Tips

Found 205 blog entries about Tips.

 

Many Americans will put plenty of hours into beautifying their lawns and gardens. However, it’s not always easy to do so, and it’s certainly not always cheap. With that in mind, here are 12 tips that will help you save money while still making sure your yard looks its best all summer long, without breaking the bank:

1.) Stay on the lookout for weeds

Weeds are a problem for your lawn or garden simply because they consume nutrients your preferred plants also need, according to Wisebread. Consequently, you will need to be vigilant about what you planted and if anything growing on your lawn or in your garden shouldn’t be there. As long as you pull the weeds out roots and all, you should be safe from the issue, but if some are being particularly

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When it comes to energy -saving, planet-helping home changes; little things add up. Not only do the little things add up in energy savings for your own home, but for the environment, as well. Let’s all do our part (and save some money in the meantime!), and think about implementing some of the energy tactics below:

Filters, and More Filters

Not only does changing filters mean healthier air and water, but changing air filters can reduce the energy it takes to heat and cool your house, as well. A win-win.

Lighting

Check each light bulb to make sure they are the correct wattage for the fixture, replace burned out bulbs, and think about converting to LED for reduced energy and heat. Bonus: Don’t forget to use natural light when possible – no

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When your home is short on square footage, decorating can be challenging. It may seem more practical to focus on making your home fully functional, but in the long run, you’ll be happier living in your home if it’s cleverly decorated. Our 10 tips for making a small space feel big will transform your small home.

1.) Choose light, neutral hues.

It is a generally accepted rule that lighter colors contribute to an open, airy feel. By contrast, dark colors tend to absorb light, creating a close, cozy feel.

To fully benefit from this wizardry, decorate in soft, off-white and neutral hues. Lighter, brighter walls will recede from the contrast of your furnishings, making your room feel instantly larger.

Installing soft, light flooring will further

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The countdown has ended, the planning is done, and thoughts of sweet, sweet vacation time is the only thing filling your mind. But wait … what about the house? It’s important, even in pre-vacation bliss, to prep your house for your time away, so that while you’re gone you know you don’t have anything to worry about. We’ve made it easy with this quick checklist. Have any must-do’s that you recommend? Leave a comment!

1.) Clean Out Fridge

Avoid spoiled food and everything else that comes along by cleaning out your fridge before you leave. Bonus? Wipe down the shelves, and do a little organizing while there is less food in the fridge for a little post-vacation joy.

2.) Remove Spare Keys

No matter how tricky you think you are with your key

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While most of us have seen countless home improvement shows over the years, fewer people realize that there are also podcasts tailored to every aspect of home ownership. Whether you’re in the early stages of planning out your project or are renovating on a budget, today’s best podcasts for current or future homeowners have the answers to all of your questions.

Each podcast is free to download for Android and iOS, including links to extensive, information-packed archives.

Home Repair Tutor

Intended for the new or struggling DIY homeowner, Home Repair Tutor aims to educate and inspire. This weekly podcast is crammed with tips on buying the right tools and supplies, proper preparation, and guidelines to help you decide whether or not you can

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Is it worth moving to shorten your work commute? It certainly sounds reasonable but let’s break it down and see if it makes sense for your situation.

But first, is commuting all that bad? Unfortunately, yes! Some say that long work commutes add unnecessary stress to their lives and may even impact health. Studies have shown that long commutes may be the same as adding an additional 800 calories to your diet! Plus there’s the financial impact. More gas and wear on your car can add up quickly.

Yet, there are others that appreciate a long drive after work. They say that it helps them to “decompress” before getting home.

Is a long commute right for you? Should you move to shorten it? Ask yourself these questions to which way you lean!

Should You

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If you’re already doing spring cleaning, it might be wise to get out the toolbox and do some home improvement projects as well. A little maintenance can go a long way after the tough winter months.

Here are some crucial tips to making sure your home is ready for the warm weather.

1) Fix the roof

There’s probably no part of your home that takes as much of a beating every winter as the roof, according to BobVila.com. After all, it not only deals with snow, sleet, and rain, but also harsh winds, cold weather, water runoff and bearing the weight of snow and ice that builds up over the course of a few months.

With that in mind, it’s quite common for shingles or tiles to crack, loosen or fall off during the winter. When the spring thaw hits, going

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Renovations. Weekend Warrior Projects. Pinterest Craft? Whether a big scale or small scale – home improvement can always feel daunting. That’s why we’re talking about projects that boost your home’s resale value. Improve your home for yourself, but also, do so in a smart way that directly contributes to a higher resale value. Not planning on selling your house soon? Think about making these improvements to enjoy your home before you sell. Don’t find yourself down the road wishing you had done it sooner!

Update Kitchen & Bathrooms

Yes, kitchen and bathroom updates may not be what you’re wanting to hear – but as the high use, high traffic areas of your house, and a proven rise in home value: it’s worth the number one spot. However, keep in mind

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Need a little inspiration to dive into some spring cleaning? What if we told you, you could clean your entire house with cheap, effective cleaning products that only took simple, grocery store ingredients to make?! Not convinced? If you’re going to eventually clean regardless, we highly recommend tearing a little page from the DIY page and giving these safe, and inexpensive cleaning recipes a go. (P.S. Here are ten reasons people are switching over to natural cleaning products).

3 Ingredient All-Purpose Cleaner

  • ½ cup distilled white vinegar, 2 cups water, 20 drops essential oil

Combine in a spray bottle, swirl to mix, and spray. Perfect for everything except granite or marble, as the vinegar will etch!

No Scrub Microwave Cleaner

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Just like potholes are filled in (we hope) and trees grow back their leaves, our homes need a little extra loving care to bounce back from the winter season. As the sun starts to shine a little more (thank goodness), and we prepare for spring, keep this checklist in mind when it comes to preparing your home for spring:

Roof Inspection

Use a zoomed in picture, binoculars or (very carefully), a ladder to inspect your roof for any shingles out of place, water pooling, or just plain damage. (Even a popped up nail means that there is now a place that water can get through). It’s better to do a quick check now and a small amount of maintenance if necessary, than deal with the potentially very expensive consequences later.

Reseal Exterior Woodwork

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