Category: Home

In our ever-shrinking world, it’s no surprise that the longing for more room to roam is growing. We’re all crammed into tiny apartments and homes, and there’s barely enough room to breathe, never mind move around. Everyone is talking about this issue lately, with people calling for more spacious living conditions both in the city and the suburbs. So what’s driving this need for more space? And what can be done to address it?

Why We Want Room to Roam

One of the primary drivers is a need for privacy and separation. In today’s busy world, it’s hard finding time to relax and be alone with your thoughts. With people in ever-closer proximity, the longing for a separate space that’s all yours is growing stronger. It might come in the form of a home office or study area or just a room where you can escape from everything else going on around you.

Another factor is affordability. Many people cannot afford large homes anymore, especially ones with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. The prices are out of reach for most households, even those with reasonable incomes. It has led to an increased demand for smaller spaces that are still livable and practical.

Finally, the need for extra storage space pushes many people to seek out more room. Clutter can seriously impact our mental and physical well-being, but keeping things organized is hard in cramped spaces. It further contributes to the growing demand for larger living areas with more rooms and closets to store items.

So what solutions exist for those looking for more space? 

How to Find Room to Roam

1. Home extensions or renovations

Home extensions or renovations are often the most expensive option, but it’s worth considering if you can afford it and have enough land space. Building a separate room for a study or office or adding a second story to your house could make all the difference.

You could also consider building a garage or converting an existing one into a living space. If you decide to build one, contact a reputable garage builder and follow all necessary building codes.

2. Declutter

Decluttering is an often-overlooked solution. Your home may appear cramped and small, but it can feel more spacious if you get rid of clutter. To start your decluttering process, focus on one room at a time and sort out items you don’t need or use. Then, hold a yard sale, donate items to charity, or sell them online.

3. Invest in multi-functioning furniture

Multi-functioning furniture can help maximize the space in your home. For example, an ottoman with storage space inside or a bed frame with drawers underneath can save you from needing separate pieces for each purpose. Investing in specialized furniture can also open up floor and wall space, making your room look larger. 

4. Utilize vertical space

Using walls and shelving will help you maximize the vertical space in your home. Wall shelves or hanging organizers can free up floor space while still providing storage for items that don’t need to be easily accessed. You can also consider using ladder shelves, which take up less room than traditional bookcases but still offer plenty of storage. 

Recap: Room to Roam

Finding ways to make more space in your home doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Various creative solutions can help transform a cramped area into a spacious, welcoming sanctuary. So if you’re feeling squeezed for room, try out one of these ideas – you may find that all you needed was a little more room to roam. 

Did you know that there are pests in almost every home in the United States? In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association, over 42 percent of homes have a problem with some type of pest. While most people think of insects when they hear the word “pest,” these creatures can also include spiders, rodents, and even birds. If you’re having a problem with pests in your home, read this blog post. It will discuss common household pests and how to get rid of them.

Your Common Household Pests

There are many different types of pests that can infest your home. The most common include:

Ants

These small, hard-working creatures are attracted to food and moisture. They can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or windowsills. Once inside, they will build their nests and begin to reproduce.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most feared pests. They are dirty and carry diseases. They can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or doors and windows that are not sealed properly. Once inside, they will hide in dark, humid places like kitchens and bathrooms.

Spiders

Spiders are common household pests that can be both dangerous and harmless. The most common type of spider in the United States is the black widow. These spiders are not aggressive, but their bite can be deadly. Other types of spiders, such as the brown recluse, are more aggressive, and their bites can cause serious health problems.

Rodents

Rodents, such as mice and rats, are attracted to food and shelter. They can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or holes in walls. Once inside, they will build their nests and begin to reproduce. Rodents can carry diseases and contaminate food.

Birds

Birds, such as pigeons and sparrows, are attracted to open spaces where they can build their nests. They can enter your home through open windows or doors. Once inside, they will roost in attics or on top of cabinets. Birds can also carry diseases.

Getting Rid of Your Common Household Pests

Now that you know what types of pests are common in households, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of them. Of course, the best way to get rid of pests is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are some tips:

• Seal cracks and holes in the foundation and around windows and doors.
• Keep food sealed and stored properly.
• Eliminate moisture sources, such as leaks and standing water.
• Keep your home clean and clutter-free.
• Take your garbage out regularly.
• Set up traps or use bait to catch pests.

If you have a pest problem, click here for professionals that will help you get rid of them. Professionals know how to correctly identify the type of pest and treat it accordingly. They also have access to products that are not available to consumers.

Final Thoughts: Common Household Pests

Pests can be a nuisance and even dangerous. But with a little knowledge and preventative measures, you can keep them out of your home.

You live a busy life taking care of your kids, being the best you can be at work, and hitting the gym so you can stay fit, so the last thing you want to have to do is spend a lot of time on chores. Having a low-maintenance home can be life-changing.

Housework is not many people’s favorite thing, but it is necessary if you want to have a clean and tidy home that you and your family can really relax in, so what can you do to make chores more bearable?

You could use these hacks to make your home as low-maintenance as possible so you can spend as little time as possible on chores and still have and clean and comfortable home.

How to Hack Your Way to a Low-Maintenance Home

Wave goodbye to carpets

Carpets may feel nice underfoot, and they might look good in any home, but they are a lot of effort. You need to vacuum them regularly and shampoo them periodically to keep them looking their best, if someone spills food or drink on them, then scrubbing the stains out can be a nightmare to say the least. So, if you are serious about running a more low-maintenance home, getting rid of carpets and replacing them with wooden or tiled floors, which can be quickly swept and mopped clean, is a no-brainer.

Make your roof metal

Next time you need to replace the roof, opt for a metal option instead of slates and shingles. Why? Because metal roofs are better at withstanding the elements, less likely to get holes in them, and can last for 50 years or more with the proper care, which means you can spend much less time patching up the roof and much less money calling in professional roofers to make repairs. Your home will look great and be low-effort when you have a metal roof in place.

Upgrade your windows 

Windows are often a major headache in the home. Theta re very good at attracting dust and dirt, and you need to keep them clean if you want to be able to have a nice view of the outdoors, and not feel embarrassed when the neighbors see how dusty they have become.

Installing new windows, like the ones on this website, which have between the glass blinds, is a good way to do this because they eliminate the need to dust down exterior blinds and window treatments, and when combined with a robotic window cleaner, that makes for a much less stressful life when it comes to keeping windows clean, at least.

Opt for leather couches for a Low-Maintenance Home

Leather couches are far better for homes with children and pets. Unlike other fabrics, leather can be wiped clean, and this means it is much less likely to end up stained and in need of a complicated cleaning process to get it looking its best. Leather is also much better at repelling pet smells and other odors than more porous fabrics which can tap bad smells in and leave you spending a whole lot of time on cleaning them up.

Add some siding

Siding your home is a great way to increase its curb appeal and add value to your property; it is also one of the most low-maintenance ways to protect your home’s exterior too. Siding is great withstanding the elements and will ensure that your home looks just as good a decade from now as it does on the day you have it installed. All you will need to do is jetwash it once or twice a year, whereas other options might need to be painted and cleaned much more often.

Decorate with washable paint

Decorating with washable paint and/or wallpaper is a no-brainer, especially if you have pets or children who have sticky hands and paws and a love of drawing on the walls! You will be able to simply wipe them clean so that they look as good as new, whereas if you opt for non-washable decor choices, you might have to repaint or hang a new wallpaper when the kids get out of hand.

Declutter

The less stuff you have, the less time you will need to spend dusting, cleaning, tidying, and putting away the things in your home, so if you want low maintenance, less is more.

Recap: Low-Maintenance Home

By making a few changes to your home now, you can save yourself a considerable amount of time in the future by making your home as low-maintenance as possible, and that means you will be able to spend less time cleaning and more time on the things that really matter!

According to the FBI, a home is burglarized every 30 seconds in the United States. That’s 1,579,616 homes per year! That number is only increasing as time goes on. However, many people don’t report burglaries to the police. People often don’t think they will become a victim or assume their insurance will cover any damages. But what if your home got broken into and you didn’t have insurance? Or what if your insurance company refused to pay because you didn’t have a home security system? It’s essential to protect yourself and your family from becoming a statistic. 

Why Your Home Security Should be Up to Par

1. It deters burglars.

Burglars are looking for an easy target. They want to be in and out of your home as quickly as possible without detection. They’re more likely to move on to another target if they see that you have a security system. 60% of burglars say they would try another house if they saw signs of an alarm system. Just the presence of a security system is often enough to deter a burglar.

If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection, large safes are also a great option. However, burglars will typically avoid houses with large safes because it takes too long to break into them. Even if they get the safe open, most safes have a loud alarm that will notify you and your neighbors of the break-in.

2. It protects your family.

Your family is your most valuable asset, so you must do everything you can to protect them. If a burglar manages to break into your home, a security system will notify the authorities and help ensure your family is safe. Many security systems also have panic buttons and two-way voice communication for emergencies.

In addition to protecting your family from burglars, a home security system can protect them from fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and flooding. Some security systems even come with medical alert pendants that elderly or disabled family members can wear in case an emergency occurs.

3. It saves you money.

You might not realize it, but a home security system can save you money. Insurance companies typically give up to 20% discounts for homes with security systems. They know that homes with security systems are less likely to be burglarized. If your house gets burglarized and you don’t have a security system, your insurance company may refuse to pay your claim.

Recap: Home Security

A home security system is a wise investment for any homeowner. Not only will it deter burglars and protect your family, but it can also save you money.