Tag Archives: house

Sep20

How A Long Haul Move Should Really Be Done

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How A Long Haul Move Should Really Be Done

After all of the searching and viewing, you have finally found your new home and settled on a price. You’ve signed the contract, you’ve sent the money, and you’re just days away from being handed the keys. The only slight concern is that your new home is many miles away. It’s going to take a few hours to get there and that means one hell of a busy day ahead of you.

Long haul moves are not that common so most people tend to treat them the same as a normal moving trip. However, this is definitely not the case. So, packing certain things has to be done in a specific way so they survive the trip. You, too, have to get enough rest so that you’re ready for whatever task you’re suddenly met with. Here’s how a long haul move should be done:

Be careful of scratches:

The longer your furniture and other decor pieces are trapped in a truck, the higher the chances that one of them will be scratched. When furniture rubs together you’re bound to damage it because the weights we’re talking about are quite large. So, when you’re finally ready to pack up the largest pieces such as cabinets, cupboards, wardrobes, tables, chairs, and the couch, you need to use shrink wrap. This will protect the wood from being scratched but it’s safe to use and easy to take off. You’ll save a lot of time working in twos wrapping each item and all you need is one person with box cutters to take the wrapping off when you’re in the new place.

Use expert help:

If you’re moving a lot of things, it’s best to use the services of professional long distance movers. These long distance movers are international movers and have expertise in moving fine art, pianos, and other delicate expensive things like crystal vases. They also do all of the heavy lifting, so if you would rather not have a hand in anything, they’ll prepare your things and lift them into the trucks, then lift them out when you arrive at your home.

They also have storage for valuable vehicles, which is a big concern for long haul movers. You’re obviously going to want to take your cars with you, but managing to do all this in one day is very tricky if you’re on your own. Use expert help and don’t try to juggle everything at once, you might end up leaving something behind or not properly packing your things so they get damaged on the way.

Early birds:

You will be ripping your hair out if you’re caught in rush hour traffic with your life literally stuck in the back of multiple trucks. So get up early and plan your journey to end by early afternoon or evening and no later. Don’t avoid the main highways, just use them when they’re not packed with commuters.

A long haul move can be stressful but, plan it right, and it will be smooth sailing to your new home!

Sep13

7 Ways To Look After Your Home During Colder Weather

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7 Ways To Look After Your Home During Colder Weather

With summer coming to an end over the next few weeks that can only mean one thing: the cold weather is just around the corner. Whether you love a bit of chill in the air or you’re dreading it, you need to ensure that you’re as prepared as you can be when it comes to looking after your house. Whether that means stocking up on cold weather essentials or investing in double glazing, the more you can do to protect your house during the winter the better. With that in mind, here are seven ways to look after your home during colder weather:

Keep The Heating On To Avoid Your Home Getting Damp:

Although it may be expensive to keep your heating on for the duration of winter, it’s one of the best ways for you to stay in good health as the temperature drops. Not only will keeping your heating on allow you to stay warm and cozy, but it will also ensure you do not experience damp throughout your home. For more information when it comes to the importance of keeping your heating on during winter, you can visit this site here.

Get Your Boiler Serviced Before Winter Starts:

Getting your boiler serviced just before the temperature drops will assure you that your heating will be in check all winter long!

Invest In Double Glazing And Keep Your Windows Shut:

If you haven’t already, investing in double glazing is another great way to help prevent your home from becoming damp. Whilst it can be expensive, double glazing will help keep the heat in and the cold out. If you don’t have double glazing or you’re considering updating your windows, you might want to consider a siding service.

Even if you do have double glazing, you also need to ensure you’re keeping your windows shut where possible. For a guide to keeping the cold air out during winter, you can visit the following site.

Insulation:

A drafty home is not a comfortable one! Sometimes providing extra warmth is as simple as swapping out summer curtains for a heavier fabric, adding thick and plush rugs, or doubling up on throw blankets. However, this is not a fix all as the chill is coming from the outside in. You might want to consider upgrading your home’s siding with the services from James Hardie Siding in Naperville (or a similar company in your local area). This is an energy efficient option to give extra insulation as well as boost property value and curb appeal. With improved siding, your home will be nice and cozy all winter long!

Stock Up On Cold Weather Essentials:

Another great way to look after your home during cold weather is to stock up on cold weather essentials. Whether that means drought excluders for your doors or blankets for your living room, get what you need to stay comfy cozy while the cold weather strikes.

Clean And Store Your Garden Furniture:

Although you may think that it’s just the inside of your home that needs looking after during colder weather, the outside is just as important. Autumn and winter can bring some horrible weather and if you’re not prepared, you may find that your garden furniture is prone to damage. To help prevent this from happening, you need to clean and store your furniture just before the temperature starts to drop.

Consider Your Roofing And Gutters:

Your gutters and roofing may be in good condition now, but the bad weather may cause them some damage. Get any problem areas repaired or at least have a professional from a roofing company give them a once over before the winter to make sure that they can handle some snow. It is so important to have your roof checked because the pros will be able to catch small problems before they turn into a bigger one. Research companies like Tyler Roofing or a similar one in your local area to see what services they can provide for you.

Signing off on the checklist above will help keep you and yours perfectly comfy cozy all fall and winter long!

Featured Image By: StockSnap from Pixabay

Sep11

Moving On Up: New Couch Edition

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Moving On Up: New Couch Edition

Helloooo, darlings! During my move in mid-April, I did almost all of my shopping via secondhand and consignment shops. I was happy to do this because not only did it save me a buttload of money but it gave me a lot of unique pieces of furniture and decor that I’m confident no one else will have. I was also bequeathed with some amazing items by some of my client’s families including my beautiful curio cabinets and crystal collection.

The generosity of the families I work with never ceases to astound me and, thanks to one of them, I have a gorgeous new to me red velvet couch for my living room. Check it out:

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Now, don’t get me wrong. I really like my old loveseat that is currently still in my living room until I figure out what to do with it. But, I’m not going to lie, it’s not the comfiest thing on the planet. When I’m reading or watching a movie, I like being able to curl up and relax. My loveseat is quite small and it makes getting the optimum snugly feeling that I require impossible.

So, when the parents of one of my clients began renovating their living room complete with new furniture, I couldn’t say no to the offer of their old couch. It’s funny, because I never even knew that they owned this pretty little number because my client and I don’t spend time in the living room, we are mainly out and about in the community. And, when I first laid eyes on it, it was definitely love at first sight!

I adore the vintage chic shape, the soft and plush velvet material, and, of course, the color! The best part about my new to me couch is that it’s one hundred percent snuggle approved. Because it’s made on a curve, it fits to my body perfectly when I’m laying down and I am reveling in that because it just wasn’t an option with my straight as an arrow loveseat.

And, luckily enough, the couch goes exceptionally well with my furniture that I already had in place. It wouldn’t have been a big deal if it didn’t but the fact that my new couch looks like it should have been in my apartment all along is the cherry on top. My client’s parents were going to donate the couch if I didn’t want it so I am very happy that it ended up in the Lil Red Foundation, instead, and am so totally thankful for their help in making my little apartment the ultimate home. ❤

How is your house or apartment furnished? Do you like a more modern or vintage look when it comes to your decor? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep4

TJMaxx Fall Hall: Royal Stafford Plates

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TJMaxx Fall Hall: Royal Stafford Plates

Salutations! Saying that I just “like” the dark and disturbing is a severe understatement because the creepy, spooky, scary, and weird is what I am most drawn to. I am a horror fan through and through from movies and literature to art and decor. My preferred activities for a night in would include a scary movie marathon or tucking in with a good Stephen King book. And, with Halloween on my mind, I couldn’t pass up these gorgeous skull embellished plates by Royal Stafford when I saw them at TJMaxx. Check it out:

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After giving a nod to British punk fashion in my latest OOTD, it should come as no surprise that I was eager to add my new plates into the cart after seeing the “Made In England” sticker. And also: skulls, lol! These plates are so beautiful to me and I love the sketch style skull on the more simple plates but the real piece de resistance is the ornate crowned skull. Sadly, there was only one of those bad boys, which was a disappointment because trust and believe I would have bought a few of them!

Do I plan on eating off of these plates? Absolutely not. They’re too pretty to me and I got them for more of a home decor purpose. Now, it’s only a matter of finding just where to put them, because my curio cabinets are already fully stocked with my trinkets and treasures. For the time being, my Royal Stafford dishes are resting safely on my air hockey table until I get a stroke of inspiration for where to put them.

Until then, I am just happy to have found such unique pieces that I find so much beauty in. These are the last items from my TJMaxx Fall Haul and I really think that I was saving the best until the end of this series. And, who knows, maybe I’ll find some more unique dishes by Royal Stafford during my seasonal shopping haul come winter. Fingers crossed!

How do you shop for fall and the changing of the seasons? What is a TJMaxx or secondhand store find that you are particularly proud of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug20

Apartment Must Haves: Kitchen & Cleaning Necessities Edition

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Apartment Must Haves: Kitchen & Cleaning Necessities Edition

Hi! So, the first time I went grocery shopping, I was so focused on stocking up on ALL of the food that I forgot the sage words of my client’s mom to remember about cleaning supplies and things like garbage bags, plastic wrap, etc. Of course, I remembered this advice as soon as I got back to my apartment and had to turn around and go back to pick up things like zip lock baggies, sponges, and the like. And, we can’t forget about laundry detergent and dish soap! Here are just a few of my necessities when it comes to cleaning:

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It’s so easy to get wrapped up in all of the big must haves of moving that the little things like your cleaning supplies go unnoticed. Stocking up on these things is important and, unless you’re deep cleaning your place every day, they should last you for a good long while.

On that note, it’s a great idea to invest in a nice trash can. One with a flip up lid, preferably! You don’t want your garbage stinking up the place so do be sure to grab some high quality bags to line your bin with, too. I purchased a stainless steel one from Target and I have yet to have any issues with garbage odors. And, the steel makes it easy to clean in case of spills.

The next thing that I would like to purchase when it comes to cleaning is a Swiffer WetJet for my hardwood and tile floors in the apartment, because those are starting to look a little rough. And, I suppose a vacuum will come in handy, too. But, for now, the carpeted rooms aren’t frequented enough for that to be completely necessary just yet. Talk about adulthood, amiright?!

What are some cleaning necessities that you recommend? How do you keep your place fresh and clean? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Fall Is In The Air

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Fall Is In The Air

Okayyyy okay, so fall technically isn’t in the air yet but that doesn’t mean that my apartment can’t smell like it! Because my dumbass thought that burning cigarettes out into some of my candles was a good idea, I needed to restock because none of them will light now. But, lucky for me, Michael’s was having a three for ten dollar deal for their fall scented candles. And, at six dollars apiece originally, I just couldn’t pass that deal up! Check it out:

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I never quite understood people’s obsession with candles until moving into my apartment. And, now, I can definitely see why because the first thing I do when I get home from work in the evening or have a free afternoon is light one up. There is just something about the soft glow of the flame, the delicious scents, and the general atmosphere that is so relaxing when combined with your quiet time reading a book or watching a movie.

I always thought that giving a candle as a gift was kind of basic but OMG would I love to get all of the candles as prezzies now. But, until gift giving season is upon us, these fall scented delights from Michael’s will do just fine. I like all three fragrances that I picked out but the Butterscotch Spice is divine and I’m looking forward to having it lit on my coffee table as a scary movie plays and the crisp autumn wind howls outside.

What is your favorite fall scent? What is one of your favorite “basic” presents to receive? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug16

Make It Work: 3 Things To Note When House Hunting With Your Spouse

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Make It Work: 3 Things To Note When House Hunting With Your Spouse

Sometimes, house hunting is fun. But most of the time, it’s such a pain in the neck. What makes it particularly stressful is when you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye on what you want your next home to be. Perhaps you want a big house just outside the city, but your partner prefers a small condo unit at the heart of the central business district. These small differences can blow up into big arguments, which could delay your move. So, what do you do when you can’t agree with your spouse in your house hunting? Take these steps:

Create your own home essentials list:

Since fights almost always come from what each of you thinks your family house should be, this is the first thing you should address. Here, the best approach is to make a list of your wants and needs in a home – separately. You want to do this independently so that at the end of the exercise, you’ll see the things you share in common. These similarities validate that these features are indeed important to you. But at the same time, don’t neglect the differences. Those are points for discussion. Make your case as to why these things should be in your home. Negotiate and be patient in expressing your concerns. But more importantly, listen. If your spouse has a point, be willing to concede.

A complete list of must haves and nice to haves can be especially beneficial if you are working with a real estate agent like those at Bradbourne Property or a similar business in your local area. Your agent will be able to narrow down options that meet your needs so you are not wasting your time or energy on properties that won’t work in the long run. Be sure to think about factors outside of the home as well. This includes proximity to schools, doctors, and your job if you are commuting so your agent can find homes in a comfortable distance.

Consider your budget:

All discussions should be framed in the context of how much house you can afford. When both of you have this perspective in approaching matters, it will be far easier to compromise. Those pretty countertops or furniture will be easier to resist. Now, if you don’t have a financial game plan yet, sit down and decide on it immediately before hitting the property market. Compare different quotes from lending agencies. When doing the math, make sure that your monthly payments on mortgage won’t take more than 25% of your take-home pay. Otherwise, you’ll be house poor in the next months. Once you’re able to settle on a budget already, stick to it. Inform your real estate agent about it. You may want to include this house and lot for sale in Cavite, which might fit your budget.

Cease and desist:

If you find yourself getting into a big fight over your next house, it’s wise to take a step back from the conversation or the house hunting process altogether. A nice home isn’t worth it if it’s going to split you up in the end. So give yourself a week break. No house-related matters over dinner. No budget-related talks on your dates. Use that time of ‘silence’ to ponder about your house-buying decisions separately. Your goal is to have a fresh, renewed mind once the break is and you resume the talk. Hopefully, that time of meditation will make you more understanding of each other and your priorities.

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Have you been struggling with the home search because of your couple fights? Fight no more. Prioritize your relationship through and through and the house will come when the time is right.

Aug13

5 Ways To Winter Proof Your Home

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5 Ways To Winter Proof Your Home

Your home is with you throughout all of the seasons and it needs different attention based on the time of year. When the threat of winter is close by, it’s time to give your home the once over to ensure your cozy nights in aren’t destroyed by drafts, leaks, or unwanted guests in your attic.

Clear your Gutters and Drains

This might be the last thing on your ‘to-do’ list, which is why it hits the top spot on ours. Although this is not the most enjoyable or glamorous job in the world (wet leaves, moss, bugs!? No, thank you!), it is arguably one of the most important. Exterior pipe blockages can cause some serious damage to both the inside and outside of the property. The weight of drains and gutters filled with leaves and natural debris can pull the pipes away from your house, causing nasty damp and mold problems that can affect the walls from the inside out. Just a few minutes of handling gross things will save a whole load of hassle later on!

Up On The Roof:

Humans aren’t the only living things who like to cozy up in the winter. Local wildlife also enjoy finding warm places to snuggle during the cold months. Check the roof for cracked, missing, or loose tiles. Any damage from heavy rain, sleet, or snow can create large spaces that our furry or feathered friends can use to claim your home as theirs! Enlist the expertise of a reputable roofing company to assist you with this task. It’s way less dangerous for them because they know what they’re looking at, as well as having the necessary tools to complete the job safely.

Pillow Fort!

Relive your childhood winters; hot chocolate, Disney films, blankets, and pillows. Although these days, it might look more like sipping tea (Or maybe wine…we won’t tell!) and binge-watching your favorite show. But a pile of fluffy blankets and cute cushions can create a lovely homely feel to alleviate the dark distress of winter. Ahh, that’s better!

Check Your Heating

Feeling the warm air reach your face as you enter the house after being out in the cold is the definition of bliss. But what if you unlock your front door and you can still see your breath in the hallway? The familiar sound of the heater whirring transitions from a clunking to radio silence. Disaster. Get your boiler checked before the big winter freeze sets in.

Clear your Pathways:

People are invited into your home even before knocking on the door. As host, your job is to ensure any visitors stay safe, even those delivering packages! Any accidents outside of the home can make you liable for expensive insurance claims. To avoid any drama, sprinkle your path with a store cupboard staple: SALT! One tablespoon will prevent slippery paths of up to one square meter. This is a very easy, inexpensive way of making sure nobody takes a tumble outside of your door.

Don’t get caught in the cold this winter while inside of your own home with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug13

5 Simple Tips For Adding Value To Your Home

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5 Simple Tips For Adding Value To Your Home

Every homeowner will at times think about adding value to their home, and some will even have it as a priority. Often used as a way to move up the property ladder, homeowners are always looking for easy ways to increase the value of their property, but don’t always know the best ways to go about it. It doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact, there are many ways that you can achieve this.

Whether you’re looking to increase the value of your house for resale or you just want to complete some renovation work to get your home looking picture perfect, it’s best to have a look below at some of the simple tips for adding value to your home:

Creating Open Spaces:

If you’re looking for and don’t mind a huge renovation project, then opening up your downstairs living space into an open plan could be one of the best things you can do in order to add value to your home. It’s something that a lot of buyers, especially those with families are looking for. Creating a space that you can enjoy for entertaining both family and friends which will be used and seen as the center of your home can be enjoyed if you’re staying or deciding to move on. What is guaranteed though is that you will be looking for a space similar in your next home!

Gardens & Outside Spaces:

Sometimes the outside areas of your home can be forgotten, however, they should be a priority especially when you’re looking to add value to your home. At the end of the day, the outside of your home is either the first impression before people enter or the only impression that people have of your home as they never go inside. This means it’s not only important to maintain it but it’s also important to make sure it looks its best on the curb appeal side of things.

Whether you need to replace the doors, repair the walkways, or fit a new garage with an electric door you should think about looking at these as an easy way to increase the value of your home. When thinking about the outside spaces you have to make sure you think about the landscaping of your garden, every buyer will look at the garden as a project if you don’t look after it yourself. You could even look at palm trees for sale as a unique item to add as a tropical feature.

Renovate The Bathroom And Kitchen:

Often seen as two big projects in themselves, upgrading your kitchen and bathrooms can add a significant amount to the value of any property. If you’re looking to sell and want to get the best price possible, then renovating these areas will do wonders for you. Buyers will normally have a ‘move in ready’ kitchen and bathroom on their list because after buying a new home they don’t want to have the costs of renovating them themselves.

A bathroom or kitchen renovation can be a big undertaking and there is nothing wrong with doing it in parts. The best thing that you can do if you are considering this type of upgrade is to start planning ahead based on your budget/time frame. Once you have an idea of what you would like, do your research on a Bathroom remodeler in Oregon City, OR or your local area. They will be happy to come by, discuss further, and give you a quote!

Although these can be seen as big projects that you will need to spend time and money on, rest assured that they will definitely increase the property of your home.

Featured Image By: Terry Magallanes from Pexels

Aug3

New Air Hockey Table!!

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New Air Hockey Table!!

Greetings! Quite a few of my clients love shopping at second hand stores like the Goodwill and Abbey Ann’s. So, within the past year and a half, I have ended up in these treasure troves countless times during our outings. I have to admit, I used to not be very keen on second hand shopping because I am quite the germophobe. But, I would say that I have kicked the fear of thrift shopping in the bud, considering ninety percent of my apartment was furnished from second hand shops.

We’ll call it ninety-two percent, because I just purchased an air hockey table at the Goodwill a week or so ago! 😀 Check it out:

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When I saw this beaut at the Goodwill for a staggeringly cheap thirty bucks, I just had to purchase it. Honestly, there’s not much to do at my place other than drink when I have friends over and I don’t like that that has become such a frequent thing. I am hoping to get my gaming systems set up as well as purchase board games for good, clean fun when I have company. But, for now, my favorite table top game stationed in my back room will do.

The only issue I’m having, is that there is no lighting in that room, as you can tell from the grainy photos above! So, if anyone has any suggestions to fixing that issue, do let me know, because I don’t think tiki torches are going to fly in there, lolol. 😅

Other than that minor problem, I am seriously SO excited about this Goodwill purchase. And, I am very appreciative to my client’s mom and dad for helping me transfer the table to my apartment because my dumbass honestly thought that it was going to fit in my tiny hatchback, smh. They are like my second family, though, and were happy to help so now they have the honor of having the air hockey table be named after them. It’s truly a win/win for everyone! Any challengers?

What are your favorite board, video, or table top games? Which ones do you think I should invest in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah