For avid readers, no move feels complete until they’ve found their reading nook – the perfect, cozy spot where they can grab their favorite mug and a good book.
A bookshelf is a form of self-expression in its own right. Bookshelves are insights into a person’s passions, hobbies, and goals, and they, of course, showcase well-worn favorites.
Despite our best efforts, some people’s homes just might be contributing to why they get so sick each winter. The good news is that there’s plenty that can be done to create a healthier environment at home.
By Lauren from Allied Van Lines Moving to a new city or state is an exciting adventure, but it can also be stressful. Even after the initial chaos of the move subsides, unpacking and settling in can take a while. Here are some key unpacking strategies to help you feel comfortable and at home in your new place as soon as possible. 1. Pack an Essentials Box for Easy Access One of the most important tips for both packing and unpacking is to create a designated “essentials box.” Before you move, compile a list of items you’ll need right away, including: Clothes for a week Medications and toiletries First-aid kit Chargers for electronics Snacks and drinks Having this box readily available in your car will make the first few days in your new home much smoother. 2. Prioritize Utility Connections and Major Appliances Ensure a smooth transition by scheduling utility connections (electricity, water, internet) well in advance. Ideally, have them turned on before you even arrive. This allows you to focus on unpacking essentials upon arrival. Next, prioritize unpacking and setting up major appliances like the stove, refrigerator, and coffee maker. If you work remotely, prioritize setting up internet access
Optimism in the housing market among Gen Zers and millennials is on the rise thanks to mortgage rate drops from the Federal Reserve (per reports at Business Insider). While this is great news for those who have been waiting to jump into the housing market, people who are waiting for lower housing prices are likely to be disappointed as mortgage rates are just one piece of the puzzle. A lack of inventory and high demand mean that housing prices aren’t likely to see a substantial change anytime soon, so when is the right time for a new homebuyer to start looking? For many reasons, it might be this spring! The Housing Market is SeasonalIt’s no secret that the housing market is largely seasonal, especially in regions that see a large amount of snow. The hassle of moving during inclement weather obviously isn’t ideal, plus homebuyers can have an inaccurate view of what the home and its neighborhood even looks like if it’s covered in snow. Because of these factors, warm weather tends to bring the busiest time of the year for real estate agents – but this doesn’t necessarily mean summer is the best time for everyone to buy a
Hosting family and friends over the holidays can be a tough task. On one hand, it’s wonderful to reconnect with loved ones, especially those that live far away. On the other hand, getting a busy home in order can feel like an intimidating task after a year of balancing a demanding work schedule along with messy pets, and maybe kids with their own affinity for chaos. In preparation for the holidays, here are a few extra things that you can do to go above and beyond making your out-of-town guests feel welcome! Check On Your Roof’s StabilityOne pet peeve that is so common for guests is lack of decent parking. Whatever system that’s worked for your family throughout the rest of the year likely will have to change at least a bit once a new vehicle is introduced. So, unless you’re blessed with a larger-than-average parking situation, consider thinking ahead for some alternatives that allow extra room for guests. The common holiday struggle of juggling cars in the driveway is exactly why some considerate guests may take it upon themselves to use some sorely underutilized parking areas – such as the space on top of your roof. What many fail
Since we’ve previously discussed how to confirm whether your home is active with the paranormal, we thought it might be valuable to go over some additional Halloween-time survival strategies. When watching a scary movie, it’s easy to become frustrated by the classic mistakes and gaffes that the characters make as they bungle their way into the killer’s hands. Although it’s reasonable to assume that the stress and terror of running for your life can keep you from making practical decisions, choices made by horror movie protagonists can be baffling. In the inevitable case that you end up cornered by a masked, knife-wielding stranger straight out of a slasher movie, you don’t want to fall for the same old slip-ups. To be better prepared, we consulted some of the best minds in home maintenance, organization, and personal fitness for their tips on surviving a scary movie. How To Tell That You’re In A Scary MovieNaturally, the first step for surviving a scary movie is to confirm that you are, in fact, living in a scary movie yourself. Although it may seem painfully obvious to audience goers that the characters shouldn’t investigate that noise in the attic, or search their creepy, unfinished
Regardless of the amount of preparation dedicated in advance, heading back to school tends to come as a shock. For families with more than one kid, systems of organization that worked perfectly fine during the summer can unravel quickly once hectic mornings and packed after-school schedules dominate daylight hours. No one wants their home to feel chaotic, and nothing builds up that feeling like disorganized clutter. The best way to combat the seismic shift that accompanies heading back to school is to discover a new rhythm that works for the entire family. Consistency, ease of use, and setting appropriate expectations that the family can keep up in the long term – accomplishing each of these are the keys to developing an efficient home. To avoid that seemingly inevitable shift that turns your home into a disaster zone through the course of the school year, consider adding these organizational tips to your arsenal! Establish a Doable RoutineIn life, some people can find a fondness for spontaneity, taking life by the horns, and pursuing each odd opportunity. For kids, though, this sort of lifestyle will likely create a sense of uncertainty that affects many aspects of their lives. Trying to leave in
Homeowners put so much thought into their home’s interior design, whether they go for French curls and filigree or Mid-Century modern. If you’re a serial redesigner yourself, you feel frustrated when a space just isn’t quite coming together like you’d hoped. Maybe it’s something about the color of the walls, or the lack of natural light, or maybe you can’t quite put your finger on it. Rather than grabbing a paint roller for yet another new coat, maybe it’s time to look at your home from a completely new angle. Many have heard of feng shui in association with interior design as a concept, but most are unaware of the positive effect that it can have on their home. Let’s take a look at the origin of this term and how its concepts can be used to finally make a home come together. What is Feng Shui?Feng shui is an ancient term with roots in Taoism which can loosely be translated as “wind and water.” As this translation might suggest, feng shui teaches that people are directly impacted by their environment, and this environment should be intentionally designed to not disrupt life’s “flow.” There may be some debate as to
Where most look to trade up, tiny home-owners downsize and purge in order to follow this minimalist trend. For those wondering what the draw is and whether the movement has already passed by, here is a bit more information about the absolutely endearing tiny home.
For avid readers, no move feels complete until they’ve found their reading nook – the perfect, cozy spot where they can grab their favorite mug and a good book.
A bookshelf is a form of self-expression in its own right. Bookshelves are insights into a person’s passions, hobbies, and goals, and they, of course, showcase well-worn favorites.
Despite our best efforts, some people’s homes just might be contributing to why they get so sick each winter. The good news is that there’s plenty that can be done to create a healthier environment at home.
By Lauren from Allied Van Lines Moving to a new city or state is an exciting adventure, but it can also be stressful. Even after the initial chaos of the move subsides, unpacking and settling in can take a while. Here are some key unpacking strategies to help you feel comfortable and at home in your new place as soon as possible. 1. Pack an Essentials Box for Easy Access One of the most important tips for both packing and unpacking is to create a designated “essentials box.” Before you move, compile a list of items you’ll need right away, including: Clothes for a week Medications and toiletries First-aid kit Chargers for electronics Snacks and drinks Having this box readily available in your car will make the first few days in your new home much smoother. 2. Prioritize Utility Connections and Major Appliances Ensure a smooth transition by scheduling utility connections (electricity, water, internet) well in advance. Ideally, have them turned on before you even arrive. This allows you to focus on unpacking essentials upon arrival. Next, prioritize unpacking and setting up major appliances like the stove, refrigerator, and coffee maker. If you work remotely, prioritize setting up internet access
Optimism in the housing market among Gen Zers and millennials is on the rise thanks to mortgage rate drops from the Federal Reserve (per reports at Business Insider). While this is great news for those who have been waiting to jump into the housing market, people who are waiting for lower housing prices are likely to be disappointed as mortgage rates are just one piece of the puzzle. A lack of inventory and high demand mean that housing prices aren’t likely to see a substantial change anytime soon, so when is the right time for a new homebuyer to start looking? For many reasons, it might be this spring! The Housing Market is SeasonalIt’s no secret that the housing market is largely seasonal, especially in regions that see a large amount of snow. The hassle of moving during inclement weather obviously isn’t ideal, plus homebuyers can have an inaccurate view of what the home and its neighborhood even looks like if it’s covered in snow. Because of these factors, warm weather tends to bring the busiest time of the year for real estate agents – but this doesn’t necessarily mean summer is the best time for everyone to buy a
Hosting family and friends over the holidays can be a tough task. On one hand, it’s wonderful to reconnect with loved ones, especially those that live far away. On the other hand, getting a busy home in order can feel like an intimidating task after a year of balancing a demanding work schedule along with messy pets, and maybe kids with their own affinity for chaos. In preparation for the holidays, here are a few extra things that you can do to go above and beyond making your out-of-town guests feel welcome! Check On Your Roof’s StabilityOne pet peeve that is so common for guests is lack of decent parking. Whatever system that’s worked for your family throughout the rest of the year likely will have to change at least a bit once a new vehicle is introduced. So, unless you’re blessed with a larger-than-average parking situation, consider thinking ahead for some alternatives that allow extra room for guests. The common holiday struggle of juggling cars in the driveway is exactly why some considerate guests may take it upon themselves to use some sorely underutilized parking areas – such as the space on top of your roof. What many fail
Since we’ve previously discussed how to confirm whether your home is active with the paranormal, we thought it might be valuable to go over some additional Halloween-time survival strategies. When watching a scary movie, it’s easy to become frustrated by the classic mistakes and gaffes that the characters make as they bungle their way into the killer’s hands. Although it’s reasonable to assume that the stress and terror of running for your life can keep you from making practical decisions, choices made by horror movie protagonists can be baffling. In the inevitable case that you end up cornered by a masked, knife-wielding stranger straight out of a slasher movie, you don’t want to fall for the same old slip-ups. To be better prepared, we consulted some of the best minds in home maintenance, organization, and personal fitness for their tips on surviving a scary movie. How To Tell That You’re In A Scary MovieNaturally, the first step for surviving a scary movie is to confirm that you are, in fact, living in a scary movie yourself. Although it may seem painfully obvious to audience goers that the characters shouldn’t investigate that noise in the attic, or search their creepy, unfinished
Regardless of the amount of preparation dedicated in advance, heading back to school tends to come as a shock. For families with more than one kid, systems of organization that worked perfectly fine during the summer can unravel quickly once hectic mornings and packed after-school schedules dominate daylight hours. No one wants their home to feel chaotic, and nothing builds up that feeling like disorganized clutter. The best way to combat the seismic shift that accompanies heading back to school is to discover a new rhythm that works for the entire family. Consistency, ease of use, and setting appropriate expectations that the family can keep up in the long term – accomplishing each of these are the keys to developing an efficient home. To avoid that seemingly inevitable shift that turns your home into a disaster zone through the course of the school year, consider adding these organizational tips to your arsenal! Establish a Doable RoutineIn life, some people can find a fondness for spontaneity, taking life by the horns, and pursuing each odd opportunity. For kids, though, this sort of lifestyle will likely create a sense of uncertainty that affects many aspects of their lives. Trying to leave in
Homeowners put so much thought into their home’s interior design, whether they go for French curls and filigree or Mid-Century modern. If you’re a serial redesigner yourself, you feel frustrated when a space just isn’t quite coming together like you’d hoped. Maybe it’s something about the color of the walls, or the lack of natural light, or maybe you can’t quite put your finger on it. Rather than grabbing a paint roller for yet another new coat, maybe it’s time to look at your home from a completely new angle. Many have heard of feng shui in association with interior design as a concept, but most are unaware of the positive effect that it can have on their home. Let’s take a look at the origin of this term and how its concepts can be used to finally make a home come together. What is Feng Shui?Feng shui is an ancient term with roots in Taoism which can loosely be translated as “wind and water.” As this translation might suggest, feng shui teaches that people are directly impacted by their environment, and this environment should be intentionally designed to not disrupt life’s “flow.” There may be some debate as to
Where most look to trade up, tiny home-owners downsize and purge in order to follow this minimalist trend. For those wondering what the draw is and whether the movement has already passed by, here is a bit more information about the absolutely endearing tiny home.
