Tag Archives: just so you know

Aug28

Mistakes To Avoid In Your Home

Posted on by
Standard
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

Posted on by
Standard
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

Jul19

Switch To A Greener Lifestyle With These Tips

Posted on by
Standard
Switch To A Greener Lifestyle With These Tips

A greener lifestyle has a whole host of benefits, both for the wider world and for your household. You can save money, cut down on waste, and live a healthier lifestyle while decreasing your carbon footprint. Here are some ways to do so:

Increase Utility Efficiency:

Utility bills are more expensive now than ever before, which means that you have multiple incentives to cut down on your utility usage. The good news is that there are ways to increase your utility efficiency, which means that you don’t have to make any major sacrifices. Installing a smart meter or thermostat allows you to set a comfortable temperature on timers, so you aren’t ever heating an empty building. It will also monitor your energy usage so you can keep track of spikes and other issues. Repairing and replacing your windows and doors will also help you be more efficient with your power usage. You should also check your insulation and roof, especially before winter strikes.

On a similar note, you should also make sure that your utility provider is making an effort to improve their own sustainability practices. This way, the companies you’re giving money to on a regular basis are making a positive difference, as opposed to contributing to a growing problem. For example, American Water Works has won awards for both its sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles, making it a great choice of provider.

Use Green Energy:

Another way to change the way you use electricity is by switching to a green energy source. You can do this in a variety of ways. First, you can install solar panels on your property. This is a great option if you have a roof that gets a lot of sunlight and is stable enough to support the panels. Solar panel specialists will be able to walk you through this process step by step for maximum success. They might even employ 3D models of the project with solar proposal software so you can have a visual of the end result. If this isn’t an option, you can get involved in a community solar project. This allows you to purchase solar panels on a solar farm, so you benefit from the power they produce.

You can even set up a community solar project yourself. You will need some appropriate land, as well as planning permission for a solar farm. Look into the legal requirements to make sure that you don’t miss anything in your local area. From there, you will need to focus on community solar customer acquisitions. Find like-minded people who want to invest in a better world.

Lifestyle Changes:

You can make small but significant changes to your lifestyle to improve your health and your carbon footprint. For example, can you change your daily commute so you walk or cycle instead of driving? Could you take public transport? Another option is to set up a vegetable garden and grow your own produce. This reduces waste and encourages your family to eat healthier.

Running a Green Business:

If you run a business, you have even more opportunities to reduce your carbon footprint. When setting up your business, look into local governmental grants and schemes that encourage businesses to operate in a more environmentally friendly way. This way, you can increase your efficiency, cut down on waste, and potentially get tax breaks or other benefits for your efforts. An eco-friendly business also benefits from a better relationship with customers. If your customers are interested in climate change, they will appreciate your efforts and are more likely to be loyal. Reputation matters in the business world.

Go green with the tips above both for yourself and the world around you!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jun27

Early Signs Of Hearing Loss

Posted on by
Standard
Early Signs Of Hearing Loss

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, around 15% of the adult population in the US have some level of hearing loss or hearing difficulties. While many types of hearing loss are genetics or the natural ageing process, a large portion is noise-induced hearing loss.

One of the most important factors when it comes to hearing loss is the early signs. Once you identify hearing loss in yourself, your children, or someone else – it is time to book a hearing test and look at options like hearing aids and other preventative measures. There are so many options when it comes to hearing aids, from behind the ear hearing aids to inner ear hearing aids that’ll make more sense to you when you speak to an audiologist. You can then make the best possible decision for your hearing health. Once you start noticing some differences, you’ll be happier to visit hearing aid clinics and get the right support from hearing health professionals. It’s vital that you do this as soon as you can so that you can be diagnosed and supported. Here are some of the early signs to look out for:

Exhaustion:

Feeling tired can be tricky because most of us have very busy lives. Are we tired because we have been exercising more? Are we tired because work has been insane? But there is a type of exhaustion that comes with straining to listen all of the time too. Listening fatigue happens when you are using a lot of energy to engage in conversations for most of the day. Working extra hard to fill gaps and intensely listen to what is going on. Sometimes listening fatigue can present itself in ways like wanting the room silent or getting to a point where you can’t listen or engage anymore.

Crowds:

High-frequency hearing loss can be more noticeable in crowds, social events, clubs, bars, and even in restaurants. The background noise and speech can become blurred together, making following a conversation increasingly difficult. Another sign can be if you decide to stop attending events because you are embarrassed or not comfortable due to the fact that you find it difficult to hear people speaking to you.

High Pitched:

When was the last time you heard the birds singing? Or the trill of a high-pitched song or even the doorbell? Sometimes the first thing to not notice anymore is the birds, but because we don’t actively listen to them, it can be difficult to recognize that they are missing. It can also happen with people who speak at a higher pitch, like children. If you start to notice that you aren’t hearing birds or high pitches anymore, it is time to get your hearing checked.

Consonants:

With age-related hearing loss, the early signs are often consonants and some other letter combinations. These are typically sounded out at a lower frequency, with the middle of the word being lower in pitch. When these are more difficult to hear, miscommunications can happen more frequently. Here is a list:

  • S
  • F
  • Sh
  • Th
  • H
  • P
  • V
  • K

Repetition:

Can you say that again, please? One more time? When you find yourself asking someone to repeat themselves often or get frustrated or embarrassed and stop asking – that can be an early sign of hearing loss. For the person with hearing loss, this can be hard to manage because feeling like a burden often comes along with asking people to repeat themselves. It can also present itself as needing to rewind the movie or TV show you are watching to hear it again.

Hearing loss is common, but getting a hearing test regularly should be part of your general health and wellness checks: Health Checks To Add To Your Schedule.

Featured Image By: Kimia Zarifi on Unsplash

Jun23

Money Is Tight: Tips To Help Pay Your Rent

Posted on by
Standard
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

May30

What To Know About Noses

Posted on by
Standard
What To Know About Noses

Have you ever considered how complex and fascinating your nose really is? From its incredible ability to detect scents and aromas to its intricate network of nasal passages used for breathing, our noses serve us in so many amazing ways! Want to know more about noses? Read on!

All About Smell:

Our noses are our primary organ for sensing scents and aromas, containing millions of olfactory receptors to pick up even the faintest traces of fragrance in the air – from delicious food aromas to freshly cut grass, our noses provide us with new experiences every day!

Different Types of Smell:

There are two primary forms of smell, the sense of smell and gustation. Sense of smell refers to our ability to detect different odors without actually tasting them, usually accomplished through inhaling air through nostrils where it passes over olfactory receptors located within our nose that identify different aromas. Gustation on the other hand refers to tasting different flavors; this occurs when food particles or liquids come in contact with taste receptors located throughout our mouth and tongue connected directly with our brain which recognize sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors.

How Smell Affects Our Sense of Taste:

Taste and smell are intrinsically connected. Aromas from food travel through our nostrils when we eat, altering how we perceive flavor. Without being able to smell properly or having an allergy impending this ability, identifying various tastes may become harder; scent helps build stronger associations between taste and memory. For instance, baking cookies may bring back childhood memories or coffee aroma can remind us of weekend coffee dates.

Nasal Polyps:

Nasal polyps are small noncancerous growths in the nose and sinuses that are usually found among allergy or asthma sufferers. If they become large enough, nasal polyps can block airways limiting breathing. Medication such as corticosteroids may be prescribed, with surgery also being an option in certain instances to help improve smell and taste sensations. Becker ENT & Allergy experts suggest seeing an allergist for diagnosis and treatment of nasal polyps.

Nose Hygiene:

Proper nose hygiene can help maintain clear nasal passages and prevent infections; such as by washing with mild soap or saline solution, blowing gently, avoiding inserting anything up the nostrils, and keeping your hands away from the face in order to avoid spreading germs or bacteria into the nose. It’s essential to practice good nose hygiene if you want clear nasal passages and no infections occurring!

Health Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Nose:

A healthy nose provides numerous health advantages. From improved breathing to protecting lungs by trapping dust particles and pollutants before they enter airways. Finally, having a well-functioning nose improves the sense of smell – crucial when it comes to detecting danger or warning signals!

Your nose is an integral component of overall health and should be treated as such. Taking good care now can ensure its continued wellness for years to come!

Featured Image By: Eli DeFaria on Unsplash

May7

Amazing Hacks For A More Convenient Home

Posted on by
Standard
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

Apr19

Common Mistakes People Make When Getting A Pet

Posted on by
Standard
Common Mistakes People Make When Getting A Pet

Whether you are living alone, with a partner, or with a family, something that many people wish to do is get a pet of some kind. There is a lot more to being a pet owner than most people think, and unfortunately, some people find out they are not ready for a dog or a cat after it is too late. Here are a few common mistakes that people make when getting a pet for you to consider:

Not considering if your children are ready for pets:

If you have children (especially young ones) who have not yet lived with a pet of any kind, then something that you should consider before getting one is how the child will react to living with a pet. This is a mistake that many people make as all they want to do is find a pet and bring it home. It is not until they bring the new family member home that they realize, or start to see, potential issues between the new pet and the child. It may be that your child is scared of particular animals, that they do not have the right temperament to be around them, or simply that the child’s age is not compatible with the type of pet that has been brought. So, before you buy one, make sure that you prepare your child for getting a pet.

Not thinking about the end of life care and pet loss:

When getting a pet, it is often a fun experience that is full of excitement, making memories, and love. However, a mistake that a lot of people make is not considering the other end of their pet’s life, and if they will be able to handle all of the extra responsibilities and care that come with the end of life. Not only that but how the loss of a pet will affect them, losing a pet is just as painful as losing any other member of the family. To make sure you don’t make this mistake and are prepared for this, just consider the steps you will potentially and inevitably have to take. For example, more frequent vet trips, medications, alterations to your pet’s lifestyle, and the things that come after, such as pet cremation and grief.

Not preparing your home adequately:

Some pets will have specific requirements or living conditions that need to be met, others could have some form of disability that needs to be considered, or they might even just be a certain size that will require alterations to a home for them to live there safely and comfortably. This is another mistake that people can make, or not realize until the pet is already at home with them. To avoid putting yourself in this situation, take some time to think whether or not you need to prepare your home for a pet that you plan on getting.

One important aspect often overlooked is establishing clear boundaries for your new pet, particularly if they will spend time outdoors. A practical solution like DogWatch Invisible Dog Fences can securely keep your pet within the confines of your property without the need for visible barriers. Beyond just setting boundaries, it’s crucial to pet-proof your home – ensure trash bins are secure, remove toxic plants, and keep small objects out of reach. These steps not only prevent potential accidents but also create a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone in the home.

Regardless of what kind of pet you want to bring home, make sure that you are ready to look after it correctly, and take into consideration these common mistakes that people make!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar27

Better Protect Your Home With These Tips

Posted on by
Standard
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

Mar3

Pet Bunnies For Easter: DON’T!!

Posted on by
Standard
Pet Bunnies For Easter: DON’T!!

Hello!! Johnny and I have had our sweet baby bunny angels, Melvin and Penelope, for almost four months already! I honestly can’t believe it has only been that short of a time because it feels like I have had them for forever. The more time I spend as a very active bunny mom, the more I truly can’t understand why small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are given to children as pets. They are way more work than you could ever expect and it’s not fair to expect a child to meet the needs of pets that require a lot of care.

With the Easter season approaching, I wanted to share my thoughts on this as bunnies are as common to give to kids as candy for the holiday. However, a majority of these rabbits will end up in shelters within the year. Here is a brief summary of all that having a bunny entails before you make the decision to incorporate a new pet:

image_50439169(3)image_50424321(8)

Bunnies Need Exercise:

If your plan is to get a rabbit and confine it to a hutch all day every day, then let me stop you right now. For both the mental and physical health of the rabbit, they need plenty of exercise outside of their cage. Because I work from home a lot, I allow my bunnies to roam for six plus hours a day. Your rabbit’s exercise space will need to be fully bunny-proofed to prevent them from getting hurt or chewing on anything that they shouldn’t. And chew, they will – one look at our windowsill will prove it!

Bunnies Are Expensive:

There are so many supplies that you will need to have constantly at home for your small animal; Pellet food, veggies, Timothy hay, bedding, toys, and litter to name just a few. Individually, these things aren’t the most expensive in the world but it adds up when you have to replenish supplies often. On average, Johnny and I probably spend between sixty to one hundred dollars on Chewy per month. If this is something that your budget won’t allow, then let me stop you right now as these are all essential items to your bunny’s care.

Bunnies Are Messy:

After the arrival of Melvin and Penelope, I had to push my wake up time back to 5 AM so that I could care for them and still start online work in time. Every morning, I have to thoroughly clean their potty area including three litter boxes. While Mel and P are pretty good about using their litter box, they still are subject to accidents. Bunnies deserve a clean space and if you can’t set aside adequate time every day to spot clean and empty litter boxes, then let me stop you right now.

Bunnies Are Social:

Bunnies are very social animals and having a bonded pair is ideal. Like humans, bunnies can get depressed too and need stimulation to keep them happy. This means lots of toys, taking the time to pet and groom them, and interacting with them throughout the day. If you can’t commit to the highly necessary extra socialization for your bunny, then let me stop you right now.

Bunnies Are Usually NOT Cuddly:

If you are imagining a fluffy little something that the kids can hold and snuggle, then let me stop you right now. Bunnies, traditionally, are prey animals and they despise being picked up. Kind of like a cat, you really need to let your bunny come to you on their own terms. Penelope is very shy and it took a decent amount of time for her to warm up to me. Melvin, on the other hand, is very adventurous and never minded me too much! It all depends on the temperament of your bunny and forcing cuddles is only going to terrorize them.

Bunnies Are Awesome:

Melvin and Penelope are the absolute best and I love them so much. Before committing to wanting pet bunnies in the first place, I researched their necessary care and felt like I could provide that and more. It makes me happy that I can and it’s important to me that people know what they are getting into before taking a small pet home. It is incredibly rewarding, but a lot of work!

If you or someone you know is considering an Easter bunny, please consider this post before making any decisions. If you can’t meet all of these daily tasks for their care, then a bunny isn’t the pet for you.

What kind of pet do you have? Have you had a small animal as a pet before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah