For most kids, being outside and playing in the dirt is a great way to pass a few hours of time. To take advantage of these feelings, you might want to consider giving your kids some outdoor chores that will help to indulge their desire to get a little dirty, give them a chance to get some fresh air, and save you from having to take care of all this outdoor maintenance on your own.

To help you pick the right tasks for the right aged kids, here are three landscaping chores you can give your kids or teens.

Teens and Power Tools

In most situations, you’re going to want to save the big tasks that require the use of power tools for your teens to tackle. But before you let them do this for the first time, it’s vital that you give them proper training not only on how to use the tools safely, but also on how you prefer your landscaping or maintenance tasks to be finished.

According to Amy Morin, a contributor to Very Well Family, you teens need to be taught the safest ways to use tools like the lawn mower, weed whacker, rototiller, and any other power tools or equipment that you use to take care of your outdoor tasks. Additionally, you should give your teen a refresher course on using things like a leaf blower or snow blower as the seasons change, since they might have forgotten the finer points of your tutorial from the previous year.

Using Hand Tools

Before your kids are big enough to use these power tools or bigger pieces of equipment, there’s still plenty for them to do to help with the landscaping and maintenance around your home.

Generally, anything that requires a hand-held tool should be saved for your children in older elementary or junior high school. Angie’s List shares that this includes things like a garden hoe, clippers, or shears. This will help to keep your kids safe as well as keeping your garden safe from younger kids that might just be too anxious to clip or chop down anything they see.

Basic Cleaning and Maintenance

For your really little kids, their outdoor chores should focus more on basic cleaning and maintenance tasks. So if you have things that need to be gathered, like leaves or pinecones, or if your yard has become overgrown with weeds, Carrie Madormo, a contributor to Taste Of Home, shares that having your younger kids identify what needs to be found and then rounding them up can be a great chore for them.

If you’re wanting your kids to help more with the outdoor chores you have to do around your house, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you decide which tasks are going to be best for your kids to assist with.

 

There are many reasons to add a basement kitchen to your house’s design. First of all, having a kitchen in the basement makes entertaining very easy. If you and your friends are watching the Super Bowl downstairs, no one has to miss a single play to refresh the snacks or heat up the mini corn dogs.

Gardening isn’t for everyone; however, most owners of garden do want a stylish user-friendly outdoor space. Luckily, there methods and products which help to keep a garden both attractive and low maintenance. This article will show you tips and tricks for having the best-looking garden with the lowest amount of upkeep required.

Replace natural grass will artificial grass

Taking care of natural grass can be time consuming, as grass needs to be frequently cut and watered. Some people even hire professional gardeners to partake in this work for them. Artificial grass is a lower maintenance alternative, meaning it will not have to be cut and watered.

Consider paving some areas of your garden

Grass is a more commonly used material for gardens, but grass and paving and complement each other. You may decide to add a paved area to your garden, like artificial grass it is low maintenance and it is a material that does not alter. There are various types of paving which can be purchased, for example: granite, Indian Sandstone or concrete, or you may even decide to add some shingle to areas of your garden to jazz it up a little.

Limit your plants and flowers

If you are really keen on having a zero-maintenance garden and outdoor space, then you will have to limit the amount of plants and flowers you have. Like artificial grass, there are artificial options of flowers, that look just as good as the natural ones. However, if you really can’t part with your natural flowers, it is a good idea to invest in both a garden fence to protect the growth and a sprinkler, that way you do not need to keep watering your plants and flowers as the sprinkler will do the job for you.

Consider using solar lighting outside

Solar lighting is self-sufficient, it charges by using sunlight during the day and once it is dark outside the lights are activated. This method of outdoor lighting is not only hassle free, but it is also free charging, as it uses purely sunlight opposed to adding to your electricity bill. Solar lights can be very pretty and add a romantic vibe to your outdoor area.

Add a hot tub!

This article is about keeping your garden low maintenance, but just because it is low maintenance it doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun. If you decide to add a hot tub to your garden you are adding a fun element to it. I would say hot tubs are less maintenance then adding a swimming pool to your garden and it also costs a lot less to buy a hot tub opposed to a swimming pool. Hot tubs are also a good idea for adding a social aspect to your garden and hot tubs are known for helping relieve stress, so hot tubs are therefore fun and good for your mental health.

Invest in outdoor furniture

If you want your outdoor area to be a social space, it is of benefit to have some outdoor furniture to lounge about on. There are different types of outdoor furniture that can be purchased and if you are looking for furniture that is stylish but low cost, placing a beanbag on your grassed area or adding a hanging outdoor chair will be just as comfortable and welcoming.

As a first time parent, you’ll soon find yourself with your hands full. If you’re interested in discovering a few helpful cleaning tips which will help you keep your home clean, when you have your hands full with your first baby, simply continue reading.

Check the ingredients of your cleaning products:

In order to ensure the health and wellbeing of your family and your child in particular, ensure to check the labels of different cleaning products at your local store, in order to select safe, chemical free, cleaning products. As it’s possible to keep your home’s surfaces clean without using chemical based products.

Give your home a thorough clean before your due date:

As your focus will bet on your newborn baby, in the first few weeks after your baby’s birth, it’s a wise idea to give your home a thorough clean, well before your due date. During this time clean your home from top to bottom and get rid of any clutter which you no longer use. If you live in a large home, you may want to recruit your friends and family members in order to help you declutter your home.

Use lemon juice and salt to keep your baby clothes clean:

If you’re interested in DIY cleaning hacks, you can use lemon juice and salt in order to keep your baby clothes clean. Simply cut a lemon in half and squeeze a few drops of lemon juice onto any stained areas on your baby’s clothes. Next, sprinkle a bit of salt onto each stain. Then, you’ll need to use a toothbrush to brush your lemon and salt mixture into your stains. Lastly, rinse your baby clothes and place them into your washing machine. You’ll be amazed at how clean your baby clothes come out. Especially baby clothes which have been stained with baby food.

Keep your baby’s towels super soft using baby powder:

In order to ensure that your baby’s towels are super soft and gentle on your baby’s skin, you may want to experiment with using baking soda to wash your baby’s towels. Simply and half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine, each time that you wash your household’s towels.

Use your dishwasher to keep your baby’s toys clean:

As your baby will put their toys in their mouth on a daily basis, it’s crucial to keep all of your baby’s favorite toys clean and bacteria free. One of the simplest ways to keep your baby’s toys clean is to place any of your baby’s plastic toys in a colander, in your dishwasher. So that they won’t move about during your dishwasher’s cycle.

Invest in a baby carrier:

By placing your baby in a comfortable baby carrier, you’ll be able to complete some of your household chores, while your baby is napping. As your baby will be less likely to cry, while you’re cleaning if you still have skin to skin contact.

So if you’re excited about your new bundle of joy but are stressed out about keeping your home clean and safe for your baby, it’s well worth using all of the handy cleaning tips which are listed out above.

It’s time to move! You’re ready to pack up and move on to newer and better things in life. Before you begin to box all of your belongings, it’s essential you know how to hire a reliable mover.

A reliable mover will ensure that nothing is left behind and that all of your items are transported to your new space safely. How can you ensure you’re hiring movers that are reliable?

Our guide below lists several tips to help you hire a mover that’ll get the job done correctly. Continue reading to learn more.

1. Do Your Research

You would never purchase an item online before reading the reviews on it, right? The same should be true when you need help with moving and are hiring movers. Do your research.

Look up the reviews on the moving company and ask the company for references as well. Both of these will give you a better idea of what to expect from them. If you know someone who’s moved recently, ask them for the name of the moving company they used if they were satisfied with the services.

2. Ensure They’re Licensed

Reliable moving companies will have proper licenses. Ask them to provide you a proof of this before hiring them. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues the U.S. Department of Transportation numbers to moving companies, and they should be able to provide you with this number if they’re a legal moving company.

If they’re unable to provide you with this number, then it’s best to look around until you find a company that will.

3. Inquire About Insurance

Proper licenses aren’t the only things a reliable moving company should have. They should also have insurance for you and them. Reputable moving companies will offer multiple types of insurance for you and your belongings.

If something were to happen along the route to your new space and items were damaged, who’s responsible if there’s no insurance? You need to protect your belongings by speaking with the company about the different insurance options they provide.

You can then choose the right coverage for you.

4. Ask for Estimates

You want to hire a moving company that has the fairest price. Keep in mind. However, the fairest price doesn’t always mean the cheapest. It means finding a company that offers a realistic price and all of the other qualities you’re looking for.

What you don’t want to do is hire a company that’s the cheapest price but doesn’t make off any of the other items on this list, such as a good reputation or insurance options. Narrow your search down to your top 3 and then ask for estimates.

Find a Reliable Mover Today

You can find a reliable mover today when you follow the tips listed in this guide above. Do your research, ensure they’re licensed and insured, and then find the best price.

For other posts on general topics, visit our page regularly!

Buying a home for the first time? You may be in for a surprise as you start getting deeper into the process. Buying a home involves working with many different institutions and specialists for the first time, and by the end of it all, you may even end up paying slightly more than the home value. What’s the best way to stay ahead of these expenses?

Here are some of the most common expenses first-time home buyers should be aware of.

Closing Costs

Closing costs can catch many first-time homebuyers off guard. Outside of your mortgage loan, closing costs include all of the upfront costs for home purchase including inspection fees, HOA dues, home insurance, warranties, and recording fees. Often times, you may pay some percentage of your closing costs at the beginning of the process with “earnest money” to confirm your commitment to starting the homebuying process.

These costs are generally around 2% to 5% of the home’s value. Consider negotiating with the seller to pay part of it.

Home Maintenance

Ongoing home maintenance costs are another expense many first-time homebuyers may find surprising. Unlike in rented spaces where the landlord takes care of repairs and renovations, when building your own home, you are the one responsible for all maintenance.

The average yearly cost of home maintenance is around 1% to 2% of the home’s purchase price. The first year tends to be more costly than the preceding years.

Some of the most common home maintenance costs include gutter cleaning, pressure washing, carpet cleaning, and lawn services. The total costs of these services vary location by location and with the age of the home.

Homeowners Insurance

Proof of homeowner’s insurance is often required when purchasing a home. Even though the plan premiums can be quite costly, it’s a critical part of protecting your investment.

There are several ways to save money on homeowner’s insurance. For example, you can try to bundle your new home insurance policy with your auto insurance carrier to reduce your monthly premiums. Get competitive quotes from multiple insurance companies. You can also seek out discounts as a result of your lifestyle or home upgrades: working from home, adding a security system, etc.

If you’re buying a home in a place prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, you might want to purchase additional coverage that may cost a little more at first, but will save you thousands of dollars in the event of a disaster.

Utilities

Even first-time homeowners aren’t strangers to utility costs, as even renters pay utilities. The big difference is that the landlord might cover some expenses for the rental as it remains their property. With a home, you are responsible for covering all utilities, including water, gas, internet, phone, and electricity.

Utility costs vary by location and municipal laws. Research the neighborhood you’d like to move to so you can generate estimates for the water bill, garbage, etc. You can even reach out to residents around the area to estimate how much your monthly utilities might cost.

Property Taxes

Every state charges property tax to homeowners, and the value of the property tax varies per state. It will also depend on the type of house and municipality. Talk to your agent when assessing the home before the purchase to ensure that you are comfortable with the rates. If you feel like your property taxes are too high for the value of the home, you can appeal your property tax bill at your local tax office.

The Bottom Line on Homeowner’s Expenses

Even though first-time homeowner expenses can pile up quickly, staying informed and ready helps manage them. Calculate all the possible costs, and then find the ideal financing to achieve your dream of homeownership.

If you’re looking to sell your house, then it’s important that it’s in good condition. If you have a damaged roof or cracked foundation, it can be difficult to appeal to buyers if there’s too much work to do.

Major repairs aren’t something that can always be noticed from the side of the road, however. In order to pull buyers in, it’s also helpful to know the right tricks to be appealing as possible from the street. This is known as curb appeal. A few quick changes can make a huge difference in how fast you’re able to get your home off the market.

Believe it or not, there are ways to increase your home’s curb appeal that don’t cost an arm and a leg. In some cases, you can make changes that take less than an afternoon for under $20.

If you’re interested in looking at boosting your curb appeal to prospective buyers, then take a look at some of the best expert tips out there.

 

Paint Your Front Door

 

Believe it or not, painting your front door has shown to make a huge difference in how much attention your house gathers. Potential buyers alright often drawn to a boldly colored front door since it gives your home extra flair. Believe it or not, a colored door can make up for a lot of problems with your home’s exterior. It could completely refresh the look of your porch breathe new light into an old paint job.

 

When choosing the color of your door, opt for something that goes well with the rest of the house. Rather than going with a muted color, choose something bright! Be fearless.

 

Update Hardware

 

Consider updating hardware like your doorknob or even home street numbers. If your street numbers are looking like something out of an old horror film, then run to the hardware store and buy some shiny new ones. They cost less than twenty bucks in most cases and can make an enormous difference in how modern your front door looks.

 

While you’re at it, consider replacing your mailbox too! These changes, which may seem small, can actually make a world of difference. It’s all about being creative with the little details.

 

Add Plants

 

Plants can breathe new life into the front of your home and boost your curb appeal significantly by adding the magic of nature. In addition to adding potted plants, you can also consider planting flowers along the walkway.

Remember, when planting flowers, remember that symmetry is key. If you plant flowers on one side of your porch, make sure to do the same on the other side.

 

Add Lights

 

Consider adding an illuminated path to your front yard. Not only is it inviting, but it provides security. Rather than lighting your home with a single floodlight, potential buyers will appreciate a softly lit path.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re currently in the market to purchase a brand new sofa, it’s well worth learning about a few of the different types of trendy, modern sofas, which you’ll be able to purchase. So that you’ll be able to purchase a sofa that perfectly fits in with the look and feel of your home.

1. Sofa beds:

Sofa beds are great if you live in a small home, such as an apartment and are looking to make the best possible use out of your limited space. A sofa bed is also a great choice, if you enjoy hosting friends and family members. As your loved ones will be able to camp out on your sofa. Although, you may find that you convert your sofa bed into a bed, when you’re enjoying a lazy evening at home.

2. L shaped sofas:

L shaped sofas can usually seat three to four individuals and are a great choice for small families. Or for individuals who enjoy entertaining their friends and family members. One of the key benefits of opting to purchase an L shaped sofa, is that you’ll be able to put your feet up on the long side of your L shaped sofa.

3. Reclining sofas:

If money is no object and you’re looking to buy a luxurious sofa, that will attract compliments, consider opting for a modern, reclinable sofa. Especially if you love binge watching movies. As you’ll be able to put your feet up. Some reclining sofas even offer bonus features such as heated seats, built in cup holders and built in chargers for your electronics.

4. Modular sofas:

Modular sofas, which are also known as sectional sofas are a great choice to modernize a room, if you’d like the flexibility in order to change the size of your modular sofa, from day to day. For example, you’ll have the option of pushing together two pieces of a modular sofa, in order to create a larger sofa. Which is perfect, if you want to snuggle up on your sofa with your family or partner. Alternatively, if you want your own space, you’ll be able to quickly separate your modular sofa, in order to create a few single seats.

5. The armchair:

If you live alone and are looking to purchase a single seater, you may want to opt to purchase a cozy armchair. As you’ll be surprised by some of the modern designs which you’ll be able to purchase. Instead of purchasing an arm chair that wouldn’t look out of place at your nana’s house, you’ll be able to purchase a sleek, leather armchair. Which will be comfortable and stylish. You may even want to opt for a model which offers a luxurious built-in massage feature.

6. Velvet sofas:

If you’re looking for a piece that is thoroughly modern, oozes class, style and sophistication, you can’t go wrong purchasing a velvet sofa. As velvet sofas are effortlessly chic and will add a touch of style to any lounge. Velvet is very on trend right now. If you’re unsure of which color to opt for, you can never go wrong opting for a classic, black velvet sofa.

Although, if you want to add a bit of color to a room, you may want to consider purchasing a navy velvet sofa, a burgundy velvet sofa or a dark green velvet sofa.

7. Love seaters:

One reason why love seaters are steadily increasing in popularity is that love seaters, which are designed to seat two individuals, fit perfectly into small spaces. So if you’re looking for a trendy, modern sofa that will perfectly fit in a studio apartment or a cozy home, it’s well worth browsing different styles of love seaters. If you don’t see traditional love seaters as being stylish, keep in mind that you can now purchase sophisticated, contemporary leather loveseats as well as velvet love seaters.

8. Chaises:

Chaises are usually single seater lounge chairs, which are long enough, to put your legs up. So if you enjoy putting your feet up and binge watching TV or putting your feet up and reading an engrossing book, it’s well worth purchasing a chaise.

If you already have a modern, functional primary sofa, you may want to add a chaise to your lounge as a statement piece of furniture. To add a touch of glamor to your room, simply drape a blanket over your chaise. Such as a faux fur throw or a soft, cashmere blanket. As your room will look like it’s straight out of a home design magazine.

9. Tuxedo sofas:

Tuxedo sofas are ideally suited to modern builds and apartments and boast backrests which are level with their armrests. So if you’d like to purchase a shrinking sofa, which stands out, it may be worth browsing tuxedo sofas.

10. Daybeds:

Unlike sofa beds, which convert from a regular sofa into a makeshift bed, day beds don’t transform and are simply deep set sofas, which are large enough to lie on. Just like a bed. So if you’re the type of individual who finds it hard to pull themselves away from their bed, it’s well worth looking at purchasing a daybed. As you’ll be able to relax on your day bed, while socializing with your friends and family members.

In conclusion:

Hopefully, you now have a fair idea of the different types of sofas which may suit the aesthetic of your home. Now you’ll be able to select a sofa, which is stylish and functional and which you’ll enjoy using on an everyday basis. As you can’t go wrong choosing any of the sofas which are listed out in the guide above.

Images Source: https://www.furco.co.uk/