Category Archives: For Your Information

Sep5

The Business Of Blogging

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The Business Of Blogging

Hey! I was SO excited to receive an email from Oprah of the blog Oprah Zip Bradford letting me know that she was back to the blogosphere after a hiatus. It is always so nice to be in touch with friends new and old that I have met through lifewithlilred and Oprah and I go way back. When she asked if I was up for a collaboration, of course I said YES! We were in touch after my four year streak of daily content was announced and she thought it would be beneficial if I explained my blogging business a bit more. I am always down to help inspire and inform other writers so of course I said YES! Here is some advice from your favorite Lil Red blogger:

What do you want out of your blog?

Blogging is an interesting hobby because it could be left as something done just for funsies or as a lucrative hustle. I originally started writing just for fun and I still do. However, I was lucky enough to be linked up with publishing companies and advertisers during lifewithlilred’s early years. Every day, I write for pleasure. However, it is a source of income for me and that keeps me motivated to continue creating daily content. Even if your blog isn’t making you money right now, that’s not to say it won’t in the future. If this is something that you are interested in, then it must be taken seriously as not only an outlet for your creativity but as a potential job.

Making a schedule that works for you:

Whether you would like to publish content just for fun or as a possible source of income, I will always recommend making a schedule. Schedules are important for bloggers because it lets your readers know when to expect you and to keep checking in. When you have a publishing schedule, you can create a writing schedule that works for you. In my case, I publish daily. This means that I have to write daily or write multiple posts in one sitting to schedule ahead of time. As you can tell, I am a very schedule oriented person when it comes to my blog and it has done nothing but help me.

Reach out:

If you are hoping for more interactions, viewers, or friends in the blogosphere – reach out! There are millions of blogs out there and it’s unrealistic to think that everyone is going to find yours. Scroll through the WordPress newsfeed and see what tickles your fancy. Interact with other bloggers on their pages and send them love. Encourage collaborations, announce your blog on social media, use word of mouth marketing. In other words, draw attention to your page yourself. There is viral content being shared every second of every day and it’s easy for blogs to get lost in the crowd.

Don’t limit your content:

If you have a blog where you are writing about a specific topic with every post, that is fine. My advice would be not to limit your content, though, because this just limits yourself as a writer. lifewithlilred started out as a strictly beauty and fashion blog and I am happy that I was able to branch out as a well rounded lifestyle blogger. If I stuck with just beauty and fashion, there is no way that I could create daily content. What are offshoots of your favorite topic to write about? For example, beauty and health and wellness often go hand in hand. Once you identify more topics to write about, you are inviting even more readers with different interests to check out your page.

Go easy on yourself:

It might not seem like it, but blogging and maintaining your page is hard work. It can be disheartening when you find that your efforts are not resulting in views or a payday. Please, don’t fret! Once you start beating yourself up, it immediately sucks the joy out of writing. I always say to write for the sake of writing. Don’t do it for viewers, don’t do it for advertisers – do it because YOU love it. When you are doing something you love, it doesn’t matter if one person sees it or one hundred thousand. Do keep this in mind because I have seen many a blogger come and go in lifewithlilred’s almost ten year tenure. Don’t set yourself up to give up by making comparisons or feeling like your page isn’t good enough. You are writing and that is always enough! ❤

Thanks so much to darling Oprah for asking me to share my Ted Talk. I hope this post gave all of you some insight going forward with your own blog!

What are some of your blogging questions for me? What is the link to your blog? Share away! I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug28

Mistakes To Avoid In Your Home

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Mistakes To Avoid In Your Home

It is so important to be taking care of your home the best that you can. There are certain mistakes that a lot of us make when it comes to our homes, thinking that it’s not going to be too much of a big deal. The problem is that it probably is going to be one if you are not careful. What might feel like nothing could turn into a catastrophe! In this article, you will find some of the mistakes that you will regret and how you can avoid them. If you want to know more, you know what to do:

Not Clearing Out Your Gutters:

First on the list, not clearing out your gutters is a huge no. We know that it’s gross, and we know that it’s tiring, but this is not a reason not to do it. Your gutters are there to drain the excess water from the top of your house, and do you know what happens if they are clogged when they try to complete their job? You get leaks in your home coming through the walls or the ceiling. This is absolutely not something that you want as this often leads to cases of mold.

Sometimes the most important jobs around the house are the ones that you don’t want to do, but avoiding them is the worse alternative. If you really don’t want to get up there and do it yourself, there are professionals that you can call for help.

Not Making Repairs When Needed:

Another mistake that too many people make is not making repairs when they are needed. Do you have any idea how much damage you can cause to your home simply by letting a repair fester? You are giving it the opportunity to become an even bigger problem that it already is. If a repair can’t be completed in a timely manner, it’s a good idea to sort a temporary fix until you can get it properly taken care of. At least this way, you aren’t risking the problem getting worse.

Not Hiring The Help That You Need:

Finally, there are going to be times where you need professional help, and you need to get it. There is only so much that you can do without causing damage to your home, and there are also certain things that you should never touch as you may make them worse. We know that hiring help can be expensive, but it’s better to do it now and minimize the cost, than later when the issue is much more severe. For example, you may need the help of a company like Fayette Septic Services, or you may need a roofer, or an electrician, etc, so you need to find the best in your area and get them on site ASAP.

Being a homeowner means doing what you can to keep it in the best possible condition. Trying out these three tips is a great first step!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug23

Battling Water Damage: How To Keep Your Home Dry

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Battling Water Damage: How To Keep Your Home Dry

Let’s address something that may go undetected in your home until it’s too late: water damage. It is much easier to prevent water damage than to do Water Damage Restoration, but it can be done. Let’s look at some tips to keep your abode dry and safe for all of its inhabitants:

Gutters are rain guards:

Imagine gutters as raincoats for your home; they protect it from getting wet in a downpour and should always remain clear of debris to ensure water runs freely. Make a habit of regularly clearing away leaves and twigs from them – either using a gutter scoop or garden trowel to do it; for best results, use both. For damaged or leaky gutters use gutter sealant. Cleaning gutters or hiring someone to do so can be a hassle. However, the process of water mitigation is far more difficult and time consuming. Gutters are a safeguard for your home so clean and care for them accordingly.

Secure it ASAP:

Seal all potential gaps where water could leak in around windows and doors by applying caulk around them; cracked caulk acts like an open drawbridge, so to maintain optimal performance, refresh it frequently with fresh beads of caulk when necessary; just one bead could help defend against water’s relentless attack!

Sealing gaps is a great form of defense for your home, but it’s not the solution for everything. For more extensive water damage, restoration professionals like Protegrity Restoration or a similar company in your area will need to be called in. Make sure they are well reviewed so the job will get done properly.

Be shower savvy:

Your bathroom might seem peaceful, but it can also be an easy source of leaks and flooding. Your shower curtain serves as the first line of defense against this potential disaster; be sure it remains functional at all times; moldy or torn curtains act like breached castle walls that allow water to invade – change them regularly to ensure water doesn’t seep into your healthy home!

Improve your lawn, safeguard your castle:

Your lawn is more than a pretty face – it serves an invaluable purpose in safeguarding your home’s foundation! Water should flow away from the foundation so make sure your yard slopes away from it; water is meant to work for us rather than against us! If your backyard resembles a quagmire full of puddles, consider grading to channel away water via drainage channels to help prevent water damage to your home.

Sump pumps are your home’s bodyguard:

Sump pumps are your basement’s go-to protection when water enters through any openings in its perimeter walls or drainpipe. Make sure it’s operational, with clean drain pipes; consider it like having its superhero ready when trouble arises! Regardless of if you have a sump pump or not, basements can be highly susceptible to water damage and can prove disastrous for your home. Should you notice any tell tale signs of water damage, Visit Water Damage Restoration Boston (or a similar company in your local area) to assess the scene and provide a solution. Tackling a problem when it first arises will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

DIY magic: concealment in action:

Are your walls suffering from water damage and looking like abstract art? No worries; just grab some paint to cover up these mistakes. A fresh coat of paint could act like cosmetic surgery to erase any signs of water damage in your home and restore its aesthetic value. This is an easy DIY fix and is the best case scenario when it comes to water damage. However, some aspects of repair will not be so simple and requires the assistance of a professional team. If there is an issue beyond your skill set, enter a search for “Water damage restoration service in San Antonio, TX” (or your local area) to get the job done right and better protect your home.

dam1

Bidvine/ Pexels

Take care of your wood:

Your wooden structures in the home require care TLC. Apply water-resistant finishes on decks, fences, and wooden siding in order to ward off moisture seepage.

Be encouraged; water damage doesn’t need to be the end all be all. With these simple strategies, water damage should no longer threaten to devastate your home!

Featured Image By: 100 files/Pexels

Jun23

Money Is Tight: Tips To Help Pay Your Rent

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Money Is Tight: Tips To Help Pay Your Rent

As the cost of living rises across the globe, many people are wondering how they’ll manage to continue to pay for everything. Food, gas, energy, and rent have been steadily increasing for the past twelve months. If you’re struggling to pay your rent on time, you’re not alone. Rather than burying your head in the sand, now is the time to sit down and make arrangements with your finances. Being in total control of your income and spending will put you in the best position for paying your rent. Take a look at these tips:

Consider a Roommate:

If you’re renting a property and have a room to spare, you may want to consider advertising for a roommate. Sharing your property is one of the easiest ways to significantly reduce the amount of rent you have to pay. It’s important to check with your landlord before making any decisions. If your landlord agrees, ask family and friends before making a public advertisement. Someone you know and trust will often make the best roommate. However, it’s essential that you do all of the appropriate checks before accepting any applicant.

Reduce Your Spending:

Look at where you’re spending your money each month. If you’re buying coffee every morning, paying for subscriptions you barely use, or splashing on takeaways, it could be time to change your habits. By reducing your spending, you may be able to find the extra money you need to cover your rent costs without needing to worry further. There may also be ways of lowering other bills. For example, using less energy at home or negotiating lower payments with debtors. You’d also be amazed by the deals you can get by telling your internet provider that you are considering switching!

Consider Mobile Homes:

More and more people are starting to consider mobile homes instead of other properties. There are many benefits to living in mobile homes, including reduced rent payments and a higher chance of being able to purchase a mobile home. For example, Mobile Homes Direct 4 Less guarantees to beat the price of their competitors in the same area. It can be a great starting point for anyone who is looking for their first home and wants to build up proof of rent payments on time. Mobile homes can prove to be a great option, but the removal of them can be tricky if you are ready for an upgrade. If you have reached the point of moving out, consider doing a search for “mobile home transport in Alberta” (or your local area) to find the most efficient option for you.

Take On A Side Hustle:

It’s important to rest and stay healthy, but if you’ve got a few hours to spare each day, you could top up your income enough to make all of your payments. For instance, you could make deliveries for a local takeaway or care for someone elderly who needs assistance with meals and medication. Another alternative is to try your hand at freelancing. If you’re a talented writer, graphic designer, or you have experience in customer service, you could find opportunities that allow you to work from home in your spare time.

These tips are not a cure all, but they can be helpful to boost your wallet even a little bit!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May7

Amazing Hacks For A More Convenient Home

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Amazing Hacks For A More Convenient Home

Home life can be chaotic and expensive. It seems like every season brings with it a new set of challenges, tools, and products. If you want to cut down on your expenses and make home life simpler, try some of these amazing hacks. Who knew something like PVC pipes could do all of this:

Curling Iron Holsters:

A curling iron or styling wand is what you need to make the bouncy curls and stylish waves that sets you apart from the crowd. Curling irons and styling wands come in different shapes and sizes, but they have some things in common; they all become hot and need to be stored safely. When you are using your curling iron in the bathroom, it can be inconvenient and dangerous to leave it sitting on the porcelain counter; it’s better if you can store it in a handy PVC holster. These are simple to make, just cut lengths of PVC pipe and attach them to the inside of the door!

Trendy Overhead Storage:

PVC piping might be expressly designed for plumbing and drainage, but it can be repurposed to make your home life more convenient. If you have a basement, garage, or attachment, you probably have some extra space overhead, so why not make it work for you with PVC storage? Source some PVC piping from your local hardware store and attach it to the wooden beams overhead. Create U-shaped sections to place copper piping on for cross beams. Once the copper beams are in place, you can use the space above for storing lightweight garden tools.

Gutter Cleaning Hack:

Home gutters need to be cleaned regularly, especially in the fall when leaves gather as it increases the risks of flooding and water damage. Water damage in the home is not only difficult to repair, but it is also a health risk for a family due to mold growth. Here is an easy gutter-cleaning hack. Again, PVC piping is your friend, so make sure you buy plenty of it at the hardware store. PVC piping is durable and hollow; it is also versatile, with plenty of attachments. Place an elbow joint on one end with a rinsing cap and attach a hose to the other end to clean gutters with ease.

Bike Storage:

Do you walk into your garage and bemoan the sight of the family bikes stacked precariously in the corner? What you need is a bike rack, but they can be expensive to buy and install. If you have some DIY skills, you can use this PVC piping hack to create your own at a far lower cost. PVC piping is an easy material to work with; you can put it together like Lego, so even low-skilled DIYers can create helpful home hacks with ease. What you need is a row of rectangles with gaps at either end and a stand at the back as per these helpful instructions.

Carpet Cleaning:

In recent years there has been a trend towards wooden floors in the home, but many homes still choose carpet and for good reasons. In colder climates, carpets retain more heat and create a warmer atmosphere in the room. But they need to be cleaned regularly to protect family health. Dust mites, allergens, and bacteria build up in the carpet and can cause health conditions like asthma for family members. There are a ton of carpet cleaning hacks that you can use, such as lint rollers, squeegees for pet hair, and stain removal using an iron or a professional service.

If you don’t have the time or desire to do the carpet cleaning yourself, the best hack of all is going with the pros! Your carpets will never look better. To find an expert near you, simply enter a search for “minnesota carpet cleaning” or your local area.

Fiber Specialties

Lighted Screwdriver:

Whether you are working in the garage, the basement, or the attic, you could benefit from a lighted screwdriver. A lighted screwdriver is a conventional screwdriver with an LED light on the end that illuminates the space you are working on. Lighted screwdrivers can also be created. Buying one of these devices in the store or online is likely to cost significantly more than one might expect, especially if it’s a brand-name device. A better option is to go to the counter and pick up a small LED keychain for a fraction of the price, then simply tape it onto your screwdriver end.

Draft Excluders:

Draft excluders come in different varieties and depend on the type of gaps you have in your home. Some homes have ceiling registers that can be fixed with a plant pot base glued over the gap in winter. Gaps in the bottom of the door can be sealed with a strip of materials or a soft toy.

Screen Cleaning:

Computer, laptop, smartphone, and TV screens all collect dust and need to be cleaned regularly. If you don’t have any screen cleaning products around, you can use household items like window cleaner, kitchen cleaner, rubbing alcohol, or wipe with vinegar for a sparkling surface.

All of these hacks are easy to complete and will make your life easier too! Happy DIYing!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Mar27

Better Protect Your Home With These Tips

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Better Protect Your Home With These Tips

With many people still working from home, we can all become blind to the fact that our home has a number of problems. A very good example is how safe our home is. Our home can be an easy target for burglars, which is why we need to make sure we are not unwittingly displaying red flags as an open invite. Here are a few things to bear in mind and what you can do to better protect your home:

Not changing the locks since you have moved in:

If you’ve been in the home for a number of years but you’ve never changed the locks, you don’t know who has access to that property. Having a local locksmith change the locks is such a simple thing, but they can also advise you on the best ways to reinforce your door. They may recommend that you use keyless entry points, which can provide extra peace of mind if you are going on vacation.

Things to look out for:

Some people’s homes can be watched by burglars over a long period of time. Here are a few things that you may wish to keep an eye out for:

  • Calls from unknown numbers: Look out for unknown callers and never give away any personal information. If you have children, talk to them about phone safety so they can alert you if any odd calls come in.
  • Flyers, stickers, and ads: If you notice marketing and advertising flyers in the door or mailboxes, this could be a sign that burglars are using these as marks. Any stickers on your mailbox should be removed immediately. Additionally, if you find any unusual markings, such as a little bit of paint on your fence, a rope tied around your lamp post, or any other symbol this should be a sign that you need to remove the markings but also step up your security.
  • More door-to-door activity: Burglars will sense their opportunity by casing up the home, as well as the individuals within. They can target properties by pretending to be someone taking a survey, salespeople, or other non-threatening individuals.

What you can do:

If you notice any signs that burglars are targeting your home you need to:

  • Record observations, including dates and times of questionable activity, like a vehicle patrolling the area.
  • Notify neighbors so they can be more vigilant in the community.
  • Find ways to prevent break-ins, which can include installing a security system, but also illuminating dark corners outside of your property by installing a light sensor.
  • Inform the police. Informing the police and ramping up your neighborhood watch initiatives ensure you are informing the people who can best deal with this while also making sure the neighborhood is more vigilant than ever.

It can be incredibly stressful to find out your home is being targeted by burglars. Some of these components can make a massive difference. It is always about making sure you are in a prevention mindset, while also noticing these tell-tale signs.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar20

Find Your Dream Home In 2023

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Find Your Dream Home In 2023

Searching for your dream home can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. However, following a few simple steps can make the process much easier, and you can be well on your way to finding the perfect place for you! Let’s get started:

Determine Your Budget:

The first step is to determine your budget. It is important to understand how much you can afford to spend on a home. This will help you narrow your search to homes within your price range. You can also get pre-approved for a mortgage to better understand what you can afford.

Create a List of Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves:

Once you have determined your budget, the next step is to create a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. This is most helpful if you are working with an estate agent like those at Wooster & Stock Estate Agents Camberwell (Or a similar company in your local area). When you provide a list of home must haves for an estate agent, they can focus their search on homes that meet your specific criteria.

Some examples of must-haves might include:

A certain number of bedrooms

A specific location

A certain style of home

Nice-to-haves might include:

A swimming pool

A large backyard

A gourmet kitchen

Chase The Dream:

If the kind of home you crave cannot be found by simply moving across town, then are you ready to chase the dream? Perhaps you want to be immersed in a big city. Maybe you want somewhere quiet in a wooded area. Or do you dream of sprawling land and livestock at Ranches in south Texas? Even if this big of a move isn’t possible right now, do not put it on the back burner. If a move to a new state is your goal, you would be wise to stay put and save until you can make it happen.

Start Searching for Homes:

After you have created your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, it’s time to start searching for homes. There are many ways to search for homes, including working with a real estate agent, using online real estate websites, or driving around neighborhoods to look for “For Sale” signs. You can also attend open houses to get inspiration for what you are looking for in a home.

Consider Your Home/Apartment Size:

Your home or apartment size is essential when searching for your dream home. For example, you may need a home with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms if you have a large family. On the other hand, if you are a single person or a couple, a smaller home or apartment may be more appropriate. Looking into different shapes, like square apartments, may also be of interest to you. It’s important to consider your current lifestyle and any potential future changes when deciding the size of your home.

Schedule Visits to See Homes in Person:

When you find a home that interests you, schedule a visit to see it in person ASAP. This will give you a better idea of the layout, the size of the rooms, and the home’s overall condition. It’s also a good idea to take notes and pictures to compare homes later. If you are working with a real estate agency, this is something that we highly recommend. Your agent will be able to handle scheduling and alert you to houses that might not be listed online yet. They can also accompany you to home visits for advice in that very moment.

Make an Offer and Move Forward with the Home Buying Process:

Once you have found a home you love, it’s time to make an offer. Your real estate agent can help you with this process, which involves submitting a written offer to the seller. The seller will then have the option to accept, reject, or counter your offer. If your offer is accepted, you will move forward with the home-buying process, including getting a home inspection, securing financing, and closing the sale.

Although searching for your dream home can be a long process, remember that it’s worth taking the time to find the right home for you and your family. Happy moving!

Featured Image By: cottonbro studio on Pexels

Mar14

Reduce Your Bills With A More Energy Efficient Home

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Reduce Your Bills With A More Energy Efficient Home

Household expenses are continuing to rise, all thanks to inflation. Many individuals and families are being forced to look for savings to stop their expenses from getting out of control – which is often easier said than done. Making your home more energy efficient is a great way to help you reduce your bills, and can help you develop less wasteful habits too. Making a few small changes could add up to big savings, and teach you some things about your energy use. Take a look at some of the best and most effective ways to reduce your energy bills:

Turn off your lights and appliances when they’re not in use:

It’s easy to leave your lights on in another room or keep your TV on standby throughout the night, but these things and various other habits can add unnecessary costs to your energy bill. Being better at turning things off or pulling the plug can make a big difference in your energy use. While it’s easy to forget to do these things, you’ll soon see a noticeable difference in your energy use if you make it a habit.

Make your home a smart home:

Another way to manage things like your lighting and heating is to utilize smart home expertise from a team of experts in your local area. Smart home devices can make it easier to control your home so you can control what you spend on energy. From dimming the lights with the sound of your voice to shutting off the heating when nobody is home, a smarter home can help you take a much more economical approach to your energy spending. Adding smart technology is also one of the ways you can increase the value of your home, making it more modern and appealing for potential buyers in the future.

A smart home offers plenty of benefits and can provide a lot of peace of mind. How many times have you left the house and found yourself wondering if you shut off all of the lights before heading out? It has never been easier to control lighting, audio, and more at your fingertips and decrease your energy bill with the savings being twofold as it increases property value.

Modern home buyers want modern amenities and a smart home will check all of those boxes. A smart home brings sophistication to your setting with the latest technologies as well as added security. To find specialists in smart home installation, simply enter a search for “home lighting, audio, and automation integration experts near me”. Be sure to research the reviews of the company for satisfied customers and seek recommendations from friends and family.

Upgrade your windows:

Better insulation can make your home more energy efficient. This is because newer windows are better at keeping the heat in your home, meaning you could reduce how much heating you use throughout the colder months. Explore local energy-efficient window installation companies to help you find someone to replace your windows. New windows can make a huge difference to your home, helping to make it warmer and more modern if you choose contemporary frames.

Consider changes to your heating system:

Older heating systems can use a lot more energy than newer systems, which are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Choosing a different type of home heating system can reduce your bills, and make your home warmer or cooler where needed. It’s also important to maintain your heating system regularly to ensure it’s not using excessive energy to compensate for poor performance caused by a fault.

Making your home more energy efficient can future-proof your home while reducing your bills in the process. Look at your current usage rates and set targets to bring them down. You’ll be amazed at the difference and can feel proud of your efforts to reduce your energy bills!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan17

Better Protect Your Home With These Tips

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Better Protect Your Home With These Tips

Every house needs certain safety items to better protect the well-being of its inhabitants and visitors. You can keep your family and house safe with all of the following – make sure you have them readily available should you ever need:

Fire Alarms:

It is crucial for homeowners to have several functional fire alarms throughout their home. Positioned in common areas where people spend a lot of time, such as bedrooms and living rooms, these will help alert residents more quickly. Also, the batteries in the smoke detectors should be changed on a regular basis to keep them operational at all times.

Fire Extinguishers:

For the simple reason that fires can spread rapidly through timber frames, it’s wise to keep an extinguisher available at all times. These are reasonably priced and can put out fires before they do significant damage. A fire extinguisher should be kept on every floor of your house and everyone in your family should know how to use one.

Carbon Monoxide Detector:

Although carbon monoxide poisoning is more common than most people realize, this safety practice is not discussed nearly enough. Install multiple carbon monoxide detectors around your home, especially in bedrooms. A monthly check of the detectors and battery replacements at the appropriate times is also necessary. In addition, CO detectors should be hardwired into the wall rather than sitting on a shelf.

House Alarms:

It’s not enough for some people to have sturdy locks; they need constant reassurance that their home is secure. A burglar alarm can assist with this sense of safety and security. If something does happen, you’ll want to be able to rapidly reset the security measures even if you’re not at home by downloading an app that provides you access to those settings from anywhere. Having your alarm system monitored can provide you peace of mind and shield your house from danger when you need it most. You should also think about looking for a Mul T Lock dealer and finding secure locks for your home.

You should always be considering the security of your home, especially before leaving for an extended period of time. Sensors on all of the exterior doors is a common and effective means of protection. Having motion-activated lights installed is also a good idea. However, it is preferable if those lights can be turned off by their own motion detectors once you have entered the building.

You and your family will be much safer when you implement these precautions around the house. Remember to do regular checks on all of these items to make sure they are working as they should!

Featured Image By: Jayson Tacoycoy

Jan12

How To Prep For Your Move In Advance

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How To Prep For Your Move In Advance

Moving houses or apartments is a huge task and involves lots of steps that should never be left until the last minute. In a perfect world, your preparations should be done well in advance of the move itself. A mad dash the day of is a liability for people to get hurt, property to get damaged, and belongings to be left behind. Of course, there are things that need to be left until moving day like packing toiletries and your food. All of the following, however, can be done in advance to save you some stress on your big day:

Hiring Movers:

The main thing that can’t wait when it comes to moving is hiring the movers! Remember, you are not the only person in your area planning a move and trusted companies get their schedules filled quickly. Research reliable long-distance movers in Ottawa or in your city and find the best team for what you need. As soon as you have a set moving date is when you should make the call so you have time to explore other options if you can’t get in the schedule.

Additional Help:

If you are hoping for help from friends, it is best to give them the date ahead of time too. Especially if they have a truck! Getting help from your friends and family is a great way to lower the cost of the bill from the movers so give them ample time in advance so they can save the date.

Pack What You Can:

You never really realize how much stuff you have until it’s time to start packing it all up. Set a goal for how many boxes you would like to fill per day and work hard to keep up with it. Start with the items and rooms that are the least used so you still have access to the things that you need daily. Books, knick knacks, art, and out of season clothes are all great categories to begin the process. Once the less used items are complete, you can start with the next batch of things. And, if you think there is a chance of it being used before the move, then hold off on packing it! Designate a room (Ideally on the first floor) to keep your packed up items so all you need to do is carry them out the front door the day of your move.

Clean As You Pack:

As each room gets packed and emptied out, take the time to give it a deep clean right now. This is especially important if you are living in an apartment! Vacuum, dust, patch any holes from hanging art, and clean the windows. These are all things that will need done anyways so it’s better to do it now rather than waiting until the day of.

The more you can get done before your move, the smoother your day will go. You’ll be thanking yourself later when you think back on your moving day and say “that wasn’t so bad”!