6 Ways to Prevent Mold from Attacking Your Home

June 29, 2022 by 1 Comment

Sometimes, it can be hard to improve a household, especially if you’re having to fight against mold. Molds are a common problem in most homes and offices. They can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies. and make the air smell bad. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye and spread quickly in damp environments. The best way to get rid of them is to clean up regularly, but if you are really struggling with mold, try these methods that may help you get rid of the mold around your home.

mold in your house

Keep humidity levels low

A low humidity level will prevent mold from growing and help you breathe better. You can look into getting a dehumidifier, as they prevent humidity levels from getting too high. No matter what season it is, what temperature it is, mold can grow. If you don’t want to fork over the money for a dehumidifier then you can open up your doors and windows to help allow humidity to escape. Doing this for a couple of hours a week can even make a major difference.

Keep surfaces dry

The best way to keep your home dry is to wipe down all surfaces at least once a day with a damp cloth or paper towel. When it comes to your bathroom or kitchen you’ll also want to make sure there isn’t any water or humidity in there. These two spaces are far more prone to having mold grow in them. So, if there is ever a spill, no matter where it is, make sure you immediately begin cleaning it.

Seal Gaps

Make sure that windows are closed when you’re not using them, and seal up all gaps around doors. While it can be good to have your windows and doors open to allow moisture to escape, keep in mind that too much of a thing can be bad. When it rains, snows, or if the air is wet, this can get into your home. So, by sealing the gaps, you’re keeping air and moisture out of your home.

Regularly check to see if there are any sources of moisture

If there is a leaky pipe or any other source of water where molds can grow, fix it first before trying to prevent any mold. A lot of reasons why mold remediation is needed is mostly due to an unknown leak somewhere in the house growing into a major mold issue.

Clean up regularly

If you clean regularly, this gives you the chance to see if there is any sort of mold around the house. It gives you the chance to find wet or moist spots, and anything that could be growing mold, overall, this is a more proactive approach to mold prevention for one’s home.

Keep a close eye on foods with a high moisture content

It’s already a common fact that food items like bread, milk, cheese, and veggies can all produce mold within a matter of a couple of days. Even the mold on these items can cause the spores to spread elsewhere in the home. Make sure to throw out molded items immediately. 

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What To Consider When Acquiring A Home Safe

June 24, 2022 by Leave a Comment

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No one wants to return home to find all of their most prized possessions missing. Sadly, this is a reality faced by victims of the 2.5 million burglaries that happen in America each year, 66% of which are home break-ins. You can also lose your possessions to a fire, flood, earthquake, or other unexpected events. Fortunately, investing in a quality home safe is one of the best things you can do to safeguard your possessions from thefts and other perils. However, there are many factors to consider when deciding what safe will be best for you. Here’s what to think about before purchasing a home safe. 

  • Cost

Your budget will ultimately decide what kind of safe you can purchase, so it is prudent to keep costs in mind. Additional costs when buying safes can quickly add up, so you must set a price point before shopping. A standard model is unlikely to break the bank, but prepare to encounter upgrades like additional bolting and better steel quality. You may also want to pay slightly more for a safe with interior shelving. Additionally, some companies may offer warranties on their products, and you may need to pay to install this critical home security system.

  • Preferred lock type

Home safes typically have two lock options: digital and dial. Each has its unique pros and cons, so it is prudent to consider which option best suits your needs before purchasing. Dial locks are similar to what you will find on school lockers. You open these locks by rotating the dial right and left until you input your unique combination. Many safety-conscious homeowners regard this type of safe lock as the most reliable because it is not susceptible to electronic outages or failure. However, if you are locked out, you will need the help of a mobile locksmith to change the combination. Conversely, digital locks are the kind you will find on hotel safes. You open a digital lock by inputting a pin into a keypad. These locks are easier to open than their combination counterparts, allowing quicker access to your belongings. Still, you will need a locksmith’s help if you forget your password.

  •  Items to be stored

Many experts agree that you must take stock of your most prized possessions before deciding which type of safe to buy. These possessions are what you would be most upset to lose, assuming all your belongings are stolen, lost, or destroyed. Items that are quite difficult to replace, like birth records, passports, and legal paperwork like wills or deeds to your property, are classic examples of such possessions. Wall safes are best for keeping these possessions since they cannot support much weight. Also, it is best to acquire a floor safe if you are seeking to store external hard drives, expensive jewelry pieces, or precious metals. Finally, the 2021 National Firearms Survey indicates that 32% of Americans say they own a firearm. If you constitute this demographic, consider purchasing a dedicated weapon safe to store your guns. These specialty weapons safes are better suited for gun storage than the standard wall and floor safes.

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Improve Your Family Life & Household With These Tips

May 19, 2022 by Leave a Comment

improve Your Family Life

You and your family members share a very special bond. You want to see each other do well and get the most out of life. One area where you can have a positive impact on everyone’s health and happiness is in the home.

Maybe you’ve been busy lately and haven’t paid as much attention to this matter as you wish you would have. Instead of being too hard on yourself, focus on what you can do better going forward. Be happy to know that you can effectively improve your family life and household with these tips.

Reduce the Clutter & Get Organized

Improve your family life and household by reducing the number of items and clutter in your home. Work on getting organized and making sure all you own has a place to reside that’s out of the way. You may even consider putting any overflow items or seasonal decorations and furniture pieces that you aren’t ready to part with just yet in a storage unit. Save money on it by taking advantage of specials such as getting your first month free.

Have Meals Together

Another tip you can apply is to have meals together as a family to improve your household and relationships with one another. It’s more enjoyable than a formal family meeting and still a place and space you can use to talk about your days or touch on other important matters. Mealtime is a chance to reconnect with each other and share thoughts, feelings, and advice so that you can all show your support and be there for your loved ones.

Delegate Responsibilities

Don’t be afraid to take some of the burdens of running and managing your household off yourself. It’s a great opportunity to free up some of your time as well as teach your kids responsibility. Improve your family life and household by delegating chores and tasks to each person and working together to maintain your property and lifestyle. Your kids will feel proud of themselves for pitching in and likely won’t mind helping you out. Set a good example and show them what to do and then let them follow through on their own and do the best job they can.

Take Breaks from Technology & TV

Make your family life happier and more rewarding by encouraging breaks away from the screen. Take time away from technology and the TV and fill your schedule with other activities. It’ll provide you with more opportunities to do fun things together as well. For example, you can boost your mental and physical health by taking walks in nature or playing board games instead. Set limits on screen time and then make time in your schedule for your children so you can have some fun and form a closer relationship.

Conclusion

Apply these tips and you’ll be on your way to improving your family life and household in no time. You’ll likely discover that you’re not only more relaxed at home but that working together and getting along becomes even easier with these ideas for improvement in place.

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Top Tips to Enjoy Your Garden All Year Round

May 11, 2022 by Leave a Comment

outdoor space wine

A garden is a luxury that not all homes have. If you have a garden space, you can take advantage of it as an extension of your living space. With the right planning and adjustments, not only can you enjoy it during the warm summer months, but all year round. Summer doesn’t have to be the end of your time in the garden, and instead, you can use the space whenever you wish. Here are some top tips to help you extend the good times in your garden throughout the year. 

#1 Add colors 

Brightening your garden is a great incentive to use it more. You can do this by planting flowers around your garden that thrive in different seasons. There are also plants that are low maintenance and last all year round, such as Cercis canadensis, Amelanchier lamarckii, viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum, Hydrangea quercifolia and much more. You can also add more points of interest in your garden with ornaments, water features, or hanging bunting and fairy lights. These small touches will make a huge difference to the way your garden feels, and instantly make it more appealing and inviting to spend time in. 

 

#2 Create an area to spend time in

In the summer months, it doesn’t matter where you spend time in your garden, as it is usually sunny and dry. The weather can be unpredictable, and the winter months can bring a lot of cold and wet weather. Unfortunately, this does not make the garden a very welcoming place to spend time. As a solution, you should set up a dedicated area in your garden that can be used, regardless of the weather. You can hire a deck builder to create a nice flooring, put up a gazebo to protect you from the sun and rain and upcycle some furniture to create a nice seating area. Just make sure you weatherproof your furniture or invest in covers, so they can stay intact. You can then add any finishing touches that you wish to make it your own, cozy place to hang out, for example, pillows, blankets, throws, candles, etc. When you set up an area to spend time in, you are much more likely to use it. 

 

#3 Add some heat

One of the big deterrents from spending time in the garden during the winter is the cold. You can change this by adding a heat source to your outdoor seating area to keep you nice and warm and create an inviting space with a sense of coziness that you can enjoy. Some of the most popular heat sources are infrared heaters, firepits or outdoor fireplaces. These come in a variety of options to suit different budgets and sizes of gardens. Make sure you keep the area safe and do not store anything flammable nearby. 

Your garden is a great space that can be utilized all year round with the right knowledge and equipment. You should consider using the garden all year round in your plans when you are designing your garden.

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How To Improve Your Sleep Quality With Bedroom Lighting

April 29, 2022 by Leave a Comment

bed

The main goal of sleep is to wake up feeling refreshed and energized to keep up with the demands of daily life. But that is not always the case? A study has shown that a good night’s sleep is vital for mental and physical health by improving memory, judgment, mood, and learning abilities. Several factors influence your sleep, lighting being one of them. Poor lighting can disrupt sleep and affect how your body and mind function. Therefore, it makes sense to find ways to improve the illumination in that room, and here are some ideas. 

  • Natural light 

You might have heard of the biological clock and the circadian rhythm, which influences aspects of behavior, including sleep. This clock is influenced by light and darkness, where light signals the body to be awake, and darkness triggers rest mode. Allowing natural light into the room during the day keeps your circadian rhythm healthy by improving your daytime energy. Studies have shown that exposure to daylight reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, especially for people with insomnia. In this regard, the type of covers you use for your windows count. For example, blinds and shutters are excellent for adjusting the amount of natural light entering your bedroom. Additionally, thick fabrics for your bedroom drapery are also good choices. Darker colors can keep out as much light and allow you to sleep easier. You will need durable curtain rod hardware to add style and functionality to your bedroom windows. 

  • Pick the right luminaries

Artificial lights are useful for getting around, and you will have to assess the type of fixture you use for the bedroom. The color and intensity of the light bulb can affect your sleep quality. Choosing too bright light can keep the brain working at a higher pace and disrupt sleep. Although experts recommend bedroom lumens between 2,200 and 3,000, you can adjust it depending on the mood you want to create. The color usually comes down to personal preference, and the most calming light color isn’t the same for everyone. 

  • Go completely dark 

Although controlling the amount of natural light entering your space is key for improving your sleep quality, consider going completely dark. This means avoiding screen time at least an hour before sleep by turning off your TV, computers, and tablets and putting away your phone. The light wavelength from the devices is detrimental to sleep quality. Everyone has their in-built biological clock, but it is mostly advised to turn off all the lights when you feel sleepy. This can signal your body that it is time to catch some sleep. 

  • Consider dimming options 

Even after deciding your bulbs’ maximum lumen output, it can be useful to consider dimming options. Turning down the lights is great for every space and not just the bedroom, and having that option gives you control over your bedroom’s brightness and atmosphere. If you enjoy reading before bedtime, you can dim the lights to allow your mind to relax properly before sleep time. 

Many factors, including your bedtime reading habits, can interrupt your sleep. However, bedroom lighting plays a crucial role in sleep, and the tips mentioned here can help you get started.

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4 Tips on How to Get Ready for Moving Day

March 28, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Have you outgrown your current home, or are you in desperate need of a change? In such a case, you should consider moving out. A new home and a new neighborhood can bring a much-needed breath of fresh air into your life.

But you can’t just decide to move out, pack your bags, and leave. Moving is usually a stressful process that requires a lot of careful planning and consideration. It’s undoubtedly exciting, but no one would describe it as fun. Ultimately, though, it’s worth it once you actually find yourself in your new home.

To help you prepare for your moving day, we’ve asked NYC based Oz Moving for a few tips. What they’ve told us is sure to be invaluable to you!

1. Make a Detailed Timeline

The sooner you start planning your move, the better. After all, packing can take weeks, canceling all services and utilities usually has to be done in advance, and finding a good moving company is no walk in the park. So, once you firmly decide that you’re moving, don’t expect to do so in a week. Give yourself at least three months to be safe.

In those three months, you’ll have a lot of work to do, and it may feel quite overwhelming. To avoid feeling too stressed, you should make a timeline of events leading up to your moving day. That way, you will know by which time to complete tasks and how long each activity should take.

So, what exactly should you put on this timeline? Well, for instance, write down when to start packing and how long you expect it to take. Decide on the right time to begin calling moving companies or the day to cancel services and utilities. Try to think of as many things as you can and put them down on paper. That is also how the whole moving process will be much more organized in your head.

2. Find a Good Moving Company as Soon as Possible

Once you decide to move, the first thing on your list should be finding and contacting a moving company. Most of the excellent ones are booked far in advance, so you might have to call them two months before the move to hire their help. So, sit down, look up the best moving companies and choose the one that suits you as soon as possible.

And how do you choose the perfect moving company? First of all, thoroughly check each company’s website, looking at the services they offer and client reviews. Then, call the few you like the most. Through your phone conversations, you’ll be able to decide whether a certain moving company is right for you.

When you find the right company, book its services immediately. If you wait for too long, other clients might pick your date. And then you’ll end up having to settle for movers that you didn’t initially want or that aren’t as reliable as your first choice.

3. Start Packing With a Plan

You already know that you should give yourself enough time to pack and start as soon as possible, but even that’s not enough. Haphazardly packing whatever you come across first is a recipe for disaster. Instead, you need some sort of a plan to guide you through this process.

Before you make a plan, walk around your house and take a look at the things you own. Start noting down items you want to bring with you and those you’re fine leaving behind. Once you make these two lists, consider which of your belongings you can pack right away.

For instance, if you have any items you want to bring but don’t use often, you can put them in boxes immediately. Those usually include family heirlooms, art pieces, and books. Once that is packed, move on to the items you use more frequently but not daily. Finally, when the move is right around the corner, you can pack necessities you couldn’t live without.

But even once you’re fully packed, make sure to have a moving day survival kit with you. It should contain some basics — a toothbrush and toothpaste, a change of clothes, and toilet paper. That will help you get through the day smoother than you would otherwise.

4. Double-Check Everything on the Moving Day

On the day of the move, you need to go through your house once again and double-check that everything is ready. Make sure you didn’t leave anything important behind and that all boxes are properly closed and labeled. Clean all surfaces that may require it and turn off any electronics that still might be working. Then wait for the moving vans to arrive.

Once you load all your belongings, check everything once again. This time around, your house will be more or less empty, so you’ll have an easier time spotting anything you’ve overlooked. When you’re sure that everything’s in order, you can finally leave for your new life.

In Conclusion

Moving is always stressful, but you’ll get through it with ease if you follow our tips. Make sure to stay focused, organized, and don’t let small things get you down. And if you ever feel overwhelmed during the planning stage, step away and find ways to relax. You might be moving, but you’re still allowed to have some time off.

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Should You Go For A Big Or Local Architectural Business?

March 21, 2022 by Leave a Comment

redo home

When it comes to business, we are often told that local is the best route to go down. However, it is never as simple as that, and going for a local company is not always the best solution. When it comes to architecture, the industry has very much changed in recent times. The rise of the Internet has meant that architects can reach people all over the country, and so you have many different choices available to you when you need this type of service. So, with that being said, in this blog post, we are going to take a look at the different reasons why you do not need to go to a local company when selecting an architect. 

Team size 

There is only one place to begin when it comes to assessing the difference between local architects and online service providers and nationwide companies, and this is with the number of people that are working for the architectural firm. If you opt for a local architect, there is typically going to be one designer, or maybe two or three at a push. However, if you opt for a bigger firm, you can make the most of a huge team of surveyors, technicians, and designers. There will typically be over 30 members of the team. 

Better industry connections

You also need to consider the fact that nationwide and bigger architectural firms are going to have better connections. After all, working as an architect is a collaborative job in many ways. Architects do not live in a bubble. They need to team up with other types of professionals in order to get the best possible results for the property they are creating. From a concrete driveway contractor to structural engineers; an architect will have relationships with people in all different capacities. This can benefit you, as it ensures you will have access to the people you need to see your designs through to the final build. 

Communication 

Another benefit associated with a bigger, nationwide company is improved communication. This is something a lot of people do not anticipate. They feel that a local architect is going to be there for them more. However, being close enough to pop around for a cup of tea to discuss plans does not mean that they are going to be more attentive. You could be waiting for weeks and weeks for your next meeting if they get another customer on their books. With a bigger business, they are able to manage numerous clients better and they will make the most of innovative software and technology to ensure that you receive the updates you need and are never left in the dark.

Experience

In addition to the benefits that have already been discussed, the experience is another factor to consider. Before you agree to use the services of any type of professional, you should always discover how they have handled projects in the past and you should take a look at some of the work they have carried out. It is going to be much easier to do this when you choose a nationwide firm because they will have a much bigger pool of work for you to look at and assess.

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Fresh Content: The Top 5 Cleaning Tips for Apartment Living: How to Keep Your Place Sparkling

March 19, 2022 by 2 Comments

clean apartment

When you live in an apartment, it’s essential to keep everything clean and organized. This can be a challenge, but with these top five cleaning tips, you’ll be able to keep your place sparkling.

#1. Keep a Schedule

One of the best ways to stay on top of your cleaning is to keep a schedule. Whether you clean every day or once a week, having a set time for cleaning will help you stay organized and ensure that your apartment always looks its best. A cleaning schedule includes:  

-Washing dishes

-Taking out the trash

-Vacuuming and sweeping

-Cleaning the bathroom

-Dusting surfaces

You can tailor your schedule to fit your needs, but be sure to include all of the important tasks that need to be done in order to keep your apartment clean.

 

#2. Create a Cleaning Caddy 

Another great way to stay organized while cleaning is to create a cleaning caddy. This is simply a container that you fill with all of the supplies you need for cleaning, such as: 

-All-purpose cleaner 

-Bathroom cleaner 

-Sponges 

-Paper towels 

-A vacuum cleaner 

When you buy cleaning materials, be sure to look for ones that are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. This is especially important if you have pets or children in your apartment. Once you have everything you need, simply put it all in the caddy, so it’s ready to go when it’s time to clean.

 

#3. Clean Your Windows  

One task that is often overlooked but is very important for keeping an apartment clean is cleaning your windows. Over time, windows can get quite dirty, which can make your whole apartment look messier than it actually is. So be sure to clean your windows regularly to keep them sparkling and streak-free.

Some tips for cleaning windows include: 

-Use a lint-free cloth or newspaper to avoid streaks 

-Wash the outside of your windows once a month 

-Clean the inside of your windows twice a week 

-Use vinegar or lemon juice as a natural way to clean your windows 

 

#4. Clean Your Carpets/Flooring  

Carpets and flooring can also become quite dirty over time, so it’s important to clean them on a regular basis as well. There are a few different ways to clean carpets, depending on the type of carpet you have. For example, you can: 

-Vacuum regularly 

-Spot clean spills as soon as they happen 

-Shampoo your carpets every few months 

-Hire a professional carpet cleaner once or twice a year for beautiful clean carpets. 

When it comes to cleaning hardwood floors or tile, there are a few different methods you can use as well. You can sweep, mop, or vacuum these types of flooring, depending on what works best for you. Just be sure to clean them regularly to avoid dirt and debris buildup.

By following these top five cleaning tips, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your apartment clean and organized. Just remember to be consistent with your cleaning routine and put in the effort, and your apartment will always look its best. 

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