Home & Interiors

Perfect for sports mad families – kick an swing set from Wickey.ie

There are so many benefits of investing in a safe garden for kids. When kids feel as though they have a space outside that they can roam and play, they’ll be more inclined to turn off the screens and head out the door.

If you’re ready to give the kids an active area that they can run and play and have fun, why not create a safe garden space for them to be able to release their energy while enjoying spending time outdoors?

Benefits of Investing in a Safe Garden for Kids

Not all of these simple ideas may work for your space but they’re good ones to consider and see if they’re possible. If anything, they just might give you a good idea of other ways to incorporate safety and fun.

• Your children will grow in confidence

How fabulous is this swing and slide set from Wickey.ie

So many times kids tend to shy away from doing things because they don’t know if they’re safe to use. If you take the steps to create a safe and fun area, the kids will be more than happy to run right out that door.

• Safe climbing frames will help with focus and athleticism

Climbing frames and structures such as those pictures opposite from Wickey are a great addition to any outdoor space! As long as you follow the safety precautions in getting it set up, the kids will be able to climb around worry-free and have a blast.

Climbing frames are created to challenge them but also make them feel confident and proud as well. They’ll be so excited to show you just how fast they can climb around and you’ll be happy to know that they’re safe!

• Swing sets for younger explorers 

One of the most used pieces in our back garden is without doubt the is swing and slide set. Which we have loved about this is that is really does grow with your child.  It took mine time to get the confidence to go up the ladder and down the slide unaided when they were younger but now 3 years later they are loving it. Even the 8 year old can wile away hours out the back.

• Safety measures mean no surprise accidents or tears

If you’re able to create a safe garden space, the kids will be able to run about and have fun without the worry of accidents happening frequently. If you are stuck for ideas here is some inspiration for easy outdoor learning activities. This doesn’t mean that they won’t but this does mean that safety features can help eliminate some of that worry.

These simple tips for creating a safe space in the garden area for kids really do work and are worth trying. The more that you can give them and yourself peace of mind, the better!

What other benefits of investing in a safe garden for kids can you think of? 

Note: This is a collaborative post

While everyone is finding the current pandemic situation difficult, the additional time many of us are spending at home shouldn’t be wasted. It’s a great time to get some upgrades or home improvements done. Depending on which one it is, some can certainly be done yourself without needing professionals if you’re willing to try. Other tasks will need a third-party to execute what’s needed to your specification. Either way, don’t let 2021 become a year that you fail to get ahead as there’s no time to waste. 

Here are 4 upgrades or improvements that are worth doing this year. 

• Changing the Heating System

When the heating system is sufficiently old that it sometimes stops working or is a bit intermittent, then that’s worrying for the colder months. If you’ve been grinning and bearing it for a while and there has been no improvement, then you can consider a furnace repair or an inspection to determine how bad the problem is. However, if you’re already certain that part or all of the heating system needs to be replaced, then it’s possible to make arrangements to get a booking for that. To get that organized, visit GlobalHeatingAirConditioning.com.

• Add Some Landscaping

Spending time at home gives you a greater appreciation for the outdoor space at your home. But sometimes it can be a little lackluster, need a clean-up, and more. Adding landscape gardening can turn a backyard into a space that’s to be enjoyed once again. Some layered features to lend both depth and dimension to a previously boring lawn is one possibility. A small fountain or a pond with fish can also give the backyard more movement or life that might presently feel missing. 

If you’re up for a major improvement project, consider adding modern metal balusters and handrails to your porch or deck to transform your outdoor space completely. Not only will it enhance the curb appeal of your home, but it will also improve the safety of an elevated outdoor space.

Or if you really want to splash out why not consider  wood fired hot tubs, it is definitely on my list. I  have visions of chilling in the hot tub glass of wine in hand. The dream….

• Spruce Up the Decor

The décor may require sprucing up or it could just feel like a change is in order. Changing the paint hue on the wall or hanging some new paintings or photographs can completely alter how the room looks and feels. If you’re quite selective about the photos that you’d like hung, then do you have some that you’ve previously taken that will personalize the space? Do you love travel? Framing and hanging past travel photos can evoke happy memories and inspire you.

• Bedroom Makeover

A bedroom is a place of tranquillity and rest, but not all of them feel that way though. If you haven’t changed yours since moving in, then it may be time to consider a complete makeover. New wardrobes, a hardwood floor with a soft rug, and a replaced bed can do wonders. 

Also, if you’ve found that your current mattress is sagging and lacks proper support, then one of the mattress-in-a-box companies like Tuft & Needle, Saatva, or Helix could provide a replacement right to your door. These mattresses only need unrolling and airing out before you’ll be floating on them! 

Just choose the upgrade that has the most appeal and fits your budget, then get going with it. Don’t let 2021 go to waste – make the improvements that will increase your happiness at home. 

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Moving house is a lot of work, so it’s no surprise that many people who have done it will list it as one of the most stressful life experiences to go through. If you are trying to sell your current property before you can buy and move into a new one, it can be even more stressful. The first step is finding the right real estate agent to market your home. However, whether you are after a quick sale or want to get the best price possible for your property in the shortest amount of time, there are several things that you can consider doing to encourage your home to sell. 

Consider a Cash Buyer

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If the aim is to sell your property as quickly as possible, you might want to consider selling it directly to a cash buyer like Blueprint Homes real estate renovation and investments. Selling to a cash buyer typically means that you will be able to close the deal very quickly regardless of the condition that your home is in. This is an ideal choice if you need a quick sale but are struggling to secure a buyer because your property needs a lot of work. 

Clear it Out

When you are selling your home, it’s a good idea to get a storage unit for as many of your belongings as possible, so that the property is clean and clutter-free when you are showing it to potential buyers. When you’ve been living somewhere for a few years, it’s quite normal to accumulate lots of things, but this could make the home look smaller or make it difficult for prospective buyers to imagine themselves living there. 

Fix Things Up

Even if your home is not in need of any major renovations, it’s important to ensure that everything is working and in good condition before you show it to any prospective buyers. Go around your home and look for any little problems that might affect the impression your home makes like small cracks in the wall that could be filled or light bulbs that no longer work and need changing. 

Boost Curb Appeal

Spend some time working on the front of your home, since this is the part of the property that is going to make the first impression on potential buyers. A well-kept garden, some tasteful flowers and plants, and a clean driveway or pathway can make a huge amount of difference. 

Neutral Décor

Before putting your home on the market and showing it to prospective buyers, it’s a good idea to redecorate it throughout in neutral colors like white, cream or light gray. This makes it easier for prospective buyers to imagine what they would be able to do when they own the house rather than viewing a house with somebody else’s personal stamp on it. 

Selling a home can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are several things that you can do to encourage buyers to take an interest and secure the deal.

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People lead busy lives, this much is clear and for most of us, the last thing we want to do after a long week at work is to dig out the lawn mower on a Saturday morning or get the old clothes out of the cupboard to spend the weekend weeding on our knees. And don’t forget the cleaning, power washing and general garden tidy up! It’s the bane of my life (and the bane of many other people’s too!), and because of this, the best piece of advice I can give – and you can thank me later for this – is to enlist the professionals for these tasks. You can learn more about this here.  Homeowners in 2021 are collectively searching for low-maintenance solutions for their gardens as a valuable investment.

Here are 5 ways to create a low maintenance garden

Composite Decking

Timber decking was always the first choice for homeowners to deck out seating areas in the gardens, however nowadays, composite decking is fast becoming the first choice for those seeking a modern, durable, and low maintenance solution. Composite decking is made from a combination of plastic and wood. Due to this fact, the necessity of painting and treating on an annual basis is eradicated, saving time, money, and resources. Composite decking is also widely available in a range of colours and finishes so can be purchased to match your current or desired finish. 

Artificial Grass

Traditional turf requires regular attention to ensure that it remains in tip top condition, but this can take a lot of time, effort and expense across the year. Real grass needs colour treating, watering, feeding, reseeding, mowing – this list can go on and on – and of course, any damage must be repaired. Astro turf or artificial grass is the complete opposite. The only real maintenance needed is a simple sweep from time to time to remove seasonal debris from your lawn. Many homeowners who have chosen to install artificial grass have described it as a priceless investment, and with long-lasting, low-maintenance properties, it’s no secret as to why. 

Storage Solutions

A big part of garden maintenance can be moving things about around the year and ensuring items kept in the garden are weatherproof and secure. This can become an arduous task but it can be solved. The more storage solutions you can place in your garden, the better. From sheds, to shipping containers, to storage boxes, the more storage you have, the tidier your garden can be. As a result, little maintenance is required to keep your garden looking neat and how you want it to.

Stone Paving

Many homeowners are now choosing low maintenance as a priority in line with the overall look and feel of their outdoor spaces. As a result, a lot of people are choosing contemporary paving solutions for their property’s front and back gardens. In 2020 and moving into 2021, York Stone paving is incredibly popular – especially in shades of grey – and has allowed people to transform their overgrown, high maintenance patios into modern, aesthetically pleasing outdoor patio areas they are able to enjoy all year round. 

Gravel Paths

Creating walkways throughout your garden or even just replacing existing flowerbeds with gravel can dramatically reduce the amount of maintenance required in your garden. If laid with the correct, durable weed membrane, gravel removes to need for regular upkeep to beds, paths, and more. Gravel is available to purchase from many general DIY retailers and garden centres, and can be bought in a vast range of colours and styles, so you can choose a stone to specifically suit the aesthetic of your outdoor space. 

Helpful ideas? We hope so! 

Garden maintenance is certainly regarded as a chore that many people would like to live without, so by making a few simple changes to your outdoor spaces, you can spend more of your valuable time enjoying your garden rather than maintaining it. 

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Pic Credit: Pixabay

We all want to provide our kids with the best living environment to grow up in. We take huge steps to make sure that our homes are well suited to their needs. But often, it is easy for things to get a little out of control. With the pressures and responsibilities of day to day life – and with most children being pretty untidy and messy – you may find that housework falls from your grasp and your home becomes a little messy or dirty. Of course, we do the routine tasks that are required of us on a regular basis. We’ll vacuum. We’ll sweep and mop the wood or tiled floors. We’ll do the washing up. We’ll wipe down work surfaces and polish shelves. But often, we find that we don’t have all too much time for a real deep clean. Here are some areas you should do your utmost to fit into your schedule to make your home the perfect haven for both you and your little ones.

Declutter

Start by decluttering. Children bring all sorts of items home that they then no longer want or need. We tend to do this as adults too. So, go through your belongings, determine what you want to keep and what can be removed and make sure that you remove the items you don’t need or want any more. Sell those of value or donate them to a charity shop. Recycle what you can. Then ensure that the rest is picked up by a rubbish removal service. This will really clear up space in your home.

Clean Your Carpets

We all vacuum our carpets. But when’s the last time you gave yours a real deep clean? Remember just how much wear and tear your carpets experience on a daily basis. People are constantly walking on it. Pets go in and out of the house with mucky paws on it. Little ones are likely to spill food and drinks on it. Sure, you can vacuum and it will pick dirt up, or you can spot clean small areas, but over time, dirt will inevitably build up and this needs to be removed. The good news is that you don’t have to get on your hands. Instead, you could try hiring a professional carpet cleaner. These are special machines that can be hired and run around your house and will clean your carpet with a proper cleaning solution. Alternatively, you could use a professional carpet cleaning service, which will see a professional do the work for you. Trust me you will not regret it, we always factor in a professional deep clean of our carpets coming up to Christmas. 

Cleaning Windows

We all need to clean our windows. Otherwise they begin to smear. We’d recommend that you use professional window cleaners for your exterior windows. This is safer and will prevent accidents. But when it comes to cleaning your interior windows, you can generally do this yourself. All you need is a good window cleaning solution (try to find an eco-friendly option where possible), a window cleaning cloth or rag and a window cleaning squeegee. Then, simply spray the window and wipe it down thoroughly. It really is as simple as that!

These are just a few starter steps to thoroughly cleaning your home, but they should get you off to the best start possible!

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On a hot summer afternoon, a plunge into the pool feels refreshing if not heavenly. That’s the primary reason for having a pool in my backyard. The other being cultivating my tan by the poolside during lazy days. Amid all the luxuries, there is a crucial element that keeps me on my toes. And that’s pool maintenance. It is what separates a limpid pool from a backyard swamp! You can, of course, hire a handyman (like handymandir.com, to name one example) to help with this, or you can do it yourself. Here are maintenance tips I have learned through the years.

Check the Water Levels

During my early years as a pool owner, I often forgot to check on the physical water levels. Due to this, my pump broke down regularly. It turns out that low water levels interfere with the pool’s skimmer. As a result, debris and leaves accumulate, clog hoses, and in some instances find their way to the pump. 

The ideal water level should be half of the pool’s skimmer. During high precipitations or whenever there’s a heavy downpour, I drain excess water from the pool. However, when temperatures are high and the pool’s water level drops, I add water using a hose.

Balance the Chemical Levels

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Maintaining the required chemical levels in a pool is a perilous task. Chemically imbalanced pool water irritates the skin, affects the eyes, makes the water murky, and is ideal for bacteria.

The chemical aspects I pay attention to are total alkalinity (80-110 ppm), free chlorine, calcium hardness (220-300), Cyanuric Acid (30-50 ppm), and pH levels (7.5-7.8). Testing the water is straightforward. I source the required testing kits from a pool store, then collect samples from my pool using vials. What follows is a color comparison between the tested water and colors on the kit.

Shock Whenever Murky

A common issue among homeowners is when should they shock their pools. From years of maintaining my pool, I have learned to use the water’s color as a determinant for shocking. A murky pool is a clear indicator that my pool needs to be shocked. My pool tends to get cloudy whenever my kid holds a bash and invites lots of friends.

The pool’s murkiness is caused by a surge in the number of bacteria, and shocking remedies this problem. Shocking implies using an excess dose of chlorine to kill pool bacteria within a short period. I usually pour five times the normal chlorine level to the return line, allow it to filter through, then refill the pool. I also avoid shocking too often since it degrades the pool’s sidings.

Regular Scrubbing and Skimming

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Every pool demands skimming off debris and leaves, but a pristine pool requires this service regularly. Luckily, I own a skimmer basket for such functions. I clean out this basket daily to prevent the build-up of undesirable material. Besides, a cleaner skimmer basket improves the lifespan of the pump.

When it comes to scrubbing, I perform this action every week. Scrubbing mainly prevents the growth and build-up of algae on the pool’s walls. My main focus is usually on growth spots, where I scrub using a brush and some chlorine. I start at the top of the pool, working my way down while employing steady brush strokes.

When it comes to scrubbing, I perform this action every week. Scrubbing mainly prevents the growth and build-up of algae on the pool’s walls. My main focus is usually on growth spots, where I scrub using a brush and some chlorine. I start at the top of the pool, working my way down while employing steady brush strokes. It’s worth keeping in mind that the material that your pool is made from will impact how regularly you need to clean. Concrete pools will require weekly scrubbing, whereas Fiberglass pools require much less cleaning upkeep, which is why they are an increasingly popular option.

Maintain the Filters

The number of times a pool filter should be cleaned varies depending on the type of filter. The quickest way of judging a problem is when the filter pressure gauge points to a drop in pressure. I clean my filter by first turning it off, eliminating the filter cap, then emptying the filter basket.

I perform this task weekly when free or contract a handyman whenever I am busy. I also backwash my filter system monthly. This removes any built-up contaminants in the filter pipes. Don’t forget also to regularly get your pool serviced  by a professional who is experienced in this area as this will ensure that your filters are in top working order. Fortunately, reputable companies like https://premierpoolservice.com/locations/ will be able to undertake this for you and also check the pump, the solar cover or the automatic cleaner if required. 

Yearly Service Appointment

Similar to most home appliances and tools, a backyard pool needs an annual check from pool experts. This is because most of us have limited knowledge of equipment like heating systems, pumps, and filters, to name a few. Each year, I have had a professional come and inspect my pool.

I ensure every aspect of my pool is checked with each visit, and mention any underlying issue to my serviceperson. The small problems the serviceperson detects averts astronomical calamities that I might encounter in the future.

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You only get one life in this world, and, as such, it’s important that we’re doing all we can to make it as pleasant as possible. While many of our life’s greatest moments will take place with other people and around the world, the backdrop of a life well lived is the home. This is the springboard that can push you to do great things, and also offers a cozy retreat from the world. Alas, some people don’t have this in their life. Why not? Why don’t people end up in the home that’s right for them? We’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons below.

They Don’t Know What It Looks Like

There’s no such thing as a “perfect” home, only the home that’s right for you. But of course, this is something that you need to figure out on your way. While you can get inspiration from other people’s properties, it’ll eventually fall on you. As such, it’s important to spend some time thinking about what you really want. A good place to start is to envision what the best home would look like, and then see it’s possible.

They Overspend

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Of course, a home that you would love to live in is most definitely out there, in fact you probably see them everywhere. Alas, those homes are likely highly expensive, and you’ll need to work on a budget. Many people push past their budget when they see a home they really like, but this is a mistake. While the novelty of the house will wear off sooner or later, you’ll be stuck paying the cost of the home for many years. If it’s too much for you, then it doesn’t matter how nice the property is — it will cause stress.

They Move Too Slow

Let’s say that you’ve identified your dream home and that it’s within budget. That is most definitely a good starting point, but there are no guarantees that you’ll make it yours. If you love the house, then someone else probably does too! So it’s important that you don’t miss out on it. You have to be ready to strike. If you’re still waiting for your house to be sold, then fear not — bridging loans can give you the cash that you need. Once you’ve found the house you know you want, don’t let it slip through your fingers.

They Don’t Look At The Neighborhood

Finally, it’s important to remember that when you buy a house, you’re not just buying the property itself — you’re also buying into the community in which it is located. As such, it’s important that you’re spending a decent amount of time in the area if it’s not an area that you know too well. It’ll give you a good feel for the place. You may also want to talk to other people that live there, and ask them about the pros and cons of the neighborhood. If everything seems right, then you can proceed as planned. 

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Are you looking for new bedding? If yes, have you thought about considering organic bedding options? If the answer to that is no, we urge you to include organic bedding in your search and not just stick with conventional bedding. Just like the organic food we consume, organic bedding is made without any harmful chemicals. Additionally, organic cotton in particular is healthier for both you and the planet and is primarily what organic bedding is made from.

Let’s take a further look as to what organic bedding actually is and why you should consider it as one of your options.

It Is Healthier for the Environment

As mentioned above, organic bedding is healthier for the planet. Organic cotton is cultivated using methods that are friendly to the environment. That means it’s grown without the use of any pesticides or herbicides. It also doesn’t contain any synthetic chemicals or genetically engineered substances. In addition, it hasn’t been treated with any harsh chemical cleaners or fabric treatments.

All of this means that organic cotton really is all-natural. It also takes less water to produce organic cotton as compared to conventional cotton, which is healthier for the environment as well.

It Is Healthier for You

We alluded to this above too, but not only is organic bedding healthier for the environment, but it’s healthier for you as well. Mostly due to the lack of any chemicals being added, organic bedding is hypoallergenic. This means that there’s less of a chance of any skin or respiratory reactions being caused by the bedding. If you have sensitive skin, this is a necessity. Plus, as children and babies tend to have more sensitive skin than adults, organic bedding is a great option for their cribs and beds too.

It Tends to be More Comfortable

Do you want to sleep on sheets that are as soft as possible? Switching to organic sheets is the route for you. The fabric, whether cotton, wool, or otherwise, has no contact with harsh chemicals, unlike conventional fabrics. The result is a much softer sheet.

Additionally, in most cases, the cloth is woven, rather than made through chemical processing. This affects how soft, dense, and crisp the sheets feel, both when they’re new and throughout their lifetime in your home. With organic bedding, the quality is apparent even after regular washing.

Another positive is that organic bedding is better at keeping moisture away, allowing for a more breathable sleeping experience. It also keeps you cooler throughout the night. Not only will you have comfortable sheets, but your all-around sleep experience will be more comfortable too.

It Has a Natural Durability

Don’t let the softness of the sheets fool you into thinking they aren’t durable—in fact, the opposite is true. We won’t deny the fact that conventional sheets are more durable, however, organic bedding can be washed regularly and still retain its structure and its quality for a long time.

When organic bedding does become worn, you can feel confident about replacing it and sending the old to the trash. They’ll break down naturally, as they’re biodegradable. This isn’t the case for conventional bedding, which can harm the environment.

It Is Made with Higher-Quality Materials

Organic bedding is made solely from natural ingredients. There are no synthetic components, toxic chemicals, or anything of the sort. This means it was grown on an organic farm, harvested using safe methods, and then cleaned using hot water and vegan-based soaps rather than chemicals.

A conventional farm might use chemical fertilizer or pesticides in the growing process. When it’s harvested, it’s mixed with the oil and seeds of the plant, and followed by the addition of harsh chemicals to clean the cotton. This leads to lesser-quality cotton and might require further chemical treatment to increase durability. A key consideration will also be using organic laundry products to continue to maintain the integrity of your organic bedding. 

It Comes in Different Fabrics

We have talked about cotton a lot so far, as it’s the most popular material. But organic bedding comes in many of the same fabrics as conventional bedding. They’re just created using chemical-free processes. For instance, you can choose from cotton sheets and blankets, relaxed linen, bamboo, sateen, jersey, or wool.

It Does Tend to be More Expensive

One thing we don’t want to be shy about is that organic bedding does tend to be more expensive. However, this is for good reason and worth it. It takes a lot more work to be chemical- and pesticide-free throughout growing, harvest, and manufacturing. And when you choose organic bedding, you’re investing in both your health and the health of your family.

It Helps You Create an Organic Home

You might already restrict your home to organic foods and cleaning supplies, but it doesn’t need to stop with your kitchen and laundry room. Your bedroom should (and can) meet the same high standards. In addition to organic sheets, you can bring home organic mattresses, pillows, duvets, and blankets. If upgrading all your bedrooms at once sounds overwhelming, no problem. Starting one room at a time is a good idea. If you have a baby or young child, start with their bedroom before yours since their lungs and skin tend to be more sensitive.

If you’re looking into new bedding for your bedroom, don’t forget to consider organic products. As you can see, there are many benefits to choosing this option, both in terms of your health and helping to protect the environment. In addition to that, you’re creating an even better quality and more comfortable sleeping experience, and who doesn’t want that?

At Plank and Coil, we have everything you need to begin to turn your bedroom into an organic bedroom. In terms of organic bedding, we have various options of sheets, duvets, stroller blankets, shams, mattress pads, and more. We’re sure you will find exactly what you are looking for.

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Whether you want to transform your kitchen into a socializing hub or whether you want to use this space solely for cooking, you should seek to get as much as you possibly can out of this all-important room in your home. Rest assured, if you put the advice laid out below into practice, you’ll be sure to do just that.

Here are three things you can do to improve your kitchen:

Paint the walls

A fresh lick of paint will be sure to work wonders in your kitchen. No matter what color scheme you opt for, taking this course of action will help you to banish the cooking stains that are splattered all over your walls. In turn, this will be sure to breathe a fresh lease of life into your kitchen, which is perfect if you do, in fact, wish to transform this space into a socializing hub.

Should you find yourself stuck for inspiration with regard to your color palette in this instance, be sure to consider the following shades. Here is a selection of the best paint colors that are perfect in any kitchen:

1. Eggplant
2. Pale green
3. Marigold
4. Peach lacquer
5. Lavender
6. Cobalt blue
7. Flamingo pink
8. Crimson
9. Marine blue
10. Coral
11. Baby blue
12. High-shine yellow

Alternatively, you could go for darker shades, such as matte black, dark navy, or even midnight blue. Consider if there will be any color clashes before picking the new shade. 

Invest in melamine

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If you want to get the most out of your kitchen over a sustained period of time, melamine is a material that you must invest in. This organic resin compound is used to manufacture a whole host of products commonly found in the kitchen, mainly because it is virtually unbreakable. Melamine is fire and heat resistant, durable, and nitrogen-rich, which is why you should seriously consider purchasing kitchen utensils that are made of it.

To ensure that you only ever invest in melamine products of the highest possible quality, be sure to align yourself with an industry expert such as Cabinet Timbers. With this experienced supplier of cut-to-size melamine goods by your side, you will be guaranteed to purchase kitchen utensils and countertops that last you for years to come.

Replace your appliances

If you’re serious about taking your kitchen to the next level, you might want to consider replacing the appliances found in it. This will give a massive boost to the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen, but it’ll also be sure to make your life as both a chef and an entertainer a lot easier. To find a comprehensive rundown of all the very best smart kitchen appliances for 2021, be sure to check out this insightful guide.

Are you determined to improve your kitchen in 2021? When you decide to undertake this renovation and redecoration process, be sure to remember all of the advice laid out above.

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The process of moving can be time-consuming and stressful, and it is essential to do things right. Many people have managed to move without going through a lot of stress by using the tips below. The household storage tips below will help you when moving. You should start the process as soon as possible because the moving date will arrive quicker than you think. The following tips will help you avoid breaking things and misplacing your items. 

Planning Ahead

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You need to have a plan in place because it is going to make things easier. Have a packing rota even though some people see it as extreme, but it will be worth it.

Start by choosing the room you are going to pack first and when. Choose the rooms you are going to start with. You need to start with the least used rooms and then work towards the busier ones to minimize disruption. 

Another benefit of planning ahead is you can get help from your friends and family. Start early so that people don’t get the excuse of not helping you out.

Hiring a Movers and Storage Unit

Storage units are great for seasonal items. You can use it for storing your hiking gear and equipment you are not going to use for months. You might not be able to bring all your possessions with you when you move. But that doesn’t mean you have to part with them.

A storage unit will make things more comfortable as you sort out your stuff when moving. You can store items you don’t use regularly.

Also, hiring a moving company will save you a lot of time. Getting estimates from moving companies will help you to choose the right and affordable moving company. If you choose a moving company that provides storage units, that can add up to make your move stress-free.

Getting Your Supplies

When packing, you should make sure you have all your supplies ready. This way, you don’t have to start looking for something when you get started. Your focus should be on packing and not looking for scissors. Some of the supplies you are going to need when moving are;

• Boxes – different shapes and sizes
  

  Pic Credit:Pixabay

• Tape – brown packing tape and cello tape 
• Labels 
• Bubble wraps 
• Fillers – Styrofoam packing peanuts and newspaper 
• Scissors 
• Pens – this includes a heavy black marker 

You also need to choose a room where you are going to store packed boxes. Once you are done with packing, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. Another option is renting a storage unit to use until the move.

Declutter

Decluttering your home is a must if you want to have stress free packing and storage. You need to go through everything you own and decide which of those items you will keep or get rid of. Keep things you are going to need in your new home. Get rid of things you have not used in months because there is a good chance you will not use them any time soon.

There are different ways to get rid of stuff. The first is through a garage sale. If you have enough time, you can sell them online on eBay and Facebook marketplace. If you don’t find a buyer for some items, consider donating them to your local charity. Some charities will be willing to come to your home and pick the items.

Decluttering is going to make things easier because you will have fewer items to pack and store. You can also make money from the items sold, and you can add to your moving budget.

Get Packing

Once you have sorted everything, you now need to start packing your things. Below are some tips to help you with packing.

• Choose the right boxes. Put lighter items in bigger boxes and heavy items in smaller boxes.
• Try to pack similar items together. For example, put electricals in one box and toiletries in another.
• Fill the gaps – Everything needs to be compact. You can use your clothes to fill the spaces. It will help in protecting fragile items.
• Avoid overpacking so that the boxes don’t become too heavy for you to carry. There is no need to hurt yourself carrying heavy boxes. Don’t cram many things into one big box. You can end up breaking some items just because you didn’t want to get an extra box.

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