Home & Interiors

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Whether you have children yourself, are a grandparent, or there are children in your friends and family, a pool in the back garden is a great idea. No matter what you choose to add to your garden, there should be some benefits. Adding a pool is one of the things that make a huge impact. The swimming pool construction often takes less time than you think too! So with some planning, you can have a pool ready for when it gets hot!

Competition 

A little bit of competition is healthy, and swimming pools offer the chance for kids to have little races and work on their diving. Since the pool is always there, and there are no open and close times – or a membership cost, they can practice any time they like. 

If they happen to do swimming competitions in school, this is also a great way for them to get better at something they enjoy. 

Entertainment

Do you have to work for the day and don’t want the kids to get bored? Swimming pool. It’s late evening and too hot to sleep; hop in the pool. Need to have a great place for a family gathering or a birthday party? The swimming pool! 

You can use your pool to entertain yourself, friends, and family in so many different ways. 

Health 

Perhaps one of the best reasons to get a swimming pool is that you and your children can benefit from being a little bit healthier. One of the reasons people state they don’t have the time to work out or do anything too active is that they don’t have time to travel to the gym or the local pool. 

With a pool in the backyard, it makes keeping healthy a lot easier! 

Family time 

For the days when you want to do something that is low-effort but has you all together as a family, hanging around the pool can be just the thing! No matter how old your children are, you can all hop in for a swim and to cool off in the heat. 

Swimming

If your children have access to a pool from an early age, they are more likely to be strong swimmers. Swimming is even more important in countries with a lot of open water and canals or where swimming is one of the biggest leisure activities. 

The skill of swimming is one thing, but being safe around water is also something that can be learned when there is a swimming pool nearby all the time. Watching for signs of drowning, trouble with the water, and being careful around the pool’s edges are all important for a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. 

Crowds

A huge benefit of a swimming pool in the garden is that you’ll never have to beat the crowds to the beach or the outdoor pool because you’ll have the pool within a few feet of your home! 

Of course, part of having a pool in the garden is ensuring it is safe for children; here are some other great ideas: Tips for making your garden a safe and fun environment for kids – The Mamma Fairy.

 Note: This is a collaborative post

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Regular maintenance is key to keeping your home operating smoothly. There are so many things to do around the house, but it’s important to prioritize and ensure essential tasks are taken care of first. By taking care of these five tasks each year, you can avoid larger problems down the road and keep your home in tip-top shape. So let’s take a look at what needs to be done annually.

Check Your Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Your smoke detectors should be checked quarterly to ensure they are working properly. You can do this by pressing the test button on the detector. If the detector does not sound, it may be time to replace the batteries or the entire unit. It’s also a good idea to vacuum around the detector to remove any dust that may have accumulated.

Inspect Your Hvac System

Your HVAC system is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home, so it’s important to keep it well-maintained. Each month, you should inspect your system for any signs of wear or damage. Additionally, you should change your air filter at least once per quarter or more often if you have pets. A clogged or dirty air filter can reduce efficiency and cause major problems down the road. Your HVAC system is also responsible for ensuring clean, fresh air throughout the house, so it’s a good idea to schedule an annual inspection and possibly a tune-up with a professional.

Clean Your Gutters And Downspouts

Your gutters and downspouts play an important role in protecting your home from water damage. Each month, you should clean out any debris that has accumulated in your gutters so that water can flow freely through them. Additionally, you should inspect your gutters and downspouts once a year for any signs of rust, leaks, or other damage. If you find any damage, you should repair or replace the affected components as soon as possible.

Check Your Drainage System

Your drainage system helps prevent water buildup in your yard and foundation. Each year, you should inspect the drainage pipes and ensure they are clear of debris or blockages. You should also inspect any drainage grates or catch basins for any signs of damage or clogs. To ensure your drainage maintenance is done correctly, you should call a professional, as they have the necessary tools and expertise to handle any drainage issues.

Trim Trees And Shrubs

Trees and shrubs can cause damage to your roof and siding if they are not properly trimmed. Each year, you should trim back any branches that may be hanging too close to your home. This can also help prevent fallen branches during storms. It’s important to regularly trim trees and shrubs not only for the safety of your home but also for the health of the plants themselves.

Taking care of these yearly maintenance tasks can save you time and money in the long run. Keeping up with regular maintenance will ensure that your home remains in good condition for years to come. So don’t wait; start checking off this yearly maintenance checklist today!

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Are you in the process of moving into your new home? If so, congratulations! This is an exciting time in your life. However, before you move in, there are a few things you need to take care of. This blog post will discuss five hints on what to fix before moving into your new home. These tips will help make the transition smoother and less stressful!

1) Check for leaks:

One of the first things you should do before moving into your new home is to check for any leaks. This includes checking the plumbing and any appliances that use water. If there are any leaks, be sure to have them fixed before moving in. Otherwise, you could end up with a costly repair bill down the road. 

2) Get rid of pests:

Another thing to take care of before moving into your new home is to get rid of any pests that may be present. This includes ants, roaches, mice, and rats. Be sure to call a professional exterminator to take care of this problem for you. In addition, you should also take measures to prevent pests from entering your home in the future.

3) Repair any damage:

As you walk through your new home, be on the lookout for any damage that needs to be repaired. This can include things like holes in the walls, cracks in the ceilings, or loose tiles. Be sure to have these repairs made before moving in; otherwise, you may end up with more severe problems down the road. If you’re planning on doing any renovations, now is the time to do them. But the best way to avoid further stress and anxiety is to hire professionals to do the job; they have all the equipment, for example, Filler, Caulk, Sealant, Paint, RIW toughseal, and Wallpaper.

4) Clean the carpets:

Another important thing to do before moving into your new home is to clean the carpets. This will help remove any dirt, dust, and allergens that may be present. In addition, it will make your home smell fresher and cleaner. You can either hire a professional carpet cleaner or do it yourself. Carpets bring a sense of warmth and luxuriousness to a home, so make sure they are clean and ready when you move in.

5) Change the locks:

Finally, one of the most important things to do before moving into your new home is to change the locks. This is important for both your safety and security. You never know who may have had a key to your home in the past, so it’s best to play it safe and change the locks. This is a relatively inexpensive and easy process that will give you peace of mind. It would be best if you also considered changing the locks on any external doors, such as the garage or shed.

In conclusion, these are five hints on what to fix before moving into your new home. By taking care of these things beforehand, you can make the transition smoother and less stressful. So, don’t wait until the last minute to take care of these things. Instead, get them done as soon as possible!

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Is your family starting to grow, and are you subsequently beginning to run out of space to actually fit everyone and everything inside? 

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If so, then moving to a new property is usually the most appropriate solution! However, it’s certainly fair to say that finding the best home that suits all of your needs can seem a little tough, and the stress may be something you feel you should definitely avoid.

Fortunately it doesn’t have to be this way, as there are a number of simple steps that you can follow in order to complete a hassle-free move to the most perfect new family home in no time at all. So, what are you waiting for? To find the most amazing new home for you and your kids whilst still managing to keep your sanity at the same time, just read on to discover some brilliant tips and tricks that can guide you in the right direction. 

Locate A Reputable Real Estate Agent

Unfortunately, there are so many fake advertisements and bogus businesses in the housing market, and these individuals and organisations can be very deceiving.  You may find several unauthorized projects, so choose the reliable option for your home. Finding well-founded project developers who have done outstanding projects is difficult but possible. Connect with them for a genuine home solution.

That’s why it’s so important that you can take the opportunity to organise a meeting with the most reputable and reliable real estate company around! A good real estate team should be able to offer you a high quality service that fills all the gaps, while helping to reduce the risk of fraud and money loss quite dramatically. Estate agents exist to help you with finding your next dream family home, and they should have a wealth of different properties to choose from. 

You can find reviews online for most good companies, and these should be honest opinions from previous customers. This should hopefully give you a good idea with regards to whether you should make use of their services or not, as lots of positive comments from past clients about being matched up with their dream home suggests that chances are they can do the same for you too. Don’t forget to contact some movers like movalist.com.au too – it’s hard to handle such a big task with kids running circles around you. 

Check The Local Schools & Other Similar Things 

If your children are at school age, then it’s absolutely vital that you take some time to check the schools in each area that you’re considering. It has to be said that even the poshest of towns that appear pristine on the surface can hide many things, and you don’t want to be left in a tricky situation after already investing in a property. 

It can be so easy to find information about local education centres online, and in most cases by law you should be able to access a schools last inspector evaluation records so that you can make a more informed decision. You may also be able to find something like previous or average student grades too, and this can be a great indication as to whether the quality of teaching is actually good enough for your family to utilise when you move home. 

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For many people, winter is not their most favourite season. Given the cost of living and the energy crisis happening both at the same time right now, nobody is really looking forward to the winter months this year. It’s not that they don’t like the idea of snow and Christmas and magical icicles, but it’s the cost of living that’s going to go up and make everybody have to choose between heating or eating this year.

You could have double glazed windows and a chimney ready for a fire, but unless you are savvy about what makes your heating bills go through the roof, you can’t be prepared. You need to make sure that your rooms in your home are warm and comfortable, even when you are at work. Nobody wants to come home to a freezing cold house that they then have to warm up from scratch, so here are the best ways that you can keep your room cosy this winter.

• Open the curtains. During the sunlight hours, open the curtains and let that light shine in. The second the sun goes down, however, because all of that lovely natural heat that you have pulled through the window panes during the day can settle in your room. The moment the sun goes down however, the cold will set back in. Even on a cold day, the sunshine can help to warm up your space. You can also like some candles through the room when you consider lighting, as the candles can also provide a heat source.
• Double up with your window coverings through the night. Through the night when it’s at its coldest, use the help of a blind and a set of curtains to help your room stay warm. When you double down on this, you’ll keep the room cosy and prevent any kind of draught coming in through the window. Obviously, you will have checked the cook for leaks and anyway that the cold air can come through. It’s time to unpack the blankets. The bedroom throws, the pillows and the chunky blankets that you stored away for the summer need to come back out again. Using warm, natural materials will be helpful to warm up your room. Layers can also really help so if you have a chat in the room or you simply want to chill out on the bed, you will get much further when you have laid blankets and chunky covers.
• Keep the door closed. If you want to keep the heat in, keep the door closed when you are in the room and when you are out of the room. You want to ensure that the bedroom is as warm as it can be before you go to sleep in it because otherwise you’re going to lay there and shiver. Adding extra layers to your bedding is smart, but the door being closed will be really helpful, too.

 Use these tips and make a choice not to freeze your butt off this winter.

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Back in the old days, people, the majority of people anyway, would live their entire lives in the place they were born. But things have changed. We’re a population of movers, with more people than ever before packing up their lives and heading to pastures new. And you can understand why. There’s plenty of fun and adventure to be had from experiencing life in a new city, even if it’s still in the same country as your home city.

But of course, it can be a little difficult. It’s more problematic than just moving down the street, for instance. In this blog, we’ll run through some useful tips that’ll ensure your intercity move is as smooth as possible. 

Knowledge of the City

There’s something exciting about just moving to a new place without having any knowledge of what it’s like. But also, there’s no avoiding the fact that the chances of failure are higher. You’ll find that you greatly enhance your chances of success if you have a fair amount of knowledge about the place you’re moving to! It’s recommended to visit a few times before making a move, and also talk with other people who have moved there to get their thoughts and impressions. 

A Month Trial 

Even if you’re broadly sure that moving is the right way to go, it can still be useful to spend a month there, just to be sure. Of course, this option won’t be available to everyone, but if you have a remote job, then it could work. You could even house swap with someone, so you don’t have to pay additional rent, plus it would be more likely that you’ll get the true “what it’s like to live there” experience. After a month, you’ll have a more solid understanding of the pros and cons of moving there. 

Professional Movers

It can be difficult transporting all your belongings to a new house down the road. It’s even more difficult to move your stuff across the country. While you could do this yourself, it’ll be more likely that you run into stressful moments — and that you and your partner will have arguments. Instead, look at handing the responsibility over to a professional moving company, such as JD Movers. They’ll do all the hard work of getting your possessions from point A to point B. 

Work Transition Period

You’ll need to handle a lot of tasks when you first move. Even filling your fridge with food can be a challenge since you won’t know for sure which supermarket is right for you. To help make things a little more straightforward, look at taking a bit of extra time off work after you’ve made the move. It’ll give you time to get your bearings without having to put in all those long hours of work each day. 

Once you’ve done all those things, the only thing you’ll have to do is be a little patient. You’ll eventually settle into your new life, but it could take a few months! 

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Are you thinking about buying your property? Congratulations, buying a home is a challenge and something you should be very proud of. It can take many years to save up a deposit to buy a property, even longer if it’s your second or third as greater deposits are needed. When making such a huge decision it is so important to spend the time doing your research and not just on the property and area itself but also on what is involved in the process from the legal to the financial side, there is a lot of great information available on line to help in this regard, websites like McArthur Homes can prove a useful starting point. 

When viewing a property, there are a number of things you want to consider before committing to buying. What home appliances does it come with? – Are you going to need to buy any when moving in? What is the condition of the gutter? –  Is it working properly or will you need to get a company like Gutter Boy Cleaning in? What is the age of the house and more? 

There are so many questions to answer, which is why it’s always worth getting a survey done so that a professional can inspect the property and check for anything that you may miss. As an expert, there are probably many things they will check that you wouldn’t. 

Below are a few things for you to consider checking when buying a home. 

What home appliances does it come with? 

An important question to ask is what home appliance your potential home comes with. Will it come with a washing machine? A dishwasher and tumble dryer? Does the oven work as well as the microwave etc? It’s important to find these things out as they could save you money in the long run. If it’s a new build you are looking at, then chances are it will include the most important appliances and they will be relatively new. If it’s an older property, then you may be required to provide these yourself – and they can be costly and should be included within your budget – If you are having to buy a lot of appliances, make sure they fit with the interiors of your new home. 

How Old Is The Property? 

The age of the property is another important thing to check when buying a home. It’s fairly simple to understand why, the older the property, the more likely it is that you will have to do some work on it when you buy it or in the long run. If the property is new, then it may be covered by the people who built it for a number of years. A lot of new builds will be insured for around 5-10 years, however, you would need to check this. Older properties are also more likely to be more expensive to fix if there is something that, unfortunately, goes wrong with it. This is because the way we built properties in the past has changed, meaning more work will have to be done to bring it to modern-day standards. 

Check the Location 

Are you new to the area or have you been living in the same location but in a different home? The location of your property is very important to check before committing to buying – especially if you are new to the area. Have you checked what schools are around? What activities can you do that are easy to get to? What is the local town like? What is the crime rate like? Is it safe to walk around the neighborhood when it gets dark? These are all things you want to research in order to be sure you are happy with the location of your potential home. 

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The kitchen is one of the rooms in your home that can start to look outdated over time. The difference between your kitchen and other rooms is that it’s more difficult to update it. It’s simple to repair your living room or update the furniture. But with so many fixtures and fittings in the kitchen, updating it isn’t so simple. You can’t install a brand new kitchen every couple of years, so you can end up hanging onto it until it looks really outdated. When it’s time to freshen up your kitchen, either partially or with a full remodel, there are plenty of things you can do to modernise it.

Get Clever with Storage

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If your current kitchen isn’t really working for you, one of the problems might be the storage. You might feel like you don’t have enough of it or that the storage you have just doesn’t work for what you want to keep in it. Rethinking your storage can help you to make your kitchen more suitable for the way you use it. Start with thinking about what exactly it is you need to store and what you need access to most often. You can plan your storage around your needs.

Upgrade Your Appliances

Outdated kitchen appliances can be a real pain. They might not work the way you need them to, they often use up more energy than you would like, and you can spend a long time wrestling with them to get them to do what you want. New, modern appliances could make a huge difference to your kitchen. The large German fridges from Andi-Co are a great option if you’re looking for a way to store more and stay organised. Likewise, a new oven with a range of functions could make cooking much more pleasurable. Look for appliances that are energy-efficient to save on your bills too.

Freshen Up Surfaces and Materials

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If your kitchen was installed a while ago, you might feel like the materials used and surfaces are pretty out of date. Maybe the materials are even fairly cheap and you’re now ready to upgrade to something of better quality. If you want to make a big difference, you might want to start by changing the work surfaces. Another option could be to paint your kitchen cupboards to give the kitchen a fresh new look. If you really want to update your kitchen, you could replace them entirely.

Bring in More Light

More light in your kitchen can go a long way to helping it look more modern. When you bring more light in, it can help the whole room to look larger and ensures it doesn’t seem too dark and dingy. If you can’t get more natural light into the room, focus on adding the right lighting fixtures. Even if it’s sunny during the day, you’ll still need the right lighting at night.

Modernising your kitchen can make it work for you, making it more practical and more convenient for anything you need to do.

Some people don’t have a natural talent for design, which is fine. If you don’t want to hire an interior decorator, you can find a lot of information online to help you decorate your home yourself.

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Here are our best ideas for adding a touch of luxury to your home without hiring a designer or spending a lot of money.

Adding Flowers

Adding Flowers Flowers on your dining table, coffee table in the living room, hallways, and in the bathrooms will impress your guests and make your home feel fresh. If you don’t want to order flowers every 2 weeks, you can buy fake bouquets that look like the real thing. If you don’t want to order flowers every 2 weeks, you can buy fake bouquets that look like the real thing.

Soft Additions

Egyptian cotton sheets and knocker chairs add a touch of luxury and style to any room because of how soft they are and how well they hold up. Don’t skimp on a new rug or bedding set if you want to show that you have a strong sense of style and a taste for the finest things in life. Luxury couches are a great way to make your home more comfortable.

Luxury couches are a great way to make your home more comfortable.

Beautiful Lighting

Setting up good lighting in your most important rooms is the easiest way to make a focal point in any space. In the kitchen, living room, and main hallway or foyer, you need lights that make a statement. Chandeliers or cool modern pendant light shades can be hung over tables to make a point of interest.

Furnishings

Unusual, distinctive furniture makes a statement. Choose an unusual vintage chaise chair for the kitchen or a delightful grandfather clock for the foyer. On the other hand, you could build your furniture over the weekend to make it truly unique. Make your own doors or wardrobes, and your guests will be impressed when they ask where you got them. Tool Nerds is a good place to get help and tools for a project this big.

Add Ornaments

Guests will be interested in and curious about your collection of ornaments and trinkets if they are beautifully displayed. Bring something beautiful back from your trips so that your home is full of interesting things from all over the world. Think about sculptures, paintings, vases, and statuettes. Collectables can be put on shelves, on top of drawers, or in the middle of a table.

Hall Mirror

There are no pictures or paintings on the walls? No problem! A giant mirror is always a good choice. These make a room feel grand and make it look bigger at the same time. If you want them to grow the most, put them near windows and light. Use interesting shapes to dress up your ovals.

Warm Colors To Decorate With

There is a science called colour psychology, and it is important to choose the right colours for the right rooms. Greens, blues, and greys are calming, while reddish browns and oranges are calming. Warm colours and jewel tones work best in public spaces like lounges, living rooms, and kitchens. Cooler, calmer colours work better in private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms. A simple way to use your interior design skills is to change the colour of your walls or add a few colourful accessories to your rooms.

These seven tips should help you give your home the touch of luxury you want. Do you have any additional tips that could be helpful? Please leave some of them in the comments below.

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It can be both exciting and daunting to move into a new home. Even if you’re just moving to a new apartment or house down the street, there are still a lot of things to do in order to get settled in. Here are a few pieces of advice on how to settle into your new home:

1. Make sure you have all the essentials.

Before you even start unpacking, make sure that you have all the essentials for your new home. This includes things like toilet paper, soap, trash bags, light bulbs, etc. Once you have all of the essentials taken care of, you can start unpacking and settling in.

2. Take your time.

Don’t try to rush the process of settling into your new home. Take your time and do things at your own pace. There’s no need to stress yourself out by trying to do too much at once.

3. Get to know your new neighbourhood.

One of the best ways to settle into your new home is to get to know your new neighbourhood. Explore the area and find out where the local shops and restaurants are. This will help you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings.

4. Reach out to your neighbours.

Another great way to settle into your new home is to reach out to your neighbours. Introduce yourself and maybe even invite them over for dinner or a drink. Getting to know the people who live around you can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel in your new home.

5. Make your new home your own.

One of the best ways to settle into your new home is to make it your own. Hang up some pictures, put out some plants, or do anything else that will make you feel at home. Remember, this is your new home, and you should make it a place that you love.

6. Spruce up the garden.

A practical tip for settling into your new home is to spruce up the garden. If you have a yard, take some time to tidy it up with the help of STC and make it look nice. This will give you a great space to relax and will also make your new home look more inviting from the outside.

7. Have a housewarming party.

A great way to really settle into your new home is to have a housewarming party. Invite all of your friends and family over to check out your new place and have some fun. This is a great way to make your new home feel like home in no time.

There you have it!

Moving into a new home can be a daunting task, but following these pieces of advice can help you settle in quickly and easily. Make sure you have all the essentials, take your time, get to know your new neighbourhood, reach out to your neighbours, and make your new home your own. You should also spruce up the garden and have a housewarming party to really settle into your new home sweet home.

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