1. The Front Door - The front door of your home should be warm and inviting for visitors. It should be the focal point and stand out among the rest of your outdoor space while still blending with the rest of your fixtures. First, clean off your door to remove any dirt and then paint it an eye-popping color such as a vibrant red. Hand a wreath on the door for a welcoming look.

2. Outdoor Lighting - If you currently have lighting around the outside doors of your home, clean them off and check to ensure that the bulbs are working. You’ll want your home to look nice at night too. Next, install lovely landscape lighting around your trees or walking path. Opt for solar panel lights that are not required to be plugged in to work.

3. Potted Plants and Flowers - If you are not good at planting, instead opt for potted plants and flowers that can be placed on your front porch or steps to give it some colorful appeal. Create an arrangement of various plants and flowers for your own little pre-potted garden that is easy to maintain and to move around.

4. Mailbox Makeover - Your mailbox should express who you are as a family and your personality. There are many different types of mailboxes out there, so be sure to select one that compliments your home. This could be a black mailbox, white mailbox or stainless steel mailbox complete with your homes number and last name. You can even dress up your mailbox by planting flowers around it or by painting the wooden post to match your home’s exterior.

5. Mulching - Simply re-mulching around your landscaping can change up the entire look of your outdoor space. Mulching should be done around twice a year. Choose a mulch that makes your flowers and plants pop such as red mulch, brown or black mulch.

Author Bio

Hayley is a freelance blogger. She recommends the high quality painters in Morristown NJ for superior house painting.

We’ve all heard the excuses. You don’t have the time. You’re waiting until you get “settled in.” You really don’t mind living in cramped quarters.

That may be true. But if you take into account the costs of keeping clutter around, you might change your mind. Here are 3 good reasons to de-clutter your house with the help of self storage.

Clutter impacts your health

Keeping clutter around the house is a health hazard. Clutter collects dust, dirt, and mold. This is a particular concern for households in which someone suffers from allergies or asthma. Dust and mold are known allergens and can easily exacerbate respiratory problems. Some forms of mold are even toxic.

The bacteria that can accumulate on clutter is another concern. Bacteria multiply quickly and feel at home on virtually any surface. Chances are, if you have piles of clutter around the house, you’re not taking the time to clean and sanitize them on a regular basis. Clutter provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to serious illness.

Many household accidents are the result of slips or falls caused by having too much stuff around. Indirectly, clutter can impact our health by taking up space we could otherwise use for exercise. By clearing up some room, you might inspire yourself to use that extra space for fitness activities like yoga, Pilates, or weight-lifting.

Clutter causes stress

Keeping a bunch of stuff around can not only harm your physical health, it can also harm your mental health. Clutter is inherently stress-inducing. It’s a lot of information for the eyes to process and a constant visual reminder of work to be done. The stresses we face every day in our work, our finances, and our relationships are compounded by the stress of going home to a cluttered house.

It’s well known that our state of mind is influenced by the state of our environment. For example, psychological experiments show that when people are in an environment characterized by disrepair, they are more likely to engage in anti-social or criminal behavior (this is known as the “broken windows theory”). A breakdown of order in our environment can easily translate into a breakdown of order in our thoughts and behavior.

We like to feel like we have control over our lives. It’s difficult to feel that way if you’re living in a mess. If you’ve been feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed lately, try tidying up a bit. It’s amazing the immediate effect this can have on your state of mind.

Clutter impairs your social life

Admit it: At some point in your life, you’ve avoided inviting people over because of the state of your place. We like to present our best self to the people we interact with; we don’t want them to think we’re disorganized slobs.

Simply having clutter around the house reduces the chance that you will invite people over. This can have a detrimental effect on your social life. It’s nice to visit your friends’ homes and go out to bars and restaurants, but it’s also nice to play host from time to time.

Studies show that social interaction is one of the most important elements of happiness. When you get towards the end of your life, what do you think will matter more to you: all the stuff you collected, or the memories and relationships you formed? I think we all know the answer to this question. So why let your stuff get in the way of your ability to socialize?

Clearing space in your home can have immediate positive effects on your physical, mental, and social well-being. If your place could use some spring cleaning (be honest), considering hosting a yard sale and moving some stuff into a storage unit. You’ll find that you don’t really miss having it around. And the trade-off will be more than worth it.

Visit the Country First

This might seem obvious, but it’s a good idea to visit the country in question before moving to it. What might seem like a dream come true in pictures and books may be a completely different story in reality. Make sure you familiarize yourself with any cultural differences or customs before taking the plunge and delving into your new life in the new country. Make sure you also take your family members with you to visit if they’re going to be accompanying you on the move.

Collect the Necessary Documents

It will more than likely be difficult to inhabit your new country of choice if you don’t round up the appropriate paperwork and documents to move. This means grabbing a passport for everyone involved in the move, getting copies of birth certificates, and collecting various licenses or any other relevant types of documents.

Purchase Health Insurance and Take Care of Other Medical Needs

Whenever you decide to move internationally, your health insurance coverage will not follow you to your new home in most cases. Also, grab the proper immunizations and other vaccines that will be appropriate to the new home. You can also prepare your loved ones for the move in these ways. For example, you might want to visit a Utah kids dentist for your children before the move so that you aren’t scrambling to find a dentist just after moving to the new country. Overall, to be on the safe side, find a Utah pediatric dentist for this exact reason.

Make Sure You Can Access Your Finances Once You’ve Moved

Lastly, but not least important, arrange any appropriate transfers for your funds for when you’re settled in your new home. This is not something that you want to forget about doing because it can pose major problems down the line if you urgently need to access funds that just can’t be accessed from the country or banking institution in question.

Grocery Stores

Try asking the manager at your local supermarket if you can pick up boxes there. Most supermarkets throw their boxes away at the end of each work day, so if you ask early enough, the employees might set some aside for you. Be specific about the sizes that you want so you don’t end up with lots of small boxes!

If the store has a produce section, ask about fruit boxes. Fruit boxes are usually made of stronger cardboard. This is to ensure safe transport of heavier fruits like apples and oranges. These boxes are especially useful if you plan on packing weighty items like books. While you’re at it, ask about liquor boxes. Most liquor boxes come with cardboard inserts to keep the bottles from touching during transport. This makes them very useful for packing fragile knickknacks.

Craigslist

Search through Craigslist in the free section of the site for people giving away boxes for free of charge. Craigslist is a great site for quick freebies. You might find boxes from people who have just moved themselves or, if you’re lucky, specialty boxes for big items like televisions.

Storage Areas

If you are currently renting a storage unit, like Bermuda Dunes CA self storage, consider asking the provider if the facility can provide you with boxes or other packing containers. Some storage facilities work with their renters to provide boxes at little cost.

U-Haul Message Boards

The message boards at U-Haul offer a box exchange that may also be useful. People who have procured boxes use the exchange to post public messages about available packing supplies, some free and some for sale. Most won’t ask for more than a few dollars because the purpose of the exchange is to reduce waste, not make money.

Bookstores

Bookstores may also be willing to help you with boxes for your move. Ask the manager if the store can put some aside for you. The best thing about book boxes is that they’re designed with heavy items in mind, so you can be sure that the cardboard won’t break in transit.

Moving is a costly endeavor, so save money where you can and ask around for free boxes. It’s worth the effort!

Author Bio

This article was written by Danielle Hunsaker on behalf of extraspace.com. For more information on self storage in Bermuda Dunes, CA, go to their website at: http://www.extraspace.com/Storage/Facilities/US/North_Carolina/Greensboro/900283/Facility.aspx

Improve Garage Storage

Garages are a haven of disorganization and clutter. Fortunately, this is one of the simplest home improvements that you can make. All you’ll need is a hammer, level, measuring tape, screws, nails and possibly a stud finder. Although the project is simple, it is time consuming. You should allot six to ten hours to this task.

The fun part is in buying storage solutions. With so many different shelves, racks, hangers, drawers and cabinets, it’s hard not to get a little of everything. However, you need to focus on priorities. Consider your tools with long handles, gardening equipment, sporting goods, ladders, power tools and small items. Before you buy anything, though, make sure to take measurements. Few things are more frustrating than getting a shelving unit home and realizing that it’s too large.

In an unfinished garage, you may find it helpful to fasten some two by fours horizontally to the walls. This allows you to attach hooks, shelves and other useful storage options with ease. If you plan to hand some things from the ceiling, make sure that you fasten them directly to the studs to ensure optimal stability. With the correct planning, this project can be very affordable.

Install Window Awnings

When the sun beams into your windows, it can heat things up in a hurry, costing you more money on your cooling bill. Short of covering your windows, a surefire way to minimize this unwanted heat is to install window awnings that block out most of the harsh sunlight. The tools you’ll need include a cordless drill, tape measure, adjustable wrench and level. Awnings are available in materials ranging from aluminum to weather-resistant fabric, and you can even buy retractable ones. You can expect it to take three to four hours.

Edge the Garden

Garden edging makes things look tidier and more defined and also keeps your plants safe from passing mowers. They’re available in plastic, wood, metal and stone. Most must be partially buried in the soil, but some feature spikes that can be hammered into the ground for easier installation. Tools needed include a shovel or hammer, a wheelbarrow and possibly tin snips. This project can take roughly two to six hours depending on your material choice.

Author Bio

Lyndsi Decker is a freelance writer and is currently promoting dremel multi-max. She can usually be found remodeling homes. In her free time she enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors.

Twelve to Eight Weeks

If planning begins during the early phases of the move, individuals may not feel as pressured or rushed when the final days approach.

• Make a checklist of all tasks that will need to be accomplished. The list should include tasks such as finding movers or leasing a truck, purchasing boxes, and finding a storage facility.
• Sort through your household items. This process may take months if it is done properly. Get rid of items that are no longer being used by putting them in a storage facility, having a garage sale, or make a donation to your local thrift store.
• Create a moving budget. Designate the amount that you want to spend for the entire move and look for ways to save money. Creating a budget in advance can help reduce unexpected expenses from occurring at the last minute.

Eight to Four Weeks

The final days are approaching fast. Details of the move should be carefully scrutinized during this period to make the transition less stressful.

• Interview moving companies and schedule your move. Make sure that your moving company is licensed and bonded with paperwork to prove their credibility. Be cautious about what sources are used to locate moving companies. Avoid internet ad postings for moving companies. Try asking friends or family for referrals or use a local newspaper.
• Become familiar with the new floor plan. Make sure that you have a hard copy of your new floor plan with measurements of the rooms. Plan how your furniture will be positioned and make sure that there is adequate space.
• Find a local storage facility, such as a Denver CO storage facility. During most moves, there will be extra items that will clutter the new home. Shop to find reasonable prices in a safe environment. Plan to move your extra items to the storage facility as soon as possible.

Four to One Weeks

Everything is beginning to fall into place. Take these final precautions to make sure the move is executed smoothly.

• Purchase boxes and begin packing. First, Pack items that are not often used. Packing one room at a time can help streamline the process.
• Double check your check list. Contact the movers to make sure the time and day is confirmed. Contact your landlord or realtor to confirm that the new location is ready and all paperwork has been completed.

Following these procedures and planning ahead will aid in a positive moving experience.

Author Bio

Melisa Cammack has been freelance writing for several years and loves writing self-help, parenting, travel and health articles. Melisa is currently promoting Extra Space Storage – Palmdale location.

The first thing to do before moving your mattress is to remove the mattress and the box springs from the bed itself. Moving a fully assembled bed may seem like a great way to save time, but it will be too heavy. You will hurt yourself if you attempt this.

If possible, you should place the mattress into a protective plastic bag. These can be purchased from many movers or large furniture retailers. This will protect the mattress from rips and tears, but it will also keep it protected from bugs, dust, and odors while moving.

Before moving the mattress, you should clear out the areas you will be moving it through. A mattress is likely to catch on wall hangings or other furniture, and this can cause damage to either the mattress or the objects being hit. In addition, by clearing the space, you reduce the likelihood that you will have to bend the mattress to get it through a tight spot. Bending the mattress will not break it, but you should try to avoid it as it can damage the mattress if it is bent too often.

While moving your mattress, you should use two people. One person may be able to handle the weight of the mattress, but they will drag it on the ground if they are attempting to move it on their own. This will have drastic consequences for the material of the mattress. Ideally, you should place one person on each end of the mattress, and if the mattress has handles, you should attempt to use those.

At a minimum, you should have a truck to move your mattress. You should never put a mattress on top of a vehicle luggage rack. These are not designed to carry mattresses. If the mattress falls off in the middle of the road, it will damage the mattress and it could even cause an accident. Ideally, you should use an enclosed moving truck to move your mattress.

Author Bio:

This article was written by Sarah Grace Villaflor, health and home improvement ambassador for intellibed.com – making the best mattresses in the world. IntelliBed is a leader in Intelli-Gel mattresses, which master the art of sleep.

Talk About the Move Early

First, you should talk to your child about moving to Colorado as soon as you learn about it. It certainly is tempting to wait to break bad news, but you will find it best in the long run if you tell your child what is up. The longer they have to prepare and accept the situation, the better off they will be.

Knowing about the move well in advance helps children, especially teenagers, deal with the inevitable. An older child, such as a senior in high school, might get more excited if you tell him about a military friendly college near your new home.

Attend Relo Briefings

If your child is old enough, you can encourage him to go to your military relocation briefings when you feel it’s appropriate. Some military installations have relocation programs for children and teenagers. You should check with your relocation branch and see what is available.

Stick to Routine

Routines give children a good sense of stability and comfort. You should try to keep up family routines even if they do not seem to make sense. Keep taking your child to soccer practice even if he won’t be with the team in six weeks. The more you can keep things regular, the better off your child will be.

Involve Your Child

It’s smart to have your child help with some of the move planning, if she’s old enough. You can ask a teenager to help you plan the driving route. Or, you can have your younger child pick out some of the furniture or colors in his new bedroom. Making him an active partner in the process will make him feel like he has some control in a difficult situation.

Check Out the New School

Make sure that your child knows all about his new school as early on as possible. Visit the website of the school and arrange a visit if it is possible. This will really help to ease your child’s mind.

Say Good-bye

You should try to let your child say good-bye to some of his favorite places. You should take your child to his favorite restaurant or favorite park one more time. This helps to give your child a chance to accept the fact that things are changing. It also gives your son or daughter a chance to get ready for the future.

As you know, being in the military is not always easy. There are ways, however, to make it easier. From attending a military friendly college to planning ahead for relocation, there are things you can do to reduce the stress that comes from a military life.

Byline:  Michelle is an aspiring writer who currently works for a military friendly college. When she’s not working she’s blogging on anything and everything! She loves how blogging gives her the opportunity to improve her writing skills, voice her thoughts and opinions, and share advice with an unl

Before you have even listed or spoken to an estate agent about pricing, it is always worth investing some time and even a small amount of money if need be to get your property looking the best it can. At first this can involve just a general clean. Making sure the bathroom and kitchen are clean and tidy. All rooms are uncluttered, organized and look inviting to anyone who would look around. If there are any small repairs or painting that needs doing, then getting it done will help dramatically in the long run. Things that may cost a small amount to sort out now could cost you heavily down the line if potential buyers start requesting reduced prices for things they will have to sort out if they buy it.

Once you have got the property in a state that is ‘ready to move in’, pricing the property correctly is the next major step. Take advice from at least 3 different estate agents and take an average. Don’t always be attracted to the one who says its worth the most, as they may just drop the price after a week or two after listing. Research what other properties of similar size around the area are asking for and also what recently sold properties actually went for. Going into the market with a realistic asking price can not only potentially save you weeks or months of wasted time, but will also ensure you are not hugely disappointed when the property doesn’t sell.

Now you are ready to sell the property the final work is how are you going to sell it? Depending on whether you need really quick sale or if you are looking for the maximum amount of money can alter this. Either way, spending a bit of money on some marketing can be a huge help and speed up the process significantly. Using an estate agent not only has the existing target audience but once a sale is agreed they can handle all of the legal paperwork. Of course you pay for these services but can save you weeks or months against trying to do it yourself. Other types of marketing include online listing websites, and even popular local newspapers. One of the last most obvious types of marketing, make sure you have a large sign at the front of the property. You never know who will drive past and want to take a look.

Author Bio

Jess Collins is passionate about home design, property and consumer rights. Preparing your property for sale is an essential step if you want to sell your house By following this advice you can be sure of getting the best deal when you sell your home.

Most storage companies offer several options to their customers, from basic lock-up boxes and crates to entire rooms. Rates are quite inexpensive, and many companies offer flexible pricing structures with options for people that want to rent storage for just a few days or weeks, and other monthly options. Special rates for students are often available, allowing them to pay a flat fee to store their stuff during the summer holidays.

Many storage units are big enough to keep a couple of room’s worth of stuff in them, making them a good option to keep old furniture (while it’s up for sale), as well as boxes of sporting goods and other general items.

Storage and Safety
Most companies have strict rules about what you can and cannot store. Usually, you’re not allowed to store flammable liquids in a self-storage unit. So, if you’re putting your barbecue away for the winter, you’ll have to disconnect the gas canister first.

In addition, you can’t keep anything living in a storage unit (although that should be obvious!), and it’s not a good idea to keep anything perishable in there either, as the units are not heated or air conditioned.

When you’re stacking stuff in your storage unit, don’t lean anything heavy against the sides. For starters, if something shifts, it could get damaged. Secondly, while the units are sealed and shouldn’t get damp, anything against the wall is more likely to suffer from the effects of condensation.

Taking Items Out of Storage
You are allowed to come back and get items out of storage at your leisure. If you plan on using storage as a big “second cupboard” rather than as long term sealed box that you’ll only go back to once a year, then you should give yourself plenty of space to wander around your self storage unit. Stacking items and moving them is your responsibility, so take care to make sure that you do it safely. Keep fragile items in a box that is clearly marked as being fragile, so that you don’t mistake them for something else and damage them.

Storage fees are pretty inexpensive, for what you get, but you should remember that you are paying to keep items in a locked up box or room away from your home. Do you really need or want those items? If you’re paying to store them and only use them once or twice a year, could you save money by hiring the items on the days that you use them? Storage boxes can be a boon for families with small homes, but they aren’t the right solution for everyone.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of Bingham Self Storage who provide storage facilities to suit all needs. Please visit their site for further details.