Moving to a new house is thought to be one of the most stressful things that you can do. Yet, as so many of us are stuck renting for years, as we struggle to save a deposit and get approved for a mortgage, it’s something that we do more often. Moving to a new house never seems to get any easier, no matter how many times you do it, it still feels like a shock. But why, what makes it so stressful, and what could we do to avoid all this trauma? Let’s take a look.

Finding the Right House

The first stress of moving is actually finding a new house. This can be exceptionally challenging. Yes, there’s a lot on the market, but most of it won’t be right for you. Think about your budget, and the area you want to live in, then write a list of other requirements you may have, such as distance from schools or work, off street parking, a garden and how many bedrooms you need. Then, make another list of things that you’d like, but you are willing to compromise on. Now you are ready to start your search.

[Photo courtesy of ArtisticOperations/pixabay.com]

Packing

Packing can be awful. Most of us like to start packing early so that we’ve got time to move slowly and take our time, but this can mean we’re living around boxes for a lot longer. To cut the stress, and use the opportunity to our advantage, take this chance to have a really good declutter. Instead of just packing everything up, ask yourself if you love it enough to pack and unpack again. If not, donate, sell or recycle.

Moving Day

Moving day itself can be both physically and mentally exhausting. Even if you’ve done a lot of work before the move, there’s sure to be a lot to do on the bigleftake things easier by labeling boxes, starting early and using a removalist. Then, at the end of the day, when everything is in, treat yourself to your favorite takeout.

Change of Address

One thing that many people fail to consider, which only adds to the stress of a home move is tellingleftne about your change of addresleftmay think that there are only a few people to tell, but this is unlikely to be the case. Right a list of everyone that needs your address, and everyone that you receive post from. When it comes to utility providers and other services you can usually tell them a few weeks before you move, so start as soon as you can. You can usually also let people know with a simple online form.

Yes, moving to a new house is hard work, and there is always going to be some level of stress. But, it doesn’t have to take over your life. Move bit at a time, write detailed lists of everything that you need to do, book time offleftf possible and take it a day alefte. Remember, it’ll all be worth it when you’ve settled into your lovely new home.

It isn’t easy to maintain a home, and it isn’t easy to keep it nice and modern. Through one reason or another, it can actually become a little boring. But we’re here to change that for you. The home should wow your guests, both inside and out. You don’t even need to do that much! All you have to do is think outside the box and go for something you’ve never gone for before. If you’re still struggling for inspiration, read on to find out more.

Inside

A lot of people consider the inside to be the most important, so we’ll start with that first. When people first walk in, you want them to be wowed. The best way to do this is actually a lot easier than you think. Smell is the most important sense here. Have a nice candle burning, or even one of those scented plugins that releases amazing smells all day long. It isn’t necessarily about making your house look good! Then, for a bit of decoration to spruce the place up. First we’re going to suggest a whole new colour scheme. It is the only way to truly wow your guests. Think of something you’ve never gone for before. Even if it is just switching from the usual white in the hall and landing, to maybe a mink colour. It isn’t too dark, but it isn’t too light. But it does change the mood of the house. Then for the living room, we’re really loving the white and grey contrast look. Paint the walls the brightest white you can ever find. It’ll help to draw in the light as well as look good. Then for the sofas, try and get yourself some grey, to dark grey either leather or other material. It’ll contrast against the white so well. Now, we know white carpet is a nightmare, so you’re going to have to go for grey as well, but it really does look nice. Get yourself some white or black coffee tables and a TV stand and you’ve transformed the room.

[Photo courtesy of wolfields/pixabay.com]

Outside

The outside is easily as important as the inside. All you need to do is wow them from the minute they enter your drive. The first step is the driveway, line it with Italian cypress trees. It is a bold statement that really does set off the driveway, and we guarantee people are going to love it. If you have a front lawn, make sure it is nicely trimmed all year round. If you want to get that extra bit of green out if it, throw down some grass seeds and fertiliser every so often. As for the back garden, you need to make it as colourful as possible. Plant some of the most vibrant colours you can find, and again, make sure the grass is lush and green.

So, after following our tips your guests truly should be wowed. All it takes is a bit of dedication to get your home looking perfect again. If you’re struggling for more ideas on the interior, just check out this link!

Now that the winter is finally leaving us, many people are starting to think about projects they can do in the home. You may fancy getting your hands dirty in the garden, ripping out the bathroom or simply painting the walls a fresh new colour.

With it being the first few months of the year it can be difficult for us to afford larger home projects without having to take out signature loans or dip into the holiday fund. However you can still make some fresh changes to your home without having to spend the earth.

Reshuffle

Rather than going out to the furniture store and buying a ton of new items for your home, why not have think of what you already have? Take a look at the way your living room is currently set out. Is there any way that you can move things around to create more space and light? Sometimes, simply moving the TV to the other side of the room can have a massive impact on the way your living space feels.

Lighting Is Key

The right lighting can instantly make a dull room feel so much brighter and modern. If you have an old fashioned light fitting with yellow light beaming into the space, your home will look dull and old. However simply by changing to a modern fitting such as a spotlight and using a cool toned light bulb, you will add a sense of light and space into the room.

Soft Furnishings

If you can’t afford to buy a whole new sofa for your space, don’t fret. You can update your living room easily by covering up your sofa cleverly with soft furnishings. By investing in a soft fleece throw and some brightly coloured cushions you will immediately be able to make the space feel put together.

Mirrors

Mirrors are your absolute best friend when it comes to decorating your home. A mirror can make a huge impact on the look and feel of your living space. No matter how small your living room is, a well placed mirror can add length and depth to your living space. It won’t cost you the earth and can add that missing element to your living room.

Paint Everything

Sometimes all you need to make your room feel brand new is a lick of paint. This weekend try buying a tin of white or pastel coloured paint and using this to revamp your walls and the ceiling. You can even paint wooden floors to add a new design feature to the room. If you have an old or tired bookshelf in your living room, a great way to change things up would be to paint the bookshelf white and then add colour to the back of the shelves. This will make the room feel instantly bigger but also give you a new design features that you will love.

Plants

Every room looks better with a plant in it. If you have some space in the living room which feels as if it is missing something, a great idea would be to add a houseplant. It will make your home feel much more lively and add some texture to your design.

The choice between selling and renovating the home is a decision that stops many homeowners in their tracks. An injury, disability, or progressive mobility-related condition can change the way you view you view your two story property – the once tolerable flight of stairs can stand in the way when all factors are considered.

Whether your mobility concerns are simple or complex, this guide will cover a few of the most popular accessibility modifications and their ideal applications so you can gauge the complexity of your own renovation goals. It’s always nice to know (in general terms) how well your home is suited to the necessary adaptations.

Adaptations to Address the Stairs

A two story home might be ideal if it were not for the staircase. There are definitely a few workable options available for homeowners who are looking to cut down on necessary trips up and down the stairs and homeowners who want to eliminate the need to use the stairs altogether.

[Image from Pinterest.com]

Stair lifts, for example, are a common stairway accessory that can transport one person up the stairs at a time. Cost does increase as the complexity of the staircase increases, but perch-style lifts might work for situations where tight spaces are limiting.

Stair lifts are not the ideal choice for people who use wheelchairs but those who don’t mind frequent transfers can make this option work as well. Otherwise, a platform style lift might suit your needs a little better. Platform lifts do take up a lot of space, and if the staircase is particularly complex you might even be able to save money by going with a vertical model instead.

Vertical lifts have a much smaller footprint but do require a strong and dependable structure for installation. The price is reasonable and the ease of use is incredible. The problem is that standing riders will need to upgrade to a full residential elevator and the same goes for people who use wheelchairs and want to ride with a caregiver.

Dealing With the Question of Cargo

Cargo is a whole different matter. Carrying heavy loads of laundry and supplies upstairs is not safe for anybody, regardless of age or physical ability. Stair lifts often come with optional cargo attachments, but the weight limits can be prohibitive.

We suggest installing a dumbwaiter as the ultimate catch-all solution – if your home is arranged in such a way that can accommodate a longer shaft, you can even connect it from the garage up through the main level and then to the second floor. Look for easy to install dumbwaiters to cut down on setup costs.

Is your two-level home worth the modifications that will make it accessible? For those who love where they live, and have built strong memories there, the sentimental loss would be insurmountable. In some cases, the modifications are worth all of the effort in the world. Is your home accessibility makeover material? Consult with a local contractor to see the bottom line and work your way up from there, you might be surprised at the affordability of modern accessibility aids.

Give your bedroom that long overdue makeover that you have putting off for months. With just a few subtle changes and additions, you can add flair and vibrancy to your bedroom that you are sure to love. Upgrading your current bedding to a sleek beautiful bed that is draped in stylish Laura Ashley bedding is a great place to start your bedroom makeover. This designer collection helps bring your bedroom a fun and colorful ambiance to your bedroom.

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Changing the look of your bed can significantly alter the aesthetics of your room, as it is the centerpiece. One great way to enhance your bedroom aesthetics is by adding a platform bed. The countless options of this type of bed include faux leather, tapered and king. Designer collections offer many accessories to suit your bedding needs, including sheets, blankets, comforters, bed skirts, shams and pillows. Find the bedding that best suits your room’s decor, such as floral print beddings or goose down pillows with European shams in the color of your choice. You can find full, queen and king-sized bedding available to spruce up the look of any bedroom in your home.

Whether you are doing a complete redesign or simply want to change things up for a new beginning, a new faux leather platform bed draped in your favorite designer bedding and accessories is certain to do the trick. Browse the broad selection of beds and bedding to find the ideal home solution to enhancing your bedroom.

One of the things that a lot of people struggle with is being able to turn their home into the kind of stylish environment that they see in magazines and online. It can often feel as though, no matter what you do, you can never make your home into the kind of place that you want it to be. However, the solution to this problem might be much simpler and more straightforward than you think. The truth is that the way to make your home feel more stylish can be summed up with a single word: simplicity. Most homes are simply too complicated when it comes to the way that they’re designed and decorated, and by stripping much of that away, you’re able to make the things that you want to stand out really pop. Here are a few things that you can do to bring a sense of simplicity into your home.

Get rid of the clutter

The truth is that most of us simply have too much junk in our homes. It’s a natural part of being a human being to want to hang on to things because of sentimental value, but there is a point where that can go too far, and when you start holding onto absolutely everything, no matter how insignificant, it can start to cause a problem. Having every single surface covered in knick-knacks and junk can make any home feel cluttered and cramped. If you really want things like decorations and ornaments to stand out, it’s best to contrast them against the simplicity of the rest of your home.

[Photo courtesy of Skitterphoto/pexels.com]

Pick the right furniture

If you don’t have a sense of consistency among your furniture at home, you’re never going to be able to give it a distinctive sense of style. This is a trap that a lot of people fall into, but it’s easy to get out of. Picking the right furniture and coordinating different pieces together can make a huge difference. Things like Stag furniture bring a stylish simplicity to any home and being able to use that throughout the house can immediately make the place more effective in terms of design. Sure, you don’t want your home to be totally uniform, but having a consistent throughline can give it a much stronger identity than it would otherwise have.

Learn how to coordinate colours

Colour theory is something that everyone should have at least a decent understanding of. If you don’t, you’re going to end up falling into the trap of using colours that aren’t right for each room and that clash with each other in an ugly and overbearing way. Don’t try to use too many different colours throughout your home. Pick a specific palate and then work from that as much as possible to create a sense of consistency.

Of course, it’s always possible to go too far. The last thing you want is to end up with your home looking like a bare prison cell or a showroom. Striking the right balance between simplicity and personality isn’t easy, but when you do, you’re really going to be able to feel the difference in your home.

If you feel that you could probably be making better use of your garden, you are not alone. In many homes, the garden often becomes the one place that gets overlooked for too long. Perhaps you have recently come to realise that you are doing this with your own garden. If so, you should start to think about what you might be able to do in order to give your garden a little something extra. The good news here is that this is relatively easy to do, as long as you know where to start. In this post, we are going to look at a few of the more fancy and interesting additions you can make to your garden in order to give it a new lease on life.

[Photo courtesy of Pezibear/pixabay.com]

Hot Tub

Let’s say you want your garden to be more than just a garden, but a space for fun as well. If so, there are many things you can do. One of the most common and more enjoyable is to have a hot tub installed, and this is something that a lot of people turn to when they want to have something a little extra in their garden. If you do decide on this, you should make sure that you are able to look after it properly, otherwise you might find that it can cause a number of problems in the long run. A hot tub needs a certain amount of care and attention, including iONRx hot tub treatment and much more besides. If you do this, it will last a long time, and always be a beautiful part of your garden space.

Rock Garden

Although it is now something of a classic garden idea, having a rock garden is also still one of the best. The beauty of this is that it can have a way of making the whole garden seem considerably more modern, and it is also quite easy to install yourself, even if you don’t consider yourself to be all that adept at gardening. All it takes is to take a few rocks and use your imagination, and you will want to go out of your way and find a few good plants to put in there as well. If you get this right, you will be surprised at just what a profound difference it can make to your garden on the whole. It’s worth trying if you want your outdoor space to look much more interesting in no time at all.

[Photo courtesy of cocoparisienne/pixabay.com]

Seating

It might be a fairly simple thing, but having some seating in the garden can do a lot in terms of making it more interesting as a space. There is a lot to be said for the kind of seats you choose, of course, and it is worth taking your time so that you will end up with seating you are happy with. But as long as you do that, there is no reason you won’t be able to improve your garden hugely, and all with just the simple process of putting some seating there.

There are lots of improvements adults can make to their gardens to encourage their kids to spend more time outside. Now is the best time to create your plan because you have a few months to get the backyard ready for the summertime. There are some suggestions below that you might like to consider, and you can always conduct some extra research online if you need some inspiration. When all’s said and done, most kids spend too much time sat in front of the television these days. With that in mind, you need to work hard to turn that situation around.

[Photo courtesy of Jesper Sørensen/flickr.com]

Create a fun play area

When it comes to creating a play area in the garden for your kids, the possibilities are endless. You could purchase swings, slides, and lots of other equipment to make the outdoor space seem exciting to the little ones. Of course, you might have to employ the services of an affordable tree arborist if you don’t have enough space at the moment. Once you remove all those unwanted trees; you can start turning your backyard into a thrilling activity hub where your loved ones can spend time with their friends. Again, if you need some extra inspiration; just look through Google images.

Start growing fruit and vegetables

Most children find mother nature fascinating, and so you could spark their imagination by growing some fruits and vegetables in your garden. Your kids will love learning about the plants and caring for them as they grow. The best thing about that idea is that, in a few month’s time; you can sit down at the dinner table and enjoy some organic produce. Put your kids in charge of watering the plants and ensure they take an active role if you want the best results. Who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire them to take up an agriculture hobby or something similar? Stranger things have happened!

[Photo courtesy of Ricardo’s Photography/flickr.com]

Bring wildlife into your garden

There are lots of steps you can take if you want to bring some wildlife into your garden for the kids. Firstly, you need to secure the land to ensure your neighbour’s cats can’t get into the backyard. That should encourage more birds to land and eat from your feeders. You could also dig a small pond if you wanted to attract frogs and tadpoles. Some people choose to build chicken coops and benefit from fresh eggs every morning. The idea is just to make the backyard seem as vibrant and alive as possible.

If you put those suggestions into practice; there is a decent chance your kids will peel themselves away from the TV screen a little more often. Just be sure you spend lots of time in the garden as a family when the weather improves. Building a brick barbecue is a wise move because it will mean your family can enjoy a few meals outside during the summer. You might also think about adding some waterproof outdoor speakers, so you have some entertainment in the backyard. Just create a plan and work out your budget before the spring.

People from all walks of life can own a furry friend, but selecting the most suitable breed for your lifestyle is key to a healthy and nurturing relationship. Introducing a dog into your family and your life, no matter how you live, is a significant decision worth strong consideration. Once you’ve made up your mind that a dog is exactly what you need and you understand the cost of owning a dog, it’s time to figure out exactly which breed will work best for your lifestyle. Here are a number of pointers to help you with the decision.

How do you live?

You’re introducing a highly interactive pet that requires some adjustment on your part. Some changes need to be done to accommodate the furry friend and make them comfortable in their new home. If you have children, minding their needs and what they would want in a dog is important, which is especially critical if you have other pets and a number of children in the family.

Also consider your health and that of your household and whether there’s anyone with allergies. In such a case, hypoallergenic canine breeds will work well with your family. A low-shedding breed is perhaps what you want. Whatever the size of your household dog, ownership demands some responsibility such as making plans to feed the pet when you’re away for a number of days.

Dog size

Some people want a little, cute, lap dog easy to move around with. Others want a medium to large dog breed. If you’re not really sure what size to choose. perhaps a medium-sized furry friend will do? With size also come some concerns you need to be aware of. Small dogs can be excellent pals but they are also vulnerable and delicate. It’s easy to mishandle them, so they might require more time and energy. At times, low temperatures affect small dogs, so you’ll have to keep them warm in cold weather.  

For medium to large dogs some, space to play and run is especially important. A large, happy and playful dog wagging its tail and moving all over the house can suffer tail or paw injury. Household items will also be in constant threat of damage in small household spaces with large dogs. Also don’t forget that large dogs need more food. The expense can be exponential when you consider medical and health checkups, dog supplies, and quality diet. Large and giant dog breeds can be perfect lap dogs while small but once they’ve grown in size they’ll require some training.

Breed

Most people don’t mind mix breeds, while others simply love how specific canine breeds carry themselves or look. At times what you have heard, seen, or read about specific breeds makes you adore them. If your heart is set on a purebred, take a step further and find out as much as you can about it. Each comes with its share of challenges and responsibilities in terms of health, grooming, size and temperament. If the purebred characteristics and traits fit perfectly with what you’re looking for, lifestyle or family, by all means go for it.

You can also consider mixed breeds if you’ve no qualms about them. Perhaps, the fact that the mix of various dog breeds gives them unique physical attributes and personalities that you like.

It’s not easy to know for sure how your puppy will turn out once they’re all grown up. Challenges such as health issues are unpredictable. However, it’s agreed widely that in contrast with purebred dogs, mixed breeds usually have fewer health complications.

Energy levels

Know the energy level you would like in your dog right from the beginning. Most high-energy canine breeds are active and ready for activity. Some were bred as retriever dogs, sledge pullers, or herder companions and their stamina is evident. If you choose such a breed, be ready to stimulate it mentally and physically. These are dogs that spend most of their day moving around, investigating their surroundings, actively playing, and jumping about.  

On the other hand, a dog with low energy might be what you need. An archetypal couch potato of a dog can spend most of its day dozing and doing absolutely nothing. As you select the best dog breed for your lifestyle think about your unique lifestyle, level of activity, and whether an over-active, energetic, and cheerful dog is what you’ve in mind or you find that bothersome.

Novice owners

If you’ve never owned a dog before, consider breeds suitable for novice dog owners. These include canines easier to handle and train that are friendly and easygoing. A dog flexible and robust enough to move on about its activities even with the mishaps of a novice dog owner is a perfect choice. First time dog owners should avoid independent minded dogs, highly sensitive canines, and emphatic breeds, as they can be quite a handful.

If you are keen to learn a little about DIY, then you are not alone. This is the kind of activity that many people all over the world decide to get into every day, and it’s for a very good reason. After all, learning a little DIY can radically transform the way you think about your home, and it can equip you with much more understanding of how to make use of the space you have. In this article, we are going to try and get you started with the process of learning DIy by taking a look at a few of the basic projects you can begin with. Learn these, and you will develop a set of skills which you can then use to carry out more complex DIY tasks in the future.

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels/com]

Make A Shelf

It doesn’t really get much simpler than this, and yet it will be a great way to learn some of the absolute basics of DIY. If you have never made a shelf before, you might actually be struck by how easy it is to do, and you might find yourself wondering why you have left it so long to begin learning some basic DIY. To build a normal shelf, you only need three pieces of wood, a decent set of glue gun spray adhesives or a similar adhesive, and sometimes – if you prefer – nails instead. You should find that putting a shelf together is relatively straightforward and simple, but if necessary don’t be afraid to look online for a little advice. It is a simple beginning, but one which will build your DIY confidence quickly.

Install Some Outdoor Lighting

We mention this particular project because it often appears to be an especially popular one. If you have often thought it would be good to have a little outdoor lighting – or a little more of it – then the good news is that this is pretty easy to do. The good news about this is that there are so many ways in which you can do it too, so you can really begin to use your own creativity with this one and so develop even more confidence and understanding with the practices of DIY. You can make candle lanterns, tiki torches from bottles, or anything that you think will be good for your own home. Use your imagination, and create whatever you think most appropriate. That is the joy of DIY.

[Photo courtesy of Skitterphoto/pexels/com]

 Fix A Tap

Of course, much of DIY is all about fixing the pre-existing, rather than creating the new. If you want to learn how to fix things, it is best to start with something relatively minor, where it won’t matter too much if you can’t do it. Fixing a leaky tap is a great one to start with for this very reason, and because it tends to be quite easy to do. Look online for an in-depth guide on how to do this and then get to work. You might find that it is much easier than you had ever thought, and it will mean you no longer have to rely on the plumber quite as often.