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Adulting For the Home Home How To

2021 Designs That Will Complete Your Kitchen And Home

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Upgrading your home often takes time and money. You could troll through pages of inspirational content but sometimes, you just can’t find what is going to be right for you. There are ways you can figure out which 2021 designs to adapt to your kitchen and home, however.

With a custom home builder, you can make decisions that do fit you perfectly. Let’s say you are looking to upgrade your kitchen to modern appliances and give it a general fresh feel. It’s important to know the types of tones and styles that you like the most. It may be hard to pick exactly, but here are some ideas to get you started.

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2021 Designs To Adapt To Your Kitchen And Home

A Work Triangle

In the kitchen, it is important to have a work triangle – refrigerator, sink, stove. Comfort and accessibility between the elements will create comfort at work. Drawer for pots under the stove, our spice rack close and available, cutting knives and the like.

Make sure that all the things you use will be arranged in a convenient and accessible way within easy reach. The lighting should also be arranged in a functional way. Continuous lighting about one foot from the end of the cabinet line will make it so that when you open the drawers, you will see exactly what they contain.

Plan According to Your Exact Needs

Just before starting kitchen design, it is most important to understand your needs. Consider whether you cook a lot or a little. Is life lived in the kitchen or is it used for food only? What are the needs in terms of storage, characterization of the seating, and other important things? Figuring these things out ahead of time will give you a space that will meet all your needs.

Make it an Exciting Experience

Today, design and cooking are a social experience in themselves. You likely don’t want to be in an enclosed space, so the kitchen design changes and it is part of the whole house. It should be open and appealing to everyone, and also allow everyone to enjoy the cooking experience. So, design the kitchen in an open and inviting way.

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2021 Designs are Taking Hold For the Home

In recent years, the concept of ‘power wall‘ has become a very strong trend (literally) in the field of interior design. This means investing in one prominent and central wall leads to the creation of a special atmosphere in the space. But this trend, it seems, will give way in 2021 to something more fluid, more integrated, and more inclusive.

In 2021, you will see more and more uniformly painted spaces, and not just one prominent wall. Life in Corona times has left us at home and pushed some of us into harmony. 

One of the most prominent trends that was born in the pre-Corona period, but intensified greatly thanks to it, is a return to nature. This includes an understanding of the importance of using natural and recycled materials, alongside a growing discussion on sustainable design. A sustainable design is a simple design, accessible to all and not very sophisticated.

This trend has evolved from raw materials, which have been perfected over the years into combinations that fit the everyday lifestyle. Green and eco-friendly materials that are simple and unsophisticated such as straw, which started out in rugs and baskets, now go into elements on walls and textiles. These elements are found in the natural plaster, recycled wood cladding, and more. It is these materials that bring us home and comfort us.

Has Covid Shaped Our New Design Trends?

Another trend that will be seen in the 2021 designs is the use of calm and peaceful shades. This has a direct connection to the Corona Virus Pandemic, and to the mood and optimism we so desperately need at this time.

Pastel pink, for example, transmits a delicate and sensitive optimism. It connects to natural materials and vice versa – wood and iron for example – and together they form a complete and harmonious look. This harmonious look brings with it both softness and innovation.

A narrative of simplicity, serenity and convergence will be expressed in both materiality and color. This is achieved by using basic raw materials (wood, straw, terracotta, bamboo, jute, and rattan), recycled materials, and a great deal of DIY.

One color palette that reflects peace is earth tones such as a sand color, aqua shades with an optimistic and hopeful saturation, and shades of green that will symbolize environmental trends in the world. Add in some bright colors that will stand out even when things seem dreary to symbolize happy optimism.

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Using these tips and following the new trends for 2021 designs, you can create a peaceful space that you love. Make your home a place you always enjoy, and a place that helps you forget about your problems.

What are some of your favorite ways to design your space? Are you changing things up for 2021? Let me know in the comments!

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Adulting For the Home Home Life

4 Easy Ways to Make Your House Feel More like a Home

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As the old saying goes, “there’s no place like home.” In many ways, our homes are the places that we turn to for comfort, rejuvenation, and even inspiration. Our homes are where we spend some of our most cherished moments with the people closest to us, and they are where we refine our sense of who we are. For these reasons alone, you must make your house feel more like a home.

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Taking care of your home is so important, and there are many things that can contribute dramatically to making your home feel more like a home. You can make it the kind of place where you enjoy spending time, and where you and your family can thrive.

Perhaps you have just moved into a new home and haven’t quite settled yet. Or, maybe you just aren’t quite happy with how you relate to your existing living space. Either way, taking steps to help make your house feel more like a home is essential.

How to Make Your House Feel More Like a Home

1. Get a Pet

There are many brilliant upsides to getting a pet – especially for families with young kids.

For one thing, getting a pet such as a new Labrador puppy, from a responsible breeder such as https://chocolatelabradorretriever.ca, can immediately fill the home with a rich sense of innocent, jubilant energy, while simultaneously allowing every member of the family to participate in the wonderful aura of enthusiasm that results from this.

For another thing, pets – for many families – symbolise the real solidification of a home. They complete the “white picket fence” dream of what a family home should look and feel like.

In addition to all of this, pets can teach all sorts of valuable lessons to all members of the family, but especially to children. Lessons concerning things like responsibility, to give just one example.

2. Personalize Your Home with Things that have a Personality and a Story

There is certainly a kind of allure connected to the simple and streamlined aesthetic that you will find in many home décor catalogs these days. But, there are setbacks to filling your home with this type of furniture.

The things you fill your home with will dramatically affect how the place feels to you, how you perceive it, and how capable you are of relating to it. If everything in your home was mass produced in a factory, there’s a good chance you will feel alienated from your home.

This is because for a living space to really feel like a home, it has to feel like something that you have a relationship with. Something that has character, personality, and that is personal and relevant to you – rather than just being something broadly utilitarian and pretty.

The more you can ensure that the objects in your home are more than just “objects,” but that they have a story and personality – or, at least, can develop a story and personality over time – the more your house or apartment will come to feel like a home.

3. Get Your Home in Order and Keep it That Way

No matter how great your house may be or how many meaningful items it contains, it will be hard to feel comfortable in your living space if it is messy, and chaotic.

While “comfort” isn’t exactly the same thing as your house feeling like a home, it is at least a significant factor to consider. If you find yourself in this situation, it can be difficult knowing just where to start. You may even struggle with getting the energy and momentum to step forward and begin the process.

Despite those obstacles, the best thing you can do for transforming how your home feels overnight is to dive into the cleaning and organizing process. Make sure that there is a place for everything, and that everything gets put away.

From there, you will be able to see, feel, and appreciate the unique and beautiful features of the place that had been obscured before.

4. Develop Routines to Create a Sense of Happiness and Meaning Each Day

Your home is much more than a place where you simply sleep and eat in between going to work or school.

It’s meant to be a place where you flourish, and where you can get in touch with yourself and appreciate some of the small pleasures of everyday life.

One thing you can do to make your house feel more like a home is to come up with routines that can introduce a sense of happiness and meaning on an everyday basis.

This might mean having a family breakfast each morning at a beautiful dining table, or it may mean sitting on your porch with a cup of coffee before starting the day properly. It could even be as simple as enjoying a good book in your favorite chair.

Your home is supposed to be a special place where you can truly let go. You should be able to relax and enjoy the time you spend at home. This means finding a way to make your house feel more like a home is essential.

What are some of your tips for making a house feel more like a home? Do you have any simple daily routines that help you find pleasure in your home each day? Tell me in the comments! I’d love to hear about it.

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For the Home How To

5 Cost-Effective Ways To Insulate Your Home

Insulate Your Home

It is winter once again, and the heating bills will soon be staring you in the face. Insulating your home for the winter season is a sure way of spending less on heating, plus it can protect you and your home from other issues, too. Luckily, there are ways to insulate your home better to keep the heat inside and the bills lower.

Insulate Your Home
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Tips to Insulate Your Home

Insulate Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces are a cause for great concern for homeowners. This is because it is prone to moisture and can deteriorate easily.

Because crawl spaces are close to the ground, they naturally become damp. This dampness creates a thriving environment for pests, and that makes your home a potential breeding ground for them. The dampness in crawl spaces may cause mold, which can easily spread all over your home. 

In cold climates, dampness can lead to the destruction of floor joists and other supporting constructions that keep your home together. You should seriously consider insulating your crawl space and installing a vapor barrier to provide a safe and healthy environment for your home. Improve the natural airflow of your home; you can visit https://www.insulatekansascity.com/crawl-space-insulation/ to find out more.

Use Weatherproofing to Cover Air Leaks

Using weatherproofing strips and caulking to cover and seal air leaks is a great way of insulating your home. Pay special attention to doors and windows. Check for the slightest sense of draft, and use weatherproofing material to seal up air leaks.

Use Thick Curtains

Thick curtains can help insulate your home, especially if you do not have modern windows that help with insulation. Also, consider going for darker colors as they keep warmth longer than lighter colors.

Another option is to use cheap liners and add them to the curtains you already have. Remember to keep the curtains open during the day so that natural sunlight can stream into your home and add some heat. Then, close the curtains at night to maintain the warmth.

Use a Door Snake for Drafty Doors

Door snakes are anything used to seal off the small spaces under doors. They can be made easily with things you probably already have.

Your home has an abundance of materials that can be transformed into a door snake. Old socks, popcorn kernels, and even pillow stuffing can be used to make door snakes.

Or, if you aren’t very good at DIY, you can buy one that is already made. There are many options, and you can get one to fit any door.

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

When Not in Use, Plug Your Chimney

Plugging your chimneys when they are not in use is another cost-effective way of insulating your home. According to a study, the heating bills of homes increased by 30% if there was a fireplace damper missing or damaged.

You may be losing a lot of useful heat through your chimney if it is not blocked, and you can easily plug it using a chimney balloon. You can create a simple chimney balloon by covering a large-sized balloon with laminate and inflating it once it is inside the chimney. This should provide an adequate seal and keep the heat in your home.

Of course, you can purchase a chimney balloon, instead. There are different sizes and types, so you’re sure to find one that works for you.

Seal Attic Air Leaks

Hot air rises, so your attic may serve as an escape route for hot air. You should consider sealing air leaks in your attic or redesigning it.

You can use regular reflective foil material as a cheaper alternative to using foam as insulating material. Staple the reflective foil sheets to the rafters in the attic, and the heat will stay in your home and reduce your heating bills.

Follow these simple tips to reduce your heating bills and keep your home safe and warm during the winter season. It can help with other issues, too, as mentioned in the section about the crawl space. What are some cost-effective ways you reduce your heat bill? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Adulting Decor For the Home How To Life

5 Easy Ways to Create a Cozy Living Room You Will Love

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There are certain times of the year where you just want a cozy living room to enjoy. The winter is one of those times, but how can you make your living room as cozy and relaxing as possible, with minimal effort? Well, here are some quick tips for making your living room as cozy as possible.

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How to Quickly Create a Cozy Living Room

1. Clean Up

No one can be genuinely cozy in a place that needs to be decluttered. Most people tend to clean during the winter and again in the springtime. So if you’ve been putting off your winter clean, it’s time to get it started. 

Declutter as much as possible, though you’ll likely do this to make room for a Christmas tree or some sort of festive decorations, anyway. The more you eliminate, the better you will feel as you cuddle up on your couch to read a book or watch your favorite show.

2. Add Texture

Some textures are super comforting during the winter months. Look for textured fleece blankets, chenille sweaters, or warm fluffy socks to keep nearby. If you already have them, it’s time to grab your most comfortable blankets and have them ready on the couch. This is one of the most important things you can do to get that cuddly, cozy feeling in your living room.

Having a soft fluffy rug will also help to keep your living room warm and insulated, as well as add extra texture to the living room too.

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

3. Consider the Lighting

If you want to create some specific atmospheres, then lighting is the way to do it. One of the best things you can do is to add fairy lights to the space around your living room. Wrapping fairy lights around shelves, around your Christmas tree, or around windows to add a festive twinkle to your living room. 

Then, when the sun sets early in the winter months, you can turn the sparkle up. For an extra cozy feeling, you might want to keep the overhead lighting off and let the rest of the twinkling lights work their magic. 

4. Make Sure It’s Warm

Part of being cozy is being warm, so make sure your living room is well-heated. If you haven’t had your boiler checked out for a while, now is the perfect time to do it. Many people find themselves in need of a water heater repair just as winter hits. 

Plan ahead so that you don’t get stuck in this situation. If you have a fireplace, consider getting that checked out, as well. There is no way to be cozy if you aren’t warm, and you don’t want to get stuck this way in the middle of the night.

Before switching on the radiators in every room in the house, read this handy guide and how you can save money on your heating over autumn and winter.

5. Fragrances

Some fragrances just remind us of the winter. Spiced apple, cinnamon, pumpkin and Christmas cookies are all great scents that can make a room feel extra cozy. If you don’t want to have open flames, then reed diffusers can help bring comforting smells to your living room. 

Many fragrance brands have brought out specific holiday-themed fragrances, which means you can recreate that cozy Christmas feeling all year around. You can also opt for a simple plug-in. 

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So, once you have created a cozy living room, it’s time to get settled in. Put on your favorite comfy clothes, get a cup of coffee, and grab a blanket before hopping on the couch.

I always like to watch Gilmore Girls when I have a chance to get cozy on the couch. What do you like to do when you’re cuddled up on the couch in the winter? Tell me in the comments!

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Adulting For the Home How To Organization

Organization Tips You Can Learn From The Home Edit

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If you have already watched The Home Edit, chances are you have made some changes within your home. There are some incredible organization tips that you can get from watching this show. The color-coordinated plastic containers that are carefully labeled, for example, can make your life much more organized.

You can test these organization tips on your messy drawer, a cupboard, or even your closet. Any room or area of your home could benefit from these organization tips.

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Organization Tips Based On The Home Edit

Follow The Home Edit on Instagram

The first tip is to follow The Home Edit on Instagram, as this can be a constant source of inspiration for you. They post often and the images are so meticulous that it will make you want to get up and start organizing.

It Will Get Messier Before It Gets Better

One thing to remember is that you are most likely going to make a big mess before you have everything organized. It is essential that you don’t get overwhelmed by the chaos and that you push through this part of the organization process.

You should take everything out of your cupboard, your messy drawer, or your wardrobe first. This will give you insight into what you have, what you use, and any junk you are storing.

As it does get quite messy, you might choose to do multiple projects at once. For example, you might want to replace your kitchen windows as you reorganize the entire room. When everything is going back into your new cupboards or along your new window sills, it can feel more organized and more beautiful almost immediately. The new windows will add an extreme change that will help you enjoy your newly organized space.

You can click here to read more about Pinehurst Windows. In the meantime, you can also check out Pinterest for some great kitchen cupboard design ideas. Find ideas that you can do relatively quickly from home and on a budget. 

Declutter 

As you move through the process, it is a good idea to declutter as you go. If you see things that you don’t use or need, this is the perfect opportunity to sort them into piles to get rid of. 

Have a pile of things that are in good working order and can be donated or sold. Plus, you should have a pile of things that are more likely to go into the trash. 

It is essential to approach this with recycling, reusing, and selling mentality. Where something can be recycled, you must try to do so.

Always Use Containers 

Plastic container sales have increased incredibly during 2020. And most likely will continue to do so. These are the easiest way to sort things into easy to reach categories. For example, if you are cleaning out your food cupboard, you can label a clear plastic box with the word tins and place tins inside it. 

You can take this one step further and separate your tins into categories too. You can have soup cans, vegetable cans, and sauce cans. Buy as many containers as you need, plus a few extra, just in case.

You can use this method for any room in the house. I have done it with the kids’ toys and noticed a huge difference immediately. When everything has a home, it tends to get put away more often than before.

Set Up Stations

If you drink a lot of coffee, it makes sense to have an area set up just for coffee. Make sure you set this station up somewhere easily accessible since you will use it often.

Put all things you will need (or will potentially need) for making and preparing coffee at the station in bins. This will make the things you need easy to find, and you will be more likely to use them this way.

Stations also work wonders for specific periods during the year. For example, during the month of December, you might create a hot chocolate station and have everything you need to make delicious hot chocolate placed in a basket. In the fall you might choose to add some pumpkin spice syrup or other delicious things to your drinks, and this can all be placed in an easy to find container.

This also works for things like Easter, snack nights, game nights, or crafting. Whatever you feel needs to be organized, get a container for it.

Label Everything

Labels will be the saviors of your organization. They will allow you to quickly find what you need. Plus, even better, it will be easier to put things away since everyone will know where it belongs.

When you label something and always put it back in the same space, it makes it quick and straightforward to grab things. There will be no searching around or opening 10 different boxes.

Group Similar items

In the case of a messy drawer, you should try and sort similar things. If your messy drawer is mostly filled with utensils but has some ‘other’ items in it, then try to eliminate the ‘other’ items. Keep only utensils in that drawer. 

The same goes for any other items, too. By grouping similar items together and eliminating other items, your home will be significiantly more organized. This means there is always a single logical place for you to find what you need.

Make it Functional 

Although it is essential to have a space that you find beautiful, ensuring that everything in a specific area is logical can be more critical. 

You might want to have all your shelves looking lovely, but they still should have the items you need to use regularly.

But for example, if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it always pays to make sure that your kitchen is well organized. This can make cooking an absolute pleasure. 

Don’t worry if some areas just look more aesthetically pleasing than others. The whole point of the exercise is to make sure that everything is just well organized. With organization, the aesthetics will quickly and surely follow.

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The Home Edit is one of my favorite TV shows. I learn so many organization tips from them, and I am continually inspired to re-organize my home. As I do one room at a time (hey, I have kids, I can’t do it all at once LOL), I notice an immediate difference. I hope these tips work just as well for you as they have for me! If you have any other tips, leave a comment and let me know!

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For the Home How To Parenting

Fun Ideas to Create a Perfect Playroom

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Creating a playroom for your little ones is such a good idea if you have space for one. It means that the toys are all going to be kept in one space, which can be really helpful for tidying purposes. Luckily, there are many fun ideas to create a perfect playroom.

Having all things in one place can make such a difference, and then at the end of the day, you can close the door on it all. But what are the best design ideas that you need to have in a playroom to make it best suit the needs of the room? Having it perfectly set up for children in a comfortable and clean space makes such a difference. 

Create a Perfect Playroom
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How to Create a Perfect Playroom

Include Bright Colors

You want to have a playroom that your children are going to love, and bright colors can really make a difference. If the playroom is bland and dull, then it can be a little unappealing to kids. When you are planning out your playroom, remember that it will look much better with bright colors. It can be appealing to babies, as well as toddlers and older children, so don’t be shy when it comes to the decor in the room.

If you want to keep the walls fairly neutral, then you could think about an area of the room becoming a mural. Or, perhaps you could decorate with wall decals with characters or animals that your children love. This can be a good option as they can be removed and changed as your children grow and their tastes change.

Consider Chalkboard Walls

One of the things that we often tell children to not do is color and draw on the walls. But in a playroom, there are no rules, right? It is a good idea to have something like a chalkboard wall so that your children can draw and create to their heart’s content. You could have a chalkboard installed on an existing wall, or you could use chalkboard paint.

Install Soft Flooring

Having a space that is comfortable for the children in the playroom will make it a much better experience for them. Of course, you need to think about the practicality of the flooring in the room, as making something easy to clean is a good idea. However, you need to make sure that the flooring you choose is soft underfoot too. Wooden floors with rugs or mats can work, or you could think about carpet. If you choose carpet, then just make sure that you think about getting regular carpet cleaning, so that it is all safe and clean for your little ones. Dark colors can all make a difference too, and can hide a multitude of stains.

Plan For Toy Storage

When you think about the design of your playroom, storage for toys is a must. There are a range of things to choose from, but it can make a difference to have some toy storage with cubbies. This means that the children can reach the toys themselves, but there are places to put them away at the end of the day, and it can look neat and tidy. Toy cubbies can be organized too, and you could add labels on the cubbies if you want to keep things extra organized.

Add a Creative Area

Although the playroom can be for toys and play, it can be such a good addition to have a creative area in the playroom too. Having a table and chairs for children to play at, draw, and create can be a really good idea. When paper and pens are easy in reach, then it can be really simple and help little ones to get creative all by themselves. You could even think about something like an easel for them to stand and paint at; so much fun! 

It can also be a cute idea to have some displays for their artwork. It could be a magnetic board to pin things too, or some string with pegs to clip work to. A really nice addition and a way to make the space really fun and comfortable for your little ones.

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Do you have any other ideas for a perfect playroom that you would love to use? Think about your children when you plan the design, as well as practicality and comfort in mind, and you won’t be going too far wrong. It would be great to hear what you think and what ideas you would love to have in a playroom in your home. Leave a comment and let me know!

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For the Home How To Life Parenting

How You Can Make Your Home Perfect For A New Arrival

Make Your Home Perfect For A New Arrival

If you have a new baby on the way, you need to make your home perfect for a new arrival. First things first: congratulations!!

There are things you can do to ensure you bring them into the best possible home. Plus, you can ensure that the rest of you can operate happily in the home while taking on the huge responsibilities.

Well, fortunately, it is easier to do than you may think. Most of it will quickly become a habit if you just practice them a few times.

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Make Your Home Perfect For A New Arrival

Create The Perfect Nursery and Consider Other Spaces

This goes without saying, but you’re going to want to ensure that your baby’s nursery has everything it needs and has enough space. Babies may be tiny, but they have lots of stuff and require a ton of space. Plus, they’re going to grow quickly and accumulate more toys and possessions.

If you’re looking for home additions, then you could do something with a spare room you might have. Your baby might need an extra playroom if you currently have no space anywhere else, for example. We didn’t do home additions, but we are constantly feeling like we don’t have enough space.

Unfortunately, my husband and I didn’t plan ahead and now that we have five kids in the house, I am seriously regretting it. Don’t let that happen to you, because now I am eager to move into a new space with more room. Whatever you do, make sure you consider the space you will truly need for a child.

Keep The Home Neat And Tidy  

The job you’re going to have is going to be difficult enough, so you’re going to need to ensure that your home is in good condition. You want to give yourself every advantage as you head into parenthood (even if it’s for the second or third time).

If you start ahead of time, then you’re going to be in a much better position to take care of your child. Likewise, if you have a messy home that needs to be cleared out, then you’re going to have extra work while worrying about and taking care of the baby. Make things easier for yourself and get this gritty job out of the way.

Make Sure Everything Is Safe 

This is another point that goes without saying, but you’ll need to make sure that you’ve checked every corner and analyzed every single situation around the entire house. You never know what issues a small child can run into, so you need to double and triple check. Sharp edges, loose items, wires, electrical products, and so many other areas need to be looked at.

Go through your entire house and make a list ahead of time. This isn’t something you will want to do once the baby is already home. There are many safety products on the market that will make things easier. These things include:

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

Prepare For Visitors

For the first few weeks and months, you’re going to receive lots of visits from friends and family. They’re going to be interested in what your life is like now with the small child in your home, and they’re going to want to wish you all the best.

So, with that being said, it’s best to make your living room a little welcoming at the very least. Prepare for lots of people and make a little extra space.

If you’re always prepared for someone to stop by, you won’t be so anxious about it. Prevent every bit of stress that you can so you can fully enjoy your new baby. 

Shop For Food

A lot of these have been obvious tips, but with the overwhelming event of giving birth and welcoming a human into the world, it’s easy to forget some fundamental tasks. You’re going to need to do a big food shop and tailor your grocery shopping around the child’s life for a while.

The way you operated before is no longer. Frequent visits to the grocery store may not be an option anymore, and you probably won’t want to take your baby out for a while anyway. Make sure you get more than enough, just in case.

Focus on shopping for meat that you can freeze, canned goods, and non-perishable items. If you’re feeling up to it, you can even prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and delicious dinner.

Make Your Home Perfect For A New Arrival

Having a new baby is such an exciting experience, and making your home perfect for a new arrival will make it even better. Don’t cause unnecessary stress for yourself after the baby is home. Use these tips to plan ahead and make the transition easier for everyone.

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Adulting For the Home Home Life Mental Health Organization

What Are The Benefits Of A Minimalist Lifestyle?

What Are The Benefits Of A Minimalist Lifestyle?

‘Stuff’ can get very tiring after a while. It only adds complications to a life that really should be simple and easy to live enjoyably. It’s little wonder that some people choose to remove this added issue and live a much more minimalist lifestyle.

If you like the idea of doing this but you’re not sure if it’s going to help you, keep reading. There are many benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle. 

Minimalist Lifestyle
Image from Pixabay

Benefits of Living a Minimalist Lifestyle 

You Will Declutter and Keep It That Way

The idea behind living a more minimalist life is to have fewer possessions around you. You’ll only have the things you actually need, and nothing more.

To get to this point, you will need to declutter your home and remove anything that is no longer going to serve you. This is an excellent thing to do even if you’re not becoming minimal – it gives you more space, it’s good for your mental health, and it makes your home more comfortable to live in – but whatever your reason, it’s a job that needs to be done carefully. 

Of course, there will be some items, often more sentimental ones, that you don’t want to throw out but you can’t keep if you choose to be more minimal. The best option here is to compromise and rent a storage unit for anything you can’t bear to take to the dump or donate to charity. 

You Will Refocus on What Matters

When you become more minimal in your life, you will be able to truly focus on what matters. There will be far fewer things around to distract you from taking the time to think about your life and ensure you are on the right path, and to reassess if you know you’re not. 

You might want to think about your:

  • home
  • career
  • finances
  • family and relationships 
  • happiness 

By having fewer distractions around you and worrying less about material things, you can really think about the important things in life (and work out what those important things are in the first place). 

You’ll Save Money 

In the most practical sense, being minimalist means you will save money. If you want to clear debts faster, save up for something specific, or you just want to be able to have an emergency fund in place should you need it for something, the more minimal you are in your life, the more money you can save.

When you add up everything you spend over the course of a single month, you might be surprised – and not in a good way – at the amount of money you spend on ‘stuff’ that is either not used or wasn’t needed. Put that money into a savings account instead, and it will soon add up. 

Spending money can quickly become a bad habit. The idea of instant gratification and retail therapy as a means to making yourself feel better is a problematic one. It is something that many people rely on to boost their mental health. Break away from this trend, and you’ll quickly understand that these material items don’t matter at all. 

What Are The Benefits Of A Minimalist Lifestyle?

The benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle are amazing, and ones that everyone could benefit from. Do you have any benefits you would add to this list? Tell me about them in the comments!

Categories
Adulting Home Life

Top 5 Things To Do Before Moving Out of Your Home

before moving out, things to do before moving, prepare for moving

If you had to use one word to describe moving out of your home, it would more than likely be ‘stressful.’ However, it doesn’t need to be that way. There are things you can do today and in the coming weeks leading up to moving day to make your relocation much easier.

Earlier on the blog, I explained the 8 Signs That It Is The Right Time To Move Your Family and the 4 Steps You Must Not Forget When Moving Into A New Home. Well, this post explains what you should do before moving out of your current home.

before moving out, things to do before moving, prepare for moving
Picture by Karolina Grabowski from Pexels – CC0 License

Things to do Before You Move

Hire a Moving Company

Removalists offer various services to suit your budget and needs when moving home. You will want to do this as early as possible to make sure they are available on the dates you need them. Otherwise, you could be stuck figuring out another, less reliable option for moving your things.

If you think you’ll need transport and help to move and pack your things, contact reputable businesses like Two Men and A Truck to see how they can help take the stress out of your moving day.

Start Clearing Out Your Home

No matter how far away your moving date is, it’s never too early to start clearing out any unwanted or irreparable things in your home.

Cutting down the amount of stuff you own is beneficial when moving because:

  • You can hire a smaller moving truck, which will cost you less
  • There will be fewer things for you to pack and organize
  • You can make a fresh start in your new home, with less junk and clutter. 

Keep it simple by decluttering one room at a time. You may want to give things you no longer need, such as clothes or old toys, to family or friends, sell them on eBay, or donate them.

before moving out, things to do before moving, prepare for moving

Call Important Contacts

Call your bill providers to let them know you’ll either be leaving their company or want to use their services in your new home. You will want to tell them which date you need to end service in your current home, as well, so you don’t continue to get charged after moving out.

Here are a few other contacts to call when you are moving:

  • Employer
  • Bank 
  • Dentist and physician
  • Insurance provider
  • Pension
  • Tax agencies
  • Post office
  • Loan providers
  • Subscription services 
  • Social Security Administration

Making contact in advance of your move date will give you ample time to work through each provider and ensure they can process the address change on their end.

Other essential contacts to tell your moving address are your family and friends.

Overnight Essentials

Before your moving date, pack one bag to keep with you during the move. This bag will have essentials to see you and your family through the first night and following day. These essentials include:

  • Non-perishable snacks and water
  • Pajamas
  • Change of clothes
  • Toiletries and towels
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Clean bed sheets
  • Phone and phone charger
  • Purse with money and cards
  • A couple small toys for the kids

Keeping a bag on you with everything you’ll need will save you from searching through endless boxes on moving day. 

before moving out, things to do before moving, prepare for moving

Arrange Child Care

Moving is a lot more challenging to do when you have little ones around. For this reason, asking a family member or friend to take care of them while you move everything will be extremely helpful. Alongside the kids, if you have any pets, it may be worth thinking about finding a sitter for them, too.

By following the tips above, there will be no important mail sent to your old address. Plus, you’ll have a moving company ready and waiting on your moving day. Taking time to plan for your move will make a world of difference and make what is likely to be a busy day much more manageable.

Categories
For the Home How To Parenting

Making Your Home Child-Safe: 4 Essential Strategies

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Home is meant to be the safest place a child can be. That is why it is our duty as parents to deal with any potential hazards. Making your home child-safe is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of your little one. This is important whether it’s a child you are currently expecting, or you are thinking about being a foster parent or guardian. If you are wondering what is foster care, it’s a great way to be a parent to a child, but you’ll need to make sure the home is safe first.

Remove Choking Hazards

The sad truth of the matter is that there are many potential choking hazards in the home. Of course, as a parent, part of our job is to identify these and remove them so our little one is safe.

Be sure to do a sweep of your home both before the baby is born, and again as they start to become more mobile. When they begin scooting, crawling, and walking, there will be all-new hazards to deal with. 

Look out for things like pins, small toys, coins, and even deflated balloons. Take special care with batteries of all kinds, too, as these can not only be choking hazards but are full of nasty acid that can be fatal if ingested.

Minimize the Risk of Fire

Another significant risk to the safety of your children in the home is fire. In fact, both burns and smoke inhalation are two of the most common injuries occurring in the home. The good news is that there are several things that you can do to minimize the risks associated with fire in the home.

The first is to avoid open fires where possible and, if you do use them, be sure to invest in a robust child-proof fireguard that won’t get too hot. Next, be sure to install fire and smoke alarms through the home and test them regularly. 

You should also keep any flammable liquids and chemicals outside of the home. Finally, investing in good quality fire extinguishers is a smart idea, as well.

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

Prevent Poisoning

There are many poison hazards around the home that we parents need to be aware of. Cleaning chemicals can be incredibly risky and can cause a child that has consumed them to become very sick.

In particular, it is essential to keep things like laundry pods out of the reach of children. Not only do they look a little bit like candy, but there have been several cases where consumption has been fatal recently. 

It’s not only cleaning products that can be poisonous, either. There are some things like plants and mold that grow around the home that can be problematic as well. With that in mind, it’s always best to check plants both in the home and garden to make sure they are safe when touched or ingested. 

Additionally, if you come across black mold in your home, getting a professional setup like Advanced Catastrophe Technologies to come in and remove it for you is a smart move. After all, it has been linked to allergies and breathing problems, especially when it comes to younger children. 

Protect Children From Electric Shock

Our homes run on electricity and, while we wouldn’t want to be without it, it can pose a real danger to our children. That is why it’s essential to use things like socket protectors when your kids are young. The socket protectors will prevent children from sticking their fingers or other objects into the electrical outlets.

Also, be sure to unplug and remove any electrical items such as hairdryers and curling irons while your child is in the bathroom. This will prevent them from being accidentally knocked into the bathtub or sink. 

Make sure to keep kids out of dangerous areas 

Depending on the age of the kids, one often-overlooked way to improve home safety is through kitchen remodeling. Updating your kitchen with child-proof features—such as soft-close cabinets, rounded countertop edges, and secure storage for hazardous items—can significantly reduce risks. By incorporating family-friendly designs and modern safety enhancements, you can create a space that is both functional and safe for young children.

You need to do everything you can to keep them away from dangerous parts of the house. This could involve locking doors on certain rooms that you don’t want them to get inside. Alternatively, it may be childproofing certain cupboards and cabinets where you keep dangerous chemicals. You may need to get a garage door service to prevent them from getting in this area where there are tools, vehicles etc.

create a safe space for your children, children, kids, child safe, child friendly, safe home, home safe, child proof #children #kids #childsafe #childfriendly #safehome #homesafe #childproof

Making Your Home Child-Safe: 4 Essential Strategies

This is such an important topic for all parents and the safety of our children relies on our knowledge. What are your best tips for child-proofing a home? Let me know in the comments!