Tag Archives: apartment

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”!

Jan11

How To Prevent Dust In Your Home

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How To Prevent Dust In Your Home

Dust can find its way into any space, explaining why even with closed doors and windows, you may still find a thin layer on your surfaces. Dust generation in your home can negatively affect your family’s health and well-being. That is because dust contains harmful pollutants and allergens which can trigger allergic respiratory responses. According to research, the average home collects 40 pounds of dust annually, indicating how essential it is to know how your home generates dust and how to prevent it. Here are a few tips to help guide you:

Tiny openings and cracks:

Gaps around your windows, doors, vents, and your home’s foundation, can provide small openings for dust. Although these tiny openings may not be noticeable initially, they become conduits for significant amounts of dust to enter your home. That explains why people who travel away from home for long periods cover their essential items to protect them from dust. You can help reduce the dust that comes through these openings by weatherstripping and sealing gaps. After taking care of the cracks and tiny openings, consider alternatives like screen installation to limit indoor dust accumulation.

Air vents and HVAC systems:

Another way your home can become dusty is through the air vents and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These ventilation appliances interact with outdoor air to function, which sometimes leads to dust accumulating in the ducts of your HVAC system. Aside from causing mechanical problems (for which you may need to hire a repair company like Sandri Energy), this dust can remain afloat for longer hours and breathing it in increases the risk of respiratory problems, especially in children, aging adults, or persons with weakened immune systems. When your HVAC system is on, its air circulation function forces dust from the vents into your living space.

Experts recommend cleaning your home’s air vents and HVAC system often. Doing this will enhance appliance performance and also improve indoor air quality. You will be amazed by the difference after your scheduled appointment. Do you need a HVAC company? Make sure you do your research before selecting a professional as you will want someone who comes highly recommended. Ask friends and family members if they have any leads or simply enter a search for “HVAC service Florence, SC” (or your local area) to take a look at online reviews.

Human and pet activities:

Daily activities in the home, like cooking, cleaning, and even walking around, can generate dust. Food particles released into the air while cooking may land on surfaces and accumulate into dust over time if not cleaned. If your windows have nets, these particles could also get trapped in them and, due to their oily nature, may eventually trap dust. Meanwhile, sweeping and vacuuming can stir up a significant amount of dust which can stay on surfaces for a long time. It is best to thoroughly clean exposed surfaces immediately after cooking to reduce the dust generated by these home activities. Sometimes, a multipurpose surface cleaner is best, especially because it can cut through grime.

If you have indoor pets that shed, they may also contribute to dust in your home. That is because their fur traps dust and dust mites when they’re outdoors and they inadvertently transfer it indoors. Dogs and cats, especially, shed wherever they go. It will help to brush their fur regularly to capture loose hair and dander straight from their bodies to prevent dust from getting trapped in their fur.

It’s important to take a multi-faceted approach to reduce dust in your home. Making a conscious effort to keep your home clean at all times will help create a home with better indoor air quality for all!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan10

Transform Your Home In 2023

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Transform Your Home In 2023

The new year is a time for new beginnings. Even if you have already scrapped your new year’s resolutions, there are still plenty of ways to bring forward change in your daily life. How about using this as an opportunity (or excuse) to finally redecorate or renovate your home? With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to transform your home in 2023:

Tap into your own creativity:

Your home should be your safe space, a place where you can truly relax and be yourself. As such, your design choices should be a reflection of your personality, not the catalogues of the latest interior design magazines. Tap into your own creativity and create the kind of home you’ve always dreamed of. For example, while neutral tones are set to be one of the biggest design trends of the year, if you love bright, bold colors, don’t be afraid to showcase them throughout your home!

Seek out some inspiration:

Many people feel as though they are unsure of where to start when decorating their homes. However, reading some Amazing furniture and home guides could serve as an excellent starting point. This is because it will help you to understand what colors, furniture, and styles pair nicely together – or even help you find the perfect pieces for your home makeover.

Learn about color psychology:

Whether you’re redecorating your entire home or a single space, learning about color psychology (The way in which different colors impact our mood) can help you create the kind of space you enjoy spending time in. If you are struggling to get enough sleep, you may want to feature soft, pastel colors in your bedroom. This is because “cooler and more neutral tones are less visually stimulating, so they are more restful to the body and mind.”

Remember, the finer details make all the difference:

Spoiler alert: you do not need to carry out a complete remodeling of your home to create a meaningful change. In fact, smaller details often make the biggest difference. The right lighting can make a space appear bigger, brighter, or more welcoming. An art feature, such as a photo wall or canvas piece, can create an interesting focal point. Paying attention to the smaller details that are often overlooked could also add luxury to your home.

Embrace the change of a new year starting in your home with these tips!

Featured Image By: Spacejoy on Unsplash

Jan7

Add Luxury To Your Home With These Improvements

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Add Luxury To Your Home With These Improvements

Home is where we spend most of the time in our lives and at some point, you have to think about how much you enjoy that time. There’s nothing wrong with loving your home or wanting more from your home – which is why people put a lot of money into renovations and remodels. It’s important to consider how much your home impacts how you feel on a daily basis. You want the place you spend the majority of your life to be a happy place, something that makes you proud, and somewhere you can relax and unwind. Making small improvements to add luxurious touches to your home will freshen your place up as well as increase your home’s value. Let’s look at a few ways to begin this process:

Start with the bathroom:

If there’s one place in your home that should offer a lot of comfort, it’s your bathroom. Newly done bathrooms have a lot fewer issues with dampness and leakage, so it’s one less thing to worry about. Luxury is important everywhere, but your bathroom is the first place you should start – unless your bedroom is in dire need of an update. Take a look into bathroom, kitchen, and home remodeling services if you want to learn a bit more about what you can do. Great places to start include tile flooring, updated fixtures, and fresh paint.

Your sleeping arrangement:

Your bedroom is another place that needs heavy focus because life is going to be a daily struggle if you aren’t sleeping well. Even if you’re used to it, a lack of sleep can contribute to heightened stress and multiple health conditions. Invest in a high-quality mattress and bed to make sure you’re getting the full amount of sleep you need each night. It might not seem like it, but a new bed alone can make a huge difference. You’ll be looking forward to sleeping each and every night – the only problem you’ll have is getting out of bed in the morning!

Repainting:

The paint you choose for your home can do a lot for the overall atmosphere that you want to create in each room. Opt for soft tones in rooms that are meant for relaxation and bright shades for rooms to entertain like the kitchen and living room. Old coats of paint aren’t going to leave your home feeling luxurious, and while comfort doesn’t come into it here – how you view your home does affect how you feel while you’re there.

Spend the remaining months of winter in a cocoon of comfort and all of the lux vibes with the simple improvements above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec17

Identifying Pests In Your Area

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Identifying Pests In Your Area

Pests are an unwelcome part of life that can often seem unavoidable and different pests pose different risks depending on where you reside. The different types of pests that most people encounter range from insects and rodents to birds and more. While some may be specific to a certain region of the country, others are widespread and can cause severe damage throughout. 

Damage caused by pests can be expensive and difficult to repair. For example, if rats or mice get into a property, they may damage insulation, chew through wires, and even spread disease. In addition, insects such as termites can cause extensive structural damage to properties if left untreated. If your home or office is at risk of a pest infestation, it is important to know which pests are most commonly found in your state and how to protect your property against them. It will help you better understand the threat of pests in your area and make sure that you are taking precautions to protect yourself. 

To help provide insight into which pests are most searched in each state, Pest Search has created an infographic that maps out the Most Searched Pest in Each State. If you are interested in learning more about the pests in your area, read the infographic below. It will give you an overall look at what kind of pest activity is common in your state, giving you a better idea of what to look out for. With knowledge comes power, so make sure you are well-informed on which pests are most likely to appear in your area:


Infographic Design By Team At Pest Search

Keep your family and property safe from pests to avoid lots of future pestering and headaches!

Dec12

Stay Warm At Home With These Winter Tips

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Stay Warm At Home With These Winter Tips

A warm, cozy environment in your home will turn it into the place to be this winter. And, this is what we should strive for, considering the amount of time spent indoors when the weather takes a turn. Turn your house into the ultimate oasis from the cold with these tips:

Test Your Heating System: 

One of the most important steps to a warm home is to have a residential hvac company test your heating system. Your boiler will provide you with both heating that warms your property, as well as hot water that you use inside your shower, bath, and sinks. Experiencing any kind of fault with your boiler when the cold weather is in full swing will certainly impact on your health and happiness. No one wants to have a cold shower during the winter, nor would you want to be able to see your breath while you relax around your home, so test your heating system before it’s too late! There are lots of different experts that you can get in touch with to come out and test your heating system, including residential hvac repair and installation services. With any luck, if a fault or problem is found while they test your heating system, then they should be able to fix it then and there with whatever expertise and tools that they have on them.

It’s a good idea to schedule a check up on your heating system well in advance as you might not be able to get an appointment immediately as the weather gets colder. A company like Woolley Home (or a similar one in your local area) will be able to see if your system is functioning properly to avoid a frigid home when the temperatures drop. 

Stock Up Your Cupboards:

The last thing you’re going to want to be doing when it’s icy, snowy, and treacherous outside is traveling back and forth to the shop to get basics, as you could be putting yourself in danger each time. Instead, it’s much more efficient and a lot safer for you to stock up your cupboards with one large trip before the cold winter weather makes itself known. Head to your local grocery store and buy lots of different food items, including canned food, dried, preserved, and frozen food. These have a much longer shelf life, staying fresh and edible for weeks or even months on end. It’s also going to be helpful for you to stock up on a few other household essentials, such as cleaning products, hygiene products, and flashlights and candles that you can use if your power goes out. If you’re not sure about what items you should be filling your cupboards with then do not fret, as there are so many different resources online that you can utilize as inspiration.

Wrapping Up Warm:

Regardless of if your home has heating through Bumgarner Oil and Propane (or a similar company in your local area), it can still be chilly inside on especially cold days. Take the opportunity to dress yourself in some of the warmest clothing that you can find. You’ll be amazed at the difference your outfit can make to your body temperature and how warm you feel. One of the best investments that you can make is a dressing gown or other similar housecoat, as these feature selling points such as a soft yet thick material for ultimate warmth, along with a knee or even ankle length to make sure none of your body falls victim to the cold. You should also treat yourself to some fluffy pajamas and a few pairs of bed socks too, especially if you have a lot of hard flooring in your home. Tiles and wood can feel like ice beneath your feet when you don’t wear the right socks, so search for a cozy pair that can keep your toes nice and toasty!

With extreme weather events becoming more and more common, it would seem that severe winter conditions are slowly but surely evolving into the new normal. Knowing how to protect yourself and your family throughout the harsh winter months doesn’t have to be difficult. Get started with these steps and you can stay as warm and cozy as ever inside your home!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov19

Transforming Your Bathroom For That Hotel Feel

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Transforming Your Bathroom For That Hotel Feel

There’s something about that luxury hotel experience that makes going away more of a treat. One thing that most people remember from their favorite hotels is the bathrooms. Hotel bathrooms are usually sparkling clean and undeniably luxurious. We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms so how about replicating this hotel experience in your own home? Here are some tips to help you out:

Get Rid of Damp and Mold:

One thing you never notice when you’re in a luxury hotel is damp and mold. Your bathroom is, by nature, one of the wettest environments in your house. You generate a lot of water and steam, especially when taking a shower or bath. This water and vapor can damage your walls and develop into damp or mold, which is both unsightly and unhealthy. The good news is that you can get rid of these issues, especially if you catch them early.

Using a sealant like RIW Toughseal is a great way to prevent damp or mold, as it provides a physical barrier against water and steam. You or a contractor can use it in a shower area to protect your property. If you already have damp or mold problems, you might be able to catch it early and air out the room to get rid of minor damp. You can then damp-proof the walls to stop the problem from coming back. However, in more severe cases you may need to get a contractor to repair the damage done before going through the damp-proofing process. To find a professional, simply do a search for “mold removal in Greensboro, NC” or your local area to get the problem under control.

Super Soft Towels:

Hotel bathrooms are luxurious for several reasons, but one that stands out is the towels. The best hotels come with towels that are incredibly soft on your skin, which is ideal after a steaming hot bath or shower. There’s nothing worse than stepping out and being forced to use a scratchy towel to dry yourself. With this in mind, a simple way to replicate the spa-like bathrooms of the best hotels is to use fabric softener on your towels. Invest in new towels every few years, as older towels often end up hard and scratchy no matter what you do. It’s a small treat, but it’s worth it.

Sparkling Clean:

The best hotels aren’t just beautifully decorated, but they’re also incredibly clean. They achieve this by hiring professional cleaners who know how to keep an area spotless, no matter who’s been there before. You can clean the bathroom yourself and keep on top of it, but it can be a good idea to hire a cleaning service for a one-time deep cleaning session. This makes it easier for you to maintain your sparkling bathroom.

Potted Plants:

A simple way to level up the decorations in your bathroom is to add some potted plants. These add some life and greenery to your bathroom, making it feel undeniably like a relaxing spa. As mentioned before, bathrooms are naturally moist rooms, so pick plants that thrive in a humid area. A dying plant or dead plant can be worse than no plants at all.

Small and simple changes to your cleaning process and decor can transform your bathroom in an instant. Now, run that bubble bath and relax!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Oct23

Sweet Surprises: Spooky Decor Edition

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Sweet Surprises: Spooky Decor Edition

Hello!! Whenever Johnny and I are running errands individually, we always seem to come home with a little treat for each other without fail. This has especially rang true throughout late September and the entire month of October because it is spooky season, baby! In our bigger apartment, it has been impossible to say no to all kinds of Halloween decor to deck our place out in. Thanks to Johnny stopping into Walgreen’s, we now have these new additions to our collection:

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Halloween is a state of mind and Johnny and I live in that mindset year round. Constantly watching scary movies, wearing spooky sweaters, and having a huge decor collection also really helps the cause! We have been living our best lives this October between date days, movie marathons, and all of the Halloween shopping. I suspect we will also be living our best lives in early November when all of the candy and decorations are on sale! 😀

It has been a rough few weeks in Lil Red’s world and Johnny always knows how to cheer me up. Sometimes it’s just turning on one of my favorite shows or, in this case, returning home with some surprises! We have yet to hang up the Prisoner Of Azkaban wiggle picture but I literally gasped when I saw the skeleton couple on their boat. The best part? It lights up! Its new home is on top of one of our book shelves and it makes a perfect little nightlight now that it is getting so dark early in the evening. I think the resemblance of me and Johnny is uncanny. ❤

As Halloween draws closer, it is becoming impossible to contain the excitement! Keep it posted on lifewithlilred for more scary good content including some must see horror flicks and my plans for the ultimate movie night on Halloween weekend!

What is your favorite holiday to decorate for? What is your favorite store to shop at for seasonal decor? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct15

How To Adjust To Life In A New Country

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How To Adjust To Life In A New Country

Moving to a new country can be an exciting but daunting experience. There are so many things to think about, from finding a place to live and getting a job, to learning the language and customs. It can be difficult to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to adjust to life in a new country:

Learn the Language:

One of the most important things you can do when moving to a new country is to learn the language. This will make it much easier to get by on a day to day basis. It will also help you make friends and build a support network. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online like Bueno Spanish and in your local community. Many countries also offer language classes for immigrants.

Find a Place to Live:

Another big task when moving to a new country is finding somewhere to live. If you’re moving alone, you might want to consider renting an apartment or room in a shared house. This can be a great way to meet people and get settled into your new home. If you’re moving with family or friends, you’ll need to find somewhere that has enough space for everyone. Start by looking online and asking people you know if they have any recommendations.

Get a Job:

If you’re moving to a new country for work, then you’ll need to sort out your employment situation before you go. But even if you’re not moving for work, it’s still a good idea to get a job as soon as possible after arriving in your new home. This will help you meet people and make some extra money. Check out job websites and classified ads online or ask people you know if they know of any openings in their companies.

Get Registered:

You’ll also want to ensure that you can get yourself registered in the new country for anything you need. This means having the necessary documents readily available. Where possible, register yourself as a resident with the local authorities. This will help you get access to things like healthcare and other government services. Even look out for things like a Spanish speaking dentist or doctor so you can feel supported while adjusting to the new language and culture.

Make Friends:

One way to meet people abroad or in your own community is to join a club or take a class. This can be a great way to meet people with similar interests. Another option is to volunteer in your community so you can give back and also meet like-minded people. Finally, don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with people you meet in everyday life. Whether you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or getting your morning coffee, taking the initiative to chat with those around you can help you make new friends in no time.

Moving in your own community can be difficult let alone a brand new country. Follow the tips above to help the process go as smooth as possible!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Oct7

So Luxe: Hotel Vibes In Your Own Home

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So Luxe: Hotel Vibes In Your Own Home

There are a lot of reasons why you might want to make your home look more like a hotel. Hotels have this feeling of luxury and comfort, which is likely to be something that you would appreciate in your home too. So if you’re wondering how to make this a reality for your home, how are you going to achieve that? Let’s find out:

Deep Clean All Surfaces:

One thing that hotels do a lot is thoroughly deep clean every surface that you can see, as well as those you can’t. This requires hard work and constant diligence, but it is the kind of thing that you should think about doing if you are going to make your home more hotel-like. There are many surfaces that you need to think about here, including all of the counters and tabletops, and these should definitely be cleaned on a regular basis if possible. You should also make sure to get some professional carpet cleaning carried out occasionally and consider doing the same for all the upholstery too.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Upgrade Your Lighting:

For your home to be more like a hotel, you will want to opt for show-stopping lighting which is at once sophisticated and elegant, as that is going to produce the right vibe every time. You should also consider some soft and gentle lighting for focal areas in rooms, as you might find in hotel rooms. This lends a certain calmness to rooms that are all about relaxing. Good lighting can really make a world of difference.

Use Symmetry:

If you look at the room layouts of many of the best hotels, you will notice that there is often a definite symmetry to them. This doesn’t have to be an absolute rule all of the time. However, if you do make some use of symmetry in a clever way, you are going to find that your home looks a lot more like a hotel and much more interesting and stylish for it too.

There is also something to be said for a little tasteful asymmetry, and if you can marry these two together in the right way you might be surprised at how much it can work. You can achieve both of these ends by simply moving furniture around or remodeling a room if you are keen to make a huge difference.

hotel3

^^^ Pexels Image

Be Wary Of Clutter:

A hotel would not have any clutter whatsoever so it might be time for an overhaul of unneeded items in your home. This is especially great to do during changes in the season to give your home a breath of freshness. Make use of clever storage options for things that can’t be parted with and donate and recycle the rest. And, do try to keep the clutter from returning!

The Bed:

Finally, remember that the most important thing of all for a hotel is the bed. The more comfortable and luxurious this is, the better. Treat yourself to a good quality bed frame and mattress. Don’t forget some great linen, throw pillows, and plush blankets too. This alone is going to make your home a lot more luxurious in no time at all.

Who needs a five star hotel when you can have a five star home, instead? No room key required!

Featured Image By: Pexels