells in your home, use these tips to get rid of nasty smells in your home.

Get Rid Of Nasty Smells In Your Home
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How to Get Rid Of Nasty Smells In Your Home

1. Don’t try to mask the smell with air fresheners

Your first instinct is to pick up a can of air freshener and spray it everywhere when there’s a bad smell in your home. In reality, this does nothing. If anything, it makes the smell worse as it now mingles with the air freshener.

When you do this, you’re not dealing with the problem at all. The smell still exists, you’re just attempting to cover it up. It’s literally like seeing a crack in the wall and putting some sticky tape over it! So, save yourself time and money by not spraying air freshener everywhere. 

2. Identify the cause of the smell

The correct way to approach things is by identifying the cause of the smell. Here are a few of the most common causes of bad smells in your home:

  • Moldy food
  • Stinky trash
  • Pet poop
  • Dead animals
  • Clogged pipes

You have to start figuring out if any of these things are the source of the terrible smell in your home. It sounds like a hard task, but you can quickly rule out some of the potential issues. For instance, if you don’t have any pets, you know that they aren’t the cause of the smell!

Nevertheless, the best place to start is with the plumbing system in your home. Go to the bathroom and see if the smell gets stronger – particularly if you sniff near plug holes and drains. The same goes for your kitchen and any other areas of your home with pipes. If you don’t smell any strong scents coming from these areas, the chances are that you don’t have a plumbing problem. Of course, if the smell intensifies, it’s a pretty decent bet that clogged pipes or drains are the issues. 

If you check the plumbing and don’t notice any problems, your next step is to hunt around your kitchen. First, check the garbage – if it reeks, you know that it’s causing the smell! This is so common, and you can easily solve it by taking the trash outside. However, if the trash isn’t the issue, start opening cupboards and looking for any signs that the smell intensifies. If it does get worse, check that area for moldy food.

For most of you, these two steps will identify the source of your smelly problem. Plumbing issues and smells coming from your kitchen are highly common.

If you still can’t find the source, there’s a high chance a small animal might have died in your home. Particularly if the smell has gotten worse over time, and you see flies buzzing around areas of your home. Mice, rats, and birds can get into your home via the attic, ending up trapped. So, if the smell gets really bad as you go to your attic, you know this is the problem. Generally, it’s quite easy to tell if a dead animal is the source of your smell as they have a very distinct odor.

3. Removing the source

After identifying the source, you have to remove it. This is the only way to get rid of the smell for good, and then you can freshen up your home. For any plumbing issues, always get a local plumber to handle them as you want to avoid making the problem even worse. Thankfully, most issues can be solved within a few hours, so your home will start smelling better. After any blockages are cleared, it helps to pour some bleach down plug holes, further freshening things up. 

For smells in the kitchen, begin by removing any moldy food and throwing smelly trash out. Then, clean the area where the scent was found, using disinfectant to kill the smelly bacteria. This will go a long way to removing the scent from your home.

Obviously, if dead animals are causing the smell, you need to call a pest control provider to deal with it for you. They’ll help you find out where the smell is coming from before removing the animal for you. This should have an instant impact on how your home smells. If pet poop is the problem, remove it, clean the area, and teach your pet to not poop inside in the future.

Get Rid Of Nasty Smells In Your Home

Get Rid Of Nasty Smells In Your Home

By following all of these steps to get rid of nasty smells in your home, you will now have a clean and fresh home. Open all of the windows to air out your home and get rid of any lingering smells. Once the smells have disappeared, then you can use candles or air fresheners to make the rooms smell nicer.

Do you have any tips to add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

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Adulting Home How To Life

4 Helpful Ways to Overcome The Challenges Of A Long-Distance Move

Long-Distance Move

A long-distance move is something many people dream of. There are so many beautiful places in the world enticing people to move, and some people choose to move because they want to have better opportunities. While this idea can be exciting, the process itself can come with some challenges that you will need to overcome.

Long-Distance Move
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How to Overcome The Challenges Of A Long-Distance Move

1. Moving Your Possessions

Moving all of your things to a new place is hard, but it is especially challenging when moving long-distance. You can’t take things like furniture on a normal passenger plane, making it worth looking for companies like Sky Van Line to go through this process for you. Using vans, boats, and planes, you can move all of your possessions to your new home easily.

Another option is to sell your large furniture and buy new once you get to your new home. When deciding which route you want to take, consider the cost of each option.

2. Finding Work

Finding work in a different place can be a daunting prospect, especially when you factor in the cost of moving. You can find a job before you move, with options like online freelance work for those with the skills. If your move is a while away, you can consider starting a blog and monetizing it before moving.

Other times, you can get hired by a company before your move, with a start date after the move. Some employers will even be happy to help you move if it means that you can work for them.

3. Finding A Home

Looking for a home when you don’t speak the language or can’t visit the place can be tricky. It leaves you in the hands of your real estate agent. Thankfully, modern technology has solved this sort of issue, with virtual viewings being possible from a wide variety of companies.

You may need to look for options that offer this service, but it will be worth the search. With this service, it is easy to get a feel for a place before you decide to move.

Consider mortgages as well because getting mortgages in a different country can be difficult. It is worth talking to your bank about this ahead of time, too.

4. Keeping The Family Happy

Keeping your family happy through this process should always be a priority. It is important to make this decision with your partner and discuss it thoroughly. When it comes to your kids, the best time to move is before they have started school and made friends. You can still move if your kids are older, though, but you should enable them to maintain their old friendships.

Long-Distance Move

Overcome The Challenges Of A Long-Distance Move

A long-distance move should be exciting, so make sure you prepare to overcome the challenges. If you follow these tips, you will feel ready to take on the challenge of a long-distance move.

This process can be great, giving you new opportunities and a chance to enjoy a new life. It will also provide your family with experiences that can only be gained when you’ve lived in more than one place.

Have you ever moved long-distance? What are some of your best tips? Leave a comment and let me know!

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5 Easy DIY Ways To Add Value To Your Home

Ways To Add Value To Your Home

Adding value to your home is something that can certainly benefit you financially if you choose to ever sell your home. There are a few reasons you decide to move, whether it’s for work, needing more space, or needing to downsize. Whatever the reason, it’s important to try and gain as much profit from your investment as possible. There are a number of easy DIY ways to add value to your home, making it easier than ever.

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DIY Ways To Add Value To Your Home

1. Convert The Loft Space Or Basement

Converting your loft space or basement is a great way to take advantage of space that’s already in your home. Most properties will have a basement, a loft space, or both. Before you decide to build an extension or an add-on to the property, focus on what you’ve already got.

It will be less expensive to convert the space you already have, and upgrading the space will make it easier to sell your home for a profit. Many buyers are going to like the fact that you’ve done the hard work for them, and they’ll be willing to pay more because of it.

If you spot potential in your basement space or loft, then try to convert them into liveable spaces. Whether that’s a bedroom, a dressing room, or perhaps a study or workout space, the new owners will be happy about it. There are endless possibilities and it’s worth doing something with it, even if it is a simple upgrade.

2. Build An Extension

An extension is something that many homeowners have the option of doing. You must have space on your land and get the go-ahead from your township or city. It’s a lot of work, but if you have the ability to do it, then it’s almost certainly going to add value to your property.

When thinking about doing an extension, make sure you speak to your neighbors beforehand. It’s good to keep them informed and to keep them on your side, in case there’s any early morning starts or building work that is likely to be disruptive to their living situation. 

Make sure you’ve given yourself a budget and that you don’t overspend as this can be a costly investment already. You don’t want to spend so much that you get less back on the sale because of it.

3. Fix Anything That’s Broken

Fixing things that are broken is another big improvement for any potential buyers. By fixing fixtures and fittings around your home, it will allow buyers to move in without having to do much to it.

In some homes, they may need to fix broken windows or doors and it can end up being expensive to do. If you fix these things before potential buyers see your home, it will set you apart from those who don’t bother.

If you’ve got old windows or doors that need replacing, then now is the right time to do it before you put it on the market. Renewal by Andersen is a great company to use and having new windows and doors will increase your property’s value.

4. Add-In Smart Features

Smart features are something that is worth adding to increase your home’s value. Technology and advancements in engineering are making us want more of it in our own homes, rather than only using it in public spaces. Your home has the potential to be more functional, and these simple upgrades can make all the difference.

Simple things like a hot water tap can be great for those who like to cut down any waiting time. You may want to install a smart thermostat to control via an app or maybe underfloor heating for that extra cozy feeling during the colder months.

5. Upgrade Your Bathroom Or Kitchen

Upgrades are often needed around the home and they are most apparent in rooms like the kitchen and bathroom. These rooms get a lot of footfall and usage on a daily basis, so they quickly become run down. It’s worth doing an update or upgrades to these spaces every few years to ensure they stay as new and fresh as possible.

For some, renovations might be needed to completely overhaul the space and design. This might only be needed every 15-20 years or so. Determine how out-of-date your space is before determining how large of an upgrade you need to do.

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DIY Ways To Add Value To Your Home

Adding value to your home is beneficial in a few ways. You can enjoy the upgrades and improvements, or you can list your home for a profit. Either way, these simple DIY ways to add value to your home can help you improve your living space. What are some things you recommend to add value to a home? Leave a comment and let me know!

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10 Common Tools To Help Make Your Home DIY Projects Easier

Home DIY Projects Easier

If you’re anything like me, you have some DIY projects planned for your home. Over the years, I have determined that it’s easier to get those home DIY projects done easier if I have the right tools. While you may think you can make do with what you already have, it would be better to invest in some common tools to help make your home DIY projects easier.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Home DIY Projects Easier
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Tools To Help Make Your Home DIY Projects Easier

1. Utility knife

Utility knives have small, sharp blades that are often retractable. These knives are sometimes known as box-cutters, but they have so many uses beyond cutting boxes.

When it comes to home DIY projects, they can be handy for cutting wallpaper, slicing linoleum, trimming veneer, and even removing staples. These tools can save you from struggling with scissors, and they’re a much safer option than trying to use a kitchen knife. 

2. Adjustable wrench

When it comes to loosening and tightening bolts, you could invest in an adjustable wrench. With these tools, you can adjust the clamp size to fit any size of bolt. This saves you from having to sort through multiple wrenches, and it will allow you to do things yourself.

Situations that would call for an adjustable wrench include doing your own plumbing, assembling furniture, repairing bicycles and possibly doing mechanics on your car. 

3. Glue gun

Glue guns can be useful for all kinds of fixes around the home from putting back loose trim to repairing broken decor. You can even use them for joining wood together when you don’t want to use screws.

There are clearly limits as to what you can use a glue gun for (you can’t fix a shelf to a wall with a glue gun), however, you would be surprised by the number of tasks that can be achieved with one.

A hot glue gun is the best option for heavy-duty DIY such as repairing furniture. Cold glue guns are safer but tend to be better for small crafts as they don’t offer quite as strong a bond.

4. Duct tape

Duct tape can come in handy during many DIY tasks. It can be a great tool for when you need a strong temporary fix such as repairing a broken shower curtain rail until you get a new one or patching up a leak on a pipe until the plumber comes.

There are various strengths of duct tape on the market that you can look into. Less adhesive tape such as masking tape is usually better suited for tasks like getting straight borders when painting or preventing paint from splashing onto a window frame or trim.

5. Circular saw

For times when you need to saw through things, a circular saw can take a lot of the time and effort out of cutting. Circular saws use a fast-spinning electric saw to make quick and efficient cuts.

There are lots of different types of circular saw on the market to choose from. Some are built for precision and have laser guides or rail guides to help cut in a perfectly straight line. Others are built for portability, and these tend to be lightweight and cordless. Consider which option you think is right for you. 

6. Electric sander

Sanding down rough surfaces manually can be a time-consuming task. Just as circular saws make sawing easier, electric sanders make sanding much easier.

These tools come in various shapes and forms. The most basic electric sanders tend to be orbital sanders with a single strip of sandpaper that rotates in a continuous motion, often around a square pad.

Random orbital sanders tend to be a little more expensive – these oscillate in a more random motion around a circular pad, which can reduce swirl marks. Some electric sanders are plug-in, while others are cordless. Some can be used with one hand, while others require both hands. 

7. Cordless hand drill

When it comes to inserting and removing screws, a cordless hand drill can be very useful. These drills are useful when a screwdriver isn’t enough to get the job done.

Cordless hand drills tend to offer a lot more maneuverability than plug-in drills and are the favored option. Most hand drills are built to hold multiple drill bits – you can buy these as part of a kit. It’s worth looking for a cordless hand drill that has a good charge for projects when you need to do a lot of drilling. 

8. Stud finder

When putting a screw or a nail into a wall, it’s important to avoid studs, pipes, and wires. Finding these without a stud finder can be done, but it’s not always easy.

By investing in a stud finder, you can easily avoid hammering a nail into a stud or pipe. There’s not much variation between different stud finders on the market, so don’t feel the need to spend a lot of money on one of these devices. 

9. Laser guide

Laser guides can be useful in a variety of settings. If you want to line up two light switches on either side of the room, you can do so with a laser guide. You can also use laser guides to make sure that you’re cutting in a straight line or to make sure two shelf screw holes are level.

Laser guides are sometimes fitted onto other tools such as saws. They can also be integrated into stud finders. Shop online to compare various brands on the market.

10. DIY apps

There are various apps that you can download onto your smartphone to help with DIY tasks. Spirit level apps for instance can be useful for checking that a shelf or a picture frame is level. Measuring apps meanwhile can be used if you don’t have a tape measure handy and you need to find the dimensions to a wall or surface.

Many of these apps are free and some may already be installed on your smartphone. Consider doing your research to see what other DIY apps are out there that you may benefit from.

Tools To Make Your Home DIY Projects Easier

DIY projects are great if you want to save money while updating your home. Having the right tools is essential to getting the job done correctly. What are your favorite tools to use for home DIY projects? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Adulting For the Home Home

4 Helpful Pieces of Advice For First-Time Homeowners to Make it More Enjoyable

advice for first-time homeowners

Being a first-time homeowner is a lot of responsibility, but it can also be an enjoyable experience. Buying a home is a significant investment of your time and money so it makes sense you want to take your new purchase seriously and be a responsible homeowner. Luckily, there are a few pieces of advice for first-time homeowners that you can follow. This advice will help ensure you have a successful and smooth transition moving into your new home.

advice for first-time homeowners
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Helpful Pieces of Advice For First-Time Homeowners

1. Take Time to Get Settled

One piece of advice for first-time homeowners is to take the time to get settled into your space and neighborhood. Avoid putting off unpacking boxes and get your belongings in order right away. You want to create as much livable space as possible and see what you’re working with before you decide on what home improvement ideas and decorating you want to start.

The more organized you are and less clutter there is, the better you’ll feel and happier you’ll be at home. Also, go around and introduce yourselves to your neighbors and get to know the area.

2. Budget for Repairs & Trouble

You never know when an item or appliance in your home is going to break. You must plan and budget for emergencies and trouble to unfold. Make sure you have plenty of money set aside for repairs.

For example, if it’s summertime and your air conditioner goes out then you’ll need to call and hire an AC repair or installation service to assist you. You’ll want it fixed or replaced right away so you can ensure your home is at a comfortable temperature.

Not only that, but you need to make sure that you find reliable contractors too. Be sure to look for a trusted roofing company and other trades in the area. Don’t just look for any old company, it’s good to look at reviews and get recommendations from new neighbors too.

3. Tackle One Project at A Time

Another tip to consider as a new homeowner is to plan on tackling one project at a time. Give yourselves some time to live in your home and enjoy it before you decide what you might want to do with it.

Make a priority list and create a budget you can follow to help you stay on track and organized. Maybe pick a few large projects each year to complete and sprinkle in some smaller ones to address when you have some downtime. You want to avoid overwhelming yourself or spending more than you had intended right away.

4. Don’t be afraid to DIY

You shouldn’t be afraid to complete and tackle some of your house projects yourself. Deciding what you can DIY is what homeownership is all about. It’ll be fun to research and teach yourself new skills and you’ll save money by not having to hire a professional.

However, know your limits and never put your safety at risk. For example, you may not want to mess with anything that has to do with the plumbing or electrical. However, there are plenty of other projects you can do yourself such as making small repairs, sprucing up your curb appeal, painting your walls, and refurbishing old furniture.

advice for first-time homeowners

Pieces of Advice For First-Time Homeowners to Make it More Enjoyable

Owning a home is exciting, but it can be stressful if you don’t handle it well right from the start. Use these pieces of advice for first-time homeowners and you will see how enjoyable it all can be.

What piece of advice would you add for first-time homeowners? Let us know in the comments!

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Adulting Finances For the Home Home How To

3 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Look More Expensive and Luxurious

Make Your Home Look More Expensive

Are you thinking about making some changes to your home? If so, then you might want to focus on finding ways to make your home look more expensive.

Making your home look more expensive is a great idea if you want to impress someone, but there are practical benefits to this idea too. If you make your home look more expensive, then you’ll find it far easier to sell on the market. You should also be able to get greater offers for the property if prospective buyers walk in and think the home looks expensive.  

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Let’s explore some of the best ways to achieve this goal. 

Ways to Make Your Home Look More Expensive

1. Flooring 

Your flooring is always going to have a massive impact on the perception of your home. You need to make sure that you design the floors to look stunning.

There are a few ways to do this. However, we recommend that you consider laminate flooring. This is available from a vast array of companies and is budget-friendly so it will fit into any home renovation plan.

Another big benefit of laminate flooring is that it’s incredibly easy to maintain. You don’t need to worry about it looking worse for wear in just a couple of years. 

2. Smart Tech

You might also want to think about investing in new technology. This is a great way to make your home look expensive, luxurious and provides the right impression for any guests visiting your home. There’s a lot of different types of tech to choose from, as well.

For instance, you can explore entertainment options like one of the latest 8K TVs from Samsung. Of course, you’re not going to leave this behind when it’s time to sell, but that doesn’t matter. When you sell a home, you’re also selling a lifestyle.

A piece of tech like this has the same impact as a fine piece of art. It’s going to make people want the life that you have. 

Home Look More Expensive
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3. The Right Furniture

Finally, you need to make sure that you are buying the right furniture for your property. A great piece of furniture can be nothing short of a centerpiece in any room of your home.

The best pieces of furniture and the most fashionable can be quite expensive. As such, you might want to think about waiting for the annual sales to roll around before you make changes like this. 

You could also think about using your furniture to create a theme in your home. This could be anything from a retro design to something more modern and minimal.

Alternatively, you could consider a more eclectic design style. Here, you can choose lots of different types of furniture that all fit together to form a collage of different design choices in your home. 

Home Look More Expensive

Simple Ways to Make Your Home Look More Expensive

This post should help you understand the best ways to make your home look more expensive. In doing so, you can ensure that your home sells for a fantastic price in the not too distant future. Plus, in the mean time, you can enjoy the luxurious space you have created.

Do you have any other ideas for making your home look more expensive? What was your favorite tip in this blog post? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Adulting Decor For the Home Home How To

8 Smart Home Improvement Ideas That Don’t Cost a Fortune

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There’s nothing quite like transforming your home into a space that you love. It can take a lot of time and money, though, which is hard to find when you lead a busy life! Luckily, turning your home into a haven doesn’t have to cost a fortune with a few smart home improvement ideas.

If your home is looking a bit worn down, you may wonder what you can do with a limited budget. Thankfully, there are inexpensive alternatives, meaning you can transform your home with very little effort and spending! Take a look at these home improvement ideas that don’t cost a fortune.

home improvement ideas that don't cost a fortune
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Inexpensive Home Improvement Ideas

1. Upcycle Your Old Furniture

Over time, furniture can begin to look old and worn, but that doesn’t always mean it’s time to replace it. If your furniture still functions perfectly, consider upcycling it rather than replacing it.

Not only will you save a ton of money, but it will give you the chance to get creative. You can turn your old furniture into new things that you will get more use out of. Plus, you can give it whatever look you want, allowing for unique decor in your home.

For example, if you have a crib your child has outgrown, consider turning it into a play station. Use chalk paint, get creative, and see what you can make for your kids.

2. Touch up the Paint

Talking of paint, a quick paint touch-up will make the world of difference to your home. Touch up the walls in areas where it looks dingy, or maybe you could brighten up your coffee table.

A fresh coat of paint will give your rooms and furniture a new feel. Plus, it is one of the least expensive home improvement projects you can do.

If you’re looking to spruce up your kitchen, consider cabinet repainting to give your cabinets a fresh and sleek look. It’s the perfect solution if you can’t afford new cabinet doors and you have complete control over the color. You could also consider painting your countertops.

3. Decorate with Accessories Rather than Carpet or Wallpaper

Wallpaper and carpet can be extremely expensive, and if your current decor is just fine, consider decorating with accessories, instead. You can change up the color scheme of the room, or give it a new style. This simple trick can help you transform your home without unnecessary cost or hassle.

4. Declutter

Sometimes, decluttering your home can make a huge difference in how it looks and feels! It’s easy to collect items as time passes such as ornaments, books, magazines, and even toys for the kids.

Take time to declutter everything, and make sure everything you want to keep has its own space. You will quickly notice how much better your home looks, and you will want to keep it that way. Plus, decluttering and organizing your home may also help give you inspiration for more home improvement ideas!

5. Switch out Door and Cabinet Handles

An easy way to improve your home is to switch out the handles and knobs. You could change the door handles on your kitchen cupboards, replace door handles for regular doors, or update the door handle on your front door!

6. Switch out Light Fittings

Another quick and easy home improvement idea is to change out your light fittings and switches. Over time, they can become grubby with fingerprints and grime from your hands, so changing them will help. This small change in your home is more effective than you may realize.

7. Regrout Your Tiles

Like most things in the home, the grout between your tiles can become dirty or discolored – even with regular cleaning. Grout is very inexpensive to buy, and is extremely easy to reapply! You can watch videos online if you’re not sure how to regrout your tiles.

8. Revive Your Deck

Home improvement ideas can extend to your yard, too. If your deck has lost its vibrancy over the years, you can easily revive it with a power hose. You’ll be surprised at how much dirt and grime you could lift, leaving your deck looking brighter.

home improvement ideas

Inexpensive Home Improvement Ideas

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to make your home improvement ideas become reality. Now that you have some inspiration, what will you do first? Leave a comment and let me know! 🙂