While some people seek out locations to move house that are off the beaten path, for the most part, a more convenient location tends to be a huge factor when deciding to move. It’s important to think about how far you are willing to drive to get from point A to point B and to consider the following when determining if a potential home’s location is right for you:
In Case Of Emergency:
Being within close proximity of adequate medical care should be a high priority in case of a health emergency. You will want your new home to be nearby to a hospital that takes your insurance and that can easily be accessed by an ambulance. For that reason, a house on a street that easily gets backed up with traffic is not ideal.
Don’t forget to consider home emergencies, as well. Is there going to be an emergency locksmith handy in case you lose your keys? How about a highly rated local plumber if one of your pipes burst? Do your research about the professionals in the area you might be moving into to make sure they can quickly be available if need be.
Consider Your Commute:
The location of a potential home should never make your drive to work less convenient for you. Find out what your new route to work would be and if the drive doesn’t feel doable, especially during peak traffic times, then it might not be for you. Remember, you will be stuck with that commute until you move again.
Access To Education:
Are there good local schools around the home you are considering if you have children or are planning to? Or are you thinking about going back to school? Driving an hour plus to the closest college can instantly put a damper on a potential home. Think about your future goals and plans and ask yourself if the home’s location can accommodate them.
Highways/Shopping Centers:
Is the home you are looking at close to local shopping centers for groceries, clothing, home maintenance, etc.? If not, is it in close proximity to a highway that can get you to the nearest stores quickly? I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to drive a half hour every time I had to go grocery shopping!
“Location is everything” is an often heard phrase when it comes to moving house and it usually rings pretty true. Unless you don’t mind more driving, that is!
Hello! Man, I don’t know about you guys but it has been a week for Lil Red. My lil niece was under the weather which resulted in me getting sick and to make matters worse, it was that time of the month on top of it! It has been a very stressful time in my life recently and I think that made whatever little bug I got from my niece even more debilitating because I was in a bad way. Due to all of the COVID safety precautions, I have not been sick in a really long time so this bout with the flu completely knocked me off my feet.
Being sick is always a bummer and, unfortunately, Johnny and I experienced another bummer to add to the overall blah feeling. We had viewed and applied for a home to rent and it was absolutely perfect. It was an ideal size, wonderful location, and a very cute little neighborhood. I felt so good about the impression that we made and was pretty confident that we would get approved to move in. I checked Trulia religiously after we applied and was crushed when I saw that it had been taken off of the market without us being contacted.
At the end of the day, not getting the house wasn’t a huge deal but it was definitely disappointing. It was just so nice and Johnny and I both loved it. Because of that and feeling confident about the possibility of moving in, I think I got a bit ahead of myself so seeing the house being taken off of the market felt like an even bigger blow. It also made me realize that finding a house to rent might be a lot harder than I had originally bargained for which sucks because I would really like to move out of the apartment!
Needless to say, it has been a blah time in Lil Red’s world but I think things will start turning around soon. A vent sesh on the ol’ blog always makes me feel better so thanks for listening to me complain, lol. Let the Trulia and Zillow searches commence…. again!
Do you have any tips for finding a house to rent? What makes you feel better when you’re feeling blah? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Whether you have a large kitchen or a more modest space, it’s important to make the most of it. With a more organized kitchen, cooking and cleaning will be much less stressful. You can optimize your workflow and always find what you’re looking for. The kitchen is one of the most essential rooms in the house, so it needs a practical design. Assess your needs and plan the layout accordingly. Here are a few ways you can optimize your kitchen space:
Optimize workflows:
Try to create a functional workflow. For example, imagine the process of cooking a meal and the order in which you need to grab things. This will help you organize your kitchen into a circular design where you follow a logical path. You can also group together utensils and food that are used together, such as knives and chopping boards. Keep everyday items within easy reach. Make a rough plan in your mind, and act it out. With a couple of dry runs, you should get a feel of how to organize your kitchen according to your routines.
Add functional lighting:
It’s difficult to prepare food without proper lighting. Consider lighting up your countertops with under cabinet lighting. This will help you to work more safely and efficiently. A few lighting upgrades will also make your kitchen easier to clean. You could get a more durable countertop installed that’s resistant to stains and scratches. Look into stone and granite opinions from this countertop installer. These are incredibly long-lasting materials and very practical.
Kitchen lighting as well as appliances are a perfect opportunity to try out the latest smarthome technology. It can provide the bright lighting you need to prep food carefully or give you peace of mind if you can’t remember if you turned the oven off or not. Smarthome technology is an excellent upgrade and the kitchen is a great place to start. Simply enter a search for “Lutron lighting upgrades for Bay Area homes” (or your local area) to schedule a consultation and improve your space with functional and practical updates.
Organize your storage space:
Make the most of your storage space, especially if you have a small kitchen. Organize your cupboards so that more commonly used items are near the front and less used ones are at the back. Group together crockery and pots and pans into neat logical sets. This will make it much easier to find what you’re looking for. If your space is limited, here are a few clever kitchen storage ideas to give you inspiration.
Use vertical space:
If you are short of storage space, consider vertical storage solutions. You could get a wall magnet to hold knives and metal utensils. Attach hooks for various tools, towels, and even pots and pans. Build shelves and ceiling-high cabinets. Store items you don’t use often on top of cupboards and cabinets. When you’re struggling to find space, always look up. You can even use shelves for plants and ornaments to improve the atmosphere of your kitchen.
Create zones:
Why not give your kitchen a makeover this year? Rearrange it into zones. Separate areas for preparing food, dining, and making breakfast, for example. If you have space to eat in your kitchen always place chairs on the outside of the counter, opposite to where you pass when preparing food. This way the chairs or any guests won’t get in your way or cause a safety hazard. With a few little adjustments, you can design yourself a more practical kitchen and really optimize the space.
Enjoy your time in the kitchen even more by better organizing your space. Preparing meals and cleaning will be a breeze!
Home invasions are often pretty scary, and can shake a person’s nerves for years after they happen. Although most home invasions are non-violent, the perpetrators are only interested in your belongings most of the time, it can be worrying to spend time at home afterwards, for fear it will happen again. If you have ever experienced a home invasion in your current house, you’ll know what we’re talking about.
When you discover your home has been burgled, either while you are at home or while you were out, it can be overwhelming. However, if you don’t take the necessary steps right away, you could put yourself in a worse position. Today, we will explore four key steps to take after a home invasion, and why these are so important:
Contact the relevant authorities:
When you discover your home has been invaded, the first instinct you might have is to look through the house in detail to see what has been taken. However, it is important that you refrain from doing this, and that you immediately contact the police. All the evidence will be relevant, so if you go through your home and move items, it could compromise the investigation into the home invasion.
In addition to contacting the police right away, you should also contact your insurance company after the police have confirmed what has been stolen. This will allow you to claim compensation for your stolen items, making it easier to replace them fully. For this reason, it is crucial that you keep your insurance policy up to date, so you don’t realize it’s expired before it is too late!
Replace broken windows, doors, or other structures:
Next, you should go about repairing or replacing any structures that have been broken or damaged during the break-in. Unless the person had a key to your home, it is likely they will have incurred damage to the property in the process. Your home insurance may cover the cost of replacing these items; this allows you to complete the work right away, and ensure that it is done to a high standard.
Some replacements you could make include:
Replacing windows that have been smashed, cracked or pushed open during the home invasion. You can find window replacements here.
Changing the locks and replacing door handles or frames that have been busted.
Repairing any scuffs or damages to the floors and furniture in your home.
Update your home’s security system:
After you have contacted the authorities, your priority should be making your home safe for future living. Break-ins can happen in even the safest of homes, but there are ways to make your property less vulnerable to home invasions.
Here are three ideas for updating your home’s security system:
Install CCTV on your front doorstep and other entry points: Security cameras are the easiest way to deter people who are looking to break into your home – if they see cameras, they are unlikely to continue with their plans. If they do, you will catch them on camera, making it easier to report to the police. Smart home security like smart locks, doorbell cameras, and outdoor cameras like those offered by Uxari (Or a similar company in your local area) can make a big difference in your home’s security and your peace of mind. The installation of security cameras is one of the best steps you can take to deter a break in from happening again.
Have multiple front door locks: Many homes still have a traditional one-key lock on their front door, but if you have been the victim of a home invasion, you should install multiple front door locks for safety.
Get a dog! Although you shouldn’t just get a dog for the purposes of home security, having a medium or large sized dog is one of the biggest deterrents to criminals. Even the smallest of dogs will bark if they hear someone at the front door, and while they might be cuddly, their bark will frighten anyone who was thinking of breaking in.
Change your routine to reduce the likelihood of break-ins:
Some home invasions happen because the inhabitants of the home make common mistakes that attract burglars. Although it is never your fault if somebody decides to rob you, you can take simple steps in your routine to divert home invaders away from committing a crime.
One easy way to deter potential home invaders is to set up a system that makes it appear you are home, even if you aren’t. Some people leave on one small light while they are out at night or leave a radio or TV playing when they leave the house. This will definitely reduce the likelihood of your home being invaded. Similarly, make sure you don’t leave valuables within window view while you are out. Close blinds and put computers, smartphones, and televisions out of street view.
Home invasions are very scary, but there are steps you can take to deter them from recurring like the ones above.
We all have the nightmare that one day we’re going to come home and find that our house has been broken into. Even if you have the right insurance coverage, it will still be a horrific experience. You will question whether you are safe in your home and struggle to build back up the feeling that you are secure. It can also be difficult to replace everything that was stolen. Particularly, if you have one-of-a-kind things in your home that you never want to lose. That’s why it’s important to think about whether your home is vulnerable to a potential break-in. There are a few possibilities to think about:
On Display:
One of the key things that you need to ask is whether you are showing people the expensive items that are inside your home. Part of this is about how you layout your furniture and things like the TV. Ideally, you should make sure that you’re not placing your TV somewhere that can be seen from outside the property or even the road. If you do this, then you’re essentially just tempting criminals. There are of course other ways to hide expensive items that might be inside your home.
For instance, you can think about the windows. If you get the right windows, then you can make it impossible for people to look inside your home. Tinted windows are ideal and not as expensive as you might imagine. They make your home look distinct too. For a more subtle choice, you might want to think about using screener trees. These trees have thick foliage and are fast-growing to ensure that they completely conceal an area.
While You’re Away:
It’s fair to say that your home is going to be most vulnerable while you are away from it. However, there are a few steps that you can take to correct issues here. For instance, you might want to think about investing in a CCTV system for your property. With the right CCTV system, you can better protect your home. CCTV systems can act as a deterrent but will also provide peace of mind while you’re not at the property. Some of the latest CCTV systems will even allow you to check-in remotely and ensure that there’s nothing worrying happening.
You might also want to think about getting your neighbors involved too. If you can trust them, then you should consider giving your neighbors a key to your home for when you are away. They can remove some of the signs that you have not been there like the build-up of mail by your front door or the lights always being on.
Poor Maintenance:
When you are thinking about how to secure your home, you should make sure that you consider different entry points. There are likely to be multiple different entry points to your home and some of them could be more vulnerable than others. For instance, the locks in your doors could have seen better days. If your locks are stiff or old, then you might want to think about replacing them. Don’t forget, you should always change the locks when you move into a new property. You never know who might still have the keys to your home. You should also repair any entry points that have been damaged like the garage door. A garage door repair company will be able to fix issues like this for you with ease.
Neighborhood Watch:
A neighborhood watch is another excellent way to deter crime in your area and it also gives you some added peace of mind to know that your neighbors are looking out for you. If you don’t have one, then you may want to consider speaking to your local community members about setting one up.
Better protect yourself, family, and home with the tips above!
There is nothing worse than getting out of the bath or shower and wrapping yourself in a towel that is uncomfortable and does not absorb the water properly. Nothing is free in this world and, when it comes to towels, you want to make sure that your money is well spent. This post aims to give a helping hand by providing you with information regarding what you should be looking for and considering when shopping for towels for your bathroom:
Fabric Quality:
The first thing that you will need to consider is the quality of the fabric. The best quality fabric with regards to towels tends to be Egyptian cotton – it is said to be very lavish and luxurious in its feel. Nevertheless, Egyptian cotton towels tend to be quite expensive. Towels are a product in which quality and price go hand in hand – the better the quality the higher the price will be. Therefore, it is crucial to try and gain a good balance. Don’t go for the cheapest towels that you find because this could indicate a lack in quality. It is still advisable to search around online in order to find the best deals and to make some great savings too.
Size & Density:
Once you have dealt with the quality and price aspect of things you then need to deal with the density and the size of the towel. When looking for luxury towels people tend to go for ones with a higher density because they are thicker and heavier. When it comes to the size of the towel a standard bath towel is 27 x 52 inches. However, a lot of people prefer to go for a bigger towel, which is known as a bath sheet and is 35 x 60 inches in size.
Style:
The final thing to consider is the style of the towels. This is something which will depend on your tastes as well as the style of the bathrooms in your home. A good idea is to go for two different sets of towels. The first set should be in a conservative color, such as cream, ivory, or even black. The second color should be something a bit more vibrant with more energy in it, such as pink, lemon, or green. In manufactured homes with lots of space, you can purchase a towel stool and use this for a display.
As you can see, there are a lot of things that need to be factored in when it comes to buying bathroom towels for the comfort of you and your guests. And so, next time you step out of the bath or the shower you will be met by a warm, snug, and comfortable towel!
Trees can be an amazing addition to any outside space. In fact, this is such a wonderful little extra that it’s not unheard of for homeowners to ultimately make their decision to buy based on something like a lovely oak tree in a corner. Unfortunately, as amazing as they are, trees are also pretty extreme forces of nature. While this needn’t be a problem if your yard is large enough that they’re well out of reach, it could soon spell issues if your trees are up close and personal with your property.
Of course, you’re going to want to do everything that you can to avoid resorting to removal. Still, it’s vital to look out for these signs that your tree might be taking its toll on your house in the wrong ways:
Blocked gutters:
Autumn leaves can get everywhere, including into your gutters. This is the case no matter how much you sweep them up and, left unchecked, those autumnal remnants could well cause blockage issues that lead to everything from leaking pipes to damp interiors. To avoid this, it’s fundamental to rake leaves at least once a day in the fall, and also to install a drain cover that keeps the worst at bay. If your tree has branches hanging over or close to your gutters, the best thing you can do is call in the professionals like 911 Tree Experts (or a similar business in your local area). The company you choose will be able to trim those branches back to prevent gutter blockages. When the leaves start to fall in autumn, this can happen much quicker than you think! Make sure, too, that you invest in professional gutter cleaning or tackle this task yourself at least twice a year. That way, you can keep enjoying that tree, without once feeling its impact in your waterworks.
Overhanging branches:
Unlike flowers, trees grow wherever they want to, meaning that overhanging branches can soon become a problem. This can cause safety issues even in your own yard, but, most often, branches have a habit of growing over the garden fence. This can cause rifts with your neighbors like little else, especially seeing as they’re not legally allowed to chop those branches down. Make sure it doesn’t happen by getting any errant branches pruned at least every two to three years. This will instantly refresh your outside space, and might just ensure that you stay on the best terms with everyone else on your street. Dealing with branches is something that should be left to the professionals. If your trees are in need of some maintenance, simply enter a search for “tree trimming & pruning Red Deer” (or your local area) to find the right team for you.
Unfortunately, trees can also cause structural damage if surprisingly large tree root systems make their way under your property. If this happens, your structural foundations are at real risk, and immediate action is necessary if you notice warning signs such as cracks in your stonework, bulging walls, or uneven floors. Luckily, tree surgeons can cut longer roots without damaging your tree itself, meaning that there’s no reason this needs to spell the end. Depending on where roots are, professionals may even be able to install root barriers that stop a repeat performance. However, this is dependent on fast action, because a tree that’s too deeply embedded underneath your house might need to go, after all.
Structural damage can also occur if a tree falls onto your property from severe storms and weather. If you live in a particularly rainy climate, it is a good idea to have an emergency tree removal service on standby. The professionals will be able to remove the tree from your property in the safest most time effective way. To get started, simply enter a search for “arborist in Melbourne” (or your local area). Having a team already in mind can save precious time should this happen to you.
Whether you spend much time in nature or not, trees can be an amazing addition to your yard. Or, at least, they can be if you stay vigilant of these key issues at all times!
The thought of uninvited guests such as spiders, ants, rodents, or fleas roaming around your home may well give you the shivers! And it should. Pests in your home can be a huge health hazard for you and your family so it is important to follow these pest prevention tips to keep everyone safe:
Use natural remedies:
This one may sound a little weird but it’s actually one of the most effective ways of keeping pests from entering your home in the first place. In fact, all you need are the right herbs, either in fresh form or in an essential oil. Although, if you use them in fresh form you will need to combine with water and use a spray bottle to squirt them into all of the cracks and crevices that the pests could be living in. In particular, mint is good for banishing spiders from your home. While lavender and rosemary can help keep your home rodent free and smelling nice all at the same time.
Keep your home clean and clutter-free:
One of the best ways to make sure your home stays pest-free is to keep on top of both the cleaning and the clutter. Indeed, a home with less clutter will not only be easier to clean, but it will also provide fewer spaces for uninvited guests such as pests to hide.
When it comes to keeping your home clean, deep cleanses are very important. This means you need to move furniture and appliances, making sure to pick up any debris underneath and sanitizing where possible. Also, do not forget to regularly wash items such as chair and cushion covers, as well as throws to prevent them from becoming appealing to pests.
Use your garden:
You may think that spending more time out in your garden will only encourage pests to come into your home. However, the exact opposite is true. In fact, by keeping your garden in good condition and by using it regularly you can help deter pests. This is because they are unlikely to occupy space in which humans are spending a good deal of time. Of course, by spending more time outside you may increase your chances of letting the occasional fly into your home. However, installing screens on the doors and windows should help minimize this.
Get some help from the pros:
Another smart way of ensuring your home stays pest-free is to get some help from a professional exterminator when needed. Indeed, professionals are best positioned to help you rid your home and garden of any visitors that could be posing a risk to you and your family’s health. Pest control companies like Brody Brothers (or a similar business in your local area) often offer home protection plans for treatments throughout the year. This is definitely something worth looking into because a one time treatment will not protect your home throughout the changing seasons. Even if you are not noticing immediate signs of pests, a professional treatment is the best solution for keeping it that way.
Of course, it’s always best to take the time to check that the specialist you are using has the experience and the equipment to handle the specific type of infestation you are dealing with. What this means is if you have an issue with tarantulas, black widows, or brown recluse spiders, getting a spider pest control expert is your best bet. After all, some pests, such as the spiders mentioned before can be venomous as well as just inconvenient, so making sure they are dealt with appropriately is crucial.
Start utilizing the tips above today to keep your home better protected from pests!
A project that you work on as a family is a wonderful bonding experience that encourages team work and improving communication skills. Projects can bring siblings closer together and help teach new things to your children. In this post, we are going to look at a few projects both big and small that will create lasting memories with your loved ones. Let’s get started:
Make Something Grow:
Now is the perfect time to start thinking about a family gardening project. It will get you out into the sunshine after a long winter indoors and you will get to enjoy the fruits (and veggies!) of your labor all spring and summer long. If you can’t all agree on what should get planted or not, each family member could be assigned with their own plot of the garden to grow what they would like.
Build A Home:
One of the ultimate family projects would have to be building a home. It is not only an exciting project but will be a great exercise in learning how to compromise when planning out each room because everyone is going to have an opinion. Have family meetings to determine the “must haves” and “nice to haves”. You can also look for inspiration together. Browse on Pinterest, binge watch HGTV, or even enter a search for “home builder in cincinnati” (or your local area) to see completed projects. You never know where you will find exactly what you are looking for!
When you have a solid idea of what you want your build to turn out like as well as your budget, consult with Toronto home builders or the experts in your area to turn your dream home into a reality.
Plan A Trip:
When it’s safer to travel again, a vacation or weekend getaway will be like the light at the end of the tunnel of this pandemic for your family. Once you agree on a location, things like restaurants and activities will have to be determined. Have each of your family members plan their ideal vacation day and do your best to make it happen. With ample time to plan, you can book your airport transportation in advance as well as find the best restaurants, activities, and local hot spots to make it the best trip ever.
Art Projects:
You don’t have to be good at art to have fun doing it and a family paint or craft night will help get you in touch with your creative sides. Paint along with Bob Ross or look for inspiration for canvas art on Pinterest. Or, maybe you could all learn a skill together like macrame, woodworking, or pottery. Creating some artwork as a family could even turn into a home decorating project next!
Learn A New Language:
Learning a different language is so beneficial and it’s a cool project to work on as a family because you will always have someone to practice with. Sign up for some classes at the library or your local community center. You can also practice on Duolingo together. Foreign film movie nights and trying to cook some of the food that is traditional to the language you are learning is a must too.
The COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet and the ideas above will give you something exciting and meaningful to do together as a family. Have fun!
Your home should always feel like a safe haven but is it really? Poor air quality, pests, clutter, and damaged appliances can all be potentially hazardous to the health and safety of yourself and family. Today, we are going to talk about a few key areas that shouldn’t be ignored when you are doing a walk through of your home. Tending to any of the issues as needed below will help give you peace of mind and make your home an even better place to be:
Appliance Repair:
Ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers that are in need of repair can be dangerous if you continue on without getting them fixed. Not only could you get hurt but the problem will become even more expensive if you let it get worse. Research the best repair services in your area and give them a call ASAP. Some professionals, like Appliance Repair Vancouver, will even offer a one year after service warranty.
Don’t forget that it’s always a good idea to get your heating and air conditioning systems checked yearly to make sure that they are functioning properly. A malfunctioning air conditioning system has the potential to cause breathing problems if it doesn’t get fixed.
Clear The Clutter:
Cluttered floors, of course, can cause one to fall and hurt themselves. Meanwhile, a really cluttered home can collect dust and dirt which creates a perfect hiding spot for pests and bugs as well as make your air quality suffer. Clean and dust your home often, take the trash out immediately, and pay extra attention to spaces on the counters and floors where crumbs can gather. Remember to sanitize things that are touched often like doorknobs, light switches, and remotes. And, as always, any type of pest problem should be solved quickly to better protect everyone in the home.
Step Up Your Security:
When walking through your home, be sure to take a look at all of your windows and doors that lead inside. Windows that can easily be pried open or a front door with a gap in it should be one of your highest priorities to fix as they provide burglars with an open invitation into your place. It is also wise to have a security system installed, which are better to have and not need than need and not have. You might also want to get any locks replaced if someone else had access to your keys.
Improve Air Quality:
While keeping a clean house and tending to any air conditioning repairs that might be needed will help improve the air quality in your home, there is still more that can be done. You could purchase an air purifier or you could simply crack a few windows during nice days or care for some indoor potted plants for natural ways to keep the air in your house cleaner. Air quality monitoring systems can also be beneficial. This is especially true if you are doing a major construction project on your home. Your home is a safe haven and that starts with fresh, clean air.
Tend to the above ideas to keep yourself and loved ones safer and healthier in your home!
lifewithlilred 
