THE EDGE Blog

A welcoming and well-organized entrance will make your home feel inviting and set the tone for the rest of the home. But with the need for storage, seating and decor, what design concepts best fit your home entryway?

Open Concept

If you open you door to a large and empty space, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the open space but carve some clearly defined zones meant for specific purposes. Adding a large bench or sofa against your sofa can help define the entrance. Another way to make your own entry is to put a piece of furniture used to hold scarves, jackets or other outdoor accessories next to the door. This way your guests and yourself can enter the home and know what that space is intended for.

Efficiency

Maybe you have the opposite problem of an open concept and your home has a very small space for guests to put their belongings. This is when focusing on efficiency is important. With lack of floor space, use the walls to put up some deep shelves and coat hangers. The shoes can be easily put on the shelves and you make the most room for people standing. Another great tip for making any room feel bigger- add a mirror!

Fun and Funky

Having a place where you can sit and take off your shoes is essential in many homes. This seating is a great way to start showing off your unique style that is carried throughout the rest of your home. A patterned bench, a funky shaped chairs or soft sofa cushions are all fun ways to morph personality and functionality.

Hardworking Floors

Large families or homes with young kids may not get the chance to focus on style and instead need a room that is functional and durable. Installing tile, if your home doesn’t have it already, may be a big investment but it is definitely worth the pay off. Busy households are going to want floors and features that are easy to clean and weather resistant. Another design tip would be to put distressed furniture in the room. This way any nicks or scrapes will escape unnoticed by those coming and going.

No matter the purpose or personal style you want to add to your entryway designs, there are different ways to welcome guests and feel at home the moment you get back from a long day.

You may have considered moving out to find a bigger house due to the limited space in your house. But why go through all this strenuous and expensive activity? Well, If you are looking for a way to create more space without the upheaval of having to move the house or changing your current lifestyle, then your home builders adding an extension to your home is the ideal way. An extension will simply enhance your living space and add some value to your property. So, here are some of the benefits that an extension will bring to your home. 

Create Space

If you are having trouble finding extra space in the house, the addition of a house extension is the best way to get the extra rooms that would save you such inconveniences. Not only does it create extra space, but it also saves you the trouble of going through the exhausting process of locating a house that is big enough, pack and relocate. 

Having an extension will provide you with enough room to accommodate the growing family, a guest or even arrange your personal stuff. Some people can use the space added as an office especially if you are working from home while others will use it as a gym or an entertaining spot. 

You may be a little creative and design the extension on the outside of the house and have it installed with glass windows to emphasize that feeling of having enough space and allow light into the room. This is beneficial to people who are looking for a conservatory, garden rooms or an orangery. 

Adding Value to your Property 

No matter the house extension cost that you may incur, adding any type of extension will definitely increase your property value. Furthermore, as odd as it may seem, some people upon realizing this particular benefit of an extension have contacted the house builders to have an additional room fitted in before they sell their property. 

If you’re planning to rent your house, adding a high-quality extra room in your current property would maximize the value of the house in the market and further help solve the space problem for the occupants.

Better Alternative to Moving

Many people decide to get a house extension as a way to make changes to the current look of their house. Living in the same house for years and having to look at the same house design each day may be boring. To liven up the interior, some people decide it is time for restructuring the whole house interior and in the process figure out that addition of an extra room would be ideal for a studio, guest room or even an office. Thus, before moving to a new house in search of a new design or an extra space, it is advisable to think of adding an extension as an ideal and easier alternative. 

Saves Money

The house extension cost can be much cheaper than moving into a new house  with the price tag of a bigger home often being higher. Also, there are other costs involved including hiring movers to transport your furniture and other house belongings. Home extensions are an economical way to create more space as opposed to moving. So, why save money to move to your dream spacious home whereas you can simply create one in your house? Plus adding to your home could be a great investment to your home value down the line.

Live in the Same Neighborhood

The chances of getting a bigger house near your neighborhood can be very low. Furthermore, moving means changing your neighborhood and having to deal with an entirely new environment, and people. Your children will have to change schools and make new friends. But, why subject them to such inconveniences that you could have avoided?

No Need for Permits 

 If you aren’t aware, extensions are generally permitted developments and thus you don’t need planning permission to start designing one. Most people who don’t know about this information, fear the prospect of securing planning permission for an extension. However, it is important to pay a visit to the nearest local council and check out the rules and regulations on such ventures in your area. 

So, whether you want to extend your house to create extra space for a growing family or convert it to accommodate some of your personal belongings, an extension is the most ideal and cost-effective way to add that space.

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Author bio: Riya is an inspired writer, passionate about traveling, lifestyle, and encouraging startups.  As a freelancer, she understands the importance of productivity at work.  She is also part of the content marketing team behind Studyclerk and arhaus Bathroom & Kitchen, a stunning showroom in Brisbane that offers a collection of leading European and Australian brands.  Connect with Riya on twitter, @sanderriya.

Your home is full of lingering memories. You can literally feel the moments as you walk through the hallways, and they all speak to you. The cackling laughter of kids at your son’s first birthday bash, your daughter racing in to tell you she got accepted into college, your sister’s wedding preparations, your husband’s first job promotion celebration. This house has become more than a simple living space; it holds your precious memories. And this is why it feels so hard to let go.

This article takes you from the point where you are completely confused about how to emotionally detach from the house you’re putting up for sale to the point where you are simply ready to let go, and move to your new adventure.

Dealing with Intense Emotional Components of a House Sale

Here are a few tips to handle the emotional components of parting with your beloved house:

1. Get Started Early

So much adrenaline rushes through your body whenever you think of having to go through with a house sale. You may feel so scared so you keep putting it off till next week, and then the week after that. Ever heard of the saying: the only way to get over something, is to go through it? Can the process be stressful? Yes. But if you don’t start, you will never get to the other side where you are free of emotional attachment. Starting early gives you time to go through all the moments, enjoy every scent, reminisce and simply come out an emotionally richer person.  

2. Build an Emotional Connection with Your Next Home

Your next home will be the place to forge new memories. It would be nice if you started connecting it with super sweet, inspiring thoughts and memories, even before you move out of your old house. This way, you prepare your mind mentally to let go of the old and allow the new take firm hold on your mind.

3. Make the Old House Look Better Before Leaving

One way to let go is by keeping things tidy, before leaving. You could fix up places in the house where your emotional connection is strongest. Perhaps, take off some things and put in new stuff? A good example could be changing the color of paint used to design your bedroom. As your eyes make contact with ‘unfamiliar’ settings, it forces your mind to let go.

4. Spend More Time Outdoors

Spending more time outside is a therapeutic approach to letting go; more like deleting the number of an old flame when going into a new relationship. Explore areas around the home, and other places far away.  

The act of leaving the house to explore other areas reduces the emotional toll which the house sale places on you.

5. Still Not Ready? Wait for a while

After going through the motions and allowing yourself to get over the house with the above steps, you might still not be ready to make the move.

If you find yourself in this state, you might have to wait till you’re ready.

Eventually, the most important thing is to be in a ripe mental state for a move. If you are trying to deal with your emotional connections to the house, know that you can’t force yourself to be ready. You might have to end up waiting for a couple more months to deal with the emotional implications of your move.  

content sponsored by We Buy Houses Pittsburgh .

Feeling safe in your home is always the number one priority. Whether you are preparing to be on vacation, don’t want to worry while your out of the home or just want to deter visitors from snooping through personal belongings, there are plenty of easy ways to secure your home for when you aren’t around. Check out these tips below and let the worry disappear.

1. Alarm Cabinet

Maybe you’re having a party or company is staying with you from out of town. We all have those nosey houseguests that may go through cabinets or drawers, but an easy way to deter them is having cabinet alarms. This way the spaces will be locked and only accessible to the homeowner. This is also a great way to keep kids away from anything dangerous under sinks or in bathroom vanities. 

2. Break Down Cardboard

In the days of online ordering, many entryways are filled with large boxes. Although some may be small, these boxes can draw attention and advertise that you have brand new items in your home like TVs or technology systems. If you break down the boxes and place them in the back of your vehicle or a covered bin, potential burglars will be less inclined to visit your home because there isn’t an obvious sign of anything new or expensive.

3. Beware of Dog

You don’t need a dog to put out a “beware of dog” sign. These signs could simply be used to make intruders think twice before entering the home. A home with a dog is a much higher risk for burglars as they will be easily detected and could be attacked.

4. Reinforce Your Window Locks

Making sure your windows are locked is essential if traveling out of town but also in everyday life. Windows on the first floor are especially easy access points for breaking and entering. Check your locks and to further prevent break-ins, put a dowel rod on the inside of the window slide. This helps ensure that if anyone would try to enter through the window, it won’t be able to open no matter if the lock is latched or not.

Overall, you can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your home. Expensive security alarms or cameras are always an option but if you are looking for more affordable, faster and easier ways, try out these methods.

No matter what type of rental property you’re dealing with, what most investors are looking for is a way to maximize the rent and to keep the tenants as long as possible. To achieve that, you need to put more time and effort into home improvements than before. In other words, a fresh coat of paint on the walls and a clean carpet just won’t cut it. You need to put some thought into rental property upgrades that won’t cost you a fortune but will raise the value of your property and pay off in the long run. Here are some useful ideas on how to improve your property value and get the best return on your investment.

1. Replace your plumbing fixtures.

Upgrading all faucets, both in the kitchen and the bathroom, will undoubtedly give your property a more polished look. Faucets, sinks, and sprayers tend to get dingy and out of date quickly. What’s more, they can make the entire room look repelling. Since we’re talking about kitchen and bathroom which are the rooms most associated with hygiene and cleanliness, old faucets may turn down potential tenants even if everything else in the apartment is brand new. Investing in new plumbing fixtures will give a new look to your rental property and also boost your home’s value. There’s a great variety of options to choose from. Depending on your overall decor style, you can go for a classic chrome finish or something more refined like oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel.

2. Upgrade the floors.

When it comes to floors, there’s a battle between carpets and wooden floors. No matter how strong the pro-carpet arguments are, the wooden floors always win. First of all, there’s a wide range of options to explore. From laminate, hardwood, bamboo or plank to faux wood, you can make your choice depending on how much money you’re willing to spend. Wooden floors are absolute winners when it comes to maintenance since the carpets need to be cleaned now and then. Not to mention that one stain can ruin it forever. Another great thing about the wooden floors is that it’s fantastic for people who have allergies caused by carpet dust. When it comes to kitchen and bathroom, ditch the linoleum and replace it with ceramic tiles. It will be a major turn-on for renters.

3. Give your walls a fresh coat of paint.

Nothing brightens up space more than freshly painted walls. Not only will it remove the dirt and stains on the walls, but it will make the room brighter and livelier than before. When it comes to choosing the right color for your rental property, the general rule of thumb is – the brighter the better. This is especially true for countries like Australia that have more than 300 sunny days per year where people want to incorporate that natural light into their homes. If you’d rather leave the job for the professionals, look for some local qualified painting services that will offer high-quality workmanship and affordable prices. By doing this, you’ll make sure that the job has been done perfectly plus it’ll leave you more time to deal with other important things.

4. Make more room for storage.

If you want your rental property to stand out in the sea of offers, you have to think like a renter. One of the things that will put your place high on the list of desirable rental properties is storage. It is undeniably one of the top priorities for renters, so investing in it will boost your property value. If your budget and space allow you, install permanent shelving in the garage. Built-in shelves or in-wall storage will attract the renters and it will give you the possibility to maximize the rent. Even some small and simple ideas can make a change. We suggest you add some hooks to key areas and install closet organizing systems. This will make the whole property more put together.

5. Invest in new countertops.

Upgraded countertops will boost your kitchen’s appeal and increase the value of your property. Depending on how much you’re willing to splurge, there’s a great variety of options to choose from. Granite is always a good choice, but if you want the more high-end product then opt for quartz or marble. The more you invest in your countertops, the more durable and functional they’ll be.

Investing in your rental property doesn’t have to be a splurge. The key is deciding what to invest into so that you can maximize your rent and keep the tenants for a longer time. Following these tips will get you clued up about all the important improvements you need to make to achieve that goal.

During the summer, many of us tend to waste more electricity, water, and plastic materials than we do during any other part of the year. To compensate for high temperatures outside, we blast the air conditioning to stay cool. We fill water balloons, top off the pool, guzzle cold water bottles, and take more showers. 

As a result, we spend a lot on our utilities, and we waste a lot. There are several steps you can take to make your home more eco-friendly over these next few months. Here are five ways you can embrace “green” practices while also reaping the financial benefits of avoiding waste.  

1. Invest in a Programmable or Smart Thermostat 

A programmable thermostat can save you at least 20 percent on energy costs. Smart thermostats can save you even more by giving you the capability to change the temperature when you’re not at home. Not only will this lower your utility bills, but it will also prevent you from being wasteful with your AC during the summer. Saving money during the warm months can be a struggle. You can get yourself up to speed with an air conditioning guide on the best practices. 

Additionally, a programmable or smart thermostat makes your home more comfortable. You can be precise about your temperatures while you’re at home, at work, or on vacation. The last thing you want to do is pour tons of money into your air conditioning while you’re not even in the building. 

2. Hang Drapes or Install Curtains Over Your Windows

During the summer, about 76 percent of the sunlight that comes through your windows turns into heat. Don’t underestimate the powerful protection of a simple window covering. Whether you install blinds or black-out curtains, blocking the sunlight can drastically lower your waste of energy. Plus, you want to protect your home and furnishings from the harsh sunlight that streams inside. 

3. Be Careful About Your Water Usage

When temperatures rise outside, water use often does, too. You’re watering your lawn frequently, taking more showers, and filling pools. Be conscious of how much of this water you’re actually wasting. 

Now is the perfect time to compare your current amount of water usage to your usage during the winter. If you notice that your water bill is skyrocketing, it may be due to a leak, waste, wind, evaporation, or runoff from over-watering. 

4. Begin Recycling, Even if Your Neighborhood Doesn’t 

Think about all of the plastic you use during the summer – those plates at your cookouts, the frozen drinks that come in convenient one-use bottles, all of the empty sunscreen bottles littering your backyard. These are just some of the things you could be recycling in an effort to make your home more eco-friendly. Although many apartment complexes and neighborhoods don’t offer a recycling service, you can always start one yourself. 

To learn how to start a recycling program, check out this article from HomeGuides. 

5. Install Lights That Automatically Turn Off 

Did you know that the IDA estimates that we waste at least 30 percent of our outdoor lighting? There’s no need to leave your porch light on all night, even when you’re out late during the summer. Instead, install an automatic light that turns on whenever you approach. 

Automatic lights are a great idea for your indoor rooms, too. By only using lights when you’re actually home, and automatically turning them off when you leave the room, you’ll help prevent the overproduction of carbon dioxide. Plus, you’ll save more on your electricity bill. No more worries about leaving the lights off when you go to work or leave for a summer getaway. 

In Conclusion 

These five steps might not seem like big acts, but every little bit counts when it comes to making our homes eco-friendly. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, you can use these tips to save money and protect nature.

Even though summer is here, it’s not too late! Start implementing these changes now to reap the benefits during the rest of the season.

Amy McConaghy is Reliance Home Comfort’s Digital Marketing Specialist, managing the editorial, video and visual content creation for all digital platforms. Amy’s writing is focused on bringing energy and money-saving tips to Canadians and answering homeowners' questions about all their home comfort needs. You can find Amy on LinkedIn.

A huge part of knowing how to prepare for a move is knowing how to pack. What do you do with all those necklaces? How do you keep those electric cables organized? Here are our best tips and hacks to prepare you for packing like a pro.

Purchase the right packing supplies

Moving is expensive enough without wasting money on supplies you don’t need. For example, you’re going to want the right kind of boxes to fit your personal items. Have a lot of books but very few hanging clothes? Buying the appropriate shape and size of boxes can make all the difference when packing up your home.

Know how to pack tricky items

Some items are harder to pack than others. Know how to wrap and pack your fragile belongings so they make it to your new home in one piece. Try packing your jewelry in plastic wrap, take photos of your electronics before unplugging them, and learn to pack your food like a grocer. And remember, always accurately label your boxes. You don’t want your books landing on your glassware.

Prepare to move by paring down

Unless you’re a true minimalist, chances are you don’t need everything you own. Prepare to move by going through your belongings and getting rid of what you don’t need. Hold a garage sale or a yard sale and donate anything that’s left at the end of the day.

Pack in the right order

As long as you aren’t moving in a hurry, you can start to pack up your home in stages. If you want to know how to prepare for a DIY move, much of your planning is in the packing. Start boxing up any off-season clothes and items that you rarely use as early as you can, especially if you aren’t going to use them before you move. The last items on your packing list should be your important documents, moving day dog kit, and your “open first” box which contains the essentials for the first days in your new home.

Prepare to move with the professionals

Choosing a moving company can be daunting, but knowing what to expect can significantly help.  Make sure you ask the right questions to moving companies and get multiple estimates before making your selection.

Interview moving companies

When it comes time to interview potential moving companies, asking the right questions is crucial. Be sure to get to know the company’s history and their licensing information. 

Understand the rules of professional moving

Before your moving company arrives, you should know what can and cannot go in the moving truck. Flammable items, for example, are not allowed in the vehicle and you should keep important documents with you when you move, not in the back of the truck. Once you select your moving company, figure out how much to tip your moving company and withdraw the correct amount of cash the day before your move.

originally published by updater.com

You’ve finally got all of your belongings into your new home, but don’t lose steam now! You’re in the final stretch of your new home checklist and there’s just a couple more essentials to get through. It’s a good idea to set a daily (or weekly) goal for yourself when it comes to these final steps. Be realistic, stick to your schedule, and you’ll be settled in before you know it.

1. Recruit family and friends to unpack

The more hands on deck the better. Those first few days of unpacking can be made a whole lot easier if you recruit (or rather, entice with food and drink) a couple of close friends for the first big haul. To make the process run smoother, set deadlines and figure out the most logical order of unpacking. Before you know it, your new home will actually start looking like, well, a home.

2. Change your locks

Who knows what the previous owners did with their keys? Whether you hire a locksmith or reinstall the locks on your own, it’s a simple task and it will give you peace of mind. You’re always better off safe than sorry.

3. Locate shut-off valves

In the event that there is an emergency leak or you’re doing repairs and you need to shut off your water, it’s necessary to locate your shut-off valves. Many houses and apartment buildings have a number of cut-off points to stop the water at its source. From your own shut-off valve, to your water company’s shut off valve, to the water meter, there many locations to get familiar with both inside and potentially outside your home.

4. Locate the circuit-breaker

Although uncommon, every once in a while you may need to replace a fuse or reset a circuit breaker. If there’s a power outage, you don’t want to be searching through the dark to find it. Common locations for circuit breakers are outdoors, in basements, in storage closets, or in hallways. Also be sure you know the difference between a circuit-breaker and a fuse box, in the event you need to restore power.

5. Set up your home security system

Moving is one of the best times to set up home security. If you already have a system in place or are tied to a contract, be sure to call your provider or update your information online. Smart or DIY home security systems are a great option for renters and homeowners who want more flexibility, so take some time to shop around if you’re selecting your first home security system.

6. Decide on a lock-out solution

You will get locked out of your house every once in a blue moon, it happens! What’s important is that you have a backup plan for when the time comes. Some common ideas are to hide a key under your doormat or to install a garage code (that is if you have a garage), but you can be as creative as you’d like. Maybe you have a buddy down the street who holds on to an extra set, or you’ve slid it under a planter. Whatever the case, be prepared!

7. Test your smoke detectors

Installing a smoke detector is an easy and inexpensive way to protect you and your loved ones in the event of a fire. However, smoke detectors can fail you when you need them most if you don’t address their malfunctions. This is why testing your new home’s smoke detectors is so important. Light a match or spray a smoke test aerosol in front of its sensor every month to ensure it’s
working.

8. Check out your HVAC system

Your HVAC system, (A/C and furnace) is a necessity, and an expensive one at that. For the sake of heat, cooling, and big bucks, it’s important that yourself, a property manager, or a technician checks out your HVAC system in the weeks following your move. Inspect your heating and cooling units, insulation, and ducts, for warning signs that something’s off. If it looks like repairs or
replacements are needed, get on top of them as soon as you can. Although it’s a pain, it’s a worthwhile investment!

9. Create a home maintenance checklist

It’s a good idea to perform seasonal maintenance checks to ensure your new home is in good shape. Some of these maintenance checks you may not have had to do at your previous home. Things like cleaning the gutters, landscaping, unclogging bathroom drains, or checking up on snow plow services may be relevant to you now, so you should gather the contact info from local services for when the time comes.

10. Find a spot for a safe

Remember those important documents we mentioned before? They’ll need a new home too. If you don’t already have a trusty safe or filing cabinet, it’s a good idea to invest in one. Even more so, it’s important to find a spot for them. Some common areas for safes are in closets, attics, basements, but there’s room for creativity here also. Hardcover books, freezers, brick walls – whatever sneaky spot will keep your private information on lock. Even if you live in an apartment and don’t have room for a massive safe, it doesn’t mean
your valuables should be left unsecured. Use your imagination and protect your possessions.

11. Start a take-out menu file or drawer

We guarantee that you will be ordering a lot of take-out within the first few weeks of your move-in. Any free time you have will solely consist of unpacking and redecorating, not cooking. Treat yourself and get a taste of local eats take-out style. Save menus and bookmark your favorites in a take-out file for you to reference later on. Or just throw all the menus in a drawer. That works too.

12. Throw a housewarming party

Last but not least on our new home checklist, the infamous housewarming party! Once you’re done unpacking, save any energy you have left for this shindig. Setting a date for a housewarming party also sets a great unpacking deadline for you to follow. So many new homeowners beat themselves up over tiny improvements and repairs instead of celebrating their hard work. Don’t make that mistake. Trust us, you’re going to have plenty of time in your new home to put in more work. Instead, invite your closest family and friends over for a great time. Start making memories!

Congrats on the new home! You’re probably excited, exhausted, and in need of somewhere to start – sounds like a job for our new home checklist.

Let’s cut to the chase, the new home journey can be overwhelming. You’re excited to start your new life, but getting there can feel like a lifetime of preparation. From cable to comforters to crock-pots, there’s a lot that goes into moving into a new home. If you don’t stay organized, move-in day can be a total bust. It’s common to worry, but lucky for you, this ultimate new home checklist will put your mind at ease and simplify the moving process.

1. Transfer utilities

Before you can move into your new home and get comfortable, you need to set up your physical utilities: water, gas, and electricity. Depending on where your new home is located, you may or may not have some say in which company you work with. Although physical utilities companies are usually timely about activation, the sooner you notify them of your move-in date, the better. This is especially true if they’re in the midst of moving season when they’re working with a ton of accounts.

2. Connect TV and internet

No one likes moving into a dead zone. Make sure you’re up and running before move-in day by setting up services that work for you. Do your homework in order to know where you stand in order to compare pricing and figure out what service providers will best suit your needs. Schedule installation at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure that your services are activated in a timely manner and to also get the appointment slot that is most convenient for you.

3. Update your address

Your address is connected to so many aspects of your life that you may not even realize. From forwarding your mail, to maintaining subscriptions and loyalty programs, to banks and credit cards, to insurance, to checkbooks, to car registration and driver’s licenses… We think you get the point. When you update your address, you update your life! Not sure how to go about doing this? No worries, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about updating your address.

4. Gather important documents

You know those super important documents that sit and collect dust in your filing cabinet? They have to come along for the ride too. We’re talking birth certificates, social security cards, medical records, insurance policies, and anything else of that nature. Now’s the time to purge what you don’t need and label and organize everything that you do. Grab your shredder and some banker’s boxes and get to work! Important documents are items that cannot be overlooked on your new home checklist.

5. Take photos of valuable items

Moving your valuables is nerve-racking, but if you take proper precautions you’ll be more than fine. A good method of damage control is creating a valuables inventory and taking photos of each item. This could be anything from your grandmother’s antique mirror to your TV and computer monitor. By taking photos of these items, you have proof of their original condition in the event that they are damaged during the move. No matter how careful or responsible your moving company is, accidents can happen so moving insurance is worth looking into.

6. Research local businesses

When you move to a different town or state, it’s good to get the lay of the land of local businesses. Chances are you won’t be frequenting the businesses you usually do anymore, so you’ll want to explore your new options. From a new doctor, to a new hairdresser, to new landscapers, you’ll have to do quite a bit of research. Apps like Yelp can show you reviews, recommendations, and photos of local businesses to help you make educated decisions.

7. Take off from work

Within the first few days of your move, not only will you be unpacking a sea of boxes, but you’ll also be waiting on deliveries, repairs, and installations. It’s a good idea to notify your employer that you’ll be moving so you have ample time to coordinate these appointments before you head back into the office. The 48 hours post-move is crucial to getting (somewhat) settled, so make sure you plan and schedule accordingly.

8. Schedule a cleaning

Before you move your furniture, it’s a good idea to clean all the nooks and crannies of your new home. Chances are, the previous owner didn’t take the time to thoroughly clean it for your arrival (at least not to your standards), so schedule a cleaning service to come in and do a thorough once-over. With all the effort that you’re putting into your new home, you deserve a spotless canvas!

9. Schedule home improvements

Repairs and home improvements are an inevitable part of moving into a new home (whether an apartment or a house). There are some repairs that require more attention than others (i.e. leaky plumbing, windows that don’t lock, etc). It’s necessary that these are taken care of beforehand by either the previous owner or your property management company. If they aren’t, get on that ASAP! But maybe you just want to paint an accent wall or install built-in bookcases, these are the kind of home improvements you’re in charge of. You should schedule these improvements ahead of time so you’re not worrying about them come move-in day. Get the messy stuff out of the way first, it’ll make your life way easier.

10. Prepare to pack

As you inch closer to move-in day, start to throw out or donate things you don’t need and take note of what needs to be replaced. Keep the layout and measurements of your new home in mind as this could mean more or less space for your belongings. Save money by collecting free moving boxes from local businesses and retailers or use laundry bins, suitcases, and large bags to transport items. It’s also a good idea to label or color coordinate all boxes according to what room they go in to expedite the process for your moving company. Lastly, an open-first box is a must! You should include in this box everything you need to survive the first 24 hours in your new home. Think air mattress, a fresh outfit, a toothbrush, some snacks, water, and extra cash. You will thank yourself when the time comes. Trust us, it’s a not-to-be-missed item on your new home checklist!

Summer is here and your backyard is calling your name after the long winter months. From pool parties to a neighborhood BBQ, it is always fun to get together with family and friends to enjoy good food, games and sunshine. Hosting an event, although fun, can get stressful fast so next time you are planning your next summer bash take a look at these tips!

Food: On the bright side…you don’t have to think too hard about the menu for a summer party as many people are expecting the traditional backyard grub, but try to make it fun with a few new staples.

Add some color to the table with fresh fruit and vegetables paired with some killer dips. Try dipping flavors not many people have like a spicy chipotle hummus or a sweet dip for the fruit like cookie dough. You also want to make sure you have more than just hamburgers and hot dogs for the main dishes. Try to have a vegetarian or vegan option for guests like sweet potato and pepper kabobs. Also maybe you want to be adventurous and try something like salmon on the grill.

Drinks: Make the party fun with some signature cocktails or “mocktails” to celebrate the new summer season. Sangria or frozen cocktails are great for a refreshing beverage for adults and the kids can enjoy slushies!

In addition, having a cooler full of water and soda will ensure that every guest has something to wash down that delicious food with and keep hydrated in the heat.

Games: It’s all fun and games during the summer months! Buying classic yard games like croquet, bocce ball or ladder toss are all good ones to keep on hand. You may also want to provide some playing cards for the tables in case those sitting want something to entertain themselves too.

If you are having a pool party, get some small squirt guns or water balloons for everyone to enjoy. Remember these will always have more clean up than land games though.

Best party set-up: The most important thing when hosting a summer party outdoors is having a space for your guests to cool off and escape the heat. This could either be opening your home and letting people hangout indoors for a bit or setting up umbrellas or shade tents in the yard. Also remember to buy extra ice and cooking fuel! Nothing ruins a good cook-out like hot drinks and cold food.

Some other things to consider is providing sunscreen or bug spray to your guests to keep them safe, especially for little ones as they are often prone to sunburns and bug bites.

Music: If you don’t have a musical ear, go ahead and put someone else in charge of a playlist! There are plenty of pre-made “songs for the summer” playlists on streaming services or free platforms like YouTube, but it can also be fun to make your own. Pick songs that are chill and happy but also appropriate for all ages if children are attending.

Whether it’s a family barbecue or a pool party for your closest friends, take these tips to make sure your summer bash will be the envy of parties for the rest of the sunshine season.