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Gardening in Small Spaces

May 10, 2022 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Gardening in Small Spaces

The only thing better than summer vegetables is knowing that you've grown them yourself. You don't have to miss out just because you have a small space. There are plenty of plants you can grow on your windowsill or on your patio. If you follow these tips, you'll have enough success to share with friends.

Grow up, not out - Potted plants can take up a lot of space, and that's not ideal when you're working in a small area. Thankfully, clever gardeners around the world have come up with a practical solution - vertical gardening. Utilize the wall rather than the ground space, and you'll double or triple your garden's space.

Choose smaller varieties of plants - You know that corn stalks wouldn't grow in a tiny vase, and you should apply this line of thinking to choosing the varieties of foods that you grow in containers. From peas to peppers and tomatoes to cucumbers, some dwarf and bush varieties were created especially to grow in small spaces.

Think outside of the container - Having a productive patio garden doesn't have to be expensive. With any quick look around your home, you should be able to find a suitable container without spending a penny. Things like old buckets and laundry baskets are perfect for plants such as potatoes and strawberries.

Use the right soil - Since your container plants won't be able to source nutrients from the ground, choosing the right soil is vital to your garden's success. Experts recommend a mix of quality potting soil and peat, but creating your own compost is even more fun.

Too much sun can be detrimental - Even if you are growing sun-loving plants like tomatoes, container plants come with a different set of rules. Because of the reduced surface area, the roots of a container plant can overheat easily. Given that certain containers absorb more heat than others, it's a good idea to make sure your plants are getting just the right amount of light. Too much light can be harmful.

Monitor water levels carefully - Just as easily as your plants can dry out from too much heat, they can also suffer from too much moisture. Overwatering your plants - or planting them in containers with poor drainage - can cause the root system to rot. Keep a careful eye on your plant's specific needs, and make sure they have adequate drainage holes.

Fertilize according to plant needs - As a general rule of thumb, container gardens should be fertilized once every couple of weeks. However, certain plants require more frequent feeding while they are in the fruiting stage. Do a little research about your plants and tailor their fertilization schedule as they need it.

Just because you have a small space doesn't mean that you can't have a decent-sized harvest. With a little thought, a little inventiveness, and a little dedication, you'll be making summer dishes with your own homegrown food.

How to Compare Homes in Different Metro Areas

April 11, 2022 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

The cost of buying a new house is more than just the listing price. In fact, it is unlikely you will know the true cost of buying a home until you've lived in it for a certain period of time. This is one factor that makes it difficult to compare houses that are located in different metro areas. If you focus on the list price only, you may fail to notice the other cost implications of choosing a particular house. How can you compare houses located in different metro areas to get a better idea of how much value you are actually getting for your money?

What Is the Rest of the Neighborhood Like?

One of the most accurate measures of the real value of a house is the neighborhood in which it is located. You may find two similarly priced houses in different neighborhoods, but are these houses the norm or the exception? If you spend a fortune on a home in the wrong neighborhood, you may not be able to sell it for a profit later on. This is why you should consider the cost of similar properties in the same neighborhood or whether it is the only property of its kind in the area.

Will Life in a Particular Metro Area Come with Greater Expenses?

In the beginning, buying property in a low-cost metro area may seem like a good way to pay less and still get a good home. However, if the neighborhood has security issues, for example, living there can be more expensive. Your home and car insurance rates will likely be higher due to the increased likelihood of theft or vandalism. You may also have other additional costs such as higher transportation, private school, taxes, or food costs. In the long run, the money you save by choosing a particular neighborhood could end up being money spent on unforeseen living expenses. That's why it is important to evaluate the differing costs in each metro area.

Commuting Distance

Another important factor is your commuting situation. Will you be driving a longer distance to work or perhaps using public transportation? Commuting can cost you a lot of money in fuel expenses, car insurance costs, and transportation fares. A long commute can also have a negative impact on your career and home life. A great house with a longer commute may end up being a bad deal.

Access to Amenities

When you need to go shopping or walk your dog, having certain amenities close-by will be very convenient. Many homeowners pay extra for this access. If you need easy access to a school, a park, or any other amenity, you should consider which of the two properties offers what you want when you're looking at homes for sale.

As you can see, comparing homes in two places is not as simple as just comparing the sticker value. It's wise to consult a real estate agent in each area who can help you get acquainted with the pros and cons of each property you are considering. This will help you make a well-rounded and thoughtful decision.

Freshen Up Your Home With Spring Maintenance Tasks

March 11, 2022 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Freshen Up Your Home With Spring Maintenance Tasks

After a long cold winter, the first signs of spring are finally arriving. You have seen those first bulbs peeking their heads above the snow, and you may have even seen a robin scouring the frozen ground for worms.

The warmth of spring is right around the corner, and now is the time to get your home ready for the better weather ahead. If you want your old home to look and feel new again, here are 10 spring maintenance tasks you can complete now.

Schedule a chimney sweeping: There is nothing like the warmth of a roaring fire when it’s cold outside, but the ash residue could be silently building up in the chimney. Now is the time to call a chimney sweep so your future fires will be warmer and safer.
Replace your furnace filters: Your furnace has been working overtime all winter long, and the filters are likely clogged with dirt and debris. Replacing those dirty filters now can increase the efficiency of your HVAC system and lower your future utility bills.
Create an emergency kit for summer power outages: Winter may be ending, but spring and summer storms can still bring the threat of power outages. If you have an emergency kit with extra food and water, spare batteries, and other essentials, now is the time to replenish it. If you do not yet have an emergency power outage kit, now is the time to build one.
Upgrade your outdoor hand and power tools: Remember the broken tine on that rake or the lawn mower that never starts? Now is the time to upgrade that equipment, and you can find some real bargains this time of year.
Check and clean the hose on your dryer: You have been doing a lot of laundry during the cold winter months, but when was the last time you checked your dryer hose? The dryer hose can become clogged with lint and other debris, creating a risk of fire and driving down the efficiency of the appliance.
Weatherproof your windows and doors: If your energy costs have spiked over the winter, the cold weather may not be the only culprit. Weatherproofing your windows and doors can help you save money both now and during the summer cooling season.
Consider upgrading your water heater: A tankless water heater can reduce your energy costs, and now is the perfect time to install one. You can find some great deals on tankless water heaters in the late winter months, and installers are often less busy at this time of year.
Check your gutters: Your gutters really took a beating with all that ice and snow, so show them a little love with a thorough inspection. If Santa gave you a drone for Christmas, get it out and do a flyover – this is a great way to spot clogs, breaks, and defects that are not visible from the ground.
Inspect the insulation on your pipes: Hopefully, you prepared for winter power outages and cold weather by insulating your pipes. Now is the perfect time to inspect and repair that insulation. A little bit of maintenance now can prevent a huge repair bill later.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Having multiple smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home is essential for your safety, but when was the last time you tested them? Now is the time to check those life saving devices and make sure they are working the way they should.

With spring just around the corner, it has never been more important to get your home in shape. The simple maintenance tasks outlined above can give your old home a new lease on life this spring, so grab your tools and get going.

Boost Your Decluttering Motivation

February 2, 2022 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Boost Your Decluttering Motivation

Do you feel in control of the clutter in your home or does your clutter have control of you? The problem with clutter is that it will taunt you, calling out demands every time you walk past it. It reminds you there is one more task yet to take care of and puts unnecessary pressure on you. Clutter can steal your sense of calm.

Does that happen to you? If so, perhaps it's time to develop a new habit that will set you on your way to conquering clutter.

Why Declutter?

Ten people might give you 10 different reasons for decluttering their homes. Some like to keep up with what's current, which means parting with the old in favor of new and modern. Another will tell you they fear leaving too much for their children to manage after they pass. Most will admit that living with less clutter just feels better all around. And, there is some truth to that. Having extra space in closets, cleared countertops, and a place to put every item you own can bring a sense of calm organization. On the other hand, items left lying around unattended can have the opposite effect. Because your home is an extension of you, how it looks and its efficiency or inefficiency can affect your mood and how well you process life.

Nevertheless, life doles out losses and triumphs, forced changes, and setbacks for most. Don't get discouraged if you feel a tad behind in your home organization. For example, the family with the college student who moves back home with all their gear knows the chaos that comes with having to rehome several items until the child leaves again. The son or daughter who inherits mom or dad's belongings after they have passed away or downsized knows well the emotional price tag that comes with dividing up the inherited possessions brought into their home.

Develop a Decluttering Mindset

So, how do you get motivated to declutter your home? You start with developing a decluttering mindset. You can practice and grow that mindset by dealing first with the items that come into your home on a regular basis. Doing so will help you learn to make quick decisions and to get into the habit of putting items where they belong sooner rather than later. When you get that process down, you will feel rewarded by the less cluttered look and the satisfying feeling that results.

Deal with Clutter as It Arrives

The secret habit to get into that will help boost your decluttering process is so easy, all you need is a nudge to get started. You see, every homeowner has the same challenge. All deal with this same basic type of clutter. What is it? You might call it spontaneous clutter. Spontaneous clutter includes things that come into your home often by mail or shopping. Spontaneous clutter includes parcel delivery boxes, plastic shopping bags, junk mail, received greeting cards, children's school notes, party decor, and the like.

Yes, a cardboard box may look like a good box to be reused, but you can't keep every box you receive. Plastic shopping bags are handy to line trash bins or litter boxes, but chances are you'll have more than you need. Most can be put into recycling. Deciding it's better to let them go is a good mindset to have.

Deal with Temporary Storage Habits

It can be tempting to put spontaneous clutter somewhere temporarily, planning to deal with it later. This is where most get into trouble, though. Too often, later becomes never. You forget why you kept certain things, and your motivation to deal with them fizzles out. Soon enough, your home looks messy, and you can't find what you need. Often, these “someday” piles shout condemning thoughts and dole out unnecessary pressure.

Here are a few tips to help you deal with spontaneous clutter:
Have a recycling box with easy access for junk mail. How often do you really use those coupons anyhow?
Create a mental system that first includes being a good decision-maker. Create rules for what you will do with challenging items.
Decide not to leave things on hotspots (countertops, in the garage, etc.) even if you think it will be temporary. If a holding spot is needed, create a system for it.

Create Storage

Sometimes there is a reason to keep certain items like tax receipts, medical papers, school permission slips, and so on. In these cases, choose a location for them to be stored - a storage tray, shallow drawer, file folder, or binder.

As nice as greeting cards or magazines are, you can't keep everything if you hope to stay organized. Recognize that the giving and receiving of greeting cards was the important part. Try not to become sentimentally attached to them. Cherish the memory of the friend or relative who gave it to you and let it go. If you must, keep special cards in a box or photo album. Enjoy magazines but have a deadline in mind for how long they're allowed to stay. Unsubscribe to ones you never read.

Practice the Decluttering Habit

Your home should be your haven - a place of peace, comfort, and restoration. It makes sense to tend to your home on a regular basis as you might weed a garden. Get into the practice of weeding out clutter as soon as it arrives. Once you've established that habit, you can dive into bigger decluttering projects around your home.

Feeling in control of your clutter will have terrific payoffs both in the appearance of your home and in your ability to locate items as necessary. Once you have developed good habits in dealing with what comes into your home regularly, you will find it easier to make decisions on other types of clutter. In no time, you'll enjoy the enhanced peace and calm that a clutter-free home brings.

20 Easy Ways to Increase the Value of Your House

January 12, 2022 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

Are you looking to sell your house as quickly as possible and for top dollar? If so, then you should focus on increasing the value of your home in order to make it easier to find a buyer and get a higher price. Here are 20 things you can do to increase the value of your house.

Recaulk windows, sinks, bathtubs, and backsplashes - These areas are notorious for being home to mold and grime. If you have a hard time cleaning them yourself, then it is likely that potential buyers will feel the same way. Caulking can go a long way towards increasing value because it makes those areas seem clean, fresh, and new.
Replace faucets - Replacing faucets is a small investment that goes a long way. Faucets tend to build up water stains and are difficult to clean. Replacing them gives buyers the feeling of a new home.
Replace window screens and screen doors - Over time, window screens can fade, warp, or tear, making the house look aged or dingy. Adding brand new screens is inexpensive and can add the impression that the house has been well maintained and cared for.
Paint the interior - A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the interior of your house. It can make it look cleaner and brighter, which are both things that buyers are looking for. Choose neutral colors, such as eggshell or beige.
Replace lightswitch covers and electrical socket plates - Replacing worn light switch covers and electrical socket plates is another inexpensive way to update the look of your house. Lightswitch covers are just one place where dirty fingerprints can accumulate, so it makes sense that buyers will want a fresh start when they move into their new home.
Clean or replace carpets - Carpets are another home element where dirt and stains can accumulate, so it is important to have them professionally cleaned if needed. Replacing old carpet will make the entire house seem brand new.
Change door knobs and deadbolt locks - Another way to invoke the feeling that the house has shiny and new elements is by replacing the doorknobs throughout the house and any deadbolt locks.
Update light fixtures - Replacing old light fixtures with new ones is an easy way to update the entire house and give it a more modern look and feel. Choose fixtures that are simple and sleek.
Replace cabinet hardware - Replacing old cabinet hardware with new hardware is a cheap way to update the look of your cabinets. Choose hardware that is modern and simple.
Power wash the exterior - Power washing the exterior of your house is a great way to make it look cleaner and newer. It can also remove any dirt or stains that have built up over time.
Power wash the driveway and garage floor - Cleaning the exterior of your house naturally makes it look better, but power washing items like the driveway and garage floor can make them seem brand new.
Replace exterior lighting - If you have old, outdated exterior lighting, then replace it with new bulbs and light covers. Make sure the areas around porch lights are free of cobwebs and insects.
Trim trees and shrubs and mow the lawn - Trees and shrubs that are overgrown or unkempt can make your house look run-down. Trimming them back and keeping them well-groomed makes the house appear more cared for. The same goes for the lawn. A well-manicured lawn gives the impression of a well-maintained home.
Add a fresh coat of stain or paint to wooden decks and porches - If you have a wooden deck or porch, adding a fresh coat of stain or paint will help protect it from the elements and keep it looking new.
Clean gutters - Gutters that are clogged with debris and leaves can make your house look uncared for. Cleaning your gutters is an easy way to improve the exterior appearance of your home.
Add new landscaping - Adding new landscaping, such as flowers, plants, and shrubs, can really enhance the look of your house. Choose plants that are in season and add pops of color to the yard.
Stage your house for sale - The way your house looks when you put it on the market is extremely important. Staging it in a way that makes it look its best will help ensure that you get top dollar. Remove any clutter or unwanted items. Pack away anything you won't need between now and when you move. Store any big items like china cabinets, unused desks, hutches, dressers, or anything bulky that will make rooms look smaller and stuffy. Pack up all of your personal items like collectibles, portraits of family or friends, books and magazines, religious decor, or any other item that represents your personality. You want a clean slate for buyers to imagine their own things on the walls and in the rooms.
Consider a pre-sale home inspection and appraisal - If you're really serious about getting top dollar for your house, then consider having it inspected by a pre-sale home inspector. This is an inspector who specializes in finding any potential problems with the property so that you can address them before putting it on the market. This will give buyers peace of mind and show them that you're taking every step possible to ensure that the house is in great condition. It may also encourage them to make a higher offer. An appraiser will assess the home for its current market value, including how well it has aged. Appraisers tend to measure in increments of $500, so taking advice from a listing appraisal to make additional improvements could raise the bank's appraisal by at least that much.
Add smart devices - Adding smart devices like an outdoor camera, security system, or video doorbell can make your house seem more secure. This is a relatively inexpensive way to increase the value of your home without spending too much money. Smart thermostats are also popular upgrades that won't break the bank.
Talk with your real estate agent - Your agent can give you advice on which improvements will yield the most return for your investment. Real estate agents are experts with insights into current market trends and home values. Ask a professional agent to tour your home with you, inside and out, to discover more ways that you can increase your home's value.

There are plenty of inexpensive ways that you can make small upgrades and updates to help your house appraise for more and influence a buyer’s perceived value. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars or do a complete renovation. Ask your agent for more information about how to increase the sale price of your home.

Top 9 Tips for Hosting Your Next Holiday Party

November 15, 2021 by Paul Schrick (Post Export User)

The holiday season is coming up, and with that time comes plenty of opportunities for you to get together with friends and family to enjoy each other. If it's your turn to host one of the holiday get-togethers, you might begin to feel nervous as the season draws closer. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can make the party you throw go more smoothly, be less stressful for you, and be even more fun for your guests. These are nine of the best tips around.

Have Plenty of Seating and Standing Space

If you're hosting a party in a house that's smaller than what you think you'll need for the number of people you're having over, you need to get a little creative with your space. Getting rid of furniture that's bulky but provides only small amounts of seating might be the best way to go. For instance, you could move the big sectional in your living room to the garage for the time being. Instead, use smaller chairs with cushioned seats to keep things comfortable for guests. You should also plan out the traffic flow if you think that you're going to have more people than your floor space could normally handle. Finally, think about a space for the kids, who usually want to play when they have the opportunity to be around their cousins or your friends' children.

Prep Ahead As Much As Possible

Whenever you're looking for a way to be prepared, you should look into finding a way to prepare food ahead of time. While there are some things, such as the ham and many of the other hot food items, that taste best when fresh, you can still prepare many of the salads, desserts, and appetizers at least a couple of days before you have your party. If you're making pickle, ham, and cream cheese rollups, it's super simple to make these several days before you have your entire group of friends and family at your house.

Suggest a Party Theme

Yes, we know that you might just go with Christmas or Thanksgiving as your theme, but it can also be fun to have a special theme so that everyone has an opportunity to show off their creativity and maybe even have a contest with it. For instance, ugly Christmas sweaters is a popular one. But you might have your guests do a whole slew of other activities, including coming up with their favorite holiday movie.

Keep Plenty of Drinks Around

There are only a few things that crash a party worse than running out of drinks. While you might not want to keep so many drinks around that you have guests drinking in huge excess, you also don't want to run out of festive and tasty treats. At the same time, you don't want to be stuck in the kitchen making drinks all night. So what are you supposed to do? There are a few tricks that you can incorporate to make sure that you have plenty on hand throughout the party. The first tip is to have plenty of pre-made options available.

Make a List

It's incredibly important to know that you have everything covered, and you'll feel more prepared if you have a list of everything you need to do, all the things you intend to buy, and all of the people you want to invite. This list is the perfect way to ensure you have everything set so you can be comfortable about having everything ready when your guests do finally arrive.

Have a Budget

While we all want to have a good time around the holiday season, money is one of the biggest things that people stress over during the holiday season. We're all spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on things related to the holidays, including gifts for other people and food. Set a budget so that you have one less reason to be stressed out. Then you need to hold yourself accountable to it.

Let Others Help

When you send out the invitations, don't be surprised if people start calling, asking if you want them to bring a side dish or their best cutout cookies, and you should let them help. It lets your guests feel a sense of pride when they see other people enjoying their contribution, and these seemingly small contributions can cut several hours off your prep time.

Have Trash Cans Within Easy Reach

The worst part about a party is the clean-up time. Save yourself at least some of the hassle by putting trash cans in strategic places around the rooms where you'll be having the party. If you have a trash can in plain sight, people are much more likely to decide to throw that paper plate away than if they must weave through lots of people to reach the trash can in the kitchen. Having plenty of places to through garbage away also frees your guests up to socialize with each other rather than search out a place to put their used Solo cups. Plus, you could cut out an hour or more of cleanup time when the guests leave.

Use an Itinerary

When you host a holiday party, you’ll probably have a few activities planned. There's nothing worse than realizing you're way behind schedule and people are starting to leave before you've been able to get to some of the best stuff. If you're having a party and will be doing a white elephant gift exchange or some other well-loved game after dinner, make sure that you have allowed for plenty of time.

Hosting a holiday party is a lot of work, but you can make it more enjoyable for your guests and yourself if you have an idea of what you want to accomplish and some ways that you can make it easier on yourself. Use these ideas to make your holiday party more comfortable and fun for your guests and yourself. Happy holidays indeed!