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6 Reasons to Keep an Updated First Aid Kit at Home

July 20, 2021 Leave a Comment

Almost 40 million people visit the doctor each year because of an accidental injury.

Injuries are a part of life but being prepared can go a long way towards recovering quickly.

Do you have a first aid kit in your home? If you answered no – you aren’t prepared.

Keep reading for 6 reasons you need an updated first aid kit in your home.

1. To Treat Injuries ASAP

The most important benefit of having a first aid kit at home is the ability to treat injuries quickly. With some injuries, time is critical and even slight delays can cause serious issues. When you have a first aid kit at the ready, you can treat common medical situations like cuts, scrape, burns, and bites in an instant.

This can give you a head start on treating the injury and could even prevent the need for a costly urgent care visit. You may be able to minimize scarring and help your wound heal more quickly with prompt treatment.

2. Everything Conveniently in One Location

The last thing you want to do in an emergency is scramble to find first aid supplies.

When you have a kid already assembled, you don’t have to waste time and energy trying to figure out what you need and where to find it. Taking the time to assemble a kit in advance will save you time when you need it most.

3. Fits Anywhere

First aid kits are compact and can be stored just about anywhere. You can even take them with you.

You should have a first aid kit in your home and your vehicle. You can even store one in your bag.

4. Preventing Infection

One of the most important aspects of first aid is preventing infection. If not properly cleaned, wounds can easily end up infected.

Be sure to keep antibiotics like Neosporin in your first aid kit.

5. Help Someone Else

Having your own home first aid kit can come in handy for others besides your own family.

If a friend is injured at your house or even a stranger, you can act quickly to provide first aid. Accidents happen when you least expect them to.

6. Customizable for Your Needs

The first aid supplies in your kit can be customized based on your family’s needs.

For example, if you or a family member has an allergy and needs an epi-pen close by, you can keep it stored in your compact first aid kit.

You can build pretty much any kit you can imagine and can even design your kit like a first responder kit bag.

Are You Prepared With a First Aid Kit?

If you don’t have a first aid kid in your home, you need one. Assembling a first aid kit takes little time and can be more than worth the trouble if an accident leads to an injury.

Check out the rest of our blog for more reviews of the best health supplies to keep in your first aid kit.

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5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Company for Homes

July 20, 2021 Leave a Comment

Are you ready to install solar panels on your home? The good news is that there is no better time than today. Since solar panels have declined in price by 99% in the past 40 years, it’s a perfect time to start the conversion process.

If you’re trying to find a solar company for homes, this post will help you in your search. Below are five factors to consider when looking for a company for installing solar panels on your home.

Solar panel technician with drill installing solar panels on roof on a sunny day

1. Verify Licensing Information

There isn’t one set of building guidelines that applies across all locations. Each city and county have their own unique requirements. That’s why you can’t pick up and start working in any location you please.

You need the right licensing to show that you know the local regulations. Verify the licensing for every person working on your property, so you know for sure that they know how to do the job correctly.

2. Get the Timing Right

The chances are good that you don’t want to wait months to get your solar panels installed. However, certain contractors won’t always work with you on your schedule. They fit you in months down the line when they have an opening.

If you want your installation done soon, verify scheduling before you commit to a provider. Doing this will ensure you get your new solar panels installed quickly.

3. Get Pricing Options

Even if you’re in a hurry to get your new solar panels installed, the last thing you need to do is rush the process. If you only look at one company during your search, you might miss out on a great deal.

Try to get quotes from a minimum of three solar companies when comparing installation fees. Of course, don’t jump at the lowest price you see. Try to get the most value for your money when making your choice.

4. Look Over Warranties

Even with qualified solar installers, the job will sometimes not get done right the first time. Whether it’s because of human error or bad equipment, there’s always the chance that something will go wrong.

The question is, will your solar provider stand by their work when this happens? A warranty guarantees that they will. Make sure your warranty covers both labor and equipment before you buy from a solar installation company.

5. Look for Good Reviews

With so many options for solar providers available, it’s challenging for many people to pick out the cream of the crop. Anybody can tell you how good their service is. It’s another thing to deliver on your promises.

That’s why looking at online customer reviews is essential in your search. Great providers like Blue Raven Solar will have many reviews available online. You can tell by looking at customers’ past experiences whether or not a solar company is worth working with.

Do Your Research When Searching for a Solar Company for Homes

You’re investing a lot of money in solar panels, so you don’t want to work with a company that can’t give you the service you need. The factors above will help you find the best solar company for homes. Do your research, and you’ll get the solar installation experience you’re looking for.

Are you interested in more tips for improving your home? Head back to the blog for more great home improvement tips.

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Winning Water: 5 Water Softener Advantages You Didn’t Know

July 13, 2021 Leave a Comment

Have you been ignoring hard water? Hard water can be annoying but did you also know that it can cause major problems for your home?

If you live in the United States, chances are you’ve experienced hard water. If you’re dealing with poor water quality in your own home, you don’t have to suffer.

Keep reading to learn more about why these 5 water softener advantages can seriously change your life.

1. Water Softeners Save You Money

Many people hesitate to invest in a water softener because of the cost upfront. But installing a water softener can actually save you money over time. Here are just a few of the things you can save money on over time by investing in a water softening system:

  • Plumbing
  • Appliances
  • Gas and electric bills
  • Soaps, detergents, and cleaning products

2. Improved Laundry

Hard water is hard on clothes. The minerals in hard water leave deposits on clothes that lead to fading, stains, and dull whites. One of the biggest water softener advantages for laundry is that soft water dissolves into clothes more easily, helping them get clean.

Softer water means softer clothes. It also keeps clothes looking new for longer by preventing damage caused by minerals in the water.

3. Cleaner Dishes

Hard water leads to cloudy dishes. No matter how many times you clean them, your dishes will look dirty when they dry. This is because of a build-up of minerals.

You might be wondering, what does a water softener do about that? Well, water softeners remove the minerals that lead to build-up on dishes. The softer water also blends with dish soap more effectively, creating more lather and cleaner dishes.

4. Better Skin and Hair

If you’ve ever showered with hard water, you’ve probably noticed that your shampoo and soap didn’t lather very well. A water softener will solve this problem and make your products more efficient, leading to cleaner skin and hair.

Hard water is hard on your body because it strips away your natural oils. This causes problems for your skin and hair. Installing a water softener can improve the look and feel of your hair and your skin as well as increase water pressure.

5. Saving Time on Cleaning

If your home has hard water, you probably spend a lot of time cleaning.

Hard water doesn’t fully penetrate and dissolve soap and leads to a build-up of minerals like lime. This residue collects in your showers, baths, sinks, and faucets.

One of the biggest signs you need a water softener is the presence of these hard-to-clean substances. Check out this link to learn more about the best water softeners to keep your home clean.

Want to Learn More Water Softener Advantages?

If you’re noticing signs of hard water and want to improve your quality of life, you should consider investing in a water softener.

Not only will softer water improve your daily life, but it can improve your health and give you peace of mind about the water you drink.

Check out the rest of our blog for product reviews to learn more about water softener advantages.

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4 Key Questions To Help You Decide Whether To Buy A Home

June 5, 2021 Leave a Comment

Are you thinking about buying your first home? If so, then you do need to make sure that this is going to be the right decision for you. Here are some key questions that you should ask yourself. 

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Can You Afford It?

 

First, it is important to determine whether you can actually afford to buy the home in question. If the answer is no then you need to be honest with yourself about this and potentially continue to save. It could be the mortgage that is putting you off and if that’s the case, then you might just not have found the right one. Sites like MortgageQuote.com can help ensure that you are exploring all of the options available on the mark that could suit your needs. 

 

Are You Ready To Settle?

 

You might not have found the place where you want to stay for a long time just yet. If you’re still young, then there’s no shame in this. It’s great to be able to move around and continue to try and find the right place for you. However, a mistake people make is thinking that they can buy and they continue to do this. That’s a problem because a home will always cement you in one place. Even if you rent it out, that still means that you are responsible for the upkeep and providing health and safety standards for tenants. Selling a property isn’t always easy either which is why if you are not ready to settle it’s best to avoid a purchase until you are. 

 

Are You Prepared For The Responsibility?

 

There’s definitely a lot more responsibility when you buy a home compared to when you continue to rent. The main responsibility is that you need to take care of the home and ensure that you are fixing it up and repairing it. If you rent, a landlord will be responsible for doing this for you. When you buy things change and you’ll have to make sure the home is safe for you and the rest of your family. If you don’t have the time or willpower to do this, it’s best to keep renting for now. 

 

Have You Found The Right Property? 

 

Finally, you need to make sure that you do find the right property rather than rushing in. It’s tempting to buy the first property you discover that looks okay and matches your price range but this is never going to be a smart option. The problem with doing this is that the property could be riddled with problems and might not be the smart investment that you hoped for. One of the ways that you can avoid issues here is by doing a thorough check. You should also make sure that an owner is selling the home on the floor. If you buy a home that is too expensive then you could end up with a mortgage shortfall. 

 

You can research and find out more about buying a house and whether it is the right time for you here www.moneysavingexpert.com.

 

We hope this helps you determine whether buying a property is going to be the right choice for you. 

 

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4 Tips to build a home during the pandemic!

May 17, 2021 Leave a Comment

Prior to the pandemic, we decided to sell our home and buy a ranch.  We enjoyed the freedom of having our own land and knew we wanted to build our dream farmhouse. Then covid happened and we had to get creative to stay in our budget and get what we wanted! My husband nor I lost our jobs during covid, fortunately, our income didn’t suffer due to Covid, but the cost to build doubled!

Here  are few things I learned about building during covid:

Make sure you have exactly what you want on the plans. Most of the extra money made during home building is from the changes made after the building starts.

Ask for a complete breakdown of when each draw will be due. We receive upfront a step-by-step guide of when each payment is due and what will be completed. This helps with knowing what to expect.
Lastly, if you don’t like the options for things such as the garage door. Then ask to upgrade and pay the difference right then. Don’t settle with something you aren’t 100% happy with.
These tips helped us have a smooth building experience and actually enjoy it.

 

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The Perks of Hose Carts for Renters, House Flippers, and Owners

March 17, 2021 Leave a Comment

The Perks of Hose Carts for Renters, House Flippers, and Owners

If you’re currently renting a townhouse or home, or you’re flipping an older house to put on the market, you can greatly benefit from having a hose cart at your disposal. True enough, you may never think about garden hoses until a problem arises. Since yard and home exterior maintenance will need to be done no matter which category you fall into, these carts can really come in handy. Even if you’re a homeowner, there are several ways in which a cart is a better option than a wall-mounted hose reel. If you don’t already have one, here are a few reasons why renters, flippers, and owners alike should consider investing in hose reel carts.

Home Renters

As a home renter, there are restrictions on what you can install on or on the property. One of these is probably a wall-mounted garden hose reel. Your landlord or the management company owning your townhouse will surely not wish you to drill into the brick and mortar of the home. That is fine you don’t want to pay! This is where a hose cart will be incredibly useful. These can be transported anywhere you need a hose, from the driveway to flowerbeds and more. Hose carts are designed with large tires that can handle soggy yards, gravel, pavement, and tall grass. Easy to use and highly practical, these carts can be used to do a number of different things. Rinse off the back patio and water plants, then wheel it to the front of your home to wash the car and whatever else needs to be done outside. You won’t have to deal with a tangled hose messily stored on the ground. Instead, it’ll be perfectly stored and ready to go when you are.

House Flippers

If you remodel homes to put on the market, you’ll need to carry out a ton of maintenance. One area that may need major TLC is the front or back yard. Maybe new grass needs to be seeded or the sides of the home need to be power washed. Since you don’t want to install a garden hose reel onto a home that buyers may not like, a hose cart will be an excellent investment for your business. These carts are great for any job you have around the house you’re fixing, allowing you to reach far corners in the back yard, each side of the house, and wherever else you need to get to. A hose cart will help you water new grass, flowerbeds, and shrubbery anywhere on the property. You’ll be able to hose down any area of the home and fill the pool or hot tub with no mobility issues whatsoever!

Home Owners

If you’re not a renter or flipper, you can reap many benefits from owning a hose reel cart. Maybe you don’t want the look of a wall-mounted garden hose reel on the side or back of your home. These can be eyesores for some, especially when the hose isn’t wound in place correctly. A hose cart is a perfect solution with the ability to wheel it out of sight after use. These fit right in the garage or outdoor shed, leaving your home free of the functional decoration of a hose reel. Carry out all the outdoor tasks you’d normally do without the hassle of bad mobility as you make your way across the back yard into the front of your home or elsewhere.

No matter where you fall in homeownership, from renter to owner, there are notable benefits that make hose reel carts worthwhile investments. They provide all the benefits of a wall-mounted hose reel without permanence or lack of mobility. When you choose a high-quality hose reel, they typically come with a warranty so you’re totally covered should it leak or rust. Your garden hose is probably something you simply don’t think about. However, in a moment of frustration, you’ll wish you had an easier and more efficient solution. Consider purchasing a hose cart for your rental home, business, or owned home to see just how much value they bring!

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Custom Patio Screen Doors And Why You Need Them

February 25, 2021 Leave a Comment

During a beautiful, clear sunny day either in spring, summer, or early fall, many of us enjoy having those seasonal breezes sweep through our home while the bugs stay out. A patio door is wonderful for letting those refreshing breezes sweep through your home. However, without a good patio screen door, debris and insects have no barrier to prevent them from entering your home.

Not all homes are built the same. Many of us these days live in homes with character and unique aspects, or many of us are designing our own homes from the ground up to be uniquely tailored to what we want in our dream home. Whether the home was built before the age of patio screen doors or you’ve got a larger or much smaller shaped patio door, what do you do?

You get custom patio screen doors! We’ll tell you why you should purchase custom patio screen doors and why they are perfect for your home’s patio.

What are Custom Patio Screen Doors?

Custom patio screen doors are customizable kits, or pieces specifically made to be used with unusually sized patio screen doors. Not all patio doors are built equal or the same depending on the home. A one-size-fits-all may not even fit your patio doors, so when you need a special size for your patio screen doors, the custom is usually the best solution.

What Comes with Custom Patio Screen Doors?

The best custom patio screen doors come in two selections: the classic sliding patio screen door and the classic sliding patio screen door kit. Why are these superior? These options are the most convenient for contractors and DIY homeowners alike for ease of replacing old patio screen doors, renovating them, or installing brand new ones with customized dimensions rarely found elsewhere.

Everything you need to create a gorgeous, easy to use patio screen door all in one convenient package.

Classic Sliding Patio Screen Door Kit:
• Heavy-duty, durable extruded aluminum frame, 4 pieces, sizes in width and height customizable.
• Screen material of your choice.
• Spline.
• Internal corners.
• Hardware included: sliding screen door handle, spline tool, internal corners
• Clear and easy instructions for building

Don’t feel like doing it yourself? Or you simply don’t have the time? The next option is right for you.

Classic Sliding Patio Screen Door:
• Pre-assembled for hassle-free installment
• Huge range of customizable widths and heights
• Wide choice of screen mesh material
• Can be built to specifications matching solar screen for the fixed side that mounts outside the door tracks
• Same heavy-duty, reliable extruded aluminum for long-lasting weathering

What Benefits Are There to Custom Patio Screen Doors?

Stop Bugs and Dirt. Custom patio screen doors mean more choices for unique homes that may not be available anywhere else. Being able to enjoy your patio no matter the season, as well as the fresh air, is important. But without a custom patio screen door that fits perfectly to your patio doors, you risk letting in gnats, mosquitos, flies, insects, dirt, debris, and perhaps even small outdoor critters. Some screens even help filter out dust and pollens, which is another fantastic benefit to having custom patio screen doors.

Ventilation Control. Ventilation is a must-have within your home. Painting something, cooking, fumes, and so on need to be properly ventilated within the home for safety and well-being. When it comes to being comfortable in your own home, having the ability to open your patio screen doors without the worry of pets escaping or biting bugs entering is just as important.

Cost-Effective and Convenient. If you decide to put together a custom patio screen door yourself with easy to follow instructions, you save yourself so much time and money! You don’t need to spend hours finding a contractor or wait weeks for one to become available. You don’t need to pay for the initial professional installation nor the hourly wages after, and you don’t need to worry about a stranger inconveniencing you in your own house. If you purchase custom patio screen doors already assembled you save yourself even more time and make it even easier to have your patio screen doors up and usable within moments.

Last, and just as essential: the customizable options with custom patio screen doors tend to have much more variety. With all of these amazing options as well as benefits, you now know exactly why you need custom patio screen doors!

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5 Considerations Before Purchasing A Home Next To Water

February 17, 2021 Leave a Comment

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No matter if you’re interested in living next to the sea, a large lake or river, living by an open expanse of water can be quite refreshing and exciting. As there are a limited number of homes that can be in proximity to these considerations, it’s quite clear to see that these homes are often quite valuable, and they retain their value over time, too.

 

Of course, if you hope to purchase a home near the water, odds are you’re not only in it for the view. Many people enjoy retiring near a large lake where they can enjoy fishing over time, or perhaps wish to build their dream home next to a large and winding river. It could also be that a seafront property can help us get the freshest of air, and for us to take in a radiant tourist scene.

 

Yet like any large decision in life, there are a few considerations to make when purchasing a house or owning property near water, and that can help you come to a more informed decision when looking for somewhere to set up. Otherwise, it can be easy to get swept away in fairytale narratives without actually considering just what your experience may be in the long term.

 

With that in mind, we hope to explore some of the following advice with you, helping you get the benefit of enjoying a wonderful time near the water:

 

Licenses

 

It’s important to consider just what licenses you may need in order to spend time near the water or on the water. It might be that you have to pay a yearly fee to register as a fisherman on private waters, and that may come with certain restrictions such as from what time of year you are allowed to enjoy that kind of activity.

 

Registering, insurance and licensing a boat is also quite important, making sure that you’re following the law and advice of the coast or water guard to the utmost letter. In some cases, you may be limited to what kind of renovative work you may be able to have next to the water, as often these areas are protected except for special developments. In this respect, asking your local housing authority just what options are on the table for you can be a very good and worthwhile idea.

 

Water Safety

 

It’s very important to consider water safety and how you’ll keep your family and friends secure. This might mean implementing a fence and ensuring that your children are closely watched, to make sure they cannot fall into the water themselves if your property backs up onto a lake.

 

It also means investing in the right equipment when placing boats on the water. For instance, Excellent boatlift platforms provide the means for a secure transmission from the water even in rough and stormy conditions – that in itself can add an extra layer of safety to your boat retrieval and storage.

 

Life rings, bouys, arm bands and other equipment are worth investing in as standard, in order to ensure you keep on top of water safety and are able to follow the thorough rules of the local authority. In this sense, you can make sure that you take living next to the water as responsibly as you can – as there is always a danger and risk posed by this effort.

 

Lifestyle

 

Of course, it might be that there are several perks that come with living next to the water. You may be able to fish as previously discussed, but it could be that implementing engine-led boats or rowboats can serve as a great method of transport to another part of the town.

 

As such, it’s important to inquire as to where the public waterways are, what activities take place on that stretch of water, and just what your right of passage may be. It could be that everything is more than appropriate and paying a fee to your local rowing club helps you store your boat when there.

 

This is just one example that pertains to a larger truth – it’s essential to consider just what lifestyle you’re aiming for when purchasing land near the water, and training yourself or becoming properly qualified to live that lifestyle.

 

Alternative Living Conditions

 

Of course, so far we have discussed some of the ramifications and options open to you when thinking of life next to the water – but what about life on the water? In the UK alone, it is estimated that over 15,000 people live in boats on the water, including canal boats, barges and other residential ships. 

 

While this style of living is not for everyone, it might be for you! For that reason, doing some research on the upkeep of barges, how much they cost to purchase, where they can be found, and what canal-living communities there are can help you look to alternate arrangements, particularly if you’re looking for an adventure and need to ‘settle’ somewhere still guaranteed to give you freedom. In that capacity, you’re much more likely to consider all angles, and to do so effectively.

 

Security & Safety

 

So far we have discussed keeping your family safe and secure when living near water, but it’s also important to consider your home security and what that means.

 

One risk involved with living close to the water is that you’re often open to potential flooding if the water levels rise and become difficult to deal with. In the United Kingdom especially, heavy rainfalls led many riverside towns to flood dramatically, even overcoming the flood defenses. This isn’t intended to frighten you, only to help you understand what the risks may be, and why it’s worth looking into the past to consider what trends there are, and how to protect against them.

 

There is also the potential for land subsidence, or for the need to implement better runoff solutions which can lead to a bigger and more intensive renovative project if you hope to extend your property.

 

In terms of securing your home – it’s important to consider what measures you are happy with. When your home opens out onto a lake bed, it might mean that a public footpath is integrated between your home and the water, or that people have more access to your property than they may do in a more residential area. Putting up fences, security cameras, or simple motion detected floodlights (not pun intended) can help you stay safe and protect or secure your property against even the most unlikely security threats. In this way – you get the peace of mind you deserve.

 

With this advice, we hope you can live on the waterfront with confidence.

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7 Apps To Help You Declutter Your Home

February 8, 2021 Leave a Comment

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When our homes are cluttered and disorderly it can be difficult to feel cozy and relaxed. Whether you’re planning some interior design work, or looking to move home, these apps can help you to declutter and clean up.

 

1 . Offerup

 

Using the Offerup app it’s simple to sell the old items that you no longer want. Whether it’s homeware, clothes, electronics or cars, you can sell it all here on the Offerup app. Create the perfect profile and build up your reputation with the rating and review features. Communication is seamless, with instant messaging that connects you directly with buyers. Here you can chat with buyers in your local community, and earn some money on your old clutter.

 

  1. Clutterfree

 

The Clutterfree app helps you to design a roadmap to remove the clutter from your home. Using Clutterfree you can record your progress, try decluttering challenges, and get inspired. Here you’ll get advice from decluttering experts, with a personalized plan that works for you. The app also offers bonus plans that focus on certain areas of your home. These include Clutterfree Habits, Paper Organization 101, or Decluttering Books. When discussing the concept behind the app Joshua Becker, said, ‘My passion, from the very beginning, has been to help people who own too much realize that reality and begin to own less.’

 

  1. Centriq

 

Using the Centriq app you can get rid of the paper manuals for your home electronics, tools and appliances. All you have to do is snap a picture of the appliance, and the app will find the manuals, tutorials and warranties. As well as accessing these documents, the application stores all the pictures in a home inventory. Using the Centriq app you can: 

  • Access info about safety recalls
  • Organize all your paperwork
  • Order new parts for your appliances 
  • Learn about the features of your electronics

 

With an inventory of your items, it’s easier to get organized if you ever move home. An inventory can help you to show your moving company how many large appliances and electronics you have.

 

  1. Toss: Declutter Fast & Easy

 

The Toss app makes it simple to declutter your life. All it takes is a few minutes per day, to embrace the minimalist lifestyle. Toss includes four principles and steps:

 

  • Time: Approaching your clutter with short and fast tasks is the easiest way to get on top of things.
  • Organization: When you ditch the objects you don’t need it’s far easier to get your living spaces organized.
  • Simplicity: Simple and easy tasks give you the motivation to keep tossing things out everyday.
  • Serenity: When you track how many items you toss out each day, you’ll feel more serene and productive over time.

 

Toss encourages you to choose just one small task a day, whether it’s one drawer or one cupboard to declutter.

 

  1. Get Rid Of It

 

An app made for wannabe minimalists, ‘Get Rid Of It’, encourages you to throw away the items that are not adding value to your life. The idea is to monitor what you can get rid of, over a 30 day period. You start by throwing out one item on day one, two items on day two, and so on. There’s a social community where you can chat and share your progress, plus plenty of helpful tips about decluttering.

 

  1. Wallapop 

 

Wallapop is an app that allows you to sell second hand items, across various different categories. Here you can sell clothing, sports equipment, children’s toys, homeware, video games and more. A few of the best features of Wallapop include:

 

  • Zero charges for delivery, local and convenient transactions. 
  • A wide range of categories including video games, furniture and more.
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly, helping you to make money and go green.
  • Chat with buyers easily via instant messaging.

 

  1. Spotless

 

Once you’ve ditched the clutter, you’ll want to get your home organized and clean. With the Spotless app it’s simple to keep your home nice and tidy. Using the app you can create multiple rooms, and make a task list for each of them. It’s simple to use, motivating you to get rid of clutter, and get things nice and clean. For anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by household chores, Spotless is the app you need.

 

Living a more minimalist lifestyle can help you to protect the earth, save money, and beautify your home. Whether it’s clearing out your wardrobe or adopting mindful shopping habits, there are plenty of ways to get clutter free.

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3 Tips for Making Your Home Less Stressful to Manage

February 2, 2021 Leave a Comment

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Keeping your home properly organized, and ensuring that it is tidy and free from clutter, can be pretty frustrating at the best of times.

 

Probably very few people in the world – if any – can honestly say that they like doing chores, or that their immediate home environments never become messy when they are distracted, or are sidetracked by other more important events in their lives.

 

Here are a handful of tips that you can try out, that can help to make your home less stressful and frustrating to manage.

 

Opt for home features that are easier to clean and manage in the first place

 

Not all home features are equal when it comes to how easy or frustrating they are to keep clean, or to manage effectively.

 

If you invest in vinyl flooring installation, for example, cleaning the floor in that room is going to be far quicker, easier, and less stressful than if you were trying to clean a carpeted floor, or a hardwood floor that you were nervous of damaging.

 

Of course, this isn’t to say that every feature in your home should be selected in order to make sure that it’s the easiest thing to clean. But you should definitely think about these kinds of things when deciding which features to bring into your home in the first place.

 

If you are hunting for a place to rent, for example, a carpeted bathroom should probably send you running.

 

Implement small routines that help to prevent too much mess from accumulating at any one time

 

It is always going to take a good deal of willpower, while simultaneously being more than a little frustrating, to deal with a major mess that has accumulated in your home – whether that’s an enormous stack of dirty dishes, or an intense vacuuming and dusting job.

 

Easily one of the best ways of making your home less stressful to tidy and manage, is to prevent these big messes from accumulating in the first place, by incrementing small routines that help to take care of these issues before they develop.

 

For example, you could practice getting in the habit of rinsing off each plate when you put it in the sink – meaning it’ll be less of a job to clean them later.

 

Have regular external motivators to remind you to tidy up

 

Under normal circumstances, if you had friends or relatives dropping in to visit you once a week, that would probably be a good motivator for you to tidy the place up, more or less that often.

 

The simple fact is that external motivators are often very powerful in getting us to do things that we know we should do, that we all too often end up procrastinating on.

 

Come up with some regular external motivators to remind you to tidy up, whether that’s having someone over for lunch, needing clear floor space for a particular hobby, or a variety of other things.

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Maintaining Your Home in the New Year

January 11, 2021 Leave a Comment

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It’s 2021 and most of us are spending more time in our homes than ever before. Governments around the world are advising that people stay home as much as possible to slow the spread of coronavirus and Covid-19, which have been wreaking havoc around the world for almost a year now. Of course, if you’re going to spend more time at home, you’re going to want to make sure that your home is in the best condition that it can possibly be in. This will involve some serious home maintenance, but it is doable. Here are some steps to take to help make sure your home is in the best condition possible at all times!

 

Resolving Issues with Your Property Early On

 

Everyone experiences some sort of issue with their property at some point. At the end of the day, we use our homes a lot and there are going to be cases where things wear down, break, or when your home lets elements or animals from the outside in. Whenever you identify a problem with your home, it’s absolutely essential that you tackle it as quickly and effectively as possible. All too many people will attempt to sweep problems under the carpet until they’re causing serious damage or disruption. This is illogical. Tackling issues early on means you have a small and cheaper problem to deal with. When you tackle issues later on, they are often more difficult to resolve and will take more time and cost more money to resolve. If you have a leaky tap or a blocked drain, call a plumber. If you have a cracked window, call a glazier. If you have a small crack or hole in the roof, call a roofer. If you have animals in your home (such as mice, squirrels or other animals) bear in mind that they are only trying to survive. You could call an exterminator, but it’s generally best to take as humane an approach as possible, identify where the animals are getting in and block it, identify why animals are coming in (often open food sources) and remove it and they will eventually leave of their own accord. You also need to check whether the animal is protected or endangered, as you may not legally be able to move them if they are.

 

Carrying Out a Deep Clean

 

Once problems are resolved, it’s time to look into deep cleaning your home. Of course, there are chores we all carry out on a day to day basis. These are simple and don’t take too long .Washing the dishes. Wiping down kitchen surfaces. Dusting. Sweeping. Mopping. Vacuuming. But every so often you should be doing a deep clean too. Cleaning the carpets with a carpet cleaner. Wiping down the skirting boards. Dusting less used areas. This will really help your home to shine!

 

These are just a few suggestions that can get the ball rolling when it comes to maintaining a wonderful home. Hopefully, the advice will come in useful!

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The Professionals That You Need to Make Your Dream Home a Reality

January 11, 2021 Leave a Comment

Designing and building a home of your dreams is one of the top things on the life to-do list for many people. When you have a vision for your home, and can turn it into a reality, you will not only create a home ideal for you and it will be just how you want it, but you can ensure that there is optimal efficiency of the space in the home, as well as the money that you spend, and the energy usage in the home. You can also create an outside that you love too, whether it is a patio and decking area, land to grow food, or land to raise animals. Designing and building your own home can be a big task to undertake, though. There is a lot of plan and design, to very fine detail, as well as some legal restrictions to think about. So here are some of the things that you can do, and who you can seek advice from, as you plan out a dream home build.

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Land Purveyors

One of the first things to look at is finding the land to build your home on. You could have some land already, with plans to knock down the existing property and build from scratch. This can be a big job, though, especially if surrounded by other homes, so looking for land could be the better option. Look for an experienced land purveyor and they will be able to scout out the best possible areas to meet your specific requirements, considering your budget at the same time too. With local expertise and knowledge of things like soil types and best places for building, they can be a real help.

 

Architects

Architects or custom home builders are going to be your next port of call, when you know where you plan to build. You are likely to have a good idea about what you want your home to look like and function like, but working with an architect can help you to get the home looking just as you want it. They have the experience and expertise to bring the dreams to a reality, in a completely professional and practical way. Getting the design right is crucial at this point, so make sure that you are working with experts. Recommendations are a great thing to go on at this point, as well as looking for honest reviews.

 

Builders

The architects are the ones that will get all of the plans in place, but they aren’t the ones that will make it a reality; that is down to the builders. Often, home builders will work with architects, so they will have a team to call on when it comes to it. Not all do, though, so finding a building company to do the work is a vital step in the process. You might plan to be on-site a lot, but still choosing a company with expertise in this area is a must. Look for ones that can also install things like flooring, bathrooms, and kitchens, unless you plan to do this yourself. 

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Does Your Home Need a Water Treatment System?

December 15, 2020 Leave a Comment

Hard water calcium deposit on chrome tap

 

Water is filled with all sorts of contaminants, from chemicals to minerals to bacteria and more. Though most of these contaminants are relatively harmless (at least in terms of human health), they can have adverse effects. For this reason, it’s often wise to eliminate them.

Fortunately, you can do so easily with the help of water treatment systems. The question is: do you need a water treatment system in your home? You just might. Here are some signs that you do.

Are There Stains on Your Shower Walls?

One sign that you might need a water treatment system is that there are stains on your shower walls. These stains would likely be brown or orange, though they could also be blue, black, or pink. They’re most commonly caused by an excess of iron and manganese.

There are several systems that can remove these minerals, including chemical injection systems and iron filtration systems.

Does Your Soap Lack Suds?

Generally speaking, when soap and water meat, soap suds are created. That is unless the water has a high calcium and magnesium content. In that case, the water would be hard and would hinder the creation of soap suds.

Fortunately, you can remedy this problem with a water softener. Interested in installing a water softener? Read this review on the Ecowater water treatment system.

Would You Like a Steady Stream of High-quality Drinking Water?

Maybe you’d like a steady stream of bottled-water-quality drinking water on tap? If so, should install a reverse osmosis system.

These systems remove the vast majority of contaminants from water, making it as clean and as drinkable as possible. Though your water won’t be 100% pure, it will be pretty darn close.

Does Your Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

Ah, the dreaded rotten egg smell. It’s plagued well water from the beginning of time. Fortunately, it can be removed.

All you need to do is install a chemical injection system. This system will remove the source of the smell (hydrogen sulfide), furnishing your water with a clean and sterile aroma.

Does Your Water Taste Like Metal?

If there’s an excess of iron in your water, it could cause it to taste like metal. There’s nothing wrong with that if you like the taste. But if you don’t, you should know that it can be eliminated.

It’s as simple as installing either a chemical injection system or an iron filtration system.

A Water Treatment System Can Transform Your Water

Whether your water tastes funny, smells bad, is causing parts of your home to stain, or otherwise, utilizing a water treatment system can make the difference you need. There are all sorts of water treatment systems out there, from water softeners to reverse osmosis systems to chemical injection systems and more. Choose wisely!

In need of similar information? Our website has you covered. Take a look at some of our other articles now!

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Getting Yourself Onto the Property Ladder: What You Need to Do

December 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

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Nowadays, more and more people are renting, as it’s feeling more difficult than ever to get on the property ladder. Saving while paying high rent rates may be difficult, but it is possible. If you really set your mind to it, you may be able to get there! Now, buying is definitely preferable to renting if you’ve decided where you want to settle down. After all, why spend your whole life paying someone else’s mortgage when you could be paying your own instead? Here are a few steps you can take to get your foot on the first rung of the ladder!

 

Budgeting

 

First, you need to budget. People on different incomes can afford different properties. So, it’s a good idea to determine what kind of property you’ll be able to afford. This will give you a view to see what you’re saving for and how much of a deposit you will need relative to the overall price of the property. Use your salary and determine exactly how much you can commit to mortgage payments once you’ve saved your deposit. If you’re struggling, a financial advisor can help you with this.

 

Saving

 

Next, it’s time to start saving. Once you know the property prices you’re looking at, you can start saving roughly 10-15% towards the deposit. To achieve this as quickly as possible, you should contribute as much of your disposable income as possible into a savings pot. Sure, you’ll still want to do nice things or treat yourself once in a while, but the more money you put away, the sooner you’ll find yourself in the house you want. Find a savings account with a high interest rate. This will make the process easier.

 

Finding the Right Estate Agent

 

Once you have saved your deposit and are ready to start house hunting, it’s time to start browsing properties. An estate agent will be able to help you to do this. They will essentially serve as a middle person who can let you know about properties that are available and suitable for you. They can arrange viewings of properties or display homes and also negotiate on price on your behalf. Once you’ve found the right property and your offer has been accepted, they can also take care of legal paperwork associated with the sale for you.

 

Finding the Right Mortgage Lender

 

Once you’ve found the house, it’s time to apply for your mortgage. There are countless lenders out there, so browse the market and find the option with the lowest and most competitive interest rate attached. This could save you a whole lot of money in the long run, so make sure to dedicate time and effort to this.

 

As you can see, a lot goes into buying a house. But all in all, it’s entirely worth it! You’ll live in the place of your dreams and you’ll actually own it at the end of the process!

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What’s The Worst Thing About Finding A New Home?

November 24, 2020 Leave a Comment

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What’s the worst thing about finding a new home? You’d think this would be an exciting time full of thrills and cool house viewings. Sadly, there far more stress involved than you’d like to admit! In truth, it’s hard to pinpoint the single worst thing about finding a new home as there are lots of different things that bug you. So, let’s go through some of the worst things and see which of them you hate the most!

It’s so time-consuming

This is definitely a big problem for me and loads of other people I know. How do you find the time to actually look for your new home? It takes ages to shortlist all of the various properties you want to view. Also, you have to think about the location, then get your shortlist down to maybe five or so houses as you don’t have time to visit them all. Granted, you do have companies like Del-co Realty that will do all of the searchings for you. I think most modern families can’t find a house with an estate agent doing half the work – there’s simply not enough time anymore. 

You can’t find your dream home

It’s so frustrating when you spend ages looking for new homes and none of them ticks all your boxes. In the end, you’re left with the sad reality of making a compromise. You won’t be able to find your dream home in the area you’re looking at. So, you have to be content with a home that almost ticks all the right boxes. It’s annoying because you get so aggravated by little things in homes that stop them from being perfect. Also, you have to resign yourself to the fact that the house probably needs some work to get it up to your desires. So, that’s more money for you to spend!

Awkward house viewings

Some people love house viewings, but they can be so awkward and irritating. If the current owner is still in the house, it’s hard to critique anything while you’re there. Also, you sometimes feel like the estate agent is trying to hide the faults in the house. I don’t know what it is, but viewings create a sense of being force-fed the house. It’s almost as though they’re trying to force you to fall in love and agree to the sale. 

Negotiations

This will definitely be the worst thing for a lot of you. Negotiating the price for a house is a pain in the backside. Usually, it comes from stubborn owners that don’t want to lower the asking price. Even though their estate agent is begging them to concede a little bit, they drag it out for ages. If you’re lucky, negotiations can be as simple as submitting a bid and having it accepted. Most of the time, the process goes back and forth for weeks. In some instances, I’ve had friends that got stuck in negotiations for two months before the seller decided to pull out and take the home off the market. 

 

These are the four worst things about finding a home – from my perspective! Feel free to comment with any of your ‘worst things’, or let me know which of the points resonates with you the most!

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Top Ways You Can Transform Your Home

November 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

Photo by Binyamin Mellish from Pexels

Entrance

First impressions are everything, this is why you should start your focus with your front garden. Tidy up the shrubbery and cut the grass, if you really want the wow factor install some lights that lead up to your garage and front door. When you get to the entrance, make it grand by adding some potted plants or statues, as the festive season is upon us, craft up a wreath to liven up your door. Once you enter, ensure that it is clear of clutter and inviting, add a mirror to make the space appear bigger and brighter.

Go smart

If you haven’t already, think about investing in some smart home devices. There is so much you can now control from your smart devices. Not only can you use your phone as a universal remote to switch on your lights and TV, but you can also use it to create locational force fields. For example, you can program that when you leave work, your heating turns on, so it can be nice and warm when you arrive home. Then when you get to the bottom of your street, it triggers the outside lights to turn on so you can see your path when driving in. There are so many possibilities to try out, do some research on what the best home kits would work for you and have a little play around. In no time, everything will be automated for you.

 

Redecorate

Every now and then, we notice our interior can get a little tired. Whether it is a touch up of the same color or a whole new look, repainting your walls can give your home a new lease of life. If you are on a low budget, why not try changing up some of your furnishings, swapping your cushions, throws and curtains for new ones can really liven up your home.

Get Solar panels

Solar panels are a great addition to any household. They are economical and in the long run, better financially. Having them installed on your roof can cost a hefty amount, so find a supplier with a good return rate. You can also get some smaller solar lights for your front and rear garden, this will charge the battery during the day and then they automatically stay lit at night.

Upgrade your Garage

The garage is usually the forgotten room in the house. If you find the space being unused, then why not install some shelving units to remove all the clutter and create space for a workstation. If the garage is where you keep your car, then think about installing an electric door, so you don’t have to spend time manually opening and closing the door.

Now we have given you some top ways to transform your home, try putting some of them into effect. If you are trying to be more eco-friendly, check out Helping The Earth Starts At Home: Here’s What You Can Do.

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Helping The Earth Starts At Home: Here’s What You Can Do

October 23, 2020 Leave a Comment

If you are interested in helping the Earth, then the first place we suggest you start is in the home! You might not realize just how much you can actually do in your own space to be able to help the Earth and make it a nicer place. A lot of the things that you can do are super simple and don’t take a lot for you to do, so that’s a huge bonus if you live a busy life. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at what you can do at your home to get this started, so keep reading if you’d like to find out more.

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Reduce Your Electricity Usage

 

The first thing that we recommend is that you reduce your electricity usage. There isn’t an infinite amount of power in the world when it comes to electricity, and eventually, we are going to run out. The thing is that this uses fossil fuels, which, when burned, release toxic chemicals into the air. There are so many other forms of energy that you can use that don’t do this, making them a much cleaner alternative. Of course, we live in a society that has a heavy focus on electricity, so we don’t expect you to give it up completely. However, if you can lower the amount you use and try to use another source of power for some things, this is an excellent start.

 

If you live in an area that gets a lot of sun, solar power might be the way to go for you. After the initial cost of buying and setting up your solar panels, this is going to be completely free! As such, it’s not just good for the Earth, but it’s good for your purse as well.

 

Look At Your Garden

 

Have you ever looked to your garden and wondered if there was something that you could do there? One of the most simple things that you can try is adding a rain tank from a company like tanks direct to your garden. This way, you can catch the rainwater and store it for things like watering your plants and a number of other different things. It’s an excellent way to get water and use natural resources to do things in your home.

 

Grow Your Own Food

 

Finally, have you considered growing your own food in your garden? We’re only talking about simple things like having a vegetable patch in your garden, so don’t panic about completely providing for yourself! The thing with growing your own food is that you won’t be using pesticides, which are toxic for the Earth. The less chemicals that are released into the air, the better, and if you are going to be growing your own food, then there will be slightly less demand for this from those larger producers who do use these.

 

We hope that you have found this article helpful and now see that helping the Earth starts right at your front door. Even if you only manage to do one of the things on this list, you’ve still taken a big step in the right direction! Have fun!

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Creating A Renewed Home In Lockdown

October 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

This year has been the strangest year most of us have ever experienced. Since March many of us have been stuck living an isolated life, and being at home for all this time can be hard for our mental health. 

 

If you are sick of seeing the same four walls every single day, it might be a good idea to start planning and changing things around your home. Take this time to spruce up and revamp your living space and make it feel much more like a home than a house.

Source 

 

Get festive 

 

The first thing you can do to make a big change to your home is get it feeling more festive. We know that it isn’t Christmas yet, however Halloween is coming up and after that we have a whole month where the house can be decorated for autumn and winter. Hang some fairy lights around the house, get some candles burning, use pumpkins around the house and weave a leaf Garland around the stairs. There are plenty of ways to make your home feel more festive without fully decorating it for Christmas, and it will make everyone in the house feel like they are leading up to celebrating something. 

 

Rearrange 

 

If you don’t want to fully commit to redecorating your home, one thing you can do to make your home feel refreshed is to rearrange the furniture. Think about how you can move the furniture around to make your house look and feel more exciting. Even just changing the wall that your TV faces can make a whole lot of difference to the atmosphere of your home. 

 

Plan a project 

 

Being stuck at home for so long likely will get the cogs ticking in your mind, and now is a great time to plan a project with a home builder to really make your house a home. Whether it’s as big as building an extension or simply opening up the rooms of your house; any changes like this will make a huge difference to your house and they will make your home feel new and exciting. 

 

Be smart with storage 

 

One of the things that you can do during this time stuck at home is clean and reorganize your home as a whole. There are many ways that you can reorganize your living space including being savvy with storage. If you don’t have much storage space in your house you will know how crucial every space can be, and there are ways to utilize these spaces better. Instead of keeping everything in your wardrobe; vacuum pack clothes you won’t wear until next year and store them elsewhere. Get rid of chunky DVD cases in favor of a DVD case that will fit all of your discs in one place. 

 

Have a clear out 

 

Now that you have gotten more savvy with storage it’s time to clear out items you no longer need in your life. We know it can be hard to get rid of things, but in the long term your home will feel more spacious and the experience will be cathartic for all.

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Consider This Before Hiring A Contractor For Your Home

September 18, 2020 Leave a Comment

Are you thinking about completing some work on your home? Perhaps you are finally going to add that extension that you have been talking about for years. Or, maybe you are interested in converting the loft? Regardless, it’s possible and perhaps likely that the job in question extends beyond your skill set. If that’s the case, then DIY won’t be an option. Instead, you will need to think about hiring a contractor. It’s important that you consider this option carefully and make the right decision with the hire. 

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Check The Reviews

 

First, you should make sure that you are exploring the reviews for different contractors and builders. It’s important that there are reviews for the company. You should never select a contractor that doesn’t seem to have any clients. This could mean that they are hiring reviews or that they are fresh on the market. Regardless it could spell doom for your builder and can be a clear sign of a cowboy contractor. They will complete the work and disappear. If there are any issues, you won’t be able to get the money back. 

 

Insurance

 

It’s absolutely vital that the contractor that you choose has the right insurance coverage. This will protect you if they are injured while completing the contract and also guarantee that if you are injured during the service that they offer, you will receive a payout. A contractor should always be open and honest about the insurance coverage that they have in place. A personal injury lawyer will be able to help you in the event of an incident. But it will be far simpler if the company in question has the right coverage. 

 

Licenses

 

Finally, you also need to make sure that you are choosing a licensed contractor. There is often the temptation to choose an unlicensed contractor because they will be able to provide a cheaper service. However, we guarantee that this is going to be a mistake. A licensed contractor will provide the peace of mind that you need if there is an issue with the quality of the service. You won’t be left out of pocket and will be able to get the problem rectified without a delay. Unlicensed contractors will often be involved with shady practices too. So, if when you speak to a contractor anything seems risky or if the service is being provided ‘under the table’ it’s worth walking away and seeking a different company. The cheaper cost in the short term will never be worth the headaches caused over a longer time frame. 

We hope this helps you understand the best ways to choose a contractor and ensure that you do get the quality solution that you need. Don’t forget that completing work on your home can add a great deal of value. However, this will only be the case, if you make sure that you are getting the right level of quality. If there is an issue with the quality of the project, it can actually cause the value of your home to drop.

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DIY Tips You Need to Know

September 14, 2020 Leave a Comment

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DIY is a great way to make your home look amazing when you’re on a limited budget, but it can also be a disaster waiting to happen. If you don’t have the skills or knowledge to complete a project successfully, so much can go wrong, but you should not let that put you off because it has never been easier, largely thanks to the internet, to find and develop the skills you need to do everything from re-tiling the bathroom to installing wooden floors in the bedroom.

I’m not going to get deep into DIY skills in this post, but I am going to lay out a few tips that you need to know if you want to make the most of your DIY efforts at home:

Paint walls before laying a floor

Planning to lay a new carpet or install a brand new wooden floor in your home? Before you do that, take the time to give your walls a fresh lick of paint, that way, every part of the room will look amazing and you won’t risk dripping paint all over your beautiful new flooring. It makes sense, right? 

Self leveling cement is a thing

Thinking about pouring your own cement flooring, but you don’t think you’ll be able to get it right. You might be interested to know that there is such a thing as a self leveling floor! That could save you a fortune because you won’t have to hire a contractor to do it all for you!

Talc is great for squeaks

Are squeaky door hinges getting on your nerves? Don’t worry if you don’t have any WD40 on hand, just head to the bathroom and use your talc to dampen the noise. A light sprinkling should be all you need.

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Vanilla gets rid of bad paint smells

If you love the look of a freshly painted home, but you hate the smell of paint fumes, you’ll be delighted to know that the simple act of adding a little vanilla extract to your paint can is usually enough to mask the smell and leave your home smelling really quite delicious.

Linseed oil removes paint

Spilled paint on your floor? Apply a liberal amount of linseed oil over the spill and leave for a few minutes. With a little elbow grease, it should then wipe off. This is one trick that even works on old paint, although you may need to leave it on for a bit longer.

Use masking tape to make a mural

Whether you want to paint a cartoon character on your kid’s bedroom wall or a neat geometric pattern on your feature wall, make things simple for yourself by using masking tape to create an outline of the image you’re after. 

Nail polish keeps screws in place

It’s really annoying when you spend ages drilling screws into place only for them to fall down, potentially causing damage to your walls and whatever they were holding up. Luckily, it’s really easy to keep screws in place by adding a drop or two of clear nail polish to the hole before tightening.

Enjoy your next DIY project!

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