SkyFive Properties Blog

Summer temperatures continue to rise every year. Keeping our homes cool is more important than ever.

There are a lot of heat-related injuries we want to prevent but sometimes running an AC all the time isn’t possible. Plus it’s expensive.

But air conditioning isn’t the only way.

We’re here to help you learn how to keep a house cool even in the hottest of temperatures.

Window Maintenance

The first step to staying cool without AC is to check your windows. Make sure there’s no damage in the wood and no gaps between the panes of glass. This way, when you close your windows, you know for certain no hot air is getting through.

If you live in an area that gets hit by super high temperatures, it might be a good idea to think about double glazing. Double glazing makes use of two glass panes and the space between them in order to regulate temperatures.

This window treatment is the best option to control the temperature in your home.

Check Your Insulation

Thinking about our insulation is something most of us only do when we first purchase a home. After that, it’s not a thing we think about all that often.

But if you wonder how to make your house cooler, insulation is key. This protective layer makes temperatures stay where you want them. Hot air stays out and the cool air stays in (or vice versa during winter!).

Before summer hits, make certain to do a check up on the state of your home’s insulation. If it’s looking old and worn down, it’s time to think about replacements.

Close Curtains and Blinds

It’s not only the humidity you need to think about. Sunlight itself carries heat with it. That makes it a good idea to keep those curtains and blinds closed before the heat settles into your home.

It’s a simple trick that makes a whole world of difference. You give up a bit of light and view, but the lessened heat more than makes up for it.

Keep Doors Shut

Staying cool without AC is all about maintaining control over the temperatures in your house. An easy way to do that is to keep your doors closed. In particular, this is important when you’re not using that specific room.

This way, you’re keeping the cool air contained in the rooms you want. With open doors, you’ll need to work harder to achieve the same result as there’s more air to cool down.

Control Humidity

There’s nothing worse than a summer heat that’s also wet and sticky. Plus, it makes the heat feel even hotter to our skin. Keep that kind of humidity out of your house by using a dehumidifier.

These machines are the perfect way to get all that uncomfortable moisture out of the air.

No Longer Wonder How To Keep A House Cool

It’s easy to think an AC is the only answer in how to keep a house cool during the summer. By using the tips above, you know all of the little tricks that not only keep you and your family cooler.

And the best part? They also help save you money.

During the worst heat, don’t forget to think about your lawn as well!

Out of sight, out of mind. Access to a roof can be difficult and dangerous. When you know something’s wrong, it’s vital to be able to trust that your roofing contractor will give you an honest opinion. Don’t get taken for a ride.

Follow a few simple steps, and you’ll quite literally be home and dry. We’re here to show you how to choose the best roofing contractors in your area. You’ll then be confident that any issues you have with your roof will be resolved satisfactorily.

Find a Local Referral

Ensuring a roof is in good order is one of many challenges homeowners face. That’s particularly true if they’re considering buying or selling a property.

Use your own social and professional network to find someone local who comes recommended and is well established. You need to be sure that your contractor isn’t likely to vanish before any warranties expire.

Ask for references, and make contact with any previous clients. You can check to see whether the contractor will be right for your project.

Check Qualifications

Ask your contractor for proof that they and their subcontractors have the correct training and qualifications to do the job.

Ensure your roofing contractor has manufacturer certifications. These are important because they mean the company will have passed certain minimum requirements.

Check out the Better Business Bureau website to make sure your contractor is listed and has a great score.

Ask for a Written Contract

It’s great to like the person who is going to do the roofing for you. Don’t let that deter you though from getting a written contract. This can protect you and lessens any financial risk.

When you’re negotiating, consider asking for some extras, like a makeover for your deck. Ask if this could be included at a preferential rate, along with the work needed to fix the roof.

The contract should specify the work that needs to be done. It should also breakdown the costs of materials and labor. Finally, it should include a schedule so that it’s clear when the work will be completed.

Adequate Insurance

All contractors should be able to provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate. Accidents can and do happen to contractors. It’s that you have the reassurance that you won’t be liable for any potential negative consequences.

Most policies state that the contractor should have the correct license. That stipulation may not stop unlicensed contractors from trying to do the job. It’s therefore imperative to check licenses as well as insurance policies.

Check for Warranties

Make sure your contractor offers a warranty that includes their workmanship. If mistakes are made during the installation process, it can take time and money to put them right. If you’re not covered properly then you could have to foot the bill.

Hiring the Best Roofing Contractors

It’s important not to feel pressurized when choosing a contractor. Take your time and check the small print. Follow our tips and you’ve got a great chance of getting one of the best roofing contractors available.

Having a roof that’s in good order is going to add value to your home. Check here for other exterior renovations that could help if you ever you decide to sell your property.

Buying property for the first time is always a thrilling and joyous experience, at least from the outside. The idea of finally owning your own place will be a huge relief, and a lot of people will only consider the good side of the work they have to do, failing to consider the mountain of jobs which will be on their plate. Of course, though, if you want something like this to go smoothly, you need to be covering all of the bases. To help you out with this process, this post will be exploring one of the best methods for taking the harder work out of your hands; using a professional property firm.

Policy & Protocol

One of the biggest benefits of a large company helping you out with something like this is the fact that they have strict policies and protocols in place to protect people like you. All of their team members will have to go through the same process when they are organizing the transaction, and this will make it almost impossible for stones to be left unturned. There are strict laws which govern and regulate property sales. This makes it crucial that you understand the law, or at least have someone willing to learn about it for you.

Experience

Along with their legal obligations to treat customers correctly, a business which has been working in a field for many years will always benefit from the experience of its employees. For example, if your purchase doesn’t go smoothly, and you have to argue with your local government, having someone who has gone through this process in the past by your side will make it all far easier. Of course, experience can help with smaller things, too. Even something as simple as spotting an awkward seller who will make everything harder can save loads of time when you’re buying a home.

Advice

When someone is working as a real estate agent, it makes sense for them to throw a huge amount of their time into learning about modern properties. Over the years, laws and rules will change, and keeping up with this takes a lot of energy. Having someone with this knowledge will save a lot of time when you’re buying a home. If you are planning a family, for example, they will be able to help you to find a home which not only has space for the future, but will also be in a good location for those starting a family.

Along with being able to give you small pieces of advice, companies like this can also help when it comes to bigger stuff. When it comes to something like your mortgage, for example, a lot of people have to spend months learning how to use a loan amortization calculator or other online tools which make mortgages make more sense. Instead, you can talk to your agent, using their experience in this field to get good advice about the sort of products you should be going for. Having this behind you is one of the easiest ways to ensure that you don’t make bad choices down the line.

Negotiation

One of the main reasons for people going through private systems when they are buying a home is cost saving. Without a professional helping you out, you will almost certainly save money, right? In reality, this sort of logic doesn’t work out so well, though, as most people don’t have the ability to negotiate like a full-time salesperson. Not only will a firm like this have experience in this area, but they will also know how far they can push the sellers they have on their books. While they are also working for the seller, a real estate will often be focused on making sales, rather than making them money.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to take on the support of a professional when it comes to buying your new home. A lot of people assume that this route will be more expensive or restrictive than doing it by themselves. In reality, though, the buyer doesn’t have to pay for an estate agent’s time, with the seller having to cover most of the bill. This means that ignoring this route could actually cost you money, and this is something most people will want to avoid when they are buying a home. Speaking to a professional like this doesn’t sign you up for any commitments, and you can always choose to go with someone else once you’ve given one a try.

Have you spent the last few months spending every spare minute bundled up on your couch and taking advantage of your Amazon Prime membership?

If this resonates with you, no judgment here. Lots of us spend our winters accumulating things we don’t need and just doing our best to survive the cold.

The good news, though, is that spring is almost here! That means it’s time to some spring cleaning. If you’ve made a few too many late night Amazon purchases, this also means it’s time to find a place to store all your new belongings.

If the idea of cleaning and home organization makes you start to sweat, don’t panic. Just keep reading. Listed below are ten great home storage solutions that will help you organize your space and find a place for everything.

1. Clean Up Your Counters

Clutter on your countertops is sure to leave you feeling stressed out and overwhelmed every time you set foot in your kitchen. Instead of letting it continue to accumulate, block off some time to clear things out once and for all.

Once you’ve cleared everything off your counter, go through and figure out what needs to go back on the counter and what belongs in a different part of the house.

Then, set up some wire baskets or mail sorters on your counter to catch the clutter. Use a basket to hold keys, phone chargers, or other odds and ends that get tossed on the counter. Use the mail sorter for letters, bills, homework, and other paper items.

Better yet, why not get a cleaning company to do the work for you instead of grinding out this task and all of the others?  Leveraging of your time is important if you wish to have time for pursuing your passions.

2. KonMari Your Closet

You’ve seen everyone and their mom following the KonMari method to clear out their closets and other areas of their house.

You might be getting sick of hearing people ask if certain items “spark joy,” but there’s definitely a lot of benefits to taking this approach, especially when it comes to organizing your closet.

Take all of your clothes out of your closet and get rid of any items that don’t make you happy. You might need to get rid of items that don’t fit, that you don’t like, or that you haven’t worn for years.

Once you’ve cleared out your closet, you can look into reorganizing or even redesigning it. This article has tons of great ideas you can look to for inspiration.

3. Use Square Storage Containers

If you’re about to take on a big organizing and decluttering project, chances are you’re going to need to invest in some new storage containers.

When you’re shopping for containers, stick to square or rectangular ones. You’ll have less wasted space with these kinds of containers. You will have an easier time stacking them, too.

4. Use a Peg Board in Your Kitchen

We all have that drawer in our kitchen — or maybe several drawers. You know, the one that holds all of our oddly shaped kitchen utensils and sometimes can’t even be opened because a spatula got put in at a bad angle.

Get rid of that drawer and store your tools in a better way, such as on a pegboard.

A pegboard lets you take advantage of empty wall space and store awkwardly shaped items like measuring cups and spatulas on hooks where you can easily see and access them.

5. Skip Over Storage Sets

When you’re shopping for storage containers, you might be tempted to purchase storage sets that come with containers in three or four different sizes.

The problem with these sets, though, is that you often only end up using a couple of the containers in them — the ones that are sized appropriately for the majority of your belongings. The rest get tossed to the side or stuffed in a closet somewhere.

By purchasing individual storage containers, you can get just what you need and end up saving money.

6. Install Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are all the rage these days and for good reason. They give you more storage space and have a nice, sleek, minimalist design.

Try hanging floating shelves up in your kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere else where you have a lot of clutter.

Don’t forget to use the bottoms of the shelves, too. They’re great for hanging jewelry, coffee mugs, and other items.

7. Sort Out Your Tupperware

If you’re like most of us, you have a whole cabinet (or maybe two) dedicated to Tupperware. And, you probably have no idea what all is in that cabinet.

Take everything out of this cabinet (or cabinets) and get rid of anything that is cracked, stained, or doesn’t have a lid.

8. DIY Storage Drawers

If you have a big cabinet in your kitchen or bathroom and have a hard time keeping track of everything in it, install some makeshift drawers using clear plastic bins. You can just pull the bin out when you need something — instead of taking out everything in the cabinet.

9. Organize Your Entryway

The lawn and exterior of your home might be the first things people see, but what they see next is the entryway to your house.

Make sure your entryway is clean, inviting, and free of clutter.

Invest in a coatrack or a hanging organizer to keep everything off the floor and out of your guests’ way.

10. Use Labels

Finally, label all of your storage containers.

Even if they’re clear, it helps to have a label stuck on the front. Labels will save you a ton of time and make it easy for you to figure out where everything is.

If you’re labeling containers that contain toys or other kids’ items, use labels that contain pictures rather than words so kids can keep their things organized.

Need More Home Storage Solutions?

As you can see, there are tons of different steps you can take to make your home more organized.

Put these ten home storage solutions to the test and you’ll find that home quickly becomes a much more open, organized, and enjoyable place.

Do you need a little more organization help, though? Maybe you’re trying to get your home cleared out so you can get ready for a big move.

Whatever your motivation is for cleaning up and clearing out your home, we can help.

Check out some of the other articles on our blog today for more inspiration. This article on downsizing your home is a great starting point.

Whether you’re thinking of selling your home any time soon or you’re just looking to reappraise it, some of the most lucrative changes to make are in the kitchen. When you make changes in the kitchen, you make your home easier to sell, especially if you have a professional kitchen. Even people who microwave every meal want to have a professional-looking kitchen in their home.

Here are five ways to upgrade your kitchen to something professional looking.

1. High-End Stove

Having a great stove helps you to prepare great meals. When you invest in a high-end stove, you’re investing in a way to prepare your meals like the professionals. While building a professional-grade kitchen at home isn’t always a possibility, your stove and your oven are going to make the biggest difference.

Having a range that’s fully electric might feel like a good idea at first, but it’s much harder to manage. Even as electric stoves have become more accurate and easier to use, there’s nothing as empowering as cooking with fire. When you have a gas-powered oven, you get the chance to cook by instinct rather than the redness of a coil or by a number on a knob.

When you’re cooking over a flame, you always know how much heat you’re giving to what you’re cooking. Measuring cooking temperature by redness s much more challenging and will have you pulling out your thermometer. While this can be accurate in some cases, it takes the instinct and connection to the food you’re cooking out of the equation.

Your stove needs an oven that provides you with accurate temperature controls. Without temperature that you can control, you’ll end up with strange cakes, overcooked roasts, and meat that’s not as juicy as it could be.

To accompany your range, consider ventilation by Brooklyn Fan & Blower Sales Company to keep the air moving all around your stove.

2. Professional Utensils

When you’re trying to mix, ladle, serve, and cut things in your kitchen, you need to have professional-grade utensils. The better your utensils are, the easier your work is. If you’re struggling just to cut something, you need to get better tools.

Your knives should be the highest quality you can afford. Whether you’re chopping vegetables, dicing garlic, or slicing fish open, the knife that you use is going to impact how easy it is to get the job done. Any knife that you use should be sharp, easy to sharpen, and come with a warranty that lasts longer than a few holidays.

When you’re serving food to people, having high quality serving spoons and forks changes how they feel about the food. If you’ve got two dinner forks that you use to serve salad with, they might not be so jazzed about it. However, if you’ve got big solid salad tongs to do the job with, you’ll find them excited to scoop heaping piles of greens onto their plate.

3. A Quality Mixer

Mixing things in the kitchen makes the difference between good and bad pancakes or mashed potatoes that have the right texture. When you have a quality mixer, you take out some of the guesswork and just have to follow a schedule. Set up your mixer, hit start, start a timer, and let the mixer do the work.

If you’re making a lot of cookie dough or other dense mixes, a high-quality mixer ensures you save the elbow grease and get to focus on other things. Putting together a good dough is time-consuming and it takes a lot of effort. If you’re on a tight schedule, you might want some help from a mixer to get the job done.

A mixer is also great if you’re trying to make a soup or a sauce. If your sauce has to be absolutely 100% chunk-free, then a mixer can do all of the work without you having to wear your arm out. Even working with an electric hand mixer is time consuming, messy, and works on your upper body strength.

4. Good Countertops Make a Difference

If you want to have a professional kitchen, you need to have some solid countertops. The countertops that you use are going to determine not only how easy it is to clean up but how seriously your guests take you. If you have crummy Formica, it might not seem like you care a lot about preparation in your kitchen.

Replace that cheap facade with even quartz or marble if you have the budget and you’ll be able to do work right on your counter. The counter is going to wipe clean easily and be much simpler to work with.

If you want better cleanup, a sanitary space, and something that looks professional, consider stainless steel. Having a steel countertop makes you look like a real pro. Since it’ll wipe clean every time, there’s also no need to worry about spills.

5. Upgrade Your Sink

One of the most overlooked elements in any kitchen is the sink. However, every professional will tell you how important it is to have a large sink that’s easy to clean and to wipe down.

Your sink is going to have to store and to soak lots of pots and pans if you’re cooking all of the time. You’ll also need a material that you can clean quickly and easily. If you have an older porcelain sink, it’ll be hard to keep it clean while doing the kind of work you need to do.

Stainless steel is another good solution here when it comes to material to rely on. The better the materials you choose, the easier it’ll be to get people to appreciate your kitchen.

A Professional Kitchen Is Within Reach

If you’re considering upgrading to a professional kitchen, you’ll find that you’re making a decision that’s going to pay off. While it might seem like a large expenditure at first, you’ll find that your kitchen is going to make it easier to cook, clean, and entertain. And, if you’re looking to renovate your restaurant’s kitchen further, consider investing a fire suppression system. This ensures a fire is contained in an emergency situation. To learn more about these systems, head over to CostHack.com

If you’re thinking of remodeling the interior of your home, check out our guide for improving your exterior as well.

The National Association of Realtors recently reported that the median price for single-family homes in January 2019 was $247,500. The median purchase price for a condo was over $200,000. With real estate being the biggest investment you’ll probably ever make, it’s wise to consider the pros and cons of a condo vs house.

If a home purchase is on your horizon, use this helpful comparison guide. You’ll discover the facts you need when deciding on what home you should buy.

Condo vs House: Which is Best?

So which one is the better buy? The answer to that question is “it depends.” Your age, lifestyle and amount you can afford will all influence your decision. Here are some things to think about when you’re asking yourself “condo vs house: what should I buy?”

Condo Pros and Cons

As with all things, there are some benefits and disadvantages to condo ownership. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking this is the route you’ll take:

Affordability

If you’re just starting out in your career or on a fixed, retirement income, condos are an affordable route. Condos have a cheaper purchase price. This means your down payment and monthly mortgage payments will also be lower.

Maintenance

Onsite maintenance at condo communities such as mowing the lawn or cleaning out gutters is provided by the community’s Home Owners Association (HOA.) Homeowners are responsible for doing these tasks by themselves.

Pets

Many condo units have restrictions on whether household pets are allowed. Some Home Owner Associations may have rules against pets living on the premises because of each unit’s close proximity to one another. Homeowners don’t share walls with anyone and aren’t subject to these kinds of rules.

If you want to find out more about condo ownership, check out this website. The pros at Orangeline Condos can share their high level of expertise in the Arlington Virginia housing market.

Single Family Home Pros and Cons

You might have heard your parents talk about owning a home as “the American Dream.” Here is a look at the pros and cons of that “Dream.”

Privacy

There is no arguing that a house can afford you more privacy than condo living. Houses are detached and not physically joined to other residences, unlike condos. Condos share walls and roof lines, which could make for noisy cramped quarters with your neighbors.

Space

Houses are larger in space than condos. The median size of a new house is over 2,000 square feet where condos are usually closer to 1,400 square feet. If you are just starting a family you’ll need the extra space that a house has to offer.

Resale and Cost Appreciation

Single-family home prices will appreciate more than condo prices. Houses also resell at quicker rates then condos. This is usually because some HOA rules are so restrictive that buyers will walk away from the bargaining table for that very reason.

Next Steps

Still undecided whether a condo vs house is right for you? Buying your home is a huge financial obligation. Since every home buyers situation is unique, you should make your decision with your future plans in mind.

Consider whether the conveniences of condo living are worth what you’ll pay in association fees and diminished privacy. You should also decide if you have the time and funds necessary to maintain your dwelling all by yourself.

Check out our website for more advice on investing in a condo vs. house. Do your homework on this important decision. You’ll be glad you did.

Is your office space needing a little livening up? One of the most common descriptors people use for industrial or institutional spaces is “dead”. To increase the level of happiness in a workspace, it’s necessary to bring it to life.

Finding the right office space can be tricky, especially if you want to implement some changes into it, like adding some plants to be part of the decor. With commercial property brokers from offices.net, the process of finding a new place can be less stressful since you will avoid wasting time looking at inadequate properties.

Teamwork is an important part when choosing an office that helps represent your business in its new stage! One of the best, easiest, and most cost-effective ways to do this is to add some actual life, in the form of plants.

Why Plants?

Being near other living things seems to be good for humans. Our relationship with plants is extremely symbiotic – they complement our respiration. Plants breathe in carbon dioxide, which is a waste product for the human body, and convert it to oxygen, which is essential to our very survival. Putting plants into office space will oxygenate the environment. Studies have shown that common plants can even absorb and neutralize synthetic organic chemicals that are otherwise harmful to humans.

For a number of reasons, plants have been shown to be beneficial to worker performance. This is partially a product of the improved air quality in the form of a higher percentage of oxygen, and partly one of aesthetics. Plants just look nice – for reasons that we can’t always explain. Offices tend to be harsh environments – angular furniture, utilitarian lighting, floor coverings designed for durability, not style. Adding a few plants to your office will make the space feel more organic and alive, because plants are, after all, organic and alive.

Productivity and Plants

Studies have been conducted to determine the effect of plants on worker productivity. While situations vary, the results show that simply adding plants to your workspace can result in a boost of up to 15%. That’s like every worker coming in on Saturday morning!

Many studies correlate exposure to greenery with improved mood, increased self-esteem, and decreased anxiety. The reasons for this are many, from the purely psychological, the physical, and for some, the spiritual.

Plants and people have a relationship that dates back to the earth’s first human inhabitants. Not only do plants produce our oxygen, but they nourish us, provide materials that we can use to build shelters or burn for warmth. Modern offices, especially those that subscribe to the open (cubicle) plan, are pretty harsh places. Plants, with their natural, organic shapes and colors soften the edges of these places.

Every space can benefit from the addition of living plants – individual offices and workspaces, of course, will reap productivity benefits. Common areas, like lobbies, waiting rooms, and meeting spaces will become more welcoming and healthy environments when you add living plants to them. Some plants can even live in windowless commercial bathrooms, which aren’t exactly known for inspiring an inviting atmosphere with their fluorescent lighting and scintillating varieties of urinal screens. It’s easy to see that your washroom will benefit from the addition of some greenery.

What Kind of Plants?

There are many varieties of plants suitable for indoor growing – office environments, however, present some particular challenges. Humidity levels are low, and temperature fluctuations are the norm, as the climate control systems will be scheduled to do less heating or cooling while the office is empty. The plants you choose will need to be resistant to this, and they’ll necessitate lighting sufficient to keep them alive, which varies across species. Plants commonly found in offices include:

African Violets – small enough for desktops, and easy to care for, these plants can reward you with beautiful flowers. Even if they don’t bloom, they are an attractive plant that stays a manageable size.

Jade Plants – Ideal for office environments, succulents like the common Jade plant are resistant to temperature swings and require very little care. Occasional water and dusting of the leaves will suffice. Jade Plants, however, require access to a lot of light and will do best in a windowsill. Over the years, a Jade plant can get quite large. You can, however, make it smaller by cutting it. The cuttings will root in a pot of soil, perpetuating your plant. When your Jade grows too big to live indoors, it makes a great addition to your outdoor garden.

Aloe Vera – A succulent like the Jade, the Aloe plant will require bright light, and little else. It needs water only occasionally and will grow happily on any windowsill. It’s attractive, and its soothing sap is often used as a salve for burns and minor irritations.

Spider Plants – Spider Plants are very common in office spaces because they’re attractive (they tend to spill out of pots, so look very nice on shelves or the tops of divider panels) and are easy to care for. They’re not too picky about the amount of light they get, but require more regular watering than other plants.

Cacti – the king of low maintenance plants, a Cactus requires very little water and is extremely resistant to temperature extremes. Suited to desert environments, most types of Cactus can take all the heat or cold your buildings climate control can throw at it.

Adjusting your Environment

While the benefits of adding plants to your office space are many, with the benefits are some additional considerations. First and foremost, plants require light to stay alive. It fuels the process of photosynthesis, which is essential for all plant life. Many plants thrive in bright sunlight, while others need diffuse light. Some will grow under artificial light, while others will only accept the spectrum of light provided by the sun. Luckily, there are countless solutions available now. You can purchase fluorescent or LED source bulbs that you can put into your existing fixtures so that plants can grow, even in rooms with no natural light source.

Trial and Error

All plants are different, as are all office environments. Unfortunately, there are likely to be some failures along the way. Plants placed too close to the building’s HVAC system won’t do well, and inevitably, human errors will occur, and plants will languish for months without water, withering and drying out. Some plants will get too much light, and some will receive too little. Some will simply not be suited to the rigors of your particular space and will die for no apparent reason.

A Team Effort

Some of your employees will embrace the introduction of more life to their space, and some will be ambivalent. The best way to ensure that as many people as possible are on board is to include them in the decision-making processes (let them choose the plants that are going to be in their workspace!) and give them responsibilities for the care of their green companions.

Identify those workers who are more invested in the introduction of plants to the office, and enlist their help in devising a watering schedule for plants in common areas.

Get all the supplies needed for plant care, like a watering can, fertilizer (if required) and transplanting equipment, and allow them time to do maintenance. The benefits your organization should experience in terms of increased job satisfaction and productivity should vastly outweigh the small outlay of time required to care for the office’s new inhabitants.

When all is said and done, you’ll find the addition of plants to your indoor environment to be positive. Your organization should reap the benefits of improved morale and productivity, as your employees get the benefit of better air quality and a more natural environment in their workspaces.

How safe is your home? Is your home a target to burglars? Believe it or not, your home might not be as secure as you think. Burglars are savvier than ever, and they can enter a home without you even noticing.

Whether you’ve just bought a new home or you’ve lived there for years, get serious about your home security. According to the FBI, the police arrested only 61% of all criminals who broke into a home in 2017. The rest got away with the crime unscathed. Do you want to protect yourself from becoming another statistic? If so, read these tips for how to make your house safe from burglars.

1. Lock Your Doors and Windows

Despite how Hollywood portrays burglars, most of them come through the easiest entry point of all: the front door. In a survey of 86 convicted burglars, over half of them broke in through an unlocked door or window. While it might seem like common sense to keep your doors and windows locked, it’s still easy to forget.

Get in the habit of keeping all points of entries closed and locked. Unlocked doors make your home an easy target for would-be intruders. If a burglar is looking for an easy point of entry, they’ll move on to a different property This goes for garage doors, back entrances, and other locations.

Aside from this, make sure your front door is actually secure. This is the main entrance and exit to your home. You need to ensure it works properly. Some doors made of lightweight material might even have a hollow core. If possible, install a much more secure hardwood or steel front door. These doors are much more difficult to break down. Finally, replace your deadbolt with a four-screw deadbolt strike plate which is the hardest to kick down. Ultimately, avoid having weak spots in your home.

2. Invest in a Security System

An alarm system is the best way to protect your home from burglars. We can’t all be in our homes 24/7, so having a way to keep your home safe when you’re away is key. A modern alarm system like Alarm Grid will alert the authorities if there’s any suspicious activity on your property.

In addition, a security system is often enough to deter would-be intruders who will move on to an easier target. Having a clear-to-see security system shows criminals you take your security seriously. This is especially true if you’ve already been the victim of an attack, or if your neighborhood is prone to crime.

3. Install Outside Lights

Can you see your yard clearly once the sun goes down? While most criminals act during the day when people are at work or school, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down at night. Criminals are always on the lookout for hidden spots in your yard that are perfect for hiding.

If there’s plenty of light, it’s hard for criminals to get close to your property. Invest in quality lighting. The best option is a motion-sensor light that alerts you to any outside movement. These lights are effective deterrents for criminals and other suspicious activity.

4. Keep Your Home Occupied

Criminals look for unoccupied homes. Of course, it’s impossible to be in your home 24//7, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create an illusion. If your home is dark when you’re out at night, it appears unattended and prime for the taking.

Keep your home looking occupied with some smart measures. Always leave a light or TV on if you leave your home unattended for long periods of time. For a bargain alternative, a battery-powered radio will do the trick. You can even purchase a fake TV that simulates the flickering of a TV screen to fool intruders into thinking you’re home.

The same goes for outdoor maintenance. If your yard looks like a mess, this indicates to burglars that you haven’t been around for a while. Maintained homes look lived in. The yard is maintained, there’s no debris and trash outside, and it’s clear someone’s nearby. Take measures to make sure your home always looked lived in, even when nobody’s home.

5. Be Careful With Guests

You should always be careful who you let into your home. There’s nothing wrong with hiring service people to work in your home but be vigilant with who you hire. While most utility and service workers are from reputable companies and don’t have any ulterior motives, be cautious. Never leave valuables on display, and do your research before you hire someone new.

Similarly, don’t fall for common “service” scams. In these common scams, criminals pose as service workers only to act as a distraction while you get robbed. Anytime you’re letting someone into your home, you’re letting them scope out your valuables. Remember to check that people are who they say you are before inviting them into your personal space.

6. Use Warning Signs

Finally, don’t be afraid to use warning signs to ward off criminals. Once again, burglars are on the lookout for the easiest target. A “beware of dog” sign might be enough to show your home isn’t worth the hassle of messing with. Take this a step further by leaving an empty bowl near your front door to make it clear that a dog lives there. If possible, consider getting a dog which can be a powerful deterrent since they’re known to bark when strangers enter the property.

If you’re using an alarm system, be sure to display a sign in the front of your home. The same goes for any security cameras or monitoring technology. If these tools are easy to spot, criminals know not to mess with your home. You’re not an easy target, and they’ll just move onto someone else.

Creating a Safe Home Environment

Make smarter choices about your home security. If you’re not careful, your home will become a target for burglars. These tips above might take time, but they’ll ensure your home is a safe space for years to come.

Luckily, all of these above improvements are things you can do on your own. You don’t need any extensive security training or DIY improvement skills to make your home safer. At the end of the day, there’s no such thing as a crime-free neighborhood. No matter where you live, an intruder can make your home the next target. Embrace stronger security measures to gain much-needed peace of mind.

Moving out of a two-bedroom apartment can easily run you $500. If you’re a homeowner or are moving long distance, that number can reach into the thousands.

Whether you just bought a house or you’re moving into a new apartment, you’ve likely already spent a nice chunk of change. Closing fees and renovations or a security deposit, pet fee, and your first month’s rent can quickly eat up your savings.

Luckily, there are ways you can move out on a budget. By following a few simple tips, you can save hundreds or even thousands on your move.

Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover how you can move out on the cheap.

Declutter

If you’re like most, you’ve probably accumulated a bunch of things you don’t really want or need. Before you start packing, go through your home and declutter.

Not only will this feel amazing, but it’s one of the easiest ways to save on your move. The less you bring with you, the less tape, boxes, and bubble wrap you’ll need. Plus, you can get away with renting a smaller truck!

Go through your home one room at a time. Put everything you don’t need to take with you into a large box or garbage bag. You can then donate it or sell it for a little extra cash.

Get Free Boxes

Boxes are the single most important moving supply you’ll need. Your local moving company likely sells them for a couple bucks per box. While this may not seem like much, it can quickly add up.

Instead, you can get free boxes just by visiting your local grocery store. Call them up and ask if they have any empty boxes you could have.

If they don’t have any today, they should be able to tell you when their shipment comes in. Make sure you call again that day and ask them to set aside a few boxes for you.

Save Money on Bubble Wrap

Any breakable items will need to be packed correctly to prevent damage. The last thing you want is to discover you need to buy new glasses and plates because they all broke in transit.

However, bubble wrap and packing peanuts are just extra costs that can be avoided. Instead, use what you already have to protect your breakables.

Blankets, towels, sheets, and clothes can all be used. You can also save newspapers and magazines and use the pages between plates or crumple them up for a packing peanut substitute.

Don’t Break Your Lease

Did you find the perfect apartment or condo? If so, you may want to move out right away. However, it’s important you stay in your current apartment until the lease is over to avoid incurring high fees.

Of course, there is an exception. If your new apartment is substantially cheaper, the fee for breaking the lease may be cheaper than the difference in rent you’d pay by staying in your current location for another few months.

Also, some apartments will wave the fee if you find a renter to move in right away. If you need to move out before your lease is up, ask your building’s management company if they offer this option and advertise your apartment online.

Shop Around for Movers

While moving yourself may be the cheapest option, it isn’t always viable. If your friends and family aren’t available to help you on moving day or if you have a lot of heavy furniture, it may be easier to just hire movers.

But this doesn’t mean you have to pay an arm and a leg. Shopping around online can get you a better price and make movers more affordable.

Pack Yourself

Many moving companies offer packing services. However, this is almost always extra.

You can save money by just packing your belongings yourself, especially if you’re getting free boxes and using towels in lieu of bubble wrap.

If you’re short on time, consider asking your loved ones for help. You’d be surprised how much you can get done in one day. Plus, it’ll likely only cost you the price of pizza to thank your friends and family for helping out.

Move During Slow Season

That’s right—there is such a thing as moving slow season.

Everyone wants to move out when the weather is nice, meaning the warm summer months are considered the busy season. This is even true in southern states like Florida since most families don’t want to move in the middle of the school year.

When the demand for movers is high, many companies increase their rates. But during slow season, they offer cheaper rates to stay competitive. If possible, schedule your move during the winter months to take advantage of these lower rates.

Start Early

It’s no secret that moving is stressful. But you can make the process a lot easier and cheaper by starting early.

This gives you more time to declutter and sell your items. It also means you have plenty of time to get those free boxes and pack things away yourself instead of having movers do it.

Perhaps the biggest saving is that you have more time to shop around for great deals on moving companies. Not only will you feel more relaxed during the process, but you’ll likely save a nice amount by just getting a head start.

Tips to Move Out on the Cheap

With the high costs associated with buying a house or renting a new apartment, it’s no surprise that you’d want to save money where you can. Luckily, the actual process of moving doesn’t have to be so expensive. From decluttering your home to moving during the slow season, there are plenty of ways you can move out on a budget.

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The first thing a potential buyer will notice when looking at a house is the yard.

Shabby landscaping will decrease a home’s value. If the home you’ve put on the market fails to appear neat and put together on the outside, it could reflect that on the inside as well. Having a nice lawn and well-ordered landscape features will draw the eye.

It may even help you increase your home’s value! So keep reading to find out how and why elegant landscaping may help you sell your home.

1. The Yard Is the First Thing Seen

Like we mentioned before, when a prospective buyer pulls up to a house, they’re interested in looking at, the first thing they’re going to see is the yard. Curb appeal is one of the most important things a homeowner can do when putting their house on the market.

Think about every eyesore home you’ve passed by on your way home from work. You might not notice the state of the house if the yard is overgrown with weeds, the lawn is burnt, or the trees are dying.

Keep your front yard contained and orderly. This will help you get your home sold fast.

2. Landscaping Should be Neat

Overgrown bushes or dead branches on trees will detract from your home’s attractiveness.

Always make sure the landscaping you go with is kept contained and well cared for while your home is on the market. Updating mulch, pulling dead plants and trimming overgrowth will help keep the front of your home looking clean and neat.

Having a professional landscaper on hand will help you keep ahead of your yard’s growth. They’ll be able to care for your lawn and the plants in your yards, even if you’re no longer living in the home.

Give J.W. Lawncare Inc. a call, and they’ll provide you with a quote and plan for your home’s landscaping.

3. A Little Color Goes a Long Way

Don’t be afraid to put a few colorful plants or planters in your yard.

Small pops of color will not detract from your home’s curb appeal. Colorful plants will draw the eye and add some texture to your home. Adding some potted plants in unique planters will give your home some character.

After you move, you can always take these potted plants with you!

4. Give the House a Makeover

While focusing on the lawn and your landscaping is important, it is also important to give your house itself a good once over. Make sure your gutters are cleaned and pristine.

Power washing the exterior will give it a sparkling appearance that will not detract from the other hard work you’ve put into it. If needed, a fresh coat of paint on windows and shutters may do wonders to improving its appearance as well.

A Nice Lawn Goes a Long Way

It’s long been proven that curb appeal goes a long way to helping a house get sold fast.

If your house has a nice lawn, a potential buyer is going to be excited about what the inside of the house looks like. Improving a home’s exterior will keep potential buyers interested. It will also help get your house off the market fast.

Call us today if you’re interested in selling your house!